We are pleased to introduce the newest staff members of Breakthrough T1D’s Upstate New York Chapter. They join Denise Nicastro, Market Director, in fulfilling Breakthrough T1D’s mission of accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. This team will work together with our amazing network of volunteers and donors throughout the state to connect with the T1D community and host fundraising events so that we can continue working towards a world without T1D.
Learn more about our newest staff members below:
Tom Guagliardo, Executive Director
Tom has 28 years of experience in the non-profit sector in development and chief executive officer roles. He has worked for organizations such as Goodwill Industries, Western New York Public Broadcasting Association, the American Red Cross Greater Buffalo Chapter, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America affiliate based in Buffalo, NY (BBBS of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier). His fundraising experience includes major and individual giving, special events and corporate sponsorships. He is a seasoned business development professional with strategic planning, volunteer management, partnership creation and operational management experience.
He excited to work with the dedicated team of staff and community volunteers of the Upstate New York chapter of Breakthrough T1D to impacts the organization’s mission.
Matthew Steffen, Development Director
Matt is excited to be part of the Upstate NY Breakthrough T1D team. He brings over 15 years of professional experience in event management, corporate partnerships, and fundraising. Matt joined Breakthrough T1D in November 2022 after five years as a front-line fundraising with the University of Rochester and Simon Business School.
Matt resides just outside of Rochester New York with his family and enjoys playing indoor beach volleyball, exploring local parks and hiking trails, along with cheering on the Buffalo Bills. Matt’s oldest nephew was diagnosed with T1D five years ago giving him extra motivation in his role as Breakthrough T1D pushes forward to find a cure for T1D.
Marianna Seefeldt, Development Coordinator
Marianna shared, “I am so excited to meet everyone and be a part of such an amazing team. I was diagnosed with type one when I was three years old. I grew up advocating for myself and others like me in my small community starting in elementary school. Breakthrough T1D has been a part of me from the very beginning, always giving my family and I the support and resources, we needed to survive so much change. I’m so grateful to be here and can’t wait to continue making a difference with Breakthrough T1D.”
Brielle Logan, (she/her/hers), Development Assistant
Brielle shared, “I am glad to be joining the Upstate New York Chapter of Breakthrough T1D as the Development Assistant. My fiancée and I recently moved back to NY state after living in Boston, MA for a couple of years, and it feels good to be back! In 2019, I graduated with my BA in Theatre Studies from Ithaca College, and since then I have worked in various customer service and office administration roles. I first heard of Breakthrough T1D four years ago when my nephew was diagnosed with T1D, and I am so excited to bring my skills to the team and join the important work being done at Breakthrough T1D!”