PALS Programs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are comprised of full-time, part-time, seasonal, and intern staff who work throughout the year in areas of development, fundraising, and formation of partnerships to maintain high programming quality. We interview, hire, and train young volunteer leaders to plan summer programs from the ground-up. We work hard to cultivate and grow our community of past, present, and potential PALS volunteers, participants, and supporters, building a world of greater inclusion one season, one program, and one individual at a time.

PALS Staff

**JENNI NEWBURY ROSS (she/her)**
Co-Founder & Executive Chair
Jenni started PALS when she was 15 years old, inspired by the transformative relationship she had with her brother, Jason. She wanted to build a place where Jason and his peers could experience independence, build new friendships, and have fun.
PALS became the first place where Jenni and Jason could experience inclusion together, and challenge each other to be the best version of themselves. After growing the organization with fellow volunteers, Jenni stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2012 and began building out the PALS staff team while adding new locations and programs across the country.

**SHELBY JONES (she/her)**
Executive Director
Shelby began her involvement with PALS in 2016 as a volunteer after learning about the organization through a friend. After experiencing a week of camp, she found a deep appreciation for the work and mission of PALS, inspiring her continued involvement through various volunteer leadership roles.
Shelby joined the PALS staff team in 2020, hired as the Volunteer Coordinator. After supporting a variety of key areas of the organization, she stepped into the role of Co-Executive Director in 2024.

**Matt Lafreniere (he/him)**
Program Director
Matt oversees all operational aspects of camp across our regions, ensuring that each program runs smoothly and represents the highest quality PALS magic! From approving schedules to reviewing budgets and managing partnerships, Matt ensures all our leaders and constituents are in alignment.

**COURTNEY MICKENS (he/him)**
Program Manager
Courtney leads the organization in ensuring the execution of high quality, safe, programs by overseeing ACA registration, state policies, training, and risk management. He also strengthens our community by supporting the PALS Network, local donor outreach, and summer events!

**LAUREN GIBEAULT (she/her)**
Program Manager
Lauren works to support the recruitment and retention of our peer and volunteer participants. She builds and maintains partnerships through local outreach and helps us reach new communities!

**KIRSTY MCDONALD (she/they)**
Program Manager
Kirsty supports our participants with Down syndrome and their families, both in the enrollment process of attending Camp, but also in the other 51 weeks of the year - providing off-season engagement opportunities to deepen our connection to the Down syndrome community!

**Courtney Lane (she/they)** Leadership Resident
Courtney works to identify, recruit, and develop the young leaders who drive the success of our programs! She ensures that every program is fully staffed with volunteer leaders who are prepared and excited to lead Camp.

**WILMS VILLANUEVA (she/her)**
Executive Assistant
Wilms supports the PALS leadership team by managing key administrative tasks, including Human Resources, budgeting, and finance. Her work helps keep operations organized and running smoothly!

**Kenzie Wilson (she/her)**
Enrollment Resident
Kenzie plays a key role in welcoming all of our Peer volunteers. From recruiting, enrolling, and cheering on our volunteers from start to finish, she makes sure every volunteer feels supported, valued, and excited to come back for more PALS magic!

PALS Part-Time & SEASONAL STAFF

**SARAH ROGERS (she/her)**
Operations Associate
Sarah supports the many logistics that help make our programs possible! She ensures the safety and impact of our programs through the management of health forms, background checks, and excellent customer service.

**ROSEMARY CORCORAN (she/her)**
Data & Research Associate
Rosemary works to make sure PALS runs the highest quality programs. Her work supports our program evaluations, our database structure, and our recruitment strategy.

**BRITTANY MCCARTHY (she/her)**
Development Associate
Brittany champions our Peer to Peer fundraising, providing the tools, support, and energy for fundraisers to reach their goals!

**LILLIE BRADEN (she/her)**
Marketing Associate
Lillie keeps our community connected and inspired by running social media, crafting newsletters, and spreading the word through press and branding. With a knack for creativity and fun, she works to shape and execute the communications strategies that promote our mission.

Interns

PALS Executive Board

The PALS Executive Board works to support and guide the PALS organization as key leaders and advocates for our mission. The Executive Board contributes in areas of finances, legal support, overall governance, public relations, strategic development, community trends and more.

2025 PALS Executive Board members include:

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