Biography:
Gail joined the UWTC team in August 2018, having worked her entire adult life in the nonprofit sector and previously serving as a volunteer for United Way in both Tompkins and Tioga counties. A lifelong resident of the area, she has worn several hats in the nonprofit world – volunteer, employee, board member, and executive director – in organizations providing services to youth through adults and ranging from education to recreation to professional theatre. A proud alum of Ithaca College, Gail resides with her husband and enjoys having her three grown children and four grandchildren all nearby. Her favorite part of Tompkins County, since childhood summers on Cayuga Lake, is the natural beauty of the area and the warmth of its people.
Gail's Why:
I believe at my core that while this is a broken world, we are all personally responsible for doing our part from where we are to make a difference in this world. I was blessed with an amazing extended family that taught service above self, that the golden rule meant that you treated others as they wished to be treated not based on your own values or priorities, and that heart attitude matters as much as our actions. Having survived childhood trauma and various abuses, and resulting mental health challenges, I firmly believe in the power of forgiveness and that healing is possible. I seek to support others in their journeys by being an advocate, coming alongside, creating access to resources, and collectively finding solutions so that every member of every community can thrive.
Causes Important to Gail:
- Creating childhoods that are safe and intentionally support thriving, which requires a great deal of play
- Advocating for everyone’s right to self-determination which requires access to resources
- Supporting life-long learning and continuous improvement in whatever areas are of interest to and healthy for each individual
- Supporting survivors of abuse, trauma, and cancer, of which I am all three