PALS Programs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are comprised of full-time, part-time, seasonal, and intern staff who work throughout the year in areas of development, fundraising, and formation of partnerships to maintain high programming quality. We interview, hire, and train young volunteer leaders to plan summer programs from the ground-up. We work hard to cultivate and grow our community of past, present, and potential PALS volunteers, participants, and supporters, building a world of greater inclusion one season, one program, and one individual at a time.
PALS Staff
JENNI NEWBURY ROSS (she/her)
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Jenni started PALS when she was 15 years old, inspired by the transformative relationship she had with her brother, Jason. She wanted to build a place where Jason and his peers could experience independence, build new friendships, and have fun.
PALS became the first place where Jenni and Jason could experience inclusion together, and challenge each other to be the best version of themselves. After growing the organization with fellow volunteers, Jenni stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2012 and began building out the PALS staff team while adding new locations and programs across the country.
JO PRESSIMONE (she/her)
Advancement Manager
Jo works to connect and engage with all PALS supporters. She sees her role in advancement as an opportunity to promote the incredible mission of PALS among our friends - those we have, and those we haven't met yet.
COURTNEY MICKENS (he/him)
Program Development Manager
Courtney leads the organization in ensuring the execution of high quality, safe, programs by overseeing ACA registration, state policies, training, and risk management. He also strengthens our community by supporting the PALS Network, local donor outreach, and summer events!
LAUREN GIBEAULT (she/her)
Recruitment Coordinator
Lauren works to support the recruitment and retention of our peer and volunteer participants. She builds and maintains partnerships through local outreach and helps us reach new communities!
SHELBY JONES (she/her)
Operations Manager
Shelby manages the many partnerships and logistics that support PALS and help make our programs possible! She is responsible for the organizational details and processes that enable us to host safe and effective programs.
KIRSTY MCDONALD (she/they)
Program Coordinator
Kirsty advances the PALS mission by building inclusive camp communities from supporting diverse participant recruitment to reviewing camp schedules.
PALS SEASONAL STAFF
AMANDA STENE (she/her)
Recruitment Associate
Amanda supports the recruitment and enrollment process for all volunteers. She is often the first person volunteers meet when they join PALS!
ROSEMARY CORCORAN (she/her)
Data & Research Associate
Rosemary works to make sure PALS runs the highest quality programs. Her work supports our program evaluations, our database structure, and our recruitment strategy.
Raymond Riley (he/him)
Medical Consultant
Ray supports the recruitment, training, and supervision of all PALS Medical Volunteers to ensure PALS is running safe and supportive programs!
CHRIS RUSSO (he/him)
Development Associate
Chris advances the PALS mission by providing essential support to our fundraising operations. You’ll find him working on Peer-to-Peer fundraising this summer!
SARAH ROGERS (she/her)
Summer Associate
Sarah helps ensure the safety and impact of our programs through the management of health forms, background checks, and excellent customer service.
PALS Executive Board
The PALS Executive Board works to support and guide the PALS organization as key leaders and advocates for our mission. The Executive Board contributes in areas of finances, legal support, overall governance, public relations, strategic development, community trends and more.
2023 PALS Executive Board members include:
Jay Culotta
Joe Magliocco
Joel Spenadel
Jenni Newbury Ross (Executive Director)
Sam Heller
Sonya Li
Steven Ross
Sarah Wernikoff - Board Chair
Patty White
Alexandria White
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