Meet the Team

Nick Spar

Nick Spar is a co-founder and Chairman of the Board of The Backpacks Foundation. He helped start the program in 2006 and expand its reach over the years before the organization incorporated in 2016. Nick is an associate at a global law firm, specializing in corporate litigation. He graduated from the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School.

Denise Spar

Denise Spar is the Executive Director of The Backpacks Foundation. She has been an elementary school teacher for the past 25 years teaching Media, Technology and as a classroom teacher. Denise has been collecting school supplies for the past 10 years so that underprivileged students in the metropolitan area have the tools they need to be successful in school.

John Vela

John Vela is a co-founder of The Backpacks Foundation and currently serves as the Director of Development. He previously served as the YPC Co-Chair of Development for The Child and Family Network Centers while living in Washington D.C. John works for Microsoft in New York and enjoys volunteering at company-sponsored K-12 STEM events in the community. He holds a B.A. from Boston College.

Mary Leahy

Mary is the CEO of Bon Secours Charity

Healthcare System. She currently sits on the Board of this organization, and is also a board member of the Rockland Business Association, and Catholic Charities of Rockland. Mary is a long time resident of the community, and has practiced internal medicine for over 25 years.

Courtney McGarry

Courtney McGarry is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is currently attending Fordham University School of Law. She has been involved in The Backpacks Foundation for over a decade and now sits on the Board. Courtney is grateful to have the opportunity to provide students in need with the tools and confidence necessary to excel in the classroom and beyond.

David LaPointe

David LaPointe has been involved with The Backpacks Foundation over the last 2 years and is currently a sitting board member as a well as a committee member of events and fundraising, finance, and marketing and communications. David works within the New York City commercial real estate industry where he is also the lead for a pride organization. Additionally, David is a volunteer for Defeat The Streets a benefit for Covenant House, and Donate 8 a benefit for Live On New York.

Erin Leahy

Erin Leahy is currently serving as a Board Member and as Secretary of The Backpacks Foundation. She has helped develop the program since it was formed more than a decade ago. Erin’s other philanthropic ventures include fundraising for Covenant House New York City, Donate Eight (a benefit for LiveOnNY) where she serves as an Executive Committee Member, and volunteering at the New York Junior League. Erin works within the New York City commercial real estate industry.

Joe Spar

Joe Spar is a co-founder, Board Member and Director of Finance of The Backpacks Foundation. He is currently a Manager and a Certified Public Accountant at a global professional services and accounting firm specializing in external audit and financial reporting. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Accounting.

Sarah Vela

Sarah Vela is currently a Board Member of The Backpacks Foundation, and has been a part of the program since its start in 2006. She is also co-chair of Marketing and Communications. Sarah has worked in the wine importing business for the past 10 years, and is currently Business Operations Manager of Golden Ram Imports. She graduated from New York University in 2008.

Margaret Williams

Margaret is currently serving as a board member of the Backpacks Foundation. A Massachusetts native, she currently live in New York City, and works in the commercial real estate industry. She has participated in several nonprofit and activist organizations including: SaveDarfur, GhanaACT, Italy Reads, and Universities against World Hunger. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2013.

Jane DeMaria

Jane DeMaria is currently a Board Member of The Backpacks Foundation beginning in 2018. She works for Kate Spade New York as a merchandise planner and holds active positions on both the On Purpose Foundation and Cultural Ambassador program within the organization. Jane holds a B.S. from the University of Delaware.

Joshua Bussen

Joshua Bussen joined The Backpacks Foundation as the Director of Marketing in 2018. He is a litigation attorney for a global law firm, where he is also heavily involved with representing pro bono clients in litigation and immigration cases. Joshua graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2016.