Our Board of Directors

Nelida Machicote

President

Nelida Machicote has served eight years as a board member. She holds a BS in Health Science from Worcester State College and a Master of Social Work from Springfield College where she was also an honor society member. Nelida is a powerful force in her community and workplace with over twenty years of social work experience. She led a homeless outreach ministry in Framingham, MA, 1993–2005. Her “Credit 101” business has assisted many with credit counseling services. Nelida’s husband and their three children inspire her daily.

Charles Parrilla

Member

Charlie was born in New York City and later relocated to Puerto Rico where he graduated from the University of Rio Piedras Puerto Rico in Business Administration. Charlie served in the United States Marine Corps for a term of four years. After that he arrived in Worcester County to work for a Financial Service Company and several mortgage companies. In 2004 Charlie decided to seek a new beginning in the real estate industry to help the community achieve the American dream and own their own home.

Michael Binder

Member

As a visual communications designer, he was [correctly] labeled a "ruinous empath" by corporate management systems. Now, as a recent transplant to the Worcester area via Durham, Zurich, and Managua; he has put down roots and is passionate about serving our local community. 

MA Elizabeth

Member

A native of Worcester, MA, Elizabeth holds a bachelors in communications from Worcester State University and has also authored a children’s book. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, singing, writing and spending time with her family. As a woman of faith, a devoted wife and proud mother of four, she stays grounded in purpose, guided by her sense of service and driven by a passion for helping others thrive. She currently works as a financial advisor and is an active member of New Life Worship Center in Worcester, MA.

Miriam Damaris Collazo

Member

Miriam Damaris holds an Associate in Audiovisual Communications, a Bachelor's in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao, and a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Framingham State University. She is a US Army retired veteran with over 20 years of experience mentoring, guiding, counseling, coaching, and assisting with life transitions for both Soldiers and now, civilians. Miriam Damaris is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a volunteer in her home church, New Life Worship Center in Worcester, MA. Her dedication lies in making a positive impact within the community and fostering an environment conducive to growth and healing, employing a collaborative approach to empower individuals to lead lives filled with purpose.

Richie Gonzalez

Director

Founder and Executive Director, Richie Gonzalez was ordained a Minister-Pastor in 2014. He was presented with The Key of The City in 2017. He also serves on the Board at Latin American Health Alliance and is a member of The Central Massachusetts Opioid Task Force. Richie also works in collaboration with the City of Worcester’s Quality of Life Team and with Judge Tim Bibaud from Dudley District Court. In 2018, Richie joined the Housing First Coordinating Council, part of the City Manager’s Homeless Task Force.

Elizabeth Gonzalez

Director

Elizabeth is the Assistant Executive Director of Net of Compassion. She works tirelessly to help make Net of Compassion a success. She directly supervises the day-to-day operations of the organization and solves the ongoing challenges of running a growing nonprofit organization.

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Net of Compassion’s work is fueled by the generosity of donors. Contributions of all sizes make a difference. Please consider making a donation today.