​When we saw the dimension of the love Mr. Aymar shared and how his students were inspired, The Michael Aymar Foundation was the only step to take.

Board of Directors

Amanda Aymar  -  President
“Mrs. Aymar” was Mr. Aymar’s life partner of 33 years.
Amanda is a Wellness Mentor and past President of The Health and Wellness Co-Op and BNI Chapter in Millburn.  She coaches sales teams in Relationship Building.   Her past experience includes 26 years in International Banking, as well as managing and training sales teams.   She has chaired fundraising events at schools and the Women’s Club of Montclair, and is passionate about educating families to healthier lifestyles. 

​Mia Aymar Smith - Founding Board Member & Fundraising Chair
Maria (Mia) Aymar Smith is Mr. Aymar's younger sister. Mia is the Executive Assistant  of a public relations firm in New York and has over 30 years in Executive Administration.  In her experience she has helped coordinate fundraising events for various non profit organizations.  Mia shared a very special bond with Michael and is dedicated to continuing her brother's legacy.

Nancy Nadolny  -  Treasurer 
Nancy Nadolny is the Accounting Manager of a Steel Distribution Company in Kenilworth, from 2005 to the present. Her 13-year finance career with Bankers Trust Co, Jersey City, gave her varied experience in Financial Operations, Human Resources, and as a Quality Assurance Computer Systems Consultant. Nancy is a Past PTA President of Livingston Avenue School in Cranford, as well as a former CCD teacher for a combined 15 years at St. Anne’s Church, Garwood & St. Michaels Church, Cranford. Nancy has been a friend to the Aymar family for over 40 years, sharing their roots in Union City. She supports the Mission of the Michael Aymar Foundation and how it keeps alive the memory of a gem of a human being. As Treasurer, Nancy’s solid experience brings significant value as we chart our future growth. She wholeheartedly believes in the importance of the uninterrupted education of young people in their Catholic school setting. “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me” – Philippians 4:13.

 Eimear Bennett - Secretary
Graduated from University College Dublin, Ireland with a BA in political science and information systems.  After University, she lived in the south of France before deciding to move to the U.S.   Eimear currently works for an asset management firm in New York supporting administrative and business development areas of her group.  In her spare time she loves to read and run. 
Peter Aymar  -  Vice President 
Peter is the son of Mr. Aymar. He graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie with a degree in International Business. While at Marist, he also organized and raised funds for live entertainment events. Peter currently works as a Vice President at a strategic communications and advisory firm in New York City and serves as the Chair of our Foundation's Advisory Board. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, cooking and working out.
​
Noel Gonzalez - Director of  Mentoring 
Noel is an alumnus of Mr. Aymar's inaugural 4th grade at St. Anthony of Padua, Union City 1995-1996. He earned a B.S. degree in Accounting from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA and Executive M.B.A. from Washington State University.  Noel currently works as a Senior Manager at a regional fund services and accounting firm.  He has over 13 years of experience in public and private accounting, specializing in taxation. Noel had the honor of being a student of Mr. Aymar.  He enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, but especially coaching and assisting in youth sports.  

Lauren Mazzari -  Educational Consultant
Lauren is the current Head of School at Saint Patrick Catholic School, an independent , Catholic school with a coed Pre-K to Grade 8 student body, located in Norfolk, VA. Most recently, Lauren served as the  Upper School Head at St. Luke’s School, an independent School  in the West Village. Prior to her time in New York City, she spent 20 years a Lacordaire Academy, an independent Catholic school.She served as an English and religion teacher for the first ten years and later became the Head of the Lower Middle School, Director of Academy Curriculum, and  Assistant Head of School.  Lauren also taught English and writing at The Dwight School in NYC. She has served as writing coach in the Montclair Public Schools, the President of the North Jersey Junior Forensics League, and a consultant for the Writers’ Room in Montclair to assist Newark Public School in setting up writing programs.

Lauren’s career has been defined by innovation and managing growth. She has led initiatives in STEAM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and expanded course offerings for middle school students during and after school. Among her accomplishments are the creation of three award winning programs: Writer’s Workshop for K-8, Middle School forensics, and school-wide Shakespeare program. She also started Reader’s Theatre, coding classes and advisory programs. She was a friend and colleague of  Michael Aymar  for many years and both shared a great love of literature, Shakespeare, teaching, and children. She is a strong advocate of Catholic education.