Board of Directors
Juliet Ragaishis, Executive Director
Juliet provides the lead role to the Defying Limits team. Juliet is an accomplished entrepreneur, salesperson, and mother. She started her menswear business 10 years ago. While building a business may have looked effortless to her peers, starting a business at the age of 50 with no funding quickly forced Juliet to rely on her 25 years of marketing experience. Her business now boasts over 600 clients, and she keeps herself busy commuting between New York, NY and Manchester, VT. She believes this relationship building skill is her best attribute to bring Defying Limits to the next level.
Juliet developed a strong sense of devotion to the hidden disabilities community as she raised her three children with her oldest son having Crohn’s Disease, her middle son having von Willebrand’s Disease and her youngest daughter, Ginger Ragaishis – founder and spokesperson of Defying Limits, Inc, having a learning disability.
Nicole Brooks, Vice Chair
Nicole Brooks is the owner of Pilates by Nicole. As a Vermont native, she was excited to bring her passion for Pilates to her hometown with Pilates by Nicole.
Nicole discovered the Pilates method in 2009. As a dancer and outdoor enthusiast, she quickly became passionate about the method and knew that she wanted to share it with others. Shortly thereafter, Nicole decided to move to New York, NY where she completed the 600 hour comprehensive teacher training program through Power Pilates of NYC.
As someone who struggles with a hidden disability herself, she is excited to help empower those to achieve their dreams with Defying Limits, Inc. with hard work, patience, and persistence you can do anything you put your mind to.
Melissa Hoff, Communications Director
Melissa Hoff is an entertainer, host, speaker, and advocate. She produces and performs concerts, galas, and philanthropic events such as ESPN’s Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, the V Foundation Wine Celebration for cancer research and the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer, NextGen V, and the Chemotherapy Foundation galas. As a breast cancer survivor and the mother of a child battling cancer for the second time, Melissa is focused on raising awareness and resources for cancer and pediatric causes. In the spotlight, she has played on the stages of the La Jolla Playhouse with Pete Townshend and the original Broadway cast of The Who’s Tommy and in the Pre-Broadway company of Zhivago, the Los Angeles Opera with A Little Night Music and as Nimue in Camelot at the Hollywood Bowl. Melissa is married to Tony® Award-winning actor Christian Hoff and together they have 5 children. She is delighted to support Ginger Ragaishis’ work Defying Limits as she encourages others to find and pursue their hidden potential.
Teresa Bagley, Finance Director
Teresa’s experience leading the fund development departments of national non-profits, along with an MBA, equip her to serve as Finance Director of Defying Limits. Her social welfare organizations successes include attaining revenue goals using donor impressions and interactions, attracting target prospects, growing support base, and enhancing donor engagement, while budgeting and managing multiple programs.
Teresa’s career ended when she was struck by a truck while walking across a street. While she suffered traumatic brain injury and other permanent damage, she credits pursuing physical and mental fitness before the accident with saving her life. Now, coping with her own hidden disabilities, Teresa is an enthusiastic supporter of Defying Limits and is delighted to help Ginger advance her mission.