Meet Our Staff

Board of Directors

Bill Moore

Executive Director, Chair of the Board

Bill Moore is the CEO & President the of Project New Hope Inc. Served in the United States Air Force as a Crash, Rescue, Firefighter from 1976 to 1980. He earned a bachelor of science in liberal studies and a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption College. Prior to starting PNH, Bill worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He retired in 2007.

Rick Cehon

Treasurer

Rick Cehon is the Treasurer for Project New Hope Inc. Rick is currently a Program Manager at Fidelity Investments and a part time professor at Clark University in Worcester. He currently lives in Leicester, MA with his wife and 2 sons. Rick has been volunteering in the community as the current Scoutmaster for Troop 123, Chairman of the Town Administrator Search Committee in 2013, Past President of the Leicester Town Band, Inc. and Leicester Community Music School. Rick holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from Clark University and a Bachelor of Arts from Assumption College.

Robyn Coons

Assistant Treasurer

CAPT Robyn Coons is the Assistant Treasurer and Internship Coordinator of Project New Hope. CAPT Robyn Coons is an Officer in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and currently detailed to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Robyn has a master’s degree in social work and a doctoral degree in public health.

Patty Moore

Assistant Treasurer

Patty Moore has worked at Arbor Counseling Services for the past 11 years as administrative assistant. Her father served in the United States Navy. Patty takes great pride in helping Veterans and their families.

Anne Treadwell

Assistant Treasurer

Anne Treadwell has served on the Board of Directors since 2017. Anne is a Registered Nurse, Graduating from Excelsior College in Albany NY with Associates in Nursing and a Bachelor’s In Science from Worcester State. Anne has been working as a LPN at a Federally Qualified Health Center since 2015. Anne grew up in Worcester and loves giving back to her community.

Anne is married to a Marine Veteran who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003 as an AAV mechanic.

Nick Treadwell

Assistant Treasurer

Nick Treadwell serves on the Board of Directors since 2017. Nick is a Commercial Truck Driver and served five years in the U.S.M.C. from 1999 to 2003 AAV Mechanic. Nick served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 with the 24th MEU (SOC). Nick enjoys giving back to his fellow Vets and their families.

Sgt. Maj. Tracy A. Linch

Assistant Treasurer

Tracy Linch is a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major.  His diverse 30 year-career includes assignments in all four Marine Corps Infantry Divisions, he also served jointly with coalition Special Forces with Marine Corps Special Operations Command.  SgtMaj Linch has multiple combat tours to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.  He also has deployed to Asia, pacific theatre and the Mediterranean Sea.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Two Bronze Star Medals and Two Purple Heart Medals for wounds sustained in combat.  He also was awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Valor Distinguishing Device, Combat Action Ribbon Gold Star in Lieu of second Award and he wears the Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia.

SgtMaj Linch is currently the Marine Instructor for the Marine Corps JROTC Program at Assabet Valley High School in Marlborough.  He is married to Jennifer and they currently reside in Spencer, MA.

Board Members

Donna Moore

Along with her husband Bill, is a founding member of Project New Hope, Inc. and the known heart of the organization.  Her smile and energetic personality are contagious and known to bring a smile to people’s faces. As the Volunteer Coordinator for Project New Hope, Inc, these same characteristics can be felt at the events she helps organize.

Of all her accomplishments, including working thirty plus years at Reliant Medical Group within in the Occupational Department, Donna is most proud to be the grandmother to four grandchildren and mother to three children, one of which, Erin Moore, served in the Massachusetts Air National Guard and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2015/2016.

Tom Stewart

Tom Stewart is a retired Army Colonel with over 31 years, to include service in Afghanistan as an Infantry Battalion Commander. He is the Associate Dean of the Graduate & Professional Studies Program at Nichols College where he has taught as an Assistant Professor of Leadership. He holds a Masters in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and an MBA from Nichols College. He knows well the benefits of Project New Hope and looks forward to giving back as a Board Member.

Jeff Berthiaume

Jeff Berthiaume is an account executive in the HR software industry. He lives in Leicester with his wife Tammy and their two daughters. He volunteered on the Personnel Board in Leicester from 2011 to 2013, the Town Administrator Search Committee in 2013 and currently on the Leicester Boy Scout Troop 123 Board of Review. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Worcester State University.

Kevin Shaughnessy

Kevin Shaughnessy was born and raised in Worcester, MA. He joined the United States Air Force after High School serving in England and northern Maine for four years as a Security Specialist. Kevin worked for ADT Security Systems in Worcester, San Diego and Providence for fourteen years after leaving the Air Force. He worked for National Grid in several roles between 1996 and 2022. Kevin received his bachelor’s degree as a Business Management major at Assumption University in 1992.

Kevin is currently semi-retired working as a part time consultant for an engineering company. He is the Adjutant at Vernon Hill Post 435 in Worcester and a member of the Project New Hope Advisory Board and the Board of Directors. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys travelling, golf, gardening and volunteering to serve other veterans.

Advisory Board Members

A nonprofit seeks community members who are willing to advise the nonprofit, particularly those with expertise in areas that the nonprofit’s staff or governing board members do not have. Nonprofits are required by law to have governing boards, but not advisory boards.

An advisory board functions like a committee of the formal board but without legal responsibilities. Formed to give advice and recommendations to a nonprofit’s governing board and management, an Advisory Board works toward a specific goals like fund raising, technical assistance, assessment of a program’s impact and serving as a public advocate for the organization.

Advisory Board Members

  • Kim Shepherd
  • Steven Brady
  • Tim Maloney
  • Debra Allor
  • Cheryl Cooney
  • David Camosse
  • Martha Odone
  • Angela Snell
  • Stephen Dadah
  • Rosie Fayard
  • Tracy Linch
  • Jennifer Linch
  • David Allor

Office Staff

Worcester Office

Susan Wilder

Executive Assistant to President & CEO Bill Moore

Susan has more than 35 years in the Health Care Field, specializing in HIPPA, Privacy Management, Provider and Patient Relations, Susan is a great advocate for the people. These qualifications, along with having a strong focus on structure and organization, is what makes Susan a perfect match for the Executive Assistant role. In her spare time, Susan enjoys traveling with her husband and spending quality time with her grandchildren!

Caisse Moore

Retreat Host

Caisse Moore is Project New Hope, Inc. new per diem Retreat Host.  Caisse has an Associate Degree in Human Services from Quinsigamond Community College and works full time at the Worcester District Attorney’s Office as a Victim/Witness Advocate and works part time as an ABA therapist with children with disabilities. She enjoys helping people and caring for those in need.  Caisse has many relatives who served in the Military and is grateful for this experience to work with Veterans.

Patty Moore

Retreat Host

After working in Behavioral Health administration for fifteen years, Patty went back to school, to pursue her dreams of becoming a certified practitioner of energy healing. With this certification, Patty now has her own business and continues to share her gift with not only our Military community, but others who are unfortunately feeling the effects of mental health strain. In her spare time, Patty has volunteered in numerous ways to help meet the needs of Veterans and Military members.

Diane Soave

Office Assistant

Diane has been with Project New Hope since August 2020, as the Office Assistant. She has prior office experience in the Electrician and Home Care businesses. She enjoys her Grandchildren. In her free time she is an avid seamstress and enjoys crocheting.

Marcia Robidoux

Pantry Assistant

Marcia retired from the food industry in 2023 after a fulfilling career and soon found a new purpose by joining Project New Hope as a volunteer. Her dedication and passion for helping others led to her being hired as the Pantry Assistant and van driver in the spring of 2024, where she plays a key role in supporting Veterans and their families.

In her spare time, Marcia loves spending quality time with her husband and close friends, cherishing those meaningful moments. She finds deep satisfaction in giving back to the Veteran community, knowing her efforts are helping those who have served our country. Marcia’s commitment to making a difference reflects her caring and generous spirit.

Shelby Frysinger

Case Manager

Shelby Frysinger brings a wealth of experience and commitment to her role as the Case Manager for Project New Hope’s program, Connecting the Dots. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Worcester State University and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work at Westfield State University, Shelby’s educational background complements her deep understanding of Military life as an 11-year Military spouse. Having gone through deployments alongside her husband, who serves in the Army National Guard as a Combat Medic, Shelby’s personal connection fuels her passion for assisting Veterans and their families. Her dedication, expertise, and compassionate nature make her an invaluable advocate, working diligently to bridge the gap between Veterans and the support they need to achieve stability and success.

Debbie Erickson

Operations Manager

Debbie is the widow of a Marine Veteran and a Mom to two beautiful daughters. Debbie owned a successful daycare while raising her daughters and started volunteering at Project New Hope in 2018 as Sully’s Food Pantry Manager. Debbie’s tireless commitment to Sully’s Food Pantry made it into the success it is today. Debbie was hired as our full-time Operations Manager in September 2023 and continues with her unwavering support of all that we stand for. When not at Project New Hope, Debbie spends her time with family and their dogs.

Westfield Office

Patty Moore

Office Assistant

After working in Behavioral Health administration for fifteen years, Patty went back to school, to pursue her dreams of becoming a certified practitioner of energy healing. With this certification, Patty now has her own business and continues to share her gift with not only our Military community, but others who are unfortunately feeling the effects of mental health strain. In her spare time, Patty has volunteered in numerous ways to help meet the needs of Veterans and Military members.

Jeffrey Simmons

Office Assistant

Jeffrey Simmons joined Project New Hope in September 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience and dedication. He spent 18 ½ years working in the IT Department at Sysco, where he honed his technical skills and contributed to the company’s growth. Prior to that, he worked for 15 years as a driver for Wells Fargo, showcasing his versatility and strong work ethic. In addition to his professional career, Jeffrey has been a proud Master Mason (Freemason) for the past 34 years, embracing the values of brotherhood, charity, and community service. His passion for helping others extends into his personal life, where he enjoys volunteering and making a positive impact wherever he can. Outside of work and service, Jeffrey loves to spend quality time with his family, whether cooking up delicious meals or simply creating cherished memories. His love for food inspires him to experiment with different types of cuisine, and he takes great joy in sharing his creations with loved ones.

Barbara Sirkissoon

Office Assistant

Barbara is the proud wife of an Army veteran and a devoted mother to a black Labrador and a cat. She has two daughters, a son-in-law, and a brother who are both also veterans, along with numerous other relatives who have served in the military. After dedicating over 28 years to her previous company, Barbara made the decision to transition freelancing from home following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.

Her experiences as a veteran’s spouse have enriched her professional and personal life, providing her with a diverse skill set. Each role she has undertaken has instilled in her valuable lessons in patience, interpersonal relationships, and professionalism. In addition to her work, Barbara is actively involved in her local military community, where she volunteers her time and support to honor those who serve.

Upcoming Retreats