MEET THE BOARD
Mary Jo (Gugino) Colligan
- President/Founder
Mary Jo Gugino Colligan, Founder and President of Angels of Mercy, began this ministry in 2007 with a mission of helping hurting girls and young women. Having experienced many challenges in her life time and that of her family, she did so with a true passion. Her desire of believing that every woman should be able to ‘spread her wings and fly’, certainly propelled she, her husband and team of dedicated volunteers into action! Through Angels of Mercy’s coordinated efforts and Faith in God, they extend unconditional love to help women and girls to give hope and achieve FREEDOM, DIGNITY and RESTORATION.
Joseph Colligan
- Vice President
As Co-Founder and Vice President of Angels of Mercy, I have been involved since the inception of Angels of Mercy with my wife, Mary Jo. Having experienced personal challenges and seeing so many others in pain and suffering, I knew it was time to help. Mary Jo and I looked into many programs that help women with life controlling issues. After much thought and prayer, we knew we wanted to be a Christian-based organization that would serve women and help them to overcome their individual struggles.
Jennie (Jen) Gugino
- Board Member
Mother of Mary Jo Gugino Colligan, Jen is a founding member of Angels of Mercy, Inc, and is committed to helping women in need.
Marilyn Parchus
- Treasurer
Marilyn lives in the North Winton Village Neighborhood in the City of Rochester. She has two grown children and 3 grandchildren. She enjoys gardening, reading, walking in the North Winton Village gardens and just enjoying urban living.
Lauren VanCott
- Board Member
Irene Likoudis DeMarco
- Board Member
Nancy Semal
- Board Member
Kathy Christner
- Board Member
Kathy lives in Honeoye Falls with her husband Jack. They have two grown sons, both living in the North Winton Neighborhood, the same area she and her husband grew up. She feels volunteering at the Butterfly Boutique is like coming home for a day. She attended Monroe Community College and was an active dental hygienist for over forty years.
While raising her family she held positions on the Twelve Corners Day Care board, Rush Nursery School and the Honeoye Falls Little League boards. She co-led the women's ministry at Walnut Hill Church, and was elected to the Leadership Team at LifeStone Weslyn, where she also mentored young women one on one. She received a certificate in Lay Counseling from Agape Counseling here in Rochester.
One of her biggest joys is watching women grow in their own strength with confidence.
Jim Shepard
- Board Member
James lives in the North Winton Village Neighborhood in the City of Rochester. He has three grown children and 2 grandchildren. He enjoys motorcycling, weight lifting, and just enjoying living in the City of Rochester. Professional attributes include: excellent leadership, emergency management, communications, and youth & community engagement skills, and offering over 35 years of public safety expertise.
Rebecca Jaffarian
- Board Member
Rebecca is an award winning fundraising with over 15+ years in the field. As the former Director of Development for Easterseals New York & Fedcap where she oversaw a budget of over $800,000 for the entire Western Region which covers Rochester,Syracuse, and the Capital District.
Carol Stringer
- Board Member
As a Retired Nurse Carol presents with Organizational Skills, Caring Efforts, Determination and Compassion. Carol is a strong leader and provides enthusiasm, knowledge and skills to a very energetic and supportive group of individuals who give endless support to those in need. She is a published author in the Gastroenterology Nursing Magazine and is ready to do what it takes to make the world a better place!
HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS
Esther Bicek
Kim Schmitt
Mary Reisig
Georgiana Bondi
Victoria Bowman
Deb Brewerton
Marsha Manetta
Joanna R. Prota
Mary Jo Cerretto Provenzano
Marilyn Raymond
Ann Vazzana
Lina DiMora
Jamiylah Miller
Tina Stein
Janet Schoenberger
Josephine Randazzo Gangarossa
Carianne Blain