Meet the Team
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My name is Courtney and I am a NFL Wife turned Widow that founded One Yard at a Time, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide NFL Experiences to widows and their children to let them know we're on their team.
We believe in the power of community to help widows and their children see the possibilities of turning trauma into post traumatic growth. Our mission goes beyond merely sending widows and children to a football game; we are fostering a community that is essential. We’re uniting widows who truly understand each other's experiences.
One Yard at a Time is dedicated to my husband Matthew, a 15-year veteran of the New York Jets from 1978 to 2023.
courtney@oneyardatatime.org |908.498.2648
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I first met the Capgrossos when Matt started working at the Jets. At the time, my office was right across from the IT office and I spent a lot of time yelling across the hall for someone to come help me with one computer issue or another. Over the years, we often worked with each other on various projects and I got to know Courtney at games and lots of Jets events. Later I left the Jets professionally but returned to the Jets personally and got to know Matt and Courtney even more through my husband Paul (aka Marsh). To Marsh, Matt was not only a co-worker but a very close friend. They shared programming, and more importantly (and probably more frequently), life advice with one another. I can't tell you how many things have come from a Cappy recommendation. We were devastated and heartbroken when the world lost Matt.
I was amazed when Courtney shared her idea for One Yard at a Time with me and incredibly honored when she asked me to join her in making it come to life.
To be able to extend her positivity to others is an incredible gift that we can give. Together we will show others that they are not alone. We are there on their team with them, hoping to bring some smiles to their faces, even if just for a few hours on a Sunday, but hopefully even more.
I know Matt is shining down with pride at what she has chosen to turn her tragedy into and I am grateful to be a part of this journey.
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My name is Sally Ann Tomaio and I am the fundraising coordinator for the non-profit organization [501(c)(3)] One Yard at a Time, founded to empower widows to move forward one step at a time. I hold this title in the highest regard as it is an honor to have an opportunity to not only support my dear friend but to honor Matt as well. It is a fulfilling opportunity to align my beliefs and actions with my commitment to honoring Matt’s memory through a mission that helps other widows move forward one step at a time.
When I welcomed Courtney to Chester, just before Covid hit, we seized the chance to explore the town together with our families, forging an instant connection. Those outdoor moments, filled with laughter and discovery, built a bond that felt fated, offering mutual support as the world shut down. I believe the reason our paths crossed when they did was to create a lasting friendship that enriched both of our lives and to provide my friend with strength during the uncertain times that lied ahead.
It was as if fate orchestrated this encounter to spark a profound purpose: to channel our compassion into a legacy of support for others, aligning our beliefs with actions that honor Matt and uplift countless other lives through our work with the foundation.
I believe our paths crossed when they did for a reason. This is the reason.
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Kelle Dingwell is a recent graduate from the the University of Vermont. Growing up, sports were a huge part of Kelle's life which laid the foundation for Kelle's desire to join the One Yard at a Time team and help others create meaningful experiences through athletics.
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Dr. Kim Sharrott is a mom and works as a psychologist in private practice in New York City. Her training includes sports psychology, neuropsychological testing, and counseling adults in private practice.She utilizes evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Mindfulness through the lens of diversity. Dr. Sharrott empowers her clients to move through maladaptive thoughts, habits, and traumas and create attainable goals and coping skills to live their best life. She has experience working with a variety of individuals including those with depression, anxiety, and trauma.
What you enjoy about OY - I love having a positive place to channel my grief and love for my late husband Dr. David Heslin, and for my kids to honor their dad, who was an athlete, brilliant scientist at Regeneron, a fan of the NFL and an overall amazing human. It's an opportunity to put a smile on the faces of other widows and their children- which is much needed in the wake of grief. After Dave died, I had no idea how to take my kids to a sporting event- it was something my husband always did. Along with being paralyzed with grief, I wasn't up for learning something new. He had the things he was good at, and I had mine. But my kids missed the things their dad did for them- like taking them to a game. One Yard organizes all of that for widows and their kids. It gives them something fun to look forward to, and forget about their sadness for a little while and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching a game together.
@DrKimSharrott
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Mick is a dedicated husband, father, and community leader with a deep passion for helping others grow and thrive. A proud graduate of High Point High School in northern New Jersey, Mick went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Education from The College of New Jersey and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton. While pursuing his Doctorate at Rutgers University, he felt a calling to make a broader impact and transitioned into a career as a Financial Advisor.
Mick brings over a decade of experience in education to his work in financial services, where his background in teaching and coaching continues to guide his approach. Since joining Northwestern Mutual, he has been committed to educating and empowering individuals and families to achieve financial security. In 2017, he was honored to be named a College Unit Director, where he mentored aspiring professionals while continuing to grow a personal practice rooted in service and trust. Today, Mick proudly holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and ethical financial planning.
Mick’s greatest inspiration comes from his family—his wife Carlee and their two children, James and Ashlynn. They live in Bordentown, NJ, where they are active members of their community. Outside of work, Mick is an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time on the golf course—having (reluctantly) retired from chasing glory in the over-30 basketball league.
Mick is proud to support the mission of One Yard at a Time, bringing his passion for teaching, mentorship, and long-term planning to help make a meaningful impact—one yard at a time.
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I joined the board of One Yard at a Time because I believe deeply in the power of showing up for your friends—and for those who may not have someone to show up for them. While I’m not a widow, some of my closest friends are. I’ve watched them navigate unimaginable grief while raising children, holding careers, and rebuilding life without their partners. And I’ve seen what it means to be part of a community that gets it—that wraps its arms around you and says, “You’re not alone.”
Being part of this organization allows me to support women and children who deserve joy, comfort, and a reminder that their team is still behind them. I help wherever I’m needed—from supporting events and fundraising to spreading the word and building connections. My contribution is rooted in love, loyalty, and a desire to make sure no widow or child feels left on the sidelines.
One Yard at a Time isn’t just about football games—it’s about reclaiming moments of joy, honoring those we’ve lost, and reminding families that they still belong to something bigger. I’m honored to be part of this mission, and even more honored to stand beside the strong, inspiring women who founded it.
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Rhiannon is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in private practice at the Whole Nutrition Center, where she provides personalized, whole-person care focused on lifelong wellness. She partners with individuals to prevent disease, reverse diagnoses, and meet their personal wellness goals through the four foundational pillars of health: nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management. Rhiannon also deeply values the role of faith, social connection and environment in achieving lasting wellness—believing that true health is nurtured in the context of supportive, resilient communities.
Why One Yard at a Time?
I’ve had the honor of walking alongside my closest friends as they and their children have faced life after the loss of their husbands and fathers. Through these experiences, I’ve seen the profound difference that a strong, compassionate community can make in a family’s healing journey. When families feel seen, supported, and surrounded, they begin to rediscover hope, rebuild strength, and reclaim joy.
One Yard at a Time offers more than just experiences—it creates spaces where widows and their children are reminded that they are not alone, that they matter, and that an entire team stands with them. The mission to build meaningful connections and provide lasting memories resonates deeply with me. Knowing that Matt’s legacy continues to bring people together and uplift families fuels my passion to contribute to this beautiful and vital movement.
“Grief can feel like a solitary journey, but healing happens in community—where love, support, and shared strength remind us that we’re never truly alone.”
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Morgan Knorr is a recent graduate of Indiana University with a degree in
Sports Marketing and Management. With a background in coaching and a
lifelong love of athletics, she’s passionate about creating meaningful
experiences through sport, both on and off the field.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the behind-the-scenes champions of our mission—Paul Marsh, Jose Rey, our attorney, Matt Iftoad, Esq., and Pro Bono Partnership—for their unwavering support and invaluable collaboration in helping bring our vision to life.
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Berkowitz, Lichtstein, Kuritsky, Giasullo & Gross LLC
75 Livingston Avenue | Roseland, NJ 07068
O: 973-325-7800 | F: 973-325-7930
Direct Dial: 973-325-8262
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https://probonopartner.org
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