Board of Directors

Adam Demetri, Esq., Director

Adam Demetri, Esq., Chairman

“The ADRC is an amazing organization with dedicated staff and leadership helping our local communities in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.”

Profile

Mr. Demetri is the principal attorney of The Demetri Law Firm, PLLC, which he founded in 1992 in Garden City, New York.  An experienced estate planning and elder law attorney, Adam’s practice focuses on empowering individuals and families, protecting their assets and providing peace of mind.

Previously, Adam served as an associate attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in New York City.

Mr. Demetri obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Binghamton University.  He then earned his Juris Doctor “With Distinction” from Hofstra University School of Law, where he served on the Editorial Board of the Hofstra Law Review. 

Adam is a dedicated advocate for seniors and those with Alzheimer’s and works to improve the laws protecting the vulnerable.  He is a member of the Trusts and Estates and Elder Law and Special Needs sections of the New York State Bar Association and is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

 The ADRC welcomed Adam to our Board of Directors in 2017.  He also serves our organization on ADRC’s Legal Advisory Committee.

Lee Lemell, president of ITIcomputers
Lee Lemell, Vice President

“It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve as Vice President of the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center on behalf of the millions affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.”

Profile

After providing computer software services, website development and a myriad of other IT services to ADRC for over the past 18 years, Lee has seen first-hand the incredible and unwavering commitment that the staff has provided to the community, their families and those loved ones committed to end this horrendous disease.

I am confident in the future of our mission and thrilled to work together, unwaveringly, with other professionals in the fight to end Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Lori A. Catapano, CPA, Treasurer

Lori A. Catapano, CPA, Treasurer

“Leadership is about empathy. I believe in helping local families impacted by Alzheimer’s by providing free programming, resources and support to ease their burden.”

Profile

Lori Catapano, CPA, is a partner in the New York regional offices of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm.   She has more than 20 years of experience auditing private and public companies across a wide range of industries.  These sectors include manufacturing and wholesale distribution, technology, professional service organizations, broker-dealers, alternative investment funds and investment advisory firms.

The ADRC welcomed Lori to our Board of Directors in 2013, and she accepted the role of Treasurer in 2016.  Lori’s financial acumen and dedication have delivered immense value to our organization, enabling more programs and services to be made available to Long Island families.

Lori belongs to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.  She also serves as a board member of the Middle Market Alliance of Long IslandIn addition, she finds time to hit the links and serves as a member of the Executive Women’s Golf Association, Long Island Chapter.

Lori earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

 

Marc Berlin, Compliance Consultant & BCPA, Secretary of the Board

“ADRC is unique in the way it touches people by the services being offered. No one should have to go it alone.”

Profile

Marc started his career in Human Resources working for Parker Jewish Institute & Winthrop University Hospital. He then transitioned to Provider Relations for several Medicaid/Medicare HMOS. Next he worked for a medical alert company (Life Watch, Inc.) and several nonprofit agencies that service those with developmental disabilities. The true inspiration for his interest in patient advocacy was his mother. In helping others navigate the healthcare system, he honors her memory. 

In December 2015, Marc’s mother developed a glioblastoma (GBM) Grade 4, the most devastating kind of brain cancer, which is usually terminal within 18 months. Once she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, Marc found his mission to help serve and advocate for so many that need assistance. Having suffered with Cerebral Palsy and endured numerous surgical operations combined with his extensive professional experience in the healthcare industry led Marc to start a service as a Patient Care Advocate and form On The Marc Patient Advocacy Services.

Marc earned his BSBA degree in Business Administration in Human Resources from The American University in 1992, and earned a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from The George Washington University in Washington D.C. in 1996. In 2019, Marc completed training in Family Centered Patient Advocacy via PULSE Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy. In 2020, he completed training as a Take Charge Campaign Ambassador via Take Charge 5 Steps to Safer Health Care.

In April, 2022 Marc recently became a Board Certified Patient Advocate. He is  a member of: Greater National Advocates, Senior Umbrella Network Nassau County, National Aging In Place Council & Health Business Alliance.
Marijane Camilleri, Director

Marijane Camilleri, Director

“Caring for a loved one has made me passionate about responding to the vulnerable with profound humanity.  I see that fire of compassion reflected in the mission and in the staff of the ADRC.”

Profile

Marijane Camilleri joined ADRC’s Board of Directors in January 2019, bringing a unique perspective and nuanced understanding about caregiving for those with Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome.  Mary served as the primary caregiver for her mother, who was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease, and is legal guardian to a special needs sister.

Ms. Camilleri worked as Law Clerk in the United States Federal Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, becoming a member of that Court. More recently, she pursued her legal and social  interests in family and life issues by directing the Rome, Italy office of a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Marijane earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.

Marijane is committed to working to assist the ADRC in improving the quality and availability of caregiving services available to the Alzheimer’s community.  She also is working to extend outreach to those with Down syndrome, as a particularly impacted, yet underserved segment of the Alzheimer’s circle.


becoming a member of that Court.

Vincent Ragona, Jr., Director

Vincent Ragona, Jr., Director

“I joined ADRC’s board because I want to help provide Long Island families dealing with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia with the highest quality care and support.”

Profile

Vincent (Vinny) L. Ragona, Jr. joined ADRC’s Board of Directors in 2019. His mother, Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, ADRC’s former Executive Director and CEO, inspired his involvement in the mission and organization to which she devoted so much.

As an instrumental music teacher and band director, Vincent is passionate about fostering a lifelong appreciation of music in his students.  Since 2002, he has directed elementary, middle  and high school student bands and ensembles in the Rocky Point School District. Mr. Ragona also operates a private trumpet studio and performs as a freelance musician throughout Long Island. His students and ensembles have consistently achieved the highest ratings and awards at multiple music festivals. Some of his students have even become music teachers themselves.

Vincent is an honors graduate of the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford and has studied with many distinguished educators and musicians. Originally from Medford, NY, Vincent resides in Wading River, with his wife Tara and son Vincent III.