Our team
Building a Brighter Future Together
Lori DeFalco - President & Founder
Lori DeFalco is the President and Founder of Connected Hearts Ministry, a faith-based organization rooted in compassion, restoration, and service. Lori has dedicated her entire life to volunteering and serving her community, guided by a deep and unwavering faith. Her passion for helping others is not only a calling, but a way of life.
In addition to her own family, Lori raised three abandoned children, demonstrating extraordinary strength, love, and perseverance. Through both personal experience and years of service, she has gained a profound understanding of hardship, resilience, and the power of unconditional support. Having overcome many challenges in her own life, Lori is committed to helping others re-enter society by offering compassion, dignity, spiritual and practical support to rebuild their lives.
Through Connected Hearts Ministry, Lori’s commitment and calling is to uplift individuals and families, sharing hope, faith, and love while empowering them to move forward with purpose and confidence.
Valerie A Hancock - VP & Treasurer
Valerie A Hancock, Ph.D.Dr. Hancock is an ordained minister and a clergy-licensed Christian counselor. She is the owner of Brightlight Ministries, a Teaching and Counseling Ministry founded in 2011. With 16 years of experience in the ministry of counseling, she is passionate about helping people get set free to become all God has called them to be.
Cathy West - Secretary
Cathy is a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP certification) with 30+ years of experience in administration, project management, and operations, bringing exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail to support mission-driven initiatives. Known for fostering collaboration, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring seamless communication, I excel at building relationships and delivering excellence in service. My background spans diverse industries, equipping me with the adaptability and problem-solving skills needed to manage board documentation, coordinate meetings, and uphold governance standards. Passionate about contributing to meaningful causes, I am committed to supporting the Connected Hearts Ministry board’s mission with integrity, efficiency, and professionalism.
Victoria M. Bonelli - Advisory Board Member
MA, LMFT, LMHC
Victoria Bonelli is the Founder of Serenity Now Counseling Center in Maitland, Florida. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as Mental Health Counselor. Victoria is a two times Rollins graduate who has been working with Individuals and Families since 1998 in the Central Florida area. Her passion is connecting with people, helping them discover their hearts’ desires, instilling hope for a brighter future, and teaching tools for success in order to help her clients become healthier people through a conscious, deliberate, though sometimes challenging process for change. Change for a better way. Change for a better life! Victoria works with people with a holistic perspective and helps support their physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual growth. Victoria is a lifelong Christian who sees her work as a healing ministry, honoring God the Father by helping those in need.
Ariz Bousaid - Advisory Board Member
Ariz Bousaid is a luxury brand marketing director and creative strategist specializing in high-end beauty, fragrance, and experiential marketing. A certified event and wedding planner as well as a certified human rights advocate, Ariz brings cultural intelligence and purpose-driven leadership to every project. She is a Rotarian at heart. She serves on the board of The French, American Business Chamber, of Orlando, Fabco and the Orlando Museum of Art bridging art, culture, and luxury within the global marketplace. My mission is to nurture emotional and professional growth in others, because when we rise together, we become a shining community.