BOARD CHAIR- Dr. Michele Dow

Dr. Michele Dow is a lifelong educator and activist. For sixteen years, she worked at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education rising to State Director of English Learner Programs before being recruited to join the Boston Public Schools as the Senior Manager for English Learner Programs where she co-led the development of the first Settlement Agreement between the Boston Public Schools, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, regarding their services to English Learners. For six of those years, she simultaneously taught at the Harvard University Extension School Institute of English Learners where she twice received the Outstanding Teacher Award. In 2015, she left her position in Boston to pursue her lifelong dream of completing a PhD in Educational Leadership. She is now Associate Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Boston in the School of Education and Human Development as well as the Department of Linguistics.

VICE- CHAIR- Dr. Alba Beltre

Dr. Alba Beltre brings invaluable medical expertise and research acumen to The 1ness Project's Board of Directors. As a general physician with a master's degree from Harvard's research program, she combines clinical experience with a deep understanding of evidence-based practices to support our community.

While Dr. Beltre does not have children of her own, she has dedicated her professional life to improving the wellbeing of children worldwide. Her commitment to pediatric health and development extends beyond traditional medical practice, embracing a holistic approach that considers the unique needs of every child and family.

As a Board member, Dr. Beltre provides crucial medical perspective to The 1ness Project's initiatives, helping bridge the gap between healthcare systems and community support. Her research background enables her to evaluate and implement best practices, ensuring our programs are grounded in current scientific understanding while remaining accessible to families.

Dr. Beltre's passion for children's health and development, combined with her extensive medical knowledge, makes her an essential voice in shaping the organization's approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families.

SECRETARY- Mirla Torres

As a first-generation Latina and single mother of a neurodivergent child, Mirla Torres brings a unique and vital perspective to The 1ness Project's Board of Directors. Despite holding professional credentials as an accountant in her home country, Mirla faced the challenges many immigrants encounter, including language barriers that initially led her to work as a laborer upon arriving in the United States.

Her personal journey navigating the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child while adapting to a new country has given her firsthand insight into the obstacles many families face. This experience drives her passionate advocacy for parent voices within the neurodivergent community.

As a Board member, Mirla is committed to ensuring that parents' perspectives, particularly those from diverse cultural backgrounds, are heard and considered in the organization's decision-making processes. She understands that every family's journey is unique and believes in the importance of creating inclusive support systems that recognize and respect these differences.

Drawing from her professional background in accounting and her lived experience, Mirla contributes both practical expertise and deep empathy to her role, working to make The 1ness Project more accessible and responsive to the needs of all families in our community.

Brittney Ciccone

Bringing creative vision and dynamic energy to The 1ness Project's Board of Directors, Britney is an accomplished artist whose paintings have garnered recognition and found homes in numerous private collections. Her artistic sensibility is matched by her extensive experience in non-profit leadership, including her distinguished service on the Board of the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Boston and The Sowa Artist Guild.

As a mother to her daughter Charlotte and her beloved dog Olive, Britney brings both personal warmth and professional expertise to her role. Her youthful perspective and vibrant energy infuse The 1ness Project with fresh ideas and innovative approaches to community engagement. She has done extensive volunteering at the Haley House and The United South and Settlement Committee.

Drawing from her background in both the arts and non-profit governance, Britney contributes unique insights into how creative expression can foster connection and understanding within our community. Her experience in the cultural sector helps shape programs that embrace diversity, creativity, and inclusion.

Britney's natural enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference exemplify The 1ness Project's mission to create a more inclusive and understanding world for all families.