Our Board
Meghan & Scott Biter
Co-chairs & Ruari's Mom & Dad
Meghan is a native of Upstate NY, earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2001 and has spent her nursing career dedicated to helping women and infants. Scott grew up in western PA and has been a lifelong Steeler’s fan. He earned his Master’s of Health Science as a Physician Assistant in 2004 and has worked in various clinical areas throughout his career. After living multiple spots up and down the East Coast, they relocated their family home to Union Springs in 2011 and dove head first into supporting their new community. Volunteering countless hours with PTO, coaching youth sports, and supporting community/school activities became the norm for their 3 girls, Ainsley, Finleigh, and Ruari. After Ruari’s diagnosis in 2020 they knew they wanted to do more, to raise awareness and help others find the sparkle after this life altering diagnosis.
Barry Schwarting
Vice President
Barry Schwarting grew up in a rural area near Cayuga, New York and purchased land to build a home in a country setting outside Union Springs, New York. Barry is married to Patty and they have a daughter Amelia. Barry graduated from Union Springs Central School and attended Cayuga Community College for Business Administration. He is self-employed. Volunteering and helping his community is a passion of his. He currently serves on the Union Springs Central School Board which he has served as Board President. He is on the Camp Columbus Committee which raises funds for a summer camp and advocates for developmentally and disabled youth and adults. He is also on the Bluefield Classic committee which raises funds to support Friends of Hospice in the local community. Barry and Patty’s daughter Amelia attended Kindergarten with Ruari’s sister Finleigh. A family friendship with the Biter’s has been growing ever since. When Ruari was hospitalized and diagnosed with a brain tumor in September of 2020, Barry met with others to organize a community fundraiser and the support was overwhelming. Through RuariSparkle, Barry will continue to help those families facing childhood cancer.
Lori DeGraw
Events Coordinator
Lori DeGraw has been teaching in the Union Springs School District for over 20 years primarily as a kindergarten teacher. Lori earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Elmira College and earned her master’s degree in Literacy through Walden University. She started her teaching career after completing the teacher certification program through LeMoyne College. Currently, she teaches in the pre-k program at A.J. Smith Elementary School. Over the years, Lori has provided support to the talented performers and directors of the Union Springs Middle School and Union Springs High School Musicals. Lori has supported the ongoing efforts of the Union Springs Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization since back when her own children Evan and Leah attended Cayuga Elementary School. Lori’s relationship with the Biter family started when she taught Ruari’s loving older sisters Ainsley and Finleigh. Lori was fortunate to watch Ruari grow from the time she was born as she attended classroom picnics, concerts, field trips, and other school functions. When Ruari was diagnosed in 2020, she attended pre-k in the classroom next door with Miss Berry. Lori quickly connected with the gracious people on this committee to lend a hand to the Biter family as Ruari faced the uncertainties of her treatment and recovery. Lori plans to celebrate Ruari by carrying out her mission beyond limits for many years to come.
Terri Culver
Secretary
Terri Ryan Culver, is a native of Union Springs, NY. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Cayuga Community College. Terri has worked at Wells College for 26 years, first as manager of Taylor House, the college president’s home, and currently as the Admissions Office operations manager. She serves on the college’s COVID, commencement and orientation committees. She also serves on the Matthew House board, PR/Development Committee and Summer Cocktail Committee for the Matthew House. In memory of her father, Terri and her family established the Banker Bill Scholarship in which she serves on the committee. She resides in Union Springs with her husband, Jeff and two children, Rachel and Michael. RuariSparkle has a personal connection to Terri. Meghan and Scott Biter, Ruari’s parents have been friends since they moved into the community. When Ruari was hospitalized in September of 2020, she immediately knew she wanted to help in any way she could. Witnessing how the community came together was incredible. Terri now will continue to help families facing pediatric cancer through RuariSparkle’s mission.
Meagan Kalet
Treasurer
Meagan's bio coming soon...