Meet the Families Matter Inc Team
Our dedicated team members are the foundation of everything we do at Families Matter Inc. With many staff serving 10-20+ years, we’ve built a culture of consistency, compassion, and genuine care that creates lasting relationships and meaningful growth for every individual we serve.
Assistant Directors Leading with Heart
Our Assistant Directors bring years of experience in disability services, deep knowledge of their local communities, and unwavering commitment to person-centered support. Each location is led by professionals who understand that meaningful relationships are the foundation of quality programming.
Phone: 207-621-1023
Assistant Director - Hallowell
Jane Lerette
Jane Lerette serves as Program Director at Families Matter, Inc.’s Hallowell location, where she has been a cornerstone of the organization for over 22 years. In this role, Jane oversees daily program operations, leads a dedicated team of direct support professionals, and ensures that each individual receives personalized, goal-focused support.
Jane brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal understanding to her work, having grown up alongside a family friend with Down syndrome who shares her birthday. This early connection sparked her lifelong commitment to creating inclusive communities. A Hallowell resident and mother of two sons, Jane is known for her steady leadership and ability to find joy even in challenging moments.
“Every day at Families Matter reminds me why this work matters—it’s seeing someone master a new skill, make a friend, or simply light up when they walk through our doors,” says Jane. “This isn’t just a job; it’s being part of a family that genuinely cares for our members and each other. Even on the hard days, they can make you smile.”
Phone: 207-203-0004
Email: EricaP@FamiliesMatterInc.org
Assistant Director - Gardiner
Erica Poulin
Erica Poulin serves as Assistant Director of Families Matter, Inc.’s Gardiner location, where she has dedicated over 19 years to enhancing the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her passion lies in creating an honest and kind environment while enriching each individual’s life through community involvement and promoting independence.
Growing up in the South China area, Erica developed her love for the outdoors and has carried that spirit of adventure into her work. She lives with her husband Ben and their two children, ages 8 and 7, along with two dogs and a cat. As an active volunteer at her children’s school with field trips, PTO events, and outdoor learning activities, she brings the same community engagement to her professional role.
Erica’s connection to the disability community began early through her involvement with Special Olympics, where she has volunteered and coached since age 11. She continues this meaningful work through her career at Families Matter, always seeking new opportunities for growth and community involvement for the individuals she serves.
“I truly feel that my career here at Families Matter has been purposeful and inspirational on so many levels,” says Erica. “Our company name is more than just that—over the years it has been proven that they truly believe families really do Matter!
MPhone: 207-612-2992
Assistant Director - Skowhegan
Melinda King
Melinda King serves as Assistant Director of Families Matter, Inc.’s Skowhegan location, where she has dedicated 16 years to supporting 19 adults with intellectual disabilities in achieving their personal goals and community integration. Beginning her tenure as a Direct Support Professional, Melinda has grown within the organization while maintaining her hands-on commitment to person-centered care.
A lifelong Maine resident now living in Fairfield with her husband Thomas and their dog Jazzie, Melinda brings extensive credentials to her role as a certified Direct Support Professional, MHRT-1, Personal Support Specialist, and Behavioral Specialist. Prior to joining Families Matter, she gained eight years of experience at Care and Comfort, building a solid foundation in disability services.
Melinda’s close connections with her large Maine family reflect the same commitment to relationships that she brings to her work. She finds deep satisfaction in watching the individuals she serves achieve their goals and discover new opportunities within their communities.
“Working for Families Matter has been a great joy in my life,” says Melinda. “The individuals we serve are amazing people, and it’s so satisfying to watch them achieve their goals and help them find more opportunities in the community.”
Phone: 207-616-3284
Assistant Director - Waterville
Debra Wells
Debra Wells serves as Assistant Director of Families Matter, Inc.’s Waterville location, where she has dedicated 15 years to the organization while bringing 22 years of total management experience in developmental services to her role. She oversees program quality, ensures regulatory compliance, and mentors direct care staff while maintaining a person-centered approach to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With an associate degree in social services and specialized certifications in developmental and behavioral health, Debra has built her career on a foundation of continuous learning and advocacy. Throughout her tenure in central Maine, she has successfully managed both residential group homes and educational day programs, always balancing operational efficiency with compassionate care.
“What drives me every day is knowing that we’re not just providing a service—we’re creating a place where people truly belong and thrive,” says Debra. “At Families Matter, I’ve witnessed countless individuals discover their own strengths and build meaningful lives in their communities. That’s the kind of impact that makes 22 years feel like just the beginning.”
Supporting Our Mission Together
Team Members Across All Locations
While our Assistant Directors lead each location, our success depends on dedicated team members in multiple roles:
Phone: 207-621-1024
Email: SarahM@FamiliesMatterInc.org
Community Engagement Director
Sarah McNaughton
Sarah McNaughton serves as Community Engagement Director at Families Matter, Inc., where she has dedicated 12 years to overseeing finances and employee engagement while building meaningful relationships with clients and staff. Her role combines financial oversight with a personal touch that reflects Families Matter’s family-centered approach to both client care and employee support.
Sarah brings a strong commitment to community service, demonstrated through her leadership roles on the RSU 2 School Board, Hall-Dale High School Parent Association, Little League and Farm League Board of Directors, and the Summer Recreation Board. She also served as President of the Young Women’s organization at her church, reflecting her dedication to service across multiple community organizations.
In addition to her work at Families Matter, Sarah owns a boutique catering business that blends her passion for creativity, community, and connection. As a proud mother of four adult children and grandmother to four grandchildren, she understands the importance of family support systems that Families Matter provides to the individuals and families they serve.
Sarah’s diverse experience in community leadership, combined with her commitment to relationship-building, strengthens Families Matter’s mission of creating meaningful connections and supporting individual growth.
Phone: 207-621-1024
Administrative Assistant
Barbara Allen
Barbara Allen serves as Administrative Assistant at Families Matter, Inc., where she joined the team in 2023, bringing over three decades of extensive office experience from both the healthcare and public sectors. She manages essential operations, including payroll, billing, service authorizations, and documentation, ensuring smooth administrative functions that support quality care delivery.
Barbara holds DSP and CPR certifications and occasionally provides direct support to programs, demonstrating her versatility and hands-on commitment to Families Matter’s mission. Her comprehensive background in healthcare administration provides valuable expertise in navigating the complex requirements of disability services.
An Augusta resident, Barbara has been married to her husband, Tom, for 37 years and is a proud mother to four adult sons, a grandmother to five, and a great-grandmother to one. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her large family, playing board games and cards, reading, and riding her Harley—showing that adventure has no age limit.
Barbara’s blend of administrative expertise, direct care credentials, and strong family values aligns perfectly with Families Matter’s commitment to treating every individual with dignity while supporting both staff and the families they serve.
Fleet Manager
George "Chummy" Dawbin
Providing 16 years of service. Hands down, everyone’s favorite employee.
Q&A Specialist
Jeremy Morang
Providing 15 years of service.
What Makes Our Team Special
1. Longevity and Stability:
Our team culture is built on deep, lasting relationships. With many staff members dedicating 15-20+ years to Families Matter Inc, we’ve created an environment where consistency and genuine connections flourish.
2. Family-Style Community:
At Families Matter Inc, we’ve cultivated more than just a workplace—we’ve built a true family. Our Assistant Directors and staff form deep bonds not only with the individuals they support but with each other, creating a caring community where everyone belongs. This family atmosphere is reflected in our exceptionally low turnover and the way team members support one another through both challenges and celebrations.
3. Recognition and Investment in Our People:
We believe that exceptional care starts with exceptional support for our team. Our management actively invests in employee success, providing recognition, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth that set us apart from other organizations in Maine. When our staff feel valued and supported, that positive energy extends directly to the individuals we serve.
- Ready to Make a Difference?
At Families Matter Inc, we're always looking for compassionate, dedicated individuals who want to be part of something meaningful.
Whether you're experienced in disability services or new to the field, we provide the support you need to succeed
in our family-centered environment.
Visit our Careers page to view current openings and learn about our application process.