Retired Special Education Director

Jean has served several roles in 43 years of working with students with disabilities in NH. She began her career as a registered occupational therapist in NH public schools, then as director of OT and PT for a regional special education consortium ( Strafford Learning Center). For the last 16 years of her professional career she served as a certified special educator and Special Education Director/Administrator for several NH school districts in turn. She has been a member of the NH Occupational Therapy Association, the NH Association of Special Education Administrators, the NH School Administrators Association, and served as a representative of NH Special Education Administrators on the NH State Special Education Advisory Board. Jean is recently retired and lives in Durham with her husband, John.

Northeast Planning Associates

Phillip was first introduced to the Monarch School of New England through his father-in-law, a former MSNE Board member. Phillip was inspired to continue his family’s tradition of service, and joined the Board because of the good work that the school does for students with special needs and their families.

Phillip is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, working with Northeast Planning Associates since 2014. He recognizes that managing finances and investments can be very stressful for people, and is motivated by the positive effect his support and work can have to help his clients get back on track. Phillip earned his bachelor’s degree in math education, and master’s degree in education from the University of New Hampshire.

Phillip enjoys spending time with his wife, Lissa, and son Westley. He is also an avid hiker.

Profile Bank, Rochester

RAM Distribution LLC, Rochester

Kate’s connection to MSNE originates with her mother, Diane McManus. For more than 40 years, Diane taught at the school and worked alongside founder Carrie Foss, when the organization was first known as the Child Development Center. As a teenager, Kate worked in the school’s summer program and has assisted with numerous fundraisers. Today, her commitment to MSNE continues through her service as a Board member. Along with her sister, Marlene, Kate is carrying on her mother’s legacy, supporting families and children with special needs and ensuring that MSNE will continue to grow.

Kate works as the Assistant Treasurer at Profile Bank in Rochester. She has been in banking over 20 years and is an Accredited ACH Professional, a highly specialized credential. Through her work, she is able to fulfill her love of helping others, assisting people to manage their money effectively, and protecting them from fraud. Kate is also the co-owner of RAM Distribution LLC, which she and her husband Randy, founded in 2020 after purchasing the Rochester UTZ Snack Foods Route.

In her free time, Kate can be found enjoying time at home with her husband and dog, and enjoying nature through planting flowers and listening to the birds. She also enjoys her family’s vacations to Pittsburg, NH and Walt Disney World.

Nurse Manager

Mass General Cancer Center at Wentworth Douglass Hospital

Officially, Julia was introduced to the Monarch School of New England through a friend currently serving on the Board, but she had already been aware of the school through her work as a nurse and other connections. She was inspired to serve on the Board of Directors in order to become part of the school’s good work, create a positive impact on all members of the school community, and provide necessary support, both in and out of the classroom.

Julia is employed as a Nurse Manager at the Mass General Cancer Center at Wentworth Douglass Hospital, Dover. She makes a positive impact on patients’ lives and the lives of their families, while effectively leading and supporting her professional team to ensure they can give provide the best care possible. Julia knew she wanted to be a nurse since childhood!

Outside of work, Julia enjoys attending concerts and listening to live music. She also loves to cook and credits her Italian heritage with her passion for feeding others. She lives with her husband, and two dogs – all of whom bring her great joy.

Steve was first introduced to the Monarch School of New England in the spring of 2018 while visiting as a possible choice for his youngest daughter. It was immediately apparent that the Monarch School was a special place, and he has been the proud father of a Monarch School student ever since. He lives in Windham, NH with his wife Kimberly and their three children. He is employed by Alinabal, Inc. as the President & Chief Executive Officer. Steven holds two undergraduate business degrees and a Master of Business Administration degree. He enjoys traveling with his family, playing golf, and working in his yard.

Paul has many connections to the Monarch School of New England, and he is a long-time supporter of the school. His mother used to work at the school and his younger brother attended the preschool program as a peer role model. Paul personally has served on the school's golf tournament committee for more than five years, in addition to actively participating in other school events.

Paul shared that he was inspired to join the Board of Directors by witnessing the dedication of MSNE staff members who work hard to provide students with significant challenges the education and support they need to succeed. Through his participation with the golf tournament and other events, Paul has also really enjoyed connecting with the students at MSNE and seeing them grow over the years.

Paul currently works at Hubbell, as the Northeast-Southeast Fiber & Copper Sales Manager. He is a graduate of Spaulding High School, and currently resides in Rochester with his wife, Alisha. They are the proud parents of two outstanding young men, and the entire family is active in the local community, supporting a number of organizations and nonprofits.

Attorney, Fragomen Del Rey Bernsen & Loewy LLP – Boston, MA

Marlene has had a lifelong connection to the Monarch School of New England. Her mother, Diane worked and taught at the school for 40+ years, and as a young child she attended the school’s Side-by-Side program. Through her experiences with the school, she recognizes the unique and critical services and support it provides to students, parents, and the community, and is eager to serve its mission as a member of the Board.

Marlene put herself through law school part-time while working as a paralegal, and is now a practicing attorney in Boston. She represents U.S. companies and their professional employees, and is motivated by the positive impact her role can have in individuals’ lives by helping them move to and work in the U.S. Marlene also assists individuals in applying for U.S. citizenship on a pro bono basis.

In her free time, she can be found playing with her two cats, planning her next trip abroad, learning to garden, and renovating her old colonial house. Marlene also speaks conversational Mandarin.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Lighthouse Credit Union

Chris is relatively new to the New England area, having moved here a year and a half ago to join and lead Lighthouse Credit Union. After relocating, it became a priority for him to find meaningful ways to engage with the New Hampshire community. Through the credit union, he was introduced to the Monarch School of New England and he found that the school’s approach strongly resonated with him on both personal and professional levels. Chris serves on the Board of Directors so that he can help the school fulfill its mission to support students to reach their greatest potential, which aligns with the mission of Lighthouse Credit Union to enrich and nourish the lives of others.

Before joining Lighthouse Credit Union in 2021, Chris worked for 14 years at Partners Federal Credit Union, part of The Walt Disney Company. Through his work at Disney, Chris was a dedicated supporter of Special Olympics of Florida. Chris currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Credit Union. An accomplished executive with more than 28 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry, his purpose is to awaken the possibilities with others through curiosity, collaboration, alignment, and partnerships that create a profound impact.

Chris holds a BA in English from the University of South Florida and earned his MBA from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. Chris and his wife Tricia are avid hockey fans and reside in Dover, NH, with their two dogs, Marty and Stamkos.

Meredith Village Savings Bank – Rochester

As a community supporter of MSNE, Jolene was inspired to join the Board of Directors after seeing in action the school’s approach, which provides individualized support to meet the needs of each student, while building upon their strengths to help them succeed. She supports many local non-profits, and this commitment to give back to the community is a core part of her family’s values. She is proud of her children, who have followed her example and grown into productive, caring members of society.

Jolene is the Branch & Business Development Manager of Meredith Village Savings Bank’s Rochester Office. Jolene has worked in banking for 22 years and has worn many hats, including: Assistant Manager, Manager, IRA Administrator, Loan Originator, and business Banking Relationship Specialist. Throughout her career, she has been able to encourage and guide her clients towards financial success, and as well as mentor other women in the business world to help them find success through hard work. She believes that as long as you love what you do, it will never feel like work. Jolene is also a licensed cosmetologist.

In her free time, Jolene enjoys spending time with her family, watching her children play sports, and staying active in her community and non-profit work.