Staff

Judith Ryan, Executive Director.

Judith became the executive director of the Krempels Brain Injury Foundation in the summer of 2000. Her professional career has been devoted to the field of human services. She was director of the first bilingual Montessori Head Start program in New York City. Since moving to the New Hampshire Seacoast in 1974, she has been director of the Newmarket Health Center, now called Lamprey Healthcare; worked with Rockingham County Family Planning; served as assistant director of the N.H. Department of Public Health in Concord and worked for the Bi-State Primary Care Association.

Lisa Hanson, Family Support Director.

Lisa has been with the Krempels Brain Injury Foundation since its founding, first as a member of the original board of directors in 1995 and then in 1998 as a staff member responsible for managing the Grants & Resources Program (now Family Support.) Lisa was working at a local brain injury rehabilitation program when she first met David Krempels. She was his caseworker, but quickly became his friend, too. Lisa graduated from UNH in 1983 with a bachelor’s in Social Work and has since become a Certified Case Manager and received her Advanced Certification in Continuity of Care. In addition to her work in brain injury rehabilitation, Lisa has worked as a nursing home social worker.

Carol Davis, SteppingStones Senior Program Coordinator.

Carol received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Oklahoma in 1982 and a Certificate of Advanced Professional Studies in Occupational Therapy from Tuft's University in 1992. Over the course of her career Carol has worked at several hospitals and rehabilitation programs in the seacoast area, specializing in mental health.  Carol has been a department head or worked in leadership roles in all her positions. She has extensive experience and skills in individual/group activities, assessment, treatment and implementation. She is a natural leader, instructor, coach, and mentor. As an Adjunct Faculty and Guest Lecturer at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, and University of New England, Biddeford, ME, Carol has taught mental health interventions, evaluations and group techniques to occupational therapy students. Carol has been a student supervisor throughout her career and has a passion for sharing knowledge with the next generation of therapists. She is licensed in the State of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

 Barb Kresge, Program Coordinator

Barb joined the SteppingStones staff in August 2006 as a program Coordinator.  Barb received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Tufts University in 1991. Her work as an occupational therapist has spanned the treatment spectrum from acute care through home care and included work with adult clients with a wide range of diagnoses.  Most recently, Barb worked at Tufts University as a lecturer in courses related to physical disabilities and clinical reasoning, as well as serving as the Admissions Chair for the Occupational Therapy Department. She is trained as a volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman in Massachusetts, and has Occupational Therapy licensure in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In her work a SteppingStones Barb is involved in all aspects of program development and support, student supervision, and community education and outreach.

Jenny Freeman , Program Assistant

Jenny joined the SteppingStones staff in April 2008. She comes to SteppingStones with a paralegal background and more recently worked as a grant writer for a small arts organization. For her work as co-founder of Casinos No!, she received the Gateway Award from the Greater Yorks Chamber of Commerce and was recognized by the Maine Sunday Telegram as one of six Mainers who made an impact in 2003. She is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Seacoast and was a speaker at the 2007 commencement ceremony. Currently, her volunteerism revolves around Portsmouth Community Radio where she is a part of the development team and co-hosts two shows. Here at SteppingStones, she assists Carol Davis and Barb Kresge with the programming and is the volunteer coordinator. Jenny is thrilled to be part of this strong and vibrant organization.

Paula Foster-Ventura, Administrative Assistant

Paula joined the foundation in July of 2007 and works directly with Judith Ryan.  With a B.A. from the University of Southern Maine and a background in Web

Design, Paula helps process the general administrative functions of the foundation.  In addition, she handles projects ranging from website maintenance and donor database development to assisting with the Annual Appeal and Newsletters.

When she's not at work, Paula enjoys walking her dog, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. She is thrilled to be working with a talented group of staff and volunteers and looks forward to being an ongoing member of this important organization.