Kare Bears Board of Directors
President Joyce Van Ornam
This year, Joyce Van Ornam moved up from First Vice President to President.
Her training and work experience are in education as a teacher, school counselor, and school administrator. She also worked for the American Red Cross as a case work trainer and supervisor for military families and veterans.
After moving to Pebble Creek in 2004, Joyce volunteered in the Kare Bears House, as a unit coordinator, and as a special volunteer..
First Vice President Larry Boress
Larry Boress, brings a wealth of leadership experience to Kare Bears. In the greater Chicago area, he has worked as President of the Midwest Business Group on Health, a non-profit group focusing on health benefit issues.
Currently, he serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Worksite Health Centers; Principal and leads LBS Consulting on Health Benefits.
He is presently a Kare Bears coordinator for units 43B and 64
1stvicepresident@karebears.org
Second Vice President Susan Fallon
Susan Fallon brings her degree in business administration along with certificates in leadership forum and public works to the Kare Bears board as Second Vice President. She has worked as business manager for a city government.
Her Kare Bears job is to staff, manage, and maintain the Kare Bears house at 15383 W. Cheery Lynn Rd. along with volunteering in the house..
2ndvicepresident@karebears.org
Treasurer Judy Ashley
Treasurer Judy Ashley joins the board with a degree and work experience in finance.
She previously served as the Singles Club treasurer for two years.
Health & Wellness Donna Blomquist
Donna Blomquist is representing the Health and Wellness part of Kare Bears as a new board member.
She and DeeDee Patrick, both RN’s, are serving as co-directors of Health and Wellness.
Both Directors have stated a firm belief in the benefit of the Kare Bears Health and Wellness program to Pebble Creek residents.
Health & Wellness Dee-Dee Patrick
Dee-Dee Patrick is co-director for Health & Wellness with Board Member Donna Blomquist.
She and Donna are both RN’s.
They have both stated a firm belief in the benefit of the Kare Bears Health and Wellness program to Pebble Creek residents.
Programs Linda Jo Orinski
Linda Jo Orinski returns to the board as Programs Director.
She is responsible for recruiting speakers for Kare Bears Presents on the fourth Wednesday of the month in September and October and January through June.
Linda Jo also organizes the November luncheon and Spring Fling.
Publicity Betsy Porter
Betsy Porter joins the board as Publicity Director. She previously worked as a technology trainer for a school district and as a special education teacher.
She is presently a Kare Bears unit coordinator and has trained as a house volunteer.
Kare Bears Founder Rayma Scalzo
Rayma and her husband Joe, moved to PebbleCreek in 1995 after residing in Phoenix for over 40 years.
After a life altering experience with Breast Cancer, she decided that her mission in life was to help people.
In 1995 she founded Kare Bears using brainstorming techniques and her marketing background.
In addition to Kare Bears, Rayma is the Founder and Facilitator of the Breast Cancer Discussion Group
And Founder of the Alzheimers/Dementia Caregiver Discussion Group.