Meet the Board
Joseph J. Cappello, Executive Director
Joseph J. Cappello married Nancy Marcucci, in 1974 and the story began. Joe is the co-founder of Are You Dense, and Are You Dense Advocacy. Joe was elected to take on the leadership role as Executive Director of Are You Dense, Inc and Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc. in January of 2019 after Nancy’s passing from treatment related bone marrow cancer (MDS). His passion is to continue Nancy’s legacy by pursuing the goal that they set in 2004; that not one woman would die from a late- stage breast cancer due to dense breast tissue. In 2009, Joe and Nancy championed the first in the nation breast density inform law in the State of Connecticut. To date, there are now 36 States that have breast density legislation. This has given thousands of women in the U.S. and around the world a voice, because early detection matters.
In 2004 Nancy was diagnosed with stage 3c breast cancer. They decided to start Are You Dense, Inc and Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc to alert the world about the high risk of breast cancer for those women with dense breast tissue. To help finance these efforts Joe drew on his musical background to put together what became The Are You Dense MusicFest. It produced finances to Are You Dense, Inc for 10 years and gave great pleasure to thousands of people at the same time.
Joe received his entrepreneurial degree by developing three businesses in his career. He became a real estate broker and started his own business which continued for 30 years, selling homes and industrial / commercial property. He was also an independent rep for many years in the electronics industry, selling to industrial manufactures throughout New England. Joe has been an avid drummer since the age of 10. He played with The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra while still in grammar school and in many bands, writing and recording original music. He still plays in a jazz band on occasion. His interest in music ignited an idea to develop a business which manufactures and distributes a unique portable drum set throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. He also holds a U.S. Patent on the electronics portion of the drum set.
Joe is a licensed private pilot and also enjoys being on his boat with friends and a good cigar.
Donna Johnson, President
Donna Marie Johnson is the Community Relations Liaison for Diagnostic Radiology Associates (DRA), a private radiology practice located in Waterbury, Middlebury and Southbury CT. Donna has been with DRA for 23 years, helping to spread the word about the importance of breast cancer screening and preventative breast health. She has been instrumental in many fundraisers for organizations such as Waterbury Hospital, Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, Waterbury Hospital Auxiliary, Easter Seals and other health- related organizations. Donna believes that women need to be informed and empowered about their own health and has joined the Board of Directors of Are You Dense, Inc. to help spread the word about breast density to women across the country. She lives in Woodbury CT with her husband Jim, has two grown daughters, and the most beautiful grandson in the world.
Linda Salvatore, Secretary
Cheshire CT resident Linda Salvatore joined the Board of Directors of Are You Dense, Inc. early in 2021, assuming the role of secretary. Meeting Nancy Cappello in 2005 at the Brave at Heart support group soon led to their friendship and Linda’s continued support for Are You Dense. Professionally, Linda began her career in Naugatuck as school media specialist, a position she held for 25 years. On the Board of Directors for CEMA (Connecticut Educational Media Association}, Linda chaired state conferences to include managing presentations, scheduling, vending, and hospitality. In addition to media, Linda performed administrative duties for Connecticut’s Nutmeg Children’s Book Award and, as Director of District Technology Training, coordinated technology training for the Naugatuck CT school system. The last 12 years of her career were spent as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, and mentor teacher at the middle school level. Retiring in 2014, Linda continues in the education field working as a tutor for Naugatuck High School and keeping her husband, Gary, well-fed and entertained.
Suzanne McDonald, Executive Administrative Assistant
Suzanne McDonald is a breast cancer survivor who fought and overcame late-stage 3C breast cancer. Originally from Sweden, Suzanne moved to the US in 1979 after graduating with a degree in social science. Her professional journey in America began as a personal assistant at Prudential and later as Vice President of Clear Dimension, a company focused on promotional gifts for the investment banking industry. Suzanne co-founded a landscaping company, Four-Season Service, with her late husband. In 2013, Suzanne crossed paths with Dr. Nancy Cappello through the Brave at Heart breast cancer support group and joined Are Dense, Inc. as an administrative assistant. Since getting involved with Are Dense, Inc., Suzanne has passionately dedicated herself to raising awareness about breast density and its impact on breast cancer detection. Her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor has driven her to advocate for better screening methods and access to information for women everywhere.
Beth Sieling M.D.
Dr. Sieling is a board-certified general surgeon who earned her medical degree from East Carolina University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in general surgery at Abington Memorial Hospital in suburban Philadelphia, as well as a Breast Surgery Fellowship under the tutelage of nationally-renowned experts at The Comprehensive Breast Center in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Dr. Sieling is skilled in the most advanced technologies available for the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease, including minimally invasive stereotactic and ultrasound-guided core breast biopsies. She also performs skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomy, placement of accelerated partial breast irradiation catheters, and genetic counseling and testing for patients at risk for BRCA gene mutations. Beth is known for her outrageously wonderful care of her patients and always goes above and beyond for them. She lives in Southbury CT with her wonderful husband and her two great children.
Christine Damato
Christine Damato was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, and after surgery, 20 rounds of chemo, and 5 weeks of radiation she heard the best words ever - cancer free! During her road to recovery, Christine had the pleasure of meeting Nancy Cappello through a support group called Brave at Heart. The connection she felt to Nancy was one of passion and commitment, 2 qualities that have always been part of her DNA. The work being done by Nancy and the Are You Dense organization was impressive! As a 7 year survivor, Christine knew that it was time to use her sales, marketing and leadership skills to be a voice and an advocate for educating women on the importance of annual testing, helping to save more lives, and giving back to the community. Christine has a strong background in fundraising and always had a knack for bringing people together and creating enthusiasm around a mission. She was asked to join the board in December of 2023 and after reflecting on her life experiences, Christine knew that as part of her cancer journey she could make an impact as an advocate through Are You Dense, and help save more lives.
Donna Pelosi
Donna Pelosi was a 38 year old mother of two young daughters when she learned she had dense breast tissue and underwent the first of four (thankfully benign) biopsies. While researching dense breast tissue, she became familiar with Joe and Nancy Cappello’s work educating women about dense breast tissue and working tirelessly to pass legislation to insure all women were provided with the best tools to find cancerous tumors at an early and more treatable stage. Donna was given a new passion and purpose when she was asked to join the Are You Dense Board in 2024 to work to continue the mission of Are You Dense. Thank you so much for your help!