Who We Are
The Education Alliance for New Hampshire receives governance from a dedicated group of college and university presidents and chancellors who make up our Board of Directors. Our specialized staff direct our on-the-ground programs and initiatives to support campus efforts.
Board of Directors
Our membership includes a range of New Hampshire colleges and universities, including public and private, two-year and four-year, rural and urban colleges and universities. The Education Alliance for New Hampshire receives governance from our member college and university presidents and chancellors who make up our Board of Directors.
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Shawn Fitzgerald
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Laura Sykes, Interim
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Mark Rubinstein
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Sian Beilock
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Peter A. Eden
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Cheryl Lesser
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Melinda Treadwell
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Patrick Cate
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Dr. Paul Beaudin
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Richard Lessard
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Alfred Williams IV, Interim
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Wayne Lesperance
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Patrick Tompkins
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Donald Birx
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Alfred Williams IV
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Sr. Paula Marie Buley, IHM
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Joseph Favazza
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Lisa Marsh Ryerson
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Elizabeth Chilton
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Catherine Provencher
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Sarmad Saman
EANH Staff
Our specialized staff direct our on-the-ground programs and initiatives to support campus efforts.
Jillian Oates
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Jillian Oates is the Chief Operations Officer for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire and the New Hampshire College & University Council. In her role, Jillian is responsible for creating, maintaining, and overseeing procedures that enhance the business functions of both organizations. Jillian has been with both organizations since 2004. She implements organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning. She oversees operations and employee productivity while fostering a highly inclusive culture where team members can thrive, ensuring that organizational goals are consistently achieved.
Jillian previously managed EANH’s AmeriCorps programs and played a critical role in NH college access and success initiatives. An AmeriCorps VISTA alum, she served as a VISTA at Rivier University and as a VISTA Leader. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Sociology from Salem State University and a master’s degree in Non-profit Management from Johnson & Wales University. Jillian enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
Stephanie Lesperance
Chief Strategy Officer
Chief Strategy Officer
Dr. Stephanie Lesperance is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Education Alliance for New Hampshire and the New Hampshire College & University Council. She has been with the organizations since 1999. In her role, she provides overall management of the organizations, oversees multiple federal programs in addition to several smaller initiatives that promote P-20 success for students. One of Stephanie’s passions is working with rural communities to be seen as the resourceful, creative and vibrant places they are.
Prior to coming to EANH, she served as the Program Coordinator at AmeriCorps Hillsborough Reads in Tampa, FL, and completed two terms of service as an AmeriCorps member. Stephanie holds her Doctorate of Education from New England College. She is a graduate of the 2010 Class of Leadership NH and a member of the 2008 Class of NH’s “40 Under Forty.” She is currently a Cradle-to-Career Partnership Leader Fellow with EdRedesign at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Stephanie serves on the Board of Volunteer NH! and is a member of the College and Career Readiness Evaluation Consortium.
Kayleigh Quinney
Digital and Communications Manager
Digital and Communications Manager
Kayleigh Quinney is the Digital and Communications Manager of the Education Alliance for New Hampshire (EANH) and the New Hampshire College and University Council (NHCUC). Since joining EANH in February 2024, Kayleigh has supported both organizations in developing communication, marketing, and social media strategies that spotlight EANH’s impactful initiatives and foster statewide engagement in programming. She is committed to expanding access to higher education opportunities within her home state of New Hampshire and empowering individuals from all backgrounds to realize their full potential through education.
After receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and Creative Services from Plymouth State University, Kayleigh spent five years working in higher education communications, events, and marketing at her alma mater, where she served as the Assistant Director of Marketing and Enrollment.
Ciaran Farley
Director of Bridges to Postsecondary Success
Director of Bridges to Postsecondary Success
Ciaran Farley is the Director of the Bridges to Postsecondary Success Program, where she leads initiatives aimed at enhancing college and career readiness for students across the state. With a strong commitment to educational equity, Ciaran has successfully partnered with New Hampshire’s high schools, providing vital guidance and resources to help students navigate their postsecondary options. Ciaran received her bachelor’s degree from the Catholic University of America. She has been with the organization for five years. Ciaran’s work is driven by a passion for empowering the next generation to achieve their academic and career aspirations. She strongly believes in the power of education to transform lives.
Aarron Dupuis
Director of Community Impact
Director of Community Impact
Aarron R. Dupuis is the Director of Community Impact for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire. Aarron serves on the access leadership team supporting all the college access and success grants including the New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance, the Statewide Family Engagement Center, North Country PACE, and other programs. Additionally, Aarron regularly convenes different segments of the organization’s stakeholders for various opportunities. Before coming to the Education Alliance for New Hampshire, Aarron served as the GEAR UP North Country VISTA hosted by White Mountains Community College in Berlin, NH.
Aarron grew up in Berlin and is excited to serve rural communities across the state like his hometown. Aarron has his Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology from Colby-Sawyer College and his Master of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. He serves as President of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors and serves on the Volunteer NH Board of Directors as well as the Stay Work Play NH Board of Directors. He is an alum of the 2022 Rising Stars Leadership Program and a member of the 2023 Class of the Union Leader’s “40 Under Forty”.
Sarah Svindland
Director of District Implementation of GEAR UP New Hampshire
Director of District Implementation of GEAR UP New Hampshire
Sarah Svindland is the Director of District Implementation for GEAR UP New Hampshire at the Education Alliance for New Hampshire. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Education whose mission is to significantly increase the number of low-income middle and high school students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education. In this role, Sarah works closely with key stakeholders within school districts across the state to implement strategic programs and oversees data collection, evaluation, and reporting.
Before joining the Education Alliance for NH, Sarah held positions in Admissions at Plymouth State University and Holderness School, guiding families through the admissions process. She has also served as a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) consultant at Granite Edvance, counseling students and families in the financial aid process. In addition, Sarah has experience in financial services, where she held roles in equity research, investor relations, and corporate communications.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Wesleyan University. She serves on multiple boards supporting college access and student success and is actively involved in animal rescue efforts. She lives in Laconia, NH, with her teenage son, two rescue dogs, and two rescue cats, and enjoys playing flute in a community band, cooking, gardening, skiing, and spending time on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Maggie DeBaugh
Director of Member Engagement
Director of Member Engagement
Maggie DeBaugh is the Director of Member Engagement at the New Hampshire College & University Council. In this role, Maggie supports the Member Institutions by leading committees, planning and directing programming, implementing professional development opportunities, and much more.
Maggie grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Travel and Tourism from Clemson University. She entered the non-profit sector after earning a certificate in Non-Profit Management and has been working in college access since 2016. She moved to New Hampshire in 2020 when she joined the NHCUC team as a GEAR UP Access Coordinator at Manchester Memorial High School. Maggie is currently earning her Masters of Community Development Policy & Practice at the University of New Hampshire, Carsey School of Public Policy. Maggie loves cooking and hosting folks, she and her husband have a three-legged rescue named Roxy, and she loves reading and watching sports.
Jess Ross
Director of Northern Operations
Director of Northern Operations
Jess Ross is the Director of Northern Operations for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire where she facilitates the operational functions, grant and program access, and builds community partnerships and engagement in the northern part of the state. With 15 years of public library and information service experience ranging from management and circulation to special collections, reference and corrections, Jess remains dedicated to expanding information and educational access across all fields and demographics.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and dual master’s degrees in public history and information technology with concentrations in archives and nonprofit management. Outside of the office, Jess moonlights as a Justice of the Peace, an American Red Cross instructor, and as an academic coach for White Mountains Community College. In her spare time, she can be found wandering around White Mountains trails, listening to endless audiobooks and spending time with her teens and cats.
Faith Molongoski
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Faith is a GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator in the Manchester School District. Faith began her role at the Education Alliance for New Hampshire after earning a master’s degree in education and teaching middle school math for five years. She is excited to continue working with middle and high school students, helping them achieve their future goals.
Angela Romilla
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Angela is a GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator in the Manchester School District, where she was formerly a student. Before joining the Education Alliance for New Hampshire, Angela worked as a 9th and 10th grade English teacher for four years. In her role as a College and Career Navigator, Angela supports the graduating classes of 2029 and 2030 as they progress through middle and high school and prepare for their education and career pathways after graduation.
Roosevelt Harris-Williams
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Roosevelt joined the Education Alliance for New Hampshire in 2024 as a GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator in the Nashua School District. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business administration from Colby-Sawyer College, along with certifications in restorative justice and experience working with diversity, equity, and inclusion task forces.
Before his role as a GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator, Roosevelt worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of the Registrar at Colby-Sawyer College where he contributed to several restorative justice and youth organizations, including Build Chicago and the Peace Warriors Organization. He is enthusiastic about empowering young people and is committed to helping them discover their purpose through post-secondary success.
Kelsey Sobel
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Kelsey is a GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator for the Franklin School District, bringing a decade of experience as a high school educator to her role. She is excited to support students through their high school years, providing guidance and resources to help them achieve success.
A New Hampshire native, Kelsey is passionate about reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. She is dedicated to helping every student find their path to success and takes pride in serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog.
Meghan Merritt Schaffer
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Meghan is the GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator serving the Newport School District. She joined GEAR UP in the fall of 2024, bringing extensive experience in public higher education, including roles in residential and student life, first-year and transfer admissions, academic advising, and the development of college transition programs for underserved students.
In addition to her work with GEAR UP, Meghan is a teaching lecturer at Plymouth State University, where she teaches in the History and Social Studies Education and General Education programs. She is deeply committed to supporting students, caregivers, and communities, believing wholeheartedly in GEAR UP’s mission to foster a culture of post-secondary academic and career success.
Heidi Richard
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Heidi brings her unique background in healthcare and human services to the Stewartstown School District, where she serves as a GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator. Heidi helps students build confidence in their futures and create pathways to their ideal careers. She holds a Master of Science in Human Services and is passionate about guiding students toward academic and career success.
As a mother of three, Heidi believes in fostering well-rounded development by encouraging access to sports, theater, academics, and outdoor adventures. She is committed to empowering students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Bridget Soraghan
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Bridget has been a GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator with the Education Alliance for New Hampshire since July 2024, working with 6th–8th grade students in the Manchester School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human development & human services (2021) and a master’s degree in community engagement with a focus on K-12 education (2022), both from Merrimack College.
With three years of experience in the nonprofit sector, all within public schools, Bridget is committed to guiding students through their academic and career journeys, ensuring they have the support and resources to succeed both in GEAR UP and beyond.
Gerald D’Arcy
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Jerry first joined the Education Alliance for New Hampshire as an AmeriCorps Member, supporting the GEAR UP Manchester grant at Southside Middle School. In the summer of 2024, he returned to the organization as a GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator, continuing his work in the Manchester School District. He is thrilled to be back with the team, helping students explore opportunities, set goals, and prepare for their futures.
Stephanie Eastman
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Stephanie has been with the GEAR UP New Hampshire team since July 2024 as a College and Career Navigator working with the Lisbon School District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Social Relations from the University of New England. With over 20 years of experience supporting students, Stephanie is dedicated to helping students succeed academically and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the natural beauty that New Hampshire has to offer.
Celina Heyliger
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Celina Heyliger has called the North Country home for 17 years and has been serving as a College and Career Navigator with GEAR UP New Hampshire in the Berlin School District for nearly a year. Prior to joining the Education Alliance for New Hampshire, Celina dedicated the past 9 years to supporting North Country students in their educational journeys.
A proud UNH Wildcat and mother of two college graduates, Celina is passionate about helping students and their families navigate the complexities of planning for the future. She works tirelessly to help students envision their paths and take charge of their educational and career goals.
Emma Clark
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Emma Clark is a GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator in the Somersworth School District. In this role, she helps increase the number of middle and high school students who are prepared to succeed in post-secondary education.
Emma graduated from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and journalism. Before joining the GEAR UP team, Emma worked at her alma mater as the Assistant Director of Admission, where she developed a passion for helping students as they navigate the college process.
Timmy Chase
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Timmy Chase is a GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator in the Nashua School District, where he works with the 7th and 8th grade cohort to help them navigate through school challenges and start paving the way towards their post-secondary plans. Through interactive activities and lessons, he helps students explore the many pathways to a successful future.
Timmy is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and English. In his spare time, he stays involved in the local arts which includes on-stage performing and working part-time at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts.
Kyle Simpson
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Kyle Simpson has dedicated the past 14 years to working in nonprofit organizations, joining the GEAR UP Manchester team in August 2020. Kyle shares his own non-traditional path to college with students, helping them to see that there are many ways to achieve their educational goals. Kyle takes pride in building meaningful connections with each student, ensuring they feel supported on their journey. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, Larry Bird, as well as working in his yard and traveling. He is also a dedicated advocate against distracted driving, using his voice to promote safer roads.
Alexandra Desruisseaux
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Leslie Castonia
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
GEAR UP New Hampshire College and Career Navigator
Travis Lemieux
Northern Office Program Associate
Northern Office Program Associate
Travis Lemieux is the Northern Office Program Associate for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire. He holds an associate’s degree in Community-Minded Entrepreneurship and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in psychology.
Travis joined the Education Alliance of New Hampshire in June 2024, where he supports various grants by assisting with projects, coordinating events, and developing new initiatives for the Northern Office. One of his key contributions has been helping establish the Fatherhood Resource Alliance of the North Country (FRANC), a support network dedicated to providing resources and community for fathers in need.
Kayla LeBlanc
Northern Office Program Coordinator
Northern Office Program Coordinator
Kayla LeBlanc is the Northern Office Program Coordinator for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire. Kayla has been with the Education Alliance for New Hampshire since January 2023. As a Program Coordinator she supports all the efforts of the Northern Office including the grants that operate in the area. This support includes NH Bridges to Postsecondary Success, North Country PACE, the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center, and GEAR UP New Hampshire. She works with students at various middle and high schools in the northern tier of New Hampshire and at White Mountains Community College.
Kayla graduated from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in science. While in college, she worked as a Peer Mentor, guiding each incoming class through their transition from high school to college. Prior to working at the Education Alliance for New Hampshire, Kayla worked as a Direct Care Counselor for a non-profit residential program and as a Teacher’s Assistant at Woodfords Family Services, a non-profit organization helping children with learning and developmental disabilities. Kayla also brings experience from her roles at the Family Resource Center and in the public school system where she served as a Special Educational Assistant and an Associate Teacher at a preschool.
Megan Lumnah
Operations Specialist
Operations Specialist
Megan Lumnah is the Operations Specialist for Education Alliance for New Hampshire. She supports the operational and administrative functions of the organization. She brings a passion for culture and efficiency, along with industry experience in youth development, non-profits, higher education, and mission-driven for-profit companies. Megan is a proud two-time AmeriCorps alumna: City Year Boston 2008-2009 and *VISTA Mississippi Delta Service Corps 2012-2013. Megan is a SHRM-CP and holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from SUNY Stonybrook, New York. She also holds an Associate’s of Arts in Social Work from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, and a Bachelor of Science in Youth Development & Camp Management from Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont. Outside of work, Megan supports community engagement efforts for her town as a Board Member for TEAM Jaffrey, cross stitches, and explores the natural beauty of New Hampshire with her family.
Hannah Marquis
Outreach Coordinator for GEAR UP New Hampshire
Outreach Coordinator for GEAR UP New Hampshire
Hannah began her role as the Outreach Coordinator for GEAR UP New Hampshire in January 2025. In her role, Hannah supports the GEAR UP team by managing social media campaigns, creating physical promotion materials, providing event support, and assisting with the organization’s communications efforts. With a solid foundation in business and project management, she is committed to advancing the mission of GEAR UP New Hampshire and fostering community connections.
Hannah earned her bachelor’s in business administration in 2023 and her master’s in business administration with a concentration in project management in 2024.
Mica Stark
President and Chief Executive Officer
President and Chief Executive Officer
Mica Stark is the president and CEO of the New Hampshire College & University Council (NHCUC) and executive director of the Education Alliance for New Hampshire (EANH). Under his leadership, NHCUC and EANH focus on building strong partnerships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to enhance educational opportunities and economic growth.
Stark is a New Hampshire native with over 20 years of experience in higher education. Prior to joining NHCUC, he served as senior vice president at Brodeur Partners, specializing in higher education and nonprofit sectors and has previously held key positions at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College and the University of New Hampshire, where he led communications and public affairs. Stark holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s degree from Michigan State University. He resides in Durham with his wife and two sons.
Fatima Zahra Senhaji
Program Associate for the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center
Program Associate for the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center
Fatima Zahra Senhaji is the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center Program Associate for Manchester, NH. Fatima is focused on serving, supporting, collaborating, and building strong relationships with bilingual families in the Manchester area. Originally from Casablanca, Morocco, Fatima has a bachelor’s degree in logistics and purchasing from Esiac Morocco’s partnership with Grenoble School of Management in France.
Prior to becoming a NH-SFEC team member, Fatima served as a branch supervisor, trainer, and customer success manager at AXA Credit, a large multinational insurance company in Morocco. She most recently worked as a family pharmacy technician in her community of Pepperell, MA. Fatima is a proud mom to her two daughters and has deep ties with families in the Manchester region where she volunteers as an active member in the bilingual community, speaking Arabic and French.
Wendy Conway
Program Associate for the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center
Program Associate for the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center
Wendy Conway serves as the Program Associate for the Northern Office of the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center in Berlin, NH. She is committed to facilitating collaboration among families, schools, and communities to expand youth development opportunities. Wendy’s personal and lived experiences in these areas profoundly inform and motivate her work to support all students in realizing their full potential.
Before joining NH-SFEC, Wendy spent five years as a Certified Recovery Support Worker, where she guided families through the challenges of substance use disorder recovery, mental health issues, and navigating the DCYF process. Additionally, she currently serves as a Family Leader with the Coös Coalition for Young Children and Families, championing initiatives that amplify family voices within organizations. Wendy holds a CRSW (Certified Recovery Support Worker) license and completed an internship program in 2021 to become a Social and Human Services Assistant through the University System of NH and the Department of Labor. As a mother of five children within the school system, Wendy is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between schools, families, and the local community.
Jennifer Gilbert
Program Coordinator for PACE
Program Coordinator for PACE
Jennifer Gilbert is a Project Coordinator for the PACE (Persistence and Continuing Education) program, serving the northern region of New Hampshire. As a resident of the North Country, she is dedicated to fostering rural development and empowering the next generation to take an active role in shaping their futures.
Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Before joining the Education Alliance for New Hampshire, she worked in the North Country’s public school system as a paraprofessional and spent eight years as the Infant/Toddler Program Coordinator at the White Mountains Community College Child Development Center. With a deep understanding of the challenges students face in pursuing postsecondary education, Jennifer is committed to providing the encouragement and guidance they need to achieve their academic and career goals.
Jake Buteau
Program Coordinator for PACE
Program Coordinator for PACE
Jake Buteau serves as the Program Coordinator for the PACE (Persistence and Continuing Education) program at the Education Alliance for New Hampshire. He brings over a decade of experience working with students in a wide range of educational roles. Jake holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and is deeply committed to supporting student growth and success.
Jake is a resident of New Hampshire’s North Country and lives with his wife and five children. He is passionate about empowering young people in his North Country community to thrive as they transition into adulthood and become engaged, contributing members of society.
Samantha Gendron
Project Coordinator for the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center
Project Coordinator for the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center
Samantha Gendron is the Project Coordinator for the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center in Manchester, NH. Within this role, Samantha emphasizes the importance of family engagement within the schools and uses her passion for student success to build relationships with caregiver communities. Samantha graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in education and then went on to teach in the Manchester School District for six years before joining the Education Alliance for New Hampshire.
Ann Auger
Project Coordinator for the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center
Project Coordinator for the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center
Ann Auger is the North Country Family Engagement Program Coordinator for the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center. Her primary focus is to support and nurture authentic family-school partnerships, ensuring that children, caregivers, and teachers all feel connected and supported. She also actively collaborates with community partners to enhance the impact of family engagement initiatives. With 18 years of experience in the early childhood sector, Ann excels at establishing strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and breaking down barriers. She is skilled in leading cross-sector groups to achieve common goals and is knowledgeable in building and streamlining systems.
Ann holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Studies from Plymouth State University and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Administration from Champlain College. Her passion lies in positively impacting the lives of children and families, and she is excited to continue her journey in this field.
Nicole Shedd
Project Director of GEAR UP New Hampshire
Project Director of GEAR UP New Hampshire
Nicole Shedd is the Project Director for GEAR UP New Hampshire at the Education Alliance for New Hampshire. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a program whose mission is to significantly increase the number of low-income middle and high school students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.
Prior to her role at the Education Alliance for NH, Nicole spent 20 years as an administrator, teacher, advisor, coach, and dorm parent, in independent boarding schools. She spent time supporting and building communities while advocating for justice involved young people and worked to create access to safe and affordable healthcare for migrant worker populations in Oregon. Nicole received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and her M.Ed. from Concordia University.
Kate Estefan
Project Director of NH Statewide Family Engagement Center
Project Director of NH Statewide Family Engagement Center
Kate is the Project Director for the New Hampshire Statewide Family Engagement Center. In this role, she focuses on fostering partnerships between families, schools, and communities to enhance educational experiences and outcomes for students across New Hampshire. Before joining the Education Alliance for New Hampshire in 2024, Kate dedicated over 20 years to her work as a school counselor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Siena College and a Master of Science in School Counseling from Western Connecticut State University. Kate is also a National Certified Counselor and a National Certified School Counselor.
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