Senior Staff
Executive Director
Michelle Persson Reilly
Michelle began at DCH as the Executive Director in May 2007. She graduated from Smith College with a B.A. in American Studies and a minor in Economics. In 2001 she earned a Masters in City Planning with a concentration in Housing, Communities and Economic Development from MIT. Michelle has held a variety of positions in nonprofit organizations ranging from direct service, legislative advocacy, fundraising, event planning and program management. She was thrilled to bring this experience to an organization she cared so much about in her own community. Michelle resides in Dedham with her husband and three children.
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Preschool Director
Katrina Tober
Katrina A. Tober grew up in the Midwest but her family roots are here in Dedham. She received her B.A. in History from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 1994. She moved to the Boston area after college to pursue a career in teaching and received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University. Katrina had over 17 years of experience teaching and directing in preschools in Belmont, Brookline and Weston, as well as in Providence, Rhode Island before joining DCH in June 2013. She also serves on the board of a nonprofit day camp located on the coast of Maine. Katrina and her husband Ben live in Dedham with their son.
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Preschool Assistant Director
Jeanne Akasten
Jeanne grew up in Auburn, Massachusetts and has lived in the Boston area since graduating from college. She received her B.A. in Sociology from Framingham State University. After 10 years in retail management, Jeanne decided to follow her dream of becoming a teacher and returned to school. She received her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University in 1999. Jeanne spent 13 years as Assistant Director/Lead Teacher at a school in Cambridge, MA before coming to DCH. Jeanne currently lives in West Roxbury.
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