The Foundation Board Members

James Osborne is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 45+ years of experience
as a psychotherapist, clinical director, clinical supervisor, trainer, author, educator,
workshop presenter, and consultant trained in Gestalt Therapy, ACT (acceptance and
commitment therapy) and EMDR. He works primarily with individual adults treating
trauma, loss/grief, and co-occurring disorders. He is also a Viet Nam Era veteran.
In 1985 James began working for United Technologies Employee Assistance Program
at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, CT. In 1986 he joined Dr. Wiechetek as Manager
of Special Health Services at Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks, CT. He managed a full range of services including Employee Assistance Program, wellness and drug
testing programs. Designed and conducted training programs for supervisors and staff,
provided diagnostic assessment, evaluations, referrals and/or psychotherapy as
appropriate. He and Dr. Wiechetek authored several articles together and present at
several regional and national EAP conferences during the years they worked together.

In 1993 James left UTC to become the clinical director of Amethyst, a behavioral health
treatment program located in Skiathos, Greece. James and Dr. Wiechetek remained
lifelong friends, sharing interests in the arts, opera, antiquing, zeppelins, the space
program, culinary arts, and travel.

James previously served as the Treasurer of The Walter J. Wiechetek Foundation prior
to assuming the presidency after the passing of Stanley Lipinski.

As Dr. Wiechetek’s step son, Neil was always inspired by his lifetime of experiences and charitable pursuits. Towards the end of his life, Doc Wick (as he was known) shared with Neil, Jim and Stanley details about how his estate should be used to establish a charitable Foundation.

Neil is a graduate of New York University with Bachelor of Science in Management and Information Technology who has worked for Dell Technologies for 13 years where he is the the Global Technical Lead for data protection and security in cloud. He has worked in technology for over 20 years and has recently published white papers on various cloud focused technical topics.

Karyn C. Smarz, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist with over twenty years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Smarz earned her Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University (1996), her Master’s degree from New York University (1998) and her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University (2005). She has a specialty in the field of child abuse and trauma and is currently a full-time supervising psychologist at the Metro Regional Diagnostic and Treatment Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, NJ. Dr. Smarz is also a clinical doctoral level supervisor, undergraduate college professor, lecturer, mentor and subject matter expert testifying in court cases of suspected child abuse. She has presented at numerous state and national conferences on child abuse, trauma and maltreatment. Dr. Smarz recently published (2024) two book chapters on child sexual abuse. She also has a small private practice in Montclair, NJ.

She was also Dr Wick’s “favorite” Daughter in law.

With a diverse background in science education, community service, and information technology, Steve combines a passion for learning, innovation, and service to drive meaningful impact. His experience in science education has allowed him to foster curiosity and critical thinking in others, while his commitment to community service reflects his dedication to creating inclusive and supportive environments. Through his expertise in information technology, Steve leverages modern tools and systems to amplify the reach and effectiveness of initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s mission.

He is profoundly inspired by Dr. Wiechetek’s belief in the transformative power of education and advocacy, recognizing their potential to shape a more equitable and enriched society. Steve is committed to honoring Dr. Wiechetek’s legacy by advancing initiatives that promote access to education in the arts and sciences, preserve historical treasures, and advancing a positive goal for humanity’s future. With a focus on collaboration and purposeful action, he works to ensure the Foundation’s mission continues to make a difference for generations to come.