ABOUT US – STAFF & BOARD

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 / Therapist

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 joined the team at Friends of Firefighters in 2009 to coordinate and implement its programs and provide direct mental health services.

Emily Siegel, LCSW, Clinical Director / Therapist

Emily Siegel came to Friends of Firefighters in 2007 from the Safe Horizon 9/11 Mental Health Program, where she worked with firefighters as well as civilians affected by the WTC attacks. Emily has completed an advanced certificate at the Trauma Studies Center at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. She practices several methods of therapy, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Somatic Experiencing, and relational and cognitive behavioral therapies.

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, Book-keeper

Tony Catapano, Peer

Tony Catapano comes to Friends of Firefighters after a 42-year career as a New York City firefighter. Most of his career was spent at Engine Company 202 in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Tony heads the On-The-Arm breakfasts every month and is a trained peer counselor.

Mike Kirk, Outreach

Mike was with the FDNY for 17 years before joining Friends of Firefighters. His vast experience and knowledge of the job is welcomed into firehouses throughout the city. His role is to provide outreach about the services and programs and FoF and identify any new needs or interest.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lawrence V. Amsel, MD, MPH

Trauma psychiatrist and Director of Training and Training Research, Trauma Studies and Services, New York Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Amsel has worked with first responders since 1999 and worked with the NYPD to develop a suicide prevention program. Since 2001, the major focus of his work has been on the psychological effects of 9/11. He joined the board in January 2009.

Dominick DeRubbio, FDNY, Battalion Chief

As Battalion Chief, Mr. DeRubbio’s responsibilities include the supervision of firefighters and officers at fires and emergencies; inspection of buildings; investigations of fatalities and injuries; and the functional safety supervision at fire scenes and emergencies of fire personnel. Mr. DeRubbio has been an involved member of Friends of Firefighters since 2003 and officially joined the board in January 2009.

Mary A. Donovan, Esq.

Partner and Member, Donovan & Yee LLP. Ms. Donovan is a member of the bars of New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts; the U.S. District Court, New Jersey and the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. She has been a board member since 2006.

Eileen Gregan, FDNY (Retired) Firefighter

Eileen Gregan joined the New York City Fire Department in September 1982. Her assignments included Engine 250 in Kensington, 35 Battalion in Williamsburg and 33 Battalion in Midwood. She retired from the Fire Department in January 2008. Eileen is a member of the United Women Firefighters and, in addition to holding other positions, has served three terms as president of the organization. She is a member of the Fire Department Holy Name Society, the Fire Department Anchor Club, the Fire Department Emerald Society, the Uniformed Firefighters Assoc. and is an honorary member of the Fire Department Honor Legion. Eileen represents the firefighter rank on the Fire Department Honor Emergency Fund. She is active with the Community of Mayors and assists at events with handicapped children throughout the year. She is a member of the Pastoral Planning Committee at her parish, Mary Queen of Heaven. Eileen is a member of the Fire Service Women of New York State and has volunteered as a Youth Counselor at Phoenix Fire Camp. Eileen was honored by the Fire Department Holy Name Society at their Communion Breakfast and has received a Women’s Achievement Award from the YWCA as well as the Irish Heritage Award. She joined the board of Friends of Firefighters in January 2009.

Christina Hoven, DR. PhD

Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health. Dr. Hoven also holds appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at the College of Physicians & Surgeons and at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. She has been a board member since 2006.

Kevin McArdle, CPA

Interim Treasurer

Audit Manager at Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLP Certified Public Accountants. Business Advisers. Member of the AICPA He has been a board member since November 2002.

Daniel Prince, FDNY (Retired) Firefighter

Board Chair

Retired after 35 years with the FDNY, Firefighter Prince also served 39 years total with the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy. FF Prince is involved with many fraternal organizations and has volunteered for numerous causes throughout his career. He has been involved with Friends of Firefighters for 6 years as a volunteer and has been a board member since January 2009.

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Stephen Dannhauser

Tom Ferrence

Marian Fontana

Dan Nigro

Skip Sudduth