CLRA Staff
Tara Coleman
Executive Director
Tara joined CLRA in 2018 as our Patient Aid Coordinator. Her responsibilities have increased over the years, and she most recently served as our Director of Operations.
In her own words, “The best part of my job is that it doesn’t feel like a job. I truly enjoy connecting with the families in our program. It is SO important to make the financial assistance process as easy as possible. A few minutes on the phone with a caring voice to unload some burdens goes a long way. We are happy to do that for our patients and families.”
Tara received her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta, MBA from Dowling College, and an Excellence in Nonprofit Management Certificate from Adelphi University. She has several years of experience managing technical training programs and teaching Microsoft Office courses. She is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for children serving her community as PTA Secretary, Treasurer and President.
Kerrin Cleary
Programs and Patient Aid Coordinator
Kerrin is currently a student at Molloy University where she is an interdisciplinary studies major. Her two concentrations of Economics and Psychology allow her to get a great understanding of business as well as people. She has always been passionate about helping others and feels very fortunate to be in this new position where others can benefit from her efforts. Helping to raise funds for cancer research and alleviate the financial pressures of a cancer diagnosis is a worthwhile mission for Kerrin that she intends to work wholeheartedly and tirelessly to accomplish.
Emi Arata
Marketing Communications Specialist
Emi’s journey in community service and volunteering has profoundly shaped her understanding of the importance of helping others. Through her role at CLRA, she channels this passion into meaningful action, leveraging her marketing expertise to raise awareness, drive engagement, and secure vital resources to further the organization’s mission of funding blood cancer research and providing financial support to families.
In Memory of JoAnn Russo
Operational/Organizational Volunteer
JoAnn Russo, started in 2018 as a resolute volunteer in all phases of the organization’s operational and administrative duties. During the time she spent with CLRA. JoAnn tirelessly assisted the staff in doing all possible to fundraise and assist with patient aid. Being ill and in pain during this time, her empathy and compassion dealing with patients was extraordinary! JoAnn succumbed to her health condition and is sorely missed by all. Her positive spirit and unwavering desire to help others will always prevail.