William Matteson (Executive Director - Certified Life Coach for addiction & recovery. I am a Master Sensei Instructor in the Martial Arts. My life direction has always been to help improve the futures of children. This is why the Cope Foundation came so naturally to me. I am a "life coach counselor". My son died 1-05-2019 from opioid abuse leaving 3 beautiful children behind. I have 2 other sons who I love dearly. I am clean from a heroin since 1983. I enjoy writing poetry, taking scenic drives and going to coffee shops.
Kristine Matteson (activity coordinator) I work with Seniors and special needs individuals daily. I am an award-winning powerlifter with USA powerlifting and enjoy biking, hiking, fishing, and reading. William Matteson and I are married and have a passion to reach out to all children who need our special love through Cope. I have 2 bunnies and dog as my children.
Kathleen Dillenburg (Board Member) I am a MSN RN and part of the Brooks Hospital systems. My certifications include clinical educator / informatics coordinator, Director of Nursing for Outpatient services. I enjoy spending time with family and being physically active.
Tammy Barreca (grant advisor) I live in Kissimmee Fla. I am a dedicated professional with extensive experience in operational management of Non-Profit organizations. I possess solid experience in handling fundraising programs, public relations, and operational management with an ability to assess and formulate policies and provide overall program direction.
Tom Burns (Treasurer / Board Member) I was an ER Doctor with 27 years of experience. My duties consist in evaluating Children and adults for potential life-threatening problems and acute care of Urgent medical care needs. I see personally, so many opioid cases and realize it is a severe concern. I am Married with 7 children. I enjoy telescopes, astronomy, physics, and 3D printing
Kathryn Pilgrim (grant writer)I am an educator for the Dunkirk Secondary School in Special Education. I have been working with youth children in the area since college at SUNY Fredonia. I was the Assistant Director of Recreational Programs at the Salvation Army, helping with grants, tutoring, and their basketball programs. I recently closed my foster care home after caring for 9 teens over 5 years. I've seen first hand the effects of trauma and drug abuse on teenagers, including the struggle of parenting them. I spend my free time supporting every Child with foster care needs in the county, with my pets, and with my parents who are assisting me.
Brandon Graham (I.T. / Board Member) I am a Geologist at the US Geological Survey and a tech enthusiast on the side. The impacts of opioids has affected both my wife and my hometowns in rural Pennsylvania. My hobbies are computers, Amateur Radio, R/C, and being outdoors.
Katricia Nutting (Board member)I am a Senior in the Bachelor of Science Addiction Counseling : Clinical/Counseling Concentration at Cityvision University. I work in the behavioral/mental health field. I work with adults and adolescents who have mental health issues. When I graduate from college I would like to start practicing as a Substance Abuse Counselor. When I am not doing homework or working, I love to spend time with my husband and three amazing children. Being involved with Cope, I’d like to help those who need help.
Nate Lesher (Board Member) My motto in life is "champion the underdog." I love a good underdog story where no one thinks David can defeat Goliath. I feel COPE is one way, I can make one life better from one circumstance. I have a Masters of Divinity from Northeastern Seminary, an undergrad degree in Economic Crime Investigation and a CDL as a school bus driver. I have a daughter named CC and I am wild about her. When I have free time, I like to come up with trivia questions for my friends, play board games or lose in fantasy football.