Our Board

President

Lauren Murray Soverino brings her experience teaching Elementary Special Education, being a mom to Finley, and her 9 years spent working with S.T.A.R. to her current role as President. With a passion for early childhood education and special education advocacy, Lauren has been instrumental in fundraising, community outreach, program development, and new initiatives. She staffs a variety of S.T.A.R. programs including Sensory Art, Tennis, Chopped, Adventure Pods, and Wheelers. Her favorite thing about being a part of Nantucket S.T.A.R is having an opportunity to experience Nantucket's opportunities for exploration and beauty through the eyes of S.T.A.R. participants. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary/Special Education and a Master's degree in Reading and Literacy Education both from Saint Joseph's University. She owns Murray's Toggery Shop and is an active member of the Nantucket Cottage Hospital Advisory Council and the Addiction Solutions Nantucket Board of Directors. 

Vice president

Treasurer

Mandy has been a financial associate/bookkeeper on Nantucket for over 10 years.

Originally from coastal NC, she moved here with her husband Jon and two children 

Abby, a sophomore at University of Rhode Island and Lily who attends NHS and is special needs. Mandy enjoys walking her dog Holly and spending time with her family.

Secretary

Karyn Gello came to be on the board of directors 10 years ago while working as a Special Education Teacher at the Nantucket High School.  She has been serving as Secretary for the past year. Passionate about Nantucket S.T.A.R. since its inception 20 plus years ago, she was honored to join the board and be a part of program development and implementation and working as a volunteer when able to.  One of the things she loves most is seeing the participants grow up both over time as well as the course of a program.  

Karyn has resided on Nantucket for the past 26 years during which time her 3 daughters attended the Nantucket Public Schools, went to college and are now young adults pursuing careers in various parts of the country.   She has a Masters Degree in Special Education as well as Public Health and is currently retired after having 2 well-loved careers–the first in Health Care Administration and the second in Special Education.  

Director

Casey Cordone has supported Nantucket S.T.A.R. as a board member for the past 2 years, following several years of dedicated volunteering.  She currently works as a Special Education teacher at CPS. She is passionate about fostering inclusive opportunities for all individuals while creating meaningful relationships within the community.  Casey believes every individual’s unique qualities should be recognized, respected and celebrated.

Director

Director

Jaimie Collum comes to the S.T.A.R Board with a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to the youth of Nantucket. As a current special education teacher at Nantucket Elementary School and S.T.A.R staff member for the last 10 years, Jaimie has had an active role in the lives of the many children that have come through the S.T.A.R program and our school district. Jaimie is passionate about all of our programming, but STARS on Ice holds a special piece of her heart. It was during her first year volunteering at skating that she was known as the “teacher who can’t stop”, which many of our kids related to and found funny. Watersports is the next best thing, introducing kids to the water in a safe and nurturing environment is so important for our Island Community.  Every year Jaimie looks forward to introducing our newest and youngest members at school to the S.T.A.R programs. Not only expanding each child’s ability to access new activities but hopefully building new skills and confidence. 

Director

Katy Perales has supported Nantucket S.T.A.R. as a board and  staff member for the past 16 years. She currently works for the Town of Nantucket in the Tax Collectors Office.  She became involved with S.T.AR. while teaching at the Nantucket Public School as a special education teacher.  Katy is passionate about programming and offering as many options for activities for individuals with differences on Nantucket.  

Director

Kristen is a 22 year Nantucket resident along with her husband Dave, two daughters Emily (20) and Sarah (17) and their dog Jack. Kristen has been with S.T.A.R. for 16 years both serving as treasurer and on our board of directors. Kristen is active in our community working with Swim Across America, Nantucket Aquatics and Friends of Nantucket Public Schools.  Kristen has helped lead STAR fundraisers (ex.Touch a Truck, Gala) hiring committee, all while volunteering for programming. Kristen loves watching kids of all abilities thrive, gain confidence, make new friends and find joy in all that they do. 

Director

Director

I have supported Nantucket S.T.A.R. as a board member for 2 years.  I have lived on Nantucket for 30 years as an active community member and owner of an interior design firm. I first became connected with STAR when our son became involved in the programming at 2.5 years. He is now 12 and still an active participant. I am honored to be an apart of this amazing board giving back to the visiting families and year round community to richen grown on island. I am a business owner and enjoy brainstorming new ideas on how to get organizations and concepts to grow. I also have first hand experience of having a child participating in the programming. I love giving back to the place I love and call home. I love seeing ideas grow, especially when it comes to our awesome Nantucket STAR kids! I love the beach, spending with family, painting and playing tennis. 

Executive Director

Eliza Steadman brings her experience teaching High School Special Education and involvement as a high school volunteer with S.T.A.R. to her current role as Executive Director. Eliza is passionate about inclusion and accessibility while continuing to create strong community relationships that were so vital to her own childhood experience here on Nantucket. Eliza's first S.T.A.R. experience was in the pool for our swimming program, in addition to her Director duties Eliza is an active staff member in Water Sports, Adventure Pod's and Beach Buddies. Her favorite thing about S.T.A.R. is watching participants gain new confidence and skills and helping families make connections with our vibrant Nantucket Community. Eliza holds a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education concentrating in English and a Master's degree in Special Education both from Endicott College. She is avid cook, bookworm and can also be found working at Ethos Nantucket and Bookworks.