​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.

Amalia Morales-Parada - Secretary
Immigrated from El Salvador, holds a Master’s degree in educational administration from Saint Peter’s University and brings over 20 years of teaching experience both as a volunteer in various CCD programs as well as in the public school system. Amalia serves the West Orange community as one of the founding members of the West Orange Hispanic Foundation.  As a wife and mother of two children who attend Catholic schools, Amalia believes that God has given us gifts to serve Him and to serve others.

It was love at first sight for Amalia when she signed up her son for our first series of workshops in West Orange.  That love and her commitment to education and community made her the perfect Board member for our Foundation.
Peter Aymar  -  Vice President 
Peter is the son of Mr. Aymar.  He graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, with a degree in International Business.  He organized and raised funds for live entertainment events, at Marist College.   Peter currently works as an Associate at an Investor Relations firm in New York City. Peter is the Chair of our Foundation's Advisory Board. He enjoys reading and working out in his free time.  
 
Lauren Mazzari is the  Upper School Head at St. Luke’s School, an independent School  in the West Village, coed Junior Kindergarten to eighth grade. Her previous 25 years at Lacordaire Academy in Upper Montclair began as an English teacher and, in her last 10 years, she became Head of the Lower Middle School, Director of Academy Curriculum, and  Assistant Head of School.  Lauren has 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. She brings a solid focus on writing, creating, a performance-based middle school Shakespeare unit, and developing a blended/online learning class. 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.  

Advisory Board

Who better to pass on Mr. Aymar's legacy and passion than those he inspired?  His impact drives their loving commitment.
​
Peter Aymar
Chair, Advisory Board

Eimear Bennett
Friend of the family
Profession:  Administrative Finance Industry 

Ana Cecilia Celestino 
Life-long friend of the family
Profession: Event Coordinator 

​​Victoria Espinoza
Goddaughter - Journalist

Marlly Garcilazo
4th grade student at St. Anthony of Padua, Union City - 1996/1997
Profession: Administrative/Office Management

Paulette Gazzillo
Life-long friend of Michael's sister, Mia
Profession: Auditor, retail home improvement company

Noel Gonzalez
 4th grade student at St. Anthony of Padua, Union City - 1995-1996
Profession: Tax Manager for a NY/NJ Private Equity Fund

Angela Leon 
Past Board Member -  Founder of Semirosas - Educational Services and Tutoring
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Carol M. Sainthilaire
4th grade at St. Anthony of Padua, Union City - 1995-1996
Profession: Senior Program Manager at the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)

Lilly Santos
5th & 7th grade student at St. Anthony of Padua, Union City - 1999 & 2001
Profession: Office Manager for a food color company in North Jersey

Alyssa Shugayev
Frequent “ Car Bed” guest/daughter. Pre K - Edgemont Montessori - Montclair  1997-2000
Profession:  Administrative Fashion Industry
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