The WellStorm, Inc.
Carla Delacruz Davila
Co-Founder / President
Carla is an MSW graduate, native of Puerto Rico, and longtime resident of Worcester County. As an Afro Latina working mother of two boys, Carla understands the stress that can come with a fully packed life. Learning to balance her roles as a partner, mother, community advocate, and board member has pushed Carla to become a role model for the next generation.
Carla is deeply involved in various leadership roles, including her positions as a board member of Friends of St. Luke's, the Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference, and the DTA Advisory Board. She is also actively engaged with the Agricultural Committee, serving as Vice President of WCA SEPAC, and as a Southbridge School Committee Member. Carla’s work extends to serving on the Town Manager’s Substance Abuse Council, the SCC Steering Committee, and the SCC Parent Advisory. Additionally, Carla plays an integral role in the Women’s Initiative DEI Committee, advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in her community.
An avid advocate for women supporting women, Carla loves volunteering, helping others, and giving back to her community. Her extensive history of charitable roles in local programs supports the increased confidence and competence of individuals within the community. Carla thrives in leadership roles, and as an empathetic caretaker, her compassion often drives her to go beyond her limits and expectations.
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Yesenia Arroyo
Co-Founder / Treasurer
Yesenia (Yezii) is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Yezii has a love for all people, being extremely empathetic and entertaining, Yezii is able to identify, support and connect with many different types of individuals of all ages. Yezii has always had a social worker soul, from volunteering in Sally's Place in Worcester at 15 years old to working in Girls Inc by 17. Yezii has built her professional career working directly with many diverse vulnerable populations. Her expertise being connecting and working with children and adolescents in residential programs, individuals with developmental disabilities, the elderly, and children on the autism spectrum. Yezii is a bubbly energy that is never afraid to go the extra mile to include everyone and make socialization less anxiety producing for others. Yezii is dedicating her life to building a foundation to support our community and specializes in transitional assistance and behavior modification.
Irma Bissonnette
Board of Directors/ Secretary
Irma Bissonnette is a proud Latina resident of Massachusetts, proudly originally from Mexico. Like many other immigrants, she left everything behind to start a new chapter in her life. In her home country, Irma was a school teacher for over 10 years. She has always been passionate about education and empowering others with the tools they need to succeed. Her strengths include empathy, resilience, and a strong sense of justice, and she finds great joy in connecting with people and providing support wherever she can.For the past year, Irma has been working with a nonprofit organization dedicated to Latin business and entrepreneurs, which has given her a new perspective on community and provided her with a renewed sense of purpose. This role has allowed her to guide and support new entrepreneurs, helping them achieve success and integrate into the business landscape. Through this work, Irma has found another avenue to make a meaningful impact, combining her passion for education with her desire to foster a supportive and thriving community.Irma Bissonnette es una residente latina de Massachusetts, orgullosamente originaria de México. Como muchos otros inmigrantes, dejó todo atrás para comenzar un nuevo capítulo en su vida. En su país de origen, Irma fue maestra de escuela durante más de 10 años. Siempre ha sido apasionada por la educación y por empoderar a otros con las herramientas que necesitan para tener éxito. Sus fortalezas incluyen empatía, resiliencia y un fuerte sentido de justicia, y encuentra gran alegría en conectarse con las personas y brindar apoyo siempre que puede.Durante el último año, Irma ha estado trabajando con una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a los negocios y emprendedores latinos, lo que le ha dado una nueva perspectiva sobre la comunidad y le ha brindado un nuevo propósito. Este rol le ha permitido guiar y apoyar a emprendedores, ayudándolos a lograr el éxito e integrarse en el panorama empresarial. A través de este trabajo, Irma ha encontrado otra vía para tener un impacto significativo, combinando su pasión por la educación con su deseo de fomentar una comunidad solidaria y próspera.
Wendy Aguilar
Board of Directors
Wendy Aguilar serves as the Assistant Director of Outreach at Pathways for Change Inc., also known as
the Rape Crisis Center of Central Massachusetts. With over 20 years of experience as a dedicated sexual
and domestic violence advocate and counselor, Wendy has devoted their career to supporting and empowering survivors.
In addition to their role at Pathways for Change, Wendy is the Outreach Coordinator at Growing Places,
where she works to promote Healthy Food and Sustainability. She is also an active member and host for
LABO News, the Latin American Business Organization (Worcester MA), and a committed board member
of several organizations, including The WellStorm Inc, ELLA (Empowering Latinas Leaders Affirmation),
She Local “(The Central Massachusetts Conference for Women), and the Spanish American Center in Leominster, MA.
As a certified Health and Wellness Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and a Women
Empowerment Coach, Wendy is passionate about helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals.
This summer (2024), Wendy was the coordinator of the 1 st Spanish “Steward Civic Ambassador
Leadership Training of Central MA “ Liderazgo de Emabajadores Civiles, which graduates 20 new Latin Leaders.
Her previous experience as a SAFEPLAN advocate of The YWCA has further solidified her expertise in crisis intervention and support.
In recognition of her significant contributions to the community, Wendy received the Commonwealth
Heroine Award in 2017. Wendy holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, which has provided a strong
foundation for her extensive work in advocacy, counseling, and community outreach.
She is currently enrolled for the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition Inc “International Academy–Women of Color Leadership Program. What is most important and valuable about Wendy’s career and trajectory is her Passion, Dedication, and Love for her communities.
Elizabeth Carroll
Board of Directors
With us since our founding, Elizabeth has been involved in the non-profit sector for almost 15 years, in both childcare and disability services. In her current role, she is the Senior Support Specialist at the Seven Hills Foundation Family Support Center in Sturbridge. This program, which she oversees, offers support and resources to adults and children with disabilities and their families. As a single parent, she has seen the benefits first-hand of our amazing local support agencies and has now dedicated her professional and personal life to giving back. She is an avid supporter of the arts and is also on the Board of Directors for the Ruth Wells Center for the Arts. She is a part time employee of the YMCA’s childcare program, mostly so she can still play with the kiddos. Her hobbies include devouring books, traveling, drinking wine, and making art.
Brittany Davison
Board of Directors
Brittany was born and raised in Southbridge, Ma. Brittany received her
undergraduate degree from Anna Maria in health sciences and a Master’s in Social Work at
Simmons University. Brittany currently works full time at Lifestance Health as a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker (LCSW). Brittany got into social work due to her passion for helping others.
In the beginning of her social work career, Brittany worked at Addiction Immediate Care in Webster, Ma through UMASS
Harrington. In this role Brittany helped connect patients with needed resources (housing, clothing, food,
transportation, PCPs, etc), served on community boards, to which she is still present, and
provided individual and group therapy. During her time there and through partnership with The
WellStorm, Inc,. hospital leaders and Hope and Comfort we were able to bring The Bridge Fridge
and Walter’s Closet to both the Southbridge and Webster locations. Brittany serves as a member of the town’s Substance Use Taskforce and Southbridge Community Connections Steering Committee. For 13 years Brittany has participated in the Alzheimer’s
associations yearly walk events in Worcester and have put together personal fundraisers to help
raise awareness and money. Due to her own personal experiences, Brittany has recently begun
participating in the walks for Dysautonomia International. Brittany has a passion for helping others
and believes in The WellStorm, Inc.'s mission of bridging the gaps and providing resources to vulnerable
populations.
Nichol M. Figueiredo
Board of Directors
With us since our founding, Nichol has over two decades of experience working in state and municipal government; acting as a liaison between government agencies, contractors, consultants, and the communities they serve. She has a keen understanding of how a well-placed message can change opinions, and call stakeholders to action. Since launching Capital Strategic Solutions in 2014, Nichol has been working with municipal clients to implement integrated communications strategies to create a dynamic flow of information. Nichol specializes in building trust through open dialogue and transparency. She is skilled at establishing relationships working closely with the project team and community stakeholders to increase community engagement. By leveraging ever-evolving technology, Nichol measurably improves public relations and community involvement.
Racquel Knight
Board of Directors
Racquel Knight is a highly accomplished professional who has significantly contributed to
business development, community engagement, and philanthropy. She currently serves as the
Director of the Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE) in Central Massachusetts, where she is
committed to empowering entrepreneurs, especially women of color. Her role involves leading
the design and execution of impactful programs that align with CWE's mission to facilitate entrepreneurial success.
At CWE, Knight focuses on fostering collaboration and networking among entrepreneurs. Her
initiatives, such as the Black Entrepreneurs Business Summit and resource-enriching
workshops at The Village Worcester, demonstrate her commitment to equipping individuals of
color with the necessary tools to launch and grow their businesses. She also extends her
influence by forming strategic partnerships with LABO, EForAll of Greater Worcester, The
Venture Forum, WorcLab, and Computer Vault to secure essential resources for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.
Knight's passion for service and community enrichment is evident through volunteering with
esteemed organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Community Harvest Project, and Friendly
House. She is also a leader in organizing service-learning trips to Jamaica, highlighting her commitment to global citizenship and fostering positive change. Knight extends her impact as a business empowerment advocate through RKnight All About
Business Services, where she offers a wide range of services, including business development,
consultation, marketing, and branding, catering to both for-profit and nonprofit enterprises. Her
multifaceted expertise positions her to guide businesses toward success in today's competitive landscape.
Furthermore, Knight's philanthropic efforts are highlighted by her role as the Founder and CEO
of the For One Child Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to ensuring quality education for
children in rural and remote areas of Jamaica, creating tangible positive impacts.
Knight's dedication to personal growth is reflected in her educational background, which
includes a diploma in Secondary Teaching, an associate degree in general agriculture, and a BA
in global citizenship with a concentration in management. She is pursuing an MBA specializing
in marketing, exemplifying her commitment to continuous learning to elevate herself and those around her.
Moreover, Racquel Knight serves as a Board member for The WellStorm Inc. and The
Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association, further amplifying her impact on community engagement and cultural celebration. In essence, Racquel Knight is a beacon of empowerment. She utilizes her diverse skills and
compassionate spirit to drive positive change in business development, community
engagement, and educational equity. Her extensive contributions and unwavering dedication
make her pivotal in shaping a brighter future for individuals and communities.
Yolanda Ramos
Board of Directors
Yolanda Ramos is a seasoned consultant in leadership, early childhood and family support and she is a clinical mental health provider, specializing in children's behavior and trauma. Armed with dual master’s degrees in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling, she brings over a decade of dedicated expertise to her profession. Throughout her career, Yolanda has been passionately committed to facilitating effective interventions that empower children and families to achieve developmental, behavioral, and emotional milestones.
Her extensive background centers on equipping children and families with the skills to navigate life stressors while fostering connections to vital community resources. Yolanda actively supports the community's Health Equity mission, collaborating with various organizations in Worcester. As a dedicated volunteer, she guides parents in accessing resources and implementing strategies to navigate the intricate human services and social services system. Yolanda champions prenatal and postnatal support, breastfeeding, universal home visiting, early developmental screening, family support, advocacy, and high-quality, accessible childcare. She is deeply invested in driving high-impact infrastructure change within the early childhood system, advocating for collaborative approaches to address mental health, achievement gaps, and social justice issues. With profound respect for her Latinx community, Yolanda provides mental health services, parenting programs, mental health education, and trauma intervention in both Spanish and English. Currently serving as a consultant with Together for Kids Coalition, Worcester State University, and the city of Worcester, she also leads the UHAI Health social-emotional youth program and facilitates postpartum peer groups for Wellstorm Inc. Yolanda's extensive involvement includes participation in the Strategy for Children, Advocacy program, the Massachusetts Early Childhood Founder Collaborative Community Advisory Committee, and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) Advisory Board. She has served on the Central Mass Conference for Women’s board, is a current member of ELLA Empowering Latina Leaders Affirmation Member, co-host the Latin American Business Organization (LABO) radio show, while also serving on the board and part of the Woosox Wepa Advisory Board. A member of the Leadership Worcester class of 2024, Yolanda is a passionate advocate for maternal and child health, actively promoting initiatives like the Welcome Baby Project from TFKC. She tirelessly encourages community businesses and leaders to champion maternal health and early childhood as public policy advocates. Beyond her professional endeavors, Yolanda finds fulfillment in her role as a dedicated mother, leveraging her firsthand experiences to advocate for families across Massachusetts.
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Karyn Sanchez
Advisor to the Board
Karyn Sanchez, Esq., is a Tax Attorney who has worked as an attorney in Massachusetts for the last five years. The latter two of those years have been as a practicing attorney. Attorney Sanchez represents clients against the Internal Revenue Service and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. She also provides tax advice to clients on which business entities are available and which structure may be the best type for a client’s specific needs. She works with clients to incorporate their businesses, create their bylaws and to modify any existing bylaws. She also provides financial income certification to provide her clients with the backing needed to secure financing. Ms. Sanchez is currently a member in good standing of the Massachusetts and New York Bars.She graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 2016 with her Juris Doctorate (JD) and she graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Hunter College in New York City. While in Law School, Ms. Sanchez participated in the Immigration Law Clinic where she worked to provide zealous representation. Then in 2019, she began her solo immigration practice where she has represented clients through naturalization process, providing practice help for her clients, and represented clients in removal proceedings, as well as helping DACA recipients and Asylum applicants, to name a few.Ms. Sanchez enjoys serving her fellow Latino community and the Worcester residents. She resides in Worcester and is invested in her work and her community.