Our Dedicated Board Members
Honorary Chairperson
Marilyn Rosen proudly holds the position overseeing the works of the MVRP Foundation created in memory of her grandson Michael. Marilyn spent her lifetime involved in theater as actress, director, and teacher, leading both teens and adults. Most recently, pre-covid Marilyn was teaching a seniors’ acting class in a lifelong learning program, in NYC, called Quest. When working for the Town of Oyster Bay, Cultural and Performing Arts division, she wrote grants, created performances and provided support for nonprofits. Later in her career Marilyn worked as an administrative assistant in a top investment company organizing the office, running events, and was involved in the daily workings of the company. The Foundation is glad to have her as a partner in fundraising and development, as well as her artistic input and knowledge. She works out of love for the mission and cause of the foundation.
Founding Board Members
President and Executive Director
Alison Rosen has a background in, teaching public elementary school, performing arts and as a social emotional mental health advocate. During her career she was involved in school initiatives, committee member and facilitating programs such as Monthly Character Building Book Club, Conflict Resolution, Mindfulness, All Kinds of Minds-(Meeting the Needs of Students who Struggle) and Arts Liaison. When tragedy struck, Alison was compelled to tell her son’s story.
She founded MVRP Foundation Inc. in memory of her son,
Michael Vincent Rosen-Pipitone. With emphasis on collaboration, belief in the Arts as a powerful tool for healing and change, she continues to advocate, to raise awareness, and raise funds to help others.
Vice President and Treasurer
David Hantman has a background in hospitality and business as a commercial real estate portfolio manager, sales & leasing, and appraising and is a certified para-legal. David is a certified running coach and personal trainer/wellness coach. David has a varied past of volunteering with organizations such as the Omega Holistic Learning Institute, The NY Open Center Holistic Center, the NY Road Runners and Spartan Race. David believes in being of service helping others and spreading goodness. David is devoted to the MVRP Foundation helping to continue its growth and expand the good work it does. David is fueled by the memory of Michael who he knew and loved.
Administrative Assistant and Secretary
Wendy Rosen is an LMSW works at Montefiore Hospital, Bronx NY. Her interests in mental health services began years ago. Working at Hillside Children’s Center in Rochester NY, she provided mental health care and crisis intervention for children 8 to 18 and their parents/guardians. She volunteered in creating access for academic assistance for 7- 12th graders. Wendy represented as a parent advocate in the public school system, for fair and just treatment, accommodations, and services. As an Administrative Assistant in a top NYC financial service company, Wendy utilized her gifts, skills in organization, and attention to details. Her background in the Arts, and her love of Literature and History continues to be a force in her life. Connecting with the MVRP Foundation is personal and professional.
Communication Officer
Jean Burg is a family physician who has spent her medical career working with underserved communities in the Bronx. She is the founding chair of the Department of Family Medicine at two NYC Health + Hospitals facilities. She is a co-founder of SAPNA, a non-profit organization that works with women in South Asian communities of the Bronx and Queens. She also co-founded Abby’s Children, a non-profit in memory of her daughter. The mission of Abby’s Children is to encourage at-risk children and adolescents to pursue their education. Jean has successfully written grants focused on treating depression in a community health center setting, developing a peer education program for South Asian women, and screening uninsured women for breast cancer. Jean has a passion for music and plays oboe in several community orchestras in NYC. Her devotion to her family and friends and her training and experience in the medical field makes her connection to the MVRP Foundation both a professional and personal one.
Communication Officer
Judith Kottick grew up as a musician and dancer in a musical family and maintains a commitment to the arts, though she has made her career as a psychotherapist specializing in the field of reproductive medicine. When her daughter, Ella Bandes, a talented dancer, artist and humanitarian, was killed by a reckless bus driver 10 years ago, she co-founded Families for Safe Streets (FSS), an organization that confronts the epidemic of traffic violence through advocacy and support. Taking on multiple roles as a volunteer, Judy initiated the mental health support services for FSS.
Honoring the amazing Michael through the MVRP Foundation combines the interests and priorities Judy values in her professional and personal lives, and will enhance the lives of the students and others who are touched by the organization.
ADVISORY BOARD
Music and Performing Arts Director
Michelle Rosen is a New York-based singer, lifelong performer and passionate arts educator. With performing credits in various music genres including musical theatre and opera, she has performed all over North America and in Europe. In her role as voice teacher and artistic mentor she provides instruction to college students at NYU Tisch School of Drama plus many private students of various ages, abilities and demographics. In recent years due to experience with mental illness and neuro-diversity both in the personal sphere and professionally, she has become a mental wellness advocate as well. MVRP Foundation is an arena where these twin passions of arts and mental wellness come together, and supporting the Foundation is a labor of love.
Theater and Artistic Consultant
Laurie Smith is the head of the talent management firm Smith Talent Group. This 20 year old company has managed the careers of an array of performers, including Tony winners and Emmy nominees. Laurie feels a special connection to the mission of MVRP, an organization which supports the work of up-and-coming performing artists and filmmakers, all done in the memory of the hugely talented and gifted performer/writer Michael Vincent Rosen Pipitone. Laurie also works and lives in remembrance of her beautiful daughter Shana who died in 2012, a wonderful actress and even better person.
