Meet Our Team

Meet our dedicated team who work directly to improve the lives of our young people.

Portrait of a smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing a light blue top, standing next to green leafy plant on a light background.
Portrait of a smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing a light blue top, standing next to green leafy plant on a light background.

  • Excecutive Director

    Katie is a licensed mental health counselor who leads Danny’s Place with a focus on connection, belonging, and whole-person well-being. Trained in expressive therapies at Lesley University, she has supported children, teens, and adults across community, outpatient, and residential settings, including work in bereavement, pediatric palliative care, anxiety, and post-adoption support. She co-authored Adoption Is a Lifelong Journey and incorporates mindfulness and mind-body practices into her approach.
    Katie has been part of Danny’s Place since its earliest days and became Executive Director in 2018, facilitating signature programs and balanced-living workshops along the way.

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  • Operations Manager

    Cristina oversees operations and marketing at Danny’s Place, blending strategy, creativity, and care. She holds a BS in International Marketing & Communications and additional certifications in digital marketing, copywriting, SEO, AI, and nonprofit fundraising.

    A longtime resident and former volunteer, Cristina is committed to mission-driven work and community building.

    At home, she’s a proud parent and animal lover; beyond work, she writes to empower Latino stay-at-home moms to launch and grow online businesses.

A young woman with glasses and shoulder-length brown hair smiling while holding a book titled 'Outcomes and Financial Assets' in a library with shelves of books.

  • Development Manager

    Sarah (she/her) builds partnerships and resources so more local youth can access Danny’s Place programs. A Northeastern University graduate in Psychology, she’s held development and engagement roles across Boston-area nonprofits—supporting first-generation college students, coordinating volunteer programs, and stewarding corporate partnerships, events, and grants.

    Sarah is passionate about youth mental health and community engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys time by the water, travel, and watercolor painting.

Woman smiling and holding a penguin plush toy above her head in a library, with bookshelves and decorative items in the background.

  • Programs Manager

    Kaeleigh (she/her) guides program design and facilitation with a holistic, strengths-based lens at the intersection of social sciences and the expressive arts. She is completing a PhD in Depth Psychology (Integrative Therapy & Healing Practices) and brings nonprofit experience in positive youth development across a wide range of ages and life experiences.

    With roots in the Caribbean, Kaeleigh infuses warmth and playfulness into her work. She’s inspired by young people’s energy and creativity and is motivated by a personal commitment to honoring the lives that shape our mission.

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  • Program Specialist

    Hannah (she/her) coordinates leadership and community-building programs at Danny’s Place. With a background in education—bachelor’s in Elementary Education & American History and a master’s in Moderate Disabilities from Lesley University—she’s led inclusive classrooms and supported social-emotional learning for students of many ages.

    At Danny’s Place, Hannah helps youth find their spark as friends, artists, and leaders. In her spare time, she’s an avid reader and performs as a dancer and choreographer.

  • Program Specialist

    Sarah Marks (she/her) plans and facilitates creative wellbeing programs at Danny’s Place. She graduated from Wake Forest University with degrees in Psychology and Studio Art and a minor in Art History. 

    Throughout her studies, she focused on learning more about the intersection of creative arts and wellbeing and based her senior thesis on exploring psychological concepts such as dream interpretation and connecting with the subconscious mind through a series of oil paintings.

    In her work at Danny’s Place, she hopes to bring these passions and interests into the programming; encouraging youth to protect and nourish their creative gifts while leading them through activities that foster the many transformative powers of creativity. 

    Outside of her time at Danny’s Place, Sarah enjoys working on personal art projects, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends. 

  • Courtney (she/her) helps foster meaningful connections between families and Danny’s Place, creating opportunities for families to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to engage and belong. A local parent who grew up in the community, Courtney is passionate about building meaningful connections among children, families, and the broader community. Her diverse background includes experience as a panelist, webinar guest speaker and volunteer with many organizations focused on childhood advocacy. Through these experiences, she has developed a broad perspective on the needs of children and families. Having obtained a BS in Athletic Training from Lasell College, Courtney also brings a deep knowledge of human anatomy/physiology to weave into her understanding of child development.

    Outside of work, Courtney enjoys all things outdoors, from-scratch cooking, and adventuring with her children. She is especially committed to creating space for children to explore, play, and simply be kids; upholding the belief that unstructured time is an important part of a happy, healthy childhood.