Tyler - Ann Harris, Interim Executive Director
Tyler-Ann Harris is a Penobscot tribal citizen. She graduated from the University of Maine School of Social Work with a Bachelor's degree after completing an internship with Maine State Senator Geoffrey Gratwick of District 9. She is currently studying for a Master's Degree at the University of Maine School of Policy and International Affairs with a concentration in International Security and Foreign Policy. Tyler-Ann was re-elected to the Penobscot Nation Census Committee, carrying on a family tradition as the fourth generation to serve on this particular committee. Tyler-Ann serves as Co-Chair for the REACH Board of Directors and on REACH’s Collective Growth and Support (Human Resources) Committee.
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 has been the chair of a county political committee and a member of the statewide committee since 2010.
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.
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.
Jillian Kerr, Administrative Assistant
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, especially "De-ah" whom she enjoys walking.
Kate Russell, Beyond the Claims Project Coordinator
Kate Russell, a theatremaker and poet, believes storytelling is at the heart of community. She is the Founding Artistic Director of Threadbare Theatre Workshop, which makes theatre from scratch in rural places with local people. In 2018, she was invited as a Visiting Artist to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts– soon after, she made her home on an island off the coast of what we now call Maine. Kate holds a BFA in Theatre from Rutgers, Mason Gross School of the Arts where her most formative year was spent in residence at Shakespeare’s Globe in London. She is honored to serve as Project Coordinator for Wabanaki REACH's truth-telling initiative, Beyond the Claims– Stories from the Land + the Heart.