Meet the Team
Elizabeth McLellan
Elizabeth McLellan received her degrees from American University, Northeastern University, the University of Southern Maine, and Boston University School of Medicine and Public Health. McLellan has spent her career working as a leader in nursing and healthcare administration. In recognition of her leadership, compassion, and service, McLellan has received numerous awards including the Hanley Center Leadership and Humanitarian Relief Award in 2010, the Red Cross Real Hero Award in 2011, the Outstanding Non-Profit Award in 2012, and the Northeastern University Social Impact Award in 2014.
Paul Golding
Director of Advancement
Paul Golding was born and educated in the UK and has spent the last thirty years in the US working in Advancement, Development and Communications in Higher Education, Public Health, and Social Services.
Laura Nilsson
Director of Global Programs
A Massachusetts native, Laura has been happily living in Portland since 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science, Accounting & Finance degree from Bentley University and a Master of Science, Global Studies & International Relations degree from Northeastern University. Laura brings a background in intercultural exchange, non-profit/social enterprise management and global public health administration to PWH. She is a humanitarian by nature and strives to embody global citizenship in all parts of life.
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Alan Clark
Director of Operations
Alan Clark earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Maine. Having grown up in Houlton, ME, Alan is proud of his Aroostook County roots. His work ethic began at a young age by getting up at 5 AM to work in the potato fields during the harvest school break. That work ethic carries through to today. Alan spent close to 30 years as a manager in retail pharmacy from which he will bring his knowledge of operations, organization, and community involvement to Partners. Alan has lived in Portland for the last 18 years with his wife Shelly, and their 3 rescue cats.
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Laura Darnell
Director of Materials Management
An advocate for sustainable resource management and community-led initiatives, Laura is driven by a commitment to making a tangible difference. She aims to harness the power of responsible materials management to ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for Maine and beyond. Originally from Massachusetts, Laura has found a deep appreciation for all that Maine has to offer. In her free time she enjoys hiking, cooking, and traveling with her partner Cindy.
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Naomi Levesque
Volunteer Operations Supervisor
Erin Lamparter
Medical Supply Purchase (MSP) Program Coordinator
Johannah DeGrandpre
Bookkeeper
Born and raised in the White Mountains of Northern NH, Naomi brings 17 years of non-profit experience to her role at PWH. Inspired by those achieving much with limited resources, she’s thrilled to contribute to PWH’s mission and help bring aid to those doing so much with so little. Naomi finds working alongside volunteers who share this passion exhilarating, and believes they are the backbone of propelling the mission forward. Living in the Standish area, Naomi finds tranquility in nature kayaking, birding and hiking, while also dedicating time to volunteer for environmental and wildlife organizations committed to preserving our beautiful natural world.
Erin comes to PWH with a 20-year background in marketing, sales, and nonprofit development & community relations. With her lifelong dedication to the well-being of humans, animals, and the planet, she is glad to contribute to PWH’s efforts of locally (re)distributing medical supplies and equipment in a mindful, effective, and expansive way and to keep our oceans and landfills free from excess medical waste. Erin has lived in Portland since 2014. She is a reiki practitioner for people and animals, and as an ethical vegan has been involved in farm animal activism and the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife and companion animals for decades. Erin also served a stint as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, West Africa. She has a BA in marketing from Michigan State University.
Johannah is a true "Jill" of all trades, embracing the role of a lifelong learner with passion and enthusiasm. She believes that acquiring new skills is essential not only for personal growth but also for uplifting her neighbors and communities. From day one, PWH has inspired her and proven that working together, uniting our strengths and helping each other, we can accomplish incredible things for the world. Hailing from Freeport, Maine, Johannah’s eclectic background spans a variety of fields, including restaurant management, automotive repair, banking, library sciences, dance studios, property management, landscaping, construction and demolition, marketing and advertising, theatre, and, of course, bookkeeping. In each role, she dives deep, eager to learn every task, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and growth. In her spare time, Johannah is a vivacious jazz singer, theatre producer, mystery writer and old movie lover. She’s also a west-coast swing dancer, a disc golfer, and a passionate gardener. Whether she’s active in the community or simply appreciating the beauty of the natural world around her, Johannah finds joy in every moment, continually inspired by the connections she makes along the way.
Harry Swan
Materials Management Coordinator
Harry Swan grew up in Brunswick, ME and graduated from Hamilton College in 2013. He has lived and worked in many different places since then, including three years as an English teacher in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (He will never complain about hot weather in New England again!) He recently returned to Maine and joined PWH as a warehouse coordinator in April 2023.
Sue Ouellette
Business Manager
A Connecticut native, Sue Ouellette moved to Portland with her family in July of 2023 after spending seven years in hot, humid, and very trafficky, Georgia! She is glad to be back in New England, and especially Portland, where she enjoys the diverse population, proximity to the ocean, and the change of seasons. Sue earned her BS in Accounting and a MS in Organizational Management from colleges in CT. As a Finance Manager, she worked in several healthcare organizations and non-profits, always with a focus on contributing to the greater good. Working at Partners is another step forward in her quest to contribute to the greater good around the globe.
Jim Siulinski
Biomedical Technician
Jim is a Maine native who has retired from a career in semiconductor product development. His lifelong interest in technology has led him through many areas of engineering including software and hardware development and worldwide product support. He is currently reinventing himself as a biomedical engineer at PWH. Jim is also an avid hiker, woodworker and photographer.
Pearl McNeil
Third Party Resale Coordinator
I learned of PWH in 2009 when a friend in the medical field told me about the Blue Wrap Project. I loved everything about PWH but could not volunteer because I didn't have a car and there were no bus stops nearby. I held this place in my heart for 10 years until we finally got a car in 2019. One of the first things I did was to sign up for volunteer training. Now, 3 years later, I have decided to expand my scope and take on the job of Third Party Resale Coordinator. I look forward to learning about a whole different part of PWH that I never knew of before. Besides being at PWH I love to go beachcombing, explore this great state of ours, help those in need and create a wide spectrum of art. I live in Augusta with my wife, Patty, and our little snugglebug kitty named Junipurr.
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Kristian Kangas
Advancement Associate
Kristian received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History of Medicine and Bioethics from University of Puget Sound in Washington. She discovered her passion for donor relations and advancement while there, and is thrilled to merge her academic and career interests through her work for PWH. She is also a strong supporter of health advocacy, and brings experience and education in aging life care and community health to the table. During her spare time, Kristian can be found working hard in the gym or getting cozy with a crochet project and a cup of tea. She is looking forward to exploring New England, and is particularly interested in braving Maine’s abandoned military forts. She is an animal lover, and lives vicariously through the various staff and volunteers who bring their dogs into the office.
Emma Gabriele
Media Relations and Special Events Associate
Emma is a dedicated educator and public health advocate with a background in digital humanities research. She holds bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Communication & Culture from Clark University and earned an M.A. in Media Communication Studies from the University of Rhode Island in 2016. She joins the team at Partners for World Health in earnest, honored to work alongside staff and volunteers that collaborate everyday to ensure that we all might live healthy lives on a healthy planet. In her free time Emma enjoys spending time outside with "Whiny" Winnie (her dog-daughter) and reacquainting herself with the natural wonders of New England.
Connie Nevers
Office Assistant
Connie volunteered with PWH for a year before officially joining the team in Fall 2024. She is thrilled to make her position official! Connie brings 20+ years of customer service experience and a lifetime of service to others to her role. She has four adult children and one granddaughter that she loves very much. She also loves the ocean, and currently lives in Yarmouth with her husband and their cat “pretty-girl.”
Jeff Martin
Biomedical Technician
Jeff was born, raised and educated in the beautiful state of Maine. Jeff has recently retired from a successful 30+ year career as an electrical engineer in the semiconductor industry. His passion for trouble shooting and problem solving has driven him into many diverse fields. He loves being challenged and looks forward to applying his skills to his new role as a biomedical engineer at PWH. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys archery/fishing, home remodeling and physical fitness. Most of all Jeff loves spending time with his family.
Samantha Lassey
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
From Kennebunk, Maine, Samantha recently earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Spanish with a Pre-Law focus from Merrimack College. As a student, she interned with a Political Action Committee working to recruit and train volunteers, as well as encouraging voter turnout. She has been immersed in the world of nonprofits from a young age thanks to her mother, and she fondly remembers their time together on a mission trip to Guatemala in 2010. During her free time, Samantha loves to read, craft, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with her cat, Ruth Bader Ginspurrrg. She is very excited to begin her professional career with such an inspiring organization and focus on creating positive change in the world around us!