Board of Directors
Why is our board of directors different than other non-profits?
Helpful Hands, Inc. is governed by an active, working, fundraising, all-volunteer Board of Directors who are involved in every aspect of our charitable foundation to ensure our sustainability and future.
Our Board of Directors:
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Interact directly with our Community Partners & Donors
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Are involved with planning, attending, & volunteering at our fundraising events
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Are highly visible in the community at large
Our Board of Directors is responsible for the daily operations of our charitable foundation with our President and Founder. Our Board Members are individuals who live and work in our local community and are invested in ensuring that children and families in crisis have access to quality of life programs long-term.
Executive Officers
Regina Bereswill - Founder
Regina Bereswill worked for British Airways for 32 years in various management positions within the Sales & Marketing Departments. In 2002, Regina was elected to the Oviedo City Council and served two terms. She is the founder of the Helpful Hands organization. Regina has served on several boards volunteering her time for the community:
• Vice President of Government Affairs for the Oviedo Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce
• Chair of the Seminole County Library Advisory Board
• Representative for Seminole County on the Metroplan Orlando’s citizen advisory board
• Member of the Seminole County Charter Review Committee.
Regina has also served as the Chair of the Philanthropic Committee for the GFWC Oviedo Woman’s Club. Regina is very active in the community and has served in other leadership roles for organizations within Seminole & Orange counties since moving here from New York in 1996.
Regina is married with 4 grandchildren.
Brad Augustine - President
Brad is an Orlando, FL native and works in Commercial Flooring here in Central Florida for Trinity Surfaces. He is actively involved in the Florida Construction community and also serves on the Legislative PAC Committee through the Associated Builders of Central Florida. Being born and raised right here in Orlando, Brad has a deep passion for his community and is thrilled to be a part of such a giving organization in Helpful Hands!
In his free time he loves spending time with his wife and two beautiful daughters, attending their local church, and playing as much golf as his schedule allows!
Susan Haines - Vice President
Susan Haines is an author, emotional health and healing coach and motivational speaker. Born and raised in Orlando, Susan has served on several committees and charities in the local area and joined forces with Helpful Hands in 2013 as a Founding Board Member and Executive Officer. In her spare time, Susan enjoys travel, photography, yoga, cooking and spending time with her three grown children and three grandchildren.
Leslie Sackman - Vice President
Leslie Sackman works in residential and commercial design in the Central Florida Region. She has has lived in Florida all of her life except while she was attending Western Kentucky University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Leslie grew up being taught that it is important to give back to the community. She is also involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities. She has two grown children. She loves spending time outdoors whether in the garden or enjoying water sports.
Josh Strzalko - Treasurer
Josh Strzalko is the founder of Eleet Technologies, a local web development firm servicing companies all over the United States. Raised in Oviedo and a graduate of Oviedo High School and the University of Central Florida, Josh remains active in the community, serving on the UCF College of Business Alumni Chapter Executive Committee and on the board of directors of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce.
In his spare time, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife, Brooke, and children, Ava, Serena and Jack, and sneaks in some time to catch up on the latest in global economics and finance.
Debbie Claydon - Secretary
Debbie is the principal of Carpenter Claydon Advisors, Inc., an independent registered advisory firm providing financial services to businesses, fiduciaries, and individuals in Central Florida. Originally from upstate New York, she attended the University of Central Florida and received her Bachelors of Science degree in Marketing. She is a Certified Financial Planner, past Treasurer for the Oviedo Rotary Club and Rotarian of the Year.
Debbie is also an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIFT) from the Center for Fiduciary Studies at the Katz School of Business, University of Pittsburgh. She is currently serving on the UCF Investment Committee.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children on their five acres in Geneva.
Board Members
Lisa Greer
Lisa Greer currently serves as a Board Member.
Jill Russell
Jill is the CFO of Tigerbrain Engineering, a small engineering firm in Oviedo. Originally from New Jersey, she has lived in Florida for most of her life. She attended the University of Central Florida where she received a B.A. in Accounting.
Jill has always had a passion for helping children of all ages and has been a youth group leader for elementary to high school age. Jill has a daughter Lexi, son Chad and in her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband Jeff traveling and biking.
Cherie Bereta Hymel
Cherie is the Project Management and HR Director for Gravis Marketing, Inc., a nationally recognized non-partisan political marketing and polling firm.
Originally from Chicago, Cherie is a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University and holds a B.A. in Psychology. She is also a Notary Public in the State of Florida. Her steadfast personality is always full of ideas, suggestions and ready to take action and pursue new endeavors.
In her free time, she loves being adventurous, traveling, spending time with her family and friends, playing competitive softball and recreational fishing.
Chris Chuck
Chris is a Realtor in Central Florida focused on serving the real estate needs of his community both in the residential and commercial space. Born and raised in Central Florida, Chris attended UCF and graduated with a degree in Finance and Business Administration.
Chris’s passion for supporting and developing our younger generation started during his time volunteering with Junior Achievement, teaching students at Crooms Academy about basic economic principles and household budgeting strategies. Chris also has a daughter Emma and is currently engaged to his college sweetheart Yirmarie.
Chris loves traveling, being adventurous, spending time with his family and friends, and playing an occasional round of golf.
Valerie Smith DeForest
Valerie worked for Fiserv and FIS for over 30 years as Vice President of software sales.
She has remained an active volunteer for multiple causes and served as board member to various organizations.
“You are what you think about all day long.”
– Dr. Robert Schuller