Leadership Team

Sandra Pierce-Jordan, PhD, BCBA-D
Executive Director
spierce-jordan@birchtreenh.org
603-433-4192 x11
Sandra Pierce-Jordan, PhD, BCBA-D, has worked with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, other disabilities, and behavior challenges for over 35 years. As a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Dr. Pierce-Jordan brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her greatest goal and source of joy is making a positive difference in the lives of others. She has worked in nonprofit organizations throughout her professional career in various roles that rely on a behavior analytic approach to change. Dr. Pierce-Jordan joined Birchtree as a Behavior Analyst in 2007, was promoted to Program Director in 2009, and accepted the role of Executive Director in 2011.
As Birchtree’s Executive Director, Dr. Pierce-Jordan leads an outstanding team of collaborators – including staff, families, board members, and other stakeholders – who actively and passionately contribute to the organization’s mission. Sandra feels honored to work alongside a strong group of staff leaders and board members focused on strategic planning, community outreach, building support for Birchtree’s sustainable growth, and maintaining Birchtree’s position as a center of excellence in the fields of behavior analysis and autism education. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colby College and MEd and PhD degrees from Northeastern University. In her spare time, Dr. Pierce-Jordan enjoys hiking in the mountains, spending time with her family at the lake, and playing with her lovable rescue dogs at home.

Shelly Fagen, MIT
Director of Student Services- Leadership Team
- Day School



Jasmine Holdman, BA
Director of Community Engagement & Events- Leadership Team
- Organization Wide



Blaire Luebkeman, MSEd, BCBA
Day School Clinical Director- Leadership Team
- Day School



Stephanie Morin, MSEd, BCBA
Program Director, Outreach- Leadership Team
- Outreach Program



Sarah Ouellette, BS
Human Resources Director- Leadership Team
- Organization Wide



Holly Robacher, MBA
Director of Finance- Leadership Team
- Organization Wide



Jessica Files Squier, MA
Director of Philanthropy & Communication- Leadership Team
- Organization Wide
Outreach Program Behavior Team





Sarah Dostie, MEd, BCBA
Outreach Program Manager- Outreach Behavior Team
- Outreach Program



Rachel DeCola, MEd, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst- Outreach Behavior Team
- Outreach Program



Laurie Hounam, MEd, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst- Outreach Behavior Team
- Outreach Program



Samantha Bell, MA
Behavior Specialist- Outreach Behavior Team
- Outreach Program
Day School Special Education Team





Emily Elliott, BS
Special Education Coordinator- Day School Special Education Team
- Day School



Brian Person, MA
Transition Coordinator- Day School Special Education Team
- Day School



Jaclyn Silva, BS
Special Education Coordinator- Day School Special Education Team
- Day School



Nicolle Barrett, BSc, BEd
Special Education Teacher- Day School Special Education Team
- Day School
Day School Behavior Team





Jessica Bergeron, MS, BCBA
Day School Program Manager- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Becky Hatch, MS, BCBA
Day School Program Manager- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Kellie Clay, MS, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Rebecca Manougian, BA
Behavior Specialist- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Emma O'Brien, BS
Behavior Specialist- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Steve Rutherford, BS
Behavior Specialist- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School
Day School Specialist Team





Jenna Dalton, MS, CCC‑SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist- Day School Specialist Team
- Day School



Laurie Flanders, RN
Nurse- Day School Specialist Team
- Day School



Julie Rollins, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist- Day School Specialist Team
- Day School



Jennifer Shepard, BA, SLPA
Speech Language Pathology Assistant- Day School Specialist Team
- Day School
Support Staff



Brianne Lewis
Administrative Assistant- Administrative Team
- Organization Wide
Direct-Support Staff
Direct-support staff are Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) or are in the process of gaining RBT certification. All direct-support providers are specially trained and highly qualified, with extensive training in applied behavior analysis and autism. They also receive training to assist students in practicing and developing their academic, motor, self-regulation, and communication skills.
Board of Directors





Nicole P. Sharpe
President- Director of Corporate Partnerships and Development, One Percent for America
- Finance & Policy Committee
- Governance & Development Committee



Blaire A. Fenniman
Vice President- Attorney, Christo Law
- Governance & Development Committee



Auburn Herrgesell
Secretary- Cash Management Solutions Sales Officer, Bangor Savings Bank
- Governance & Development Committee



Victoria Stella
Treasurer- Former Instructor of Italian Language & English Literature
- Finance & Policy Committee



Andrew E. Smith
Past President- Director, UNH Survey Center & Professor of Practice in Political Science, University of New Hampshire
- Governance & Development Committee



Jenna Campbell
Director- Professor of Biology, St. Anselm’s College
- Finance & Policy Committee



Tom Grebouski
Director- Peak Performance Coach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Professional Speaker
- Governance & Development Committee



Robyn Powley
Director- Educational/Behavioral Consultant, Robyn Powley Consulting
- Finance & Policy Committee



Justine Salema
Director- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Finance & Policy Committee



Sandra Pierce-Jordan, PhD, BCBA‑D
Executive Director- Leadership Team
- Organization Wide
Sandra Pierce-Jordan, PhD, BCBA-D, has worked with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, other disabilities, and behavior challenges for over 35 years. As a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Dr. Pierce-Jordan brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her greatest goal and source of joy is making a positive difference in the lives of others. She has worked in nonprofit organizations throughout her professional career in various roles that rely on a behavior analytic approach to change. Dr. Pierce-Jordan joined Birchtree as a Behavior Analyst in 2007, was promoted to Program Director in 2009, and accepted the role of Executive Director in 2011. As Birchtree’s Executive Director, she leads an outstanding team of collaborators - including staff, families, board members, and other stakeholders - who actively and passionately contribute to the organization’s mission. She feels honored to work alongside a strong group of staff leaders and board members focused on strategic planning, community outreach, building support for Birchtree’s sustainable growth, and maintaining Birchtree’s position as a center of excellence in the fields of behavior analysis and autism education. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colby College and MEd and PhD degrees from Northeastern University. In her spare time, Dr. Pierce-Jordan enjoys hiking in the mountains, spending time with her family at the lake, and playing with her lovable rescue dogs at home.


Nicolle Barrett, BSc, BEd
Special Education Teacher- Day School Special Education Team
- Day School



Samantha Bell, MA
Behavior Specialist- Outreach Behavior Team
- Outreach Program



Jessica Bergeron, MS, BCBA
Day School Program Manager- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Jenna Campbell
Director- Professor of Biology, St. Anselm’s College
- Finance & Policy Committee
Jenna Campbell, PhD, is a Professor of Biology at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. She has been teaching and conducting research in various capacities since 2002. She earned her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Arizona in 2009, the same year she became a mom. She has two lively teenagers, two adorable cats, one high-energy dog, and a husband who tries to keep up! In her spare time, she teaches and practices yoga as often as she can. Jenna joined the Birchtree board in 2024, and her favorite aspect of board work is witnessing the infectious commitment that each employee contributes to the outstanding community that is Birchtree.


Kellie Clay, MS, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Jenna Dalton, MS, CCC‑SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist- Day School Specialist Team
- Day School



Rachel DeCola, MEd, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst- Outreach Behavior Team
- Outreach Program



Sarah Dostie, MEd, BCBA
Outreach Program Manager- Outreach Behavior Team
- Outreach Program



Emily Elliott, BS
Special Education Coordinator- Day School Special Education Team
- Day School



Shelly Fagen, MIT
Director of Student Services- Leadership Team
- Day School
Shelly Fagen, MIT, joined the Birchtree staff in 2007 and has over 20 years of professional experience in the field of special education. She has served special education staff, students and families in public and private schools in Hawaii, California, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. Shelly takes pride in her leadership role as a special education administrator and is committed to ensuring the availability of a team of specialists qualified to meet the unique needs of diverse learners. She appreciates supervising, training, and mentoring a dedicated team of special education staff in advancing their professional skills. Shelly received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Georgia and a Master of Initial Teaching, K-12, with an emphasis in Special Education from Gonzaga University. Shelly holds a New Hampshire Department of Education Experienced Educator credential with endorsements in Special Education Administration and General Special Education. When she is not working, Shelly volunteers as a Girl Scout leader and loves traveling with her family to explore new cultures and locations.


Blaire A. Fenniman
Vice President- Attorney, Christo Law
- Governance & Development Committee
Blaire A. Fenniman, JD, is a born-and-raised New Hampshire resident. A proud graduate of Villanova University and Michigan State University College of Law, Blaire now practices family law in both New Hampshire and Maine. Beyond the practice of law, Blaire is actively engaged in charitable organizations throughout the Seacoast New Hampshire region. With a strong passion for mentoring youth, Blaire has also spent several years coaching high school basketball, fostering leadership, teamwork, and confidence in young athletes. Blaire has served on the board since 2023.


Laurie Flanders, RN
Nurse- Day School Specialist Team
- Day School



Tom Grebouski
Director- Peak Performance Coach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Professional Speaker
- Governance & Development Committee
Tom Grebouski, PhD, brings a strong background in psychology, executive coaching, and performance development. With doctoral training in clinical psychology and extensive experience applying cognitive behavioral strategies, he has worked with individuals, teams, and organizations to address barriers to growth, strengthen resilience, and improve decision-making and performance under pressure. His professional work includes coaching, training, and organizational development across a range of high-performance settings. Tom’s experience in behavioral science and leadership development supports Birchtree’s mission to empower individuals with autism and other diverse abilities through personalized education, outreach, inclusion, independence, and holistic growth.


Becky Hatch, MS, BCBA
Day School Program Manager- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Auburn Herrgesell
Secretary- Cash Management Solutions Sales Officer, Bangor Savings Bank
- Governance & Development Committee
Auburn Herrgesell is a Cash Management Solutions Sales Officer at Bangor Savings Bank, where she partners with local businesses to strengthen financial operations and support growth. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Leadership. Auburn joined the Birchtree board in 2025 and is passionate about creating an environment where every child feels seen. Auburn believes all children deserve to be recognized for who they are and encouraged to reach their full potential.


Jasmine Holdman, BA
Director of Community Engagement & Events- Leadership Team
- Organization Wide
Coming from Boston with a degree in Corporate Communications and a background in hospitality, Jasmine Holdman is an expert at building relationships. She joined the Birchtree team in 2017 and in 2025 was given the title of Auction Manager. After leading that event for a record-breaking year, she stepped into her current role as Director of Community Engagement & Special Events. She brings people together, building community and creating events that help Birchtree and our students to flourish. Outside of work, Jasmine is a proud mom to her son and daughter, and her favorite role is cheering them on as they pursue what they love. Whether she’s on the sidelines or on the road, she finds the most joy in watching them grow, succeed, and truly thrive.


Laurie Hounam, MEd, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst- Outreach Behavior Team
- Outreach Program



Brianne Lewis
Administrative Assistant- Administrative Team
- Organization Wide



Blaire Luebkeman, MSEd, BCBA
Day School Clinical Director- Leadership Team
- Day School



Rebecca Manougian, BA
Behavior Specialist- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Stephanie Morin, MSEd, BCBA
Program Director, Outreach- Leadership Team
- Outreach Program
Stephanie Morin, MSEd, BCBA, holds a master’s degree in Behavioral Education from Simmons College and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2008. Stephanie has over 15 years of experience providing consultation and training to school districts, agencies, and families in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts; conducting skills-based assessments, functional behavior assessments, and independent program evaluations; and serving as an expert witness. Before coming to Birchtree in 2007, she led an experiential learning program that supported integrated employment for young adults with developmental disabilities. She has over two decades of experience working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Stephanie is passionate about sharing her knowledge about applied behavior analysis with Birchtree staff, public school staff, and families. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and attending as many concerts as possible.


Emma O'Brien, BS
Behavior Specialist- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Sarah Ouellette, BS
Human Resources Director- Leadership Team
- Organization Wide
Sarah Ouellette joined the Birchtree leadership team as the Human Resources Director in 2010. She brings over three decades of comprehensive human resource leadership expertise to Birchtree. Her expertise spans areas such as organizational development, recruitment, employee relations, training, performance management, policy development, and safety initiatives. Her greatest pleasure comes from connecting with Birchtree staff members and understanding their motivations. Her objective is to ensure that everyone at Birchtree feels valued and appreciated. In her free time, she is usually spending time with her family and friends at the beach, lake, or in the mountains. She enjoys volunteering, and currently holds a board position with the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Maine.


Brian Person, MA
Transition Coordinator- Day School Special Education Team
- Day School



Robyn Powley
Director- Educational/Behavioral Consultant, Robyn Powley Consulting
- Finance & Policy Committee
Robyn Powley, MEd, BCBA, works as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), special education consultant, and real estate agent on the Seacoast. She has over 30 years of experience, including director roles and developing school-based programming. She continues to consult with schools and families while building her real estate practice. Her family runs EStreet Surf School in Rye, and she loves summer. You will often find her with her black lab Violet and her family at the beach, which is her favorite place to be.


Holly Robacher, MBA
Director of Finance- Leadership Team
- Organization Wide
Holly Robacher, MBA, joined Birchtree in 2009. She brings over 35 years of professional experience spanning a diverse array of industries ranging from small local nonprofits to large high tech corporations. Various roles that she has contributed include cost accountant, business system analyst, and various financial management roles. Holly holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and a BS in Accounting from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the Lakes Region with her family and skiing during the winter.


Julie Rollins, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist- Day School Specialist Team
- Day School



Steve Rutherford, BS
Behavior Specialist- Day School Behavior Team
- Day School



Justine Salema
Director- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Finance & Policy Committee
Justine Salema, MS, CCC-SLP, spent nearly a decade working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in early intervention, where she dedicated her career to supporting children and their families during their most critical years of development as well as connecting them to valuable community resources such as Birchtree. Although she currently is focused on raising her family, she is excited to be part of a board that so closely aligns with her clinical expertise and personal interests. She holds a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire. In her spare time, Justine enjoys reading, seeing live music, and spending time at the beach with her family. Justine joined the Birchtree Board in 2025.


Nicole P. Sharpe
President- Director of Corporate Partnerships and Development, One Percent for America
- Finance & Policy Committee
- Governance & Development Committee
Nicole P. Sharpe is an experienced leader in the field of nonprofit development. She currently serves as Director of Corporate Partnerships and Development at One Percent for America, where she focuses on building strategic partnerships and expanding philanthropic support. From 2011 to 2024, Nicole served as Director of Advancement at Lowell Catholic, overseeing all fundraising, marketing, and public relations for the school. During her tenure, she built a successful major donor program, led numerous fundraising events, and managed a $2 million capital campaign. Prior to Lowell Catholic, Nicole spent a decade in nonprofit fundraising and development at several well-known social service agencies in New York City, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys & Girls Club. Nicole is a graduate of Dartmouth College. She lives in Windham, New Hampshire with her husband and two daughters.


Jennifer Shepard, BA, SLPA
Speech Language Pathology Assistant- Day School Specialist Team
- Day School



Jaclyn Silva, BS
Special Education Coordinator- Day School Special Education Team
- Day School



Andrew E. Smith
Past President- Director, UNH Survey Center & Professor of Practice in Political Science, University of New Hampshire
- Governance & Development Committee
Andrew E. Smith, PhD, is Director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center and a political science professor at UNH. He has more than 40 years experience in academic survey research and is a regular contributor to national and international news stories about American elections. He has served on the Birchtree board since 2013 and is a past board chair. He has also served on the boards of the United Way of the Greater Seacoast, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley, and the NH Small Business Development Center. His favorite thing about serving on the Birchtree board is to see the development of students, the great work that staff do with these students, and how much Birchtree means to parents.


Jessica Files Squier, MA
Director of Philanthropy & Communication- Leadership Team
- Organization Wide
Jessica Files Squier, MA, loves spreading the word about Birchtree and inviting the community to be part of our mission. Her expertise includes fundraising, grant writing, donor stewardship, special events, and online and print communications. Before Jessica arrived at Birchtree in 2007, she worked at nonprofits throughout the northeast including Strawbery Banke Museum, the Newport (R.I.) Historical Society, Mystic Seaport Museum, and Plimoth Patuxet. Her master’s degree in History at the University of Delaware included coursework in nonprofit management; her bachelor’s degree is from Williams College. In her spare time, she enjoys singing with a local chamber choir and exploring historic sites and museums with her family.


Victoria Stella
Treasurer- Former Instructor of Italian Language & English Literature
- Finance & Policy Committee
Victoria Stella, MA, is a former English literature and foreign language instructor who has taught middle, high school, and college students of diverse abilities across multiple educational settings. She received her BA from Barnard College and her MA from Middlebury College. Victoria is passionate about ensuring that Birchtree has the necessary resources and direction to continue its important mission in helping its students and their families. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling. She lives in Portsmouth with her husband and son.