The Story and Legacy of Sima & Dylan

Sophie Pariseau founded the Sima & Dylan Pariseau Memorial Foundation, Inc. to honor the lives of her mother and brother through meaningful community action. Guided by a deep commitment to social justice and healing, Sophie leads the foundation’s efforts to unite individuals through community-based events that raise awareness and generate support for domestic violence prevention, gun violence reduction, and mental health advocacy. Drawing on a career dedicated to empowering foster youth, she brings compassion, empathy, and a strong belief in the power of community to every initiative. Sophie strives to transform personal loss into purpose by investing in programs that assist those affected by violence and promote resilience, understanding, and wellbeing. Through her work, she hopes to foster safer, more connected communities where compassion and hope can thrive.

Mark Pariseau co-founded the Sima & Dylan Memorial Foundation, Inc. alongside Sophia Pariseau to honor the lives and legacies of Sima and his son, Dylan. The Foundation was born from their shared belief in helping others and standing up for those without a voice. With Sophia’s wisdom and leadership, Mark works to unite communities through events that promote healing and raise awareness for causes close to his heart including domestic violence prevention, gun violence reduction, and mental health advocacy. For Mark, this work is both a personal mission and an opportunity to continue the compassionate legacy of Sima and Dylan. Through the Foundation, he channels his grief into purpose, helping others find hope and strength. Mark’s dedication reflects his deep love for his family and his belief in the power of community to create change.

Dan D’Angelo brings over 35 years of experience as a Boys & Girls Club professional and currently serves as President/CEO of the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club, a role he has held for 13 years. Previously, he spent 24 years with the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club in leadership positions including President/CEO, Director of Operations, Assistant Executive Director, and Program Director. Dan has extensive expertise in staff leadership, program development, and facility management, overseeing more than 50 employees and $6 million in facility renovations. He has led the creation of diverse social, educational, and recreational programs that strengthen youth and families. Under his leadership, the West Springfield Club provides year-round programs, from preschool and after-school care to summer camps and career exploration, focused on five core areas: Character & Leadership, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Recreation & Fitness.

Francia is a seasoned banking professional with over 20 years of industry experience. Most recently, she served as a Community Development Officer at Rockland Federal Credit Union, where she worked to strengthen the financial well-being of local communities through outreach, education, and strategic partnerships. Originally migrating to the United States in the early 1990s, Francia spent many years on the South Shore of Massachusetts before relocating to Ludlow, MA, where she currently resides. Beyond her professional work, Francia is deeply committed to community service. She currently serves on the board of The Pebble Promise Foundation Inc., the Brockton Rotary Club board, and the Brockton YMCA Board of Governors, where she contributes her financial expertise and passion for community impact. Francia brings a strong foundation in financial stewardship, nonprofit governance, and community development to her role as Treasurer, and she looks forward to supporting the Foundation's mission and long-term sustainability.

Laura Mangini has been with Alekman DiTusa since 2013, where she focuses her practice on representing victims of crime, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. A first-generation lawyer from a small town in central Massachusetts, Laura learned early the value of hard work and perseverance. She graduated summa cum laude from Westfield State College with a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology, and earned her law degree and a Certificate in Human Rights from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2012. During law school, she interned at the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center, assisting homeless veterans, and at the Asylum & Human Rights Clinic, where she helped a Syrian family gain refuge in the United States after the father was tortured for his participation in the Arab Spring.

Patricia Martin is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetown University with a Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Purdue University. She has maintained a clinical practice in Western Massachusetts for over 40 years, specializing in counseling victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. An adjunct faculty member at several universities, Patricia is the author of four books: The Patient Knows: Wisdom from the Other Couch, Liars, Cheats and Creeps: Leaving the Narcissist Behind, Age Well: 8 Dimensions of Wellness as You Age, and Moving On from a Narcissist. She and her husband, James, have been married 46 years, have four children, and eight grandchildren, and divide their time between Western Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Steve Hale began his journey in education after leaving Southeastern Massachusetts to attend Springfield College in the fall of 1989. It was there that he discovered his passion for working with children through coaching and teaching, a passion that has guided his career for more than 35 years. Throughout his career, Steve has dedicated himself to helping young people realize their potential, build confidence, and find joy in learning. He has served as an educational leader in the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District for the past 20 years and has also been deeply involved in his community as a youth football coach in Wilbraham. Steve and his wife, Amy, who teaches kindergarten at Mile Tree Elementary, live in Wilbraham and have three children: Joseph, McKenna, and Ricky.

Kaitlin has spent the past ten years as a Certified Child Life Specialist, providing developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed psychosocial care to pediatric patients and their families. She helps children and caregivers navigate medical environments, trauma, and illness through therapeutic medical play and age-appropriate preparation and education. 

Recognizing the importance of caring for the entire family system, Kaitlin also became a Registered Nurse in the correctional system, where she focuses on education, rehabilitation, and preserving family connections through trauma-informed care. Drawing on her experience in a Level I trauma center, Kaitlin is honored to bring her knowledge, compassion, and advocacy skills to advance the mission of The Sima & Dylan Pariseau Memorial Foundation through community support, education, and advocacy initiatives.