William Matteson (Executive Director) I am a Master Sensei Instructor in the Martial Arts. We provide free programming to struggling youth in the Community. My life direction has always been to help improve the futures of children, thus 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 (board member / fundraising committee) 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 no children but adore his son Cameron and my bunnies and dog.
Amy Spagg (President / Board member) I grew up in Homer, NY, and then graduated from Alfred University with a degree in Elementary Education. I have lived in Bolivar, NY ever since. I have a wonderful husband, Randy, an amazing daughter, and son-in-law, and 3 perfect grandchildren. My son, Zachary, passed away from an overdose in 2019. Recently retired after 33 years of teaching, I look forward to helping families deal with struggles associated with addiction.
Brandon Graham (I.T. / Web Admin) My wife, 2 children, and I are recent additions to the Fredonia Community. 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.
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Michelle Bouton (Board member / secretary) I was Born and raised in the Dunkirk Fredonia area. I am currently an office manager for a retail trailer manufacturer. I have 2 amazing boys. I have watched people close to me struggle with addiction. Not all of them survived the battle, so this cause is near and dear to my heart. In my free time I enjoy reading and tending to my chickens. I enjoy taking karate lessons on my free time.
Tom Burns (Board member) I am 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
Lynda Karlstrom (board member / Fundraising committee) I married my husband Chuck in 1986. I have 3 Adult children and 7 grandchildren. My granddaughter Xoey is 12 years old and resides with us. Her mother Elise passed away at age 26 from an opioid overdose. Her father, my son overdosed in April 2021. It took 4 Narcan’s and a defibrillator to revive him. This is real. I feel that it is very important for the children of these addicts to get the help that they deserve and for them to know how important they are to our society. But most of all to become an important role model to help other children like themselves so that no one feels alone.
Ross Vallone (Board member) I have over 35 years of counseling experience working with individuals caught up in addiction. I have worked for The Private Industry Council of Chautauqua, TLC Health Network and New York State Department of Corrections seeing firsthand how this disease affects the lives of generations creating feelings of abandonment and mistrust. My focus has been in working on early childhood traumas.
Alissa Bigelow (Treasurer) I am a mother of 2 beautiful children! I attend college studying Behavioral science specializing in substance abuse at GCU! I am a recovering addict. I am strongly passionate and determined to help other addicts that are struggling. I lost my best friend of over 20 years to drugs which left 3 wonderful children without their daddy. My purpose is to show my daughter there is a different and happier way to live life.
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