We are thrilled to introduce 20 extraordinary local leaders who excel in their fields, give back to their communities, and are true assets to the Hudson Valley. Read on to learn all about these incredible, hard-working movers and shakers.
Michelle Cherubini
Owner, The Wheel House and The Spring House
Poughkeepsie
After 10 years on the West Coast, I found myself back in Poughkeepsie as a newly single mom. Motivated to provide a life for my child and follow a passion for fitness, I set out to create a safe space for women and people within my community. At that time (2015), there were no boutique fitness studios in the area, only big gyms. I saw the void and took a chance—with very little money and a lot of drive. Nine years later, I felt called to build The Spring House to highlight how important low-impact strength training is for women, particularly as we age. The space complements The Wheel House, offering the same love, commitment, and energy.
Be grateful for the wins, learn from the mistakes, lean on your community, and persist. The view is always worth the climb.
—Michelle Cherubini
Erin Schulz
Owner, At Your Door Mobile Veterinary Care
Marlboro
I always wanted to be a veterinarian, and I specifically had an interest in mobile care: the idea of bringing loving medical, surgical, and dental care right to someone’s home for their cats and dogs. Once I became a veterinarian and started to see all the scared pets and missed appointments because owners couldn’t get their cats in the carriers, I knew I needed to go mobile. And every time I see a dog or cat leave my care happy and healthy, I’m reminded that I’ve found my calling.
Esi Lewis
Chief Diversity Officer, Ulster County
Kingston
In my role, I work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by developing and implementing policies and programs that foster an inclusive environment, ensure equal opportunities, and address systemic inequities within the county’s operations and services. I also started the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis History and Cultural Center at SUNY New Paltz to share a complete history of New Paltz and the surrounding area to celebrate, empower, and heal the community. I am fulfilled every time someone in my community recognizes me or my organization and describes how we have empowered them.
Nicky Ricciardi
Owner, HPM Craftsmen
Holmes
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I started a general contracting company to combine my passion for design and construction with the desire to create a business where attention to detail and personal relationships with clients are at the forefront. I wanted to break stereotypes and prove that women can thrive in construction, delivering impeccable work while managing successful projects. Seeing a client’s excitement and satisfaction when they walk into their newly transformed home is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team, and it affirms that I am on the right path.
Carol Torresson
Co-owner and CFO, Viscount Wines & Liquor
Wappingers Falls
My journey began three decades ago when I connected with then-owner Mike Visconti at a wine tasting class. With children at home, I started out doing part-time office work at the store, but eventually went full-time as Mike’s executive assistant. A few years later, I became CFO—and a single mom at about the same time. One day as I was hurrying out following a call from the school nurse, Mike said: “Carol, your kids will only be young once. We will wait for you because you are worth waiting for.” This was the moment that Viscount stopped being “just a job” and became family. When Mike decided to pass the torch, I embraced the opportunity to carry on his legacy.
Sometimes you choose your path and sometimes the path chooses you, but there is always a way to move forward. Work hard, dream big, and believe in yourself, even when it feels like you will never get there.
—Carol Torresson
Tina Tarquinio
VP, IBM Z and Linuxone Product Management, IBM
Poughkeepsie
I often tell people I have the best job at IBM, leading product management for IBM Z and LinuxONE—these are IBM’s flagship offerings, often called the mainframe. As a product management executive, I work with our clients—the largest banks, retailers, insurance and travel companies in the world—and IBM’s engineers to create next-generation technology. I love being in the middle of technology, people, and business outcomes. When I participated in the IBM Corporate Service Corps, I spent five weeks in Krakow doing pro-bono consultant work and learning the importance of other perspectives, the value of clear communication, and that nothing is too big for a determined group of people working together.
Davina Thomasula
Owner, Goodnight Kenny and Co-Owner, Sorry Charlie
Poughkeepsie / Kingston
My love for the hospitality industry inspires me—I worked in it for 15 years before entering real estate. I enjoy the creative process, building a close-knit community, and helping others realize their hospitality dreams. There’s something really special about finding these little gems (Goodnight Kenny and Sorry Charlie) and bringing them back to life. My favorite career moment has been achieving the freedom to work entirely for myself while still maintaining time for self-care and leisure, which has not been an easy road for me.
Ali Chetkof Rhodes
Co-Founder, Moonrise Bagels
Woodstock / Poughkeepsie
The idea for Moonrise Bagels came on December 31, 2020, while my husband was making pizza for New Year’s Eve dinner and prepping bagels for next-day brunch. He simply said, “What if we could put pizza inside the bagel?” Months of delicious experimentation followed, and the Original Stuffed Bagel was born. Today, Moonrise Bagels has sold over 80,000 Stuffed Bagels (New York-style bagels filled with comfort foods like bacon, egg, and cheese; Buffalo chicken; pastrami Reuben) at our two locations and in all 50 states and Canada via nationwide shipping. Among other things, I oversee brand and customer experience, drawing on 10+ years in fashion PR and marketing.
Don’t be afraid to go after what you want and what you deserve. The best things in life don’t get handed to you. Speak up. Be confident and proactive in reaching your goals.
—Ali Chetkof Rhodes
Jessica Senat
Dentist/Owner, Mountainview Dental
Beacon
I bought the business almost three years ago from a retired dentist. My team and I find great pride in striving to be one of the best dental offices in Beacon and providing exceptional dental care to the community. I’ll never forget the dental-phobic patient who thanked me for giving her the courage to come to the dentist. What started as a tense dental appointment ended with laughter and hugs. Recently, I became a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, which is obtained by only six percent of dentists in the country.
Marion Morris
Owner, Marion Salon Spa
Salt Point
As a child, I loved everything beauty related. My mom had a monthly meeting in our home with the Avon lady, and I would sit by her side collecting lipstick samples. By the time I was 13, I was setting my niece’s hair in my imaginary salon and cutting the neighborhood children’s hair any time the opportunity presented itself. I started Marion Salon Spa 25 years ago with one stylist; now, we have over 30 team members (including my two daughters). I love creating style for my guests, and every day I strive to make my dream of serving the entire Hudson Valley a reality.
Michelle Martinetti
Founder & CEO, River Valley Arts Center
Wappingers Falls
I founded River Valley Arts Center as a hub for creativity and community; a place where people of all ages and backgrounds could come together to learn, express themselves, and celebrate the arts in all forms, from visual arts and crafts to music, dance, and wellness. RVAC turned into a bit of an incubator, giving solopreneurs and small business owners a beautiful brick-and-mortar space to teach classes, hold workshops, and more—we even provide marketing support to all of the programs. Every time we host a community event, I’m reminded of the positive impact the center has had on the community and why I started this journey in the first place.
Stay true to your passions, because when you are passionate about what you do, success follows.
—Michelle Martinetti
Carol Ann Coughlin
Founder, Taconic Distillery
Stanfordville
My husband and I started the business 10 years ago, initially as a part-time hobby and to make use of our 120-acre property. We obtained a farm distillery license, which enabled us to grow grains and process them into whiskey. We were inspired by the Hudson Valley and the idea of a family business where we could work together. In the fall of 2016, we opened our distillery building, bringing all of our operations under one roof, and allowing us to welcome visitors to our tasting room and share our passion directly with our customers.
Rebecca Rothstein
Owner and Proprietor, Little Pickles
Hudson / Red Hook
I moved to New York City from England in 2002, and when I had my first child, I was frustrated by the lack of children’s stores in my neighborhood. I saw there was a gap in the market, so I wrote the business plan for Little Pickles—a children’s general store that would sell toys, candies, books, games, party and school supplies, shoes, and seasonal clothing and accessories—and filed it away. After moving to Red Hook and having my son, I once again lamented the lack of kids’ stores nearby. I dug out the original business plan and launched the first store in Red Hook in October 2014; the Hudson location followed in September 2022. Our slogan is “Life Should be Fun,” and we believe that wholeheartedly.
Lisa Larson-Kelley
Founder & CEO, Quantious
Nyack
A marketing agency for tech platforms, my business was born out of necessity. When my husband was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, I had to find a way to transform from freelancer to breadwinner. Thankfully (and miraculously), my husband recovered, the business continued to grow, and here we are 13 years later with 23 employees, proudly serving some of the biggest worldwide tech brands. It fills my heart to foster an empowering work experience for my employees. It’s something I never had as an employee in my career, so I made it part of the mission and vision of Quantious.
Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone. If you only play in the safe spaces, you will never know what you’re capable of.
—Lisa Larson-Kelley
Alaina James
Co-Owner, Blend Smoothie & Salad Bar
New Windsor, plus 5 more Hudson Valley locations
We launched the business in June 2014 with this one thought: How are we surrounded by so many farms but there are no healthy on-the-go food options? Once open, I’ll never forget the woman I helped with a diet change toward healthy eating. She would come in every day, and she was always so mean. After a few weeks, she asked me to come from around the counter—for a hug. She cried on my chest and said she was leaving for a breast cancer retreat. She apologized, saying she was mad at the world and didn’t know how to handle it. I still hold that with me and tell my staff: You never know what people are going through. Be kind, always.
Jessica Flanagan
Owner/Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Mini Milestones Pediatric Occupational Therapy and Sensory Gym
Poughkeepsie
I launched the business (April 2023) to help children gain skills to support future development. Coupled with evidence-based techniques, we offer a creative way for kids to develop those skills with play-based activities, including a ball pit, climbing wall, monkey bars, ladders, crash pads, scooter boards, bikes, sensory toys, and more. Kids learn best when they’re having fun, and our goal is to make sure they don’t realize they are in skilled therapy—just on a playdate! I love seeing the gym fill up with like-minded practitioners who appreciate the space and utilize the equipment thoughtfully for clinical interventions.
Jolene Delisle
Co-Owner, Cherries
Stone Ridge
After navigating a challenging period (in 2022) with my NYC branding agency, The Working Assembly, I sought a creative project to reignite my passion. This led me to Stone Ridge, where I discovered Cherries, a classic ice cream shop seeking a new owner. This resonated deeply, merging my love for creating inviting spaces and brand development with my experiences in the food industry as a teenager and college student. My goal is to create a space that sparks joy, fun, and creativity for everyone who visits. Our new general store, adjacent to the original Cherries, allows us to showcase curated products from underrepresented founders and small brands.
Vicki Sylvester
CEO, Community Based Services
North Salem, with locations throughout the Hudson Valley
I have worked at Community Based Services since its inception in 1981, when we opened our first group home with eight developmentally disabled residents. Today, we serve 500 people throughout Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, and Orange counties, and the Capital Region. Our services range from residential care, day and community habilitation, respite, and employment services. I became CEO 26 years ago and I love helping people live a better life by supporting their needs, wishes, and dreams. We recently opened a multi-art center in Patterson as an inclusive place for community and creative, healing arts.
Grace Ambrose-Zaken
President and CEO, Safe Toddles
Fishkill
It was September 5, 2017, when 4-year-old JoJo, who was born mobility visually impaired, put on the 3D-printed model of the Pediatric Belt Cane. This shy, meek boy, who wouldn’t leave his mother’s side, began to tear around my lab. He became so loud and active, we took him outside, where he ran, talked, and laughed with joy. His mother exclaimed, “I think his vision just got better! I’ve never seen him run like this.” I had just proved my theory that safe mobility is a medical necessity for children with a mobility visual impairment (or blindness) to walk age-appropriately. I started my nonprofit to provide this invention for free to families in need.
Maresa Volante
Owner, Sweet Maresa’s
Kingston
I went vegan almost 25 years ago, and at the time there was only one vegan cookie on the market that might as well have been left over from a 1970 hippie commune potluck. Having a serious sweet tooth, I knew my new choices wouldn’t stick unless I learned how to make my own desserts. Ten years later, I started a baking business and brought vegan French macarons to a market—it’s been my life’s work ever since. We have a production kitchen and bake shop in Kingston, and a tiny storefront in the East Village of NYC. It’s an absolute joy being part of our two neighborhoods, and we love seeing our daily regulars for their sweet treats.
Related: Brass Money Home Is a Shoppable Treasure Trove in Cold Spring
