
Betsy Westgate
President
Betsy is a 20-year survivor of stage 3 lobular breast cancer. She was diagnosed at age 49, as her mother had been. Betsy joined the Board in 2018 to help administer the Support Services Fund for women in treatment for breast cancer who are struggling financially. She worked for six years as a lawyer in the NH Attorney General’s Office, after which she raised and homeschooled two children, now wonderful adults. Now she divides her time between the SSF, her two grandchildren, her women’s a capella chorus in Nashua, and lots of walking and hiking. She is inspired both by the memory of her mom’s 12-year battle with cancer and by the desire to see her 39-year-old daughter’s generation be breast cancer free.

Denise Jeffery
Vice President
Denise joined the Board of Directors in November of 2023. Denise graduated from Boston University with her degree in nursing. In 2007 she obtained her Masters Degree in Nursing from the University of New Hampshire. Since 2010 Denise has worked as a Nurse Practitioner at the Elliot Breast Health Center where she sees women who are at high risk for breast cancer. She also provides genetic risk assessment consultations and genetic testing. Denise’s passion has always been taking care of people diagnosed with cancer. In her free time she enjoys hiking, cycling and travel. She resides in southern New Hampshire.

Jacqueline Staiti
Treasurer
Jackie is Treasurer of NHBCC. She joined the coalition in 2011 and has served on many committees including lobbying. As founder and owner of Amanda Thomas, a wig & mastectomy boutique in Merrimack, Jackie sees the financial stress that treatment can bring to women diagnosed with breast cancer and wanted to do her part to help.

Nancy Snell
Secretary
Nancy has served on the NHBCC Board of Directors since 2012. As a nurse working with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, she became familiar with NHBCC and their work in advocacy and patient financial support. “My parents instilled in me the importance of volunteering for something you are passionate about. NHBCC has proven to be a great fit. I love receiving the heartfelt notes of thanks from the patients and families we have helped.” Nancy lives with her husband in the Manchester area.

Jane Edmunds
Jane, a 21-year breast cancer survivor, has served on the NHBCC Board of Directors since 2002. In 2006, she was instrumental in developing the Support Services Fund (SSF) that she has managed since then. “I’m so proud that the SSF can provide qualified breast cancer patients with a short-term financial safety net so that they can focus on getting well.” Jane is a retired high school English teacher, college writing center director and hospital marketeer. When Jane is not working on the SSF, she spends time on her other passions … horseback riding, travelling and visiting grandkids. She lives in the Nashua area with her husband, two horses and dog.

Julie Parolin
Julie joined the NHBCC board in December of 2023. Recently retired, she had spent the last 25 years teaching students from kindergarten through high school levels. Her most recent teaching experience was as a mathematics teacher at the middle and high school level over the last 20 years. Julie has lived through the breast cancer journey with very close relatives. Her perspective is from the viewpoint of family and friends supporting from the outside looking in. “When I first learned about The New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition I was amazed at the broad range of help and positive support available to NH patients and their families. It is such an important cause – especially in these difficult economic times”. Julie resides in Nashua with her husband – where together they have raised three wonderful children. They also enjoy time with their spunky twin grandchildren and their newest precious little granddaughter. Julie enjoys reading, baking, swimming and time boating on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Maggie Plagge
Maggie was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2020 and finished radiation in February of 2021 and is now cancer-free. Maggie completed the Mass General Brigham Paving the Path to Wellness Program which focused on Lifestyle Medicine. She currently works as a Revenue Billing Specialist for Beth Israel Lahey. She runs a cancer support group called The Pink Ladies which meets monthly. Maggie joined the Board to give back to the community. She enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 adult children, her dog and 3 cats. Hobbies include Boston Sports, music, paranormal shows, photography, making jewelry and the beach.

Jayne Donnelly
Jayne has been a certified mammographer since 1989. In 2007, she received her certification as a radiology PA from Weber State University. From 2001 to her recent retirement, she worked at the Elliot in breast imaging and as manager of the breast intervention team. This involved working with patients from the time they heard the news of their diagnosis through treatment. Since retirement, she wanted to stay connected to the world of breast health. In her free time, she reads, enjoys walks in the woods, and spends time with her family.

Patty Zaremba
Patty joined the NHBCC Board in 2025. As a breast cancer survivor and a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, her passion and commitment has always focused on supporting others as they face emotional challenges and life transitions. “I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside all the dedicated and caring women on this Board.” Patty lives in the Nashua area and enjoys spending time outdoors and hiking the local trails. She especially treasures time spent with her grandchildren.

Megan Divers
Megan joined the NHBCC Board in November of 2025. Inspired by her mother’s battle against breast cancer, she hosted a fundraiser the year prior which is when she began volunteering with NHBCC. Since then, she has been determined to make a difference for anyone affected by breast cancer. Megan is a college student, majoring in Business Administration with the goal of obtaining her MBA. In her free time, Megan loves to spend time with her brother, watch basketball, plan events, travel, and go to concerts.

Heather Barto
Heather joined the Board of Directors in January of 2026. Heather holds a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from New England College and a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Utica University. She has credentials as a Master Lean Black Belt for continuous process improvement and enjoys solving business problems through collaboration. Heather is a breast cancer survivor and completed the PAVING the Path to Wellness, an evidence-based program led by Massachusetts General Hospital to improve long term health.
In her free time, she enjoys treasure hunting, going to the beach, marrying couples as a NH Justice of the Peace, snowshoeing, and spending time with her children, Olivia and Blake, and their dog Ollie.