Meet our 2026 Hearts Afire Gala Honorees
Donalee Berard, CPA
Senior Partner, Berard
& Associates, CPA’s
Donalee Berard is a community leader whose dedication, integrity, and compassion have touched countless lives. Through her decades of service, she has not only set a standard of excellence in her field but has also exemplified the spirit of generosity and leadership that this honor represents.
Donalee Berard has been a respected figure in the accounting profession for more than 40 years. As a founding partner of Berard & Associates, CPA’s, P.C., she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in serving clients throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, where she holds licensure as a Certified Public Accountant.
A proud graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas College, Donalee earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Actuarial Science, graduating summa cum laude. She began her career with Korn, Rosenbaum, Phillips, and Jaunting, where she developed her foundation in individual and corporate taxation and auditing.
Today, Ms. Berard oversees engagements from the firm’s Suffern office. Her professional concentration encompasses, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, employee benefit programs, daycare centers, low-income housing developments, homeowners’ associations, libraries, and agencies supported through federal and state funding. In addition, Donalee also directs tax preparation and accounting services for the firm’s for-profit business clientele as well as tax preparation for individuals.
Deeply committed to service beyond her profession, Ms. Berard actively contributes to numerous professional and civic organizations. She is a member of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Her community leadership includes serving as Past President of the Suffern Rotary, where, over the years, she has worked tirelessly on many humanitarian projects abroad; Treasurer for the Village of Wesley Hills; past Board Member of Child Care Resources of Rockland; and as a long-term board member of the Suffern Library.
With her steadfast commitment to excellence, her passion for service, and her generous spirit, Donalee stands as an inspiring example of professional distinction and community dedication. We are proud to honor our friend for her extraordinary contributions and enduring impact on our congregation.
Beth Whittam, FNP-BC, NBC-HWC, AFMC
Health & Wellness Coaching, LLC
Beth Whittam is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Health & Wellness Coach with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals on their healing journeys. She continues to serve at a leading cancer center in New York City, where much of her work has focused on caring for people navigating life during and after cancer.
With a deep respect for the body’s natural rhythms and God’s design for healing, Beth integrates insights from functional medicine, nutrition, and mind-body wellness. Her advanced training through the School of Applied Functional Medicine has strengthened her ability to uncover root causes and support whole-person health in a thoughtful, compassionate way.
Beth has had the privilege of working closely with Dominican communities through wellness workshops, Community Days, group coaching programs, and ongoing educational series. She is deeply committed to giving back to women who have devoted their lives to faith and service- supporting the Sisters in making nourishing, sustainable health choices that enhance energy, resilience, and joy in daily life.
It is Beth’s mission to offer gentle guidance, practical tools, and heartfelt encouragement to help each person feel their best - one intentional step at a time.
We are honored to recognize Beth for her outstanding contributions to health and wellness and for the enduring impact she continues to have on our congregation
The Mother Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service
Each year, the Sisters of Saint Dominic honor individuals whose lives have demonstrated a spirit of faith and deep caring for others. These individuals are presented with the Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service.
Past Honorees of the Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service include:
Marge McLoughlin, St. Dominic's Home Alumni Association, Mark Jacobs, Sr. Mary Eileen O'Brien, Sr. Kathleen Sullivan, William H. Connolly & Co., Patricia Finan, Phyllis Yonta, Jerry Haas, Peter McKeever, Teresa Radzinski, Laura & Dan Grable, Anthony & Marian D'Ambosio, Lane & Janet Jorgensen, Ruth Young (Posthumously), Phyllis & Bruce Schweizer, Judy Kydon, John Nevins, Barbara & David Bender, Robert S. Manzella, Sisters of Our Lady of the Christian Doctrine, Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, Michael Ragno, Benedict Versaci, John & Eileen White, Kathleen Gregg, Hector May, Keith R. Taylor, Reverend John F. Dwyer, J. Robert Lunney, Peggy Bell Kalter, James F. Hurley, Monsignor Gerald Ryan, Clifford Lai, Sr. Bernadette Kenney, RSHM, Br. James Kearney, FMS, John Caffrey, Rita & Jim Sullivan, Nancy & Bill Hynes, the Moroney Family, the Cullen Family, FDNY Pipe & Drum Band, and in Memory of Timothy J. Mara.