Our TeamBoard

Erica is a Data Analyst at MaineHealth and works on projects related to community health with a particular focus on data reporting, analysis, and program evaluation. Prior to this role, she worked in public health evaluation at Partnerships for Health, community finance-related program evaluation at BlueHub Capital, and fundraising at the Center for Grieving Children. Erica has a BA from Bowdoin College and an MBA with a concentration in Public & Nonprofit Management from Boston University.

Sarah is a Portland-based attorney licensed to practice in Maine, New York, and several federal courts. After spending almost ten years practicing as a commercial litigator at private firms in New York City, she returned to her home state with her family to enjoy all that Maine has to offer and to become a public servant working in state government. Prior to becoming an attorney, Sarah focused her attention on ceramics and painting, two hobbies she still enjoys today. In her free time, Sarah enjoys getting outdoors and using her imagination with her toddler daughter.

Jeremy Handlon is a partner in the Accounting Services department at Marcum in Portland. Jeremy has nearly 20 years of experience in public accounting, assisting companies across a wide range of industries in complex transactions. He provides guidance as well as assurance and tax services to his clients. His practice serves manufacturing, technology, and professional services sectors, as well as retirement plans requiring audits and nonprofit entities. In addition to his work at Marcum, Jeremy is active in public service in the Greater Portland area.

Jes currently teaches third grade at Gerald E. Talbot Community School with Portland Public Schools. Before coming to Portland in 2019, Jes taught for two decades in Title 1 schools in Vermont, New Hampshire, Washington DC, and Maryland. She has collaborated extensively with artists over the years to integrate the arts into the curricula, most recently working with teaching artists Nance Parker, Cat LeBarre, and Pamela Moulton through Side x Side.

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Claudia is a Kindergarten Teacher for the Portland Public School District. Her passion for understanding how children learn has taken her on different journeys. She worked in the administrative office of a Montessori School in Singapore before obtaining her BA in Early Childhood Education at the University of Washington. She then made her way to Maine to work at a Montessori preschool before becoming a Spanish Immersion Educator in the Portland public schools. (more…)

Katie Porter, an employment attorney at Pierce Atwood LLP, has practiced employment law for twelve years in New York City and Maine. Seeking a stronger sense of community and work-life balance, she moved to Portland in 2021 and feels fortunate to live and work in Maine. Outside of work, Katie enjoys the arts, beach time with her dog Gouda, traveling, skiing, speaking Spanish, and cooking. Katie values Side x Side’s mission, its impact on children and their families in Maine and is delighted to serve the organization as a board member.

Stevan joined Northeast Bank in 2023 as Senior Vice President, Community Banking Development Officer. With over 30 years of banking experience, Stevan is recognized for his unparalleled customer service and knowledge of the industry serving consumers and businesses. Prior to joining Northeast Bank, he was a Vice President for KeyBank in Portland. Stevan is active in the greater Portland community volunteering his time at Preble Street, Junior Achievement of Maine, and the Rotary Club of Portland. Stevan is a Chance to Advance Board Member joining in 2023.

Charity is currently serving as the Vice President of Innovation and Development at JMG. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than fifteen years and has extensive experience in public-private partnerships that meet critical community needs. She is an executive focused on diversifying revenue, building relationships, and identifying and assessing capacity to help connect communities and increase economic viability.

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Masey Kaplan is the executive director of Loose Ends Project and a Side x Side superfan. She has been a mission-based graphic designer and marketing professional for firms, nonprofits, and private clients since moving to Maine in 1997. She spends her free time knitting.

Trish is the Executive Director of the Maine Society of CPAs, a professional membership association for CPAs and accountants practicing or residing in Maine. Prior to this role, she served as Finance Manager for several small for-profit and non-profit organizations. She began her career as an auditor with a large public accounting firm, earning CPA licensure. After leaving public accounting, she moved into financial analyst roles and detoured into higher education as a Faculty Co-op Advisor at Northeastern University.
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