Leadership
At the heart of Apprentice Learning is a deep commitment to equity and social justice, which is reflected in our work and in the composition of our board and staff. All board members have a personal connection to the organization as a worksite partner, community member, or as someone who benefitted from similar opportunities as a young person. Our staff brings deep experience working with youth within urban school settings. They are viewed as a valuable resource that connects young people to their potential.
Board of Directors
Maguire Dalporto
“What about Apprentice Learning’s mission inspires and motivates you as a board member?”
Not only is Apprentice Learning making a tangible difference every day by actively engaging Boston’s youth in career discovery, but it also creates a platform to enable the business community and local workforce to participate in the development of our collective future. As a worksite partner, I am inspired watching these bright young apprentices gain the confidence to converse with traders and investors and begin their journey to discover new career paths. I am honored to be invited to the board and work with Apprentice Learning’s dedicated staff and its inspiring youth.
“What was your first job?”
My first job was in high school, helping to build and install mall holiday decorations. Looking back, I am still shocked that I was allowed to operate a boom lift at 16.
GMO
Kevin Fudge
“What about Apprentice Learning’s mission inspires and motivates you as a board member?”
Apprentice Learning inspires young people to look within but also gives them confidence and a sense of belonging, making them feel welcomed into environments they may not have entered otherwise. I’m happy to be a part of the Board and encouraging young people as well as finding corporate partners that want to also be part of the effort. I was a kid that always asked, “Why do I have to learn this?” because I didn’t like school and had challenges with connecting with teachers, so I understand when kids have that same feeling. But when a kid does find that thing that sparks their interest in learning and adults are validating that potential, it can really have a strong impact on a kid’s worldview.
“What was your first job?”
Movie Theater Attendant
American Student Assistance
Pennie Gregory
“What about Apprentice Learning’s mission inspires and motivates you as a board member?”
Knowledge is power but without access how can you use your power? Being an educator for over 20 years, I think schools sometimes miss the mark when it comes to not only ensuring we teach our students but that we make sure we position them to use that knowledge in ways that are empowering and equip our students with confidence, resourcefulness and independence. As a board member, I am so inspired to work with an organization that partners with schools and the surrounding community to bridge the gap for middle-school aged youth between knowledge and access!
“What was your first job?”
I worked in a small jewelry store, selling silver and gold and piercing ears!
EdPlus, LLC
Brenda Kirouac
“What about Apprentice Learning’s mission inspires and motivates you as a board member?”
Igniting purpose for young adults is so important! Apprentice Learning shows youth at a critical age that the world is so much bigger than their slice of it. As an HR Manager for a local employer, I believe I have a responsibility to help build the next generation of talent. And as a parent, I can see how impactful it is that kids get exposed to ideas and opportunities beyond what they experience at home and at school. When I lead my Girl Scout Troop, I see enthusiasm and hunger from middle schoolers to learn more about our world and how they can be part of it. I joined the Board because it is committed to creating pathways to success for Boston’s youth in partnership with a wide range of employers, schools, and others all working to develop Boston’s workforce.
“What was your first job?”
Donut Shop Crew Member
Board Chair, Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
Rohit Chandra
“What about Apprentice Learning’s mission inspires and motivates you as a board member?”
Working in an impoverished community with a low high-school graduation rate, I’ve learned that many teens child do not have the opportunity to see a full range of professions represented in their family and community,; this can, in turn, limit their own menu of career options. Apprentice Learning offers BPS 8th graders the chance to pick from a smorgasbord of sites, enabling students to widen their apertures and dream of bigger things than they might have otherwise. And they also receive a stipend. It’s an honor to join the board of an organization which does such meaningful work.
“What was your first job?”
Volunteering at a biotechnology institute at age 13, doing a literature review which was needed to patent an electrical bladder stimulator.
MGH Chelsea Healthcare Center
Justin McLean
“What about Apprentice Learning’s mission inspires and motivates you as a board member?”
I believe that when students have meaningful and hands-on experiences it can ignite something in them that has the potential to change their trajectory. The middle school years are essential in any young person’s life and providing work experience then can awaken the imagination to the possibilities after high school. Careers have the power to provide purpose, shift circumstances, and create a better world. We live in a society where the playing field is unequal and systems of oppression keep young people, in particular BIPOC youth, from accessing many opportunities. Apprentice Learning seeks to provide access and success.
“What was your first job?”
Montgomery YouthWorks
The Lowell School
Maddy Rodriguez
“What about Apprentice Learning’s mission inspires and motivates you as a board member?”
Apprentice Learning’s mission and programs give students access to a whole new world. I love that we open students’ eyes to all of the possibilities of what their future can look like, and they can visualize what it would be like to be in these workspaces. It really just makes me hopeful as a professional for the future of professional settings, and how they will be enriched because of greater diversity and more voices in those industries that may not have had access to them before.
“What was your first job?”
Ice cream scooper
Foley Hoag LLP
Helen Russell
Helen Russell is the Founder and Executive Director of Apprentice Learning. Over the past 30 years, Russell has advocated for connecting students and schools to their communities using hands-on learning experiences. She spent over a decade in the Boston Public Schools (BPS) in external affairs, program development and fundraising at Boston Arts Academy and the Mission Hill School. Prior to working with BPS she was an instructor and program director for Thompson Island Outward Bound and is a senior trainer at Project Adventure. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Boston College and a Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Board Member Emeritus
Chris Schultz
“What about Apprentice Learning’s mission inspires and motivates you as a board member?”
I am inspired by the impact that meaningful work has on young people’s confidence. It is amazing to see what the apprentices can accomplish when given the opportunity.
“What was your first job?”
Laborer on a construction site
Treasurer, Churchill Asset Management
Lizzie Sanderson
“What about Apprentice Learning’s mission inspires and motivates you as a board member?”
I’ve always believed that investing time into helping youths was the first step to success as a community. I admire Apprentice Learning’s commitment to providing a safe space for students to learn, grow, and explore their strengths. Equipping students with the tools to be successful early is the best way to ensure communal growth. I’m honored to work with Apprentice Learning to do just that.
“What was your first job?”
My first job was as a babysitter! I started off taking care of my nephew on days off from high school and during my college breaks. Eventually, I offered my babysitting services to families in my neighborhood. Over the summer, I babysat up to 8 kids between the ages of 2 and 8 in shifts. I got CPR certified every two years and memorized the Backyardigans theme song.
NorthStar Asset Management, Inc.
Theresa Brewer
Theresa Brewer is the Founder and President of TLB Consulting, a Boston-based firm that specializes in providing services in the areas of racial equity and social justice, grant development, program design and evaluation, and training. She works with community organizations, public agencies, intermediaries and educational institutions to build capacity and address challenges associated with organizational growth and change. Theresa has over 30 years of experience in community development and higher education. During this period, she has held a series of senior-level management positions including President of TLB Consulting, Management Consultant, Massachusetts Director of Community Services, Director of Grants Development and Director of Real Estate Development. She believes in creating equitable and inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive in an ever-evolving world. Theresa received a Bachelor’s degree from Simmons College and a Master’s degree from MIT.
TLB Consulting
Apprentice Learning Staff
Letta Neely
Letta Neely, Executive Director, is responsible for leading the organization including setting the vision, expansion, fundraising, and executing the strategic plan. Letta has extensive experience managing community-based programs for youth including supporting middle school students and teachers at the Mission Hill School for eight years. Additionally, she is an acclaimed local playwright and poet and has taught in community settings with both youth and adults. She is a parent of an Apprentice Learning alum and a resident of Dorchester.
Executive Director
Kelly Parrish
As the VP of Operations, Kelly is responsible for strategic partnerships and corporate engagement. She has extensive experience within non-profit management and higher education, including Year Up for eight years, Boston Scholar Athletes for four years, Wentworth Institute of Technology for four years and Cambridge College for 13 years. She is currently a lecturer at Bentley University.
Vice President of Operations
Michelle Stokes
Michelle Stokes, Vice President of Programs, has spent thirty years in non-profit program management in Boston and South Florida communities. Most recently, Michelle served as Program Manager for YouthWorks Boston in the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development. Prior to that, she served as President/CEO of Strive Broward County and as Interim Director of Alliance Community Employment Services, both in Florida. Michelle also served as a clinical substance counselor for Bridges for America and as a reentry coordinator for Broward Women’s Correctional Center. Michelle holds a B.A. in psychology from Alabama State University and studied business management at Phoenix University.
Vice President of Program
Ayla Gavins
Ayla Gavins, the Vice President of Development, is responsible for creating and implementing Apprentice Learning’s fundraising strategy and leading a comprehensive development program. After almost 30 years as an educator in public schools, Ayla began supporting learning in a new way and entered development work through The Farm School where she raised funds and created new partnerships. Being able to support important work such as providing real-world work experiences for middle-grade youth brings her joy. Ayla was originally introduced to Apprentice Learning in its early years at Mission Hill School. As a cheerleader for meaningful learning that is applied to real life, Ayla is excited about her recent reintroduction to Apprentice Learning and becoming part of the team. In addition to Apprentice Learning, she loves reading, gardening, making art, Yoga, Crossfit and general fitness activities.
Vice President of Development
bethany m. allen
bethany m. allen, Vice President of Alumni, leads the design, strategy, and implementation of programming for youth and young adults who have completed Apprentice Learning’s core programs. In this new role, bethany will work with young people, families, schools, and community and worksite partners to develop initiatives that support young people's continued career exploration and readiness using Apprentice Learning’s community and cultural wealth approach. Before joining Apprentice Learning, she held director-level roles with the Coalition for Career Development (CCD) Center, Boston Public Schools, Peer Health Exchange, and the Boston Alliance for LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY). She is currently pursuing her EdM in Human Development and Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Vice President of Alumni
Payton Allen
Payton Allen is a recent graduate of Boston College, where she earned her degree in Communications in order to learn how effective dialogue can transform companies and communities. A Boston native, Payton has returned to her roots to contribute her new skill set to the Boston Public Schools, combining her passion for social work and her love of children. She is eager to apply both her academic insights and personal experience to support students. Her goal is to expand her knowledge across different communication fields while focusing on the causes she cares about: social work and child development.
Program Coordinator
Jomarys Solano Capeles
Jomarys Solano Capeles ‘JSC’, Program Specialist, is a passionate and hardworking Latinx woman who thrives to educate the youth and her colleagues about the importance of mental health awareness, self-branding, and professionalism. She studied psychology and sociology at the State University of New York College at Cortland. Prior to Apprentice Learning, she did an AmeriCorps Service Year at the Dudley Street Neighborhood Charter School and the Dearborn STEM Academy. During her free time, she loves to hang out with friends, journal, and go for walks.
Program Specialist
Sharnette Manuel
Shay has worked in office management and administrative positions for over 20 years. She has worked in different fields ranging from debt collections, reception, back office, front office, pharmaceutical, and at one the oldest foster care adoption agencies in the New England States. She is committed to running and keeping any office she works in, in very good condition. She uses her ability to think outside the box to meet the office needs. She feels that the kids are definitely the future and she is honored and committed to Apprentice Learning.
Office Manager
Elizabeth Gregory
Elizabeth Gregory (she/her) is the Engagement Manager at Apprentice Learning, where she gets to do some of her favorite things: connect with people, build partnerships, and help spread the mission of creating meaningful, real-world career exploration experiences for middle schoolers.
Before joining Apprentice Learning, she spent two years in AmeriCorps and later worked at Big Sister Boston and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. Along the way, she has coordinated mentoring programs, engaged partners, supervised interns, and helped volunteers feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Elizabeth believes in the power of early exposure to career paths and is committed to championing students on their journey as they uncover their potential through real-world learning and strong community connections.
Engagement Manager
Mari Monahan
Mari comes to us with experience from working in nonprofits, as well as working for the city of Boston’s department of Youth Engagement and Employment. Mari served as the coordinator for the Mayor’s Youth Council for over 2 years and has been a youth advocate and has gone to different communities to provide spaces for youth to have their voices heard. Mari has a background working with kids of all ages and she has spent time working both in schools, summer and afterschool programs. Mari started off as a camp counselor in Providence when she was in high school which inspired her to continue working with kids and their communities.
Community Manager
Aiesha Jawando
Aiesha Jawando earned her Sociology degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and has been working in youth and family services since 2015. She brings experience in case management, afterschool, and residential programs, and is passionate about helping young people navigate life’s challenges. Outside of work, Aiesha enjoys writing using creativity to inspire others, cooking, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Community Manager
Sophia Pinto Thomas
Sophia Pinto Thomas is a recent graduate of Boston University, with a degree in anthropology. As a life-long Boston resident, she is dedicated to bringing more resources and support to the young people of her communities. She is passionate about storytelling, and she strives to hear the stories of others, to learn more about what our youth need to thrive in a changing world. Sophia is a poet, a gardener, and a climate activist. She is devoted to bringing her diverse skill set and passions to young people to inspire, support, and learn alongside them.
Community Specialist