Engaging Parents in Education: Lessons From Five Parental Information and Resource Centers The Staff of NH State PIRC
John-Michael Dumais, Program Director
John-Michael supports all aspects of the PIRC program development and its staff. He leads organizational efforts of the annual Partnerships for Education Conference and Parent Involvement in Education Month Initiative. A believer in the power of technology to bring people together, John-Michael is currently working on integrating video conferencing with Skype and Oovoo, and heading up the development of an online social networking service for NH Parents and Educators. He formerly worked with NH Connections and was the director of an online 6-12th grade school. He has many years experience with community organizing, workshop development and facilitation, and writing.
Phone (603) 848-5665, email: jmdumais@nhpirc.org.Karen Gerdts, Partnership Development Coordinator
Karen works as an education consultant providing technical assistance and support to schools, districts, and community organizations throughout New Hampshire regarding school improvement, parent involvement, and partnership development (including the Solid Foundation research based program). Other field responsibilities include project development, training, workshop session presenter at the local, state and national levels. Karen has over 15 years of experience in education, parent involvement, and school improvement. She and her husband, Tom, are the parents of 5 children and reside in East Hampstead, NH. Phone: 603-848-5667, email: kgerdts@nhpirc.org.Elena Acosta, Community Outreach Coordinator
Elena provides workshops and services to underserved families, including ethnic families to enhance and engaged parents for their children’s academic success. Elena provides technical assistance, information and resources to community and faith-based organizations and works with Title 1 schools in Manchester and Nashua, NH. She is bilingual and advocates for early childhood literacy involvement in the Latino community. Elena lives in Keene, NH and is involved in a number of environmental and social justice projects. Phone: 603-848-5669, email: eacosta@nhpirc.org.Kimm Phillips, Training and Volunteer Coordinator
Kimm is responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with organizations, educational institutions and individuals focusing on early literacy. Specifically Kimm provides outreach, training and ongoing support to Let’s Read Together, stipend-supported, early literacy volunteers throughout the state. Her work is focused on increasing parent awareness on how the introduction of books and sounds to very young children have a positive impact on language, language development and encourage an early learning love of books. Kimm is a knowledgeable trainer and facilitator who has worked in the human service field for over twenty years. Experienced in development, coordination and implementation of group and individual training sessions, she has a long-standing history of working creatively with individuals and organizations to set and achieve personal and professional goals. Phone: 603-848-5446, email: kphillips@nhpirc.orgVeronica Bodden, Early Literacy Parent Educator
Veronica carries out early literacy parent education through home visiting in the city of Manchester to the families enrolled in the Pre-School Parent Partnership program (PPPP). As a parent of a three year, she understands that teaching our children the love of reading at an early age will not only enrich their lives but also move them closer to a future filled with success. Veronica has worked as a bilingual family liaison in the Manchester School District. She is author of the Early Literacy Parent Tips. She can be reached at (603) 848-5652 or vbodden@nhpirc.org.Cheryl Woodbury, Administrative Coordinator
more info coming soon! Phone: (603) 224-7005, email: admin@parentinformationcenter.orgKatrina Wright, Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
Kartrina guides parents through the intake process, answers special education questions, and clerically supports all employees in the office. With a background in psychology she is also a Volunteer Special Education Advocate for the Parent Information Center. She is a proud mother and enjoys working with her son to find interesting ways to further his education outside of the school setting. (603) 224-7005, email: frontdesk@parentinformationcenter.orgProgram Advisors
Heather Thalhieimer
Michelle Lewis, mlewis@picnh.org
The Parent Information Center
Kevin Lew-Hanson, Executive Director
Kevin Lew-Hanson joined the Parent Information Center as Executive Director in August, 2009. Kevin has extensive experience in executive positions in higher education, venture capital, small business and financial services (JPMorganChase, Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation and Citigroup). He received a Commendation Letter from President Reagan for his cost savings work on the Private Sector Survey on Cost Control (the Grace Commission). He served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and was awarded Vietnam Service Medals. He held life and health insurance, variable annuities and Series 6 and 63 licenses. He holds three degrees from Columbia University, including an MBA in Finance and has lived, worked and traveled to 22 countries and 49 states. Kevin can be reached at (603) 224-7005 or email: k.lew-hanson@picnh.org.
