BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michelle Swaggard, MBA
President
I am a wife, daughter, sister, life long resident of Buffalo, NY and 12.5 year breast cancer survivor and advocate in the fight to one day eradicate breast cancer. I am a strong advocate of getting out in the field educating others about the importance of self-examinations, which is how I discovered my cancer, early screening and advising of all of the services available to assist them, from screening, during treatment and after treatment, as the journey does not end there.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a Master of Business Administration from Canisius College. I have held numerous roles in Banking and Supply Chain, and am currently a Customer Success Analyst with Thermo Fisher Scientific. While these are great achievements, one of my proudest moments was being voted in as the President of the Board of the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York (BCNWNY).
While BCN offers a plethora of programming and support groups to those impacted by Breast Cancer, one that is near and dear to my heart is our Sisters in Survival (SIS) support group. This program is a much-needed resource, as large disparities exist in utilization of support groups amongst women of color. One reason why this may be so, is because women of color are many times raised to believe they must be strong and show no weakness even when facing a devastating diagnosis. I myself lived in this world. After my treatments were completed, I went about my normal daily routines for many years, at times crying in silence. When the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York sought out a grant to do more to help WOC and started the SIS program, after being cancer free for ~ 10 years or so, I decided to give the SIS program a try and am thrilled that I did. It has provided me an avenue to discuss what I am feeling with a group of like-minded women who can empathize and sympathize with my feelings and has afforded me the opportunity to hopefully be a light to them as well. During my tenure as President of the Board, it is my overall mission to increase usage of all programs offered at BCN, including the SIS program. It is important that every woman impacted knows there is a safe space for them to share their thoughts, feelings, cry if needed, be angry if needed and celebrate wins when called for. One of my favorite sayings that came to me after I attended my first support group meeting is “I didn’t know I needed a support group until I did!”Dawn Schlee
Vice President
Desiree Parker-Smallwood
Treasurer
Recording Secretary
Rachel Wallmeyer
Corresponding Secretary
Amy Caruana
Dr. Tonya Miles-Day
Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock
Arianna Ravenall
My name is Desiree Parker-Smallwood, owner of DLP Consulting WNY. I specialize in Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation. I serve as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Breast Cancer Network of WNY, where I help ensure our resources are managed wisely so we can continue providing support, hope, and strength to those impacted by breast cancer.
I am honored to serve as a board member of the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York. While early detection and regular mammograms are vital, the reality is that breast cancer still happens. That’s why I am proud to support the follow-up measures we provide. Support is everything—when life changes in such a profound way, it is essential to have a community that walks with you through the journey.
Lisa Johnson
Lisa Johnson serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Compeer of Greater Buffalo, where she leads development, marketing, and mental health education initiatives that strengthen connection, belonging, and community wellbeing. With more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and higher education, her career spans volunteer management, training facilitation, fundraising, and organizational development, always with a focus on inclusion and community impact.
A graduate of the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York’s Health Leadership Fellows Program (Cohort 11) and a current participant in the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s CORE program, Lisa brings both strategic vision and a lifelong commitment to service. She has also served as Secretary and President of the Volunteer Administrators of Western New York, advancing the field of volunteer engagement across the region.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, Lisa found healing and connection through the Breast Cancer Network of WNY, an experience that inspired her to support others at every stage of their journey. She often reflects that some of the hardest days came after active treatment ended, and that her connection with BCNWNY helped her heal in unexpected, meaningful ways. In addition to her board service, Lisa is an active member of Hope Chest Buffalo, where she continues to channel resilience, empathy, and hope into community action.
Rachel Wallmeyer has been involved with BCN since 2021. She started out attending events and getting to know BCN, until the time felt right to join the board in 2022.
Rachel is a fierce advocate for access to breast health care. She is our TLC totes committee chair, as well as the corresponding secretary on the board. With expertise in navigating the health care system, Rachel has a wealth of knowledge to share!
In her free time you can find her cozy with her cat, most likely crocheting something for a friend or enjoying time with her significant other, Greg.
Ashley Arnone
.Ashley Arnone is an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics and developmental disabilities. She practices in an agency-based setting using a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
In addition to serving on the board at BCN, Ashley volunteers with her child’s school, supports a variety of organizations with a focus on redefining rural engagement and education, and remains a passionate advocate in the developmental disability community.
Ashley resides in Springville with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
Melissa Burke
.Ashley Arnone is an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics and developmental disabilities. She practices in an agency-based setting using a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
In addition to serving on the board at BCN, Ashley volunteers with her child’s school, supports a variety of organizations with a focus on redefining rural engagement and education, and remains a passionate advocate in the developmental disability community.
Ashley resides in Springville with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
Jennifer Calero, MBA
Jennifer Calero is a marketing professional and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience as the owner of Small Talk Marketing, a firm specializing in brand strategy, website development, and communications for female-focused small businesses across the country. In addition to running her agency, Jennifer has founded several other small businesses, reflecting her passion for entrepreneurship.
In addition to serving on the board at BCN, Jennifer is also past-president of her children’s PTSA and volunteers with her children's sports teams helping with management and fundraising efforts. Jenn resides in Williamsville with her husband and their two children.
“Breast cancer has deeply impacted my family’s life. After losing my mom to it in 2017, I became much more aware of the organizations that truly show up for women facing a diagnosis. That’s what makes the Breast Cancer Network of WNY so special to me. BCN is more than a resource—it’s a lifeline. From the TLC Tote program that brings resources to women newly diagnosed, to the support groups that help you find your footing again, BCN meets women exactly where they are and gives them what they need most: hope, understanding, and community.”
As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand the impact that compassionate care and community support can have during and after diagnosis. My journey has inspired me to give back—to help other patients feel informed, empowered, and never alone.
Professionally, I serve as Vice President of Business Administration and co-owner of Trilogy Wellness, where I focus on building strong teams, streamlining operations, and creating environments where patients and families feel supported from the moment they arrive. With more than 25 years in physical therapy management and nearly four decades in customer service, I’ve seen how meaningful, personalized care can truly change lives.
In addition to my work at Trilogy, I am honored to serve on the Board of the Breast Cancer Network of WNY, a member of Roswell Park’s Patient and Family Advocacy Board, and as a mentor to breast cancer patients through both organizations. Through these roles, I’m dedicated to fostering connection, empowerment, and hope for individuals navigating their own survivorship journeys.
Dr. Tonya Myles-Day is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo, School of Social Work. I was diagnosed with Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) December 29, 2022. My stage was categorized between 0-1, which was a very early stage. On February 2, 2023, I received a lumpectomy and started radiation treatment on April 23, 2023. This was devastating news, but it was not a death sentence. I continued to show up for my family, my students but most importantly I recognized the importance of showing up for myself! During this time, I was completing my Doctor of Social Work degree, and I refused to allow anything to distract me from purpose. I have been cancer free for 2 years and I truly value life!! I made a decision to use my story to educate and inform other women, specifically Black women of the importance of screening, early detection and prevention by becoming a board member of the Breast Cancer Network of WNY to give back, I am so happy I did! We do recover and go on to live life healthy, whole and free!!
Dr. Ebony E. Prophet-Bullock has more than 20 years of experience in urban education. She holds certifications from New York State for teaching and leadership at both the school and district levels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to return to the classroom to earn her Doctor of Education degree in Education Policy Leadership. In her current role as the Buffalo Public Schools Chief Accountability and Information Officer, she oversees initiatives that aim to improve the culturally appropriate and effective use of data to drive decision-making. Dr. Prophet-Bullock also teaches pre-service teachers and school leaders as an adjunct professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo. At the height of her career in education, in June of 2023, Dr. Prophet-Bullock was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma- breast cancer. Determined to live and not perish, Dr. Prophet-Bullock approached fighting cancer the way she has approached every other obstacle that occurred in her life; she leaned on her deep faith. With prayer and unwavering faith, she journeyed through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Now, she uses her twenty-plus years as an educator to pour into women. Her goal is to help women know their worth and live authentically. This includes knowing their health status as
it relates to breast cancer. While Dr. Prophet-Bullock is delighted to be an advocate for women’s health her most proud accomplishment is that of being a wife to her husband, Izeal Bullock III, and a mother to Xaiver Riley, Brooklyn Bullock, and Izeal Bullock IV.
Rebecca Vujnovic, PhD, NCSP
Rebecca Vujnovic, PhD, is a Clinical Professor of School Psychology and the Director of Training for the School Psychology Program at the University at Buffalo. She is dedicated to integrating evidence-based research with school-based practices to strengthen the training and education of graduate students. In addition to her academic role, Dr. Vujnovic maintains a small private practice, where she provides mental health support services to children and adolescents.
In 2023, Dr. Vujnovic was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine screening, an experience that has further deepened her commitment to promoting wellness, resilience, and compassionate care.
Rob Jones
Executive Director
Breast cancer initially came to Rob when his wife Coleen was diagnosed in 2007. He was inspired by her courage and will as she battled treatments and was deemed cancer free. Life was beautiful until that Labor Day of 2012 when she told him that her breast cancer had returned and spread to her liver and lungs. Less than a year later, Coleen passed and Rob’s life was upside down. Motivated by Coleen’s love and courage, he joined the Breast Cancer Network of WNY as Treasurer until his appointment to Executive Director in 2014. Rob remains dedicated to eradicating the anguish and suffering he has witnessed in women living with end of life breast cancer and is motivated to make BCN a force in advocacy, prevention, research, and cure.
When he is not working on BCN’s mission and fundraising, Rob can most likely be found with a beer, scotch, or glass of wine, listening to vinyl or concert-going, enjoying sports on TV, grilling on his patio, traveling, struggling on a golf course, or enjoying family. He is the proud father of two daughters and a son and the VERY proud grandfather of three granddaughters and two grandsons.