Board of Directors

David Persampieri
Board Chair & Mentor-V.P. Charles River Associates

Dave began running and mentoring with Dreamfar in 2018 and was immediately hooked. He joined the Board in 2020 as Treasurer and has served as the chair since 2022. As a lifelong runner who had always sworn he would never run a marathon, Dave has come to embrace the joy of long runs while mentoring students as they work to achieve their goals. 

Ethan Peritz
Vice Board Chair & Mentor — Teacher of mathematics, computer science, and statistics at Newton North High School

Ethan been involved with Dreamfar for over a decade, and describes the role as being one of the best aspects of his job, sitting at the intersection of education, identity, and growth. It is his hope to convince all young people of their own greatness - that they can do hard things when they set their mind to it and when supported by caring adults. Each student who has gone through at least one year of Dreamfar has emerged more confident, more empowered, and more self-aware (he has too!). When he’s not teaching or running, you can find him underwater, high up in the mountains, or relaxing with coffee, a book, his dog Coco, and/or a crossword puzzle.  

Andrew Spear
Board Treasurer & Mentor —Business Teacher, Newton North High School

Andy is a second-year Dreamfar mentor and brings a passion for education, mentorship, and fitness. Andy spent 10 years as a “Little” and 6 years as a “Big” in the Big Brother Big Sister organization. In both capacities, he learned the importance of having a strong role model to help guide children through life’s learning opportunities. As a life-long runner, he appreciates the mental and physical benefits of completing long runs, and therefore, he is excited to help guide the program’s growth and ensure that every student has the mentorship and community-based encouragement needed to cross the finish line. Andy loves spending time with family, walking his dog, Bailey, and cooking!

Koen Pauwels
Board Secretary & Mentor— Associate Dean of Research and Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University and founding General Director of its Digital, Analytics, Technology and Automation (DATA) Initiative.