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. 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.”

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”.

Kirsten joined Elliot Health System in March 2018 as Director of Finance before being promoted to Vice President in January 2023. She has managed financial reporting, general accounting and payroll for the System and now adds budgeting and forecasting, as well as reimbursement to her areas of oversight. Arnold brings more than 15 years of healthcare operations and finance expertise and holds an MBA with a concentration in accounting and a Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting, both from Suffolk University.

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.”

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.”

Gabriel holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering and has worked in the industrial sector for over 30 years. He was transferred from Brazil to North America by his former employer 20 years ago where he and his wife, Fernanda, raised their kids. During this time they have lived in Canada and in the USA. Gabriel currently works as a Sr Director of Operations at HarbisonWalker International, a global leader in refractory materials.

Gabriel and Fernanda live in Bedford, NH since 2017 and are proud parents of Fernando, who is a Police Officer at Manchester PD and Raissa, who just started her freshmen year at Elon University in NC where she is studying to become a Physician Assistant.

“We all benefit from strong and healthy communities. The work we do at Friends of Aine is at the heart of building a stronger tomorrow by supporting the kids and families we serve today. I find profound meaning and purpose in volunteering at Friends of Aine.”

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.

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.”

Peter Labombarde, of Bedford, NH, recently retired as Senior Director, Gift Planning at Saint Anselm College. A graduate of Colby College and Cornell University, he had a thirty year career as a bank trust officer before specializing in charitable gift planning. He and his wife, Irene, have three grown children and two young grandchildren.

“I serve Friends of Aine to make a difference in the lives of children suffering a loss, and to honor friends who have lost children themselves- it is important and highly impactful work.”