Karen H. Carpenter, Executive Director
Karen brings extensive experience in marketing, program management, and resource development ­ in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors ­ to her position as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Children’s Trust Fund. She received her BA from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, her MA in Human Behavior from United State International University in San Diego, and most recently the JD Degree from the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover, Massachusetts. A former teacher, Karen has held leadership positions in fund raising, social services management, and financial services. She has also served as a director of numerous nonprofit organizations. As Campaign Chair for Merrimack Valley United Way, Karen led a record setting fund drive in 1989. She also served as Board Chair for Merrimack Valley United Way, and founded the successful Leadership Giving initiative for this organization. She helped establish a community foundation in Lowell, Massachusetts, and, as a trustee of the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, has had over twenty years experience in grantmaking and community-based philanthropy. Karen resides in Concord, and has two grown daughters, a granddaughter, and two grandsons.

“There are many important reasons we must all work together to keep children safe and families strong in New Hampshire. Foremost among them perhaps is the huge social, psychological, and economic cost our communities pay tomorrow when we allow child abuse and neglect to occur today. It is our collective challenge -- as concerned and committed adults -- to ensure that all of New Hampshire’s children have the opportunity to embrace their future with enthusiasm and confidence.”

Diane Hastings, Special Projects Director

Diane Hastings is responsible for resources for new initiatives and special events. She comes from The Children’s Place and Parent Education Center (TCP) in Concord where she served in various leadership roles for over nine years, including two terms as board president and most recently as their Executive Director. Diane led during an exciting time of great change and growth, including purchasing TCP’s first permanent home. Diane brings skills in fund raising, grant writing, developing and strengthening collaborations, and in-depth knowledge of parenting programs to the NHCTF. A graduate of Leadership Greater Concord class of 2005, Diane is past chair of Concord Children’s Initiative, past treasurer of Family Support New Hampshire and currently serves on the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Partnership Committee. Diane chairs an Environmental Stewardship Committee at St. Theresa Parish in Henniker and is involved in moving NHCTF toward a more environmentally responsible organization. Diane has a Masters degree from Murray State University and lives in Contoocook with her daughter, two sons, and husband, George.

“I came to work in the nonprofit world of strengthening families not through my education, which is in the area of geosciences, but from my involvement as a parent at a family resource center.  Discovering The Children’s Place and Parent Education Center (TCP) when my oldest child was a two month old infant was a godsend!  I remember those feelings of isolation and inadequacy as a new parent, and the total immersion into the world of parenting where I felt like I was a stranger!  Through TCP, my family made connections and lifelong friendships.  I felt supported and strengthened as a parent and I was able to give back to the community as I became immersed in my new “neighborhood” of support.  I firmly believe that family resource centers and family support programs should be a part of the fabric of every community. Universal access is key to strengthening all families.”

Karen Ryan, Program Director

Julie Day, Parent Advocacy Director

Julie is responsible for the Families are Primary campaign  which seeks to educate parents on local, state, and national issues.  Families are Primary also focuses on educating parents about how, when, and where to vote with a large emphasis on WHY parents should vote.  Julie was an active member of The Children’s Place and Parent Education Center in Concord for many years.  She began as a consumer, with 3 small children, in need of help and support and later became a volunteer with the position of Vice President of Fundraising.  Julie has also served as a parent representative on the Family Support New Hampshire Board of Directors.  She has a Bachelors Degree in Human Services from Springfield College and lives in Bow with her husband, Andrew, and their three beautiful children.

"I am very excited about the work I am doing.  I feel like anytime you can enhance someone’s life you have done something worthwhile. I feel the best way to help our children is to empower our parents.  Some parents do not feel their voices or input are important.  Let’s show them how they can be heard.”   

Trish Mernin, Administrative Assistant

Trish Mernin is responsible for office management, grant coordination, special events, meetings, newsletter mailings, and database development.   Trish comes from PlusTime NH where she spent three years providing consulting and technical assistance to after-school programs throughout New Hampshire.   Areas of training and technical assistance included:  grant research and writing, curriculum development, budget development/analysis, data collection and program evaluation.  Trish is also a trained facilitator with The Finance Project’s Sustainability Planning series.  She received her BA in Human Services from Franklin Pierce College.  Trish lives in Concord with her two children, Jimmy and Catherine.