EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Alumnae & Youth Representative

Ashley is an alumnae of DCF as a former foster and adopted youth. She has shared her story across the Commonwealth at a number of events and venues to help contextualize the need for youth and family support. As a public advocate, she has worked tirelessly to promote youth support, family support and LGBTQIA+ support. Ashley leads the Youth Committee work under the supervision of the Executive Team. She is currently a student at Fitchburg State University.

Eileen is the coordinator for the Pathways for Parents program at the Federation for Children with Special Needs and brings her vast experience to the FAC.  She is active in her communities, serving on the Newton Commission on Disabilities, the Newton Schools Foundation, and the advisory board of the Eliot Clubhouse for mentally ill adults.  Eileen is the parent of five young adults.

Shareef is a proud parent of a set of joyful twin daughters. Lover of nature, wildlife, education and working families especially fathers. Playing basketball of course and enjoying a good laugh. Growing up in foster care he brings his real life experiences and skills to the Family Advisory Committee team. He’s a voluntary case reviewer for the department and serves on the Leadership Team for the FAC. Shareef resides in Boston MA, where he serves the families in his community and advocates for families. He’s currently serves on the Fatherhood committee.

Lori has been involved with supporting youth & families for many years as a longstanding member of the FAC. She has served in many roles and has contributed to various works supporting the child welfare community, including her current lead role with suicide prevention training (QPR). As a mother of five, and with seven grandchildren, she is very dedicated to her family. Professionally, Lori was a registered nurse, working within the psychiatric treatment area. Lori currently holds the position of Exec. Co-Chair for the FAC.

Meri is an adoptive single parent/ mom who has adopted 3 children including a sibling group and a child with significant medical needs and down syndrome. Meri is in the process of adopting her young grandson. Meri has been working with family organizations for over 20 yrs. Meri hold the position of Associate Director for PPAL and is a consultant nationally with the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Justice for Families. Her passions include making sure that racial equality happens across many systems.

Rebecca is a mom and a woman in long term recovery. Along with her training, and lived experience in Substance Use recovery, she is also a Certified Substance Use Recovery Coach (CARC) and a Recovery Coach Supervisor, which is her passion. Professionally she is the founder, Program Director, and Recovery Coach Supervisor for her non-profit, called Community Program for Addiction Recovery. Rebecca currently holds the position of Secretary for the FAC.