Meet the
DREAM
team
DREAM is made up of imaginative, zesty, and fun-loving folks who share the united passion of closing the opportunity gap alongside the youth we serve.
Click on the icon below to jump to that team!
National Support Staff
Mike Foote, he/him/his
Founder & Empowerment Officer
mfoote@dreamprogram.org
Mike is DREAM’s Empowerment Officer, supporting a vibrant team of staff, mentors, and families.
Previously, Mike was a Senior Consultant with Wellspring Consulting, a strategy consulting firm focused on the social sector. Mike has also been the Finance Director and interim Campaign Manager for a gubernatorial candidate in Vermont. Mike was a research associate with Char Associates, an educational evaluation firm, and later with the Center for Reinventing Public Education (CRPE). He designed and co-authored studies on school choice, literacy and mentoring initiatives and developed a return on investment tool for the Denver Public School District.
Mike has taught mathematics and biology to Marshallese students on the island of Gugeegue in the Marshall Islands and has spent significant time in South and Central America, traveling, learning Spanish, and studying youth development organizations. Mike loves to juggle, even fire (save for that one time it didn't go so well). Mike rides a motorcycle, attends Burning Man with his Mom and is always up for an adventure. When Mike takes personality tests, he is told that he is a "zesty" leader. Mike believes in the power of distributed leadership. Mike generally finds it hard to sit still.
Mike is the father of two, River and Isla, and a twin of a twin who has twins. He lives in Richmond, VT with his family, 6 ducks, a varying number of chickens, lots of bees, and a neighbor’s horse.
Mike received his Master’s in Public Administration with a dual focus in nonprofit management and international development from the Evans School, University of Washington, and his BA in Biology from Dartmouth College.
mfoote@dreamprogram.org
Mike is DREAM’s Empowerment Officer, supporting a vibrant team of staff, mentors, and families.
Previously, Mike was a Senior Consultant with Wellspring Consulting, a strategy consulting firm focused on the social sector. Mike has also been the Finance Director and interim Campaign Manager for a gubernatorial candidate in Vermont. Mike was a research associate with Char Associates, an educational evaluation firm, and later with the Center for Reinventing Public Education (CRPE). He designed and co-authored studies on school choice, literacy and mentoring initiatives and developed a return on investment tool for the Denver Public School District.
Mike has taught mathematics and biology to Marshallese students on the island of Gugeegue in the Marshall Islands and has spent significant time in South and Central America, traveling, learning Spanish, and studying youth development organizations. Mike loves to juggle, even fire (save for that one time it didn't go so well). Mike rides a motorcycle, attends Burning Man with his Mom and is always up for an adventure. When Mike takes personality tests, he is told that he is a "zesty" leader. Mike believes in the power of distributed leadership. Mike generally finds it hard to sit still.
Mike is the father of two, River and Isla, and a twin of a twin who has twins. He lives in Richmond, VT with his family, 6 ducks, a varying number of chickens, lots of bees, and a neighbor’s horse.
Mike received his Master’s in Public Administration with a dual focus in nonprofit management and international development from the Evans School, University of Washington, and his BA in Biology from Dartmouth College.
Mike Ewan, he/him/his
Operations Officer
michael.ewan@dreamprogram.org
I'm in my second tenure with The DREAM Program and in my current role, I try to make the life of our staff as easy as possible. I found DREAM through AmeriCorps, completing a term following grad school. I was motivated to combine my love of recreation, coaching and my recently acquired teaching credentials, combined a dose of patriotism and desire to give back to my country. That led to a job with DREAM - interrupted by a 5 year stay in Washington DC - I am in my 8th year of service. Throughout my tenure with DREAM, I got married, started a family and give as much time, energy and effort to our crazy, little gang as possible!
Fun facts that make me, me:
- I grew up in the South (both Carolinas) and despite living in Vermont for quite a while, still call the Carolinas home.
- I love baseball and have coached high school or college for the last 12 years.
- I cut my own hair....don't judge.
- I was born in Delaware and have been a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan.
- Upon entering the North Carolina, I immediately go to Bojangles for a snack.
michael.ewan@dreamprogram.org
I'm in my second tenure with The DREAM Program and in my current role, I try to make the life of our staff as easy as possible. I found DREAM through AmeriCorps, completing a term following grad school. I was motivated to combine my love of recreation, coaching and my recently acquired teaching credentials, combined a dose of patriotism and desire to give back to my country. That led to a job with DREAM - interrupted by a 5 year stay in Washington DC - I am in my 8th year of service. Throughout my tenure with DREAM, I got married, started a family and give as much time, energy and effort to our crazy, little gang as possible!
Fun facts that make me, me:
- I grew up in the South (both Carolinas) and despite living in Vermont for quite a while, still call the Carolinas home.
- I love baseball and have coached high school or college for the last 12 years.
- I cut my own hair....don't judge.
- I was born in Delaware and have been a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan.
- Upon entering the North Carolina, I immediately go to Bojangles for a snack.
Melissa Maharaj, she/her/hers
Senior Youth Service Director
Mmaharaj@dreamprogram.org
Melissa is a lifelong resident of Dorchester, MA. Growing up in the community has inspired her to work with an inner-city youth population in hopes of helping to create positive change, better outcomes, and a sense of empowerment for young people. She is a graduate of Northeastern University with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology. While in college, she did an internship at The Center for Teen Empowerment that ignited a passion in her to work with a youth population. She worked at the Center for Promise as a Youth Facilitator and Analyst where she co-lead focus group interviews with young people across the country. She has been a part of the DREAM team for the past 2.5 years as the Massachusetts Program Director building relationships with partners, families and mentors. She recently transitioned to the Senior Youth Service Director role where she is working towards creating strategic alignment across region.
Mmaharaj@dreamprogram.org
Melissa is a lifelong resident of Dorchester, MA. Growing up in the community has inspired her to work with an inner-city youth population in hopes of helping to create positive change, better outcomes, and a sense of empowerment for young people. She is a graduate of Northeastern University with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology. While in college, she did an internship at The Center for Teen Empowerment that ignited a passion in her to work with a youth population. She worked at the Center for Promise as a Youth Facilitator and Analyst where she co-lead focus group interviews with young people across the country. She has been a part of the DREAM team for the past 2.5 years as the Massachusetts Program Director building relationships with partners, families and mentors. She recently transitioned to the Senior Youth Service Director role where she is working towards creating strategic alignment across region.
Eliza Kuchuk, she/her/hers
Adventure Director
ekuchuk@dreamprogram.org
Eliza Kuchuk is the Adventure Director and in this brand new role she has spearheaded the expansion of Adventure programming throughout all of DREAM's regions while facilitating experiences at Camp DREAM. She has shaped these programs by grounding them in best practices of Adventure Education along with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the outdoors. Before coming to DREAM, Eliza worked with youth in a variety of settings such as after school programs, backpacking and mentoring programs, mental health in residential and community settings, and an arts and performing arts summer camp teaching theater. In her spare time, Eliza enjoys hiking and camping, teaching and practicing yoga, making art, rock climbing, and dancing.
ekuchuk@dreamprogram.org
Eliza Kuchuk is the Adventure Director and in this brand new role she has spearheaded the expansion of Adventure programming throughout all of DREAM's regions while facilitating experiences at Camp DREAM. She has shaped these programs by grounding them in best practices of Adventure Education along with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the outdoors. Before coming to DREAM, Eliza worked with youth in a variety of settings such as after school programs, backpacking and mentoring programs, mental health in residential and community settings, and an arts and performing arts summer camp teaching theater. In her spare time, Eliza enjoys hiking and camping, teaching and practicing yoga, making art, rock climbing, and dancing.
Alicia Grangent, she/her/hers
Director of High School Programs
agrangent@dreamprogram.org
Alicia Grangent ( She/Her) will be the first Dream Director of High School Programs. I joined Dream because I enjoy working with youth and families. My goal is to inspire and empower youth to utilize their voice. Mentoring had a big influence on my life and it's time to return the favor. In my free time; I enjoy playing tug of war with my dog Leia.
agrangent@dreamprogram.org
Alicia Grangent ( She/Her) will be the first Dream Director of High School Programs. I joined Dream because I enjoy working with youth and families. My goal is to inspire and empower youth to utilize their voice. Mentoring had a big influence on my life and it's time to return the favor. In my free time; I enjoy playing tug of war with my dog Leia.
Sneha Singhania, she/her/hers
Buisness Manager
ssinghania@dreamprogram.org
Sneha is a Maryand native who now calls Vermont home (brrr). Sneha has come to love the Vermont mountains and when its above freezing you can find her playing beach volleyball! Prior to joining DREAM, she studied at the University of Maryland and worked in Baltimore, MD as a Project Manager. After serving as an AmeriCorps member with DREAM, she realized one year just wasn't enough! She is constantly grateful for the opportunity to elevate an incredible organization.
ssinghania@dreamprogram.org
Sneha is a Maryand native who now calls Vermont home (brrr). Sneha has come to love the Vermont mountains and when its above freezing you can find her playing beach volleyball! Prior to joining DREAM, she studied at the University of Maryland and worked in Baltimore, MD as a Project Manager. After serving as an AmeriCorps member with DREAM, she realized one year just wasn't enough! She is constantly grateful for the opportunity to elevate an incredible organization.
Shannon Lyford, she/her/hers
Grants & Evaluations Manager
slyford@dreamprogram.org
I am a public policy graduate and Georgia native interested in using data and evidence-based research to help improve the practices of nonprofit organizations and to inform economic and social policy in America. From a young age, I have always been passionate about helping others and creating a more equitable and just world. I am particularly interested in improving the lives and well-being of underserved individuals in the United States.
With an undergraduate degree studying social work, statistics, and sociology and a Masters degree in public policy, I have developed a unique set of research, writing, and analytical skills that will help me develop new and innovative ways to address social problems from a client-centered perspective. My ambition is to work with a nonprofit organization ensuring that programs effectively and efficiently meet the needs of clients. I am also interested in conducting policy research and developing tools to address social problems in our country.
slyford@dreamprogram.org
I am a public policy graduate and Georgia native interested in using data and evidence-based research to help improve the practices of nonprofit organizations and to inform economic and social policy in America. From a young age, I have always been passionate about helping others and creating a more equitable and just world. I am particularly interested in improving the lives and well-being of underserved individuals in the United States.
With an undergraduate degree studying social work, statistics, and sociology and a Masters degree in public policy, I have developed a unique set of research, writing, and analytical skills that will help me develop new and innovative ways to address social problems from a client-centered perspective. My ambition is to work with a nonprofit organization ensuring that programs effectively and efficiently meet the needs of clients. I am also interested in conducting policy research and developing tools to address social problems in our country.
Sarah Hurley, she/her/hers
Philanthropy Officer, Facilitator of Donor Passions & Interests
shurley@dreamprogram.org
Sarah Hurley studied devised theatre and international performance at the PACE University in the Financial District of Manhattan where she spent a great deal of time dodging well dressed Wall Street folks and giving tourists horrible directions. At DREAM Sarah serves as the Facilitator of Donor Passions and a...well depends on what other crazy project arises during the day. Sarah is an expert at being an amateur at nearly everything and spends her free time working through LinkedIn Learning Courses and accruing (nearly) useless certifications.
shurley@dreamprogram.org
Sarah Hurley studied devised theatre and international performance at the PACE University in the Financial District of Manhattan where she spent a great deal of time dodging well dressed Wall Street folks and giving tourists horrible directions. At DREAM Sarah serves as the Facilitator of Donor Passions and a...well depends on what other crazy project arises during the day. Sarah is an expert at being an amateur at nearly everything and spends her free time working through LinkedIn Learning Courses and accruing (nearly) useless certifications.
Kayla Daughtry, she/her/hers
Human Resources & AmeriCorps Member Coordinator
kdaughtry@dreamprogram.org
I have worn many different hats at DREAM since I began as an AmeriCorps Member in 2018, and it's an honor to continue serving the organization by supporting our current members and doing behind-the-scenes jobs that help the organization run! I love diving into topics of DEI, and am passionate about bringing social justice and the dismantling of white supremacy into the forefront of our minds as a team. I believe that peeling those layers as we show up to work each day as well as while completing tasks and projects will support the change we hope to see for our DREAMers over time.
kdaughtry@dreamprogram.org
I have worn many different hats at DREAM since I began as an AmeriCorps Member in 2018, and it's an honor to continue serving the organization by supporting our current members and doing behind-the-scenes jobs that help the organization run! I love diving into topics of DEI, and am passionate about bringing social justice and the dismantling of white supremacy into the forefront of our minds as a team. I believe that peeling those layers as we show up to work each day as well as while completing tasks and projects will support the change we hope to see for our DREAMers over time.
Lucy, she/her/hers
Program & Office Administrator
lhollister@dreamprogram.org
lhollister@dreamprogram.org
Lisanne Hegman, she/her/hers
Bookkeeper
lisanne@dreamprogram.org
lisanne@dreamprogram.org
