HEAL Team.
These are the people who make up The Heal Collaborative Team
Miranda Jennings
Executive Director
Shaina Cunningham
Community Engagement
Co-Ordinator
I’m a Winchendon resident and a mother of two. My family is my center and my guiding light, they drive me to always work on becoming a better version of myself. Professionally, I’m the Associate Director of the Winchendon CAC and the Community Engagement Coordinator for HEAL in Winchendon. I’m committed to serving my community and have a deep love for its residents. I'm excited to interact with community members reaching across ages, socioeconomic status and identity to pursure residents' passions and envision the possibilities of Winchendon's future. I’m inspired daily and continue to strive to better serve. I’m dedicated to empowering Winchendon residents to reach their full potential through financial coaching, community education and more. I’m touched to witness the community come together in times of need. Winchendon is unlike any community that I have ever lived in before and is home to me. It is my hope that my work is a part of creating a sense of belonging in this community for all its residents. It is a privilege to serve in my home town and provides me with a sense of gratitude. I’m passionate about the enrichment of and investing in the success of Winchendon residents. The possibility excites me!
Melinda Bowler
Winchendon Resident Leader
With a passion for community engagement and dedication to making a difference, I've been proudly serving as the Administrative Assistant at the Winchendon CAC for six incredible years.
But that's not all! I'm also actively involved as a Heal Resident Leader, where I contribute to the wonderful initiatives of The HEAL Collaborative.
Additionally, I hold a position on the CAC Steering Committee, playing a vital role in steering our community's course towards growth and prosperity.
My love for being engaged in the community is not just a role, it's a part of who I am. I'm thrilled to be a part of these organizations and am excited about the positive changes we're making together.
Jordyn Marie Lynds
Winchendon Resident Leader
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Janet Lee
Winchendon Resident Leader
Gloria Wirtz
Winchendon Resident Leader
Shaiel Gasqui
Winchendon Resident Leader
Marilyn Pimentel
Winchendon Resident Leader
Jessica McKinnon
Gardner Resident Leader
She has worked for House of Peace and Education in Gardner for ten years. Four of those last ten years, she became the Director of Operations.
She’s also the case manager for Gardner Emergency Housing Mission, her passion is helping her community.
“Becoming part of the Gardner Resident Leader team is a wonderful opportunity for me to continue my efforts in supporting the needs of our community and helping bring together the residents of Gardner and Winchendon empowering them to build a better tomorrow”
Carlos
Gardner Resident Leader
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He has been a high school science teacher for ten years and has been teaching at Gardner High School since 2020. He is dedicated to helping students grow and become involved members of their community.
“Being a Gardner Resident Leader and working with the Youth Change Maker allows me to do what I love, teaching and empowering young people. By helping them develop the skills they need to change the world around them we can ensure that our future is in the hands of educated and caring young adults.”
Susan
Gardner Resident Leader
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A retired senior with an eclectic past who loves to connect deeply with people.
Susan loves to tell and hear stories of all kinds.
“My special passion is helping out to alleviate loneliness and inspire connection for everyone but especially my fellow seniors”
Paul
Gardner Resident Leader
As part of the Community Heart and Soul program and various other meaningful initiatives, he shares the commitment of Cornerstone Church to build connections with organizations that are dedicated to transforming lives, one person at a time.
In his own words, "Being a Gardner Resident Leader has given me the opportunity to collaborate with passionate individuals who share a common goal: making a difference in our community by working collectively to enhance the well-being and quality of life for all."
Marielle Vega
Community Outreach Coordinator
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Introducing the Whiz in the Kitchen: Meet Marielle!
With a sprinkle of culinary expertise and a dash of dedication, Marielle has been spicing up school cafeterias for years, serving up more than just meals - she's been dishing out life skills and food wisdom to our youth!
She's not just about feeding the body; she's on a mission to nourish minds and empower our youth with the know-how to grow their own food and cultivate essential life skills.
As the Distribution and Processing Manager at Growing Places, she's stirring up excitement with a fresh project at the old Waterford St School. This isn't just a win for Gardner and North Central MA’s food scene; it's a game-changer for our local community and hardworking farmers!
Stay tuned as we plant seeds of change and watch our community flourish under Marielle's leadership!
Rachel Vargeletis-Peguero
Gardner Resident Leader​
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I’m very excited to be a part of the team, to learn, and to help Gardner grow alongside all of you!
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Some fun facts about me: my day job is empowering youth to solve problems in our North Central MA communities via the United Way Youth Venture program of MWCC, I love hiking and being outside, I live in Gardner with my husband and two dogs, and although I love nature, I am dreading the endless yardwork ahead of me!