Leadership

The United States Volt Hockey Association board consists of volunteers who are involved with the association in different aspects of the sport. Coaches, players, disability non-profit leaders, university researchers, and more all serve on the board in order to provide a well-rounded view of how we can move forward as the country's central organizational body for volt hockey.

Board Member Description + Application

Marley Robinson, President

Marley discovered volt hockey during her final year at Northeastern University while establishing the university’s first disability advocacy club, Diversability. She quickly became involved with the sport, joining the Boston Whiplash as a founding player and later stepping into the role of President of the USVHA. As someone with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, she is driven to grow the sport here in the United States to provide people with similar disabilities an opportunity to participate in competitive sports. Her favorite aspect of the role is connecting with the disability community and growing awareness of the sport at events nationwide.

Avery Melam, Vice President

Avery is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University, where she first got involved with volt hockey through research at the Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research. In addition to working with volt hockey, she is a dedicated pre-medical student and an Emergency Medical Technician that works at Cataldo Ambulance Service, Inc. As a member of the deaf community, she has always been immersed in the disability community and strives to increase accessibility and awareness for all.

Amanda Bell, Treasurer

Amanda, a bioinformatician deeply committed to volunteering and activism, was introduced to volt hockey through a Northeastern University volunteering opportunity with the Boston Self Help Center (BSHC). After dedicating a year and a half to assisting the Boston Whiplash team, they stepped up to help coach and manage the team. Through their coaching and collaboration with the board, they aspire to make volt hockey and other adaptive sports universally accessible. Their overarching goal is to ensure that everyone has opportunities to explore and pursue their life passions.

Caeden Parisi, Clerk

Caeden is a college student and a Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technician at Advanced Data Risk Management (ADRM). He first discovered volt hockey in 2022 through his late friend, JB Harvey, whose passion for the sport left a lasting impact. Inspired by his experience, Caeden joined the Boston Whiplash and quickly became an active team member. In September 2024, Caeden was elected to the USVHA Board, where he works alongside other members to expand volt hockey across the United States and make adaptive sports more accessible to all.

Laura Calderón, Board Member

Laura is a software engineer that encountered volt hockey through a Diversability club event while a student at Northeastern University. Initially a dedicated volunteer, Laura has now transitioned to coaching the Boston Whiplash team. Laura is committed to supporting the development and growth of players and promoting inclusivity. A passionate "people person", her ultimate goal is to empower current and future volt hockey players both athletically and personally, helping them find community and reach their fullest potential.

Kim Damato, Board Member

Kim is an experienced sales professional who has dedicated 30 years of her career to selling medical equipment for her family's company, Rehabilitation Equipment Associates. Over the years, she has built a strong reputation in the industry and has developed a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by healthcare providers and their patients. In her free time, Kim volunteers for volt hockey and power soccer which highlights her compassion and dedication to making a positive difference in her community for individuals with disabilities.

Helena Liedtke, Board Member

There are 3 things we all have in common regardless of ability - we want to BELONG, to be HEARD and to be LOVED. After her daughter was born with a physical disability, Helena started Space2Thrive Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2014, creating opportunities to connect and grow beyond limitations. It was love at first sight when she attended a volt hockey practice with her daughter for the first time in May, 2022. Right away, she recognized how volt hockey creates a community to BELONG, to be HEARD, and to be LOVED.

Dave Yurik, Board Member

Dave, a dedicated board member of the USVHA, doubles as a coach for the Boston Whiplash volt hockey team of which his son is an active player. Dave's deep passion for hockey, evident in his staunch support for the Boston Bruins, now finds a profound outlet in volt hockey. Beyond the rink, he is an advocate for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a cause hitting close to home with his son's diagnosis. Through coaching, sharing the love for the game with his son, and relentless advocacy, Dave demonstrates a profound commitment to both the sport and raising awareness for genetic disorders like DMD.

Join the USVHA Board!

Role Overview

Application

USVHA Board Members are mission-driven volunteers who guide the organization’s strategy, governance, and growth. As a national board, we meet virtually, making it possible for board members from anywhere in the U.S. to serve. Board members champion the sport’s nationwide expansion, ensuring that decisions benefit the entire U.S. volt hockey community, not any single team or partner organization.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Strategy: Provide guidance on organizational priorities, approve budgets, and uphold fiduciary duties of care and loyalty.
Meetings: Attend monthly virtual board meetings on the second Wednesday from 7:00–8:30 PM ET and participate in occasional committee work.
Engagement & Advocacy: Promote USVHA and volt hockey within personal and professional networks, serving as an ambassador for the sport’s national growth.
Fundraising & Support: Make an annual personal donation in any amount you feel comfortable with, and assist with fundraising events, sponsorship outreach, or community partnerships.
Communication: Respond promptly to board communications (within 3 business days for non-urgent matters, or by any stated deadlines).

Team Culture: Collaborate respectfully with fellow board members, staff, and volunteers, fostering an inclusive and positive environment.

Desired Skills & Experience

We welcome a wide range of talents. We are especially interested in candidates who can offer experience or interest in one or more of the following areas:

Fundraising, donor outreach, or event planning
Corporate sponsorship or partnership development
Finance, accounting, or nonprofit budgeting
Legal, risk management, or insurance
Marketing, communications, or social media strategy
Adaptive sports, disability services, or assistive technology
Program design, youth sports, or tournament logistics
Research, data analysis, or evaluation
Technology, websites, or CRM systems
Governance, nonprofit leadership, or diversity/equity/inclusion initiatives

People with lived experience of disability are strongly encouraged to apply. Your perspective is vital to ensuring our programs remain inclusive and responsive to the community we serve.

Time & Term

Approx. 1.5–5 hours per month including meetings and committee work.

Board members serve a one-year term and may be re-elected annually without term limits; after two terms, each additional term requires a two-thirds membership vote.

Board members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.

All elected board members are required to complete a criminal background check prior to beginning service.

How to Apply

Complete our board member application form here. Selected applicants will be invited to an interview and provided with our Board Member Agreement and bylaws for review.

If you require any accommodations throughout the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.