Parent Leaders

First Teacher was built and is currently led by a diverse group of parents and caregivers who also participate in the movement.

 
 
 
 

Kim Nicoll

Founding Parent Leader &
Director of Organizational Learning

JAMAICA PLAIN, MA

“I joined First Teacher because I want to be the best parent I can and I want to get there by working with other parents who are interested in figuring it out together.”

Karla Guerrero

Director of Programming

HYDE PARK, MA

“I joined First Teacher because I want to give my kids the best tools for learning.”

Maritza Ortiz

Founding Parent Leader &
Director of Operations

BOSTON, MA

“I joined First Teacher because the concept aligned with my belief that parents are their child's first teacher. It is a belief that I have held for many years and take very seriously
as a parent.”

 

Ludvie Victor-Ackerman

Director of Communications

DORCHESTER, MA

“I joined First Teacher because of my belief in the power of community and a village. Growing up with that support shaped me, and I wanted my children to have the same. When parents are supported, families thrive.”

Nikole Huertas

Founding Parent Leader
& Program Coordinator

DORCHESTER, MA

“I was a kid that was left behind. I joined First Teacher because I refuse to allow any of my children to be left behind.”

Latoya Johnson

Program Coordinator

ROXBURY, MA

“I joined First Teacher so that I could find out if there are more strategies on how to improve my parenting - and there are!”

 

Alexa Paris Saint-Fort

Program Coordinator

ROSLINDALE, MA

“I joined First Teacher because I was in need of community and no longer wanted to live with my children in isolation.”


Katie Mallon

Childcare Coordinator

HYDE PARK, MA

“I joined First Teacher because it is the most joyful, welcoming, and authentic space
I’ve ever been in.”

Latisha Burns

Senior Parent Program Leader

ROXBURY, MA

“I joined [FT] because I wanted to be a voice for the parents that needed the support and to have a sense of community. I wanted to be a part of something that I believed in.”

Erika Rodriguez

Senior Parent Program Leader

DORCHESTER, MA

“I joined First Teacher because I like being involved in the community, being around parents, and helping out.”

 
 

Advisory Council

Our council is a small group of dedicated individuals who are excited about our movement. We meet quarterly to support First Teacher's growth through fundraising and strategic planning.

 
 

Shantae Toole

First Teacher
Co-Founder & Former Co-Director

BPS
Special Education Teacher

Dinah Shepherd

First Teacher
Co-Founder & Former Co-Director

MATCH Education
Educator &
Department Chair

Josette Williams

First Teacher
Chairwoman of Advisory Council

Countdown to Kindergarten
Director

 

Teresa Rodriguez

Somerville Public School:
Director of Admissions
and Student Placement

Andrew Sokatch

The Gates Foundation:
Senior Program Officer

Jessica Brooks

Capital Link:
Chief Development Officer

Community Health Center Capital Fund:

Chief Development Officer