Leadership

Gillian Guerin, RN

Gillian Guerin

Dianna Fisher, RN

Dianna Fisher is a registered nurse who has been practicing in a variety of settings for over 40 years. Her current position is a certified case manager at Salem Hospital, Salem, Mass. She has been a board member since 2009 and currently is the Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee. Prior to joining the organization, she was a frequent guest at the annual Hope Begins Here event. Dianna joined BNCA because she has many family members and friends who have been affected by cancer and has seen the struggles and triumphs that people face. She believes in the BNCA mission of offering support to those who have been touched by cancer and supports organizations that help cancer survivors.

Marion G. Garfinkel, RN

Marion G. Garfinkel is a graduate of Boston University School of Nursing in 1961, and has been doing Nursing Education all these years, having served on the faculties of the Boston Lying-In, Lynn Hospital, Whidden Memorial Hospital, North Shore Community College and many different professional companies teaching courses for them. I had been very involved at GLSS teaching in the Men's Health area — Prostate Cancer where I also ran the support group.  It was at that time when David Solimine Sr. nominated me to come aboard to our wonderful organization.

I am so proud to be aboard.  It was sad when my beloved husband Bob passed away from Prostate Cancer. He had the top team from Lahey Peabody campus where he was under Dr. Herb Leventhal's expert care and his team. Needless to say, there were other health care professionals treating him. 

Throughout the years I did so much community volunteering — Corporator at Lynn/Union Hospital PTA Council President in Swampscott, Heart Fund Chr, of Swampscott  Patient Advisory Committee NS MEDICAL, Board member of Temple Beth El (known as Cong. Shirat Hayam), Cystic Fibrosis Chr. on the North Shore Towns. Hopefully my energy will continue for many years ahead to continue to participate in this super organization which is a real blessing!!!!!!!!!

Ann Marie Gennari, MEd, RD, LDN

Ann Marie Gennari is a registered dietitian and has worked at Mass General (now MGB) for the past three decades. Ann Marie has specialized in Nutrition in Oncology at MGB Cancer Center in Danvers since 2003.

As a dedicated member of the Cancer Center team, she was one of the original founders and member for the past 16 years of the Head and Neck Support Group at the Cancer Center in Danvers. The support group is a division of SPOHNC – Support for People with oral and head and neck cancers.  

To continue my support for cancer patients, I wanted to find a committee, outside of work, to join and contribute my knowledge and love to help people. I chose to do this after my husband passed away in 2019 of Pancreatic Cancer.  Lisa Whelan, RN was instrumental in assisting me meet this goal by telling me that the BNCA was looking for new board members. I was accepted and joined the board in 2021. I enjoy organizing the Hope Begins Here Annual Gala.

Professionally, Ann Marie maintains her membership with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is an affiliate member of the Massachusetts Dietetic Association. Ann Marie served as President of the Massachusetts Dietetic Associate and was also Chairperson of the Massachusetts Dietetic Association Annual Convention. 

Jonathan Hall, MD

Dr. Jonathan Hall is double board certified in Plastic Surgery as well as Facial Plastic surgery and has been delivering award-winning care in the Boston area for 30 years.  He is honored to have been named a compassionate doctor by his patients for the past 15 years in a row and most recently given the Lifetime Achievement award from Vitals.com for being a compassionate doctor. He has been a Castle Connolly Top Doctor as recognized by his peers since 2004. He has had multiple mentions in Boston Magazine as a “Top Doc” and was recognized again in 2024. 

As a Plastic Surgeon he has always been active in restoring skin and breast cancer patients to a normal appearance. His involvement with the Boston North Cancer association came through his late wife, Teri Hall. Teri was a passionate board member of the BNCA and their mission to help cancer patients on the north shore. She passed away in 2021 after her own 14-year journey with stomach cancer, and Dr. Hall took over her role as a board member of BNCA at that time. 

The Teri Hall Memorial Scholarship was created after her passing and is funded by donations from Teri’s family and many friends. It has been awarded annually starting in 2022. His hope is, in the poignant words of one BNCA scholarship recipient. that “one day the word ‘cancer’ will no longer strike fear in people’s hearts.” 

Laurie Hamill

Laurie Hamill has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Camp Fire North Shore since 2013. With a background in business management and a strong passion for youth development, she has been instrumental in guiding the organization through significant growth and expansion. Under her leadership, Camp Fire North Shore has successfully launched new programs, opened additional program sites, created a sustainable fiscal structure and most recently completed a merger with Cairn Hill Nature Preschool. Laurie is committed to creating a safe, healthy environment where children thrive.

In 2018, Laurie’s compass gravitated to the Boston North Cancer Association Board of Directors. Being part of this organization allows me to contribute to meaningful initiatives that make a tangible difference particularly in the lives of teens and young adults who have faced difficult times associated with a cancer diagnosis. Like so many others in our community, cancer has affected people in my life. The Board’s commitment to advancing cancer treatment and improving the lives of those affected by cancer resonates with my values and personal goals.

Joan Mahoney, RN

Joan Mahoney is a Registered Nurse who currently works as a Clinical Liaison at Care Dimensions. Her experience is in Oncology and Hospice Care. Joan has served on the board of BNCA for over 18 years.

Kaleigh Barbuzzi Sabourin

Kaleigh Barbuzzi Sabourin has been a teacher at Connery School in Lynn for 11 years. She joined the Boston North Cancer Association in December 2023. Her mother Mary Barbuzzi was a member of Boston North Cancer for 10 years. When she died, BNCA created a scholarship in her name. She chose to join the Boston North Cancer Association after seeing the magnificent work that they do to help families and people in need. Kaleigh also wanted to carry on her mother’s legacy by becoming a member of the board of directors.

Barbara Bargoot Sarno

Barbara joined the BNCA Board in 2008, serving on the Scholarship and Grant Committees, including as Grant Chair. She collaborates with cancer organizations and hospitals to build impactful partnerships that support patients and families. The most rewarding aspect is seeing BNCA’s positive influence on those affected by cancer and launching initiatives like the Hope Fund to expand BNCA’s reach. Barbara’s involvement with BNCA is inspired by her family. Her parents, F. John and Margaret Bargoot, were both longtime board members and past Presidents. 

Professionally, Barbara brings over 20 years of marketing experience. She spent a decade in international marketing for a medical device company and now helps businesses grow in the digital landscape as the owner of Peak Visibility. She holds a B.A. from Providence College and an MBA from Northeastern University.

Dave Solimine Sr.

David J. Solimine Sr. is the Founder and Director of Solimine Funeral Homes. Mr. Solimine is deeply committed to the health and well-being of North Shore residents. A lifelong Lynn resident, Dave takes pride in his deep community roots. A dedicated and tireless community leader, Dave is a past president and long serving member of Boston North Cancer Association’s Board of Directors.

Dan St. John

Dan St. John is the co-owner and commercial lead photographer at Lightshed Photography Studio. Dan spent the majority of his earlier years penciling mini-masterpieces and, unlike most photo success stories, did not receive a “hand-me-down” camera from his great grandfather at the ripe age of two. The coming of Daniel’s photographic age came much more in his own style: when he realized that the click of a button produced an image much faster than a pencil ever would. Five years and two degrees later he re-located to the Boston area ready to tackle the industry. Specializing in commercial work and headshots, Dan can usually be found with a business professional or brand in front of his lens. He joined the BNCA board in 2018.

Kendra St. John

Kendra St. John is the co-owner and lead portrait photographer at Lightshed Photography Studio based in Salem, Massachusetts. With a passion for capturing life's most significant moments, Kendra has made a name for herself in the world of professional photography. Her work is distinguished by its warmth and a keen eye for detail, qualities that have earned her a loyal clientele.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kendra is deeply committed to community service, particularly in supporting cancer awareness and research initiatives. Her role as a board member of the Boston North Cancer Association allows her to leverage her skills and network to further the fight against cancer, raise awareness, and support affected families. Kendra's dedication to this cause is personal and driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in her community.

Melina Tansey

My name is Melina Tansey and I have been on the board going on four years! I wanted to help with fundraising which is one of my favorite things to do and give back and help! I am a cancer survivor. I had Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2011 and currently fighting my battle and have non-Hodgkin's spleinic marginal small B cell Lymphoma! Since living with cancer, I feel it's very important to help others who have been affected with cancer and give back when I can!

I work full time at the Registry of Deed in Essex County, as a recording clerk. I am also an independent team leader sales consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics for 26 years. I am married with 3 grown children. I love being a part of such a wonderful organization like the Boston North Cancer Association!

Lisa Gatti Whelan, RN

Lisa Gatti Whelan, RN has been an oncology nurse her entire nursing career.  Lisa started in the inpatient oncology unit at Salem Hospital and took on various roles such as preceptor, acting head nurse and head nurse of the oncology unit.  She saw an opportunity to expand her role when the department of Medical Oncology began at Salem Hospital.

She worked with Dr Joseph Halperin who then hired Dr Joel Schwartz to join the department.  Lisa worked in both medical and radiation oncology where she was the resource nurse, and it was at that time when they later joined Mass General Cancer Center. Lisa is now the practice nurse for patients with head and neck cancer.  Lisa has seen tremendous advancements in the field of oncology utilizing a more sophisticated approach to all therapies; chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.

Lisa attended the BNCA event for the first time in 2019 to honor Dr Joel Schwartz.  Before leaving that evening, after hearing such heartfelt stories, and recognizing the work of the board, she asked to join and started on the board in the fall of 2019.

John Woodward, MD

JohnWoodward has been a Board member since 2018, serving on the Scholarship and Grant Committees, including the recruitment of medical school scholarship applicants with an interest in cancer prevention and treatment.

As many, John’s life has been personally touched by cancer, in particular his grandfather, John Bargoot MD, past board member and president, and considers being part of BNCA’s mission to provide Boston North communities with resources for cancer treatment, prevention, education and care an honor and a privilege.

John received a B.S. from Bates College, M.D. from UMASS Medical School, and is completing his Surgical Residency at University at Buffalo and MS in Health Professions Education at MGH Institute.

Herbert H. Leventhal, MD (Honorary)

Herbert H. Leventhal, MD was past president and long serving member of the Boston North Cancer Association’s Board of Directors. This scholarship honors his more than 49 years of dedicated and compassionate care for patients with cancer. A resident of Swampscott, Dr. Leventhal, now retired, treated patients at Lahey Medical Center, Peabody, MA and Lynn Hospital, Lynn, MA. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Tufts University School of Medicine and is a board-certified Radiologist, Radiation Oncologist.