Easter Seals RI Welcomes Four
New Board of Director Members

Easter Seals RI 2012 Board of Directors expands to 10 members with the addition of Cynthia Almonte, Nichole Wardle, George McAuliffe and Barbara Tetzner.

Almonte is the President of A Quick Tire Service in Wakefield, RI, where she also currently resides. She has served as a proud member of the RI Foster Parents Association, mentor at the Women’s Correctional Association, and a Board Member and Co-Founder of the boys youth soccer program Bruno United at Brown University. Almonte has supported Easter Seals RI through event sponsorships, program promotions and speaking engagements.

“I knew I needed to be more involved with Easter Seals after taking a tour of the facility,” said Almonte. “I could hear the enthusiasm and excitement in the staff member’s voices when they were talking about milestones that the clients had made that day. Then I had the opportunity to meet some of the children and families and hear how thankful and grateful they are to the staff and organization. I love the fact that now I get to witness firsthand how my efforts directly improves the quality of their lives. That’s what it’s about… giving back.”

Wardle is the Director of Sales for Longwood Events in Newport, RI. She currently resides in Wakefield, RI, with her husband Kyle, two-year-old son and two-month-old daughter. Wardle first became involved with Easter Seals RI while her son received services through the Early Intervention program. She is a part of the International Special Events Society, RI Wedding Group, NACE and is a University of Rhode Island Instructor.

“Being a parent of a child who went through the Easter Seals program, I couldn’t think of a more deserving organization to dedicate my time to,” said Wardle.

McAuliffe has been involved with Easter Seals RI for more than two years. He is the Business Manager of Mews Tavern in Wakefield, where the Annual Mews Tavern Gear and Beer, RI’s largest 5K, is held, to benefit Easter Seals RI, as well as many other charitable events. McAuliffe has spent the past year serving on the special events committee and has been an integral part of each events success. McAuliffe currently resides in Saunderstown, with his wife and daughter, where he will continue to contribute his support and dedication to Easter Seals RI.

“I knew I wanted to be involved with the Board of Directors after hearing a family member speak about her family’s involvement with Easter Seals,” said McAuliffe. “Her story was so inspirational that I knew I needed to join so I could help make a difference.”

Tetzner has been an active volunteer and supporter of Easter Seals RI for a number of years. Her and her husband have not only attended the annual Century 21 themed dinners, but they most recently were a sponsor for the Red, White and Brew event. Tetzner spent the past year serving on the special events committee and has proven to be an essential part to each events success. Through the special events committee and their sponsorship, Tetzner and her husband were able to secure auction items, donate radio advertising, and gather friends and family to attend the events. She currently resides in Narragansett with her husband and son.

“After working with the staff, volunteers and committees I knew that I wanted to become more involved with Easter Seals,” said Tetzner. “When I was offered the opportunity to do so, I couldn’t resist.”

Since 2006, Easter Seals Rhode Island has provided Early Intervention services to children with physical and cognitive developmental delays. It is the goal of Easter Seals Rhode Island’s Early Intervention program to ensure that a child’s development remains on track during those first critical years. Last year, Easter Seals Rhode Island served over 300 children through Early Intervention services. For more information about Easter Seals Rhode Island, please call 401-284-1000 or visit www.eastersealsri.org.

In Photo: George McAuliffe, Cynthia Almonte, Barbara Tetzner, Nichole Wardle

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