Our Mission
Small Miracles in Life Exist (SMILE Mass) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping families raising children or adults with disabilities enjoy happy, healthy memories through education, vacation, and recreation experiences.
Our Story
SMILE Mass was born from a simple but powerful idea: every family deserves the chance to experience joy, adventure, and independence—no matter their abilities. It started when a mother saw firsthand how the world wasn’t designed for children like her son. Rather than accept it, she decided to change it.
Co-founders Lotte Diomede and Susan Brown came together with a bold vision: to create a world where children and adults with disabilities could live fully, move freely, and be included in every experience. Their first goal was small but mighty—installing an accessible swing in a Sudbury playground.
That single swing sparked a movement. It led to the creation of the very first fully accessible playground in MetroWest, opening the door for countless families across New England to experience play without barriers.
Today, SMILE Mass has grown into a community of changemakers, still fueled by that same spirit: Small Miracles in Life Exist.
2008
FIRST ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND BUILT
Lotte approached the town of Sudbury to get an accessible swing for a playground. That small project ignited a movement, leading to the creation of the first fully accessible playground in MetroWest—a landmark destination for families across New England.
2009
LAUNCHED SMILE MASS
While raising funds for the playground, SMILE Mass Sudbury had the privilege of being umbrellaed under the tax-exempt status of the Sudbury Parks and Recreation Department. To further our reach, SMILE Mass-Boston became its own non-profit in 2009.
2010
BEACH WHEELCHAIR PROGRAM STARTS
Began donating floating beach wheelchairs to Cape Cod Public Beaches. Today SMILE Mass has donated over 180 chairs across New England and continues to add new beaches to our list every year.
2012
ESTABLISHED LOANER PROGRAM
Created the Equipment Loaner Program, giving families short-term access to specialized adaptive equipment like beach wheelchairs, ramps, Hoyer lifts, and accessible bathroom equipment.
2018
CREATED ACCESSIBLE VACATION RENTAL
Transformed a townhouse in Truro, MA, into a fully accessible vacation rental, ensuring that families with disabilities could enjoy barrier-free getaways.
2020
Club SMILE Mass is Born
When COVID-19 shut down programs across the state, families raising children and adults with disabilities were left without essential support. Refusing to let their community go without, Lotte and Susan pivoted and launched Club SMILE Mass—a holistic, movement-based program designed to keep clients active, connected, and thriving. Movement stimulates the frontal lobe of the brain, strengthening critical functions like communication, socialization, impulse control, decision-making, and motor skills. Club SMILE Mass offers adaptive swim lessons, one-on-one gym sessions, social groups, music therapy, and so much more—all tailored to build skills, foster friendships, and bring joy back into daily life.
2022
EXPANSION OF CLUB SMILE MASS
Due to the success of the launch in 2020 – Club SMILE Mass was able to bring in new clients and hire its first two full-time coaches.
2023-present
SMILE Mass Continues to Grow
The popularity of our programming continues to spread, allowing us to hire new full-time staff members, a Director of Communications and a Chief Development Officer to help manage the organization’s growth. While we closed the Truro Beach House due to erosion, we opened the new Wellfleet Luxury Accessible Beach House. The Loaner, Beach Wheelchair, and Accessible Vacation Rental Programs are active and growing. Club SMILE Mass is outgrowing the two rented spaces currently used to host activities, driving us to fundraise for our Capital Campaign – our biggest initiative yet, aimed at raising enough money to build our own clubhouse.
What’s next?
The Future of SMILE Mass Starts Here
At Club SMILE Mass, we believe no one should ever sit on a waiting list—especially when life-changing programs are within reach. Right now, demand for our direct services and inclusive programming is greater than ever—but space is holding us back.
That’s why we’re launching our Capital Campaign—to build the first-ever Club SMILE Mass Headquarters.
This state-of-the-art facility will be a place where thousands of children and adults with disabilities can move, learn, connect, and thrive in an environment designed for them—one that celebrates accessibility, inclusion, and possibility at every turn.
Together, we can eliminate the wait and open new doors to joy, independence, and opportunity.
Join the movement. Explore our vision. Help us build a future without barriers.
Curious about the impact SMILE Mass is making?
Meet the Leaders behind the Mission
LOTTE DIOMEDE
COFOUNDER & PRESIDENT
lotte@smilemass.org
617.967.7755
Because I like to relax, enjoy myself with my family, and take a respite from all the requirements of the daily grind, I started SMILE Mass. This foundation seeks to enable individuals and families with a disabled member to enjoy a getaway similar to those who have no special needs.
I know how difficult traveling with a handicapped family member can be; I speak from firsthand experience. My son Nicholas was born prematurely in 2000 with a buildup of fluid on his brain. This condition, known as hydrocephalus, creates many disadvantages for a growing child. Nicholas faces numerous obstacles every single day of his life—everything from getting out of bed to feeding himself—things an individual with a normally functioning brain can do for themselves multiple times a day. He has been in a wheelchair his entire life and requires constant assistance from our family, his teachers, and his friends.
In addition, Nicholas is on a special diet that requires he not consume any sugar or carbohydrates, which could bring on a seizure. He also has sensory issues that cause him to get nervous and sometimes hyperventilate in unfamiliar surroundings. He requires oxygen at night and receives medication five times a day.
Why am I telling you all this? Because even though Nicholas has these obstacles, he can smile at the warmth of the sun on his face. He senses when I am relaxed and enjoying time with my family. He knows when those around him are content. He is an amazing inspiration to the rest of my family. I consider us fortunate that Nicholas is always happy. He rarely complains. His spirit is my lifeline. Knowing the big struggles he goes through every day puts my life in perspective.
He has a younger sister named Annabelle, who never resents when things don’t always go her way. The sacrifices she has had to make over the years are not always easy to justify as a parent. Until now, I could only dream of a vacation where we had all the equipment we needed—a place where my daughter can feel just as special, a place away from home where we could build memories that would last a lifetime.
It is this dream that I would like to make a reality for any family that experiences a similar situation in life. I feel so lucky to have great friends and family who believe in my mission to change lives, one family at a time. I owe my mission to Nicholas, and if it weren’t for him, who knows if this is the path I would have chosen.
SUSAN BROWN
COFOUNDER & VICE PRESIDENT
susan@smilemass.org
978.460.7410
Beginning in 2008, I was part of the SMILE Sudbury Playground Project. I was on the fundraising team and found working on that project to be extremely fulfilling. When Lotte Diomede asked me to continue on with her to begin SMILE Mass, I jumped right in. I have a personal interest in improving the lives of children with special needs.
Many of you know that our oldest daughter, Kristen, had to have brain surgery when she was 3 years old to stop her seizures, which could not be controlled with medication. The great news is she no longer has seizures. The difficult news is that, due to the brain surgery, she is developmentally delayed and has some mobility issues.
What we have experienced during this journey over the past 13 years is that every accommodation for individuals with disabilities costs an extraordinary amount of money. For example, we got Kristen a therapy bike from Germany for $1,600 so that she can bike along with the rest of her siblings. A basic pediatric wheelchair (not motorized or customized in any way) that she would use during outings that require a lot of walking—again, $1,600. She does not need a wheelchair for everyday living, but only occasionally so that our family can do all the things a typical family would do, such as Disney, the Topsfield Fair, etc.
Kristen is a very happy child, and her smile melts our hearts. She attended high school where she enjoyed a wonderful special education program. Despite the fact that Kristen is very high-functioning, she is not a typical twenty-something. She still takes medication twice a day. Her sports activities are not typical sports—some are therapy-related, like therapeutic horseback riding, and others are designed with extra support, such as special needs basketball. She cannot be left alone without supervision. She cannot go for a bike ride alone or even bathe without assistance. Oftentimes, we rely on her siblings to stay with her when we have things to do, which they are all wonderful about. We are so lucky that we can lean on our other children to help with Kristen.
Kristen loves being in the water and especially loves the beach! I know a lot of us share that feeling (especially with our New England winters). I could not imagine how sad she would be if that basic joy was not possible!
Meet the Team
MIKE DIGGINS
EXECUTIVE PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF CLUB SMILE MASS
mikediggins@smilemass.org
Mike earned his Business Administration and Accounting degree from Worcester State University. First introduced to Human Services in high school through respite care, he still sees some of those same clients thirty years later.
Over his career, Mike has held roles spanning clinical contracting, disability support, family services, and healthcare administration. Highlights include managing a nationwide EAP network, supporting individuals with ID/DD at UMass, directing a Family Support Center, and most recently serving as PCA Special Project Manager at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services — overseeing a $1.7 billion budget and leading program audits, policy development, and fraud/waste initiatives.
For over 20 years, Mike and his spouse have provided home support for four adults with disabilities. He has coached Special Olympics for 15+ years, served on his local chapter’s Board of Directors, and founded a weekly social bowling group in Shrewsbury that draws around 30 attendees each week.
TODD CIVIN
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
todd@smilemass.org
978.502.1453
A graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Todd has authored several full-length biographies and over 70 children’s books, many focusing on themes of kindness and disability awareness. Notable works include “One Letter at a Time” with Dick and Rick Hoyt, “Line Change” with Matt Brown, and “Pulling Each Other Along,” a compilation of 31 inspirational stories of human kindness and the SMILE Mass children’s book, Swinging Into an Accessible World.
Todd is a husband, father of five, and grandfather of six. His dedication to storytelling and advocacy continues to impact many, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.
SOPHIA ALYSSA BACUNO
DIGITAL MARKETING VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
alyssa@smilemass.org
Sophia Alyssa Bacuno is a Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant at SMILE Mass, where she helps manage social media, create digital content, and support email marketing initiatives. She is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Batangas. Over time, her love for graphic design, video creation, and creative work has grown, allowing her to combine both technical skills and creativity in her role.
TREVOR FISHMAN
FITNESS COACH
Trevor Fishman discovered his passion for exercise and strength training in high school, where he began lifting weights during the off-seasons of football and basketball. That passion only deepened throughout college as he spent countless hours in the gym, lifting with friends and playing basketball. In 2019, Trevor became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and began working with clients at his college gym and the YMCA.
He earned his degree in political science and justice studies from the University of New Hampshire in 2020. In March 2021, Trevor began working with individuals with disabilities—a path that would shape his future. He joined SMILE Mass full-time in September 2022, where he now brings creativity and compassion to his work, designing personalized fitness programs that build strength, mobility, and confidence for people of all ability levels.
Outside of work, Trevor enjoys spending time in nature. Whether he’s hiking, kayaking, berry-picking, or bowhunting, he finds joy in staying active and connecting with the outdoors.
RILEY MILAY
FITNESS COACH
Certified Level 12 Swim Whisperer Program.
Dante Kimbrough
FITNESS COACH
Certified Level 12 Swim Whisperer Program.
Vincent Pecorelli
FITNESS COACH
Vincent Pecorelli has his NASM CPT, a Bachelors in Health Sciences, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. Vince conducted injury prevention research with the US Military for 5 years, and spent 1 year at Tufts University working with the team at the Food is Medicine Institute as a Project Administrator. Vince has worked with adults and children with a variety of mobility related conditions and levels of ability. His passions include; traveling (particularly to Spanish speaking countries) training for triathlons, listening to music, and Salsa dancing.
Estel DuPlessis
SWIM COACH
Certified Levels 1-4 Swim Whisperer Program.
LISA SPINDLER
Volunteer Social Group Coordinator
Lisa Spindler began volunteering with SMILE Mass in October 2023, bringing her creativity, warmth, and lifelong love of crafting to our Social Skills Group. Inspired by the unique interests of Club SMILE Mass members—including her daughter Amy, a current client—Lisa introduced hands-on art projects to the group. Since then, participation has more than doubled.
Through crafting, Lisa fosters communication, socialization, and joy. Club members practice choice-making, active listening, conversation skills, and peer encouragement—all while creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind art.
Lisa is a retired physical therapist with 36 years of experience. Married to Dave and mom to two adult children, Michael and Amy, she also shares her home with their dog, Scout. Her love of crafting began in her 20s, thanks to her sister-in-law Susan, who sparked her curiosity in everything from fabric arts to chocolate making.
Today, Lisa continues to explore creative outlets like sea glass jewelry and mosaic art. Her passion and compassion are a gift to our SMILE Mass community.
MARY RAPA
VOLUNTEER SWIM COACH
Mary Rapa has been a Registered Nurse since 1997 working at The Learning Center for the Deaf in their Residential Treatment Program at the Walden School for 21 years. As a yoga instructor, she held yoga classes with the students to help them relax. Currently, she works part-time at Boston Public Schools as a substitute nurse. She is also VP of the Board of Directors at Employment Options in Marlboro. She has many interests and hobbies including traveling, swimming, Pilates, reading, playing the piano, and knitting. She resides in Framingham with her partner, Steve, and their cat, Penny. We welcome her to SMILE Mass as a swimming assistant volunteer.
Sheila O’brien
SWIM COACH
I am an elementary art teacher in Sudbury. I am so excited to join the SMILEMass team! I have always had a passion for both swimming and working with people with disabilities. My other passions include animals, creating and crafting, and baking (to name a few). Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to join this community!
Sahil Shamim
PART TIME COACH
Sahil Shamim is a community-driven professional who has followed his instinct to say yes to opportunities that serve others, leading him from classrooms and research labs to working as an EMT and contributing to SMILE Mass. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Business Analytics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and currently provides emergency care as an EMT, supporting individuals during vulnerable moments. His commitment to service was shaped through roles such as supervising UMass’s TheBoltwoodProject, teaching Genetics and Organic Chemistry, leading muscle biology research, and co-founding an environmental nonprofit that organized volunteers to plant over 600 trees. As he continues to grow in the medical field, Sahil remains deeply committed to lifelong service and proudly supports SMILE Mass’s mission to create joyful experiences for individuals of all abilities.
Meet the Board
Gerard Verweij
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Gerard Verweij is the Chairman of the Board at SMILE Mass and brings over 35 years of global experience in technology, consulting, and business transformation. A retired partner from PwC, Gerard has held numerous high-impact leadership positions spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia. His distinguished career is marked by a deep commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and enabling meaningful change through technology.
Most recently, Gerard served as the Global CIO of Vialto Partners, a global mobility firm carved out of PwC. From December 2020 through May 2023, he led all global IT operations, overseeing both front and back-office technology across the organization. He was instrumental in establishing Vialto’s independent IT infrastructure during its divestiture from PwC, building the new global IT organization, managing risk, and ensuring the security and resilience of critical systems.
Prior to his tenure at Vialto, Gerard served in several high-level global leadership roles at PwC, including:
- Global AWS Alliance and Practice Leader
- Global Data and Analytics Leader
- Global Front Office Technology Leader
- U.S. Technology Consulting Leader
In these roles, Gerard was responsible for shaping PwC’s global cloud strategy, leading key client engagements, and building capabilities in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. As the Global AWS Alliance Leader, he drove the strategic relationship between PwC and AWS, scaling cloud services and innovations across markets worldwide.
Gerard also led PwC’s U.S. Technology Consulting practice, overseeing teams in the U.S., Japan, Hong Kong/China, and Mexico. He played a critical role in supporting PwC’s largest clients and led numerous global technology-enabled transformation programs, including cloud migrations, business application modernization, and digital strategy execution. As part of the U.S. Advisory Leadership Team and the U.S. Extended Leadership Team, Gerard contributed to the firm’s overall strategic direction and growth initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Gerard served as PwC’s U.S. Advisory CIO and was responsible for Advisory-specific technology product development and support. In Europe, he led both Y2K and Euro transformation initiatives. He also developed and implemented PwC’s Global Delivery Model (GDM), leading the associated organizational change and infrastructure build-out.
Gerard has extensive expertise across industries including retail, financial services, technology, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, consumer goods, and utilities. His areas of specialization include:
- Digital and cloud transformation
- Business application modernization
- Cybersecurity
- Data and analytics (including AI)
- IT strategy and risk management
- Global program and change management
Throughout his career, Gerard has consistently demonstrated an ability to manage complex global projects, build world-class teams, and foster strategic partnerships. He has led PwC’s global Oracle alliance, built the U.S. Alliances and Channels program, and brought innovative technology solutions to market in collaboration with leading enterprise partners.
In retirement, Gerard remains deeply committed to giving back to the community through leadership and service. As Chairman of the SMILE Mass Board, he provides strategic oversight, governance, and support for the organization’s mission to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families through education, recreation, and vacation experiences.
JAYNE CARVELLI-SHEEHAN MSN, R.N.C.S
Board Member
Senior Vice President, System Integration and Care Coordination
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & System
Jayne Carvelli-Sheehan is the Senior Vice President of System Integration and Care Coordination at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and System. Over her 25-year career, she has held progressive leadership roles, including SVP of Ambulatory and Emergency Services, where she oversaw operations, budgeting, and staffing across six offsite hospital-licensed Medical Office Buildings and over one million ambulatory visits annually.
She developed and implemented the BIDMC Urgent Care strategy, opening three centers and expanding access across the system. Her focus has included system-wide clinical integration, care transitions, OR asset utilization, ambulatory growth, and reducing total medical expense. Jayne also led the BIDMC–New England Baptist Hospital MSK joint venture and its successful branding rollout.
Her clinical background includes roles as staff nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse manager, and director of nursing, She has spearheaded multiple construction projects, including a 27,000 sq. ft. Emergency Department and trauma center, a GI Endoscopy/Interventional Procedural Unit, and a 30,000 sq. ft. multispecialty facility in Chestnut Hill and a stand alone Cancer Center for BID-Needham.
MICHAEL GRAY
Board Member
Michael Gray has served on the SMILE Mass Board of Directors since 2019, after spending several years as a dedicated supporter and participant in SMILE Mass fundraising road races.
Mike brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the biotechnology sector. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Upstream Bio, where he oversees the company’s financial strategy and daily operations. Prior to this, he held the same roles at Carmot Therapeutics, where he played a key role in the company’s acquisition by Roche in 2024.
Mike also served as CFO and COO of Imara and Arsanis, helping lead both companies through successful initial public offerings and organizational growth. Earlier in his career, he held various leadership positions at Curis. He also served on the Board of Directors of Therapeutics Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company, through its merger with POINT Biopharma, which was later acquired by Eli Lilly and Company in March 2024.
Mike earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) from Bryant College and his MBA in Corporate Finance and Entrepreneurial Management from the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College.
JOHN TOBIN
Board Member
In addition, John has been involved in the Boston comedy scene since 1992 where he started as a doorman and ticket taker. Today, John owns and operates John Tobin Presents which owns, operates and produces live comedy shows at several venues in Massachusetts and Michigan.
Maria Fragala-Pinkham PT, DPT, DSc
Board Member
Maria Fragala-Pinkham PT, DPT, DSc is an outpatient physical therapist and Manager of Research and QI at Boston Children’s Hospital. She has over 30 years of clinical experience working with children in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient hospital, early intervention, and schools. She also developed and directed community-based adapted sports and fitness programs for children including adaptive ice skating, hockey, baseball, soccer, and bike riding. She is one of the senior authors of the PEDI-CAT, a functional outcome measure for children with disabilities.
Dianne McCarthy
Board Member
Dianne McCarthy is a retired health care attorney with deep expertise in nonprofit health law, including privacy and compliance, intellectual property transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and research-related legal issues. She previously served as General Counsel for the Center for Health Information and Analysis and held senior legal roles at Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Joslin Diabetes Center. Earlier in her career, she practiced at Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP and worked in health care administration and clinical social work for over two decades.
Currently, Ms. McCarthy is a Lecturer at Boston University School of Law, where she teaches Health Law Transactions, leads the Health Law Externship Program, and runs a mentorship program for emerging health law professionals.
She holds a B.A. from Springfield College, an M.S.W. from the University of Connecticut, and a J.D., cum laude, from Boston University School of Law. She is a former Chair of the Community Services Board at Dimock Health Center and of the Finance and Warrant Commission in Westwood, MA.
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