About

Aspire’s family-centered approach is central in all aspects of our Early Intervention Program.

The family-centered curriculum empowers families to work with their children, as parents are the first and most important teacher a child has. Traditionally, the majority of our Early Intervention (EI) programming is provided in a home-based environment, focusing on meeting families where they are and ensuring a space that will foster positive learning and development.

As always, goal-planning for the child comes from the directives of their families, with a focus on what they feel is most important and most needed. Aspire supports each family through parent education, parental support, parent coaching, and securing connections with community resources.

Teacher reading book to two students

Mission

Aspire Developmental Services strives to promote positive developmental outcomes and educational opportunities to families with young children on the North Shore and Cape Ann.

Child and Teacher using crayons to draw
Student in front of class reading book to fellow students

Mission

Aspire Developmental Services strives to promote positive developmental outcomes and educational opportunities to families with young children on the North Shore and Cape Ann.

Our Leadership Team

Executive Director

Lori Russell

Director of Operations

Kim McCarthy

Human Resources Director

Allison Cunningham

Human Resources Manager

Nancy Mahan

Program Director of Early Intervention Services

Christine Brown

Assistant Director of Early Intervention North Shore

Pam Ferris

Program Director of Early Intervention Services

Kristen Evans

Director of Early Education

Meri Martin

Director of Early Support

Jennifer Jackson

Officers & Board of Directors

Officers

  • Annie Walsh
    President
  • James Healey
    Vice President
  • Efe Okparavero
    Secretary
  • Dana Marks
    Treasurer

Board of Directors

  • Eric LeBlanc
  • Monika Wirtz
  • Trisha Coolong
  • Leanne Palmer
  • Debby Regan
  • Meredith Cohen
  • Elizabeth Quinn

Testimonials

“Aspire is amazing!! Four years ago my daughter started EI and was later diagnosed with Autism. I don’t know what I would have done without Aspire. They were very caring and professional ladies, always on time and trying different strategies to make my daughter comfortable. I learned a lot from them and after having two more kids diagnosed and using two different EI agencies due to moving, I can honestly say Aspire is one of the best around.”

Kelly, Past Parentaround.

“Aspire has been fantastic, they have held our hand through this whole process. All the therapist are caring and accessible. It feels like they’ve become part of the family.”

Lorie, Parent