Meet the Team

Maura Ackerman

Maura Ackerman, Child Nutrition Outreach Program Director

Maura is the Assistant Director of Programs for Project Bread and the Child Nutrition Outreach Program Director. She holds a dual-Master’s degree from Tufts University—a Master of Public Health in Community Health and Nutrition and a Master of Science in Nutrition. She previously worked at the Boston Public Health Commission, Bowdoin Street Health Center, and Groundwork Somerville. Through her past and present work, Maura has developed a deep commitment to building partnerships that bridge the government, healthcare, education, and non-profit sectors, recognizing that each plays a critical role in building strong, equitable communities by increasing access to healthy food. In her spare time, Maura loves to spend time adventuring in the outdoors with her husband, daughter, and the family dog.

Contact: maura_ackerman@projectbread.org; 617-239-2576

Miriam Avila

Miriam Avila, Administrative Associate

Miriam graduated from Emerson College with a degree in Writing, Literature, and Publishing. Before joining CNOP, she worked on various environmental and social change campaigns with the Public Interest Network's communication team. When she's not working, she enjoys learning new recipes and trying to read through the enormous stack of books on her to-read list.

Contact: miriam_avila@projectbread.org; 617-239-2539

Rosemarie Caward, Central and Western Massachusetts Outreach Coordinator

Rosemarie Caward, Central and Western Massachusetts Outreach Coordinator

Rosemarie is the Central and Western Massachusetts Outreach Coordinator for CNOP. Rosemarie began her work with federal child nutrition programs as part of the National Anti-Hunger and Opportunity Corps in Philadelphia. She  holds an Master’s degree from Brandeis University in Sustainable International Development. After serving in Botswana through Peace Corps, as well as serving communities in Bolivia, Mexico, and Liberia, she is delighted to invest in communities and support critical programs here in the states. In her free time, Rosemarie enjoys cycling and exploring the New England wilderness.

Contact: rosemarie_caward@projectbread.org; 617-239-2573.

Leran Minc, North Shore Outreach Coordinator and Special Projects Coordinator

Leran Minc, North Shore Outreach Coordinator, Special Projects Coordinator

Leran is the North Shore Outreach Coordinator and Special Projects Coordinator for CNOP. He earned his Bachelor's in Government & Policy from the University of Texas-Austin, and his Master's in International Development from American University. Before joining CNOP, he was an organizer and leader in the anti-genocide movement, particularly with STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition in Washington, DC. He has also worked as a kitchen manager, food trucker and a grocery & produce buyer. In his spare time, he dreams of opening a seasonally-inspired pizza or ice cream shoppe.

Contact: leran_minc@projectbread.org; 617-239-2510