The Board

Wes Garvin the founder of STAND (Students Taking Action Now w/ Determination), leadership organization in 2009.    In the thirty years prior to his involvement in adult education, Wes has been working in the Hospitality Industry, working his way up from an hourly employee to a restaurant and Hotel manager, to a Senior Recruiter, to a self employed entrepreneur and employer of a recruiting agency.  During this last experience of starting and running his own company, has built his expertise in the exact arena which STAND needed in order to become such a powerful voice in the adult education community in such a short amount of time. He knows how to recruit talent, manage projects, and deliver results that continue to build the organization.    

Maria Duarte is a Senior Human Resources Representative of Tiffany & Co. at the Forest Hill Manufacturing Facility in Cumberland, Rhode Island since 2001. Tiffany & Co. is recognized worldwide as an American luxury jewelry and specialty retailer, with its merchandise wrapped inside the iconic Tiffany Blue Box. Prior to joining Tiffany & Co., Maria was the Benefits Administrator for Paramount Cards Inc., a publisher/manufacturer of greeting cards, which was located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Maria Duarte possesses over 30 years of human resources experience which includes talent management, organizational development, training and development, and leadership and management coaching, as well as benefits administration. Maria is passionate about helping businesses make the most of their resources and talent and helping individuals, empowering them to make the most of their personal and professional growth. Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College, majoring in Business and is a member of Society for Human Resource Management.    

Currently work as a Case Manager/Employment Specialist for Community Work Services in North Providence, Rhode Island. Ms. Lopes has more than nine years of experience in the field of human service which includes case management, client advocacy and service coordination. Ms.Lopes is passionate and committed to helping individuals that she serves by empowering them to become self-sufficient. She earned her BA in Psychology from University of Massachusetts Boston.     

HENRY MICHALENKA

50+ years in accounting and finance 

MBA from Bryant in 1977 

taught accounting at Bryant for three years 

CPA since 1978, specializing in taxation; clients around the US and ex-pats in several foreign countries 

extensive traveler...38 states and 9 foreign countries, including two weeks hiking in New Zealand 

married with one daughter, who has a Doctoral Degree from Virginia Tech Veterinary School.

Roberta brings her practice, training and educational experiences to serve across

the interdependent areas of communication, leadership and organizational

development, change management, conflict reconciliation, law and human

resources.

Within interdisciplinary roles with the Graduate Diversity and Inclusion Badge

Program and Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, as Facilitator,

International Teaching Scholar & Adjunct at the University of Rhode Island, she

works to enhance the education, knowledge appreciation and skill exposure within

diverse groups of individuals- discovering commonality in their role as employees,

institutional staff, students of higher learning or organizational partners. Her

educational approach emphasizes our shared humanity, the dignity of the human

person, and belief in the impact of compassionate communication to strengthen

individual leadership, interpersonal relationships, and the generation of collective

vision toward positive change.

Roberta C. Opara is a recipient of the Level III Trainer award from the University

of Rhode Island (URI) Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies where she is

also certified as a Level II trainer in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation.

Roberta holds an LLB/JD degree, as well as master’s in organizational

communication, labor relations & human resources.

Rosanna Racaza is a dedicated and experienced professional with a strong background in dementia care and administration. Currently serving as an Administrator at Active Day ADH in Plymouth, MA, she oversees the entire department, manages budgets, hires staff, and ensures quality services for clients. Previously, she was the DSCU Program Director at Briarwood Rehab & Healthcare Center, where she led the dementia program, provided staff training, and networked with referral sources.

Rosanna has also held the position of Alzheimer's Care Program Director at Dedham Healthcare, where she developed and implemented therapeutic programs for the Dementia Special Care Unit. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a major in Marketing from Cagayan de Oro Colleges and an associate’s degree in psychology from Dean College, where she graduated Cum Laude.

Her credentials include certifications as a Dementia Practitioner, Activity Director, and Montessori Dementia Care Professional. Rosanna is known for her compassion, energy, creativity, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.