Meet Our Board, Including Our Newest Members
The deeply-engaged volunteers that make up our Board of Directors have the vital task of overseeing Mystic Valley Elder Services’ mission and financial health. Board members are appointed by local Councils on Aging and at large from our 11 communities. A majority of our Board members are individuals aged 60 or older, ensuring older adults lead and inform our agency.
Board members meet regularly with our CEO and senior management, participate in goal-focused subcommittees and evaluate our finances. Each of our 11 communities is unique, and our Board’s oversight helps us remain responsive to the evolving needs of each town and city.
As we recently welcomed some new Board members, we thought this was a good chance to recognize our Board of Directors as a whole and introduce you to its members.
Our current Board officers are: Brian Snell, President; Pamela Kelly, Vice President; Saritin Rizzuto, Treasurer; and Janice Donatelli, Clerk. The remaining members are: Kristin Ahlman, Michele Clopper, Mike Festa, Karen Fotino, Janice Houghton, Chris Kowaleski, Carolyn Lightburn, Carole Lowenstein, Edward Miller, James Oosterman, Joanne Puopolo, Edward Rocha, Matthew Rodes, Kristen Spence, Judith Whatley, Judie VanKooiman.
Below, learn about the unique experience and knowledge that each of our Board members brings to Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES).
Kristin Ahlman: Kristin Ahlman joined the MVES Board of Directors in 2023. A resident of Malden, she retired after a 19-year career as a Retail Property Manager for a Boston-area real estate firm. Her earlier roles included Assistant Property Manager and Special Events Assistant at the World Trade Center Boston, along with administrative support for senior executives.
In retirement, Kristin has remained deeply engaged in community service. She volunteers with the Greater Boston Food Bank, where she was honored as the 2022 Volunteer of the Year, and with MVES as a Social Engagement Volunteer and active member of the Development and Nominating and Bylaws Committees. Her longstanding commitment to service also includes seven years as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Boston and nearly a decade coaching gymnastics for Special Olympics.
Michele Clopper joined the MVES Board of Directors in 2025. A resident of Reading, she is retired from Harvard University, where she served from 2005 to 2022 in progressive roles including Disability Case Manager, Assistant Director of University Disability Services, and Director of University Disability Resources. Throughout her career, Michele championed individual choice and independence, advocating for people with disabilities, including combat veterans, individuals who are blind, and those with neurological impairments.
Her commitment to community engagement continues through her role as President of the Crystal Garden Club in Reading and her recent service on the MVES Planning, Advocacy, and Oversight Committee. Michele holds a degree from Boston University and brings a deep passion for inclusion, accessibility, and aging with dignity to her work with MVES.
Janice Donatelli is a retired clinical microbiologist and longtime Medford resident. Her distinguished career includes roles at Children’s Hospital in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory and in drug discovery at Paratek Pharmaceuticals. She contributed to the advancement of rapid diagnostic testing, mentored new professionals, and led efforts to update clinical protocols and procedures.
Janice’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional life. She has volunteered as a SHINE counselor and serves on the leadership team of her church’s Senior Social Club. Her connection to MVES began through personal experience supporting family members with Alzheimer’s disease, which led her to join the Board of Directors in 2013.
Since joining the board, Janice has played an active role on several committees, including Development, Oversight and Advocacy, Nominating and Bylaws, and the Executive Committee.
Michael Festa is an attorney with a part-time practice focused on elder and family legal matters. His distinguished career in public service includes leadership roles such as State Director of AARP Massachusetts (2013–2024), CEO of the Carroll Center for the Blind (2010–2012), and Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (2007–2009). He also served as a State Representative in the Massachusetts House from 1999 to 2007, following earlier service on the Melrose City Council and School Committee. His legal background includes work as an Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County and over two decades in private practice.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mike has contributed to numerous nonprofit boards, including the Council of State Governments Justice Center in New York City, where he served as Board Chair, and Operation Able in Boston. He holds a BA in Political Science from Tufts University and a JD from Suffolk University Law School. His commitment to public policy, aging services, and community advocacy has been a consistent thread throughout his career.
Mike joined the Board of Directors in 2025, having previously served on the Advisory Council. He lives in Melrose with his wife, with whom he shares two adult children and four grandchildren.
Dr. Karen Fotino is an accomplished clinical nurse specialist and educator with more than two decades of experience in medical-surgical nursing, gerontology, and academic leadership. She holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from UMass Lowell, along with advanced degrees and certifications from UMass Boston, Salem State University, and Northeastern University. Her clinical career at Winchester Hospital spanned roles from staff nurse to Clinical Practice Specialist.
Karen is currently an Associate Clinical Professor at Merrimack College, where she has developed and coordinated multiple courses in a new BSN program, including Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pathopharmacology, and Care Considerations for the Older Adult. She has also taught at Salem State University and served as a guest lecturer at Northeastern University. Her academic contributions extend to national presentations and peer-reviewed publications focused on alarm management, obstructive sleep apnea protocols, and nurse transition strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Karen has held leadership roles with the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses Greater Boston Chapter and contributed to national initiatives such as NICHE and the ANCC Content Expert Panel. She was a member of the MVES Planning, Advocacy, and Oversight Committee for two years before joining the Board of Directors in 2025.
Janice Houghton is an experienced financial executive, currently serving as Chair of the Board at StonehamBank. She previously held the roles of President and CEO, where she led strategic growth initiatives and helped to found the bank’s charitable giving foundation in collaboration with community members.
A lifelong resident of Stoneham, Janice has been a dedicated member of the MVES Board of Directors since 2009. Her connection to MVES began through her personal experience supporting her aging father, who benefited from services such as personal care and Meals on Wheels that allowed him to remain independent at home.
Janice served as MVES Board President from 2020 to 2022 and continues to contribute her financial expertise as a member of the Finance and Audit Committee.
Pamela Kelly is a Malden resident and has served as the Director of Elder Affairs at the Medford Council on Aging/Senior Center for more than 17 years. In this role, she has been a driving force behind programs, resources, and events that uplift and empower older adults throughout the community. Pam is deeply committed to fostering a warm, inclusive environment where older adults can build meaningful connections, stay informed, and enhance their well-being through nutrition, exercise, and social engagement.
Pam joined the MVES Board of Directors in 2016, further extending her impact and advocacy for aging populations across the region.
Chris Kowaleski lives in Reading, where he has served as the Elder and Human Services Administrator since 2022. Chris previously worked as the Health and Wellness Coordinator for the City of Somerville from 2012 to 2022 and holds a degree in Exercise and Health Science from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
In addition to his professional work, Chris is an active member of the Reading Rotary Club and serves as a team coach for the North Reading Robotics Organization. He also previously served on the Barbara C. Harris Board of Directors.
Chris joined the MVES Board of Directors in 2025.
Carolyn Lightburn spent more than 20 years working for the City of Everett, where she led both the Human Services Department and the Council on Aging. Throughout her tenure, she worked to support low-income residents, helping them access food, secure housing, and navigate essential services such as English as a Second Language programs and elder care resources.
Under her leadership, the Senior Center operated a daily meal site and maintained emergency food supplies for those facing food insecurity. Grant writing was a central part of Carolyn’s role, as she worked to secure funding for individuals at risk of eviction, those with legal challenges, and seniors in need of housing. She also facilitated funding for partner organizations serving Everett residents, including Mystic Valley Elder Services, Bread of Life, and Cambridge Health Alliance.
Carolyn joined the MVES Board of Directors in 2003 and currently serves as a member of the Finance and Audit Committee.
Carole Lowenstein is a resident of Malden with extensive experience in healthcare. She served as a Nurse Practitioner at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates for more than 30 years, retiring in 2017. Since retiring, she has maintained her commitment to community health through her involvement with MVES, where she has been a member of the Development Committee since 2023 and an instructor in the Healthy Living program. Carole is currently leading her seventh Matter of Balance class with MVES, helping older adults build confidence and reduce their risk of falls.
In 2025, Carole joined the MVES Board of Directors, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to the organization. She is passionate about empowering people to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
Carole holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Emmanuel College, a Master of Science in Nursing from Simmons College, and a Master of Science from the Harvard School of Public Health.
Dr. Edward Miller is Professor and Chair of the Department of Gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where he also serves as a Faculty Fellow at the Gerontology Institute. He previously directed both the Ph.D. and M.S. programs in Gerontology and holds affiliated faculty appointments in Public Policy and Public Affairs. He also serves as Adjunct Professor of Health Services, Policy and Practice at Brown University, where he has held multiple academic roles across public policy, community health, and political science.
Eddie’s research focuses on aging, health policy, and long-term care, with a commitment to improving outcomes for older adults. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Aging & Social Policy and serves on editorial boards for leading journals including Research on Aging, World Medical & Health Policy, and Journal of Health Politics, Policy & Law. His scholarship has earned national recognition, including the Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Contributions to Healthy Aging.
He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and Health Services Organization and Policy from the University of Michigan, an MPA from Cornell University, and completed postdoctoral training at Yale University. A Fulbright Scholar and former VA Research Investigator, Eddie is actively engaged in professional organizations such as the Gerontological Society of America, AcademyHealth, and the American Public Health Association.
James (Jim) Oosterman is a lifelong resident of Melrose and has been a dedicated member of the MVES Board of Directors since 1995. A retired bank executive, Jim spent more than two decades at Melrose Cooperative Bank, where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer.
Jim currently serves as vice chair of the Melrose Affordable Housing Trust Fund and sits on the board of the Melrose Redevelopment Authority. His commitment to community service also includes roles as secretary of the Melrose Rotary Club and board member of the Friends of Melrose Memorial Hall. In the past, Jim has contributed his leadership to the Greater Boston Stage Company and the Melrose Affordable Housing Corporation.
He serves as the chair of the MVES Nominating & Bylaws Committee and also sits on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
Joanne Puopolo is a dedicated public servant and accomplished leader, currently serving as Budget Director for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education.
Joanne is an active member of Zonta International, a global organization that empowers women through service and advocacy. She has held numerous leadership roles within the organization, demonstrating her passion for equity and effective governance.
Joanne joined the Board of Directors in 2015 and has served on both the Development Committee and the Executive Committee.
Matthew Rodes is a resident of Winthrop. He currently serves as Director of the Winthrop Council on Aging, where he previously held the role of Assistant Director/Outreach Coordinator. Matthew has served on the MVES Money Management Advisory Board since 2018.
Active in local media and civic engagement, Matthew has been a board member of Winthrop Community Access Television since 2015 and served as its Board President from 2019 to 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Emerson College.
Saritin Rizzuto lives in Wakefield and currently serves as Vice President –Relationship Manager & Community Relations for Metro Credit Union. Saritin is a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit management and banking administration. She began her career as a peer leader for the Department of Public Health, focusing on education and prevention programs for at-risk youth in underserved communities, and has held diverse roles including teen health educator, elder and disabled community program coordinator, and leader in mental health awareness and domestic violence prevention.
Saritin founded Education for All to expand access to higher education and leads the annual Celebrate Literacy Day & Excellence in Literacy Leadership Award Reception. Saritin also launched the Latino Economic Advancement Advisory Council, promoting wealth-building strategies for diverse communities.
Her board service includes the Immigrant Learning Center, Phoenix Academy Charter School, East Boston Social Center, Newmarket BID, and Mystic Valley Elder Services. Past leadership roles include Board President of North Suffolk Community Health and President of the Rotary Club of Chelsea, where she helped fund and build a hospital in an indigenous Colombian village.
Edward Rocha is an educator, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker committed to multicultural education and amplifying underrepresented voices. He is the founder and president of Rola Corporation and Rola Languages, where he develops bilingual educational materials, and CEO of The Morning Goals, a coaching firm for entrepreneurs and creatives. His previous roles include leadership positions in finance at Dutchess Capital Management and Solios Asset Management.
A Harvard graduate, Ed co-founded the Harvard Latino Alumni Alliance and held multiple student leadership roles focused on civic engagement and inclusion. He currently serves on the board of the Tremont School and contributes to the Cummings Foundation and Greenlight Fund Boston.
Ed joined the MVES Board of Directors in 2022 and currently serves on the Development Committee.
Brian Snell lives in Marblehead and is both an Attorney and a Realtor. He is the managing attorney for the Law Office of Brian C. Snell, concentrating his practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate (Probate) and Trust Administration, and Elder Law. Brian is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and Suffolk University Law School.
His volunteer work has included various positions in his former hometown of Reading, MA as a Town Meeting member, chairman of both the North Reading and Reading COAs, participant on the Dementia Friendly Reading leadership team, and Chair of the Fall Street Faire committee. He is currently serving as Secretary and Board member of the Rotary Club of Marblehead, member of the Reading Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorney’s Diversity committee.
Brian has served as the Clerk of the Board and has participated on all committees as the President since 2022. He joined the Board of Directors in 2015.
Kristen Spence has dedicated her career to supporting older adults. She currently serves as Director of the Stoneham Council on Aging, following a career in elderly housing as a Resident Service Coordinator. Kristen has also volunteered as a Money Manager with Mystic Valley Elder Services and Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services.
Before transitioning to her current role in 2021, Kristen served for eight years on the board of the Massachusetts Association of Resident Service Coordinators in Housing (MARSCH). She holds a Master’s in Human Service Administration from Springfield College and a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology from the University of Maryland. Kristen resides in Medford with her husband.
Kristen joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and currently serves on the Nominating & Bylaws Committee. She also serves as the Board liaison to the MVES Advisory Council.
Judie VanKooiman is a retired Winthrop resident and passionate community advocate. She is the Founder and President of Those Who Can, For Those in Need, a nonprofit organization that connects individuals facing life challenges such as grief, poverty, homelessness, and aging with essential services and support networks.
Judie also hosts Life Issues on Winthrop Community Access TV, where she raises awareness about critical social topics. Her civic involvement includes serving on the Winthrop Council on Aging and the MVES Development Committee, where she continues to champion resources for vulnerable populations.
Judie joined the MVES Board of Directors in 2025.
Judith Whatley has been a member of the MVES Board of Directors since 2004. She currently serves on the Board’s Development Committee and previously contributed to the Finance Committee. A retired Registered Nurse, Judith brings decades of healthcare experience and community involvement to her role.
Judith’s civic engagement includes affiliations with the Medford Catholic Women’s Club, the Medford Council on Aging, and the Medford Chamber of Commerce. She also served on the Professional Advisory Committee of the Visiting Nurse Association of H.H.