Kelli Rafferty, MPA is Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation and Elliot Health System in Manchester, NH. Kelli has nearly 30 years of nonprofit management, community health, and philanthropy experience. In her current role at Elliot Health System, Kelli provides strategic planning and leadership for the philanthropy programs at the Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation and community engagement/community benefit programs of The Elliot. Kelli received her B.A. in Politics from Saint Anselm College (Manchester, NH) and her M.A. in Public Administration from American International College (Springfield, MA). Kelli lives in Manchester, NH with her 3 dogs and is originally from western Massachusetts.

“It is an honor to be a part of Friends of Aine. I believe strongly in the spirit of caring support provided to children and families as they navigate the challenging journey of grief. The staff and volunteers at Friends of Aine are compassionate and dedicated to service and I am proud to support this spirit.

Matt Barter is a Lieutenant with the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department. He is an experienced police supervisor and a champion of evidence-based policing within his agency. He is a collaborator who strives to partner with diverse stakeholders to solve difficult problems. Matt is a National Institute of Justice Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholar, using his skills in data and analysis to inform action and drive change. He received his B.A. in Criminal Justice from Saint Anselm College (Manchester, NH) and a Masters of Criminal Justice from Boston University (Boston, MA). Matt assists Friends of Aine with analytical expertise and strategic thinking. He lives in southern New Hampshire with his wife and two children.

“I am honored to contribute to Friends of Aine, an organization that holds a special place in my heart. Having experienced the profound loss of my mother, Melanie, and brother, Ryan, to cancer at a young age, I understand the crucial support systems needed during such times. I was fortunate to work with the Maine Center for Grieving Children after this loss, which profoundly impacted my healing process. Now, being part of Friends of Aine allows me to give back, helping to provide that same life-changing support to other grieving children. Their work is not just necessary; it’s transformative.”

Joseph Murray is the Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for Fidelity Investments’ regional center in Merrimack, NH. He leads Fidelity’s external relations work in New Hampshire which includes government relations, community relations, and corporate philanthropy. Joe leads the development committee for Friends of Aine and is working to launch our Capital Campaign. He lives in Bedford with his wife and three children.

“Not everyone is born with the same degree of resiliency. As someone who lost his father at the age of 13, I share Friends of Áine’s goal to create a place of solace and support for New Hampshire children who are coping with death.”

Joseph Bator is the Regional Vice President at TD Bank. His background in business banking and commercial real estate will be helpful as we finalize our business plan and work towards establishing a Friends of Aine Center for Grieving Children. Joe lives in Bedford with his wife and five boys.

“I serve on the board of Friends of Aine because I cannot think of anything worse than a grieving child. Any help we can give them is worth it.”

Lara Quiroga, M.Ed. is the founder and President of Larksparre Consulting LLC. Lara supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout New England and beyond with grant writing, needs assessments, project management, operational and strategic planning, board governance, and leadership coaching. She earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education Administration from Granite State College and her M.Ed. in Child Development from Southern NH University. Lara brings more than 25 years of experience in child development, family support, adverse childhood experiences, trauma-informed services, and project administration, as well as more than a decade of experience serving in leadership roles on nonprofit boards, to her role on the Friends of Aine Board of Directors.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to lend my talents and financial support to Friends of Aine. As an original developer of Manchester’s Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team (ACERT), a close partner of Friends of Aine, I’ve seen firsthand the impact the loss of a loved one can have on a child and the tremendous power of connecting with caring support on their grief journey can have.”

Kristen Kraunelis, RN,BC,LICSW is the Director of Quality Improvement at The Mental Health of Greater Manchester where she has gratefully worked for the past 24 years. She is a hospice volunteer through The Visiting Nurse Association of Manchester and Southern New Hampshire and has experience working with individuals and families as they journey through the grief process. Kristen is involved in many community-based coalitions and councils, and is dedicated to building partnerships that promote recovery and community wellness.

“I am truly honored to be part of Friend’s of Aine and feel the mission of this inspiring organization is perfectly aligned with my personal and professional values and interests. I look forward to doing whatever I can to help further our mission and promote hope and healing for the children and families we serve”.

Gina Powers is the President of Government Relations for RYP Granite Strategies in Concord, NH, where she works representing a number of businesses and organizations before the New Hampshire Legislative and Executive Branches. In 2010, she began volunteering with Merrimack Home Health and Hospice, where she met Bella while co-facilitating a “Good Grief” group. Gina and her husband now live in Bedford after 12 years in Manchester.

“Having suffered a loss similar to Bella’s at 14 years old, I am eager help grow and expand Friends of Aine so that no child will find themselves without critical bereavement services should they need them.”

Aimee Kereage is the Executive Director of Manchester Proud and a community leader dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening partnerships across Manchester. She brings people together around shared goals that support student success, workforce development, and a thriving local community. Aimee is proud to serve on the Board of Friends of Aine after volunteering with the organization and experiencing firsthand the deep impact its programming has on youth. She lives in Auburn with her family.

Lisa Wallace is a founding board member and has been involved with Friends of Aine since its inception in 2013. She currently works as an Account Director for EVR Advertising, managing their Health and Human Services client base. With a background in creative direction and marketing strategy, she brings a history of the organization and a vision to help plan for growth. Her long-standing commitment to youth initiatives in the community reflects her dedication to helping children thrive. After raising her family in Bedford, New Hampshire, Lisa now calls the shores of Cape Cod home.

“We had the privilege of knowing Aine as a dear family friend. Working to create a legacy for Aine by helping other children is an honor.”

Lora McMahon is the Vice President of Programs and Membership at the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, where she brings people together through engaging events and meaningful member experiences. She has spent her career building communities, growing partnerships, and creating programs that people genuinely want to join. Outside of work, Lora lives in Bow and enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, traveling, and seeking out fine dining experiences. She’s energized by connecting people, exploring new places, and finding creative ways to make every experience memorable.

“After being widowed at 33 while raising our one-year-old son, I experienced firsthand how isolating grief can be and how limited the resources are for grieving children and families in New Hampshire. Friends of Aine’s mission speaks to me on a deeply personal and emotional level. I am honored and incredibly proud to serve on the board of an organization that brings hope, connection, and healing to families navigating loss.”

Scott Spradling is an Emmy award winning former reporter, anchor and political director for WMUR-TV in Manchester, NH. He spent 15 years in local media, both radio and tv, covering major events including, breaking news, local and city issues, state elections and campaigns and was a central local figure in covering the NH Presidential Primaries of 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008.

He has become a known political commentator for the 15 years and appears regularly on local, regional and national political programming, especially around election season.

Since 2008, Scott has operated his public relations consulting firm, The Spradling Group, and worked closely on a variety of major projects in New Hampshire, with clients of all sizes and backgrounds. He specializes in working with media, political and business leaders to address public awareness, crisis communications, project development, grassroots and government relations.
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Scott also sings in a 12-piece band when he has five spare minutes.