Our mission is to bring happiness, kindness, love, and acceptance for all

Christopher Antao is a dedicated advocate for neurodivergent youth mental health and social-emotional wellness, whose unique journey from athlete to executive and philanthropist defines his mission.

His foundation in discipline and excellence was forged early as the 1998 Massachusetts State Champion in wrestling, which earned him a scholarship to compete as a NCAA Division I wrestler. He is a graduate of Sacred Heart University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on Child Development.

Following his academic career, Chris built a successful professional life in the banking and pharmaceutical industries, holding senior executive positions. However, through profound lived personal experience it ignited a deep passion for helping others. This led him to pivot his career toward service, first as a firefighter and then fully toward his calling. He is now the innovative creator and leader behind Gnome Surf’s impact. In just 7 years Gnome Surf has become one of the fastest growing organizations in the Surf Therapy sector, and among the leaders in total impact.

He holds a Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching Certificate through Harvard Medical School and was the recipient of the 2019 Emerging Leader of the South Coast Award from UMass Dartmouth and Gatehouse Media.
Chris's work is focused on creating inclusive communities and supporting the mental health of vulnerable youth populations. His innovative programs have been featured in major publications including Surfer.com Magazine, Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, and on PBS NewsHour.

Driven by a core mission of fostering inclusion, acceptance, love, and kindness for children of all abilities and their families, Christopher Antao has dedicated his life to ensuring every young person has the support they need to thrive.

Daken is head of Investments for MassMutual’s Wealth Management organization and Chief Investment Officer for the MassMutual Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Daken joined MassMutual in 2019 and brings over 20 years of experience to us, having held several key positions throughout the industry, including: Chief Investment Officer and founder of Granite Peak Asset Management; Senior Investment Associate for Bridgewater Associates in portfolio construction and strategic projects; Head of Research and Portfolio Manager at Chartwell Investment Partners (a $5B investment manager); and Partner at Gamma Capital Partners, a quantitative hedge fund where he served eventually as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all aspects of the investment strategy.

Daken attended both the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University for mathematics and statistics coursework and received his Master of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of New Mexico and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designation.

Judite (Judy) Carey has been serving as Treasurer of Gnome Surf since 2019 and as Co-Chair since 2021. She also volunteers as a Beach Captain at Happy Camps. Judy is married to Jeffrey Carey, and together they have one daughter, Ava, who shares their love of service as an Assistant Surf Instructor at Gnome Surf.

Judy’s passion for the nonprofit world began early, when as a teenager she volunteered at church functions and local Portuguese feasts. Her involvement deepened in 2009 when Ava started school, leading her to serve as President of several Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) for eight years (2010–2018). She has continued her dedication to community service as a long-standing member of the Parish Finance Council at St. Francis Xavier Church (2012–present), as well as the parish’s Feast Committee. Judy was also elected to the Board of Trustees for the Swansea Free Public Library in 2018 and is now serving her third consecutive term.

Professionally, Judy retired from IBM in 2018 after 21 years as a Software Engineer, where she developed educational courses and coordinated hands-on conferences. She now works alongside her husband at Commonwealth Financial Group (CFG) as a Client Account Administrator, serving as a liaison between clients and advisors. In this role, she manages insurance and investment applications while ensuring a world-class client experience, particularly during the onboarding process.

Judy earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Computer Information Systems from Roger Williams University

Bill Keogh lives in Jamestown, RI with his wife Andrea. They have two grown daughters. He has spent his career innovating in the insurance industry in a variety of leadership roles. He is currently an Operating Partner with Eos Ventures; investing in insurance and finacial services innovation. He has travelled extensively in Asia, Europe, UK, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Early in his career he lived and worked in Vienna, Austria and London, England.

Bill is active in many fitness activities, including running; biking; paddle boarding; year-round ocean swimming; ultimate frisbee and a variety of racquet sports. He is also a surf instructor at Gnome Surf.

A partner at Commonwealth Financial Group since 2009, Jeff maintains an unparalleled enthusiasm and genuine passion for planning, investing and wealth accumulation. Jeff is a consummate professional who focuses on the individual needs of his clients. He excels in assisting clients bolster their financial standing by implementing sound and progressive investment strategies coupled with prudent risk management.

Jeff and his team provide a single-source, comprehensive wealth management solution for companies, institutions, families, business owners, and professionals. They specialize in the full integration of personal, business, and estate planning, as well as tax mitigation strategies. Jeff’s clients tell him that his personalized process allows them to see their financial and business affairs from a new perspective and helps them to pursue their goals with purpose, clarity, and a longer-term view.

Jeff has had a special place in his heart for Gnome Surf since 2018 when his daughter began surf therapy sessions. The following year Jeff was invited to join the board. He has worked diligently supporting the organization by leveraging his business acumen and vast professional network. In the beginning of 2024, Jeff graciously accepted the role of Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee.

Jeff graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and International Marketing. In 2014 he became a Senior Partner at Commonwealth Financial Group and was promoted to the role of Managing Director. He maintains a Certified Family Business Specialist (CFBS) designation. In addition, he holds a Life, Accident and Health license, as well as Series 7 and 66 securities registrations. Jeff currently resides in Swansea, Massachusetts, with his wife Judy and daughter Ava.

Lisa Raiche CPA MST is the Co-Founder of wiseHer, Inc. where she acts in the capacity of the COO (Chief Operating Officer) developing financial models & operational processes & procedures. She is also the Founder of Bodhi Business Advisors, Inc., a boutique business advisory consulting firm supporting entrepreneurs with short & long-term strategic business planning & financial modeling (budgets & forecasts).

Before starting wiseHer, Inc. & Bodhi Business Advisors, Inc., Lisa worked 15 years as an accountant & tax planner in Public Accounting working with small business owners to organize their business books & creating comprehensive tax plans. She was also a controller in private industries, including software & market intelligence creating financial forecasts & analyzing actual business results.

She is also an active member of the Community, serving on the Board of Directors for Entrepreneurs For All (EForAll) Southcoast & a Corporator for BankFive. Lisa is proud to be a Rotarian & a member of the Rotary Club of Fall River, MA. As the current Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Fall River & a Paul Harris Fellow, she lives by the Rotary International motto ‘Service Above Self’.

Christopher Antao is the Founder of Gnome Surf, a globally recognized leader in adaptive surf therapy for neurodivergent athletes. His journey to creating this impactful organization is as unique as the children it serves.

Chris's foundation is built on discipline and excellence. As a Division I Massachusetts State Champion wrestler, he learned the values of resilience and dedication firsthand. This athletic prowess, combined with his academic drive, earned him a scholarship to Sacred Heart University, where he competed in NCAA Division I wrestling and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, focusing on child development.

He then channeled that drive into a successful corporate career, holding senior executive positions at Fortune 100 financial institutions like Citizens Bank, TD Bank, Santander, and LendingClub, where he served as National Sales Manager of Institutional Banking.

This diverse expertise in psychology, high-stakes business, and brand marketing culminated in his true calling: founding Gnome Surf. In just six years, he has positioned the nonprofit as a pioneer in its field, passionately dedicating his life to creating a better now and future for kids of all abilities. A certified Lifestyle and Wellness Coach from the Harvard Medical School, Chris's work has been featured in major media outlets including The Boston Globe, PBS NewsHour, Surfer Magazine, and Travel + Leisure Magazine.

Mike joined the team at Gnome Surf in June of 2025. His primary focus areas include staff leadership and organizational development. Combining a deep passion for the healing power of the ocean and a 23 year career in the nonprofit recreation industry holding key leadership positions in program development and executive level operations and having the opportunity to lead and expand a local independent pet store chain. Mike has first hand experience with the transformation that occurs when people connect with the world around them. Fostering these connections through inclusive recreation programming has been some of the most rewarding aspects of his work. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Resource & Ski Resort Management from Lyndon State College and Master of Science degree in Organizational Management & Leadership from Springfield College School of Human Services. He also has a certificate in Entrepreneurship from Bryant University. Mike is married to his wife Chrissy of over 25 years and they have two sons. He enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music and outdoor activities. As part of Gnome Surf Ohana, Mike believes that everyone plays a part in making the world a better place.

Dr. Brooke Tubbs, OTD, OTR/L is Gnome Surf’s Vice President of Programs & Clinical Director, blending her expertise in occupational therapy with a deep love for the ocean. A Fulbright Scholar and graduate from Alma College and Northern Arizona University’s Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program, she holds two additional graduate certificates in translational and equitable research design and has been published in OT Practice Magazine as well as other peer-reviewed journals, sharing her research on surf therapy, wellness, and community-based practice. At Gnome Surf, Brooke leads program development, mentorship, and research—creating inclusive surf therapy experiences that build confidence, connection, and joy for athletes of all abilities. She believes the ocean heals in ways words can’t, and she’s dedicated to sharing that magic with every member of the Gnome Surf family.

Whitney Senghore serves as the Grants Officer at Gnome Surf, bringing a lifelong passion for inclusion, community, and social impact to her work. Since 2020 Whitney has played an integral role in Gnome’s growth and impact, cultivating vital partnerships and securing grant funding to expand its radically inclusive wellness programs for youth and families. A native of Rhode Island and proud mother of four, she brings a unique blend of heart, strategy, and lived experience to her leadership.

Whitney earned her B.S. in English from Tufts University, where her passion for writing and storytelling evolved into a powerful tool for advocacy and change. She spent several years working in West Africa, focusing on access to clean water, sustainable food systems, solar food preservation, and income generation for women and youth of all abilities in rural Gambian villages. Through this work, she developed deep expertise in field research, community engagement, and grant writing, using her skills to inspire collaboration and sustainable change.

Her journey led back home to Rhode Island, where navigating life as a parent to a child with high support needs introduced her to Gnome Surf and inspired a new chapter grounded in inclusion, belonging, and joy. What began as a volunteer role quickly evolved into a mission to share the transformative magic she experienced with her own children with families across the region. Today, Whitney continues to strengthen Gnome’s capacity to connect people, build community, and create innovative spaces where every child and caregiver feels confident, uplifted, and free.

Jen Potter is the Vice President of Administration, People, and Special Events. A dedicated leader that loves the water. She brings strong organizational skills and heartfelt compassion for athletes to her work, while also balancing life as a proud mom of three amazing children.

Brigham Brough- Vice President of Partnerships Photo: IMG_0127.JPG
I grew up immersed in the natural beauty of Northern Vermont, where snowboarding in the winters and windsurfing in the summers shaped my early connection to nature and water elements. I went on to attend Brown University, graduating in 2005 with bachelor's degrees in Music & Africana Studies.

While at Brown, I became a founding member of the indie folk rock group Elvis Perkins in Dearland. Over the next decade, I toured the world, performing at venues and festivals across the globe and honing a deep passion for music that still fuels my creative life today.

Following my years on the road, I shifted my focus back to carpentry, a skill set I learned from my father and cousin. In 2012 I cofounded Coast Modern Construction, a design- build firm based in Providence, Rhode Island, where we blend craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic. A few years later, we purchased and began the transformation of a derelict mill building in Rumford, RI into what is now MetaSpace Studios — a vibrant hub for artists, designers, makers, and live-work communities.

Over the past few decades surfing has become a deeply meaningful part of my personal journey, offering both inspiration and an opportunity for healing through my connection to Mother Ocean. I am currently the VP of Partnerships at Gnome Surf and have found the organization to be one of the most nurturing and rewarding elements of my life. I am so grateful to be an integral part of the blossoming community at Gnome Surf!

I grew up immersed in the natural beauty of Northern Vermont, where snowboarding in the winters and windsurfing in the summers shaped my early connection to nature and water elements. I went on to attend Brown University, graduating in 2005 with bachelor's degrees in Music & Africana Studies.

While at Brown, I became a founding member of the indie folk rock group Elvis Perkins in Dearland. Over the next decade, I toured the world, performing at venues and festivals across the globe and honing a deep passion for music that still fuels my creative life today.

Following my years on the road, I shifted my focus back to carpentry, a skill set I learned from my father and cousin. In 2012 I cofounded Coast Modern Construction, a design-build firm based in Providence, Rhode Island, where we blend craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic. A few years later, we purchased and began the transformation of a derelict mill building in Rumford, RI into what is now MetaSpace Studios — a vibrant hub for artists, designers, makers, and live-work communities.

Over the past few decades surfing has become a deeply meaningful part of my personal journey, offering both inspiration and an opportunity for healing through my connection to Mother Ocean. I am currently the VP of Partnerships at Gnome Surf and have found the organization to be one of the most nurturing and rewarding elements of my life. I am so grateful to be an integral part of the blossoming community at Gnome Surf!

My name is Beth Arrington, and I am the Vice President of Program Operations and Logistics for Gnome Surf.

My journey with Gnome began in 2020 when I started volunteering on the beach at Happy Camp. I saw the magic that is Gnome and became more involved. The lives that are changed by what we do is nothing short of amazing. I then became a beach captain and volunteer coordinator for our Happy and Day camps. This has led to being more involved in the planning of the organization, which has led to my current position.

In my current position at Gnome, I manage all the scheduling for our events, instructors and overseeing the programing in our organization.

My professional life outside of Gnome is as a physical therapist since 1991 and an athletic trainer since 1998. I have been blessed to see many patients of all ages in my career. There is a need in our community for other therapies and Gnome provides this to all our athletes.

My love for the ocean is deep as I am an advanced open water scuba diver in my free time. I also have a passion for traveling and love to experience other cultures and experiences. Being a part of this organization helps to marry my love of the ocean with my passion for volunteering and giving back.

Thank you for your interest in Gnome and we hope you will join our Ohana.

Jacob Tavares is a full-time firefighter and has been part of the Gnome Surf team for over four years. As the Newport Program Director, he leads surf therapy and wellness programs across Aquidneck Island, partnering with local nonprofits to create meaningful opportunities for youth and families. Holding a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, JT blends his background in public service with a passion for personal growth and community connection. He’s proud to help create a space where every participant feels valued, supported, and inspired both in and out of the water.

Stef keeps the tech side of things running smoothly at Gnome, managing the scheduling software, she is also the face behind [email protected]. A Rhode Island native and URI grad, she grew up skateboarding but found her flow surfing the waves of Narragansett. With a lifelong career in technology and a love for solving problems, Stef brings her resourceful energy to the Gnome team. When she’s not in the water, you’ll find her teaching at the gym or chasing her next adventure.

Bethany Vanasse, or "Vanasse" as she is known to our Ohana, is the Surf Fit and Wellness Director at Gnome Surf; a position that beautifully blends her passion for special education, fitness, and social emotional connection. Her journey with Gnome began eight years ago—not as a staff member, but as the parent of an athlete attending a Happy Camp. That personal connection sparked a deeper involvement that started with weekly volunteering, to becoming a beach captain, and eventually led her to take on a bigger role within the organization. Surf Fit was created to support both physical health and social-emotional well-being. Her program is rooted in inclusivity, empowerment, and the belief that movement and mindfulness can change lives.

Bethany also handles all of our outreach events. You may have seen her setting up a table at a local resource fair, spreading some stoke in the community. Whether it's in a school gym, the local pool, or at the beach, Vanasse's goal is to keep our Gnome Surf Ohana connected year round, and helping young surfers find their confidence and their balance.

Bre Welch is the Women’s Wellness Director at Gnome Surf, where she leads inclusive surf therapy and healing programs rooted in movement, ocean energy, and community connection. She also serves as a Photographer for the organization, capturing the magic of these transformative moments so they can be remembered and shared. With a background in yoga and sound healing, Bre creates powerful spaces for women and feminine energies to reconnect with their bodies, their breath, and their personal power.

Her surfing journey began in 2016 as a form of personal healing, which evolved into a calling to help others find transformation through the sea. Known as a professional hype woman, Bre empowers others to discover their most radiant and authentic selves through surf, sound, and soulful presence.

She is also part of the heart behind Happy Camp Nosara alongside Chris, where they host wellness-based family retreats in Costa Rica centered around play, connection, and healing.