Polus Center has been designing and implementing innovative initiatives that create opportunities for people with disabilities—including person-centered psychosocial, physical, and vocational rehabilitation services—in the United States and around the world since 1979. In addition to our work in Massachusetts supporting employment and training for people who are blind or visually impaired, Polus Center is a leader in designing victim assistance services in regions of conflict around the world.
Last November, we formed an Advisory Board of subject matter experts and “friends of Polus” who support our mission. An Advisory Board is less formal than a Board of Directors and is not a legal entity. There are no meeting requirements, just two invites per year (one all virtual, one in-person/hybrid). There we can give updates on our work, celebrate our accomplishments and the people we support, share our strategic challenges, and have meaningful dialogue about our approach to providing services for people with disabilities around the world. Advisory Board member have the opportunity to help the Polus Center as we continue to develop new strategies and person-centered programs, expand our partnerships, and find new sources of support.
The main ask is for a willingness that we might reach out to Advisory Board members with an occasional phone call if needed. We value this incredible collection of expertise and perspective!
If you’re interested in potentially joining the Polus Center Advisory Board, please contact Michael Lundquist (mlundquist [at] poluscenter.org, 508-450-6713) or Theresa Kane (tkane [at] poluscenter.org, 978-270-2457). The next meeting will be in April or May, 2024.
Staff
- Executive Director, Polus International: Michael Lundquist
- Executive Director, Polus U.S.: Theresa Kane, Ph.D.
Board of Directors
- Cameron Adibi, Videographer
- Kobena A. Bonney ,
MassMATCH Assistive Technology (AT) Program Coordinator, MRC - Toni Begman, Community Member
- John Burger, Mitre Corporation
- Kevin Carroll, Vice President of Prosthetics, Hanger Clinic
- Hector Casanova, hcasanova [at] hanger.com
- Kevin Chalifoux, Business Owner, Retired
- Anisio Correia, Vision Rehabilitation Consultant
- Alan Dernalowicz, Mount Wachusett Community College
- Joe Defazio, Retired Attorney
- Darcy Elks, Darcy Elks Consulting
- Joseph Emerson, Partner, Red Ball Promotions, Inc.
- Linda Everett, Attorney at Law
- Rev. Richard Fournier
- Elaine Fronhofer, Attorney
- Leslie Germond, Talent Acquisition Specialist,
UMass Chan Medical School - Donna Glick, Consultant
- Dennis Hadrick, State Department, Retired
- Dr. Michael Hirsh, Trauma Surgeon,
UMass Medical Center, Worcester Board of Health - Dennis J. Huysman, Retired
- Michael J. Kendrick PhD, Kendrick Consulting Intl
- Kenneth W. Kerber, Ph.D.
Founder & Principal, Kerber & Associates - Jim Lawrence, State Department, Retired
- Mary Neelan
- Felicia Nurmsen, Managing Director,
National Organization on Disability - Marcus Ohanesian, Owner, Perfect Evolution
- Kathleen A. Petkauskos, Director,
Work Without Limits, UMass Chan Medical School - Rick Peyser, Senior Advisor, Food 4 Farmers
- William Reid
- Jeff Roberge, MA CRC, Executive Director,
MassHire North Central Workforce Board - Susan M. Scully, Ph.D., Director
School Counseling Program, Assumption University - Mark Sullivan
- Mollie Sullivan, Lic. Mental Health Therapist
Mercy Center Health Care for Homeless - Heather Tuck, M. Ed. CVRT,
Associate, Philanthropy Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. - Dr. E.J. Welch, former board member
- Chantale Zuzi, Wellesley College Student,
International Relations/Political Science