Shaina Fraser, Executive Director
She has a diverse professional background in both social work and nonprofit administration. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and Community Studies with a concentration in Counseling from the University of Maine at Machias and began her career in Children’s Services with DHHS. She later worked as a Jobs for Maine’s Graduates Specialist at Narraguagus Jr./Sr. High School, where she helped high school students overcome barriers to education and build essential life and workforce skills.
She went on to serve as the Administrator of the Ark Animal Shelter, where she gained a strong knowledge of animal welfare and state law. During her tenure with the Ark, she became certified in nonprofit management. A published author and graduate of the Maine Association of Nonprofits Leadership Institute for Executive Directors, she brings creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to community service to all she does.
She has been leading Families First Community Center for over three and a half years, where she thrives in the world of development—building partnerships, fostering donor relationships, and advancing the organization’s mission through innovation and collaboration. She looks forward to continuing to dedicate her daily work to FFCC’s mission and utilizing her broad experience in relationship-building, leadership, program development, and fundraising.
Ashley Tison, LCPC, NCC is a licensed psychotherapist. Ashley graduated from Husson University with an MS in clinical mental health counseling. She also has a BA from the University of Maine, with a major in psychology and a minor in child development and family relations. She currently has a private practice serving residents of Maine through telehealth. She also provides short-term counseling and consultations for local employee assistance programs. From working in various positions in the social work and mental health field, Ashley has a wide variety of knowledge and experience of children’s behavioral health services, child protective services, department of corrections, and the family court system. She is excited to bring this knowledge and her expertise while providing clinical supervision to case managers.
Arielle Morong, Property and Office Manager
Arielle resides in Downeast Maine and is the new Property and Office Manager at FFCC. She gained management experience at the Ark Animal Shelter, working her way up from an entry-level position due to her extreme passion and dedication for helping others. Arielle then went on to work at KidsPeace New England, working behind the scenes to care for the children who needed her help. Arielle is dedicated to FFCC’s mission and is looking forward to helping families who are in need in any way that she can.
Joe Seavey, Maintenance Planner
We’re thrilled to introduce Joe, our new maintenance planner! A Maine native, Joe grew up in Northeast Harbor and graduated from MDI High School in 1981. He then served our country with dedication, spending 14 years in the Air Force as a crew chief on U2’s and F15’s, and also in the Army in New Hampshire.
After his service, Joe returned to Maine and worked with DOT, focusing on bridge maintenance, heavy equipment operation, and state-regulated building inspections. His passion for creating and crafting shines through in his hobbies—Joe builds model sailboats, forges knives, and even dabbles in painting ,sharing his talents with the community at the Blue Hill Fair.
With years of experience in general maintenance and a knack for building and fixing, Joe is a fantastic addition to our team.
Kristie Woods, Case Manager / Outreach & Team Support Specialist
With 18 years of experience in case management, she brings deep knowledge, compassion, and dedication to the families we serve. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and is certified as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician (MHRT), giving her strong clinical insight alongside real-world experience.
As a mom herself, she understands firsthand the challenges families can face and approaches her work with empathy, determination, and heart. She is a true go-getter — proactive, solutions-focused, and deeply committed to helping families move toward stability and independence.
We are thrilled to have her as part of the FFCC team and know she will be a tremendous asset to our organization and the community.
Rick Williams, (President) graduated from UMASS Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He was self-employed as an RV dealer and for the last sixteen years as an Independent health and Medicare insurance agent. He is currently on the Patient and Family Advisory Council for Northern Light hospitals at Blue Hill and Ellsworth. He also volunteers for the National Park Service three days a week at the Schoodic peninsula. He spent eight years on the UMASS Alumni Associations Board of Directors.
Cameron Ouellette, was born and raised in Ellsworth, Maine. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono in 2018 and received his law degree from the University of Maine School of Law in 2022.Cameron is an associate attorney at the law firm, Gross, Minsky & Mogul, in Bangor, Maine, and practices primarily in medical malpractice and personal injury law.He is a member of the Penobscot County and Maine State Bar Associations and serves as the Vice President of the Theta Chi Building Association, Inc. for Theta Chi Fraternity’s Gamma Chapter at the University of Maine at Orono.
Betsey Grant, owns and operates Tiny Tykes, a licensed childcare business serving local families for more than 25 years. Betsey has long been a strong advocate for child welfare in the state of Maine. She and her husband Alex Grant have been long supporters of FFCC.
Tom Griffin is a consultant for biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing. He has experience in project management and strategic planning.
Tashia Porter, a Native Mainer, brings extensive real estate expertise and a passion for community service to the board. An award-winning agent with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate and owner of a property management company, she specializes in innovative housing solutions and connecting clients with real estate opportunities.
With a Master’s in Social Work and strong ties across Maine, Tashia’s deep knowledge of housing markets and strategic mindset make her a valuable asset to the organization.
Sally Daniels, retired after a career in student services with the University of Maine System, specializing in financial aid and student development. Combined with her involvement with Community Action and Adult Education, Sally is a deeply rooted supporter of FFCC’s mission to address the complex reality of generational poverty.
Barbara Presson joins the Families First Community Center Board of Directors with decades of experience in social services, community leadership, and advocacy. A retired therapist and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), Barbara has worked extensively in community-based programs, hospice care, private practice, and nonprofit leadership.
Throughout her career, she has served as Executive Director of Family Services, Program Director of Human Services, and part-time staff with a Child Adoption Agency. Barbara has also held numerous board leadership roles, including serving on the Ellsworth School Board, the Maine Education Association, the Eastern Area Agency on Aging, the Ellsworth Public Library, and other community organizations.
Barbara is deeply committed to strengthening families and believes that strong families are the foundation of strong communities. She is passionate about building self-sufficiency and empowering individuals to move forward with dignity and stability.
In addition to her professional work, Barbara enjoys gardening, hiking, walking, and reading.
Mary Thibodeau serves as the District Administrative Manager for the Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District, where she oversees operations, federal grant compliance, financial management, and community programming. In her role, she manages budgeting and reporting, coordinates partnerships, and plans more than 20 educational and outreach events annually that connect residents with valuable conservation and agricultural resources.
Mary brings strong experience in nonprofit governance, strategic planning, financial management, QuickBooks accounting, marketing communications, and operations leadership. She previously served as Property and Office Manager at Families First Community Center and has also chaired the Stanwood Educational Foundation Board for six years. Her professional background reflects a deep commitment to community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and organizational excellence.
Deeply rooted in the Ellsworth community, Mary is motivated by the desire to be part of the solution to homelessness in our region. She is especially passionate about outreach, communications, and building systems that help families access stable housing, hope, and the practical skills needed to thrive.
Families First is grateful for Mary’s leadership, operational expertise, and heart for strengthening our community.
Hannah Bubar serves on the Board of Directors for Families First Community Center and is a member of the Finance Committee. She is the Branch Manager at KeyBank, bringing strong financial expertise and leadership experience to support FFCC’s fiscal oversight and long-term sustainability.
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