Executive Sponsor, Persons of Color (POC) ERG

Kate Barrand began her tenure as President and CEO in November of 2015, but has been supporting Horizons for more than 25 years. She has served as both a volunteer going into shelters to play with children and as a member of the Board of Directors. Her deep experience and knowledge from a career spent in the for-profit sector inform her visionary leadership at Horizons.  She is passionate and strategic as a thought leader and advocate for the poor, inspiring her team to reach new heights serving families experiencing homelessness.

“To thrive we must be willing to ‘test and learn’ as individuals and as organizations only when we hang on to ‘the way’ do we spiral downward.”

Laura DiMaria is focused on building and evolving Horizons’ organizational culture and practices in the areas of transparency, respect, empowerment and inclusivity. Together, she and her team oversee the policies, procedures, and systems that improve the experience of every member of the Horizons team.

"Being self-reflective and open to transformation is something we should celebrate, not fear." -Alok Vaid-Menon

Executive Sponsor, Allies ERG

Sheila O'Neil joined Horizons with more than 30 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. She is chief administrator of Horizons’ Early Education and Family Partnerships program, both of which provide direct service to the community. Her knowledge and experience fostering excellence in early education settings inform strategic and operational decisions affecting the children and families Horizons serves.

“You cannot expect what you do not communicate.”

Executive Sponsor, LGBTQIA+ ERG

Tammy Reder has a diverse financial background, working in multiple industries at non-profit and for profit organizations with a strong orientation toward fiscal accountability and management. She consistently works in the best interest of Horizons’ short and long term financial future and has proven herself to be adaptive to the complex financial and technological landscape.

“When we focus on what we can do instead of what we can’t; a world of possibility opens unto us.”

“You are not a true success unless you are helping others be successful.”

Executive Sponsor, Hispanic/Latinx ERG

Tara Spalding is a proven fundraising executive with over 20 years of experience working in all areas of development. She has consistently broken records throughout her career, growing from fundraising practitioner into strategic leader. Her greatest accomplishment is working with her team to find new and innovative approaches. Today she heads Horizons’ community support from both an engagement and philanthropic perspective.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Kara Beauchemin started her career as a teacher and fueled by her interest and desire to build a more robust program at Horizons, she has developed her skills and broadened her knowledge of the funding landscape.  Today she and her team work to ensure that enrollment requirements are met and most importantly, families are warmly welcomed and orientated to Horizons’ programs.

“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”  – Brene Brown

Co-chair, Persons of Color (POC) ERG

Shavon Drayton brings a passion for education to her role and works to build a culture and environment of inclusion and excellence in the Early Education Centers.  Her focus is on building relationships and competencies amongst the teachers and support staff so that they are well prepared and adept at handling the challenges implicit in their roles of supporting children experiencing homelessness.

“You are someone’s ancestor, what will your legacy be?” -Vanessa Garrison, GirlTrek COO & Founder

Co-chair, Allies ERG

Deanna Dwyer brings a creative perspective and business orientation as she and her team work to ensure the creation and delivery of consistent, compelling communications that keep Horizons’ community and supporters connected to the mission.

“Love your neighbor as yourself”

Sharon Fuller serves as the project manager for the new Edgerley Family Horizons Center and has helped structure and manage the financial intricacies of the joint venture. Her financial services expertise complemented by her negotiation and project management skills serve the organization broadly and have been particularly crucial to the success of the building project.

Lynne Gaines has a deep knowledge of early childhood development which she built as a child-life specialist at Children’s Hospital in Boston.  She leverages this deep knowledge as the Statewide leader of the Playspace program. With a focus on volunteer management and delivering value to families living in shelter, her innovative ideas are helping to build an already strong program into one that is diversified and meeting the needs of children and families during the pandemic in new ways.

“Supporting children to play requires us to remember what life is all about. It’s not about getting from A-Z, but rather dreaming beyond both.”  -Vince Gowmon

Jayd Rodrigues handles the day to day operations of the Early Education Center, overseeing educators, operations and practices that create a high-quality learning environment where children thrive.  Her positive outlook and ease connecting directly with colleagues, family members and children make her a valued leader and contributor.

“No two leaves are alike, and yet there is no antagonism between them or between the branches on which they grow.” -Mahatma Ghandi

Executive Sponsor, Hispanic/Latinx ERG

Ayesha Rodriguez is a strong advocate for families and knows from her years in human services that children thrive when their families have access to the right supports, guidance and encouragement.  She and her team work with hundreds of parents each year to find their strengths, empowering each family to build a better tomorrow.

“You are your best thing” -Toni Morrison