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Fists in Solidarity

Meet Our Board Members 

A Bit About Me

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Jeanine Calkin

Board Vice Chair

A Bit About Me

Jeanine Calkin is the Vice Chair for RAMP.  Jeanine’s focus is on policy and legislation that helps promote the causes which RAMP strives for.  As a former two term State Senator, she is familiar with the legislative process and frequently testifies on bills before the General Assembly. 

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In 2021, Jeanine suffered a medical issue that led to the loss of her right leg.  As an amputee, she strives to make the world a more inclusive place for those with mobility challenges, and other disabilities.

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In addition to her role with RAMP, Jeanine works for a local non-profit that helps victims of domestic violence escape from dangerous situations. She is also an avid board game lover, and she and her husband have created three card games.  She also enjoys music and has a large record collection.

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​Jeanine earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Science and has a Master of Science in Information Systems. She worked for many years in the Information Technology field as a project manager and managed financial systems for a large semiconductor company.

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Joanna Pallini

Secretary 

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A Bit About Me

            Joanna Pallini has the passion to serve others wholeheartedly and the drive to effect change.             Joanna was first introduced to RAMP at the annual Accessibility is Beautiful event in 2022.  In 2024, Joanna became a member of the Leadership Rhode Island Upsilon II class.  During her time with LRI, she worked with her group, 4Inclusion, to support RAMP’s mission.  Joanna and her team developed the RampApproved.com website and created multiple documents to support the RAMP Stamp of Approval process.  After the completion of the Leadership in Action project, Joanna continued to volunteer for RAMP and officially joined the board in 2025.  
 

   Joanna strives to honor God in all that she does, treating others with empathy, grace, and kindness.                       Outside of her professional life, Joanna is very active in her church.  On Sundays you can find                      her leading worship, and during the week, Joanna is a ministry leader of Celebrate Recovery.           Joanna is passionate about raising awareness of the lack of inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.  Her older brother, Stephen, has used a motorized wheelchair since the age of five.  Growing up and experiencing life with her brother has had a profound impact on Joanna’s life. She hopes to not only raise awareness of, but also remove, the significant barriers that individuals with disabilities face. Her hope is for accessibility to no longer be an afterthought, for individuals with disabilities to have access to all the experiences they would like to, without feeling like they don’t belong.  She is dedicated to furthering the mission of RAMP and creating a more inclusive, accessible world. 

 

Joanna has worked with Rhode Island families in human services for over fifteen years, in both non-profit organizations and state service.  She holds a Master of Science in Developmental Psychology. She is also a certified Project Management Professional.  Joanna considers herself a lifetime learner.  Her work ethic, determination and drive have pushed her to continuously learn and grow as a professional and as a person.                                        Joanna enjoys singing, hiking, and spending time with her family.                                          She is always planning her next trip to Disney! 

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Anna Zawadzki

Secretary 

A Bit About Me

Anna Zawadzki serves as the Board Secretary for RAMP, bringing a strong personal commitment to disability awareness, accessibility, and inclusive design. After losing her right eye to ocular melanoma in 2022, Anna came to recognize the critical role that community, empathy, and thoughtful design play in fostering healing and helping individuals thrive.

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A pivotal moment in her advocacy journey occurred during a visit to Los Angeles with fellow CEO and RAMP founder, Tina Guenette, where they listened to members of the disability community share their lived experiences. One statement left a lasting impression: “My disability does not make me disabled—this town makes me disabled.” That insight helped shape Anna’s understanding of how environmental and systemic barriers—not just impairments—create disability.

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Motivated to better address the intersection of individual experience and structural inequity, Anna enrolled in a graduate program in Social Work and Theology. Her academic and lived experience continue to inform her work with RAMP, where she advocates for barrier-free living and promotes accessibility as a matter of justice, dignity, and belonging. In her role on the board, she supports strategic initiatives that empower people with disabilities to live independent, connected lives.

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In Anna's spare time, she enjoys photographing wildlife as she and her partner attempt to photograph all 20 owls in North America.

Jerome Wills 

Treasurer

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A Bit About Me

Jerome Wills is a financial strategist with a heart for global equity. Jerome has over a decade of banking expertise, over 2 decades of large team management, and a lifelong commitment to creating accessible opportunities for all.  

 

With over 10 years in banking and a role as treasurer for RAMP, Jerome strives to ensure fiscal responsibility while driving impactful resource allocation. His nonprofit journey began as a child. His mother has served as a cornerstone for a non-profit for over 40 years. Very early on, Jerome learned the importance of giving back and the impact it has on our communities. His first job was as a youth counselor at the Boys and Girls Club, instilling in him a deep understanding of community needs and the power of mentorship.  

  

Traveling to 40+ countries has shown Jerome firsthand how systemic barriers shape lives, fueling his passion for dismantling inequity. He believes financial literacy and accessibility are cornerstones of empowerment, “Everyone deserves the tools to thrive, no matter their starting point.”  

  

When not crunching numbers or exploring new cultures, Jerome finds wisdom in reading. The Lotus Still Blooms is one of his favorite books. This book inspires resilience through life’s impermanence. Its lessons mirror his approach: embracing change while staying grounded in purpose. 

 

Jerome is honored to be a part of RAMP.  He is eager to continue the wonderful work that RAMP does, and to assist with the growth of this truly unique organization. 

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Michael Medeiros

Treasurer

A Bit About Me

Michael Medeiros is a Banking Manager with over 20 years in the Financial Industry. Michael is committed to providing the most comprehensive and detailed understanding of how to maintain daily financial stability.

 

Having a child with learning disabilities, Michael has been advocating for the right to provide a more creative scale for understanding that teaching is not a set and uniform process for each child or individual trying to learn a multitude of subject matter.

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When not working in the Financial Sector, Michael enjoys traveling to different music festivals as well as the open-air riding both motorcycles and jet skis. He has a passion for the outdoors and believe vitamin D is essential in the survival of the human spirit.  Michael lives for the rush of adrenaline that comes with moving fast and the ability to help others navigate the world through their own capacities.  He enjoys getting others to a place in life that allows them freedoms they’ve not dreamed possible.

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As a part of the RAMP Team, Michael enjoys the opportunities being provided to those whose restrictions can be lifted by simply pausing a moment and understanding how a simple change can allow forward momentum and access for everyone.

Cristina Amedeo

Board Member 

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A Bit About Me

Cristina Amedeo graduated from Rhode Island College, with a Bachelors of Arts, concentration in communications, in May 1996. She also completed an Associate degree in Business Administration at the Community College of Rhode Island. 

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Amedeo began her work in the social services profession in 1994 when she became a volunteer Travelers Aid of Rhode Island, now called Crossroads Rhode Island. She became a full time Information & Referral Specialist/Interpreter in January of 1995. She was promoted to Volunteer Coordinator and supervisor of community/I&R services in January of 1997. In 2000 she was again promoted to Director of Community Services. That same year she became a Certified Information & Referral Specialist (CIRS)   by the Alliance of Information & Referral Systems. 

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As an interpreter Amedeo, worked on a project for AT&T in Disney World Florida, as a research specialist collecting information on the very famous Spaceship Earth ride, owned by AT&T. She also did free lance translation for court, medical and immigration appointments for the Portuguese and Hispanic community.  As a special skill she is 100% Fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. 


Amedeo has led state efforts to have a 2-1-1 statewide system in Rhode Island since 1999. By attending the yearly national conference of information and referrals specialists, chaired by a national governing organization Inform USA, she has been able to keep Rhode Island on the map for a 2-1-1 and Aging & disability resource center  system and kept information flowing between other states and Rhode Island. Amedeo has been working   with the Unite Way of Rhode Island with its decision to move to a priority on “community impact” in 2002. The United Way assumed  primary overall responsibility for the development of 2-1-1 and for mobilizing the resources required to ensure that it will remain a high-quality resource for all people in Rhode Island.  Amedeo has been part of the system change including 2-1-1 in the UWRI plans.

 

Amedeo is an active member of several boards: Real Access Motivates Progress, SER-Jobs for Progress, The Autism Project, Rhode Island Counseling on Problem Gambling and the MAE Organization. She is currently appointed to the National 211 Steering Committee, National Education Respite Committee, Inform USA Leadership Group, the Rhode Island Olmstead Group, Rhode Island Long Term Care Integration Council, the National Council of Social workers – Older Adults group, Rhode Island Community Services committee, the Continuum of Care group, Protect our Health Care Coalition, Care Transformation Collaborative, Money Follows the Person Coalition, Family Voices Coalition among others. 

 

Amedeo is a senior director of community services and an employee of 17years  at United Way of Rhode Island. Amedeo’s portfolio includes several programs in support of Rhode 
Islanders in need of information & referral and services for seniors, adult with disabilities and caregivers. The programs include: The Point – Aging & Disability Resource Center and 211 Call center, Family Caregivers Alliance, After Hours Crisis Line, Medicare/Medicaid Enrollment Center, Benefits Enrollment Center, MyOptions web intakes – Person Centered Options Counseling, Medicare Information Awareness and Assistance, Gamblers Helpline, Community Connections – outreach and others. 
 

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Kerri Cassino

Board Member 

A Bit About Me

Kerri Cassino, “Mom Advocate” is married and lives in Rhode Island.  Kerri has a teenage daughter with non-verbal autism.  Kerri advocates for her daughter, and other individuals that are neurodiverse. Kerri enjoys networking, sharing resources and helping non-profit organizations, like RAMP.

 

Kerri’s favorite season is summer. She enjoys being outdoors in nature, going to Providence Water-fire, visiting the beautiful beaches in Rhode Island, walking her beloved pup, Bella, and swimming in the pool.

 

Kerri refers to her family as “groupies” who chase carnivals, as her daughter loves a good thrill ride.           Most weekends she and her family love to try a new restaurant, as they all enjoy family time without having   to clean up.    

 

Kerri became a RAMP board member in 2024. Her role as a board member allows her to use collective skills from her marketing degree, medical administration assistant certificate, her work with Blue Cross Blue Shield, and her participation in a parent group, SPEAR (Special Education Advocacy and Reform.).  Kerri is also knowledgeable about RIPIN-Special Education Law.  Kerri is a Rhode Island LEND Fellow and has her own program called “Circles of Connection-Care for the Caregiver” with The Arc of Rhode Island.

 

Kerri is proud to be a part of RAMP and supports the core mission of providing accessibility to all.               She advocates for organizations to pursue the RAMP Stamp of Approval and assists with legislative promotion of the Parking Mobility app.  Kerri is focused on helping Rhode Island become accessible to all and asks, “How can RAMP help you?”

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