Fresh from graduating Saratoga Chamber’s Leadership Saratoga class in 2018, Nancy joined the board of Gateway House of Peace, bringing together her leadership skills and experience of helping a friend pass peacefully at home. That experience altered her life in such a profound way she knew it was a calling to have the opportunity to help Gateway House serve an entire community. Nancy served as Vice President for two years and is currently serving as President of the Board. She is excited to use her skills bringing people and processes together to build upon Gateway House’s foundation and create a sustainable, strong future that not only ensures Gateway House’s doors stay open well into the future but that it can serve the community in ever growing ways. Nancy has two grown children and when she’s not selling real estate, tutoring math or volunteering, she and her husband Kevin like to spend time outdoors hiking, kayaking and fishing here in the foothills of the Adirondacks and along the coasts of Maine and Cape Cod.

Vice President

Allison Drapeau joined Gateway House of Peace in August 2020 as the organization’s first social work student intern. After completing her internship, she joined the team as a patient caregiver. In 2021, she accepted a nomination to the Board of Directors and currently serves as the Vice President and Chairperson of the Events Committee. Fueled by her work at Gateway House, Allison works as a social worker in community-based palliative care in the Capital Region. She completed the End-of-Life Doula certification from the University of Vermont in 2023. Allison strives to capitalize on her interests in the growing aging and end-of-life care field to encourage others to talk more openly about death and dying, including their wishes at the end of their life.

She currently lives in Ballston Spa with her husband. When not working or at Gateway House, she teaches line dancing with Upstate Line Dancing weekly in the Capital Region.

Recording Secretary

Mary Ellen Olenyk began volunteering at Gateway House of Peace in 2019 as a direct care volunteer and joined the Board of Directors in 2020. Mary Ellen became aware of Gateway when a former colleague of hers became a resident. Having had two parents who were hospice recipients in relatively recent years, it was not an unfamiliar experience. She currently resides in Southern Saratoga County with her husband Michael. Their two daughters both work in the health care field. Mary Ellen is an HR professional, having worked in Human Resources for over 30 years at both non-profit and for-profit companies in the Capital District. Currently the Director of Human Resources for Hoffman Car Wash, she enjoys sharing her expertise with the staff, leadership and Board of Gateway. Mary Ellen enjoys reading, fitness and spending time with her family.

Treasurer

Dan Roberts started at Gateway House of Peace in 2021 as a direct care volunteer. He found the mission and work meaningful and deeply personal, and joined the Board of Directors in 2022. He lives in Malta with his wife Caitlin, dog Willow, and five chickens. Dan and Caitlin are happily expecting a new addition to the family this summer. Dan recently joined the Corporate Strategy team at GlobalFoundries in Malta and previously was an investment analyst at BlackRock in New York City. He is also a member of the finance committee at First Presbyterian Church in Ballston Spa. Dan enjoys home and garden projects, hiking in the Adirondacks, reading, volunteering, and pub trivia.

Board Member

Patti's contribution to Gateway House of Peace is beyond description. She witnessed first-hand how important end-of-life care is, and after the passing of both of her parents, she made the phone call to the founder, Joni Hanchett, to learn more about how she could become involved. Since that day in 2013, Patti has seen Gateway House grow and evolve, and there is no aspect that she has not been a part of. She fondly recalls the very first resident, and so many others that followed. “I treasure everything about Gateway House. I love the residents and their families. It is a special place, and I know I am called to be here. Each time I walk through the doors, I am reminded why the work is so important and I am happy to do it.” Patti and her husband Kevin live in Greenfield and have 2 grown sons, an adorable grandson “Maple Boy”, and a new granddaughter on the way. They are also involved with the Twin Leaf Farms maple syrup business. Patti serves as Vice President with Gateway House, and also volunteers with the New York State Office for the Aging and Youth and the Greenfield Historical Society as Secretary for both.

Board Member

The "end of life" process holds a special place in his heart; starting with witnessing his father’s transition in a hospice setting some 20 years ago. As years passed, high school friends, acquaintances, and other people close to Greg benefited from Hospice care, often utilizing the services of Gateway House of Peace. As a result, he understood that the end-of-life process is an essential part of the human journey. Most recently, Greg's Mother, Gloria, was a resident at Gateway House. "Words will never be able to express the gratitude and esteem I have for the staff at Gateway House for the care my mother received. I am committed that our staff's services are available to all who need it in our community "Greg has enjoyed a 30+ year marketing and sales career in the software industry and currently heads the Competitive Intelligence program for OneStream Software. .Greg enjoys golf with his grown sons, fishing, yoga, and spoiling his granddaughter Ella in his spare time.

Board Member

Mary Beth has been a lifelong resident of the Capital Region, and has lived in Saratoga County for the past 30 years. She has worked in healthcare since 1985, and has been a Registered Nurse for the past 36 years. Most of her career has been in inpatient acute care, and she currently works as a RN in home care for Community Hospice. Despite her diverse experience, Mary Beth feels Hospice Nursing/Case Management is the most rewarding role of her career. She joined the Board of Directors of Gateway House in early 2023, and is excited to bring her clinical and personal expertise to this worthy cause. She states: "I believe wholeheartedly in the Mission and Values of Gateway House of Peace. We are so lucky to have this amazing end of life home in our community." Mary Beth currently co-administers numerous neighborhood based Social Media platforms based in her community, and enjoys spending free time with her family and her Cairn Terrier, Auggie. She and her husband Steve live in Clifton Park, and have 3 grown children.

Board Member

Celeste is our most recent board member to join Gateway House of Peace but comes to us with many years experience of community service/activism . She is a licensed New York State Real Estate Broker for 25 years and has volunteered for many of the local organizations like Sustainable Saratoga, The Giving Circle, Saratoga Springs Workforce Housing Initiative, Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee, She has always admired the work done at hospice facilities. When her parents were in need of hospice care she was able to see it up close and personal. She became a volunteer at Gateway House of Peace as a way of honoring all hospice workers and the care they most generously give to the patient and their families. Celeste is a former New York Racing Association employee and is a racing enthusiast and former horse owner.

Board Member

Eve has served on the board since 2022 , also for a short time in 2014-2015. Eve is the owner of Lansing Enterprises, Accounting, Tax Preparation and Bookkeeping Service. As an Enrolled Agent, Eve is licensed by the IRS in all states. She holds an Associated Degree in Accounting with over 30 years of experience in Accounting and Tax Preparation and is an Instructor for the IRS Small Business Program. Currently is a member of the National and NY Societies of Enrolled Agents, having served on the Board of Directors and Treasurer in the past. Eve contributes her expertise and services to the Gateway House Thrift Shop as the bookkeeper for the new shop located on Geyser Road. Also available to assist the Treasurer should the need arise. She was motivated to join the board from her own personal experience with hospice care. “Both my parents and my brother were fortunate enough to have Hospice care when they went to meet the Lord and I wanted to give back in some way where I could be of service. Gateway House really touched my heart as somewhere I could offer my service even though I was not qualified for patient care.” Eve lives with her husband Tom both are long time members of Christ Episcopal Church, Ballston Spa where Eve currently serves on the Vestry.

Board Member

Diane’s initial introduction to Gateway House of Peace was when her good friend Jack spent his last days there. She was impressed by the quality of care, and a donation was made in his memory. In March, 2023, she began volunteering two days a week at Gateway’s Thrift Store. She was very impressed by the positive atmosphere there and kindness displayed. In June, she had the opportunity to support the opening of Gateway furniture store in the plaza next door. She loves helping people and began her volunteering career decades ago by volunteering at several sites, including Saratoga County American Red Cross, Christ's Episcopal Church’s Food Pantry and Noah’s Attic, Wellspring, (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Agency), Shelters of Saratoga, Brookside Museum, Milton Elementary School, Ballston Area Community Center and Malta Community Center where she is a member of the town’s Youth Committee. In February 2021, She was recognized by Wellspring as Volunteer of the Year. At this site, she manage the Well Shop, incoming donations and special projects. Professionally, she holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, N-6. She has worked as a Family Caseworker, sixth grade teacher, Program Coordinator for Project Lift out of the Franklin Community Center, Inc., and a Youth Counselor for Domestic Violence. As initial creator of Project Lift, she’s proud to say that the program is still going after some 35 years. In her spare time she does water aerobics, gardening, crafts and puzzles, She loves to travel, see new places and do new things.

Board Member

When Terri had lost both her grandparents she witnessed the wonderful care they and her family received, she was seeking ways to do more, and Gateway House became a fit! Terri is passionate about the “People Helping People” philosophy and hopes to continue sharing this passion through her service with the Gateway House. Terri brings a wealth of volunteer experience from her personal and professional life. Currently serving as the VP and Director of Information Technology at TCT Federal Credit Union, she has dedicated 20 years to the credit union industry, a testament to her commitment and passion. Terri's involvement in the credit union community is extensive. Currently, she is a member of the NY Credit Union Association’s Capital Chapter, and some of her past commitments are the NY Credit Union Association Young Professions Commission, where she was a member and vice-chair. Her past service and contributions to the NY Credit Union Foundation, which provides grants and financial aid to the New York credit union community, have been invaluable. Terri assisted with Habitat for Humanity builds such as the 24th Build in Glens Falls, NY. Multiple times with different committees/groups, she has volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY over the years. She was born and raised in the Capital Region and has lived locally with my boyfriend, stepson, and 13-year-old dog, Freya. In her free time, she enjoys going on motorcycle rides, camping, hiking, riding electric bikes, DJing, and line dancing,

Board Member

Denise has worked in the healthcare field for more than three decades, in clinical, regulatory, patient advocacy and executive leadership roles. She has volunteered with numerous local and international organizations and Boards working in the US,  as well as 18 years of volunteering in Africa and Haiti. Several years ago, she began volunteering at Gateway House of Peace as a writer for website content, donor appeal letters, and press releases, as well as assisting at fundraisers. One of her dear friends was a resident at Gateway, and she witnessed firsthand the dignified and attentive care that embraces each resident. Denise recently published her book, Dancing in the Light, to share the wisdom of people she met on her African journeys.  She received the 2024 Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh’s Women of Distinction Award. Denise has three grown sons and three grandchildren. Her favorite time is spent with them and her husband.

Former Board Member

Elaine has been a board member since 2014 and is currently the Director of the Gateway House Thrift Shops. She was the driving force behind opening Noah’s Attic Thrift Store for Christ Episcopal Church in Ballston Spa. Elaine and her husband Bill had a desire to help the Church and the community, they spent many years facilitating and volunteering at Noah’s Attic. They brought this skill set to the Gateway House to help create their Thrift Shops. On January 18, 2014 Elaine’s mother was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. Elaine went to her mother’s home and for the next three months was her caregiver. Elaine’s mothers’ death was hard on her but she had been assisted with her care by hospice, who had a nurse come into her mother’s house three times a week to help her. After her mother’s passing, she was introduced to Gateway House of Peace founder Joni Hanchett, who talked her into volunteering at Gateway House. She was so touched how much hospice care helped her, she felt it would be a great way to pay back the care and support that hospice had given her with her mother’s care. This is the backbone of her ministry at the Gateway House Thrift Shops… to give back and to help provide monetary support to Gateway House