Our Team
Jim Coghlin
Director, Chair Emeritus, and Co-Founder
Jim Coghlin is a businessperson, philanthropist, community activist, and passionate advocate for improving cancer survival rates through early detection. He is a third-generation business owner who has transitioned the business to the fourth generation, allowing him to focus on expanding the reach of DetecTogether to enhance and save more lives. Jim has a BSBA from Nichols College and receives many honors and awards for his business accomplishments, charity, and community work.
Through his involvement in fundraising for cancer causes over many years, Jim learned that education was needed to address the delayed cancer diagnosis. The life-saving benefits of detecting cancer early are clear, but no organization taught people what they needed to know. Jim and his family founded DetecTogether to proactively teach the public and empower them to recognize cancer symptoms and act promptly. “I truly believe that health is a gift. Every one of us can help improve cancer survival rates by changing the cancer conversation and empowering earlier detection. If it is to be, it is up to us!”
jimcoghlinsr@detectogether.org
Tricia Scannell Laursen
President & Executive Director
Tricia joined the team soon after Jim shared the impact of the delayed diagnosis on cancer survival rates with her in 2009. She is a strategic thinker with 30 years of leadership roles in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Her experience and emphasis on continual improvement to inspire change have played a significant role in the growth of DetecTogether. Tricia has a BS from Bentley and an MBA from Clark University. The impact of delayed diagnosis has cost members of Tricia’s family and friends their lives. “I don’t want anyone else to lose loved ones to a delayed diagnosis. Early cancer detection is a life-saving advantage that all deserve.”
tricia.laursen@detectogether.org
Susan Cyr
Administrator
Susan is a seasoned administrator who has worked for engineering and manufacturing companies. Her extensive event planning experience has contributed to the fundraising success of DetecTogether and other organizations for which she volunteers. Susan’s inspiration and dedication to the cause are personal. “I am involved with DetecTogether because I want to honor the memories of dear family members who could have been empowered by 3 Steps Detect education. Having been involved with the organization from the very start, it is rewarding to see the progress we have made toward improving cancer survival rates, with the ultimate goal, of course, of putting ourselves out of business!”
Jon Christensen
Database Manager and Mission Intelligence Analyst
Jon brings 18+ years of balancing end-user and business needs through collaborative problem-solving to achieve results in the non-profit space. After years of wearing many hats, both creative and technical, he is now focusing his energy towards leveraging the power of the Salesforce platform to increase business efficiency and success. Jon is a Certified Salesforce Administrator with an interest in business analysis and product management. “My goal is to blend my Salesforce expertise with the creative and technical skills I have developed over the years to drive value and positive change at DetecTogether.”
jon.christensen@detectogether.org
Sandy Danault
Senior Director, Programs & Partnerships
Sandy has been delivering the message of early cancer detection with DetecTogether since 2014 to young adults and firefighters. As a cancer survivor herself and a former volunteer EMT, she is passionate about delivering the message of early detection and personal health advocacy. As a new full time DetecTogether team member, she brings with her 19 years of experience in education, where she is accomplished in the development of programs and curriculum focused on personal health and well-being. “I am excited to help empower people to become their own best health advocate. Being part of team with the goal of saving lives through early detection is a mission that makes me hit the ground running every morning.”
sandy.danault@detectogether.org
Joe Gill
Social Media Manager
Joe has over ten years of experience in storytelling, social media marketing, and community management. He has a BA in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Being a survivor, Joe is passionate about educating others through his experiences. Joining the DetecTogether team makes Joe feel he has a position with a purpose. “I want to make a difference by sharing early cancer detection stories and educational content that can save lives. There is nothing more gratifying than that.”
joe.gill@detectogether.com
Shannon Neves
Executive Administrator
Shannon is a dynamic executive support specialist with over a decade of experience in the fast-paced tech industry. She enjoys basking in the sunshine in the invigorating Plymouth, MA, sea-breezes when she’s not orchestrating schedules, streamlining emails, and acting as a multitasking marvel. With a belief in the rejuvenating power of nature, Shannon thrives on hitting the open road with her husband and beloved furry companion in tow for cherished camping adventures. DetecTogether’s mission is deeply personal —the impact of cancer on her loved ones fuels her dedication to early detection initiatives, driving positive change, and making a real difference in the lives of others.
shannonneves@detectogether.org
Amy Sullivan
Training and Client Relations Manager
With 17 years of experience as an educator and mentor, and a mother of a cancer survivor, Amy brings a deep knowledge in the realm of curriculum development, strategic planning, and a passion for community engagement. This dedication also led her to founding Lily’s Pad, a non-profit organization to improve pediatric care spaces for children undergoing chemotherapy at UMass Memorial Children’s Hospital. Amy’s proven commitment to creating positive change and her exceptional ability to build and maintain relationships make her a wonderful addition to our DetecTogether team. “I want to ensure I am doing my part during my time here to create change and move the needle on early cancer detection.” Amy comes to us from Sutton where she lives with her husband and three children.
amy.sullivan@detectogether.org
Judy Tonelli-Brown
Senior Graphic Designer & Creative Manager
Judy is a graphic designer with many years of experience with a large variety of clientele: from large corporations, to mom-and-pops, higher education, non-profits, and more. With a passion for having fun and feeling good, she has joined DetecTogether, excited to play a part in furthering the mission of making sure many other people continue to have fun and feel good, too. Using visual means to share the DetecTogether story is her new charge.
She is thrilled to now have a specific focus for her work, and that it involves working with and for people who have such a deep appreciation for the gift of life.
Lisa Young
Senior Director of Communications & Engagement
Lisa is a survivor who knows first-hand the importance of early cancer detection. She is passionate about sharing the 3 Steps Detect program to increase survivorship. Lisa has 25 years of accomplished marketing communications and innovative strategic leadership expertise. She leverages her experience from leading healthcare technology companies and her education in health communications from Johns Hopkins University to serve the critical mission at DetecTogether. “I want to do my part to improve cancer outcomes for the 40% of the population who will be diagnosed with cancer. With the right tools, increasing health literacy, and removing barriers, we can improve self-advocacy and empower early diagnosis to save more lives.”
lisa.young@detectogether.org