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About Us

About Us

Why Incredibly Blessed was Established

I (AnnMarie Catello), lost my sister too soon from cancer. It was a long journey for her and for me. My sister helped raise me and we were extremely close. Working most of my life in the hospital, I was very involved in her care and knew at the end each day was getting harder and harder for her. Through many surgeries and many tears, my sister still tried to protect me and cared for me. It was devastating losing my sister, it left me with a feeling of hopelessness and deep depression.

After close to 3 years of losing her, I knew I couldn’t continue to feel this sadness every single day, I had to heal from her loss. My sister loved children and obviously she would never be a grandmother. I knew I had to do something to honor her. She was an incredibly kind and giving person. Even at the end of her life she agreed to a liver biopsy, knowing that the procedure could end her life. She told me she was doing it in hopes the doctors could learn something about the disease to help others. What an incredible, selfless act. She died 2 days after that decision.

The idea of “incredibly blessed” came to me like a dream. I thought of the incredible lives me and my family and friends all shared and the importance of giving back. I called friends of mine and asked them if they would like to be a treasurer, be a secretary of a non-profit foundation. They said yes, confused and I really didn’t provide much more information. I applied for a non-profit foundation in the state of New York. I was told it could take up to 6 months to get a foundation off the ground and it could cost several thousands of dollars through an attorney. Me and my friend decided to fill apply on our own and I received my non-profit status and EIN in 3 weeks. That’s usually unheard of, but I had my angel Carol pulling all the strings.

Now here we are, 2025, 6 years after our launch and 2 of those years we navigated through Covid.

We are a unique organization with an incredible team of women. It is important to note that none of us draw any kind of salary from the foundation. All money received through donations and our events go to the cause.

We have honored all our pledges in helping the homeless, Veteran’s, the elderly and countless more. Our foundation has 3 signature events a year; Gentlemen’s Night, Ladies Night and our Holiday Event. At our first we had close to 40 guests, now we have close to 300. We have received several thousands of grants from grants from many corporations and banks.

The secret to our success is our “incredible blessings”. I receive a call from a local school, hospital, FB contact or a community member, telling us of a very sick child in need. We don’t give money or build buildings; we create experiences and memories. Within 48 hours of receiving the call the wheels are in motion, and we make some magic happen. Even though we can’t change the outcome of the situation, we can grant a small wish to bring some sunshine on a child’s cloudiest of days. Most of these children are at the end of their lives or very, very ill.

There are so many “blessings” we have created but here are a few. We have created nurseries for parents taking their babies home knowing it will be for a very short time. We have sent a HS Sophomore to a Broadway show with her mom, car, dinner and front row seats that created a memory between the two that will last forever. Created a Lego bedroom for a young man in our community who is extremely ill. Lego’s are his love and this was his request. The list goes on and on and on.

I believe this is why our events are so successful. People feel the energy in the room and we make sure the events are fantastic. It’s not about us and it’s not about speeches. It’s about everyone getting together and giving back to others in need.

I can finally say people are really starting to get it and believe in what we do. This is way beyond writing a check and making a donation. It is a journey that we are all on and I am so proud of this work that we are privileged to do.

In closing, having my children as part of this team and their understanding of the power of giving back has given me such joy. I am obsessed with sharing this with the younger generations. They all have so much and needed a way to give back, Incredibly Blessed” is that way. I have written several children’s stories about kindness, understanding and love. All geared towards young children and tapping into their philanthropy at a very young age.

When I left my career at Staten Island University Hospital after close to 25 years, I asked God to place me where he needs me…he did, right here at Incredibly Blessed.

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Phyllis Nagrowskiisa

Foundation Coordinator

Phyllis Nagrowskiisa

Foundation Coordinator

Is a DOE certified teacher Pre-K to 6 years old and holds a BAE and MAE degree. Held positions as a UPK Teacher, UPK Educational Director and private nanny.

Kathy Lafferty

Foundation Coordinator

Kathy Lafferty

Foundation Coordinator

Kathy Lafferty is a Registered Nurse with 42 years of honorable service to the Staten Island community. She began her career as a staff nurse in the Emergency Department at Staten Island University Hospital, now part of Northwell Health. Driven by her passion for emergency medicine, she advanced to the role of Emergency Department Nurse Manager.

After several years—and while raising a family—Kathy transitioned to a part-time role as Assistant Director of Nursing, a position she held for 13 years. During this time, she collaborated with several Staten Island physicians to establish the first non-profit Staten Island chapter of the American Heart Association, known as the Staten Island Heart Society. She remained deeply involved with the organization for over 20 years, ultimately retiring as an Emeritus member, while continuing to volunteer.

Kathy is married to Dr. James Lafferty, retired Director of Cardiology at Northwell Health. They have three adult children, all of whom have pursued careers in healthcare:

Christopher (36) – Anesthesiologist
Kristen (34) – Sports and Family Medicine Physician
Kaitlyn (33) – Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

She resides in both Tottenville, Staten Island, and Toms River, New Jersey, with her cherished goldendoodle, Oliver-Jerry. Kathy is also a proud grandmother to her two-year-old grandson, Ryan, who lives in Ohio with his parents—whom she visits as often as possible.

Kathy enjoys the outdoors, especially the beach, boating, skiing, and watching sunrises and sunsets. She also has a passion for traveling, photography, and volunteering—particularly with the organization Incredibly Blessed. Her most treasured moments are spent entertaining and enjoying time with family and friends.

Currently, Kathy serves as a Senior Cardiovascular Account Specialist at Novartis, where she supports physicians and patients in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Her lifelong passion has always been to learn, love, teach, and give back—both within her local community and beyond. Kathy considers it a true blessing to work alongside AnnaMarie and the extraordinary women of Incredibly Blessed. Her journey has been one of service, compassion, and deep fulfillment.

Joyce Marchione

Foundation Coordinator

Joyce Marchione

Foundation Coordinator
She has been in Real Estate working for Robert DeFalco Realty for 29 years. She’s a Top Producer for 22 years and specializes in New Construction. She was also the recipient of SIBOR’S Hall of Fame Award which meant that she was top producer for 10 consecutive years. She loves helping buyers find the right house because that’s the most important purchase of their lives. She also has the experience and knowledge of helping sellers who need to know the value of their home. Joyce has transitioned all her skills in regard to honesty and integrity into the Incredibly Blessed Organization by always putting people first and sharing kindness.
Lisa Chappe

Secretary

Lisa Chappe

Secretary

Lisa has a background in the financial markets and left that eld when she became a mother and began working for her own businesses with her husband for almost 4 decades. Her main business to date is managing and maintaining their rental properties and tenants. Up until 4 years ago they ran a successful small used car lot, with the focus being on used work vans, and since decided to retire from that business. She has held a treasurer position on her two daughters PTA for 2 years while they were in grammar school. While on the board of the PTA she ran multiple successful fundraiser events, where she formed bonds with parents, teachers and students. Some of which she still maintains. She also was a volunteer cheer coach for 10 years and took her team to victory in city and state championships multiple times. As a member of the Incredibly Blessed team she holds the position of Recording Secretary and looks forward to the continued successful expansion of the wonderful work that is being done.

Paula Valenza

Secretary

Paula Valenza

Secretary
Is an Office Manager at a Staten Island private security & investigations company for over 25 years.
Marianna Delfino

Team Member

Marianna Delfino

Team Member

Marianna was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Graduated from Canarsie High School. She received her New York City floral design certificate and owned an operated a flower shop in Park slope Brooklyn.

Marianna currently maintains and manages Real Estate in Park Slope which began early in her career working side-by-side with her dad. Marianna has taken her keen managerial and People skills and transitioned them into the work she does for Incredibly Blessed. She has a strong work ethic and is completely committed to the foundation and helping others in need.

Marianna is an avid animal lover and loves spending time with her dog Mozzarella.

Micki Devito

Team Member

Micki Devito

Team Member

Micki is a dedicated real estate agent in the Staten Island Community and has worked with Robert DeFalco Realty for 25 years. She specializes in sales as well as rental properties. She is a former employee of Atlantic Express and worked there for 22 years assisting children with special needs.

Her deep love for children and always willing to help others in need makes her a strong member of the Incredibly Blessed Organization. In her spare time Micki enjoys her friends and family and loves vacationing somewhere in the sun.

Lisa Iezza

Secretary

Lisa Iezza

Secretary

With over three decades of experience in the corporate pharmaceutical industry, Lisa Iezza brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Incredibly Blessed. Throughout her professional career, she has expanded her roles to include finance, contract management, and marketing/promotional materials management.

Lisa’s dedication to excellence is evident in every project she undertakes, ensuring that each initiative is managed with the utmost precision and care. Navigating complex financial landscapes, creating impactful marketing/promotional strategies, and overseeing critical contract operations, she has become a dynamic and versatile professional.

Beyond her career achievements, Lisa has a profound love for the outdoors and nature. Whether exploring scenic trails or basking in the serenity of the natural world, she finds solace and inspiration in the beauty of the environment.

As an avid traveler and history enthusiast, Lisa continually seeks opportunities to immerse herself in diverse cultures and uncover the rich tapestries of the past. Her passion for historical exploration not only fuels her curiosity but also enriches her understanding of the world.

In her non-profit endeavors, Lisa leverages her extensive experience and personal passions to drive meaningful change and create lasting impacts for her community.

Laura Langan

Vice President

Laura Langan

Vice President
Is a Registered Nurse serving the maternal child and pediatric community in Staten Island for 30 years.
AnnMarie Catello

Founder/President Incredibly Blessed Organization

AnnMarie Catello

Founder/President Incredibly Blessed Organization

AnnMarie has over 15 years’ experience in the nonprofit fundraising arena. AnnMarie is a retired social worker with a master’s degree from New York University. She served the Northwell Healthcare System for over 20 years at Staten Island University Hospital.

She held both clinical and managerial positions and served as President of The Service Auxiliary and chaired several patient and employee initiatives to better the lives of her patients, their families and the Staten Island Community.

All 3 of AnnMarie’s children have followed her passion of kindness and of helping others in need by choosing healthcare as their career. AnnMarie was instrumental in creating a space at Staten Island University Hospital into a non-denominational Chapel where thousands of people visit each year for spiritual guidance and thankfulness.

Incredibly Blessed is AnnMarie’s calling; she is both passionate and committed to changing the experiences of children and their families during their most difficult time.

AnnMarie is the author of several children’s stories that share the virtues of being kind from the lens of a child. She is committed to the mantra of the organization…one act of kindness at a time and knows that it starts with all of our children.

Outside of work, AnnMarie enjoys spending time with her family. She enjoys the warm weather, the beach and always the beauty of the sun