Class of 2025

Class of ’25

Kristina Amyot was born and raised in NH and currently resides in Rochester. She attended college at NHTI and is currently the Human Resource Coordinator for SOS Recovery Community Organization. Kristina began her HR career at Liberty Mutual and was then offered the opportunity to work at SOS which she absolutely fell in love with. Kristina is currently on the advisory board for the MORE STUDY, which is in the process of taking all the data collected and writing a manuscript to help improve quality care. Kristina is a very ambitious lifelong learner and is currently working towards her CRSW and obtaining her SHRM Certification. When not at work, Kristina enjoys reading, watching movies and spending quality time with her three children.

Class of ’25

Hope Anderson is the Tourism Manager at the Greater Portsmouth Chamber Collaborative.

Prior to working for the Greater Portsmouth Chamber Collaborative, Hope was the Community Events Manager for the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce where she found her love of working for and with the communities she spends time in.

Originally from Uxbridge, Massachusetts, Hope graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Recreational Management & Policy; Program and Event Management and fell in love with the Seacoast. She has been here since! Hope currently lives in Portsmouth NH, and loves walking around town, going to the farmers market, participating in local events, and spending time on Lake Winnipesaukee with her fiancé.

Class of ’25

Naomi Brattlof is the Easement Stewardship Director at the Society for the Protection of NH Forests (Forest Society), and oversees a small staff, who as a team, are responsible for monitoring and enforcing over 780 conservation easements on private and public lands throughout the entire state of NH. Naomi is proud to be the director of the stewardship department, which she began as a temporary steward straight out of college and quickly worked her way to director.

Naomi also serves as a Conservation Defense Stewardship Leader, through the Land Trust Alliance’s Conservation Defense Initiative, a national organization with a membership of hundreds of land trusts and partners countrywide. Through this role, Naomi has the opportunity to share lessons learned in conservation in NH while also gaining insights from a group of seasoned national stewardship leaders. Additionally, Naomi serves on the Outreach and Education Committee for the NH Land Trust Coalition (a registered 501(c)3) where she assists in orchestrating (and occasionally presenting at) workshops, webinars and peer groups for 30+ NH land trust organizations.

While Naomi enjoys the day-to-day tasks associated with her role as director perpetuating conservation in NH, she particularly enjoys working with the team of staff she’s been fortunate enough to come across over the last few years. Additionally, Naomi appreciates any opportunity to interact with other stewardship professionals and talk shop!

When not working, Naomi is busy exploring her neighborhood pond with her toddler, Mason, his furry companion, Freya, and her husband, Eric, in Northwood.

Class of ’25

James Burdin is a city planning and economic development professional with more than 10 years of experience at the state, regional, and local level. James currently works in the City of Dover’s Office of Business Development as a Business Development Coordinator. In this role, he provides technical assistance to Dover businesses by helping them navigate state and local permitting processes and connecting them to business resources.

Prior to joining the City of Dover, James spent six years with Strafford Regional Planning Commission focusing on economic development and land use planning.

James graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with a B.A. in History and received a Master of Education and Master of City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University. James has lived in Dover with his family since 2016 and has served on both the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment prior to taking a job with the City.

Class of ’25

Abby Galloway-Burke currently serves as the Project Director of Housing Initiatives at Granite United Way. In this role, she oversees GUW’s Mission Zero Incentive Program in partnership with DHHS and the Affordable Housing Incentive Program, bringing together landlords and service providers to create pathways to affordable, stable housing for those who have experienced homelessness or housing instability. Abby also participates in the Home for All Coalition, a diverse, multi-sector partnership of over 50 members working together to address the impacts of the housing crisis on the Seacoast. Since 2020, Granite United Way’s Housing Initiatives have helped 350 individuals move out of homelessness and into permanent housing.

Abby holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Affairs from Northeastern University. While in undergrad, she received a business minor in Global Social Entrepreneurship. Prior to joining the GUW team, Abby served multiple roles at Community Action Partnership of Strafford County. As the Project Manager for the NH Emergency Rental assistance program during the pandemic, she facilitated the disbursement of over $40 million in rent relief and hotel funding to stabilize housing for more than 5,000 households in Strafford County.

As a Mass transplant, she enjoys getting to know small-town NH and learning more about her new community. Abby is a recent first-time homeowner of a duplex in Dover, working on DIY projects and becoming a local landlord! She enjoys traveling to new countries, exploring antique stores in the area, and trying new restaurants, as she considers herself a foodie!

Class of ’25

I am currently employed at M&T Bank as a Relationship Manager, Vice President.  My current role entails developing loan, treasury management and deposit relationships with current clients and with prospects. I love helping my clients obtain and grow their business. I started working for the bank as a Branch Manager in 2010 and have had assignments in Wolfeboro, Dover, Stratham and Portsmouth NH.  I graduated from Lyndon State College with a Bachelor of Science in 2003 and The New England School of Financial Studies in 2016. I have served the community as the treasurer and board member of Wentworth Development Corporation, the NH Boat Museum and Dover Boys Basketball Boosters

I grew up in Lancaster NH and worked at Bretton Woods Ski area in the winters and the Mount Washington Hotel in the summers for most of my teenage years. I currently reside in Dover NH with my wife Melissa and my two sons Griffin and Merrick.  We enjoy all that the Seacoast offers including boating, hiking, biking and golf.  We seldom leave the area when we go on vacation as there is so much for us to do right here at home.

Class of ’25

Raised in a military household, Tim Cheney learned the importance of hard work, integrity, and service from a very young age. These essential life lessons are exemplified in everything he does, especially when it comes to his profession. Tim’s work ethic, supported by his Masters in Business Administration from East Tennessee State University and a customer-centric sales background, enable him to provide the exceptional class customer experience expected from a high performing real estate agent.

After growing up in Northern Virginia, Tim moved to Dover in 2021 to start his career in real estate and be closer to family. He now lives in Rollinsford with his brother in an investment property they bought together in 2023. In his free time, you’ll find him kayaking, skiing, hiking, reading, playing video games, attending concerts, or spending time with friends and family.

Class of ’25

Originally from Eliot, Kate Constantine is the Community Engagement Manager at Gather, one of the nation’s oldest nonprofit organizations, committed to building food security for families and neighbors in need on the Greater Seacoast. In her role, she partners with local businesses, restaurants, and organizations to build awareness about food insecurity in our community and create engaging community events. Along with Gather’s Culinary Director, Tania Marino, she recently helped found Seacoast Waste Not, a coalition of local chefs, restauranteurs, caterers, and farmers committed to reducing food waste by turning excess food into nutritious meals for neighbors in need.

Before she returned to the Seacoast, Kate worked as a Food Rescue Coordinator for Spoonfuls in Boston, working with nonprofit partners across Greater Boston to keep perfectly good food out of landfills and onto plates of local families.

Kate received her B.A. in Political Science and Women’s and Gender Studies from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. Outside of her role at Gather, you can find her reading, collecting vinyl, and seeing local music.

Class of ’25

My passion for building relationships and connecting people feels innate. I enjoy being part of a process that brings goals and ideas to reality.  Both personally and professionally, my paths have allowed me to work with numerous companies and nonprofits, providing brand awareness, networking, and sales and marketing strategies.

Class of ’25

Leigh Elliott was born in Portsmouth and has lived most of her life on the seacoast. She attended Exeter High School and holds an A.S. degree in Management from Johnson & Wales University.

Through most of Leigh’s career she has worked in a customer facing role ranging from retail, customer contact centers, and account management.  Leigh has been employed by FedPoint for over 5 years.  In her current role as a Customer Experience Specialist, she works to remove barriers that may be impacting a customer’s access to their benefits and recommends process improvements to enhance the customer experience.  Leigh particularly thrives when faced with complex customer issues and has a keen ability to identify root causes while providing reassurance and empathy to the customer.

Leigh provided 10 years of service to the Barrington Public Library’s Board of Trustees in several capacities ranging from Secretary to Chair. She recently stepped down from the board to focus on other activities with her community. Leigh is currently a student at SNHU working towards her B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership.  Outside of work and school Leigh is an avid knitter, loves to cook, and especially enjoys baking sourdough bread. She lives with her husband and daughter, their rescued chihuahua mix, and 2 cats.

Leigh is excited to immerse herself in Leadership Seacoast and is confident the experience will ignite new passions that will allow her to contribute positive changes in the Seacoast area.

Class of ’25

Michele Fleming has spent the past ten years working with nonprofits currently as the Finance Director for Disability Rights Center – NH and before that as a Senior Accountant for Community Action Partnership of Strafford County.  Before she started working in the non-profit sector, she was a self-employed accountant and worked for a variety of businesses in the Seacoast.

Michele has lived in Rochester for 30 years, where she and her husband raised their three children.  When her children were young, she was very involved in the McClelland PTA as treasurer.  She was also involved in Girl Scouts, as a troop leader and cookie chairperson in Rochester for many years. She is currently the treasurer of her church.  She enjoys traveling, visiting with her two grandchildren, cross-stitching, and reading.

Class of ’25

I’m a self-taught man, I just went to university to learn what to teach myself. I attended the University of New Hampshire in the mid 1990’s, majoring in economics with minor studies in philosophy and political science. I spent much of the past 20 years as a freelance videographer teaching myself how to be a better visual storyteller, but after transitions in my personal life, I was ready for change. Now I’m in real estate.

I believe relationships matter – people matter, and I generally want to see others do well in life. I believe an abundance mindset is fundamentally more productive than a scarcity mindset, and one of my greatest joys is lifting others up and seeing them thrive. It can be challenging doing the same for myself at times, but I have been blessed with countless friends that believe in me. I’m grateful for that.

Class of ’25

Krysta Gingue (she/her) works at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in Career and Professional Success (CaPS). As the Assistant Director for Employer Relations, she works with employers to engage students in on campus events for meaningful employment outcomes. She oversees the CaPS internship program which integrates peer-advising and operations interns to a development program to best prepare them to articulate learning and work objectives in their future career path.

A first-generation student, her participation in Upward Bound, a federal-program for first-generation, low-income college-bound students, kindled an interest in equity-focused programs. Krysta graduated from UNH in 2018 with a honors degree in Political Science & International Affairs, minoring in French & Economics. In undergrad, her on-campus experiences sparked a passion for mentorship and peer-to-peer learning modes. Krysta then moved to Burlington, where she pursued a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) with a certificate in community resilience at the University of Vermont. In her MPA work, she discovered a passion for civic engagement for social capital building. Interconnections of social and economic capital for meaningful community participation is a paradigm she has embraced in her volunteer work.

In her years since returning to the seacoast, Krysta serves as a board member for Seacoast Eat Local, the Dover Housing Authority, UNH Seacoast Alumni Network, and has played a pivotal role in the City of Dover’s Ad-Hoc Committee to Address Community Housing Needs. You can catch her coaching boxing, kayaking, hiking, catching a broadway show, and drinking iced chai lattes in her free time!

Class of ’25

My name is Bethany Goodrich, and I am a Certified Financial Planner@ practitioner at Cornerstone Financial Planning, an independent RIA in Portsmouth New Hampshire. I love connecting with my clients, listening and strategizing together to plan for their future. It’s always fascinating to learn what brings people joy and what drives them. I am excited to begin the Leadership Seacoast experience and find more ways to make an impact in the Seacoast Community.

I received my MBA from Isenberg School of Management through UMass Amherst and graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Organization Studies.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, doing yoga and spending time with my family on a beach or at the lake.

Class of ’25

Kelly Hartnett is the Vice President of Community Relations at Seacoast Mental Health Center, the state-designated community mental health center for the eastern half of Rockingham County. In her role, Kelly is responsible for all aspects of the Center’s development and communication activities.

Before joining SMHC, Kelly was selected as one of 30 Boys & Girls Clubs of America Resource Development professionals to participate in the inaugural Leadership Institute at the Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Kelly received a B.S. in Finance and earned an M.Ed. in Community Engagement, both from Merrimack College in North Andover, MA.  Originally from central Massachusetts, Kelly relocated to the Seacoast in late 2019. She resides on Seabrook Brook with her long-time partner, John. During her free time, Kelly enjoys being outside, spending time with family, and cooking.

Class of ’25

Carly Hogue has over 25 years of experience in Advertising/Media Sales.  She spent most of her adult life in NYC working for The Walt Disney Company.  As a multimedia sales lead, Carly successfully partnered with Fortune 100 companies, helping them achieve goals using Disney’s assets and platforms. In 2023 she said goodbye to NYC and Mickey Mouse and joined Hearst as the Digital Sales Manager of WMUR, where she sets budget goals, creates opportunities and strategizes with a team of AE’s.

Carly and her husband Chris moved full-time to Rye NH in 2023 after a decade of living between NYC and Manchester, NH.  Carly is a bonus mom to three stepchildren and a dog mom to two Labradors.  In her free time, Carly enjoys supporting the arts, live music and improving her golf game.

Class of ’25

My name is Logan Hughes and I’m currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Mighty Media Solutions. I’ve lived in the Seacoast, NH area my entire life and would love to give back and eventually become a mentor to some in the area.

In 2017, I founded 7th Level Media LLC, focusing on leveraging Social Media Marketing to bolster online presence and drive lead generation for multiple businesses. This venture allowed me to hone my skills in digital advertising and strategic campaign management.

Expanding my horizons, in 2022, I ventured into franchising with Hite Digital, launching and managing Hite Digital Manchester. Here, I concentrated on providing tailored digital marketing solutions to small and mid-sized businesses in the Seacoast Area of NH, aiding them in enhancing brand visibility and fostering growth.

With a track record of delivering impactful marketing solutions and a passion for driving business success, I am dedicated to pushing boundaries and achieving measurable results in the dynamic world of digital marketing.

When I’m not working I love spending time at the beach with my wife and 3-year-old son Rowan. I love golfing, networking with others, and golfing!

Class of ’25

Jeff Jackson is an Eversource Community Relations Specialist, serving the Greater Seacoast region of New Hampshire, including the cities of Dover, Portsmouth, Rochester, and Somersworth. He is responsible for managing relationships and building partnerships with municipal officials, business leaders, key community stakeholders and non-profit organizations. As Eversource’s primary point of contact in 44 municipalities, he has led and assisted numerous projects to bring safe, reliable, and sustainable electric service to homes and businesses across Rockingham and Strafford counties.

Jeff started with Eversource at the beginning of 2023 after working in the Massachusetts State Senate as legislative staff on the Joint Committee of Ways and Means. His political career started with internships in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the government relations firm of Boksanski Cahill & Bell. Jeff is a graduate of Saint Anselm College with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics. He serves on the government affairs committees for the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, the Portsmouth Collaborative Chamber, and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

Jeff is a longtime Exeter-area resident. He enjoys golf and hiking with his wife, Devin, and their dog, Cedar.

Class of ’25

Ryan Kaplan was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in New Jersey. He finished his undergraduate degree at UNH in 2001 and knew that NH was where he wanted to live. Ryan earned three degrees from UNH and worked as a teacher and school administrator for 15 years. After returning from 3 years living and working as an Assistant Principal in Milan Italy, Ryan was ready to “retire” from working in schools and chose a new path into Real Estate. Ryan began his RE career in 2019 working in Property Management and after two fantastic years building a solid foundation, he transitioned to RE sales. Ryan is a Team Lead of the Envision Group at Compass Real Estate in Portsmouth, NH.

When Ryan is not working, he is enjoying time with his wife and two teenage children. Ryan is refueled on long-distance bicycle rides or hikes in the mountains. He is also passionate about health, wellness, and environmental sustainability.

Class of ’25

Emily Lento is the Project Manager for the Compliance team at FedPoint. In her role she handles projects under a variety of disciplines such as privacy, legal, fraud, and records management. Prior to joining the FedPoint team she was a General Manager for the Juicery, a local smoothie and juice bar chain. She is also an Air Force veteran having served as an Aircraft Electrician and Environmental Systems Mechanic on the KC-135R out of Pease ANGB. Emily graduated from Granite State College with a bachelor’s degree in business management. She also has an associate’s degree in aerospace maintenance technology from the Community College of the Air Force.

Emily was born and raised in New Hampshire and always found herself coming back, eventually buying her childhood home in Candia. She has been falling in love with her hometown all over again, seeing it in a new light and trying to find where there is a need in the community that is a good fit for her to offer her skills and passion.

She loves animals and is passionate about animal welfare, having spent 5 years volunteering at an animal rescue. She enjoys spending time outdoors in the garden, foraging, hiking, searching for four-leaf clovers, and jumping in the ocean (even in the winter!). At home she loves making art, baking and cooking, reading, or playing games. Above all though, she cherishes time spent with loved ones and being present, soaking in the small pleasures of life.

Class of ’25

Sean Leonard is an attorney at McLane Middleton in the family law practice group. In his role, Sean helps clients navigate through divorce, child custody, adoption, and guardianship of minors issues. Before joining McLane Middleton, Sean was a partner at a Maine law firm and maintained his Maine law license. A Concord native, Sean graduated from Plymouth State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He received his JD from Roger Williams University and his LLM from the George Washington University School of Law. In his free time, you can find Sean spending time with his wife and three girls.

Class of ’25

Samantha Lovett is the founder of a dynamic music production company and an independent electronic music label. With a deep passion for supporting underground artists, Samantha is committed to giving talented individuals a platform to reach broader audiences, connect with new collaborators, and fully realize their potential. Drawing from her dual perspective as both an artist and an industry professional, she understands the challenges faced on both sides of the business.

Samantha’s mission is to be a catalyst for change within the music industry. She envisions a future where innovation and creativity are celebrated, and where artists who may have been overlooked for being too new or different are given the opportunities they deserve. Through her work, she aims to set a new standard for fair, equal, and professional show productions, and artist representation ensuring that every artist has the chance to shine.

By participating in Leadership Seacoast, Samantha hopes to expand her understanding of the issues impacting the Seacoast region and to build a strong network of like-minded leaders. She is eager to apply her experiences and insights to foster a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community for artists and audiences alike.

Class of ’25

Brendan Madden is the founder and chairman of the New Hampshire Coalition for the Support of Service Dogs (NHCSSD) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Dover, NH. NHCSSD provides assistance with veterinary bills for service dogs of residents of NH. In this role he oversees the awarding of financial aid for service dog teams. He also coordinates the organization’s education and advocacy programs.

Brendan moved to Dover in 1992 and grew up in the seacoast area. In 2004 he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, which was successfully removed. In 2005, he was matched with his first service dog, Japhy.

Brendan is currently waiting for his second service dog and looks forward to meeting his new teammate!

Class of ’25

Hi there, I’m Julie Matthews, a proud lifelong resident of Kittery, Maine I embarked on a unique journey from design school to nursing school, eventually landing a fulfilling role as a care coordinator team lead at FedPoint. My dedication to healthcare and leadership shines through in my work where I strive to make a positive impact every day.

Outside of my professional life, you’ll often find me exploring the great outdoors through hiking, travel and camping adventures, with my husband and family.

Class of ’25

Kenny Mazige is a Manager in Cybersecurity at Liberty Mutual, where he is responsible for a dynamic team dedicated to leveraging technology to automate and enhance the efficiency of repeatable time-consuming tasks. With innovation and operational excellence as a focus, Kenny has led and supported initiatives that have significantly optimized cybersecurity processes, contributing to productivity gains.

Beyond his work in cybersecurity, Kenny is an advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the workplace. As an active member of a Tech-wide DEI Council, he collaborates closely with executive leaders to formulate and implement impactful strategies that drive meaningful change. His efforts focus not only on workplace inclusivity but also on encouraging personal growth and awareness among his peers and leadership team, fostering an environment where diversity, equity and inclusion are celebrated.

In addition to his corporate and DEI commitments, Kenny is a dedicated soccer enthusiast. His passion for the sport extends into his community, where he coaches his twin sons’ team through Garrison City FC in Dover. Through this role, he imparts valuable skills and teamwork principles to young athletes, further exemplifying his leadership and mentorship qualities.

Elsewhere in his personal life, Kenny appreciates spending time outdoors with his wife, 3 children and German Shepherd Dog and recently is enjoying traveling more with the family to enrich their collective human experiences.

Class of ’25

My name is Connor Mullin and I have been working with people in dynamic environments for my entire career. My employment endeavors have led me to various roles, but I’ve always gravitated towards work that allows me to serve the community I live in. The Seacoast area has felt like a home away from home ever since I moved here to pursue an undergraduate degree from UNH. Beyond my work, I try to find other ways to immerse myself in my local community. These include volunteering time and resources to support impactful initiatives, exploring and advocating for the natural environment, and connecting with my neighbors. If you’re looking for me during my free time, you can usually find me in the woods with my dog playing disc golf or at the beach enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean.

Class of ’25

I am passionate about advocating for and working with children and vulnerable populations. My background includes education, the nonprofit sector, and law. I am a strong proponent of social emotional learning and the importance of a safe community where children and their families can explore, connect, and grow. At present, I am the Program Director at Zebra Crossings, where I help design and implement programming for children with chronic medical conditions. I also serve on the Board of Directors of 240 Strings, a Portland-based non-profit providing free classical music education for students.

Class of ’25

Beth O’Dell, LCMHC, MLADC holds a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Wilmington University and a Masters in Human Services specializing in Public Policy, Analysis and Planning from Walden University. Beth is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist and EMDR trained. She also specializes in Perinatal Mental Health and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Beth joined Hope on Haven Hill in May 2019 after working in Community Mental Health and Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Advocacy Programs.

In addition to clinical work, Beth has been trained as a Yoga Teacher (200-hr) and is a Reiki Level II Practitioner. In her spare time, Beth enjoys spending time with her corgi, Gertrude, and planning vacations.

Class of ’25

Vanessa Polychronis is the Community and Employee Relations Manager for COAST (The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation), where she divides her time between human resource administration and community outreach to promote and grow the Seacoast’s public transportation system.

Vanessa grew up in Seacoast NH and spent her early adult years traveling, playing music, and working at various local restaurants and nonprofit organizations, while earning an associate’s degree in business administration and an HR certificate.

She currently lives in East Rochester, NH with her husband, son, dog, three cats, and nine chickens. She spends her free time thrift shopping, barefoot gardening, renovating antique furniture while listening to true crime podcasts, and restoring her 1880’s New Englander home.

Vanessa lives by the belief, “leave it better than you found it,” and tries to make sure she makes a positive impact on her environment wherever she goes, whether it’s spending a day at the office, volunteering in the community, or restoring her old home.

Class of ’25

Stefanie Ragonese is a life insurance and retirement specialist at her boutique, family-run office in Rochester, NH. In 2020 after spending eight years in the human service field, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Granite State College, and completing the Americorps Victim Assistance Program, she joined the insurance industry with the idea that she could help community members in a different way: by helping them strategize their finances and plan for retirement. Before she was able to properly begin assisting clients, the family business, founded by her father in 2000, needed a full rebranding and modern facelift. Stefanie spent two full years building a brand which included a mission statement, logo, website, marketing materials, and social media platforms, in addition to visiting multiple states to select an industry wholesaler who felt like a good fit for their team and digitizing all their client data. After adding new people and services to the office in 2023, she was able to celebrate this journey with a proper ribbon cutting ceremony in April 2024.

Constantly challenged with the task of breaking glass ceilings in a predominantly male industry, Stefanie has developed a strong focus towards supporting female colleagues and seeking out female clients. She adheres to treating her female clients with the utmost integrity–women need other women, especially when it involves their finances

Going back to work after maternity leave in 2024 brought on new, unanticipated challenges and a new outlook on life. Stefanie now dedicates a majority of her time to bringing new moms and working moms together both in-person and through virtual platforms and is determined to raise awareness and make changes in the community so that new moms can re-enter the workplace with grace and support.

Class of ’25

As the Executive Director of a thriving non-profit, Amy brings ten years experience as a healthcare professional, seven years of leadership experience, and five years in non-profit experience to her role. Her transformational leadership style inspires her team to exceed expectations while fostering innovation and creativity in pursuit of their shared vision to create a world where children with exceptional needs thrive when they are supported, and their families are empowered.

A dedicated advocate for families with disabilities, Amy has lived disability experience herself and is the mother to two daughters who face physical challenges. This personal experience fuels her passion for family-centered therapeutic service delivery.

Amy’s higher education journey began with a Bachelor’s in Speech Communication from SUNY Potsdam, where she championed low-income families and at-risk youth through internships and as an outdoor recreation counselor. She later earned a master’s in occupational therapy while simultaneously working in the school system as a paraprofessional and basketball coach.  She is dual board-certified in pediatric occupational therapy and commits time each week to mentor other therapists and local business owners in the community to give back and strengthen the community and next generation of leaders.  As a former Army wife, Amy has embraced diverse cultures across the country and internationally, enriching her practice and perspective.

Outside of work, Amy is committed to lifelong learning and community involvement, serving on her town’s Budget Committee and coaching youth soccer. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and exploring local farms with her family.

Class of ’25

Brandy Rickaby is a dedicated Family Services Manager at New Generation in Greenland, NH, where she passionately empowers women and children. Drawing from her experiences as a single mother of three and her time as a former resident of New Generation, Brandy is uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges families face.

Possessing a Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) license from the State of New Hampshire, Brandy actively contributes to the community as a member of the Board of Directors at Hope on Haven Hill. As a prior participant of the program herself, she proudly identifies as a person in long-term recovery, embodying resilience and hope.

Brandy approaches each day with purpose and positivity, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families she serves. Her personal journey instills a deep sense of compassion that resonates with those who seek help, making her an effective advocate for change in her community. She believes that fostering strong connections and providing a nurturing environment are essential for both individual growth and collective development.

Her unwavering dedication to her family’s well-being not only fuels her work but also inspires those around her. With her warm, approachable demeanor, Brandy continues to create a positive impact, helping others navigate their challenges and find a path toward a brighter future. Through her advocacy and support, she is a beacon of hope for many.

Class of ’25

Ian Robinson is a Manager at Baker Newman Noyes (BNN) in their Transaction Advisory Services practice. In his role, he assists in quality of earnings analysis, financial due diligence, and post-transaction services for companies in the software, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, distribution, and other industries. He has been with BNN for 6 years since graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 2018 with a Master of Science degree in accounting. Ian is a Certified Public Accountant and previously worked in BNN’s audit department for 4 years.

Ian was born and raised in Biddeford, ME, and now lives in Amesbury, MA, with his wife, Kendra. Outside of the office, he enjoys supporting his favorite professional and collegiate sports teams, playing golf, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new baking recipes.

Class of ’25

Christina Smith is a Commercial Banking Administrator at Eastern Bank. She has spent over 18 years in the banking industry, the last nine have been with Eastern Bank. Christina started her career as a teller moving through various roles before moving into Business Banking. In her current role she provides comprehensive support to the Business Banking team, helping them assist customers with all their Business Banking needs. She ensures the seamless execution of relationship management that is critical to the success of the organization. Christina consistently demonstrates a willingness to exceed expectations, frequently undertaking projects beyond her defined role. Her dedication to her work is evident as she readily steps in to assist her teammates and colleagues assuming additional responsibilities without hesitation. Christina is an emerging leader within Eastern Bank and an asset to the company and the division she supports.

Christina is a Maine native, raised in Wells, ME. She currently lives in North Berwick with her husband John and their five children. In her free time, she can be found at a sporting event for one of her children or exploring all the beauty Southern Maine and Seacoast New Hampshire has to offer.

Class of ’25

Abby Sprackland graduated from Plymouth State University with a BA in Communication & Media Studies and minors in Marketing and Dance from Plymouth State University. She began her start in the nonprofit sector in 2017 and is currently the Donor Relations Specialist for the NH Food Bank, a program of Catholic Charities NH and partner food bank of Feeding America. In her role, Abby supports leadership through the cultivation and stewardship of donors. She enjoys getting to know what inspires each donor to give while deepening their understanding of the impact their generosity has on the food bank’s mission and communities across the Granite State. As the only food bank in the state, the NH Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food annually to more than 400 partner agencies across the state including food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, children’s programs, senior centers and more. Abby is passionate about the relationship between food and its impact on our well-being. She believes everyone deserves access to the nourishing foods and resources they need to thrive.

Abby was fortunate to grow up on the seacoast and now lives in Stratham with her fiancé and two fur-babies. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, staying active and also teaches dance at a local studio.

Class of ’25

Peter Squires is a Philanthropy Advisor at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, where he has worked for two years. He has found great professional reward from helping to connect philanthropic individuals with the nonprofits working to address the most pressing needs in our state. Prior to joining the philanthropic side of the charitable ecosystem, Peter worked for over a decade in nonprofit fundraising, serving as Director of Development for Star Island Corporation, Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager at The Music Hall, and Sponsorship Coordinator at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Peter moved from Brooklyn to the Seacoast area in 2010, and now lives in Madbury with his wife, son, and pets. You may also have seen Peter performing locally. He is a singer/songwriter and performs in numerous area bands, including Palana vs. the Man, Blake Seale and the Third Wheel, and backing up local legend Guy Capecelatro III.

Class of ’25

I am an Associate Director of Regional Strategy at Novocure, an innovative oncology device company with US headquarters here in Portsmouth.  We strive to  extend survival  in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer.  I’ve worked for Novocure for the past 5 1/2 years.  Some of my responsibilities in this role are supporting the sales team with speaker programs, educational programs for glioblastoma patients and their caregivers and training radiation oncology residents and neuro oncology fellows on our device, Optune Gio. I have been in the medical/surgical sales business for 30+ years.  I love knowing that what I do can have a positive impact on people’s lives.  I’m a 2023 graduate of Novocure’s Emerging Leadership Program.

I’ve lived on the NH Seacoast since 1993 in various towns including Portsmouth, Stratham, Kensington and Epping.  I currently live in Epping with my husband and 11 year old mini labradoodle, Bentley.  I have 2 beautiful adult daughters – one is a nurse at Wentworth Douglass Hospital and the younger one will be entering P.A. school at Tufts in January.  I have 3 adult stepchildren and 4 grandkids.  I LOVE to travel, adventure and trying new things, along with multiple sports.

Class of ’25

Kaden-Mykal Taylor is a Premium Administration Team Lead at FedPoint, a voluntary benefits administrator for federal and military families. Over the past six years, he has developed skills in data analysis, leadership, and client relations, working closely with government payroll offices. Motivated by process optimization and developing solutions, Kaden’s career has been driven by a passion for improving workflow efficiencies, which began during his time as a merchandise inventory supervisor for notable names such as “Weird Al” Yankovic, Against Me!, and hit Broadway shows including Hamilton, Cats, and Annie.

Beyond work and family, Kaden enjoys freelance web development and holds a strong interest in real estate. He is committed to mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy, as well as personal development. He has volunteered with Seacoast Outright and other LGBTQ+ organizations, offering mentorship, resources, and speaking at conferences and schools across the country.

As a neurodivergent transgender man, Kaden has faced significant life challenges, including childhood trauma, foster care, poverty, homelessness, parental incarceration, and family substance use. These experiences, and his resilience, has fueled his passion to shift the script and provide support and hope for others. Kaden’s core values—Compassion, Integrity, and Impact—guide him toward a future where he can continue leveraging his skills and experiences to create positive change for others.

Living in New Durham, NH with his wife, three teenage boys, infant daughter, and his disabled mother, Kaden’s life is what his family calls “Taylor’d Chaos.”

Class of ’25

My current role is with the STEM Outreach Program at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard which is a part of the Executive Support Office. Our mission is two-fold. We aim to inspire, engage, and educate students in STEM related career pathways as well as employ, develop, and maintain our current diverse civilian and military workforce. My favorite thing about my work is engaging with the community and seeing the “aha” moment in a student’s eyes when they grasp a complicated technical concept. This program resonates with me so much because much of my career has been trades-based. I went to school for Advanced Composites Manufacturing where I specialized in Bonding and Finishing, and CNC Set up and Operation. I have manufactured parts and processes for Automotive, Aerospace and finally Naval applications through various machining technologies. I love taking my technical knowledge and turning it into palatable hands-on activities.

In my free time, I enjoy painting landscapes and working in the garage creating different things like jet boats and go karts.

Class of ’25

Who is Erika Wilson? I’ll be seeking the answer to that, in some form, for the rest of my days because I am ever shifting. If you aren’t growing, are you even truly living, or just simply existing? I can tell you this – I have become the woman I needed when I was younger but didn’t have access to. I am an artist, a deep feeler, a lover of life and a proponent of perspective. I am equally fascinated by who I am, as I am by who you are. I don’t care to know how much money you make; I want to know, if we took a walk down a meandering way, would you have something of interest to say. Whether your car interior is leather is of no concern, tell me rather about your interior and if it is at peace. The size and number of your televisions impresses me not, tell me the size of your dreams and if your mind expands wide enough to engulf them. When your head hits the pillow at night, is the distance between who you are and who you want to be smaller today than it was yesterday? Does your soul groan with hunger and do you know what to feed it? Do you swim willingly in the depths and scream wildly at the sky? These are the things I desire to know. This is what matters. You now know all you need to know about me. Also, I love cheese.