"Joey" Johnson

Joseph "Joey" Johnson is the Owner/Director of Forte Studios, which recently opened in March 2026.  Joey is a recent graduate from Cornell University where he double majored in Music and Computer Science, with a minor in Theater.  In addition to performing on stage for over 20 years, Joey has worked behind the scenes in a variety of roles, including Technical Director, Choreographer, Music Director, and Artistic Director.

Lisa Buscemi 

Lisa Buscemi is the Director of Jennifer House, a program of Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach (SCPO) that provides supportive reentry housing and services for women who have experienced homelessness and justice involvement. Celebrating more than ten years in recovery as of May 2026, Lisa’s connection to Jennifer House is deeply personal. She was a program alumna three separate times and, following her release from incarceration in 2017, returned determined to rebuild her life. After transitioning through Jennifer House and its supportive apartment program, Lisa joined the staff just eight days after leaving the program. She began as an overnight per-diem, later became House Manager and Interim Director, and in January 2022 was named Director. Along the way, she returned to college, earned an Associate Degree in Addictions Counseling with distinction, and received her CASAC-T certification.

Today, Lisa uses both her professional experience and her lived experience to help other women create new futures for themselves. Many members of the Jennifer House team are program alumnae or have personal experience with recovery or justice involvement, allowing them to connect with the women they serve with understanding, compassion, and authenticity. Lisa’s philosophy is simple: she doesn’t walk in front of the women or behind them—she walks beside them. She never forgets the support she received when she needed it most and credits Jennifer House with not only helping her rebuild her life, but helping save it. Now, she has the opportunity to offer that same hope, support, and second chance to other women every day.

A Night of Light Fundraiser

A Night of Light — In Loving Memory of Emily Short

Tamara MacDuff is hosting A Night of Light, a special fundraising gala honoring the life and memory of her daughter, Emily Short, who passed away. The evening is designed to be one of remembrance and celebration—honoring a young woman described as tenacious, hilarious, and someone who lived life out loud. Rather than allowing Emily's story to end with her passing, Tamara is creating an evening filled with laughter, love, and light while giving back to children and families in Emily's name.

A Night of Light will be held September 6, 2026, from 5–10 PM at the Damascus Shrine Center, 979 Bay Road in Webster. Proceeds from the event will benefit the children of Shriners Children's Erie, continuing Emily's legacy by helping others. Tickets are $100 per person. For Tamara, the evening is about more than raising funds—it's about saying Emily's name, sharing her story, celebrating the life she lived, and turning the love for her daughter into something that can bring hope and light to other families.