Meet Our Board

Sarah Oliver, Chair

Principal Consultant, Sand Pond Consulting, LLC

Why I Serve: I joined the board at LearningWorks because I am passionate about alternative education and meeting students where they are when the traditional approach doesn’t fit. LearningWorks is a phenomenal organization that serves this significant community need. I am so energized to hear the stories that students tell about their life-changing experiences at LearningWorks. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this amazing group.
Bio: Sarah has spent nearly two decades in executive roles at Unum, Wex, Guardian Life and Prudential focused on P&L leadership, product transformation and leading large operations. Currently, Sarah is a Principal Consultant with Sand Pond Consulting, LLC. Day to day, she advises top consulting firms, insurance technology companies, and global health and wellness firms empowering them to reach their business objectives. Outside of the office, Sarah loves to travel with her family. Sarah lives in Cumberland with her husband Scott and their three children.

Tara A. Walker, Vice Chair

Attorney, Fisher & Phillips

Why I Serve: I joined the Board because with inclusive, free, and open programs, LearningWorks gives the students who really need it the chance to level the playing field. By reaching in where schools cannot and providing alternatives, it gives students a unique opportunity to learn and improve their lives. I feel fortunate be involved in and support LearningWorks’ noble work, and to invest in Maine’s most precious resource and its future--our children.
Bio: Tara practices all aspects of education, labor, and employment law at Fisher & Phillips. She is an active litigator and represents clients before several state and federal agencies. Earlier in her career, Tara was the Legal and Policy Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska where she fought for Alaskans’ constitutional rights in the courts and in the legislature. From childhood, Tara has called both Maine and Alaska her home, and spends as much of her free time in the beautiful Maine outdoors as she can.

Jessamyn Norton, Treasurer

Senior Managing Director, Clearstead Trust

Why I Serve: While I have been given every opportunity in life, I come from a part of Maine where that is not necessarily the case for everyone. I serve because I believe that the concepts of learning and success are not "one size fits all." I have seen the power of mentorship and customized learning for youth and adults alike, and it is important to me to advance and promote the programs offered by LearningWorks in my home state.
Bio: Jessamyn is currently a Senior Managing Director at Clearstead Trust in Portland. Clearstead is a wealth manager for individuals, families, and institutions. Previously, Jessamyn was the Chief Investment Officer and a Principal at Spinnaker Trust. Before joining Spinnaker in 2011, Jessamyn managed Emerging Markets equities at Fidelity Management and Research and was a research associate covering European and International small-cap equities at Wellington Management Company, LLP. She earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA in economics and writing from Wheaton College (MA). Jessamyn is also a CFA charterholder and the current President of the CFA Society of Maine. A native of Hollis, Maine, Jessamyn lives with her husband and two daughters in Falmouth.

Richard Price, Secretary

Portfolio Manager, H.M. Payson

Bio: Richard recently relocated to southern Maine to join the team at HM Payson. Prior to that, he held the position of Portfolio Manager at First Advisors in Damariscotta for three years and was a Financial Services Representative at TD Bank before that. Richard holds an MBA from Husson University, where he also earned his B.S. in Accounting. He is currently enrolled in the College for Financial Planning education program and will be taking the CFP exam upon completion of the education requirements. When he's off the clock, Richard enjoys traveling with his wife, volunteering in his local community, cooking, golfing, fishing, and spending time on the water with friends and family.

Eben Jose, At Large

Senior Vice President, Client Advisor and Director of Private Markets, Spinnaker Trust

Why I Serve: I am proud to serve as a member of the LearningWorks board because I believe everybody deserves an opportunity to get an education that will help him/her live a happy and fulfilling life. LearningWorks programs do just that, as they offer those who have not found success in traditional educational environments an alternative way to succeed. It is critical for our community to embrace, celebrate and expand these programs so that everybody who seeks to better themselves through education is provided the tools do such.
Bio: Eben loves helping people achieve their life goals through disciplined financial planning and investment management. Prior to joining Spinnaker Trust, he worked at Santander Bank as a Senior Portfolio Risk Analyst. In Portland, Eben has been involved in many boards and community organizations, including The Friends School of Portland, the Maine CFA Society, Maine Preservation Society and Lift 360. Eben attended Boston College for his undergraduate degree and Phillips Exeter Academy. A native of Boothbay, Maine, Eben now lives in Falmouth with his wife and two sons.

Nirupama Aggarwal, OD, At Large

Retired Optometrist, Maine Eye Center

Why I Serve: I was raised in an immigrant family who migrated from India to the USA while I was in middle school. Both my parents were educators, one a tenured professor and one a special education teacher. Education was there ‘raison d’être’. They drilled into their three children that education was the way to a successful and fulfilling life. As soon as they were able they even helped educate their own siblings. My siblings and I were given all the opportunities that we could wish for and more. So it is time for us to give back. LearningWorks is a great way to give back to those who have less opportunities and need more help. It aligns with all that I was taught throughout my life.
Bio: Niru is a retired optometrist who graduated from the New England College of Optometry in 1982. Over the next 40 years she practiced in New Haven, CT, Portland, ME , and at the Maine VA clinics. She has always had a soft place in her heart for LearningWorks. Starting in 2010 she volunteered in the Literacy program with the immigrant population. Then she moved onto volunteering in the Youth Build program. Finally she joined the Board at LW in 2017. She has also been involved in the mentoring and tutoring program in the Portland school system. During her career as an optometrist she participated in providing free eye care abroad through ‘Eye Missions’ with various groups. Most recently she has joined Third Act, an organization of seniors who believe that it is their responsibility to care for the planet and work to fight climate change.

John P. Griffin MD, At Large

Medical Director, New England, Advantage Surgical and Wound Care & University of New England Physician Assistant Program

Bio: Coming Soon

Thomas R. Doyle, At Large

Retired Partner, Pierce Atwood LLP

Why I Serve: Over the course of my life, I have been blessed with incredibly supportive parents and mentors, and have had the good fortune to be able to associate with inspiring and talented colleagues and friends. I’ve also had access to the highest quality educational opportunities. I realize that many in our community, unfortunately, do not experience the level of support, inspiration, and academic opportunity I have had. It is important for me to give back to others, especially those who have not experienced the blessings and opportunities I have enjoyed.
Bio: Thomas Doyle retired recently from Pierce Atwood LLP, where he was a partner and former co-chair of the law firm's Environmental & Land Use Practice Group. He also served on the firm's Management Committee. With over 37 years of experience in all areas of environmental and land use law, Tom's practice frequently involved the successful permitting and development of high-profile environmental and land use projects that faced major opposition or complex environmental issues. His transactional experience included serving as lead environmental counsel in public offerings, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, site divisions, and project financings. He also long advised the forest products and waste industries on a variety of strategic environmental, natural resource, and policy issues. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Tom taught U.S. History and Advanced Placement U.S. History to juniors and seniors at Kent School and Hopkins, both college preparatory schools in Connecticut. He also coached football, basketball and baseball at both schools. Tom holds an undergraduate degree in American Studies from Yale University and a J.D., cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School. While at Yale, Tom quarterbacked the Yale Football team for three years, played on an Ivy League Championship team, and was drafted by the NFL's Oakland Raiders. He is a member of the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.

Camilo Echanique, At Large

Finance and Actuarial Leader

Why I Serve: The mission of LearningWorks spoke to me from the very first time that I learned about it. As an organization that focuses solely on providing alternative means of education, LearningWorks is serving a critically important purpose. We just cannot underestimate the value that investment in education will return to individuals and their communities.
Bio: Camilo is a seasoned finance leader with over 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. Most recently, he was responsible for overseeing the finance and actuarial functions within a division of the leading provider of employer benefits in the United States. He holds the designation of Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and is a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Camilo relocated to central Connecticut at the age of nine with his parents and sister. He now resides in Yarmouth, Maine, with his wife, Emily, their two sons, and their dog. Outside of his professional endeavors, he is an avid sports fan and enjoys exploring the Maine outdoors with his family.

Lynn Alexander, At Large

Vice President, Global Risk Operations, WEX Inc, WEX Inc

Why I Serve: I am extremely passionate about children and education. Every child deserves a chance to thrive and build a strong foundation for their future. Traditional schools don't always meet every child's needs, so alternatives like the programs offered by LearningWorks are essential. A few years ago, I was inspired to get involved after hearing powerful stories from young people who benefited from LearningWorks' programs. It's an honor to be part of an organization that's making a real difference in the lives of children. I'm excited to continue supporting LearningWorks' mission and helping even more young people achieve their full potential.
Bio: Lynn is an executive at WEX in Portland, where she has held multiple roles over the past 30 years. She has been a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer guardian ad litem in Maine since 2018, being a voice for and advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court and other settings. She also served on the board for WEX’ Compassion Fund which offers relief for employees with critical financial needs caused by a natural disaster or other qualified hardship event. Originally from the Boston area, Lynn moved to Maine after attending college and living in New York. With two children grown and flown and a third in college, Lynn and her husband are enjoying a new chapter in their lives.

Karen Littlefield, At Large

Teacher, Portland Public Schools

Why I Serve: I am incredibly passionate about the benefits of education and believe that all learners deserve to feel seen, supported, and valued as members of their community and beyond. I’m excited to be on this journey with Learning Works as they support all types of learners by providing alternative educational programming.
Bio: Karen is an educator with 19+ years of experience working in a variety of educational settings and age groups. She currently works in Portland Schools surrounded by curious learners. She received her M.Ed. from The University of New England. Outside of work, she loves to travel, read, and spend time outside.