Board of Directors
Lee Ann Ross Berry
Lee Ann has been working with Our Space since January 2009 helping the co-founders develop strategic work plans and program implementations as they grow and expand. In 2013 she became a member of the first Board of Directors for Our Space, Inc.
Lee Ann has a B.A. from Regis College and a M.S. in Business Administration from Boston College. She has over 25 years experience in financial administration and risk management at the MBTA and Harvard University. Her work at Harvard has given her extensive experience assessing activities and providing oversight to student organizations that provide educational and community services in the Boston/Cambridge area.
Lee Ann is also an artist and enjoys painting, drawing and sewing. Involvement in creative arts had had a tremendous impact on her well-being over the years. Through participation in Our Space programs she has witnessed firsthand how creative arts can provide a sense of comfort, a sense of peace and inner strength to the children, teens and families that Our Space reaches.
Kelly Christian
While finishing her Masters degree at Lesley University, in 2013, Kelly became Our Space’s inaugural graduate intern. Since then, Kelly has maintained a strong connection to Our Space, whole-heartedly supporting their mission and work. Kelly has a BA in Fine Art from Connecticut College and a MA in Mental Health Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapies from Lesley University. Kelly is also a Masters candidate at Northeastern University for Nonprofit Management. As a licensed mental counselor and experienced expressive arts therapist, Kelly continues to use the creative and expressive arts as a healing tool for children and families. Currently she works as an outpatient therapist and clinical manager at North Suffolk Mental Health Association. Kelly is from Marblehead, MA and loves spending time around the ocean. She has a passion for oil painting and working with kids and communities in the greater Boston area. Kelly is thrilled to continue working with Our Space and supporting them in new capacities.
Joe Petner
Joseph Petner, Ph.D., retired principal of the Haggerty School in Cambridge, has worked in public education for 40 years. During his tenure at the Haggerty he was involved in building a new school facility and the development of a whole school model of inclusion. Joe currently is an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University and Wheelock College and mentors principals in the Boston metropolitan area through the School Network for Innovative Principals (SNIP). Joe serves on the Board of Directors of the Federation for Children with Special Needs. He has been recognized by several organizations for his leadership roles and service to the community. Joe, together with his family, has participated in the Pan Mass Challenge Bike Ride for fifteen years. Joe, his wife Jody, and his younger daughter Caroline, are all cancer survivors, which has made them appreciate the value of friends, family, and community.
Amy Scordino
Amy has been donating her time and energy in her local school system since the early 2000’s. Initially, her focus was on the planning, funding and execution of Enrichment Programs at the Elementary and Middle School level to enhance children’s in-class experiences. More recently, she chaired or co-chaired several High School recognition events for hundreds of students coordinating fund-raising efforts, and overseeing volunteer teams. She also spent time as a Patient Relations Volunteer at Children’s Hospital Boston and as a substitute teacher at Evergreen Pre-School in Cambridge.
Prior to raising her family, Amy spent ten years at the State House in Boston working in both the Senate and Governor’s offices. She is the proud parent of two adult boys and finds great personal satisfaction in nurturing children of all ages. Amy began her relationship with Our Space in 2015 as an enthusiastic volunteer and is humbled to be a part of this incredibly impactful community.
Olivia Yang
Olivia has a B.S. from Northeastern University in Business Administration and is currently pursuing her MBA part-time. She has over 8 years of marketing experience working in the biotechnology industry and is always passionate about helping patients and empowering them through education. Her work has given her the expertise to communicate effectively and reach those in need. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys being active and discovering new restaurants. She is a huge foodie!
Liz Cohen
Liz Cohen has held various leadership positions in her more than 20 years working in nonprofits. Most recently, she was the Executive Director of The Children's Room, a child bereavement program based in Arlington. Past positions include working as a senior gifts officer for Jewish Family and Children's Services; Executive Director of Families First Parenting programs; leading professional training programs at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts; working on health-based outreach campaigns at WGBH Educational Foundation; and serving as Executive Director of Rape Crisis Services of Greater Lowell. Liz completed a Master's of Public Health at Boston University School of Public Health. Liz did her undergraduate work in clinical psychology and child development at Tufts University. She lives in Arlington with her 13 year old daughter and works as a Major Gifts Officer for McLean Hospital.
