About us

​Board of Directors

 

Arlene Nanry, RN, Chairperson

Arlene has been caring for those around her nearly her entire life. She has worked at residential group homes, non-profit organizations, hospitals and numerous volunteer capacities. Arlene became a nurse later in life and has over 10 years of experience in oncology and hospice care.

 

Arlene is committed to fundraising, networking, volunteer recruitment and completing the necessary requirements for the house to open.  Arlene works tirelessly to make her dream of an accessible, welcoming house in the community come true. To learn more about Arlene's efforts, visit the "News and Events" link above.

 

 

Sam Savary, BSN, MBA, President

Sam has been an oncology nurse in the Rochester area for 18 years.  His passion for the care of people began with his own battles with childhood illness, experiencing firsthand how the care and love of another can have true healing power, physically, mentally and spiritually. 

 

Throughout his nursing career, Sam has developed a  real sense of honor and felt humbly privileged to all those who have allowed him to care for them during their cancer journey.  His work with Story of Hope and its mission to care for the terminally ill continues his passion and honor to care for those in our community who need hospice care.​

 

 

Donna Soles, RN, BSN, Treasurer

Donna comes to the Story of Hope with 12 years experience as a Registered Nurse, and volunteers in a variety of settings within the community.  Her focus is on caring for others and devoting herself to those in need. She is dedicated to reach out and support individuals, as well as their families in such a delicate time. Donna is committed to The Story of Hope and its mission to offer comfort, dignity, and quality of care.

 

 

Don Faso, Board Member

​Don joins the board as a retired Cartographer and Northeast Sales Manager for a national aerial mapping firm. He has a wealth of experience working on numerous not-for-profits including past president of the New York Planning Federation, a state wide organization with over 10,000 members. Don has also served on the Chili Town Board and past chairman of the Chili Planning Board.

 

When I first became aware of Story of Hope, it reminded me of the loving care my sister received while in hospice. The compassion and care shown my sister and our family in making those difficult end of life decisions is an impression that stays with me to this day. Being on the Board of Directors for Story of Hope is my small way of paying it forward.

 

 

Diane Celento, Board Member

​Diane has lived in Gates or Chili since she was 6 years old, is a graduate of Gates Chili High School, and has owned her own travel agency (Rochester Travel Group) in the area since 1990.  She is passionate about this community, its citizens and its growth.  Both of Diane’s parents passed away in hospice facilities.  Her Dad died in Florida in a small hospice home.  Her Mom died in comfort care in a nursing home facility here in Rochester.  She saw first hand the difference in the care and compassion in the two experiences.  

 

Diane has always been involved in volunteering her time and talents including the Boards of Directors for the Rochester Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Rochester Youth Hockey and the Gates Chili Chamber of Commerce.  When Diane heard Arlene speak at a Gates Lions Club meeting and learned of the Story of Hope Comfort Care Home project, she eagerly became involved.  

 

At first, it was just with donations and attending fundraising events.  When Diane met the rest of the Board of Directors members, she knew they were men and women she wanted to work with to see this project to completion.  This Home will make a difference to the people in this area that she has come to know for the past 63 years.  She is extremely proud to be a working part of the Story of Hope plans and progress. ​

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Rev. Brandi Wooten, Board Member
Brandi has been the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Chili since 2008.  She is a native of San Jose, California and lived in Massachusetts before coming to Chili. Brandi is excited about being on the Board of Story of Hope because she sees it as a natural extension of her ministry of spiritual care and support to both residents and their families. She has walked with many people through their final months, weeks and days and knows the value a comfort care home can provide. In addition to her pastoral ministry at the church, Brandi is a Certified Spiritual Director. In her free time, Brandi enjoys watercolor painting, art journaling, reading and playing with her dog. She lives with her husband Dan and their daughter. ​

 

 

Tracy Jong, Board Member
Tracy joins the board as a local attorney who has done end of life planning for more than 26 years. One of her passions has been carrying on a centuries old tradition of preparing ethical wills in the form of letters to loved ones that leave the stories, wishes, life lessons and spirit of the person for future generations. She believes that the legacy left behind is more than the material things in our possession and helps people carry on this old tradition.

Caring for her father with hospice at home in his final days helped her understand what this can do to bring peace to families and help them understand the dying process. Lack of knowledge leads to fear and anxiety and Story of Hope will help families through the pain and sorrow so they can grieve in a supportive environment. Being on the Board of Directors for Story of Hope is another way for her to help families through the difficult end of life process in a meaningful and compassionate way.​

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