Franklin Park Coalition Staff Members

Christine Poff has served as Executive Director of FPC for almost five years and lives several blocks from the Egleston Square side of the park with her husband and two sons. She came to the organization as a park user who loves the feeling of deep woods in the middle of the city and the music and food of the Caribbean Carnival. Previously Christine worked for a community health center in Dorchester and ran a battered woman’s program in Brooklyn, NY where she lived for many years (next to Prospect Park – another Frederick Law Olmsted masterpiece). Christine has a master’s degree in community organizing from Hunter College in New York.

Lanae Handy oversees the Woodlands Restoration Campaign and is a longtime Roxbury resident. Her husband and daughter often accompany her to park activities and events. She previously ran the South End Lower Roxbury Land Trust and has a master’s degree in urban planning from MIT. Lanae brings to FPC her experience developing environmental education curriculum for young people, advocating with city officials, and managing capital improvement contracts.

Donere Williams manages the FPC office at Lena Park CDC on American Legion Highway. She assists with FPC programs and leads a weekly walk group in the park. Donere grew up and currently lives in Dorchester near Codman Square. She and her extended family are lifelong Franklin Park users. Donere has a five year old daughter who has just started kindergarten. Donere formerly helped lead the Boston Urban Stewards, an environmental youth program that often used Franklin Park as a field site.

Elizabeth "Liz" Kaigler is FPC's most recent staff addition. Liz coordinates the Coalition's youth, volunteer, and community outreach activities. She has a B.A. from Spelman College and an M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University. Liz lives and grew up in Mattapan, using the park with her family. Liz has worked with young people in classroom and museum settings. She previously coordinated all community and educational outreach for the BODIES traveling exhibit.

Patsy Williams lives in Dorchester just two blocks from the park. She leads the effort to restore the Wales Street Entrance and Mother’s Rest, a neglected sitting area near the Blue Hill Avenue and American Legion Highway corner of the park. Patsy is a park loop walker, is passionate about the park, and enjoys getting the word out about park events, especially the Playhouse in the Park. Her two teenage daughters often help with outreach.

Herb Jackson lives in Grove Hall and ran one of the 2007 Summer Youth Crews for FPC. A minister, musician, and youthworker, Herb returns often to help with volunteer and other activities in the park. Herb and his group, Planet Patrol, performed at the Playhouse in the Park and had everyone up rocking! Herb’s sons often joined in Drop-in Youth Sports Nights on summer evenings in the park to play flag football.