Aaron’s story
Aaron Makaio Schneider was born on June 19, 2013 at 25 ½ weeks of gestation and lived 8 ½ days in two Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in Boston, Massachusetts. In this short time, he touched the lives of many people without uttering a word, but by demonstrating his strength of spirit, his will to live, his ability to elicit love and compassion, and the fragility of human life.
Aaron inspired his parents to honor his life by enabling young children to tap into their innate idealism, kindness and compassion and, by coupling these with their diverse talents and creativity, to achieve tangible results benefiting their families, neighborhoods and larger communities, and themselves.
Aaron’s parents wanted to find a way to encourage children from an early age to regard themselves as members of a community, with the ability and responsibility to contribute, help and problem-solve, to think of others’ needs alongside their own, and to create meaningful connections between themselves and other human beings. Seeing children acting in thoughtful, generous and selfless ways while having fun has brought his family a great deal of joy and healing.
Meet the AP Staff and Board!
Founder & Executive Director
Leah Okimoto
Leah Okimoto started Aaron’s Presents in January 2014 as a way to honor the memory of her son. At other phases of her life, she has composed music for musical theatre, run a legal recruiting firm, tutored and mentored kids, and volunteered at homeless shelters, hospitals, schools and meal kitchens. She graduated from Harvard University in 1998 and currently lives on the campus of Phillips Academy in Andover, MA with her husband and two daughters.
Program Director
Lianna Reyes
Lianna graduated from Emmanuel College in 2021 with a degree in Psychology. She became Aaron’s Presents’ first full-time Program Director in June 2022 after serving as an AP Mentor. Lianna grew up and now resides in Lawrence.
“I truly believe that the youth just want to be heard, seen and respected for who they are and who they want to be. If we poured into the youth and young adults in our communities more, I know we’d have a more loving, less distressed world. Our kids (AP and beyond) have so much love to give and I want to help them spread the love in the ways they see fit whether it’s through big or small project ideas.”
Tim Sokhoeun
Mentor
Tim works for the TeenBlock Program at LCHC in Lowell as a youth mentor and lead teacher of urban choreography. Tim grew up in Lowell, MA.
"I love seeing the exchange of smiles between our mentees and community members whenever we do a project; it’s genuine… it’s deep.”
Monica Veth
Mentor
Monica has worked for the TeenBlock Program at the Lowell Community Health Center for 14 years, leading after-school health-related programs for teens. She grew up in Lowell, MA.
“I love being an AP Mentor because being alongside the kids and seeing them engaging in meaningful projects and making a positive impact brings me joy.”
Brenda Hernandez
Mentor and Alumna
Brenda is an Aaron’s Presents Alumna and joined in 8th grade. She is currently a junior at UMass Lowell majoring in Business Management. Brenda grew up in Lawrence, MA and now resides in Lowell, MA.
“I work for AP because of the students that are part of the program. They all have kindness to give to the world and I’m glad I get to be a part of that.”
Vivian Phonesoukseum
Mentor and Alumna
Vivian is an Aaron’s Presents Alumna and joined in 6th grade. She is currently a senior at UMass Lowell majoring in Engineering. Vivian grew up and resides in Lowell, MA.
“I work for AP because I want to inspire the youth to experience the direct impact of their actions on others and to help them see that there is good in the world.”
Andy Herrera
Mentor and Alumnus
Andy was born and raised in East Boston and Lawrence, MA and is currently working at Dick’s Sporting Goods. He is entering a Auto Tech program in the fall.
“In middle school, I was doing projects with Mrs. Leah, now I wanted to return and help out by being a mentor. Best decision!”
Ordens Noisette
Mentor
Ordens has worked in various positions, including as a translator and swim teacher and also has a 3-year-old daughter. He is very passionate about youth mentorship and grew up in Lowell and resides in North Chelmsford, MA.
“I work for AP because a small help or change can have a big impact on someone's future.”
Niomi Martinez
Mentor and Alumna
Niomi is an Aaron’s Presents Alumna and joined in 8th grade at the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club. She is currently a college student majoring in Integrated Product Design. Niomi grew up and resides in Methuen, MA.
“I work for AP because I love to help kids execute their plans on helping the community and see the direct impact being kind can have.”
Channel Hernandez
Mentor and Alumna
Channel is an Aaron’s Presents Alumna who joined in 8th grade. She graduated from Andover High School and is expecting to complete her BS in Criminal Justice at NECC in 2023.
“I work at Aaron’s Presents to give back to the community that gave me so much by taking a chance.”
Sheila “Shay” Suarez
Mentor
Sheila is currently a Paraprofessional at Lawrence High School. Sheila grew up and resides in Lawrence, MA.
“I decided to join Aaron’s presents because I love their mission. Helping youth execute community service projects not only motivates me to give back to our community but heals my inner childhood when seeing youth extend a helping hand.”
Hanna Reagan
Social Media Assistant/Mentor and Alumna
Hanna is an Aaron’s Presents Alumna and joined in 6th grade. She graduated from Central Catholic High school in 2021 and is currently a sophomore at UMass Lowell majoring in Digital Media and Marketing. She is also assisting AP with graphic design and social media initiatives. Hanna grew up and resides in Methuen, MA.
“I work for AP because seeing kids realize they can make a difference is so rewarding. AP kids make a difference every day and I have the privilege to watch it happen.”
Scarlett Demarin
Finance/Data Assistant
Scarlett attended Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School in Lawrence and then graduated from Middlesex Community College in Lowell with a major in Business Administration. She has 8 years experience as an administrative assistant, which she loves doing because she gets to play a part in helping a business/organization run smoothly.
“I work for AP because I love playing a part in accomplishing daily tasks that drive us to meet our goals so the organization can thrive and be the best it can be!”
Maria Blewitt
Interim Board Chair
Maria is a wife, mother, and retired middle and high school science teacher. She holds an Ed.D. in Science Education from UMass Lowell. Maria spent her early career working in science labs and transitioned to science teaching later. As a mother and a teacher, she believes in the importance of children having their own ideas and carrying them through to fruition. Aaron’s Presents empowers children to do just that, and to do so in a way that benefits their community. Maria looks forward to being a part of the Aaron’s Presents mission.
“I love the mission of Aaron’s Presents. I want every person to realize how special they are and how important they are to the world. AP makes a difference to both the community and the individual students.”
Aldonsa Pereyra
Board Vice Chair
“I feel honored and grateful to participate as a board member. It gives me a chance to contribute to the development and progress of communities I live in and care so much about. I believe that by creating access, empowerment, and communities of care, most of what hurts in society can be prevented. Aaron's short but meaningful life left a lasting impact on so many beautiful young people. Participants, board members, donors and friends of Aaron’s Presents can continue to contribute and amplify Aaron’s access and support in all communities that need access and sharing of meaningful moments that help shape and create a kinder more equitable future.”
Kristin Naylor
Board Clerk
Kristin is the Principal Information Security Governance Analyst for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston where she leads the Bank’s information security awareness and privacy training, identity and access management, vendor security due diligence, and physical security programs. Kristin is a graduate of Boston College and has kept the school’s teachings of “men and women for others” close to heart as she serves her local communities. Joining Aaron’s Presents’ Board of Directors in 2022, Kristin is excited to help children discover and develop their unique talents and voices as they give to the world around them.
“I joined AP because of the unique opportunity it gives kids to trust their vision and lead. Their care and thoughtfulness is infectious.”
Randi Sterrn
Board Treasurer
Randi is a retired actuary who spent over 35 years in the insurance industry. Randi spent the majority of her career at John Hancock/Manulife and Sun Life where she played many roles for these companies. She actively built new products and businesses as well as led financial reporting, risk and audit departments. In addition to serving on the Board of Aaron’s Presents, Randi volunteers her time as a tax counselor for AARP, an event planner for the Youth Advocacy Foundation, a mentor for other women, and a member of the Audit Committee for her town. As Randi’s goal for retirement is to give back to the community, and Aaron’s Presents is teaching kids how to give back to the community, Randi sees this as the perfect collaboration.
“Empowering kids to make a difference is key to their development and their future. Aaron’s Presents gives kids this opportunity and sets them on a path of service for the future. Kids are our future and Aaron’s Presents helps them to develop skills that will help them now and in the future.”
Connor Clancy
Director
Connor Clancy leads the Value Consulting group at Workday, a technology company that provides Finance and HR software to customers around the globe. Prior to Workday, Connor worked in PwC's M&A Advisory practice. Connor received his B.A. in Economics and Human Development from Colby College and his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. Connor resides in Cambridge, MA with his partner Sarah and son Graham. In addition to serving on the Board for Aaron’s Presents, Connor also is a member of United Way of Massachusetts' Emerging Leaders Board and leads the strategic planning committee for the City of Cambridge's Civic Unity Committee. Connor is passionate about the mission of Aaron's Presents having grown up in Andover and believes deeply in empowering our youth.
“I am passionate about the mission of Aaron's Presents having grown up in Andover. I believe so deeply in the importance of empowering our youth to think big and gain empathetic skills. AP's model of kid-led projects is unique. “Leave it better than you found it” embodies how I think about life - AP kids live this out every day!”
Toyin Oloyede
Director
“I love being a part of AP because of the great impact it has had not only on the youth but the community at large. AP inspires children to make a positive impact on the people living in their community by giving back through their ideas and projects they do that have changed and improved the lives of many people. What I love most about AP is the impact it is having on the children carrying out these projects. They are learning life skills like communication skills, problem-solving skills, self-awareness skills, and self-confidence. AP is well structured in that the children over the years have enjoyed endless mentorship and an environment of love and compassion.”
Jegan Candassamy
Director
Jegan is a Software Development Manager at Google in Reston,VA. Prior to joining Google, he has been in the Greater Boston area for more than 20 years, held various leadership roles with Neurable, NantHealth and Partners Healthcare developing Healthcare, e-commerce and Brain-Computer interface applications and products. He is a strong believer in the power of collective action. I believe that when people come together to work towards a common goal, they can make a real difference in the world.
“I believe that when people come together to work towards a common goal and for a good cause, they can make a real difference in the world.”
TJ Keough
Director
Timothy Keough is an attorney with White and Williams LLP. He splits his time between the firm’s Boston and Providence offices. Tim’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation where he represents product manufacturers, distributors, retailers, banks, construction companies, premises owners, and insurers of all sizes in the defense of lawsuits brought in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In addition to serving on the Board for Aaron’s Presents, Tim also represents individuals seeking asylum in the United States. In his spare time, he is an avid disc golfer.
“AP’s youth-focused program is inspiring in that it creates an entire cycle of good: by investing in our youth it directly and indirectly benefits the kids and the community where our kids live.”
Chelsey Ntoro
Director
My name is Chelsey Ntoro, and I am a second-year health science major at Northeastern University. I chose this major because it deals with issues in health administration, community-based health promotion, and public health. These topics are important because they allow me to be in close proximity to the socioeconomic disparities that are currently plaguing our society. Aaron’s Presents was my introduction to community service as a 6th grader at the Lowell Community Charter Public School. This organization helped me begin to understand a world that existed beyond myself, and urged me to think critically about how I would contribute to it. I chose to be on the board because I want to help children see the value in themselves and their gifts and because I truly believe in the amazing work that Aaron’s Presents does.
“Aaron’s Presents was my introduction to community service as a 6th grader at the Lowell Community Charter Public School. This organization helped me begin to understand a world that existed beyond myself and urged me to think critically about how I would contribute to it. I chose to be on the board because I want to help children see the value in themselves and their gifts and because I truly believe in the amazing work that Aaron’s Presents does.”
Jessica Reed-O'Neil and Zachary O'Neil
Directors
Zach O’Neil and Jessica Reed-O’Neil became involved with Aaron’s Presents after taking some AP youth on a school clothes shopping trip. They were drawn to Leah’s spirit and Aaron’s Presents mission and joined the board as a result. Zach and Jessica have a deep calling to philanthropic endeavors. Whether that be sponsoring a Water Well project in an isolated village in Malawi, volunteering in Haiti, or supporting local families in the surrounding areas. Zach works as a Healthcare IT consultant while Jessica coaches high school cheerleading.