As the founder & CEO of Funding Innovation Network, our mission is to empower the startup ecosystem with access and information.  Prior to this, I worked in global financial services for over 20 years at Credit Suisse and the Corporate and Investment Bank at Citigoup. I also serve on the advisory boards of several technology startups.

I was introduced to SOUL RYEDERS in 2016 shortly after moving to Rye with my wife April, and our young twins, when April was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  April was able to publicly express what SOUL RYEDERS meant to her and our family in a speech at the organization’s ten-year anniversary celebration in Rye Town Park, prior to her passing in December of 2017.  I have remained an active participant in the organization, serving on the Grant Committee and the Giving Circle Advisory Board.

I am also currently on the Board of Directors of WellLife Network, a not-for-profit offering health and wellness programs to 8,500 individuals in NYC’s five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester County, and New Jersey.

I am a Co-Founder + Managing Partner at The Shade Store. Headquartered in Port Chester, NY- The Shade Store is a family-run, premium custom window treatment company operating on- line and through showrooms nationwide.

Born and raised in Larchmont, I competed in local athletics and most recently found a new passion within the CrossFit community, participating in competitions throughout the tri-state. In 2013 I moved to Rye with my wife, Allison and we were immediately drawn to the SOUL RYEDERS mission.

I am a graduate of Quinnipiac University (2005) and have two young children in the RCSD.

It is my greatest pleasure to currently spend most of my time as a busy mother of four in Bedford, NY. My husband Neal and I are actually both from the suburbs of Chicago and attended the University of Michigan, but somehow landed in Northern Westchester NY almost 20 years ago.

It is very important to our family to be involved in philanthropic organizations that are meaningful to us and to our larger community.  Through my many mutual connections to Sandy Samberg and to my college roommate, Kerri Winderman, I first became involved with SOUL RYEDERS when I did the Avon Walk in 2009 and 2010 and later participated on the Triathlon team, as well. 

Recently, I have witnessed many members of my community who are battling cancer, connect with SOUL RYEDERS in very meaningful ways.  It is clear that this organization is an amazing resource no matter where you live, and I hope that I can help spread the outreach even wider, in order to increase awareness for those who need it and involvement for those who can help.

My happiest moments are spent working closely with many young families in our communities through my parent education business, SAGEadviceforparents, or enjoying outdoor travel adventures with my family and our dog, Bamba, or curling up with a book for some cherished alone time.

I am a real estate agent with Sotheby’s International Realty, serving the Westchester, NY, and Fairfield, CT areas. Following in the footsteps of my mother, who has been my inspiration in both my personal and professional life, I strive to bring commitment and passion to my work and community.

I was born in Hong Kong and raised in Northern Westchester, which has given me a unique multicultural perspective that enriches my approach to real estate. After spending five years working in Hong Kong, I returned to Greenwich in 2022 to be closer to my family and to give back to the community that has shaped me.

I quickly learned about SOUL RYEDERS and got involved, I am particularly passionate about advocating for those affected by cancer. My mother bravely fought Stage 4 Colon Cancer for over seven years, and her journey inspires me to make a positive impact through the mission of SOUL RYEDERS. I believe in the power of community support and am committed to helping others during their challenging times.

I serve as the Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer and Global Head of Labor and Employment Law at GE Aerospace. In this role, I am responsible for developing and executing GE Aerospace’s compliance strategy and creating a risk framework governing both compliance and enterprise risk management across the organization. I also lead the Company’s Labor and Employment Law Group, partnering closely with the Business and HR to address L&E related issues, manage L&E litigation, and drive pro-active L&E strategy in response to a dynamic legal and regulatory landscape. 

I joined GE in 2014 from JP Morgan Chase & Co., where I was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel.  Prior to moving to private practice, I was a senior associate in the Labor and Employment Practice Group at Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP in New York City. 

I earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Boston College and my law degree from New York University School of Law. I live in Larchmont, NY with my husband Chris and our three children, Serena, Jack and Bennett.

I lead the Healthcare practice at Workday, a global enterprise software leader in human capital management, enterprise resource planning, and supply chain management. I am responsible for sales, strategy, and prospective as well as current customer operations within our payor and provider industries. As the Executive Sponsor for Workday’s Women in Sales Leadership program, I am passionate about supporting women in their sales journeys. 

Prior to joining the SOUL RYEDERS board, I spent 3 years as a member of the board for a local non-profit, Community Word Project, in NYC. 

I grew up outside of Boston but spent two decades in CA and am a proud Bruin alumna. Our family now lives in Rye, NY, and my husband and three children, are active in the community. I became familiar with the impactful work SOUL RYEDERS is doing in our community through friends and ran in the inaugural half marathon. I am passionate about this organization as my mom passed away from ovarian cancer 5 years ago. I wish I would have known about the support SOUL RYEDERS provides to families going through such a difficult and life changing experience.

I serve as a Shareholder in the Private Wealth Services group at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.  I have practiced trusts and estates law ever since graduating from St. John’s University School of Law in 2008, where I was an Articles Editor of the St. John’s Law Review.  I received a B.A. from Duke University in 2005, where I double majored in Public Policy and History.

I was born and raised in Rye, graduating from Rye High School in 2001 where I was the captain of the RHS tennis team (and played on various other sports teams and participated in a number of school and community organizations).  I currently live in Larchmont with my wife, Audrey, and our three young children.

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April 2017, underwent six months of chemotherapy and have been in remission since September of that year.  As a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor, I was drawn to the SOUL RYEDERS mission and am eager to help members of the community who are or have been affected by cancer.

I am a practicing school social worker in White Plains and dedicated to ensuring children and their families feel empowered and valued. I received my masters in social work from NYU over 20 years ago and have worked with children in schools ever since.

I am passionate about fitness and believe strongly in the mind and body connection.  I know the importance of mental health and find many correlations between a healthy body and a healthy mind.  I became aware of SOUL RYEDERS through a friend who hosted a benefit class at a gym where I belonged.

I am passionate about helping others find strength within themselves while being supported so they never feel alone.  I am excited to become more involved with the SOUL RYEDERS community.  I was recently married and my husband, Eric, and I live in the Bronx.

I am currently a Portfolio Manager at LMR Partners, a multi-strategy hedge fund based in London. I have been in the same investment space for my entire career, working for various hedge funds and investment banks.

I first became introduced to SOUL RYEDERS soon after moving to Westchester and becoming fast friends with Adrian and April Deen. SOUL RYEDERS supported April through her battle with ovarian cancer, which she sadly lost in 2017. My wife Michelle and I followed Adrian and became immediate supporters of the organization. Michelle helped organize the inaugural SOUL RYEDERS Half Marathon in 2023, and I am looking forward to helping the organization grow in years to come. Like most others, cancer has affected my family and friends extensively, many of whom did not have the chance to benefit from such a unique emotional and resource-filled support group like SOUL RYEDERS.

I live in Purchase with my wife and three children.

After participating in the 39 mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in 2006 in memory of one friend, in honor of another, and a year after having open heart surgery, I decided to start a team for the 2007 Avon Walk. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of what SOUL RYEDERS is today…its own 501(c)3 non-profit organization which supports anyone in the New York Tri-State area impacted by any type of cancer.

SOUL RYEDERS’ growth & success over the years is a testament to the tireless, passionate, and committed Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and volunteers. In December 2020, I made the difficult decision to transition from my role as Executive Director to pursue other philanthropic and personal interests.  A friend likened growing SOUL RYEDERS to raising children and letting them fly independently.  When I made the decision, I felt exceedingly confident that the organization would soar – and that’s exactly what’s happened!  I will always be a part of SOUL RYEDERS and continue my involvement as a committed Founders Advisory Council member and part of the Giving Circle.

My professional career began as a nurse practitioner. Helping loved ones and SOUL RYEDERS clients who were facing terminal illness inspired me to deepen my knowledge about end-of-life care. Intrigued by the promising research about psychedelic-assisted therapy for those with terminal diagnoses, I immersed myself in learning about the psychedelic ecosystem and the benefits for those experiencing a wide range of conditions.  To foster meaningful impact, I co-developed a psychedelic learning series for Penn Nursing and piloted an educational initiative with the University of Pennsylvania & Columbia University’s schools of nursing and social work. Building on the success of the pilot, I created the University Psychedelic Education Program (U-PEP) to equip faculty with the knowledge and resources needed to develop and incorporate psychedelic content into their curriculum.  The first cohort of the program includes over 60 faculty members from 29 universities and colleges across the country.

On a personal level, I grew up in Chappaqua, NY and am very happily married to my high school sweetheart, Joe. We have lived in Rye, NY since 2002 and are fortunate to have plenty of opportunities to see our two adult sons.

In addition to my true passion of helping people, I enjoy spending time with family & friends, exercising, traveling & experiencing different cultures, learning new things, meeting new people, listening to interesting podcasts, and curling up by the fireplace with a good cup of coffee or a glass of wine!

My name is Nanci Briganti.  I’ve lived in the area most of my life.  I’ve been happily married to the same man for 38 years.  We met on the platform of the Port Chester train station 40 years ago!

I’m the mother of an amazing daughter Katie and a grandmother to the most amazing little girl Zelda Rose. She’s my joy!!

I worked in sales for many years. My last and most rewarding job was at Rye Ford Subaru selling cars before retiring in 2017.

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013 and one year later with breast cancer. I had one month of radiation for breast cancer.  That’s it!!  I’ve been through chemotherapy twice for ovarian cancer and I’m still going for treatments to this day.  I lost my hair both times but now I’m on maintenance so I go for treatment but no hair loss or side effects.  

A friend of mine told me about SOUL RYEDERS about 8 years ago and soon after I became a Wig Advisor.

Being a Wig Advisor has changed my life.  I always said I was going to volunteer when I retired but I didn’t realize it would be so rewarding.  Meeting with women in need of a wig and helping them make a choice is amazing.  I’m honored to be able to help women facing such a hard time in their lives.  The look on their faces when they’ve found the perfect wig.  Priceless!!

My name is Sandy Chittenden, I’m 49, a mother of two amazing daughters (Jillian and Jenna), a wife, realtor and a Breast Cancer survivor. In addition to selling Real Estate which I truly enjoy, I love spending time with family and friends, travelling, going on long walks and volunteering for The Wig Exchange.

Very simply, I want to help. My first introduction to The Wig Exchange was donating my own wig, a few months later, a friend of mine was in need of a wig, I accompanied her, and I’ll never forget the feeling I experienced that day. Listening to her, making her feel OK with the journey ahead, assisting her with tips of adjusting the wig on her head, offering my honest opinion on how she looked. The entire process was so powerful and rewarding, later that year I became a Wig Advisor and continue to feel so privileged to help women affected by hair loss and honored to be part of such an amazing team and organization.

Recently diagnosed cancer patients are overwhelmed on so many levels, not to mention the out of pocket costs and expenses. The Wig Exchange is unique because we provide high quality, gently used wigs at a minimal rental cost, all of the Wig Advisors are cancer survivors so the ease of meeting with someone who has been there and done that is inspiring and comforting.

I am originally from Roslyn, New York and have lived in Rye since the late 1990’s. My wonderful husband, Mario and I met at Fordham University and have been together ever since. Go Rams! We are blessed to have two beautiful kids who keep us on our toes at all times! I have worked in Market Research, taught elementary school, and tried my hand at Real Estate. My true passion is animal rescue. You can usually find me fostering any number of pups for Pet Rescue in Harrison. I love spending time with family and friends, reading mystery novels, crocheting everyone in my family blankets while watching Reality TV, and being a Beach Bum.

I got involved with The Wig Exchange after donating my own wig. I read an article about Kate and Sandy and how The Wig Exchange was expanding, so I offered to volunteer. It warms my heart to see women leave with a beautiful wig and an even more beautiful smile on their face!

Being part of The Wig Exchange allows me to reach out to other women who are going through this difficult journey and offer them some hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

My name is Sandy Fizzinoglia and I am a First Grade teacher.  I first became familiar with SOUL RYEDERS as a client.  My oncology nurse told me about SOUL RYEDERS while I was going through active treatment for breast cancer in 2017.  I met the most amazing, selfless, and caring volunteers through this phenomenal organization.  I also met other women going through the same thing as me – diagnosis, treatment, and all the emotional (and physical) roller coaster side effects that come with a cancer diagnosis.  I am still close friends with these “Breasties” who I will have in my life forever.  

When I completed my active treatment and my surgeries were behind me, I vowed to pay it forward.  I wanted to help other women who were faced with a cancer diagnosis.  I wanted to help women feel like they weren’t alone.  I wanted to help others feel special.  I became a Wig Advisor for SOUL RYEDERS.  I treasure the time I spend with my clients and their families as they enter the SOUL RYEDERS’ door.  It is one of my life’s most fulfilling and life changing experiences.

I was introduced to SOUL RYEDERS as I was trying to navigate my own diagnosis of uterine cancer. 

This organization was such an amazing support for me at the most challenging times. It was very helpful to talk with other women that were also in a similar situation. 

Losing my hair was extremely difficult among other challenges. 

I wanted to become a Wig Advisor to give back and to try to make this process just a little easier for all of you. Today I am thankful to be cancer free. 

I moved to Rye with my husband Jim in August 2014, just two years after I had completed my cancer treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC, and just in time for our daughter Caroline to start Kindergarten at Midland. Before making the move to the suburbs, I spent nearly 6 years in London working for a large American bank selling prime brokerage services and then 10 years in New York City as the head of marketing and sales for Citco Fund Services. As a cancer survivor, I have been an active volunteer with Memorial Sloan Kettering’s patient to patient program and served on their Patient Family Council for Quality. I am so proud to work as a Wig Exchange Client Coordinator with SOUL RYEDERS for the past 9 years. Cancer was difficult, but there were so many people there to help and encourage me along my journey, and I see this work as an opportunity to recreate that act of kindness for others.

I am originally from Rochester, NY and have lived in Rye since 2002. I met my husband Steven in college and we have three beautiful daughters, ages 10, 8 and 3. I worked for a major financial services firm for over 17 years until I decided to leave the stress behind and become a stay-at-home Mom. It was the best decision I ever made. I like to spend time with friends and family and enjoy running, hiking and cooking. In addition to the work I do as a Client Coordinator for The Wig Exchange, I am also involved in Mondays with SOUL RYEDERS, a program which enables women undergoing cancer treatment to receive complimentary salon services and emotional support. I am also a catechist for the Resurrection PREP program and volunteer on several PTO Committees.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2013, I had a bilateral mastectomy. Soon after, I met with my oncologist and he warned me that the hardest part of chemotherapy would be the hair loss. I shrugged it off at the time thinking “it’s just hair” but it is a big deal and it can be a rough time in the journey to recovery. I got in touch with Sandy Samberg and found a wig that made me feel and look normal. Prior to chemotherapy treatment, I also had my own hair made into a Hip Hat with Hair. I had a great selection of fancy fedoras and other hats that, paired with my wig, made me look like my old self. Through my experience, I knew I wanted to become more involved and help others faced with the same issues.

As cancer survivors ourselves, our Client Coordinators are able to connect with clients on a very personal and emotional level. Newly-diagnosed women have many questions and concerns and we are able to lend an ear and provide comfort that goes far beyond finding the perfect wig.

I became a part of SOUL RYEDERS in 2008 when I joined the team for the Avon Walk. I expected to find a group of people committed to fighting a disease that had touched their lives in one way or another. I found that and so much more. I am honored to call them friends and so admire the endless time and energy they dedicate to a cause that is so close to my heart.

Breast cancer became real to me when my mom was diagnosed with the disease in 2001. We watched her fight a brave battle for nearly a year, which, thankfully, she won! Despite her diagnosis, I was somehow shocked when I found out I had breast cancer four years later. I am blessed to be a survivor as well thanks to the love and support of my husband, Billy, and my three little men: Will, Sean and Max, our families and friends. It was then that we realized how fortunate we are to live in this community. People we didn’t know were delivering dinners to our door. SOUL RYEDERS embodies this selflessness and spirit of community for me; I am fortunate to be a part of this group which continues to find new ways to raise money to support cancer related organizations in our own backyard and comes up with new ways to make the lives of those fighting the disease a little easier.

I have enjoyed being involved in many different initiatives with SOUL RYEDERS. I was honored to sit on the Advisory Board. I share my experience with people who receive a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. And my involvement has become a family affair. My boys look forward to the annual bake sale. Billy pops up with them throughout the city the weekend of the Walk with posters, and they decorate sweatshirts and our car with pink ribbons. They came with me to cut my ponytail when I participated in the first Strand Together event. In a house full of boys, pink is a popular color. And that is due in no small part to SOUL RYEDERS.

I am, as my husband calls me, a lawyer in recovery. I practiced commercial litigation in NY and CT until Will was born. I now spend my time chasing my boys from field to field. I am very involved with the PTO at Resurrection and serve on the Regional Leadership Council for Nardin Academy, my high school in my beloved Buffalo, NY. When I’m not standing on the sidelines for one of the boys’ games, I like to cook, exercise and squeeze in some much needed family time!

My name is Janet Muller, a yoga professional, entrepreneur & owner of Life Coaching with Janet.  As a ICF credentialed life coach, I work with clients in their cancer journey, specifically survivorship. I feel blessed to support and bridge the gap from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship.  My mission to empower and transform lives is rooted in my own cancer journey.  I thrive on bringing my love of yoga and wellness to empower my clients toward self-discovery and transformation, enlightenment, and peace. 

Becoming a Wig Advisor for The Wig Exchange program in 2013 became true perfection. I am able to provide women not only with high quality wigs, but emotional support. The Wig Exchange is special in many ways. The program offers ease and accessibility, both of which are a gift in itself. The Wig Advisors are cancer survivors and provide a different perspective. The personal connection created between the two is indescribable.  Speaking with someone who has been there and survived is inspiring, hopeful and therapeutic for both.

My husband Steven and I led parallel lives before meeting each other at the Mug and Ale (the Rye Grill) in 1990. We are the parents of three amazing adult girls. 

I am a New York State Certified K-6 Teacher and taught 3-5th grade for many years and currently work as a Kindergarten teaching assistant in my home district of Rye, NY. I also have a career in real estate as a salesperson for Julia B Fee Sothebys and help manage two small apartment buildings. Work life is full but balanced by taking power walks, practicing yoga and spending as much quality time with family and friends as possible. 

When the Wig Exchange was born, I was their first donor. It was so great to be a small part of what has become such a large organization. I will never forget handing over my wig, hats, and scarves that I thankfully no longer needed. I am a two-time cancer veteran and am so grateful to the incredible people I met along my journey. I continue as a patient at MSKCC and hope my experience can help make it slightly easier for those newly diagnosed with cancer.

I believe the intimacy of the organization makes The Wig Exchange stand out. Meeting with someone who understands what you are going through at the moment is extraordinarily special. It is a comfort zone that is needed at this fragile time in your life. Losing your hair as a side effect of cancer treatment can be quite upsetting but getting the right wig, hats, and accessories can make your day a bit brighter. My wig made every day a “good hair day” and I hope The Wig Exchange does that for you!

I’ve lived in Rye, NY since 2010 after moving from London for my husband’s new job. We have two amazing daughters. I’m a passionate home Chef and love sharing my food and recipes with my friends. I teach English as a second language part-time.

In 2013 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and my world turned upside down. I was about to throw my big 40th birthday party and instead I had to undergo a mastectomy, followed by radiation and then chemotherapy. It was an extremely difficult time and I’m grateful to my wonderful husband, my mother, and my friends.  At that time, I did not reach out to SOUL RYEDERS and regret it. I had underestimated the trauma of losing my hair and the effect it would have on my world. 

I joined the Wig Exchange a year after my treatment was completed. I make a different and special connection with each “warrior” I meet. We sometimes laugh, cry, rant, or all of the above and my intention is to offer as much comfort and support to the brave soul who I’m helping find a wig. Being a Wig Advisor has been as healing for me as it is helpful to our clients. I’m honoured and proud to be part of such a wonderful and unique team!

My husband, Jeff and I moved to Rye from Chicago in 2004 with our three daughters.  I first became involved in SOUL RYEDERS in 2008 when I participated in the Avon Breast Cancer walk.  I volunteered at various events for almost a decade prior to my own cancer diagnosis.  Over the years, I have been witness to all of the wonderful programs and unwavering support that SOUL RYEDERS provides to people in our community who are affected by cancer.  

It was an enormous shock when I was diagnosed in 2017 with breast cancer at the age of 50.  In one day, I went from volunteer to client.  On the day of my diagnosis one of my first calls was to SOUL RYEDERS and I am forever grateful that they helped guide me throughout my entire journey.  

We all know that with breast cancer your hair will grow back, but nothing prepares you for how difficult it is to lose your hair. SOUL RYEDEERS connected me with women who had gone through this experience and were on the other side, this was such an enormous help to me. 

My personal experience impelled me to begin volunteering for the Wig Exchange as an advisor, helping other women find their own wigs and speaking to them about my own cancer journey. All of the Wig Advisors have gone through chemotherapy, lost their hair and worn a wig. It is such a unique experience to have a woman who has gone through this be the person to help you select your wig. Working as a Wig Advisor has been such a healing part of my own story.  I feel forever fortunate to SOUL RYEDERS not only for supporting me through my own cancer journey but for giving me the opportunity to assist and empower other women who are facing treatment.