Heart Warrior Achievement Scholarship
About Us
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing scholarships to CHD warriors pursuing a higher education.
Our Mission
Support CHD warriors on their educational journey by providing financial assistance in the form of scholarships thus reducing some of the burdens they have already incurred on their challenging journey with CHD.
Our Vision
To build an online support system for our college-aged CHD warriors, as they transition from familial care to independent care, by providing medical, educational, and mental health resources from highly experienced practitioners around the country.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
NIKKI POLIDORI-HERSANT, RN, MSN
Director & President
Nikki is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she earned a BSN, and holds a Master's degree in Nursing Administration from New York University. Over the past twenty-five years, Nikki has gained both professional experience and personal experience in healthcare, working in the areas of Oncology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics and Family Medicine. Since 2013, she has also been a nurse consultant for local school programs, as well as individuals and families struggling to understand the complex healthcare system. Besides her professional experiences, Nikki has seventeen years of caring for one of her children, who has Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) and structural airway abnormalities, having undergone four major surgeries, including two open-heart surgeries. Because of her passion related to CHDs, Nikki spent two years as a board member for The Children's Heart Foundation-New England, after having been a volunteer since 2013. She is passionate about supporting the CHD community in many different ways including establishing The Heart Warrior Achievement Scholarship and providing resources to college students, with CHDs, so that their experiences away from home and the care they are comfortable with can be accessed wherever their educational journey might take them.
SYDNEY ACHEYCHEK
Secretary
Sydney is completing her Bachelor’s Degree, in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, at the University of Miami. She has spent the last couple years raising money and volunteering for different local charities in the Miami area, by organizing and running events such as clothing drives and silent auctions, benefiting groups such as the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation and The Children’s Heart Foundation. Sydney knows first hand how CHD can impact your life and the life of your family, as her brother is a Heart Warrior.
EVAN PROULX, CPA
Treasurer
With more than 12 years of experience in public accounting, Evan’s practice concentration is providing accounting, tax, and advisory services to closely-held businesses and their owners. He serves industries throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, and Florida including manufacturing and distribution, construction, real estate, technology, and professional service firms. Evan brings a wholistic approach to serving his clientele and prides himself on forward-looking value added business advice. Evan is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA). He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant with the State of Connecticut. He is a graduate of Bryant University in Rhode Island. Evan has served as a Director and Trustee for various boards.
SONYA SWINAMER, DVM, CVA
Director
Dr. Swinamer is a veterinarian with 20 years experience, the owner of Stonington Veterinary Hospital and a fierce heart mom of two boys with congenital heart disease. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada she has made her home in Stonington, CT since 2006. When she is not busy trying to keep up with her two boys and all of their activities she can be found at the hospital giving her clients and their animals the best care possible. She is excited to join the Heart Warriors Achievement Scholarship team. Her goal is to give all kids with heart disease the support they need to pursue their educational goals.
Jesse Courtier, MD
DIRECTOR
Dr. Jesse Courtier, MD, is the Chief of Pediatric Radiology at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, and a Clinical Professor in the UCSF Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging. Dr. Courtier is a multi-award-winning educator and innovator and recipient of the UCSF Catalyst Award in Digital Health. Dr. Courtier has authored more than 70 peer reviewed articles with more than 2500+ citations. He is also founder of Sira Medical, a venture-backed UCSF spinout company focusing on the use of Augmented Reality for improved pre-surgical planning, medical education, and training. His interests lie in the application of new innovative technologies for the improved care of Pediatric patients.
Nikki Polidori-Hersant
DIRECTOR AND PRESIDENT
Nikki is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she earned a BSN, and holds a Master's degree in Nursing Administration from New York University. Over the past twenty-five years, Nikki has gained both professional experience and personal experience in healthcare, working in the areas of Oncology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics and Family Medicine. Since 2013, she has also been a nurse consultant for local school programs, as well as individuals and families struggling to understand the complex healthcare system. Besides her professional experiences, Nikki has seventeen years of caring for one of her children, who has Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) and structural airway abnormalities, having undergone four major surgeries, including two open-heart surgeries. Because of her passion related to CHDs, Nikki spent two years as a board member for The Children's Heart Foundation-New England, after having been a volunteer since 2013. She is passionate about supporting the CHD community in many different ways including establishing The Heart Warrior Achievement Scholarship and providing resources to college students, with CHDs, so that their experiences away from home and the care they are comfortable with can be accessed wherever their educational journey might take them.
SYDNEY ACHEYCHEK
SECRETARY / TREASURER
Sydney is completing her Bachelor’s Degree, in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, at the University of Miami. She has spent the last couple years raising money and volunteering for different local charities in the Miami area, by organizing and running events such as clothing drives and silent auctions, benefiting groups such as the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation and The Children’s Heart Foundation. Sydney knows first hand how CHD can impact your life and the life of your family, as her brother is a Heart Warrior.
Dr. SONYA SWINAMER - DIRECTOR
Sydney is completing her Bachelor’s Degree, in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, at the University of Miami. She has spent the last couple years raising money and volunteering for different local charities in the Miami area, by organizing and running events such as clothing drives and silent auctions, benefiting groups such as the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation and The Children’s Heart Foundation. Sydney knows first hand how CHD can impact your life and the life of your family, as her brother is a Heart Warrior.