Amherst Survival Center Staff:
Carleen Basler, Program Director
programdirector@amherstsurvival.org, x 111
Carleen joined the Amherst Survival Center team as Volunteer Coordinator in October 2015. Her background is in education, organizing for social change, and she has had many happy years of volunteer service. Carleen speaks English, Spanish, and a little Mandarin.
Lev Ben-Ezra, Executive Director
ed@amherstsurvival.org, x 107
Lev joined the Amherst Survival Center in January 2019, finding that this is the perfect place to combine her passion for social justice, her commitment to making resources to meet basic needs accessible for all, and her skill bringing people together to accomplish big goals. Lev speaks English and a little Spanish.
Edgar Cancel, Food Pantry Coordinator
pantry@amherstsurvival.org, x 104
Edgardo is a community organizer. Born and raised in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico he came to Western Mass in 1987 at the age of 12. He has worked as a Medical (Spanish) Interpreter since 2007 and during his spare time he also works as a photographer and a DJ. Edgar speaks English, Spanish, and a little Portuguese.
Susan Cox, Community Store Coordinator
store@amherstsurvival.org, x 101
Susan has been a part of the Amherst area community for the past 30 years. She puts her years of retail experience to use through the Community Store by providing items necessary for everyday life.
Penny Coy, Pantry Assistant
penny@amherstsurvival.org, x 104
Penny started as a pantry volunteer with the Amherst Survival Center in 2012. One of the things she enjoys most about the Center is that she speaks with people from all walks of life, and especially listening to and talking with elderly people. Penny also staffs our monthly Mobile Food Program. Penny also staffs our monthly South Amherst Mobile Food Program.
Becky Lockwood, Kitchen Coordinator (Community Meals)
kitchen@amherstsurvival.org, x 103
Becky started as a volunteer in the kitchen before she was hired as our Kitchen Coordinator in 2017. She particularly enjoys the fun of the Center and can be seen enjoying dancing and singing with others while delicious and nutritious meals are being prepared.
Rich Nadolski, Clinic Coordinator
clinic@amherstsurvival.org, x 109
Rich has over 30 years of experience with community support programs and has experience with people with diverse mental health issues. He coordinates the Center’s free walk-in health clinic, and assists its patients in meeting their health-related needs.
Lisa Queenin, Development Coordinator
development@amherstsurvival.org, x 108
Lisa joined the Amherst Survival Center team in April 2014. She is grateful for the opportunity to work together with staff, volunteers, and our supporters to build on the incredible community support for the Center, and sustain and grow vital services.
Blair Robey, Maintenance Coordinator
brobey@amherstsurvival.org, x 106
Blaire’s work at the Amherst Survival Center feels to her like part of her lifelong commitment to service and social justice. As Maintenance Coordinator, Blaire is responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep of the building and its contents.
Kara Schnell, Finance and Human Resources Manager
accounting@amherstsurvival.org, x 105
Kara’s primary duties include accounting for the organization’s financial transactions, preparing budgets and financial reports, assisting with grant applications, and overseeing human resources work. She appreciates the support and expertise of staff and committee members.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Ted Parker, President
Ted is the President of Kohl Construction Inc. He is a real estate developer and construction pro with 35 years of experience managing and financing commercial and residential projects. Ted is a realtor and a licensed real estate agent in association with 5 College Realtors in Amherst. Committees: Finance, Investment.
Barbara White, Vice President
Barbara has had several “careers” in her working years from elementary and special needs teacher, to counselor/therapist and administrator in community mental health, to higher education, and later as a caterer, restauranteur and co-owner of the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland. She is a former Amherst Survival Center reception volunteer. Committees: Development.
Deron Estes, Treasurer
Committees: Finance.
Christopher Howland, Clerk
Chris is the Director of Purchasing and Marketing in Auxiliary Enterprises at UMass Amherst. Chris has developed a strong rapport with local farmers and suppliers continuing the department’s strong tradition of local sourcing and outreach. He manages all marketing initiatives for Auxiliary Enterprises including UMass Dining. Commitees: Development.
Jan Eidelson
Jan has committed her career to human services in a variety of areas ranging from sexual and reproductive health to domestic violence to foster care. Jan also served as a former President of the Board of Directors. Commitees: Development.
Paul Bobrowski
Committees: Governance.
J. Lynn Griesemer
Lynn is the retired Associate Vice President for Economic Development and Executive Director of the UMass Donahue Institute with the UMass President’s Office. Elected to the first Amherst Town Council, she serves as President of the Council. She has an Ed.D. and MS from the University of Tennessee and a MPA from the Kennedy School, Harvard University. Lynn also served as a former President of the Board of Directors. Committees: Finance, Investment.
Jennifer Moyston
Jenn Moyston is a former Food Pantry Coordinator at the Amherst Survival Center. She has been the Administrative Assistant for the Town of Amherst since 2013. Jenn has over 30 years of experience assisting low income, and mentally and physically challenged individuals. Committees: Governance.
María-Judith Rodríguez
María-Judith is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Amherst College. She moved with her family from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, in 2011. She has an MBA from the University of Phoenix and an MA from the Interamerican University. Committees: Finance.
Manju Sharma
Manju works at The Environmental Biotechnology Center at The University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Manju is also the Hindu advisor for Mount Holyoke and Amherst Colleges where she is actively engaged in volunteer and community service projects–some of which directly benefit the Amherst Survival Center. Committees: Governance.
Diana Spurgin
Diana Spurgin’s volunteer activity includes the Amherst Survival Center as well as the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Amherst Educational Foundation, and the Amherst Regional Public Schools. She also an active member of Grace Episcopal Church where she has also led food drives. Committees: Development.
Allison van der Velden
Dr. Allie is Dental Director for the Community Health Center of Franklin County. She earned a B.A. from Hampshire College, and then earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. She now lives in South Deerfield, where she also serves on the town finance committee. Committees: Governance.
Nicola Usher
Nicola is an undergraduate academic advisor at UMass Amherst. She moved to Amherst with her family in 2013 and has spent time volunteering in the community store and food pantry. She is currently a neighborhood coordinator for the neighborhood food project. Committees: Governance.
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