The staffing structure of FoF is two-tiered. There is a small paid staff body charged with running the organization and providing wellness services. There is then a greater body of active and retired firefighter volunteers who provide peer support and host On-the-Arm breakfasts and other events. Some come to FoF monthly, most come weekly. They are the backbone of FoF.

Nancy Carbone, Founder & Executive Director

Nancy Carbone has a background in education and maternal health. As a long-time resident of the Carroll Gardens community, Nancy had several friends on the job at the time of 9/11. She immediately began to support the firefighter community. Quickly, they stated their need for a place to gather separate from the department. She recognized the unique long-term needs of the fire department members and, with their support and encouragement, founded an organization dedicated to meeting those needs. Since September 11, 2001 she has served as head of Friends of Firefighters, Inc.

Stephanie Cherry, LCSW, Associate Director / Counselor

Stephanie Cherry earned a master’s degree in psychology from NYU and a social work degree from Hunter College School of Social Work. She has worked in the field of research and trauma for 10 years. She is currently enrolled in the Institute of the Contemporary Psychotherapy post graduate Trauma Training Program. She joined the team at Friends of Firefighters in 2009 to coordinate and implement its programs and provide direct mental health services.

Richard Collie, LMSW, Counselor

Richard Collie earned a master’s degree in social work from Hunter College. He comes with experience in trauma treatment in a community setting and has worked with kids and families. He is currently enrolled in the Institute of the Contemporary Psychotherapy post graduate Trauma Training Program. He joined Friends of Firefighters in the beginning of 2011 to provide counseling to our firefighters and their families.

Meghan Zichelli, Office Manager

Meghan Zichelli earned her bachelor’s degree in public communication and marketing from American University. She has marketing, event planning, and communications experience in a number of fields. In addition, she recently returned from a year of teaching English in Argentina. She joined the team at Friends of Firefighters in March 2011.

Siobhan Towey, LMT, Massage Therapist

Siobhan Towey has worked with Friends of Firefighters since January 2008. Massage therapy can be helpful in alleviating pain, improving circulation and range of motion, increasing joint flexibility, reducing inflammation, promoting tissue regeneration, as well as enhancing sleep quality, lessening depression and anxiety, and improving energy.

Chaya Levin, Accountant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lawrence V. Amsel, MD, MPH, Board Member

Columbia University Department of Psychiatry

Richard Bregman, Board Member

MJB Asset Management

Nancy Carbone, Founder & Executive Director

Founder & Executive Director

Matt Finkes, Board Chair

Category5Sports

Eileen Gregan, Board Member

FDNY (Retired) Firefighter

Trey Morgan, Board Member

Z100 Radio DeeJay

Dan Nigro, Board Member

FDNY (Retired) Chief of Department

Daniel Prince, Board Member

FDNY (Retired) Firefighter

BOARD OF ADVISERS

Steve Buscemi

Stephen Dannhauser

Tom Ference

Marian Fontana

Kevin Gallagher

Lt. Anthony Mussorfiti, Rtd.

Chief John Plant

John Seley

Skip Sudduth