About Us
About Us
Embedded Files
We are a collective of like-minded individuals united by a shared belief in the power of good to drive meaningful change. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations committed to enhancing empathy, promoting equity, and addressing the environmental challenges facing our Earth.
Co-founders David Cheris and Michael Taylor have shared a journey spanning over two decades. Together, they are raising a family that includes three adopted children—through the Connecticut Department of Children and Families—and two rescued shelter dogs. Their deep-rooted commitment to service stems from both personal experience and professional dedication.
David has devoted his career to elementary special education, serving a wide range of school districts from inner-city neighborhoods to rural communities. He has worked closely with students facing emotional disturbances, poverty, neglect, abuse, and cognitive challenges. Now serving as an assistant principal, David focuses on making a broader impact on underserved populations.
For the past 22 years, Michael has worked in higher education, guiding young adults as they transition into the next phase of their lives. He holds a Juris Doctor degree and currently serves as an assistant dean within the Connecticut State University system.
David and Michael’s passion for helping others has been shaped by their careers, personal experiences, family life, travel, and ongoing study. They contribute annually to causes supporting underprivileged youth, animal welfare, elder care, environmental protection, and disease research. They believe strongly in the responsibility to preserve the Earth and its natural resources, not only for the well-being of current communities, but to ensure a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations.
Michael’s mother passed away in 2018 after battling brain cancer and multiple sclerosis, fueling his commitment to advancing medical research. More recently, David’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, intensifying their resolve to support efforts in combating degenerative illnesses.
With the creation of the Taylor-Cheris Foundation, David and Michael aim to harness the generosity of those with the means to give, providing essential funding and resources to individuals and organizations that share their mission of compassion, equity, sustainability, and support for those in need.
Our Board of Directors and Advisory Team includes experienced professionals from diverse fields—special education, higher education administration, law, finance, and social work. Each member contributes a unique area of expertise, strengthening our capacity to fulfill the Foundation’s mission with integrity, insight, and impact.
We aim to inspire others to join us in making the world a better place.
Board Members
Board Members
David Cheris
Co-Founder & President
David is a seasoned educator with nearly 20 years of experience in public education, currently serving as an elementary assistant principal in Connecticut. His professional journey began in event management, sales, and public relations before transitioning to the classroom, where he taught students in grades K–5 and developed a deep commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning.
David holds a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts with a minor in Business Administration, as well as master’s degrees in Elementary Special Education, Teacher Leadership, and Educational Leadership. His diverse academic and professional background fuels his passion for educational equity and systemic change.
In 2023, David expanded his commitment to service through international volunteer work focused on animal welfare, contributing time, resources, and support in Aruba and Peru. These experiences inspired him to co-found The Taylor-Cheris Foundation, where he now serves as President. Through the Foundation, David aims to create lasting impact on a global scale—advocating for empathy, equity, and environmental stewardship.
Michael Taylor
Co-Founder & Vice-President
Michael serves as Assistant Dean at Central Connecticut State University’s School of Business, where he combines academic leadership with a strong foundation in law and business education. He holds a Juris Doctor (JD) and brings a multifaceted perspective to his work, drawing from both his legal background and his experience in higher education administration.
In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Michael is a dedicated educator who teaches courses within the School of Business. His teaching focuses on areas where business and law intersect, equipping students with critical thinking skills and real-world insights that prepare them for ethical and strategic decision-making in today’s complex professional landscape.
With a deep commitment to student success and institutional excellence, Michael plays a key role in program development, student engagement, and fostering academic partnerships. His leadership reflects a broader dedication to advancing equity, innovation, and opportunity in higher education.
Lisa Israel
Vice-President, Fundraising
Lisa is the director for the Office of Professional Oversight at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and obtained her undergraduate degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore County and her master’s degree in higher education administration from Loyola University Chicago. She has served Saint Louis University since 2009 in varied capacities involving leadership, student success and retention.
In her role as director, she assists all members of the School of Medicine with issues related to unprofessionalism and/or mistreatment as it relates to the learning environment. In addition, she serves as the ombudsman for Saint Louis University inclusive of the undergraduate campus, Medical School and Law School. Lisa is a certified professional coach and is the Founder of Israel Consulting LLC. Through her consulting work she travels nationally for speaking engagements and consultative work as it relates to organizational effectiveness, leadership development and retention of staff. Her consultative specialties include coaching, conflict resolution and organizational effectiveness within higher education and healthcare organizations.
Michelle Shapiro
Secretary/Social Media Coordinator
Michelle is a dedicated special education teacher at New Rochelle High School, where she is passionate about supporting diverse learners and building inclusive, student-centered environments. As part of the PAVE Acting program, she has witnessed the powerful impact that even small moments of connection can have on a student’s life. Michelle serves as the advisor for TheatreWorks, the school’s student-led theater club, and directs the fall play, combining her love of the arts with her commitment to youth development. She also advises Hope From the Heart, a club that raises awareness and funds for breast cancer causes in the local community. Michelle previously served as fundraising chair for a not-for-profit community theater company, where she brought creative energy to events and built strong community partnerships. Her work—both in and outside the classroom—is driven by empathy, collaboration, and a passion for making a meaningful difference.
Advisory Council
Advisory Council
Nick DePalma
Analyst
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