Committee Leadership Team...

to four daughters is the Director of Remedies Solutions for people leaving is also a Recovery serves on a Boston He runs small and men’s groups, runs a also a trainer. He work with seniors his community to non-mobile people.

Xavier is a father of five children. Early engagement with the DCF system taught him first-hand about the challenges of the youth and families who he supports today. With a strong voice in the area of fatherhood engagement, as well as in racial and cultural equity, he contributes his time to helping others in the community who can benefit from his decades of direct experience. His goal is to make sure that everyone gets treated fairly and equally in their engagement with the child welfare system.

Cheryl has been involved in supporting DCF involved families for thirty years. Her experience spreads locally as well as nationally. She has cared for 171 children in various roles as a biological, step, foster, kin, adopted, guardian and grandparent. She also adds unique personal experience growing up in the DCF system as an alumni foster youth. This knowledge allows her to promote better outcomes for all parties involved in the fostering system whenever possible.

Executive Committee

Biological Parent & Community Resource Advisor

Jennifer is a proud parent and community activist who shares her skills as a valuable Family Advisory Committee team leader working in many areas. She serves on the Framingham Area Board and is a volunteer Foster Care Reviewer for the Department. Jennifer, formerly a computer analyst, is proud parent and who lives in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Jennifer serves as the Treasurer for the FAC.

Shareef Smith

Alumnus & Community Resource Advisor parent of a set of daughters. Lover of nature, and working families

Playing basketball enjoying a good laugh. foster care he brings experiences and skills to Advisory Committee team. case reviewer for and serves on the for the FAC. Shareef MA, where he serves his community and families. He’s currently Fatherhood committee.

Executive 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.

Executive Committee

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.