Board of Directors
Rebecca Dunn, President
Becca started her accomplished career as a social worker, then a state prosecutor and is currently an attorney with the US Navy. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and earned her Law degree from Hofstra School of Law. Becca’s five-year-old son has Down syndrome, and he benefited from receiving services from the Kidsteps Birth-to-Three Program. Thanks to the dedicated team at Kidsteps, her son is flourishing both academically and at home. The program not only contributed to her son's success but also taught Becca how to advocate for him. Becca currently resides in Niantic, CT, with her husband and children.
Luis Olmo-Rivera, Vice President
Luis Olmo-Rivera is the Development Director at Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen in New Haven, CT. He received his BSc in public policy and government from Eastern Connecticut State University. After having the opportunity to intern at the CT State Legislature and US Congress, he has spent the last two decades working in the nonprofit sector. His experiences working for nonprofits on the city, state, and national levels led to extensive knowledge in fundraising, communications, operations, and board governance. He has held board positions for various nonprofits over the years. He is excited to be a part of our Board and to continue to make a positive impact on individuals and families in our communities.
James Baron, Treasurer
James Baron is the William S. Beinecke Professor of Management at the Yale School of Management (and Professor of Sociology, by courtesy). Jim joined the Yale faculty in 2006 after 24 years on the faculty at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He received his B.A. from Reed College, an M.S. from the University of Wisconsin, and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His research focuses on the determinants and consequences of organizational structures and human resource policies, particularly their effects on organizational performance and on workers’ careers. Jim teaches M.B.A., executive MBA, and doctoral courses on leadership, organizational behavior and human resources, as well as lecturing on those topics to audiences in the United States and abroad. Jim consults on strategic, organizational, and human resource issues to corporations, law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits. He resides in New Haven with his teenage son.
Michele Wasikowski, Secretary
Michele Wasikowski has over 25 years of experience in Human Resources and currently serves as a Senior Human Resources Analyst at Prudential Insurance. She holds an MBA from Sacred Heart University, a BA in Communications from Western Connecticut State University, and the SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) certification from HRCI.
In 2009, Michele proudly founded the Apraxia Resource Center of Connecticut (ARCC), a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, educating professionals, and supporting children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. During her four years as President, ARCC raised over $80,000, which helped launch a therapy grant program and organize a Connecticut-based Apraxia conference that drew 150 professionals. ARCC also hosted four successful Connecticut Childhood Apraxia Walk-a-thons in collaboration with the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA), attracting over 400 walkers and raising more than $30,000 annually. These funds supported research and education initiatives at CASANA. In recognition of her efforts, Michele received the CASANA Community Advocate of the Year Award in 2010.
Michele is also a parent of the Lumibility Employment Transitional Program participant and is passionate about supporting the organization’s mission to empower individuals with differing abilities. She lives in Milford, CT, with her husband, daughter, and son.
Christoper Lofaro, Director
Christopher Lofaro is a Connecticut native and is committed to being involved in the community. His broad experience contributes to many facets of our organization, including human resources, marketing, and executive management. Chris currently runs Berkeley Exteriors, a home improvement firm serving New Haven and Fairfield County, specializing in exterior renovations. His life experiences have given him insight into the support networks and challenges faced by families with individuals with differing abilities. Enthusiastic about his role on the board, Chris is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of individuals and families throughout Connecticut. In addition to his commitment to Lumibility, he also leads as the director and head cook for the Feel of Warmth program at nOURish Bridgeport.
Karen Gerboth, Director
A strategic communicator and longtime marketing professional, Karen Gerboth has devoted her career to helping colleges and universities communicate their stories with creativity, precision, and confidence. A collaborative leader with a heart for making education accessible, Karen has enjoyed a progressive career at Wittenberg University, where she currently serves as Vice President of Marketing and Communications. She also brings experience in philanthropic communications through her prior work at Connecticut College and with various nonprofits. Karen earned her M.A. in journalism from the University of Missouri and her B.A. in English from Wittenberg University. She also holds a certificate in marketing strategy from Cornell University. When time allows, Karen enjoys traveling, writing, serving, and spending time with her family in Waterford, CT. Karen says she is deeply inspired by our mission and looks forward to helping the organization achieve its goals as it continues to change lives.
Elizabeth Beaumont, Director
Elizabeth Beaumont has thirty years of experience in the field of education. Her career began as an early childhood educator at a private school in Massachusetts. Following that, she taught elementary students and spent the next decade as a regular education teacher in various states. She also had the opportunity to teach in Okinawa, Japan, with DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity). In 2012, she completed her Sixth Year Certificate in Special Education and worked as a resource teacher at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School (RMMS) in New London, CT. In 2018, she joined the East Lyme Public Schools, where she established the Therapeutic Learning Program, providing services for elementary students. Most recently, Elizabeth accepted a position back at RMMS as their new assistant principal. In addition to her educational career, she has also worked with various organizations such as ARC of New London, Unified Sports, and Eastern Connecticut Ballet as a consultant for their adaptive dance program. Elizabeth is passionate about ensuring that all individuals of differing abilities have access to experiences that enrich their lives.
Holly Cheeseman, Director
A New London, CT native, Holly Cheeseman has been a resident of East Lyme for the last 30 years. She was the executive director of the Niantic Children's Museum for nine years, retiring in 2024. Before that, she worked with her late husband Ian in their public relations company, LVA Corporate Communications, following her career in the magazine publishing industry in the United Kingdom. Holly served on the Board of Selectman of East Lyme for six years and was the state representative for the 37th district in the Connecticut General Assembly from 2017 to 2025.
Holly is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Brian Dagle Foundation, and seCTer, the economic development organization for New London County and Windham. She is a member of the Niantic Rotary Club and the vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church.
Holly received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA, majoring in German and minoring in history and physics. She enjoys spending time with her new husband, Joe, her children and grandchildren, and her Chesapeake Bay retriever, Callie.
Doris Crum, Director
Doris lives in Waterford, Connecticut, with her husband, two children, and their dog. She brings a strong background in education and community leadership, along with a very personal connection to the organization’s mission.
A former Spanish educator and dean, Doris taught in the Bronx and later in DeKalb, Mississippi. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Elmira College, a master’s in Spanish Education through Lehman College (City University of New York) and the New York City Teaching Fellows, and a master’s in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University.
Doris is actively involved in her community, serving as a board member of Waterford RISE (Residents for Inclusion and Social Equity), an alternate on the Waterford Planning and Zoning Committee, Vice Chair of the Waterford Democratic Town Committee, and an auxiliary member of the Niantic VFW. As the parent of two autistic children who have greatly benefited from Lumibility’s Kidsteps Birth to Three program, she is honored to serve on the Board and passionate about helping families and individuals with differing abilities thrive.
Rob Lynn, Director
Rob served as President of Total Team Solutions, a human-resources outsourcing firm, from 1999 until its sale to Congruity HR in 2024. He was also a part-owner of Foley Insurance Group until its acquisition by Summit Financial in 2023. Rob is currently serving his second six-year term on the Town of Glastonbury Board of Finance.
Rob and his wife, Ginger, have lived in Glastonbury since 1988. Their daughter, Katie, is an occupational therapist who works in Lumibility’s Kidsteps Birth-to-Three Program. As a member of Lumibility’s Board of Directors, Rob brings decades of business and leadership experience and a strong commitment to advancing inclusive, person-centered supports.