Welcome New Board Members
Our new board members have impressive experience in fields ranging from high tech to health to law. Even more important, they love giving their time to kids. Here’s a short dossier on the six great additions to the ABC of Andover board.
Christina Berthelsen, grants manager at Cummings Properties, was a middle school math teacher before transitioning to nonprofits. In 2018, she earned an M.Ed. in Community Engagement from Merrimack College. Christina resides in Andover with her husband and three children. She will team up with Vice President Nicki Wiggins on development.
ABC Connection: “I was delighted to learn about ABC during my time as president of The Mother Connection. After speaking with my good friend and fellow board member Nicki Wiggins about ABC's development needs, I was happy to help.”
What she’s listening to: Podcasts Modern Love, Factually! and Office Ladies.
Most missed during pandemic: Traveling and being with friends and family.
Sherene Davidson, an investment-funds attorney, volunteers with our Scholar Selection team, helping to strengthen our recruiting efforts. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she now lives in Andover She serves as an alumni admissions representative for Phillips Academy.
ABC Connection: As a student at Amherst College, she volunteered as a tutor with ABC of Amherst. “When I moved to Andover, I knew I wanted to be involved with the girls in the program!”
What people don’t know: She enjoys baking from scratch and was a college equestrian.
Most missed during the pandemic: Dining at new restaurants.
Most grateful for: “the health and safety of myself and my loved ones.”
For four years, Sheila Graham was a most beloved host mom to Leannette ‘20. In her new role, she will work with board member Nancy Kendrick as co-liaison for host families. “I have made wonderful friends being involved in The Mother Connection, Andona and at my children’s schools,” she said. She is the mother of three, an HR Manager, and native New Yorker.
What people don’t know: She’s been in a running group for more than 10 years. “Seven women meet every Saturday in rain, snow, freezing temps, and heat waves.”
What she’s reading: “My favorite book of the summer has been The Girl with the Louding Voice.”
Most missed during the pandemic: “Where do I begin? Being able to hug a friend you haven’t seen in a while, missing graduations--especially Leannette’s-- and being out in public without a mask. “
Claire Stahley, our longtime head chef and wellness advocate, recently received the President’s Award from Gaby Nossiff. “Claire is the person who ensures every Scholar is deeply seen, deeply heard and deeply valued,” said Gaby. “Claire will drop everything to help lift up our Scholars.” Whether it’s cooking a comforting meal or helping students through the college selection process, Claire is there. She also serves on the board of the Andover Youth Foundation. She and her husband have raised five children in Andover.
ABC Connection: “Gaby and I have been friends for almost 30 years. She’s the one who told me about the ABC cook position 10 years ago.”
What people don’t know: She is a citizen of the United States and France.
Listening to: country music
Most missed during the pandemic: “Being together as a family.”
Beth Winkowski, a high-tech public relations executive, has been Academic Advisor to Kijari ‘22 for the past two years, supporting the scholar’s impressive academic and extracurricular endeavors. In addition to her work on the Academic Committee, Beth will now step up her contributions to ABC by beginning work for development and recruitment. Beth’s daughter, Victoria, is a sophomore at Connecticut College.
What people don’t know: She can do two-finger push-ups.
What she’s reading: All the Light We Cannot See and Stamped from the Beginning.
Most missed during the pandemic: “The freedom to cross borders, make connections, and attend my daughter's and Kijari's academic, club, and sporting events.”
Most grateful for: “My family, good health, and thanks to ABC Andover, the gift of viewing the world through a different lens.”
Sandis Wright, an operations whiz at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, has helped lead the ABC of Andover Covid Task Force for a safe reopening. In other volunteer work, Sandis has chaired an LGBT employee resource group. He and his husband of 28 years have two young daughters.
ABC Connection: “Nicki Wiggins introduced me. Both of our daughters go to Bancroft and are in Girls Scouts together.”
What people don’t know: He loves cooking, gardening, “or even just mowing the lawn.”
Reading: Siblings Without Rivalry and White Fragility.
Most missed during the pandemic: getting together with other families for hiking, biking, cookouts, and swimming in the pool.
