Meet Our Staff

Debra Sharpe
Executive Director
Debra Sharpe is the Executive Director, who came to work in the nonprofit field by chance. Having always been involved in volunteering, causes and community organizations, her first nonprofit job was with the American Heart Association in Illinois and Missouri as a field representative. She can't imagine doing other work.

Doreen Grasso
Youth Sports Concussion Program Coordinator
Doreen Grasso works as our Youth Sports Concussion Program Coordinator. Doreen has been involved in the education field in varying capacities for the past 25 years. She received her bachelor's degree from Rhode Island College, where she is currently an adjunct professor. She holds a master's from Cambridge College. Having had sustained a TBI, she is grateful for the opportunity to serve the mission.

Richard Muto
Education/Resource Center Manager
Richard Muto is our Education/Resource Center Manager who attended the University of Rhode Island. His previous work in the nonprofit field was for AIDS Project Rhode Island. He is a brain injury survivor who serves on various committees and was appointed four years ago to serve on the Governor's Permanent Advisory Commission on Traumatic Brain Injury.

Cynthia Andreola
Fundraising and Communications
Cynthia takes on the responsibilities of fundraising and communications here at The Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. She has a BA from The College of New Jersey. Cynthia relocated from New Hampshire where she worked in non-profit agencies in Nashua - most recently at The PLUS Company and The Partnership for Successful Living in Marketing Communications and Community Outreach. Prior experience with The YMCA and Singer Sewing Company in New Jersey.
Board of Directors – 2020
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Nicholas Cioe, PhD, President
- Colleen McCarthy, Vice President
- Robert G. DeOrsey, Treasurer
MEMBERS
- Cathy Andreozzi
- Michael L. Baker
- Anthony Bruzzese, MD
- H. Chris DerVartanian
- Sheila Felice
- Carol Masterson, RN
- Shelly McCann
- Allendre McGovern-Siembab, MBA CRMA
- Matthew J. McGowan, Esq.
- Manuela Raposo
- Lisa M. Tamburini
- Greg Walbridge