Joe Ricco Biography

Parliamentarian / Family Services Evaluation Committee

My Name is Joe Ricco. I have been a successful real estate agent for the past 28 years and I am honored to be part of the Heart of American Homes Foundation. I, myself, know what it is like to fall on hard times and if it wasn't for the kindness of others, I don't know where I would be today. I know what it feels like to be very blessed and I believe it is my mission to pay it forward. If I can help someone going through a hardship and make their life just a little easier it means the world to me.

Debra Asher Biography

Chairperson of the By-Laws committee

Debra started her real estate career over 39 years ago as a salesperson with a Long Island, NY independent company. In a short time Debra moved into management as Recruiting and Training Director. In 1992 she accepted a position with the Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation as a National Trainer.

Debra founded ProCalibre Associates in 1996 and developed the Productivity Express Programs® & Systems. For 18 years Debra assisted more than a thousand offices, dozens of Real Estate organizations and over 10,000 Real Estate Professionals nationwide in achieving increased productivity and profitability. For the past 4 years Debra has held the position of Director of Business Development to Coach and Train exclusively for Tom Gallagher and Mike Litzner owners of Coldwell Banker American Homes. Debra is the chairperson of the By-Laws committee for the Heart of American Homes Foundation.

Lisa Testagrose Biography

Board Member

Lisa’s passionate commitment to her community is reflected in her years of volunteering. Lisa has always taken an active roll in fundraising whether it be for PTA, Youth Organizations or Easter Seals. We are excited to have her as part of our fundraising committee where she will make Heart of American Homes Foundation her priority.

Lisa is excited to work with her piers to give back to the local and surrounding communities as well as our Coldwell Banker families in need around the world.

Marie Asher Biography

Chairperson for the Family Service Committee

Before Selling Real Estate, Marie had over two decades of experience working in the healthcare profession. Her education includes a New York State Practical Nursing License and a bachelor’s degree of Science in Health and Society from S.U.N.Y. Old Westbury. Her work experience ranges from Home Health Care, U.S. Naval Child Day Care Centers, to interning at the Nassau County Department of Health in 2003. Marie has volunteered in many capacities, in the 90s , she worked with The Church of the Holy Family in Virginia Beach who in conjunction with other churches housed the homeless during the Winter months. While raising her daughters, she volunteered as a kick line coach and taught their religion classes. She has run Blood drives at American Homes for the Long Island Blood Services. Marie has always had an interest in helping the needy in her community and is excited about the good , Heart of American Homes can do and the future of this foundation.

Nancy Kalberer Biography

The Marketing Board

Hearing people are experiencing hard time in their lives with nowhere to turn, always starts me thinking. What can I do to help. I have been blessed with a wonderful life. My husband and I have a happy home with three wonderful children. We have everything we could ask for.

As far back as I can remember I have been involved in service organizations that help others. It started in Girls Scouts, followed by various service clubs in grade school and College. Currently, I have been active in my church, Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church, participating in outreach programs and organizing fundraiser to help those in need. I have been a very active member of the Wantagh Kiwanis club since 1989 serving one term as President and holding an office on the Long Island South Central district level. I find helping others satisfying and rewarding part of my life.

I have been a Real Estate Agent for close to 30 years. I have always admired the agents at Coldwell Banker American Homes. Our agents have always been ready to help others who need our help. Coldwell Banker American Homes has donated thousands to varies organizations. I was pleased to hear that they were setting up a foundation, Heart of American Homes, and I wanted to be a part of it. I volunteered to serve on their board of directors. This group really hit the ground running. With two very successful fundraisers under their belt I look forward to a very successful future.

Sheila Olsen Biography

Member

When asked to become a board member, I knew immediately this was a commitment I would be honored to do.

As a part of Coldwell Banker American Homes for many years, I have always followed the passion for giving that my mentors have exhibited and it is now my turn to give back.

I am the chair of the Family Services Evaluation Committee and do my part to ensure that we as a foundation do our best to help those who are presented to us.

My experience with this foundation has been very rewarding and I am extremely proud to be a part of it. Our goal is simply to help others when needed.