Your Mortgage Team
A caring team of mortgage professionals who are excited to help you on your homebuying journey
Patrik Vida
Operations Manager
Patrik joined Brightwire in 2015. Prior to working at Brightwire, Patrik worked as a title professional and closing specialist for 15 years. As Brightwire’s Operations Manager, Patrik is responsible for all loan processing tasks and for helping to interview, train, and mentor new hires. Patrik resides in Portland Oregon, and his hobbies include power lifting and traveling.
Alina Tavarez
Operations Specialist
Alina brings over ten years of mortgage processing experience to the Brightwire team. With a strong background in high-volume loan processing, she’s excited to help deliver on Brightwire’s promise of fast, efficient closings — all while keeping the client experience at the heart of what she does. As a mom of three, Alina’s “why” has always been her family. That same sense of care and dedication carries into her work, where she finds joy in helping other families reach their homeownership goals. Outside of work, Alina loves spending time with her kids, playing Mario Kart with her son, taking photos to capture life’s special moments, and is happiest when spending time at the beach. She also has a special place in her heart for the holiday season and all the warmth it brings.
Samantha Cucinella
Operations Specialist
Sam was born and raised in England, and with a father in the military, she spent her childhood moving often — including time in Germany. Those experiences sparked her love of travel, new cultures, and learning bits of the local language wherever she goes. She eventually settled in West Milford with her Jersey-native husband, John, and their three dachshunds. Outside of work, Sam loves painting and volunteering, especially bringing her pups to senior homes to spread a little joy. Sam enjoys speaking with clients on the phone and building personal relationships with them. Sam cares so much for others and truly enjoys her role at Brightwire.
Christa Lopera
Loan Consultant
Christa began her professional career in the United States Army as a paralegal and served our country domestically and abroad. Upon separating from the military, Christa used her administrative skills in the legal/law enforcement field for over 10 years. Christa joined Brightwire team in 2020. As a Brightwire Loan Consultant, Christa loves to help educate prospective home buyers and current homeowners about the mortgage process and about Brightwire’s exclusive mortgage programs. Christa loves to help others and to create relationships with her clients that last beyond the closing table. Christa and her family reside in Wood-Ridge, NJ. As a mom of two athletic boys, when she is not working she can be found at wrestling tournaments or cheering her kids on in the bleachers of football fields.
Todd Harrington
President
Todd founded Brightwire in 2013. Prior to forming Brightwire, Todd worked as a sales engineer for Cisco Systems for 6 years. As Brightwire’s President & Owner, Todd maintains close relationships with his business partners and clients to ensure 100% client satisfaction. His favorite part about being a business owner is mentoring the team. Todd’s hobbies include networking, entrepreneurship, traveling, and being outdoors. As a 'Girl Dad' to two young daughters, Todd is a pro at making pancakes, braiding hair, and finding playgrounds.
April Harrington
Business Development Specialist
April officially joined the Brightwire team in March 2022, but as Todd’s wife, has been unofficially supporting Brightwire clients from the beginning! April brings over a decade of sales, marketing, and business development experience (from the information technology industry). She is excited to share her love for marketing and help Brightwire reach more clients. April has two energetic young daughters, and loves making crafts and cooking.