Natasha Latour, President

Natasha is a long-term resident of the Pioneer Valley and the Director of Marketing at River Valley Coop. She is committed to building stronger communities through collaboration between local businesses, social agencies and volunteer groups. She is deeply concerned about the issues that affect elders in Easthampton, including food insecurity, access to care, transportation, home safety and loneliness. Easthampton Neighbors benefits greatly from Natasha's inter-generational perspective and innovative ideas for addressing the needs of our older population.



Joyce Szewczynski, Clerk

Joyce is a retired professor of Spanish who has lived in Southampton with her family for 47 years. She was formerly Chair of the Humanities Department at Springfield College. She is a devoted member of Easthampton Neighbors whose leadership on the Board is essential to our organization. Aside from her volunteer work, Joyce enjoys traveling, reading, movies and visiting with famiy and friends.



Michael Oleksak, Treasurer

Michael is currently a Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer at Bank ESB in Easthampton. In addition to his work with Easthampton Neighbors, he sits on the Board of Directors for the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County. Originally from Southampton, Michael and his family reside in West Springfield.



Sharon Tilbe, Volunteer Coordinator

Sharon and her family, including five grandchildren, are long-time residents of Southampton and Easthampton. She spent her career in the healthcare industry and retired as an Outpatient Diabetes Education Coordinator. Over many decades, Sharon has worked with volunteers in a variety of settings, including extensive church-related activities. Her essential contributions to Easthampton Neighbors are founded in a firm belief that successful aging largely depends on maintaining meaningful connections.



Tamara Smith, Board Member

Tamara has lived in Easthampton for the past 15 years. She is a Professor in the Health Sciences Department at Westfield State University, where she teaches the Gerontology Concentration curriculum. In addition, she is the Coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Gerontology Minor on campus.  Tamara served as a City Councilor in Easthampton from 2014-2017, and has served in a variety of community roles. She hopes to help facilitate an Age-Friendly City initiative in Easthampton through her involvement in Easthampton neighbors. In her personal time, Tamara spends time with her four teenage children, who have all been raised in Easthampton. Tamara also loves to garden and all things food! 

Jodi Ross, Administrator/Program Coordinator

Easthampton Neighbors is pleased to introduce Jodi Ross as our newly hired Administrator/Program Coordinator. From her previous work with Birthday Wishes, Inc., Jodi brings to EN managerial and administrative skills. Her experience in the nonprofit world will be most helpful as EN moves to implement new programs and expand our volunteer and membership pools. In her spare time, Jodi enjoys crocheting (big time), reading and traveling.  Welcome Jodi!