Board of Directors

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

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

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.

Regina Wu Fundraising Chair & Mentor-Primary care physician with a deep commitment to community, especially youth development and food access. Wu was first became involved with Dreamfar when her daughter joined the program four years ago and was inspired by its mission: helping teens set bold goals, show up for the hard work, and with the help of a supportive community achieve something they never thought possible. She shares “I especially love how inclusive Dreamfar is: any teen can participate, regardless of running experience or financial means, thanks to race fee coverage and other support. I joined the board because I believe in that mission.” She also serves on the board of Food For Free, and remain actively involved in efforts to fight food insecurity.

Cindy Hayne
Pathologist, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Liz Loveless-Bialecki, LMHC
Child and Adolescent Therapist