BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced new leadership to the Board of Directors for the Children's Trust along with new appointments.

 

Included in the appoitments is Heidi Shartrand-Newell of North Adams.

 

According to a press release, Shartrand-Newell brings over a decade of experience in parenting support and building accessible communities. She has been an active member of The Family Center of Northern Berkshire since 2020 when she became a parent. Throughout her career, she has been involved in interconnected industries, including accessible education instruction, adult disability community support, accessible and inclusive photography, peer mentorship for school-aged children and youth, and higher educational support for students in recovery.

 

Kate Haranis, Founder of Haranis & Company, will serve as Board Chair, and Anna Lucey, Executive Vice President of Legislative and External Affairs for the New England Connectivity and Telecommunications Association (NECTA), as Vice Chair. The Children's Trust works to prevent child abuse and neglect in Massachusetts.

 

The Children's Trust has recently developed a new strategic plan to address the root causes of child abuse and neglect so that all Massachusetts families can thrive. Haranis and Lucey will be integral to this work by elevating the development of strong programs, family support workforce, communities, and policies.

 

As a public-private organization, the Children's Trust Board of Directors is composed of public officials and community representatives who guide the Children's Trust in its mission to prevent child abuse and neglect. The Children's Trust makes child abuse prevention possible by collaborating with family-serving organizations and investing in programming and innovations that address the root causes of child abuse and neglect. The Children's Trust also advocates for policies that support systems change by generating and sharing knowledge about protective factors proven to support children and families.