Board of Directors

Joe Gallagher has been a full time Bonita Springs resident and volunteer since retirement from a civil service position in NY. The current “second act” which started in 2010 includes re-establishing the board of Iona House Corporation.  In addition, Joe serves on the Bonita Springs Lions club which has provided additional board experience through the presidency and other roles. Some of the issues faced by seniors were addressed through volunteering with the Senior Friendship Center in Ft Myers. Currently Joe serves as the President of the Bonita Senior Center Board.

Karen holds a BS in Communications with a Minor in Political Science and is a graduate of SIU-C She is an experienced Community Relations manager with strong community and social services experience.  She has worked in the communications industry for 25 years. Her background includes strategic communication, public relations, public affairs, media relations and writing.

Karen has Chaired several committees including the Illinois United Way committee for Nicor Gas, the Inspire Women’s Employee Resource Group with over 400 women members, and has served as an Executive Board Member for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly is a co-founder and Managing Partner of Life Home Health, an accredited home health agency connecting seniors with medical and non-medical in-home services. A compassionate leader and entrepreneur with a depth of experience in both direct care and healthcare management, Kelly is an educator, consultant, board director and holistic practitioner. Her thirst for leadership began at an early age and has led her to highly responsible healthcare roles throughout her 30-year career. 

While working and raising a family, Kelly learned the business of leading and building a culture of care by studying Health Sciences at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. Kelly’s concentration in Gerontology was inspired by grandparents who lived with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Applying what she learned, and teaching others, came naturally as she navigated the journey of neuro-cognitive disease alongside her family. Her peers marvel at how she has made her executive roles in business development, operations and now ownership of a thriving agency look easy. That’s because for her it is a joy, not a job.

Stephanie Gomez is the Co-founder, President & CEO of Stabilized Steps, a Naples, FL-based company dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with mobility and balance issues. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Stephanie is passionate about making a positive impact in this field.

Originally from Medellin, Colombia, Stephanie has considered SWFL her home since the age of 12. She holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Finance and Economics from Florida Gulf Coast University and began her professional career in the banking industry. After four years, she transitioned into consulting, specializing in crafting business plans for small businesses seeking acquisitions or SBA loans. It was during this time that Stephanie seized the opportunity to launch Stabilized Steps.

Graduate of Westmoreland Hospital School of Nursing, with a BS and Masters in Education from Indiana University.  Retired as a licensed Financial Consultant for an insurance company.  Janet is an excellent advocate for seniors in the Bonita Springs area.  She enjoys attending the programmed activities at the Center as well as leading and planning Day Trips for seniors.

Maureen worked her entire career for a major retail store.  She started as a regular employee and worked her way up to Department Supervisor, Human Resources Manager and ended her career as Assistant Store Manager.  Maureen’s love for her community and the seniors in the Bonita Springs area shines through each day.  She volunteers for the center as well as attends many of the activities.  She advocates for seniors and truly believes in the mission of the Bonita Senior Center to promote lifelong learning and living independently with dignity for as long as possible.

Sheila F. Morales, RN, BS, Faith Community Nurse

Shelia has been a Registered Nurse for 40 years.  She is originally from Upstate NY, but has lived in Florida for 20 years. Sheila has 2 children, Cecelia and Nathaniel and lives with her wonderful husband Noel.  Sheila’s contributions to the Bonita Senior Center are invaluable.  She is the face of the Center and the go to person for all programming and information and assistance for seniors.  Sheila’s work as a community faith-based nurse in the Bonita Springs area has made a difference in the lives of so many people in the area.  Her beautiful spirit shines through in all that she does.