Our Team & Board of Directors

Joseph Sprung

Chairman & Founder

New York business leader Joseph Sprung is a passionate advocate for children in need. His Bear Givers non profit benefits these young people and empowers them to become givers and perform meaningful acts of generosity. Joe and his team are dedicated to expanding the reach of Bear Givers and touching more children across the country and around the world. Along with Bear Givers, Joe is deeply involved with Chai Lifeline, a non profit committed to addressing the emotional, social, and financial needs of seriously ill children, their families, and communities. Now the Chairman of the Executive Committee, Joe is also Past  President of this esteemed charitable organization.

Karen Feldman

Director of Leading with Kindness Initiative

Karen is a NYU graduate with degrees in Education and Judaic Studies, specializing in Holocaust and WWII history. She currently teaches 7th and 8th grade history on the Upper East Side and has developed curricula about the Holocaust and Judaism that emphasize tolerance and compassion. As the former Educational Director of The Mosaic Colony, Inc. and the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, Karen is committed to eradicating antisemitism and hate of all kinds. With the help and support of Bear Givers, Karen developed the “Leading with Kindness” initiative, which encourages students to perform charitable acts of kindness. It has been successful in many different NYC schools since September 2022, and the program continues to grow.

Michele Mirman

President

Michele Mirman is a practicing New York lawyer for over 45 years, specializing in medical malpractice and personal injury cases. She is the senior partner at Mirman, Markovits, & Landau and a Past President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Michele is active in her community, serving as a member of AllinBklyn, a community of women who support organizations that strengthen Brooklyn, and a trustee of the Tenement Museum of New York City, among other community organizations. She is a longtime supporter of both the Brooklyn Kindergarten Society, supporting preschools in underprivileged areas, and The Making Headway Foundation, which funds research into brain cancer in children.

Diane Lempert

Executive Director

Diane brings Bear Givers programs and activities to life with her one of a kind creative flair, unparalleled organizational acumen, and generous, warm hearted spirit. From initial contact through program development and execution, Diane fulfills Bear Giver’s mission with a smile and dedication. Whether Diane is customizing bears for a school, planning a hospital visit, or managing logistics for an EmpowerArt Program Art Show, she is always focused on helping children in need.

Kristen DiChiaro

Chief Marketing Officer

After almost a decade with Bear Givers, Kristen has not only helped to organize many of our events but she has traveled all over the US to be there in person. Our Art Shows, Hospital Visits, Teddy Bear Clinics and Senior Citizen Visits are always accentuated by her warm smile, genuine interest and big heart. Her compassion, creativity and caring spirit make her a wonderfully valuable member of the Bear Givers team.

Barbara Firestone, PhD

Board Member

Dr. Barbara Firestone, founder and CEO Emerita of The Help Group, has dedicated her life's work to creating brighter futures for countless young people with special needs. She is widely recognized for her vision and innovation. Under her leadership, The Help Group became one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofits of its kind. Barbara’s impressive list of accomplishments and contributions include developing five state-of-the-art campuses throughout the Los Angeles area, her key role in California's autism public policy, and partnerships with universities in the arenas of training and research. Her two highly acclaimed books continue to serve as a lifeline of hope and help for families. Barbara’s trailblazing efforts have always been grounded in her heartfelt belief that dignity, hope, opportunity and love are the birthrights of all children.