LEADERSHIP TEAM & STAFF
Leadership Team
Colby Swettberg, Ed.M, LCSW
They, Them, TheirChief Executive Officer
Colby Swettberg, Ed.M, LCSW | Chief Executive Officer
Colby Swettberg has been Chief Executive Officer of Silver Lining Mentoring since 2009. Under Colby’s leadership, Silver Lining has grown to serve more than eight times as many young people and has more than quadrupled its budget. Silver Lining was named as a Social Innovator in 2014 for “providing a sustainable solution to one of the region’s toughest social issues,” and was subsequently selected as a three-year investee by Social Venture Partners as a result of the organization’s high impact, results-driven model.
Colby came to Silver Lining Mentoring after working at The Home for Little Wanderers, where Colby opened and oversaw a group home for LGBTQ teenagers, did clinical work in adoption and family stabilization, and provided training and consultation nationwide on LGBTQ issues. In 2012, Colby was honored to be chosen by then-Senator John Kerry for the “Angel in Adoption” award for advocacy efforts on behalf of youth in foster care. In 2013, Colby was honored to receive the Excellence Award from national child welfare organization Youth Villages for service to youth in foster care. In 2017, The Barr Foundation chose Colby as a Barr Foundation Fellow in recognition of Colby’s and Silver Lining Mentoring’s leadership in foster care and mentoring innovation. As a former educator, Colby earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University, and later, when Colby’s focus turned to child welfare, Colby earned a Master’s degree in Social Work.
Christina “Mobile” Burrell
MobileDirector of Strategic Initiatives
Christina “Mobile” Burrell | Director of Strategic Institute
Christina “Mobile” Burrell joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2015. They are an advocate for equity and fierce believer in the possibility of creating a world that everyone feels good calling home. As such, Mobile has held a variety of professional roles working on behalf of individuals who hold marginalized identities within the United States of America, including black and brown families, LGBQ/TGNC folks, youth impacted by the foster care system, and individuals of all ages living with mental disabilities. Earning an MSW at Boston College and BA in Human Development & Psychology at Connecticut College has positioned Mobile to hone many skills to better serve the families who most need it. Mobile is a highly skilled group facilitator who continues to work on building community and facilitating dialogue to propel positive change. Dedicated to ongoing learning and growth, Mobile earned a Certificate in Community Leadership and Social Change from the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University through the Institute for Nonprofit Practice, and is on a lifelong pursuit of growth and improvement for a better environment to exist within! Outside of work, Mobile finds joy in doing hobbies & learning fun new skills like juggling, unicycliing, slacklining, and skydiving. You will likely catch them long-boarding between destinations to catch a nice sunset or attempting to claim the title “Rollerblade King of Boston”! Good food, music, and travel makes Mobz’s heart happy!
I am a National Mentoring Resource Center technical assistance provider!
Teyana Curran
She, Her, HersDirector of Regional Programs
Teyana Curran | Director of Regional Programs
Teyana joined the Silver Lining Mentoring team in 2020. Since 2010 she has been working with Boston youth and young adults and is excited to bring her passion for mentoring and social justice to SLM. Teyana deeply believes in SLM’s mission; she’s driven by her desire to empower young people to be their full selves and to have access to the opportunities that will help them thrive. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Boston with her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, Teyana worked at Summer Search, where she served in a variety of roles including the Director of High School Program. She spent five years mentoring students ages 15 and up, and supported other mentors in providing quality mentoring services to the participants who were navigating diverse and nuanced pathways. Teyana both values and is committed to relationship-building, and is excited to continue this commitment at SLM!
Christina Haines
She, Her, HersChief Strategy Officer
Christina Haines |Chief Strategy Officer
Christina is working to create a future where involvement with the child welfare system is rare and, when it does occur, sets a young person on a firm path toward wellbeing, financial independence, and self-determination in adulthood. Christina has immersed herself in understanding and improving the child welfare system through firsthand experience. She is a former foster parent, mentor, current volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to youth in foster care, and child welfare philanthropist.
Christina first became involved with Silver Lining Mentoring as a volunteer mentor in 2015. She joined the organization as a staff member in 2018. As Chief Strategy Officer since 2024, she ensures Silver Lining Mentoring plays a leading role in growing the mentoring movement for youth impacted by foster care, ensuring high-quality, consistent relationships are front and center. Christina spearheads strategic planning for the organization, advises on resource allocation, and shapes innovation toward impact. Earlier in her career, Christina served as Associate Director for Policy and Institutional Outreach of the Harvard Global Health Institute, an interdisciplinary research, and education initiative. She also worked in growth capital for the nonprofit sector at venture philanthropy firm, New Profit, as the Manager of the Reimagine Learning Fund, a capacity-building fund aimed at improving the K-12 education system to better serve students impacted by poverty or trauma.
Christina earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Marist College and a Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard with a concentration in government.
I am a National Mentoring Resource Center technical assistance provider!
Kristin Howard
She, Her, HersChief Development Officer
Kristin Howard | Chief Development Officer
Inspired by Silver Lining Mentoring’s impact and fueled by her own experience as a mentor to a young person in foster care, Kristin Howard joined the Silver Lining Mentoring team as Chief Development Officer in fall 2023. After two decades working for youth development nonprofits both locally and nationally, Kristin is excited to help ensure all young people growing up in foster care have access to a positive caring adult in their life who isn’t paid to be there. In addition to her fundraising expertise, Kristin brings with her extensive experience building teams, managing through organizational growth, scaling national initiatives and diversifying revenue streams to support long-term sustainability.
Before joining Silver Lining Mentoring, Kristin served the national youth mentoring movement for more than 8 years as part of MENTOR’s senior leadership team – most recently as their Chief Advancement Officer. Prior to that she was the Director of Development for Youth Villages New England and Director of Special Events and Stewardship at Children’s Trust, where she began her nonprofit career as a Northeastern Co-Op. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern University and is an alumnus of the Institute of Nonprofit Management and Leadership. She currently resides in Massachusetts, with her husband John and daughter Ella.
Evan Hubbard, LICSW, ACSW
He, Him, His or They, Them, TheirDirector of Quality Assurance
Evan Hubbard, LICSW, ACSW | Director of Quality Assurance
A fire was lit in Evan over 15 years ago after working in the child welfare system and witnessing the powerful impact a mentor could have on a young person’s life. After that experience, Evan went on to receive his MSW with the goal of working at a mentoring program for queer and trans youth impacted by foster care.
Evan was overjoyed to join SLM in 2012 as a Program Coordinator, and since that time Evan has held several positions within SLM’s programming department. The unifying thread across all of his positions has been ensuring that SLM’s matches receive best in class support. Evan has done so by leveraging his diverse skill set including his experiences as a seasoned LICSW and therapist, and his keen eye for strategy through a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership and his own consulting practice.
Evan is passionate about furthering equity through strategic innovation, and has developed several programs and initiatives at SLM such as its LGBTQ Mentoring Initiative, Standards of Match Support, Hybrid Mentoring and Clinical Frameworks. Within his role as Director of Quality Assurance, Evan is responsible for all of SLM’s clinical services and best practices leading SLM’s evaluation efforts, and is also charged with spearheading the development of new programs to ensure that every match receives the highest quality and cutting edge support. Every day he is grateful for the trust that youth and mentors place in SLM, and to be part of such an amazing team.
Diana Meyers
She, Her, HersSenior Director of Finance and Administration
Diana Meyers | Senior Director of Finance and Administration
Diana Meyers joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2014 to serve as the organization’s Director of Administration. She is responsible for managing daily and ongoing operations. Prior to joining SLM, Diana held the simultaneous, dual role of Administrative Director for the non-profits Mil Milagros and Strategies for Children. Having once been a foster parent herself, Diana saw first-hand the tremendous challenges faced by youth in the foster care system. Diana earned an M.Ed. at Eastern Nazarene College in a program sponsored by the Boston Public Schools and holds a BA in health studies.
Jim Ricciuti
He, Him, HisDirector of Development
Jim Ricciuti | Director of Development
Jim joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2020. With 15 years of development experience in the arts and higher education, Jim is thrilled to put to work his creativity and strategic thinking to help SLM serve young people impacted by the foster care system. Jim partners with donors to help them make an impact on the world. He’s served organizations large and small, most recently as Director of Development at Global Arts Live. Prior to that he was Director of the Berklee Fund at Berklee College of Music. With a curiosity for people and ideas, Jim forges connections that make the organization and donors stronger together. Jim is inspired by the vision, mission, and values of Silver Lining Mentoring and excited to work with such a talented and dedicated team.
When not working to bring donors closer to SLM, Jim can be found hiking, biking, playing music with friends, or working on his jump shot.
Alaina Rosenberry, LCSW
She, Her, HersChief Operating Officer
Alaina Rosenberry, LCSW | Chief Operating Officer
Having worked in child welfare for over 15 years, Alaina has always been passionate about ensuring every child has what they need to thrive. From the first moment she learned about Silver Lining Mentoring’s mission, Alaina was excited to be a part of an innovative approach to providing youth in care with consistent positive relationships.
Since joining SLM in 2010, Alaina has brought clinical experience in issues of homelessness, adult education, teen parenting and trauma-informed clinical therapy. Alaina supported SLM’s one-to-one matches for four years prior to becoming Director of Programs, overseeing SLM’s programs to provide high-quality mentoring, life skills development, and clinical support to youth in foster care. In 2018 Alaina gained a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Tufts University, in partnership with the Institute of Nonprofit Management and in 2019 transitioned to the role of Deputy Director, working with the Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership team to enhance the internal infrastructure necessary for SLM’s continued success and strategic growth.
In her current role as Chief Operating Officer, Alaina now oversees operations and both regional and national programming at Silver Lining Mentoring and the Silver Lining Institute and provides training and technical assistance to mentoring and child welfare organizations across the country helping to build capacity and instill best practices for supporting high-quality mentoring relationships for youth in care. Alaina holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and a minor in Human Services from Northeastern University and a Masters of Social Work degree from Simmons College.
Staff
Valentina Alfaro, LICSW
She, Her, HersLead Program Coordinator: Clinical Support
Valentina Alfaro, LICSW | Lead Program Coordinator: Clinical Support
Valentina joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2018. She began her career as a social worker in a nonprofit in Chile, where she is originally from, doing clinical work and workshops for social-emotional skills at a group home with young people who have experienced trauma and out-of-home care experiences. Her passion for advocating and working towards a more equitable and fair society inspired her to come to Boston to pursue her Masters in Social Work from Boston College.
Prior to working at SLM, Valentina was working at the United Way of Massachusetts Way and Merrimack Valley supporting the Youth Venture Initiative as a mentor for young people creating a venue to address their community’s needs. She is thrilled to be part of the SLM team and have the opportunity to keep working with and for young people, using the power of relationships to foster resilience and empower youth to achieve their maximum potential.
During her time off, Valentina enjoys baking and pretending she’s part of the Great British Baking Show (Bake Off), spending time with her twin rescue cats Bingo and Bongo, listening to podcasts and dancing to Latin music.
Rachel Asam, LMHC
She, Her, HersProgram Coordinator
Rachel Asam, LMHC | Program Coordinator
Rachel Asam joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2022. After completing her undergrad at Lesley University she received her Master’s in International Disaster Psychology from the University of Denver. Since completing her degrees Rachel has worked for the Department of Youth Services as a clinician and clinical director. Working in residential facilities, Rachel has been able to see the value of long-term mentoring relationships and the importance of youth advocacy. It is important to Rachel that she use her voice to help amplify the voice and needs of the youth she is working with. She is excited to join the SLM team and continue to support youth in the Greater Boston area.
During her downtime, Rachel enjoys taking care of her house plants and garden, cooking, and the guilty pleasure of watching reality TV with her friends.
Liz Barker, MS
She, Her, HersProgram Coordinator, Silver Lining Institute
Liz Barker | Program Coordinator, Silver Lining Institute
Liz joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2022. Having lived experience in the foster care system herself, Liz brings a deep-rooted desire to “level the playing field” for youth in care, ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to be successful. Having been connected with her own mentor for over 15 years, Liz understands the value and importance of being connected to a consistent, caring adult that can not only provide advice and guidance, but also friendship and support.
Liz has been an advocate for underserved populations in both her professional and personal endeavors for many years including working with youth experiencing homelessness, the LGBTQ community seeking gender affirming healthcare, and young adults that have or are currently experiencing foster care. Liz has a BA in Criminal Justice and MS in Nonprofit Management. She is excited to bring her experience, skills and passion to the SLM organization.
Outside of the office, Liz is a board member for the Massachusetts Network of Foster Care Alumni and also enjoys adventuring with her dog (Rexie), planning her next home renovation project, crafting and traveling.
Suzannah Blass, LICSW | Lead Program Coordinator: Transition Age Youth Engagement
Suzannah was thrilled to join SLM in 2021 as a Program Coordinator. After completing her BS in Clinical Psychology and Child Studies/Human Development from Tufts University, Suzannah graduated from Smith School of Social Work with her MSW. Through her education and training Suzannah carried a specific passion for mentorship, working with young people, permanency, and non-traditional therapeutic interventions. Prior to SLM, Suzannah has worked and interned all over the Boston area in various youth mental health settings which include a therapeutic camp setting, a group home, a school-based setting, and mutual aid organizing, as well as volunteering herself for several mentoring organizations (and having her own mentee!). Outside of work, Suzannah can be found playing a good board game, crafting (poorly), seeking out live music, trying to find dogs to pet, or simply frolicking in nature.
Lauren Brumfield, LICSW
She, Her, HersProgram Coordinator
Lauren Brumfield, LCSW | Program Coordinator
Outside of work, Lauren loves reading, cooking, going to trivia with friends, and seeing live music and comedy shows.
Stephanie Cahalan
She, Her, HersDevelopment Operations Coordinator
Stephanie Cahalan | Development Operations Coordinator
Stephanie joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2024 as Development Operations Coordinator. Prior to joining SLM, she began her career in archives and museums before making a switch to development in healthcare. Stephanie was drawn to SLM immediately after learning about the team’s important and impactful mission. She’s excited to now bring her passion for fundraising to support youth in foster care.
Stephanie holds a BA in English and Historic Preservation from the University of Mary Washington and a Masters in Library and Information Science from Simmons University.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, son, and their dog.
Christina Fonseca, LCSW
She, Her, HersProgram Coordinator
Christina Fonseca, LCSW | Program Coordinator
Christina joined the Silver Lining Mentoring team in 2023 as a Program Coordinator. Christina earned a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Eastern Nazarene College, where she interned with the Executive Office of the Trial Court’s Grant Office. She worked with the Grant Manager to obtain funding for victim services. She obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work from Wheelock College, where she completed internships with The Children’s Trust and Bridges Homeward in their Intensive Foster Care Program. Christina went on to work for the Department of Children & Families as a Social Worker and where she provided case management and supportive services to families and children in foster care.
Outside of work, Christina enjoys spending time with her cat Chloe, playing video games, traveling, and watching movies.
Ebony L. Green
She, Her, HersExecutive Coordinator
Ebony L. Green | Executive Coordinator
Ebony L. Green joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2022 as its first Executive Coordinator. She advocates for authentic agency and wants everyone to be in what she calls an Actionable Safe Space™. Due to this, Ebony has served the big visions of many leaders and organizations in various capacities over the past two decades plus; she’s served as an employee, consultant, coach, strategist, and advisor.
A recognized impact warrior, Ebony thrives in environments where she can use her cross-functional capacities and capabilities to make it easier for others to do what they do well with their own authentic agency. Ebony is an administrative, operations, numbers, and systems guru who is delighted to use her talents to support the big visions being activated at Silver Lining Mentoring.
Outside of work, you can find Ebony speaking, writing, coaching, and training through her own coaching business when she is not spending time with her partner and their young son, Sire.
Leah Harrigan, MA
She, Her, HersAssistant Director of Education and Training
Leah Harrigan, MA | Assistant Director of Education and Training
Leah Harrigan joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2018. Leah comes to SLM with a background in teaching and social service leadership, and is excited to bring a clinical developmental lens to young people and their networks. Leah has teaching and mentoring experience in various school settings, including AmeriCorps-affiliated Providence charter schools and the Eliot-Pearson Children’s School. She completed an internship leading therapeutic group sessions at the Walker Community Based Acute Treatment program, which helped strengthen her advocacy for social-emotional learning. Most recently, Leah worked as a clinician and clinical supervisor at Youth Villages, providing family therapy as well as clinical training to in-home counselors. Leah holds a BA in Psychology from Providence College and received her Masters in Child Study and Human Development from Tufts University.
Sandra Hodgetts
She, Her, HersGrants Manager
Sandra Hodgetts | Grants Manager
Sandra (Sannie) Hodgetts joined Silver Lining Mentoring’s development team in 2013. In the years since, Sannie has supported many aspects of SLM’s fundraising efforts including database management, individual giving coordination, and fundraising events in addition to overseeing SLM’s grant program. In 2020, with support from SLM’s leadership, Sannie shifted to a consulting role focused exclusively on managing the organization’s grants.
Before joining the SLM team Sannie spent a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) supporting its development and communications department. Sannie is proud to have spent her professional life addressing the needs of youth in foster care.
Sannie is a graduate of Connecticut College with a bachelor’s degree in international relations. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and daughter and enjoys participating in a competitive tap dance team.
Christelle Joseph | Program Coordinator
Christelle Joseph brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management, educational guidance, and youth development to her role as Program Coordinator at Silver Lining Mentoring. She is passionate about fostering the wellness and advancement of individuals from underserved communities, ensuring they have fair access to opportunities in society.
Christelle joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2024 after dedicating more than 7 years to organizations centered on supporting underserved populations. Her background in social work and AmeriCorps service have equipped her to prepare mentors for culturally competent, compassionate, and thoughtful interactions with mentees.
Prior to joining our team, Christelle spent time at Foundation Communities and Breakthrough Central Texas. At Foundation Communities, she developed comprehensive programs centered on trauma-informed therapeutic practices, fostering meaningful relationships with youth. With Breakthrough Central Texas, Christelle provided one-on-one academic advising and socio-emotional support to first-generation high school students, aiding their transition to post-secondary education.
Christelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mount Ida College. Her robust background makes her an invaluable asset to the Silver Lining Mentoring team as we work to provide the best possible experience for our mentees.
Outside of work, Christelle enjoys reading, exploring local tea shops, caring for her plants and spending time with family and friends.
Rachel Kossar | Enrollment & Matching Specialist
Rachel joined the Silver Lining Mentoring team in 2022. Rachel earned a Bachelor’s in Sociology and her Master’s in Teaching from Clark University and has spent time working for a number of nonprofits including Tenacity, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest, and The Steppingstone Foundation. She spent more than four years on the Program Team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, and about a year on the Program Team at Partners in Health’s Community Tracing Collaborative.
In line with her commitment to continuous reflection and lifelong learning, Rachel completed the Community Fellows Program through the Institute for Nonprofit Practice and earned a Certificate in Community Leadership and Social Change from the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Leadership at Tufts University. All of these experiences have informed her strength-based, data-centric, collaborative, and relationship-focused approach to program management. Rachel is inspired by the power of supportive 1-1 mentoring relationships and is committed to using her power and privilege to build a more just world where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.
In her free time she loves walking in nature, reading, lounging at the beach, dancing, yoga, and playing with her dog, Clementine.
Alex Parkes
He, Him, HisVolunteer Manager
Alex Parkes | Volunteer Manager
Alex joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2021. Alex has a personal and professional interest in working with vulnerable citizens to achieve positive outcomes. He graduated with his M.A. in Justice Studies from the University of New Hampshire in 2014, where his Graduate research focused on suicide and violence prevention efforts. Alex went on to work for Youth Villages, where he provided family-centered services aimed at keeping at-risk children in their custodial homes and improving parental communication skills. He went on to serve as both a volunteer, and then supervisor, with the Essex County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. In this role, he worked with a team of volunteers who advocated for foster children during the Juvenile Court process.
In addition to his direct-service work, Alex has been an adjunct Professor at Merrimack College since the Spring of 2019. He teaches courses on Juvenile Delinquency and the Juvenile Court System.
In his personal life, Alex and his (new!) wife reside in Haverhill with their dog Winnie. He loves the outdoors, music, Boston Sports teams, food, and spending time with Winnie and her human friends.
Maria Pellicier, LCSW
She, Her, HersCommunity Engagement Coordinator
Maria Pellicier, LCSW | Community Engagement Coordinator
Amy Rasmussen
She, Her, HersProgram Manager e-Mentoring
Amy Rasmussen| Program Manager e-Mentoring
She is a first-generation student, graduating with a B.A. in History and Secondary Education from Kean University and an M.S. in Global and International Education from Drexel University where she focused on peace education and community building.
Outside of work Amy loves watching live music, gardening, art projects, and spending time with her family.
Wanda Rodriguez
She, Her, HersProgram Manager
Wanda Rodriguez | Program Manager
Wanda joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2024 as Program Manager. Wanda has spent seven years in non-profit. Her journey began at Chica Project, where she was introduced to the administrative and development aspect of non-profit work. Wanda would later transition into programming at Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, as a Spanish-Speaking Match Support Specialist and later Manager of Our Big Futures (OBF) programming. She took part in creating, implementing, and launching OBF, supporting 14-24 year olds with achieving sustainable financial independence via career development and/or college success. She is passionate about the importance and impact a meaningful mentoring relationship can have on a youth, and is invested in supporting and empowering teens and young adults to step into leadership roles and spaces.
Wanda earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from College of the Holy Cross and received a Certificate in Social Impact Management and Leadership from the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University through the Institute for Nonprofit Practice.
In her spare time, Wanda enjoys puzzles, journaling, arts & crafts, traveling, and trying new foods.
Sally Sanchez-Peña, LICSW
She, Her, HersProgram Manager
Sally Sanchez-Peña, LICSW | Program Manager
Sally joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2020 as a Program Coordinator. Sally is dedicated to relationship-building and community development, as demonstrated by her work in mental health promotion and prevention. Sally has experience providing psychiatric rehabilitation case management to persons carrying severe, persistent mental health diagnoses. At the Turn 2 Us program, she facilitated weekly mentorship groups and provided social-emotional support for middle school students. She also provided informal counseling to international graduate students and planned events at International House NYC. She is excited to bring these diverse experiences to her role at SLM!
Outside of work, Sally enjoys traveling, reading, playing video games, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Sally received her Masters degree in Social Work from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and International Studies from Boston College.
Alison Sickler, MAT
She, Her, HersProgram Coordinator
Alison Sickler, MAT | Program Coordinator
Alison joined Silver Lining Mentoring in 2024. She began her career in central California, where she taught grades 6-12 in predominantly immigrant communities for over a decade. As a teacher and mentor of new teachers, Ali experienced firsthand the transformative power of a strong relationship between a young person and an adult who cares for them. Some of her most cherished memories come from the bonds she shared with youths impacted by familial deportation and the foster care system.
As a newcomer to Massachusetts, Ali was eager to continue the work of advancing equity beyond school walls. She was drawn to SLM’s commitment to social justice and trauma-informed support for both young people and their mentors.
Ali was born and raised in NY’s Hudson Valley, where she became the first in her family to graduate from college. She holds a BA in Sociology and an MAT from Bard. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, thrifting, exploring local communities, and spending time with her pet cockatiel and cat (though not always at the same time).
Consultants
Ahmen Cabral
She, Her, HersTechnical Assistance Consultant
Ahmen Cabral | Technical Assistance Consultant
Ahmen Cabral is excited to be joining the Silver Lining Mentoring Institute as a Technical Assistance Consultant. Ahmen has spent much of her career developing and managing initiatives that partner with young people in foster care and community and system partners to create the supports, resources, and relationships that young people in care need to achieve their dreams. Ahmen enjoys facilitating spaces with young people and is dedicated to providing the skills and opportunities that young people need to use their expertise to inform policy and promote positive systems change. Ahmen is continually inspired by the new possibilities created through authentic youth and adult partnerships.
Ahmen enjoys the summer and winter months in Maine and she always makes time to play at the beach or in the mountains on a regular basis.
I am a National Mentoring Resource Center technical assistance provider!
Emily Dayalji
She, Her, HersTechnical Assistance Consultant
Emily Dayalji | Technical Assistance Consultant
Emily has been an operations leader in the program development and higher education space for over 15 years. Emily aims to design impactful programs that cultivate collaboration. Her career has spanned from managing the Executive Education programs at Harvard Business School to supporting client program development and partner collaboration strategies in the healthcare sector. Emily is passionate about working with youth in foster care and creating the support systems needed to help youth thrive. Emily provided social services to families in rural communities early in her career and served as a mentor at Silver Lining Mentoring from 2013-2021. Emily holds a BS in Social Work from the University of Vermont and a MA in Management from Harvard University.
Emily resides in RI and enjoys snowboarding and traveling.
I am a National Mentoring Resource Center technical assistance provider!
River Ingham, MSC
They, Them, TheirsTechnical Assistance Consultant
River Ingham, MSC | Technical Assistance Consultant
River Ingham, MSC of WordSpark Digital Consulting has worked in collaboration with local, regional, and national social impact organizations for over 12 years and brings extensive experience in storytelling, social media strategy, content strategy, and email marketing.
In 2020, River obtained their master’s in communication from Clark University. In 2022, they completed The University of Pennsylvania’s master’s level Executive Program for Digital Media in Social Impact.
In 2016, River supported the digital launch of President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper campaign to encourage mentorship. In 2020, they engaged with the March on Washington Film Festival as the organization transitioned to a virtual-only experience for filmmakers, viewers, and panelists. In 2021, they supported The Rhode Island School of Design in the completion of a digital archive, illustrating over seven decades of activism.
River is a former youth mentee and has previously served as a mentor with Silver Lining Mentoring. They are invested in community building and are a proud mental health and youth advocate. They are also a freelance writer and author of an immersive nature book encouraging self-care and exploration of the outdoors.
I am a National Mentoring Resource Center technical assistance provider!
John Keane
He, Him, HisTechnical Assistance Consultant
John Keane | Technical Assistance Consultant
John has 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry, with a specific focus on nonprofits professional liability exposures as well as directors and officer’s liability. He has been a CASA volunteer since 2017.
Recently retired, he serves foster youth on a full-time basis as a mentor and the governance chair for Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. He has built financial literacy and car purchasing programs for foster youth. He runs a foster youth camp for 12-15-year old’s as well.
A Massachusetts native, John loves the Red Sox and Celtics. He has been married to Jeni for 24 years and has two daughters; Samantha and Jessica.
I am a National Mentoring Resource Center technical assistance provider!
Ryann Kuchle, LCSW
She, Her, HersTechnical Assistance Consultant
Ryann Kuchle, LCSW | Technical Assistance Consultant
Ryann Kuchle is excited to be joining the Silver Lining Mentoring Institute as a Technical Assistance Consultant. She is passionate about working with adolescents and young adults through a trauma-informed lens and is a strong believer that everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best lives. Ryann has held several different roles in the field of social work including as a Department of Children and Families Case Manager, a Pediatric Hospice Social Worker, a School Social Worker and a Boxing Therapist.
Ryann earned her B.A. in Psychology from Flagler College and her Master’s in Social Work from the Silver School of Social Work at New York University. Outside of her work life Ryann loves to spend time with her family, kayak, read fantasy novels and play games.
I am a National Mentoring Resource Center technical assistance provider!
Victoria Murray, LCSW
She, Her, HersTechnical Assistance Consultant
Victoria Murray, LCSW | Technical Assistance Consultant
Victoria joined the Silver Lining Mentoring Institute in 2021 as a Technical Assistance Consultant. Prior to this role, Victoria worked as a part of Silver Lining Mentoring’s programming team from 2014-2021, working directly with mentees and mentors to support their mentoring relationships. Victoria seeks to cultivate authentic working relationships driven by trauma-informed, youth-centered, strengths-based, and equity focused practices.
Before joining SLM in 2014, Victoria’s work experiences spanned across diverse locations and include her roles in individual and family therapy, outdoor education, and school and hospital based social work.
Victoria earned her Master’s in Social Service in 2011, from Bryn Mawr College, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Welfare at the Graduate Center, City University of New York. Outside of SLM, Victoria loves to cook, listen to music, explore new places by foot and bike, and spend time with as many dogs as she can.
I am a National Mentoring Resource Center technical assistance provider!
Bethany Queior
She, Her, HersTechnical Assistance Consultant
Bethany Queior | Technical Assistance Consultant
Bethany is a mentoring practitioner and trained facilitator with a background in youth program management. She is dedicated to serving missions that advance equity and that create supportive spaces for connection and growth. Her focus on formalized mentoring programs began at Big Sister Boston, where she first joined the staff team in 2011 and was a mentor for many years. In 2018 Bethany transitioned from her role as Director of Match Support at Big Sister to Thrive Scholars, where she served as National Director of Mentorship and later Managing Director of Programs. She has over 15 years’ experience leading programs of varied scope and scale in school, community, and residential settings. Bethany holds a B.A. in English and Sociology from Brandeis University, with a focus on Peace, Conflict, and Coexistence Studies.
I am a National Mentoring Resource Center technical assistance provider!
Lauren Reagan
She, Her, Hers/They, Them, TheirsTechnical Assistance Consultant
Lauren Reagan | Technical Assistance Consultant
Lauren is a third year doctoral candidate, higher education professional, and resource parent. She researches peer mentoring and post-secondary educational outcomes for foster youth and youth experiencing homelessness.
Lauren works at a public four-year university in California as the Director of the Learning Center and likes to run and train for races in her spare time.
I am a National Mentoring Resource Center technical assistance provider!