Our Team

Board President and Aidan’s Mother

A Cum Laude graduate of the University of Scranton, she holds a Master’s degree in Literacy from West Chester University and is a Reading Specialist at the Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center in Downingtown. She also founded her own education consulting company and continues to instruct high school students study skills and literacy strategies to improve high school performance, prepare for the SAT and ACT exams, and navigate all components of the college search and application process.

Christy was the Program Director for the Philadelphia Committee to End Homelessness (1997-1998) and a classroom Program Director for Need in Deed Service Learning Organization (2001-2002). In college, Christy was the Director of several community service initiatives, including the Social Justice club and multiple Habitat for Humanity mission trips.

Christy is the President and Co-Founder of Aidan’s Heart Foundation (AHF). AHF was founded in 2013 upon the unexpected death of her son Aidan J. Silva in 2010 at age 7 from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Aidan was given a clean bill of health from his pediatrician a few months earlier. 

Christy was the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth National Honoree in December 2018, Main Line Today Magazine Top 2020 Women on the Move, and the Be Well Philadelphia Magazine 2020 Health Hero. She has been featured on Fox29 News, People.com, Bloomberg Radio and iHeart Radio.

John is a financial advisor at IM Wealth Partners in Blue Bell, PA helping families and business owners with all of their financial planning needs. He has been involved with Aidan’s Heart Foundation since 2014 as the Board Secretary and has been involved with the Heart Heroes CPR+AED Training Program, Heart Screenings, and the Annual 5K for Aidan J.

Making an impact through serving this foundation is more important to me now than it ever has a father or three young children and a passionate football coach. We have the opportunity to instill in young people/athletes skills that may be necessary to one day potentially save the life of a teammate or peer.

John is a graduate of Widener University with a B.S. in Finance. John resides in Royersford, PA with wife Kelly and their 3 children.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-porrecca-300a9a4b/

Bethanie Emery is a Project Manager at the Chester County Economic Development Council, leading two major initiatives—Health Care Connect and HireONE. In this role, she focuses on bridging the gap between industry needs and talent development, ensuring both job seekers and employers are well-positioned for success in a rapidly evolving labor market. Throughout her career, Bethanie has maintained a strong commitment to collaborative, community-based solutions. She brings a strategic, people-centered approach to every project she manages, making her a trusted partner and a valuable board asset. 

“I joined the board of AHF to make a meaningful difference in the community, uplift and inspire the next generation of leaders, and be a driving force in transforming heart safety for young people. “

Bethanie resides in Downingtown with her family and enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, is an avid supporter of Philly sports teams and has a strong passion for community theatre. She actively contributes to SALT Performing Arts, where she also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanie-emery-271954308/

Bob describes himself as “semi-retired” and works about 30 hours a week with nonprofits by providing executive recruiting, coaching and advisory services. This will be his 13th nonprofit board to serve on, including Boscov’s Board.

Bob joined the Board after meeting Christy and seeing her undying dedication to make a difference in the community in memory of her dear son Aidan.

Bob has been married for 25 years to Deb. He has three adult children (two sons and a daughter) and five grandchildren, including two new grandbabies in the past few months. Bob is a major Philly sports fan, especially the Eagles. His favorite saying from his dad, "Common sense is not common".

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobmadonna/

Gina Mazzulla currently serves as Senior Internal Communications Manager at Exton-based Bentley Systems where she has been since 2014 in a variety of marketing, programming, and communications roles. Prior to joining Bentley, she worked at The Institutes (Malvern, PA) and The Wharton School (Philadelphia, PA), where she specialized in leadership & management development and educational services & programming.

In addition to serving on Aidan’s Heart Foundation board, she is also on the board of the Chester County United Way and Community Impact Council, and the Housing Partnership of Chester County. Previously she served on the Crime Victims’ Center of CC and Good Samaritan Services boards. Gina credits her extensive involvement in community service in Chester County to participation in the United Way’s Leadership Chester County program in 2015 and the philanthropic culture nurtured at Bentley Systems.

Gina holds a B.S. in sociology from St. Joseph’s University, serving as President of the National Alumni Board from 2010-2012, and a master of science in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2003 Gina received the Ignatius Award from St. Joseph’s University, in 2018 she was awarded the F. Karl Schauffele Community Service Award from the Main Line Chamber of Commerce and in 2024 the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts of America recognized her as a BSA VISTA Leadership Megastar.

“As a certified EMT, I value education and awareness of heart health and CPR training, particularly for youth. Aidan’s Heart Foundation is poised to grow and expand its outreach and I’m excited to help shape that future.”

In her free time, Gina enjoys Broadway shows and local theater, gardening, and cooking.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginamazzulla/

I oversee afterschool programs, summer camps, and career exploration initiatives designed to introduce students to pathways in healthcare, STEM, and other high-demand industries. My role includes coordinating with schools, partners, and industry professionals to create meaningful learning experiences that connect young people with future opportunities.

“I joined Aidan’s Heart Foundation to be part of a mission that saves lives. As a coach, I’m especially passionate about educating athletes on heart health, making sure they not only play the game they love but do so safely.”

Proud mom of three and Gigi of two, I spend most of my free time around sports, whether I’m coaching high school soccer and middle school track, cheering in the stands, professional or recreational, or watching from home. Family time and a good scary movie are my favorite ways to relax and recharge.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-hammond-craig-1004a411/

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-lagravinese/

Tyler is a Manager of Local Government Affairs at Constellation Energy. With over a decade of experience with the Pennsylvania General Assembly, he provides public policy expertise as part of his board position at AHF. It was his work on legislation originally proposed by AHF that initially sparked his interest in and support of the organization.

“I chose to join Aidan’s Heart Foundation because it is a group focused on positive action that can help protect everyone. Through our education, training and advocacy we can help save lives anywhere at anytime.“

An avid traveler, Tyler loves to explore new ideas and approaches to everyday challenges. He enjoys live music, home renovation projects, sailing and family beach time with his wife Lauren, their two children and their corgi.