Lisa's Spark of Hope

Behind every care bag delivered, every fundrasier orginized, and every smile shared with a cancer patient is a group of dedicated volunteers who give their time, compassion, and hearts to make a difference.

The Members of Lisa’s Spark of Hope work tirelessly throughout the year to support cancer patients and their families during one of life’s most difficult journeys. From planning events and raising funds to assembling care packages and offering a listening ear, every act of kindness is fueled by the desire to remind others that they are not alone.

Being part of a nonprofit isn’t always easy. It takes commitment, teamwork, and countless hours of behind-the-scenes work. Yet our members continue to show up with unmeasurable dedication because they believe every patient deserves hope, comfort, and support.

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Board of Directors

Shannon became president in January of 2026 after serving as a member of the Board of Directors since Lisa’s Spark of Hope became an official 501(c)(3) in May of 2025. She is also part of the Finance and Fundraising Committee and leads the Social Media Committee.

Shannon grew up in Bainbridge, NY, graduating from high school in 1995 with a cosmetology degree and moved to Oneonta, NY, where she lived for several years working as a hairstylist. She later relocated to Binghamton, NY, where she accepted a transfer for her job and published her first book of poetry. After three years in Binghamton, she moved to Albany, NY, in 2003, where she currently resides. In the last 25 years, Shannon has authored 10 books of poetry, owns her own publishing press, and operates her own hair salon business. She also provides hair services to those in hospice care and is an avid mental health advocate.

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Shawna has served as Vice President since January 2026, having joined the Board of Directors in May 2025. A native of Charlotteville, NY, she graduated from Charlotte Valley High School in 2001. For the past seven years, Shawna has worked at Springbrook and is currently serving as an assistant manager. She is also pursuing her studies at SUNY Oneonta. Shawna is dedicated to supporting those in need and enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, as well as traveling and exploring new experiences.

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Jessica is one of the founding directors and current Executive Director of Lisa’s Spark of Hope, Inc., where she supports the nonprofit’s mission through leadership, service on the Finance and Fundraising Committee, fiscal oversight, and community-centered fundraising.

Raised in Oneonta, NY, Jessica graduated from high school in 1995. She earned honors in Music Industry from SUNY Oneonta in 2001 before building a career across retail management, legal advertising, entrepreneurship, and insurance. Her experience includes 15 years in management with Walmart and JCPenney and 10 years in Legal Advertising with the Rome Sentinel. Temporarily leaving the workforce, Jessica gained ownership of a NYS-certified home bakery in Boonville, NY. Her family in 2022 moved back to Oneonta where she currently works as a NYS-licensed Insurance Agent and Broker.

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Ruth is a founding Director of Lisa’s Spark of Hope, where she serves as Secretary and contributes to the Finance and Fundraising Committee.

Raised on a farm in Bloomville, NY, Ruth and her husband, Fred, built their home on land that has been in her family since 1918. After graduating from South Kortright Central School, she attended nursing school in Kingston, NY, before marrying Fred and raising their three children, Yvonne, Chris, and Corinne, who sadly passed at age 36. Ruth is also proud to have nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. In 1971, Ruth and Fred opened The Eighth Note Music Store in Oneonta. Though Fred passed in 2021, Ruth can still be found at the store most days.

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Lisa’s Spark of Hope thrives thanks to a committed community that joyfully unites to offer support at every turn. Whether assisting at events or brainstorming during our subcommittee meetings, we rely on the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers to make it all possible.

Contributing Volunteers

Paula is a contributor to the Fundraising Committee. Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, she earned a degree in office systems technology and worked for a Fortune 500 company as an SEC filer and Executive Secretary. She currently lives in Franklin, NY, with her husband and sons.

Paula has volunteered for nonprofits in New Jersey and New York for more than 40 years. Locally, her service has included serving on the Board of Directors and as photographer for Community Outreach Project of Oneonta, assisting with Janet Wentworth Erickson Community Heroes in Portraiture exhibitions, coordinating childcare as a Mentor Mom with Moms on a Mission, supporting Wigs & Wishes fundraisers, creating “Pinky” the mascot for Oneonta Area Breast Cancer Awareness events, photographing the Luke Rothenburg Run, and publishing a photography book with her eldest son.

Paula has been living with breast cancer since 2019 and, after a metastatic diagnosis several years ago, is currently showing no evidence of disease. She is grateful for the support of family, friends, and organizations such as Lisa’s Spark of Hope.

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More members coming soon!

Are you located in Oneonta, NY, or the surrounding areas? Are you interested in becoming a member? Lisa’s Spark of Hope offers numerous opportunities to get involved, whether it’s assisting at events, taking on a role in a sub-committee, or participating as a voice in a board meeting. We are always welcoming new volunteers.