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.

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.