Team Upstanders Board

The Team Upstanders Board is made up of passionate individuals that share an interest in supporting the anti-bullying message. Board members bring a wide variety of expertise and background to serve and support the work of the organization. The board members come from a variety of professional backgrounds: accounting, education, military, corporate, counseling, social work, entertainment, and leadership. These members are committed to sharing the mission and vision with others while building a program that can support students and add value to school programs across the nation.

Meet The Board

Jackie Jaros

Founder & Board President

Professional Role: School Counselor at Deer Lakes Middle School
Why I support Team Upstanders: It was a dream of mine to do something that supported the anti-bullying initiative and help young people find their voice to stand up and speak out allowing kids to help kids with adult support. I love watching how young adults make this happen in such a genuine way.

Stacy Gallagher

Board Secretary

Professional Role: School Counselor at Northgate MS/HS & Therapist at Orchard Hill Counseling
Why I support Team Upstanders: I love helping student leaders create a space of belonging and acceptance in their world with a hope that it will expand as they mature.

Kim Yanicko

Board Treasurer

Professional Role: Vice-President/Co-Owner BKY Financial, Inc.
Why I support Team Upstanders: I support Team Upstanders because of lasting impact of this program will have on young adults through not only school years, but every facet of their lives.

Rose Ann Fulena

Board Parliamentarian

Professional Role: Math Teacher at Union Area MS/HS, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils.
Why I support Team Upstanders:

Michael Yanni

Founder & Board Member

Professional Role: More than 20 years in entertainment as a talent manager and producer
Why I support Team Upstanders: As a co-founder of Team Upstanders, I support the program because I believe students can have a powerful impact on school culture when they’re given the confidence and tools to stand up for one another.

Rashad Bolden

Board Member

Professional Role: Behavioral Health Therapist at UPMC CCP Cranberry North
Why I support Team Upstanders: I support Team Upstanders because it advocates for inclusion to help everyone be themselves through kindness and community.

Katy Loy

Board Member

Professional Role: Event Coordinator, King of Glory Lutheran Church
Why I support Team Upstanders: I’m proud to serve on the board of Team Upstanders because I believe everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected. I’m honored to support an organization that empowers people to stand up against bullying, spread kindness, and make a positive difference in their communities.

Mike Loy

Board Member

Professional Role: Security Manager at Busch Gardens Williamsburg / Water Country USA
Why I support Team Upstanders: I chose to be a part of Team Upstanders because I believe every child deserves to walk into school feeling valued, accepted, and safe. Middle school can be such a defining time in a young person’s life, and I want to be part of creating an environment where students feel confident enough to use their voices, stand up for others, and know that they matter. To me, leadership is not about having the loudest voice; it’s about having the courage to make a difference, show kindness, and help others feel like they belong. I’m honored to support Team Upstanders and its mission to empower the next generation of compassionate and courageous leaders.

R.J. Long

Board Member

Professional Role: Principal at East Allegheny Jr/Sr High School
Why I support Team Upstanders: Empowering students to do the right thing leads to positive personal habits, school culture, and happy, healthy people - and Team Upstanders does that.