Jenny Gillard, Co-Chair
Jenny grew up in Marion, Massachusetts, where she attended Tabor Academy. She earned her undergraduate degree in Russian studies from Middlebury College. She lived in Seattle, Washington for four years before returning to Massachusetts and earning her Master’s of Nursing Science from Boston College. She is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and worked in primary care for 11 years at a private pediatric practice in Brookline. Her professional interests include preterm and full term infant care and providing a medical home for children with special healthcare needs. Jenny and her husband Geoff are parents to three wonderful daughters, ages 11, 8 and 3. Their eldest daughter was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare, non-inherited genetic disorder, at 16 months. Jenny combines her medical background with maternal drive to care and advocate for her daughter with special needs. As a family the Gillards enjoy skiing, cooking, beach days and books. Jenny and her family have been residents of Harvard since 2017.
Aspen Ference, Co-Chair
Aspen grew up in the Dallas area, then moved to Harvard for freshman year of high school and attended The Bromfield School. She earned degrees in psychology and mental health counseling from Umass, and became a licensed mental health therapist. Her research in graduate school centered around financial conflict of interest in the pharma industry, and resilience, attachment, and access in underserved populations. She opened a private practice in Harvard, MA in 2013, and has since begun working with women and couples navigating the challenges of new parenthood. Aspen and her husband Bill have three young boys who have hearing loss and have received amazing supports through the vibrant Boston deaf community since birth. Aspen hopes that by reviving the SEPAC, other families in Harvard can feel as supported and connected as she has in her journey as a special needs parent. As a family, the Ferences love spending time hiking through the woods, exploring museums, and hosting dinner parties.
Molly Vaughan, Communications Chair
Molly Vaughan and her family have been residents of Harvard for 3 years. Her daughter, Annalise, receives special education services through the Hildreth Elementary School Integrated Preschool program. Says Molly, "I bring both my experience as a physical therapist turned health services researcher and as a parent of a child in the special education program to my role on the board of the Harvard SEPAC. I believe strongly in the SEPAC mission and look forward to assisting other parents in navigating the special education process and making an impact on the special needs community here in Harvard."
Liselot (Lotti) Turbide, M.E.d., Board Member at Large
My name is Lotti and I’ve been a resident of Harvard for almost 7 years. I’m the mother of two young girls (Lia 9 and Anna 7) that attend HES. My husband and I enjoy taking our family on camping trips, kayaking and hiking. I have been working with Special Needs students for most of my career in teaching. I have worked with students from Early Childhood to Middle School. This past year, I went back to working full time in the Littleton Public Schools as a Language Arts Based Special Education Teacher. I’m so happy I can offer my experiences in special education to the Harvard SEPAC.