The Staff

Maurine Albano – Child Services Coordinator – Western Region

(617) 964-6273 ext. 129, malbano@mareinc.org

MASSLIVE Building, 1350 Main  Street, Springfield, MA 01105

Maurine, an integral part of MARE since 2001, boasts a diverse background in social services and human resource management, having held notable positions at the Milton Bradley Company. As an adoptive parent of two children, she brings a personal touch to her role.  

Currently serving as the Child Services Coordinator for the Western Region, Maurine collaborates closely with the Department of Children and Families and the contracted agency 18 Degrees (formerly Berkshire Children and Families). In this capacity, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive recruitment services for waiting children in her region. 

Outside of work, Maurine enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.  

Deborah Noah, LICSW – Child Services Coordinator – Northern Region

(617) 964-6273 ext. 121,  deborahn@mareinc.org

Before joining MARE in January 2021, Deborah dedicated over 25 years to the field of social work, focusing on mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, and geriatrics. She holds a B.A. from Brandeis University and an master’s degree in social work from Tulane School of Social Work, maintaining licensure as an LICSW. Additionally, Deborah holds a Masters in Jewish Education from Hebrew College. 

A passionate advocate for adoption, Deborah is not only a seasoned professional but also a proud mom of an adopted child. Her commitment to MARE's mission began long before she joined the team, actively participating in MARE/Jordan’s Adoption Walks. As the Child Services Coordinator for the Northern Region, Deborah collaborates with DCF staff to secure permanent, loving homes for waiting children in that region.  

Beyond her role at MARE, Deborah is involved with Second Nurture, a non-profit dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive families within communities. In her leisure time, she finds joy in reading, taking walks, and cherishing moments with dear friends. 

Chelsea Hartman – Child Services Coordinator – Southern Region

(617) 964-6273 ext. 122,   chelseah@mareinc.org

Prior to beginning at MARE in 2020, Chelsea worked as both an Ongoing and Adolescent Social Worker for the Department of Children and Families. She has also worked as a Family Support Specialist, working with families and children placed in foster care or group homes and providing support to reunify these families.

Janet Labadie-Kelley – Child Services Coordinator – Boston Region & Contracted Agencies

(617) 964-6273 ext. 126,  janetlk@mareinc.org

Janet's journey in youth advocacy began as the Program Coordinator of The Legal Resource Center at English High School, evolving into the role of Teen Advocate/Outreach Director at the Boys and Girls Club. Before joining MARE in March 2020, Janet served as a Paralegal for local private attorneys, bringing a diverse legal background to her impactful role. A proud alumna of UMass-Boston, Janet holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a focus on Legal Procedures and earned her Paralegal Certificate from Northeastern University. 

In her current capacity as the Child Services Coordinator for the Boston Region and Contract Agencies, Janet utilizes her expertise to connect children with loving families. Beyond her professional commitments, she, along with her husband, is the proud parent of two beautiful girls, one adopted from foster care. 

Janet's dedication extends to community leadership as she and her husband lead the Pathways to Parenthood Infertility Ministry at Grace Chapel. When not immersed in her advocacy work, Janet finds joy in spending quality time with her family.  

Hannah started her professional career as an adoption social worker for families pursuing a domestic infant adoption. With a passion for family creation and development, Hannah has also serviced families who have a finalized adoption as well as families who have entered a surrogacy journey. 

Hannah began working with MARE in 2023. Currently serving as a Child Services Coordinator, her role is to provide comprehensive recruitment services for children in the Central Region. 

In her free-time, Hannah enjoys cooking/baking, yoga, and traveling.

Liz Joyal – Director of Family Support Services

(617) 964-6273 ext. 124,  lizj@mareinc.org

Liz joined MARE in 2019, bringing a wealth of personal and professional experience to her role. Growing up in a foster family that cared for over 100 children and teens, Liz, alongside her husband Paul, became adoptive parents to an older child in 2017. Currently serving as foster parents, their journey reflects a profound commitment to the well-being of children in the foster care system. 

In her role at MARE, Liz oversees all family support services, guiding families through the adoption process and facilitating the family mentor-mentee program. She also conducts transracial parenting and trauma-informed trainings, leveraging her extensive background to provide valuable insights. Liz holds a master's degree in social work from Boston University and a master's degree in religion from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a trained practitioner in Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Liz brings a holistic approach to her work.  

Beyond working at MARE, Liz is actively involved in fostering community support. She serves as a Board Member for the MA Alliance for Foster Families and leads a foster care support ministry at her church. Her passion extends to sports, where she enjoys running, playing soccer, and cheering on Boston and Worcester teams. 

Mary Liz Nogueras – Outreach & Support Coordinator for Families of Color

(617) 964-6273 ext. 130,  marylizn@mareinc.org

Emily Goldberger, LCSW – Family Support Services Coordinator

(617) 964-6273 ext. 123,  emilyg@mareinc.org

With over two decades of experience in working with children and families, Emily brings a wealth of expertise to her role at MARE. She holds a B.A. in America/United States Studies and master’s degree in social work from Boston College. She joined the MARE staff in 2017 as the Child Services Coordinator for the Central and Boston regions, and in 2020 became the Director of Child Services. In 2024, Emily transitioned to a new role as Family Support Services Coordinator.  

In her current position, Emily is responsible for supporting families throughout the adoption from foster care process by communicating with interested families and helping them understand the process, answering specific questions, and directing them to next steps by providing contact information for DCF and contracted agencies. 

Beyond her professional endeavors, Emily is a loving mom to two young daughters, making family time a cherished hobby.  

Lindsey Brynjolfsson, MSW – Director of Specialized Programs

(617) 964-6273 ext. 125,  lindseyb@mareinc.org

With a master’s degree in social work from Springfield College and over 20 years in the child welfare and mental health field, Lindsey's extensive background positions her as a seasoned professional dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. Lindsey's personal connection to foster care and adoption, having a half-sister adopted from the system and her own experience as a foster parent, adds a profound layer to her compassionate advocacy. 

In her role at MARE since 2007 and returning in 2019, Lindsey serves as the Director of Specialized Programs, overseeing initiatives that break down barriers and create networks for older kids and teens in foster care. Her focus is on creating supportive connections, especially for children waiting for adoptive homes the longest, fostering legal permanency within established and created networks. 

Beyond her impactful work, Lindsey finds joy in kickboxing, nature activities like hiking and kayaking, and small carpentry projects. Her commitment extends to volunteering as part of a rescue dog transport team and contributing her time to a farm sanctuary in Central MA.  

Kristina Russell – Specialized Recruitment Coordinator

(617) 964-6273 ext. 120,   kristinar@mareinc.org

Kristina joined MARE in 2020 as the Child Services Coordinator for Central Massachusetts with the goal of finding pre-adoptive homes for the children and teens in the region . In 2023, she transitioned into the role of Specialized Recruitment Coordinator with the new goal of finding pre-adoptive homes for children with disabilities in the state. Moreso than just finding pre-adoptive homes, it is important to Kristina that she provides children with permanent connections that will sustain them for life.

Prior to working with MARE, Kristina taught in a variety of educational settings, including public, private, and 766 residential schools. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in special education (moderate and severe), and master certificates in applied behavior analysis and transition leadership. Her passion is working with children, families, and the community to create opportunities for connection and success.

In her personal life, Kristina  is co-guardian to a young man that has been in her life for approximately 17 years and is a visiting resource for another young man that she has been spending time with for approximately 3 years. Eventually, she hopes to become full guardian for both men, as they have become family to her. A great deal of her time outside of work is spent with them, as their bonds are the most important aspect of her life.

Deidra Graham – Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter – Western Massachusetts

(617) 964-6273 ext. 128, deidrag@mareinc.org

1350 High Street, 8th Floor, Springfield, MA 01105

Before joining MARE in 2019, Deidra accumulated valuable experience as an Outpatient Therapist, Case Manager for children in intensive foster care placement, and a 15-year tenure with the MA Department of Children and Families as a social worker technician. 

In her current role as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter, Deidra carries a small caseload of children and teens who have been waiting the longest. Her focus is on establishing permanent connections within their existing networks while simultaneously recruiting unknown resources capable of providing permanency and honoring/maintaining those connections. Deidra emphasizes a tailored approach based on each child's unique needs, steering away from a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Outside of work, Deidra enjoys indulging her creative side through sewing and arts & crafts, and cherishes time spent with her grandchildren and family. 

Scott Barry – Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter – Boston Region

(617) 964-6273 ext. 116,  scottb@mareinc.org

With over 5 years at Plummer Youth Promise, Scott progressed from a direct care counselor to the Program Manager of the group home, overseeing daily operations for 12 boys aged 13 to 18. Scott's academic background includes a B.A. from Lesley University and as well as a master's degree in education and mental health counseling from Cambridge College. 

Outside of his professional roles, Scott enjoys music, both attending concerts and playing the guitar. A culinary enthusiast, he enjoys cooking and exploring diverse cuisines. In his leisure time, Scott values relaxing with a comforting espresso and taking walks with his bulldog, Bobby Weir.