Meet The Team
Our people are our strength.
We pride ourselves on a dedicated staff that is passionate about children’s literacy.
Jennifer Smith
Executive Director
Alison Aguiar
Outreach Coordinator
Michele Pinault
Program Manager
John Dooley
Accountant
Samantha Polon
Communications and Fundraising Consultant
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors serve a critical role in supporting the growth, development and governance of Books Are Wings. No compensation is paid to any member of the Board of Directors or Advisory Board.
Board Officers:
Chair: Nancy Serpa, IT Program Manager, M&A Integrations, Sensata Technologies
Vice-Chair: Dora Garcia, Sr. Business Manager, Cox Business
Secretary: Debra Westgate-Silva, Freelance grant writer and children's author, The Write Help
Treasurer: Amy Gerhard, Communications and Marketing Professional
Board Members:
Carlene Fonseca, Associate Director, Feinstein School of Public Service at Providence College
Mary Halpin, Executive Coach/HR consultant, Mary Halpin Consulting
Jessica Krywosa, Advancement Committee Chair, Vice President, Digital Strategy, Bristol County Savings Bank
Linda Lulli, Governance Committee Chair, HR Consultant and Leadership Coach
Liam Lynch, Director of Operations, Peregrine Property Management
Sue Oppenheimer, Past Board Chair
Susan M Pires, Esq. Law Offices of Susan M Pires
Deanna San Antonio, CPA, MST, Senior Manager, Tax Services Group, KLR
Andra Shea, Children’s Literacy Volunteer and Organizer
Pam Vogel, Past Board Chair
Join Our Team
We are currently searching for new members of our larger team, on both our board of directors and in internship capacities. These roles are an integral part of the Books Are Wings community, and will help to further our mission of getting free books into the hand of young readers across Rhode Island. Books Are Wings is an equal opportunity employer.
Board Members:
Books Are Wings is seeking members for its Board of Directors, who will provide strategic leadership and governance, working in partnership with the Executive Director, who oversees day-to-day operations of the organization. The Board of Directors supports the work of the organization and serves as the organization’s fiduciaries, who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission. Learn more about these open roles and how to apply here.
Program Assistant:
We are seeking the right person for a new position to support and implement Books Are Wings literacy programming. Job duties include sorting books, preparing book donations for delivery, and attending program events. Learn more about this open role and how to apply here.