Our Board of Directors
Nicoletta Longo
Founder
Nicoletta Longo
Founder and Board President
Nicoletta Longo is the founder of NamaStay Sober, and an 850 hour meditation & mindfulness trainer. She is committed to empowering and enabling people to live a life that they love; the concept on which she developed NamaStay Sober. She is passionate about yoga, meditation and fitness and sees them as being an access to a fulfilled life. After having her own life transformed through her time living and studying yoga in Bali and India, Nico was inspired to offer yoga and fitness memberships to people in early recovery in her hometown of Boston. She seeks to foster creativity in the space that sobriety creates so as to prevent relapse and isolation. Nico believes that "mindfulness in the body leads to self awareness and that is where transformation begins."
Favorite Quote:
"Wherever you are, be all there." -Rumi
Joe Johnson
Board Chair
Joe Johnson
Founding Board Member
Joe has been a corporate partner at Goodwin Procter for over 25 years and is the former chair of its M&A Corporate Governance Practice. Joe is an active member of the Boston recovery community and has seen, first-hand the transformative impact of NamaStay Sober in the Boston community. Joe’s contribution to NamaStay Sober ranges from fundraising strategy, strategic partnership and various legal and corporate governance functions. He has been inspired by Nico’s passion and drive to serve those in recovery from addiction through NamaStay’s unique mission statement. He is committed to helping spread NamaStay Sober’s message of hope to those in recovery, and to fighting the epidemic of addiction that is plaguing our country.
Favorite Quote:
“Three things are important: Don’t lie; never make a promise you can’t keep and never ever quit.” Peter Gent.
Matthew Parlante
Board Member
Matthew Parlante
Founding Board Member
Matthew is a recovering addict in long term recovery. He is passionate about running, fitness, food, traveling, and being of service to others. He is a father, a United States Marine Corps Reserve Veteran, telecom technician, and a reserve firefighter for the city of Revere. His passion for Namastay Sober is a direct reflection of the passion he experiences through the founder Nicoletta Longo, a very dear friend of his. He mentors NamaStay Sober members so that they can get the most out of their boxing memberships, as well as helping with the coordination and logistics of events.
Favorite Quote:
"I row the boat, God steers. I can steer at any time, but God doesn't row. It's better to just keep rowing and let God do all the steering" ~Richie Rallo
Julie Helmes
Board Member
Julie Helmes
Board Treasurer
Julie is a nonprofit management professional who has worked in philanthropy for the last 10 years. She owns Development Strategy Consultants, a company that strengthens nonprofits to maximize the full potential of their mission. She is also an experienced yoga teacher, owner of The Yoga Loft Marblehead and an Ayurveda Wellness Counselor. In 2015, Julie was introduced to NamaStay Sober and joined the board. She was inspired by the passion that fueled the mission to create healthier, more mindful communities. Her contributions to NamaStay Sober range from fundraising strategy, strategic partnerships, and event support. She feels that Namastay Sober is more than an organization with a mission, it is a movement with transformative power.
Favorite Quote:
"Life will give you whatever experiences are most helpful to the evolution of your consciousness" - Unknown graffiti artist (LA)
Allison Burke
Executive Director
Allison Burke
Executive Director
Allison is a Marketing professional, Entrepreneur, Yoga Teacher, and Ayurvedic Health Counselor.
She is forever curious and passionate about helping people feel more connected and healthier in their bodies and minds. After losing her younger brother to addiction, she has become committed to helping others on their recovery journey.
Favorite Quote:
“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do” -Brene Brown
Theresa Drum
Board Member
Theresa Drum
Board Secretary
Theresa is a Regional Area Manager and Corporate Trainer in the automotive industry. Earlier in her life, she was a special educator at Yale University’s psychiatric hospital and then a Crisis Counselor working with clients with severe trauma history for almost 15 years. She is NamaStay Sober’s secretary and specializes in strategic partnerships.
Favorite Quote:
"Love is all you need." - The Beatles
