Staff & Board of Directors

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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Assistant Director

Joshua Walther

Joshua Walther graduated from Bridgewater State College where he received his B.S. in Physical Education and Recreation Management. He also holds a  Masters in Public Administration degree from Suffolk University. Josh came back to DCH as the Program Director in June 2008, but his history with the organization began much earlier. As a Dedham native, Josh attended DCH Summer Camp as a child and then began working as a DCH Camp Counselor after he graduated from Dedham High School in 1993. After graduating from BSC, he began a 10 year stint at the YMCA of Greater Boston where he ran after school programs and summer camps in Dedham (including 2 years at DCH), Canton and Walpole before moving on to member operations at YMCAs in Roxbury and Dorchester. Josh was promoted to Assistant Director at DCH in July 2012. Josh is an Eagle Scout and brother of the Sigma Tau Gamma national fraternity. Josh and his wife reside in Walpole with their two sons.

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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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