Mary Caddle, President

Mary is the parent of two children in Melrose Public Schools and an active elementary school volunteer. Professionally, her background is in math education research with a specialty in teacher preparation and students' mathematical thinking. She has the privilege of developing and teaching courses for preservice educators as they embark on their careers. She has a strong commitment to teacher-driven initiatives and collaboration, and believes that the Melrose Education Foundation is an invaluable partner in this work.

Erin Hobin-Audet, Vice President and Fundraising Events

Erin is a fundraising professional who has spent her entire career working in higher education and holds a master’s degree in physical education/higher ed administration from Boston University. She is an active school, church, and community volunteer. Erin has a son at the MVMMS and a daughter at the Hoover School. She is excited to work in support of our educators and students in their pursuit of excellence in academics and character development, as well to help provide them with opportunities for innovative and creative learning practices.

Kerri Natale, Treasurer

Kerri is a Certified Public Accountant who has spent the majority of her career working with non-profit organizations, most recently in higher education. She and her husband have two children in the Melrose Public School system and have continually been grateful to raise their children in this community. Serving as a volunteer for the schools, Kerri is an enthusiastic supporter of public education and the teachers who dedicate their lives to the success of our children. She is excited to play a role in an organization that provides these educators with opportunities to engage all students by bringing creativity and innovation into their classrooms.

Julia Motl Lowe, Secretary and Fundraising Donations

Julia has built her career as a fundraising professional at Tufts University, focusing on personal solicitation for annual giving programs. She and her husband, Nick, have two sons in the school district. Julia believes strongly in the importance of civic engagement within one’s community and has been active with the schools, racial justice work and her church. She is proud to serve on the Melrose Education Foundation board to help secure resources for the Foundation so it can continue to fulfill its mission and grow its capacity to support our educators and students.

Jessica Dugan, Outreach and Communications

As a nonprofit management professional and community volunteer, Jessica is committed to enhancing educational opportunities for children and strengthening communities through innovative collaboration, development, and communications. She has two children in the Melrose Public Schools and has engaged, especially at the Lincoln School, as a volunteer through the PTO. After serving a 4-year term on the Melrose School Committee, Jessica is excited to join the Foundation board, supporting the district’s work to create innovative and engaging teaching and learning environments for all students.

Lisa Lewis, Community Events

Lisa is the parent of two children in the Melrose Public Schools and is an active school volunteer. She is a community leader on issues related to public education, founded an alliance of parents working to support the school system, and has served on the board of a local non-profit. Lisa believes that strong community involvement exemplifies the value placed on education, a critical message for educators, students, and parents. She believes that even small grants provided by an education foundation can support and encourage creativity, engagement, and excitement in teaching and learning – for both educators and students. In addition to chairing the Foundation’s Public Education and Policy committee, Lisa also sits on the Grants, and PR/Comms committees.

Chris Lee, Grants

Chris is a Senior Manager heading up the North American consulting for a financial technology company. He is also a US Army veteran having served in the Gulf War. He has degrees in history and management from Boston University and would love to find creative ways to support Melrose education. Chris has a son at Melrose High and a daughter at MVMMS. He and his wife are active in church and teaches both a class for pre-marriage couples and a class on Technology and Families. 

Abigail Law, Grants

Abby is a parent of two elementary aged children (Go Winthrop Wildcats!) and an active member of the Melrose Community. She is excited to combine her professional experience in project management/process improvement with her personal commitment to a strong public school education for all students as a member of the Melrose Education Foundation board. 

Jeff Bentley, Community Events

Jeff has worked in several roles in the education field, currently focused on college financing. He has 3 children in the Melrose school system, and has served on both the Horace Mann Elementary School and Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School site councils. He currently serves on the Melrose Youth Soccer board and coaches in various sports.

Shawna Ellis, Grants

As an education non-profit professional, Shawna shares her knowledge of education and philanthropy with the Melrose community through a variety of volunteer roles, including the Hoover School PTO and the Melrose Education Foundation. A former pre-school teacher and summer camp counselor, Shawna brings to the team a diverse knowledge in education. Shawna holds an A.S. degree from Miami Dade College and a B.S. from Delaware State University. Through her work, Shawna has a diverse understanding of the grant-making process and has devoted countless hours as a volunteer with many community service organizations. She is the mother to a student in Melrose Public Schools.

Paul Carroll, Communication

As a marketing professional, Paul has supported a variety of Melrose-based organizations with graphic and web design, creative problem solving, and communication strategy. He joins the board of the Melrose Education Foundation to support the organization’s outreach and communications efforts with an eye toward social media engagement.

Krisela Millios, Fundraising

With a career in higher education and a commitment to her community, Krisela is engaging in Melrose to support high quality learning experiences and engagement in our schools. She brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the board, focusing specifically on outreach and fundraising. Krisela is excited to join the Melrose Schools community, with a child starting at the Lincoln School this year.