Staff

Rebecca Lubens

Executive Director
[email protected]
Rebecca has extensive experience with nonprofit organization leadership, with expertise in communications, program development, fundraising, board relations and community outreach. Rebecca received an A.B. in American Civilization from Brown University and an M.S. in Communication from Boston University.

Jenni Acosta

Program Director 
[email protected]
Jenni has developed and delivered programs, coordinated volunteers, and shared the mission of nonprofit organizations in Austin, TX, and the Boston area. She has a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Case Western Reserve University.

Mark Murphy

Director of Development
[email protected]
Mark has worked in the field of non-profit fundraising and development for over 7 years. He is also a military veteran, having served for 9 years as an Officer in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Mark has an M.A. in Theology from St. John’s Seminary in Boston. 

Betsy Lanjuin

Operations Manager
[email protected]
Betsy, a longtime Newton resident, has many years of experience in all aspects of non-profit management. Betsy has a Bachelor’s degree in German and French from Tufts University.

Mari Young

Kit Coordinator
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Mari spent almost a decade volunteering and coordinating UOD at Horace Mann Elementary School, and has a background in teaching and special education. Mari has a B.A. in Science from Boston University, specializing in Marine Biology and Earth Science.

Lisa DePalma

Program Coordinator
[email protected]
Lisa has been a volunteer, school coordinator, and an Advisory Board member for UOD for almost 10 years. She is a passionate advocate for Newton families and is an active member of Newton SEPAC and Newton PTO Council. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Northeastern University.

Punam Sharma

Program Coordinator
[email protected]
Punam has been a school volunteer in Newton and Boston for the past 10 years and a practicing attorney since 2002. She has a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and a B.A. in English and Sociology from Stonehill College.

In Caring Memory

Suzanne Freudberg was our Administrative Assistant for 8 years, until her sudden passing in October 2021. Suzanne’s first career was in Sales and Marketing in the publishing industry. She was a PTO and school volunteer in a variety of roles for over 15 years and had a B.A. in American Studies and Psychology from Brandeis University.