meet
The Staff
leadership
Bridget Chiaruttini, LICSW (She/Her)
Executive Director
(617) 964-6273 ext. 110, bridgetc@mareinc.org
Bridget Chiaruttini, LICSW - Executive Director
(617) 964-6273 ext. 110, bridgetc@mareinc.org
As the Executive Director since 2022, Bridget brings a wealth of clinical expertise, leadership excellence, and a rich organizational history to her role. With over two decades in human services, child welfare, and non-profit leadership, Bridget sets new standards of excellence through a strategic, data-driven approach in the programs she oversees. She holds a B.A. from Boston College, a master’s degree in social work, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management and Leadership from Boston University.
Bridget's journey with MARE began in 2010, and she served in various leadership roles, managing the organization's child services, family support, and communications teams. As a licensed clinical social worker, she has seamlessly navigated both clinical and macro settings in adoption and foster care, championing the well-being of children, families, and communities.
Bridget's commitment to the foster care adoption community extends beyond MARE; she co-chairs the Children’s League of Massachusetts Adoption Task Force and serves on the Children’s Bureau Adoption Call to Action Work Group. Passionate about creating innovative pathways to permanency, Bridget leads with a dedication to improving systems for the benefit of vulnerable children and families.
Outside of work, she can be found at her community garden plot, on the pickleball court, enjoying live music in Boston, or working to bring cultural arts into her kids’ public schools.
Dr. Ricardo L. Franco, LSW – Associate Director
(617) 964-6273 ext. 111, ricardof@mareinc.org
Ricardo is a licensed and bilingual social worker whose unwavering dedication has made him an integral part of the MARE team since 2010. Throughout the years, Ricardo has seamlessly transitioned between various roles at MARE, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the mission.
Ricardo's journey at MARE has seen him serve in pivotal roles, including Director of Family Support Services, Family Support Services Coordinator, Latino Child and Family Services Coordinator, and as a liaison for faith-based initiatives. In his current role as Associate Director, Ricardo oversees daily operations, leads four departments, and represents the organization in programs, emphasizing innovation and collaboration. Beyond his impactful work with MARE, Ricardo extends his advocacy into the community. He serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with the Boston Juvenile Court, sharing his expertise to support vulnerable youth.
Outside of work, Ricardo finds joy in building with Lego bricks and has a musical side, expressing his creativity through playing the guitar.
child
services
Sacha Laidley (She/Her)
Director of Child Support Services
(617) 964-6273 ext. 807, sachal@mareinc.org
Maurine Albano (She/Her)
Child Services Coordinator – Western Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 129, malbano@mareinc.org
Deborah Noah, LICSW (She/Her)
Child Services Coordinator – Northern Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 121, deborahn@mareinc.org
Chelsea Hartman (She/Her)
Child Services Coordinator – Southern Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 122, chelseah@mareinc.org
Maurine Albano – Child Services Coordinator – Western Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 129, malbano@mareinc.org
MASSLIVE Building, 1350 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01105
Maurine, an integral part of MARE since 2001, boasts a diverse background in social services and human resource management, having held notable positions at the Milton Bradley Company. As an adoptive parent of two children, she brings a personal touch to her role.
Currently serving as the Child Services Coordinator for the Western Region, Maurine collaborates closely with the Department of Children and Families and the contracted agency 18 Degrees (formerly Berkshire Children and Families). In this capacity, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive recruitment services for waiting children in her region.
Outside of work, Maurine enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
Deborah Noah, LICSW – Child Services Coordinator – Northern Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 121, deborahn@mareinc.org
Before joining MARE in January 2021, Deborah dedicated over 25 years to the field of social work, focusing on mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, and geriatrics. She holds a B.A. from Brandeis University and an master’s degree in social work from Tulane School of Social Work, maintaining licensure as an LICSW. Additionally, Deborah holds a Masters in Jewish Education from Hebrew College.
A passionate advocate for adoption, Deborah is not only a seasoned professional but also a proud mom of an adopted child. Her commitment to MARE's mission began long before she joined the team, actively participating in MARE/Jordan’s Adoption Walks. As the Child Services Coordinator for the Northern Region, Deborah collaborates with DCF staff to secure permanent, loving homes for waiting children in that region.
Beyond her role at MARE, Deborah is involved with Second Nurture, a non-profit dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive families within communities. In her leisure time, she finds joy in reading, taking walks, and cherishing moments with dear friends.
Chelsea Hartman – Child Services Coordinator – Southern Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 122, chelseah@mareinc.org
Prior to beginning at MARE in 2020, Chelsea worked as both an Ongoing and Adolescent Social Worker for the Department of Children and Families. She has also worked as a Family Support Specialist, working with families and children placed in foster care or group homes and providing support to reunify these families.
Janet Labadie-Kelley (She/Her)
Child Services Coordinator – Boston Region & Contracted Agencies
(617) 964-6273 ext. 126, janetlk@mareinc.org
Hannah Hoffman (She/Her)
Child Services Coordinator - Central Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 127, hannahh@mareinc.org
Janet Labadie-Kelley – Child Services Coordinator – Boston Region & Contracted Agencies
(617) 964-6273 ext. 126, janetlk@mareinc.org
Janet's journey in youth advocacy began as the Program Coordinator of The Legal Resource Center at English High School, evolving into the role of Teen Advocate/Outreach Director at the Boys and Girls Club. Before joining MARE in March 2020, Janet served as a Paralegal for local private attorneys, bringing a diverse legal background to her impactful role. A proud alumna of UMass-Boston, Janet holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a focus on Legal Procedures and earned her Paralegal Certificate from Northeastern University.
In her current capacity as the Child Services Coordinator for the Boston Region and Contract Agencies, Janet utilizes her expertise to connect children with loving families. Beyond her professional commitments, she, along with her husband, is the proud parent of two beautiful girls, one adopted from foster care.
Janet's dedication extends to community leadership as she and her husband lead the Pathways to Parenthood Infertility Ministry at Grace Chapel. When not immersed in her advocacy work, Janet finds joy in spending quality time with her family.
Hannah started her professional career as an adoption social worker for families pursuing a domestic infant adoption. With a passion for family creation and development, Hannah has also serviced families who have a finalized adoption as well as families who have entered a surrogacy journey.
Hannah began working with MARE in 2023. Currently serving as a Child Services Coordinator, her role is to provide comprehensive recruitment services for children in the Central Region.
In her free-time, Hannah enjoys cooking/baking, yoga, and traveling.
family support
services
Liz Joyal, LCSW (She/Her)
Director of Family Support Services
(617) 964-6273 ext. 124, lizj@mareinc.org
Mary Liz Nogueras (She/Her)
Outreach & Support Coordinator for Families of Color
(617) 964-6273 ext. 130, marylizn@mareinc.org
Emily Goldberger (She/Her)
Family Support Services Coordinator
(617) 964-6273 ext. 123, emilyg@mareinc.org
Liz Joyal – Director of Family Support Services
(617) 964-6273 ext. 124, lizj@mareinc.org
Liz joined MARE in 2019, bringing a wealth of personal and professional experience to her role. Growing up in a foster family that cared for over 100 children and teens, Liz, alongside her husband Paul, became adoptive parents to an older child in 2017. Currently serving as foster parents, their journey reflects a profound commitment to the well-being of children in the foster care system.
In her role at MARE, Liz oversees all family support services, guiding families through the adoption process and facilitating the family mentor-mentee program. She also conducts transracial parenting and trauma-informed trainings, leveraging her extensive background to provide valuable insights. Liz holds a master's degree in social work from Boston University and a master's degree in religion from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a trained practitioner in Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Liz brings a holistic approach to her work.
Beyond working at MARE, Liz is actively involved in fostering community support. She serves as a Board Member for the MA Alliance for Foster Families and leads a foster care support ministry at her church. Her passion extends to sports, where she enjoys running, playing soccer, and cheering on Boston and Worcester teams.
Mary Liz Nogueras – Outreach & Support Coordinator for Families of Color
(617) 964-6273 ext. 130, marylizn@mareinc.org
With over eight years of experience working with adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, Mary Liz has a deep understanding of the child welfare system's complexities. Currently pursuing her education at the University of Massachusetts, she joined MARE in 2022, bringing a wealth of expertise to her role.
In her capacity as Outreach & Support Coordinator for Black & Latino Families, she is dedicated to supporting families within the Black and Latino communities who are considering adoption from foster care. Mary Liz draws inspiration from her personal journey of adopting two brothers from foster care and serving as a foster mom to two other boys and also has two biological children.
Outside of her professional commitments, she finds joy in exploring new places, savoring diverse cuisines, and expressing her creativity as the owner of a paint-your-own-pottery studio. She is also the founder of the Gifted Crate, a nonprofit providing birthday boxes to kids and teens in foster care. She actively contributes to the Seven Hills Community Service Human Rights Committee and serves as a Special Education Surrogate Parent.
Emily Goldberger, LCSW – Family Support Services Coordinator
(617) 964-6273 ext. 123, emilyg@mareinc.org
With over two decades of experience in working with children and families, Emily brings a wealth of expertise to her role at MARE. She holds a B.A. in America/United States Studies and master’s degree in social work from Boston College. She joined the MARE staff in 2017 as the Child Services Coordinator for the Central and Boston regions, and in 2020 became the Director of Child Services. In 2024, Emily transitioned to a new role as Family Support Services Coordinator.
In her current position, Emily is responsible for supporting families throughout the adoption from foster care process by communicating with interested families and helping them understand the process, answering specific questions, and directing them to next steps by providing contact information for DCF and contracted agencies.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Emily is a loving mom to two young daughters, making family time a cherished hobby.
Specialized
programs
Lindsey Brynjolfsson, MSW (She/Her)
Director of Specialized Programs, Staff LGBTQ+ Liaison
(617) 964-6273 ext. 125, lindseyb@mareinc.org
Kristina Russell (She/Her)
Specialized Recruitment Coordinator
(617) 964-6273 ext. 120, kristinar@mareinc.org
Lindsey Brynjolfsson, MSW – Director of Specialized Programs
(617) 964-6273 ext. 125, lindseyb@mareinc.org
With a master’s degree in social work from Springfield College and over 20 years in the child welfare and mental health field, Lindsey's extensive background positions her as a seasoned professional dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. Lindsey's personal connection to foster care and adoption, having a half-sister adopted from the system and her own experience as a foster parent, adds a profound layer to her compassionate advocacy.
In her role at MARE since 2007 and returning in 2019, Lindsey serves as the Director of Specialized Programs, overseeing initiatives that break down barriers and create networks for older kids and teens in foster care. Her focus is on creating supportive connections, especially for children waiting for adoptive homes the longest, fostering legal permanency within established and created networks.
Beyond her impactful work, Lindsey finds joy in kickboxing, nature activities like hiking and kayaking, and small carpentry projects. Her commitment extends to volunteering as part of a rescue dog transport team and contributing her time to a farm sanctuary in Central MA.
Kristina Russell – Specialized Recruitment Coordinator
(617) 964-6273 ext. 120, kristinar@mareinc.org
Kristina joined MARE in 2020 as the Child Services Coordinator for Central Massachusetts with the goal of finding pre-adoptive homes for the children and teens in the region . In 2023, she transitioned into the role of Specialized Recruitment Coordinator with the new goal of finding pre-adoptive homes for children with disabilities in the state. Moreso than just finding pre-adoptive homes, it is important to Kristina that she provides children with permanent connections that will sustain them for life.
Prior to working with MARE, Kristina taught in a variety of educational settings, including public, private, and 766 residential schools. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in special education (moderate and severe), and master certificates in applied behavior analysis and transition leadership. Her passion is working with children, families, and the community to create opportunities for connection and success.
In her personal life, Kristina is co-guardian to a young man that has been in her life for approximately 17 years and is a visiting resource for another young man that she has been spending time with for approximately 3 years. Eventually, she hopes to become full guardian for both men, as they have become family to her. A great deal of her time outside of work is spent with them, as their bonds are the most important aspect of her life.
WENDY'S WONDERFUL KIDS
Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) is a signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a non-profit public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America's foster care systems. These workers maintain a small caseload of the youth who wait the longest for adoption and employ a child-focused recruitment strategy in order to identify permanent families for these youth.
Deidra Graham (She/Her)
Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter – Western Massachusetts
(617) 964-6273 ext. 128, deidrag@mareinc.org
Scott Barry (He/Him)
Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter – Boston Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 116, scottb@mareinc.org
Deidra Graham – Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter – Western Massachusetts
(617) 964-6273 ext. 128, deidrag@mareinc.org
1350 High Street, 8th Floor, Springfield, MA 01105
Before joining MARE in 2019, Deidra accumulated valuable experience as an Outpatient Therapist, Case Manager for children in intensive foster care placement, and a 15-year tenure with the MA Department of Children and Families as a social worker technician.
In her current role as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter, Deidra carries a small caseload of children and teens who have been waiting the longest. Her focus is on establishing permanent connections within their existing networks while simultaneously recruiting unknown resources capable of providing permanency and honoring/maintaining those connections. Deidra emphasizes a tailored approach based on each child's unique needs, steering away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
Outside of work, Deidra enjoys indulging her creative side through sewing and arts & crafts, and cherishes time spent with her grandchildren and family.
Scott Barry – Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter – Boston Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 116, scottb@mareinc.org
With over 5 years at Plummer Youth Promise, Scott progressed from a direct care counselor to the Program Manager of the group home, overseeing daily operations for 12 boys aged 13 to 18. Scott's academic background includes a B.A. from Lesley University and as well as a master's degree in education and mental health counseling from Cambridge College.
Outside of his professional roles, Scott enjoys music, both attending concerts and playing the guitar. A culinary enthusiast, he enjoys cooking and exploring diverse cuisines. In his leisure time, Scott values relaxing with a comforting espresso and taking walks with his bulldog, Bobby Weir.
communications
Jeremy Smith – Director of Communications and Public Relations
(617) 964-6273 ext. 115, jeremys@mareinc.org
Joining MARE in 2017, Jeremy brings his experiences as a leader, marketer, and social media manager to his role. As the Director of Operations, Jeremy is in charge of designing and maintaining operational systems, monitoring strategic goals, and overseeing communications and marketing iniatitives. He holds a bachelor's degree in Humanities from Florida Christian College and a master's degree in divinity/ministry from Lincoln University.
Beyond his professional contributions, Jeremy and his wife Abby have been fostering since 2020 and are privileged to be pre-adoptive parents to a daughter. Their family extends to proud puppy parents of two dogs.
In his leisure time, Jeremy finds joy in running on New England trails and crafting stories with friends through table-top roleplaying games.
Disa Parker – Digital Communication Specialist
(617) 964-6273 ext. 118, disap@mareinc.org
Disa joined MARE in February 2022 and has over 5 years of experience as a graphic designer and freelance artist. They graduated from Fitchburg State University in 2021 with a B.S. in Communications. They have a strong connection to the mission MARE provides, having several family members who were either adopted or who have been through the foster care system.
In her role, Disa brings their expertise in design to help develop the MARE website and create content for MARE events and social media content.
Outside of work, Disa freelances for friends and businesses. They also enjoy cosplaying and creating digital art to sell at local comic conventions.
Development
Meghan Hamilton – Director of Development
(617) 964-6273 ext. 114, meghanh@mareinc.org
With a rich background in nonprofit leadership spanning 15 years, Meghan embarked on her journey with MARE in January 2023. Her professional trajectory started as a Youth Programs Director, and she later transitioned into operational, marketing, communications, and development roles. Holding a BA in English and German, as well as an MFA in Creative Writing, she brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to MARE.
In her current role, Meghan oversees a range of responsibilities, from managing grants and fundraising events to donor engagement and sponsor recruitment. However, her true passion lies in highlighting and promoting the incredible work done by MARE's staff. She takes pride in supporting her coworkers and ensuring their meaningful contributions are recognized.
Beyond her professional life, Meghan is a parent of three, having adopted her youngest child from foster care. Outside of work and shuttling her three kids to their various interests and hobbies, Meghan is an avid runner, an enthusiastic reader, and a writer when time permits.
administration
Donna Simon – Accounting Manager
(617) 964-6273 ext. 117, donnas@mareinc.org
Donna joined MARE in January 2018, transitioning from diverse financial roles in high-tech start-ups and serving as a controller for a property management company with a focus on affordable housing. Holding a BA in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA in Accounting from the University of Michigan, Donna brings a unique blend of financial expertise and a deep understanding of human behavior to her role.
As Accounting Manager at MARE, Donna is responsible for day-to-day Financial and Human Resource operations.
Outside of work, Donna is an avid beach lover, a dedicated gardener, and a talented watercolor painter.
Board of directors
KEY
**Adoptive Parent, *Adoptee
Ana Eira – Community Engagement Lead
(617) 964-6273 ext. 119, anae@mareinc.org
Ana is an international communications professional with a background in print journalism and global communications. Over the last seven years, Ana has helped top-tier organizations, including the United Nations and the Council of the European Union, translate their impact into compelling and engaging communications. Most recently, she served as deputy secretary during Senator Warren’s reelection campaign and Comms Lead for an international peacebuilding organization.
As the Community Engagement Lead at MARE, Ana wears different hats, focusing on copywriting, storytelling, social media management, volunteer engagement, and public relations.
Tracey Aronson **
Co-President, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr, LLP
Shawn McNinch *
Co-President, Brown Brothers Harriman
Kelli Powell
Clerk, Moderna
Michele M. Benkis
Retired
Bridget Chiaruttini
Executive Director, MARE
Tony LaCasse **
Retired
Carly Burton **
English for New Bostonians
Gary Lyon
Baker Center for Children and Families
Tim Eisenstadt *
Clarivate
Kevin Cotreau **
KPMG
David Gellar **
Bedford Pediatrics
Jaime Caron
Caron Clinical Consulting
Jim Campbell **
Franklin Templeton
Sandra Pyram-Loyer
Communities for People
Deborah Noah, LICSW – Child Services Coordinator – Northern Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 121, deborahn@mareinc.org
Deborah has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of social work specifically in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities and geriatrics. Deborah received her B.A. from Brandeis University and her M.S.W. from Tulane School of Social Work. Deborah also has a background in Jewish education. Deborah is the proud mom of an adoptive daughter. They have been involved in the MARE/Jordan’s Adoption Walks for the past several years. Deborah is thrilled to be serving as the Child Services Coordinator for the Northern Region.
Maurine Albano – Child Services Coordinator – Western Region
(617) 964-6273 ext. 129, malbano@mareinc.org
140 High Street, 2nd Floor, Springfield, MA 01105
Prior to joining MARE in 2001, Maurine worked in various facets of social services and held several human resource management positions at the Milton Bradley Company. Maurine is an adoptive parent of two children. As the Western Region’s Child Services Coordinator, Maurine works collaboratively with DCF and contracted agency 18 Degrees, (formerly known as Berkshire Children and Families) to provide comprehensive recruitment services to the waiting children in her region.