Lily Gagliardi DaCruz, BA, CHC – Founder & C.E.O
Amy D. Gagliardi, MA, IBCLC, RLC – C.O.O.
Victor P. Gagliardi, MS – C.F.O.
Ashley Galipeau, BA
Luz Hago, RD, CD-N, CDE
Kristen Kruczek, MSN, RN
Carl Lecce, M.D.
Susan Raff, MA
Our Board
Lily Gagliardi DaCruz, BA, CHC – Founder and C.E.O.
lilygagliardi@lilyskidsinc.org
Lily Gagliardi is a graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology. Ms. Gagliardi is a heart disease survivor and activist. After undergoing heart surgery as a teen she founded Lily’s Kids Inc. A Non-profit Organization for Children in order to bring awareness about heart disease and preventative strategies to help children and their families. Ms. Gagliardi created an interactive program called The Heart Yourself Program, which motives youth to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors known to help prevent heart disease. She presented her Heart Yourself Program at the 2012 National Health Promotion Summit in Washington, D.C. Ms. Gagliardi presents to a wide variety of audiences and venues to raise awareness and provide education on the importance of heart health. She was awarded an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly on behalf of Lily’s Kids Inc. for her work with children and families. In addition to programs and health related awareness events, Ms. Gagliardi is involved in policy. She was actively involved in the 2012 passage of Connecticut legislation mandating all hospitals in Connecticut to screen newborns for critical congenital heart defects and attended the bill signing at the Governor’s office. In 2012 and 2013, Ms. Gagliardi attended The Red Dress Fashion Show in NYC to support women’s heart health. Ms. Gagliardi was selected as one of Connecticut Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2014 and was featured in Millennial Magazine. In 2014, she was also seen on Better Connecticut and WFSB Channel 3’s The Weekend Morning News Show.
Amy D. Gagliardi, MA, IBCLC, RLC – C.O.O.
Amy D. Gagliardi has worked in the non-profit world for over 20 years working primarily in maternal-child health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Boston College and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in Community Psychology from Central Connecticut State University. She holds an International Board Certification in Human Lactation and is a former Fellow at the Edward Zigler Center for Child Development and Social Policy, Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine. Ms. Gagliardi is a published writer, researcher, lecturer, and has been involved in direct services, management, and policy. She currently chairs the Women’s Health Subcommittee of the Connecticut Medicaid Managed Care Council. Ms. Gagliardi is the Chief Operating Officer for Lily’s Kids Inc.
Victor P. Gagliardi, MS – C.F.O.
Victor P. Gagliardi has nearly 30 years of experience working with state and city finance. During his tenure with the City of Hartford, Connecticut, he served in positions which include: Principal Accountant, City Controller, and Acting Finance Director. Mr. Gagliardi holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bryant College in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and has a Master of Science degree from the University of Hartford in Professional Accounting. Mr. Gagliardi is the Chief Financial Officer for Lily’s Kids Inc.
Ashley Galipeau, BA
Ashley Galipeau teaches Social Studies and English to middle school children in Massachusetts. Mrs. Galipeau holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Secondary Education from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA. Since her adolescence she has been working as a volunteer and a professional to help children reach their potential. Mrs. Galipeau’s activities have included teaching, mentoring, charities, and the sponsorship of children both in the U.S.A. and abroad.
Luz Hago, RD, CD-N, CDE
Luz Hago is a registered dietician who has worked throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. As a bilingual allied healthcare professional, Luz has worked in a variety of settings which include hospitals, health departments, health centers and WIC programs. A certified diabetes educator, Luz is experienced and expert in diabetes management, nutritional screening and assessment, program development and management and oversight of conditions which include obesity, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, food allergies, renal failure and malnutrition across age groups. Luz received her degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Puerto Rico.
Kristen Kruczek, MSN, RN
Kristen Kruczek has been a registered nurse for 8 years. She holds a Bachelors in Nursing from the University of Connecticut and a Masters in Nursing from Sacred Heart University. Kristen has worked with the critically and chronically ill throughout her career. She spent 4 years at Middlesex Hospital in CT on various inpatient units. She then moved to Massachusetts and became the Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital for another 4 years. Kristen is currently a Therapy Access Manager for Actelion Pharmaceuticals. She believes all patients should have access to the therapy and treatments that they need. Two of her proud accomplishments are running a half marathon in honor of Lily’s Kids and publishing a research article. As a dedicated nurse she believes that health education and prevention can improved the quality of life of those in our community. In her free time Kristen enjoys going on hikes, reading a good fiction book, cuddling with her cat Lomax and traveling to new places.
Carl Lecce, M.D.
Carl Lecce has practiced medicine as a primary care provider for over 30 years. He is a family physician committed to the care of multi-generational family members in the community setting. Dr. Lecce has spent his entire career serving an underserved population in a federally qualified health center. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University, he graduated from Penn State Medical School and the Family Practice Residency Program of Middlesex Hospital.
Susan Raff, MA
Susan Raff is an Emmy-nominated investigative reporter for WFSB TV, Ch 3 in Hartford, CT. Ms. Raff studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, France and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Communications from Emerson College in Boston, MA. Ms. Raff is dedicated to community and is involved in a broad range of activities. She currently serves as the honorary chairwoman for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Connecticut’s Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and is a fundraiser for both the American Diabetes Association and the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.