BRIAN ALTVATER, Wabanaki Wellness Coordinator
Since joining the team as the Wabanaki Wellness Coordinator, Brian Altvater would agree that there are so many wonderful things to be done. Brian has been working to promote health and wellness in Wabanaki communities before REACH came into existence. He has played a leadership role in his community, worked with the Schoodic River Keepers to restore the St Croix River, and provided cultural connection to Wabanaki people in Maine prisons.
When asked why he wanted to work with REACH, Brian says, “what REACH stands for – that’s how I live my life.” Knowing and trusting many people who are part of REACH, Brian had a sense that “if I came up with an idea – that it would be supported and embraced.” Brian plans to engage people in doing things together “just to have fun and help each other out. Help people however you can help them. Don’t just look after your own – look after the whole tribe. Over the past 60 years, I’ve built alliances, contacts with people I know from all over the place.”
“People are realizing that we all have to help one another, care for one another.” That is central to what Brian brings to REACH.
Nick Bear, Community Education Specialist
Nick Bear is a Penobscot tribal member with roots in Sipayik, Maine and Tobique, New Brunswick. He has six amazing children and lives with his wife and a few of their children on Indian Island. Within the past few years, Nick has established connections across Wabanaki territory and hopes to use those relationships in his role at REACH to uplift not only our communities but also anyone we have the pleasure of working with. Nick is very grateful for this opportunity to grow in his role at REACH.
Penthea Burns, Interim Program Manager
Penthea has been part of REACH since its inception as a staff member, board member, and volunteer facilitator. She was part of the convening group that established the truth commission. She is retired from the Catherine Cutler Institute at USM, where she established the ICWA Workgroup in partnership with Wabanaki Tribal Child Welfare programs and the State of Maine DHHS, developed the nationally recognized Youth Leadership Advisory Team, established Camp To Belong Maine, and worked on the Capacity Building Center for Tribes. Penthea has a son, is a poet, and lives with Chinook dogs on a farm in southern Maine.
Jillian Kerr, Administrative Specialist
Jillian is a Penobscot Nation citizen who holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Husson University where she has experience working as a research assistant. As a research assistant, she gathered data for grant reporting purposes and assisted with grants involving diabetes and opioid addiction in Wabanaki communities in Maine.
Her experience working with tribes is extensive and she has served her community well. At Penobscot Nation, Jillian has interned at the health center, served as an AmeriCorps volunteer at the Department of Human Services, worked as a tutor and substitute teacher at Indian Island School, a preschool teacher at The Children’s Center and a youth counselor at the Boys and Girls Club.
"I am excited and honored to work with Wabanaki REACH. I feel it is an opportunity to give back to Native communities and show my appreciation for all that I have been given by my Wabanaki mentors over the years". Jillian is married, enjoys hiking, running and spending time with family. She also loves dogs and has a mini-aussie named Baylee.
ERLENE PAUL, Administrative Coordinator
Erlene Paul, a Penobscot tribal citizen, holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maine. She has over 35 years of management and administrative experience working in various capacities for the Penobscot Nation. For 20 of those years, she was the Human Services Director and was responsible for social services programming. Also during her tenure as Human Services Director, she was part of the original group that created and convened the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In her capacity as Administrative Director for REACH, she is helping to build the administrative structure, including the development of a grant management system and compilation of tribal data and other baseline information needed for submission of grants.
TOM REYNOLDS, Communications and Volunteer Coordinator
As a Maine Community Organizer, Tom Reynolds focuses on outreach and engagement in the non-Native communities in southern Maine. Tom has a strong background in organizing and advocacy on behalf of civil and human rights causes and campaigns, including marriage equality, protecting voter rights and health care access. His community outreach, education and advocacy have laid a strong foundation for improved outcomes in relation to laws and policies that impact people’s day-to-day lives. Tom lives in Lewiston with his two Chinook dogs.
Emily Robinson, Community Education Specialist
Emily Robinson is a educator and advocate with a deep commitment to Wabanki people. Before joining REACH, Emily taught elementary school for ten years, two of which were spent at the Passamaquoddy Tribal school on the Sipayik / Pleasant Point Reservation. Most recently, Emily lived in England, where she worked for a UN-affiliated Indigenous rights organization. She’s thrilled to be back in the Dawnland along with her husband, Mark, and their four-inch tall parrotlet, Reginald.