At the January Board of Directors Meeting, the class of 2025 directors were installed. They are:

Hon. Dan Driscoll

Dan Driscoll recently retired as a judge from the Maine District Court, where he handled numerous divorce cases involving children, real estate, and business disputes. With extensive legal expertise in civil conflicts, he understands both the emotional impacts and the legal challenges involved. At Driscoll Resolutions, LLC, Dan is dedicated to resolving disputes amicably, avoiding the stress of adversarial court proceedings. He focuses on fostering constructive dialogue and practical solutions, ensuring that the mediation process is effective and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ultimately alleviating emotional and financial burdens.

Dr. Mary Jennings

Dr. Mary Jennings is a dedicated pediatrician based in Portland, Maine, with over 20 years of experience. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Maine Academy of Pediatrics, and the Maine Medical Association. From 2018 to 2024, she served as the Chief of Pediatrics at InterMed. Dr. Jennings earned her medical degree from The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Fulfilling her lifelong dream, she moved to Maine in 2003 to raise her family and has cherished every moment since. She is passionate about practicing pediatrics and values building long-lasting relationships with children and their families.

Danielle Starr, Esq.

Danielle is dedicated to serving the communities of Maine and Massachusetts through her firm Starr Family Law and her extensive volunteer efforts. She provides personalized and attentive representation to clients, focusing on a range of family law issues such as prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, divorce, paternity actions, and post-judgment modifications. Danielle aims to resolve cases amicably without court intervention but is also compassionate in guiding clients through the court process when necessary. A trained mediator and parenting coordinator, she actively practices family law in both states. While attending New England Law in Boston, Danielle gained valuable experience as a law clerk for the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court in Middlesex and Suffolk Counties, where she worked on complex family law, probate, and equity matters.

Whitney Lassas, Esq.

Whitney Lallas is an attorney at MillerAsen, a law firm in Portland, Maine, where she specializes in family law. She also acts as the Legislative Liaison for the Maine State Bar Association's Family Law Section and contributed to the 2020 supplement of A Practical Guide to Divorce in Maine, published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education New England. A graduate of the University of Maine School of Law in 2019, Whitney was active in law school as president of the Juvenile Law Society and Chairwoman of the Maine Association for Public Interest Law. She gained practical experience externing at the Portland District Court and serving as a Student Attorney in the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic, handling cases related to divorce, juvenile matters, and protection from abuse. Whitney received the Family, Juvenile, & Elder Law Award for her excellence in family law and was instrumental in drafting and supporting a legislative bill, An Act to Ease Financial Burdens for Juveniles Involved in the Justice System, which was enacted in 2019.

Karen MacDonald, LCSW

Karen MacDonald is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist located in Gorham, Maine, committed to fostering a non-judgmental environment where individuals can heal and grow. Her strengths-based practice utilizes various evidence-based approaches to empower clients, affirming their expertise over their own lives. Karen specializes in two main areas: supporting adolescents with co-occurring disorders and providing co-parenting coaching. She has a background in residential settings for teens and young adults affected by trauma, using motivational interviewing and authenticity to form therapeutic connections. As a trained mediator, she focuses on communication and conflict resolution to assist divorced or separated parents in creating respectful relationships. Karen holds an MSW from the University of Southern Maine School of Social Work and facilitates several programs at the Kids First Center, including First Step: Foundations in Co-Parenting, Next Step: Putting Conflict Aside, Intensive Co-Parenting Education Program (ICOPE), and Kids First for Kids!

Rebecca Herrigel

Rebecca Herrigel is the Manager of Partner Activation at Portland Hearts of Pine, Maine's newest professional soccer team. She holds a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Trinity College. With over ten years of experience in public affairs, Rebecca has successfully managed communications on complex issues to achieve client goals. Her expertise includes communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management. A passionate soccer player for 30 years, she advocates for the sport as inclusive for all ages and backgrounds. Rebecca aims to help establish a women's team in Portland. Originally from Atlanta, she lived in Washington, DC for a decade before moving to Portland, Maine in 2020 with her husband, daughter, and two cats.

Madelyn Farley

Madelyn Farley serves as a Staff Advisor on the Business and Technology Advisory Team at Baker Newman Noyes (BNN). She graduated with a degree in Business Management from the University of Southern Maine in May 2024 and is currently pursuing her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. A dedicated and passionate professional, Madelyn is committed to improving organizations and communities. She volunteers with Kids First, playing an integral role on the planning committee for the 2024 Kids First Benefit Auction & Concert. Additionally, she is involved in the BNN Women's Initiative Program, representing the firm at networking events and being nominated to give remarks at the 2024 MaineBiz Women to Watch Awards. Having experienced divorce herself as a child, Madelyn is deeply invested in the Kids First Center's mission to support families and children in similar situations.