Administration

Rita Lara, Ed.M.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Rita has 30 years of local and global nonprofit sector experience and in her ninth year, has managed Maverick Landing Community Services (MLCS) through a pandemic, distributing over 500 thousand pounds of food to East Boston in 2020 and working with cross sectoral partners to launch East Boston's first housing support station. She has been twice recognized for her work by the city of Boston with a 2020 Boston Community Champion award through the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement and an Extraordinary Woman award from the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement in 2023. She was also recognized with a housing advocate award from Eastern Bank in 2023. Prior to coming to MLCS she served as Director of Philanthropic Partnerships for Corporate Accountability International, an advocacy organization that safeguards human rights and the environment. Locally, she has worked with several Boston organizations serving Latinx communities. Rita has an Ed.M. in Human Development & Psychology with a concentration in Risk and Prevention from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Tufts University.

    Rita serves on the board of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay.

Maxwell Chezem

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Max grew up in Indiana as the son of a professor of nutrition and a professor of chemistry. He moved to Boston in 2012 to study biology and has worked since then on issues of food and education in the Boston area. He holds a Bachelor of Science in both Biology and Computer Science. Max began working on food access in East Boston in 2021 through work with Eastie Farm, handling both grant applications and program operations. In 2023 he began working with MLCS to manage food distribution and expand food programming to respond to community needs.

    In his current role, Max administers MLCS databases, manages community partnerships, and leads program development. He also leads community-focused food and digital literacy programming, including the annual Thanksgiving turkey distribution.

Iris Tan

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

  • Iris Tan is excited to contribute her expertise to MLCS' creative community work to improve more lives. She is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience in fundraising, business development, and marketing communications. Her accomplishments include raising over $30 million during her leadership roles at National Kidney Foundation, Asian CDC, and Fenway CDC. She partners with nonprofits and businesses to drive sustainable growth through strategic planning, creative storytelling, and strong stakeholder engagement.

    Iris has led comprehensive fundraising programs including grants, events, corporate and institutional giving, major gifts, annual fund, capital campaign, and public-private partnerships. Her leadership experience spans healthcare, affordable housing, education and workforce development, human services, and community development.

    She earned her MBA from Hult International Business School. Iris holds a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Marketing and Management from Murdoch University in Australia. Her continued professional development includes an Entrepreneurship Essentials certificate from Harvard Business School and specialized certificates in Digital Marketing, AI, Automation, Analytics, and Sales Toolkits from Kellogg - Northwestern University.

Case Managers

Elba Oliva

RESIDENT SERVICES & ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

  • Elba was born in Guatemala and moved to East Boston when she was five years old, where she has lived ever since. Elba went to UMass Boston where she got her bachelor's degree in Exercise and Health Science and worked as a personal trainer, coach, and physical therapy aide. She is passionate about combining wholistic wellness practices with community services. You can find her bringing these skills to residents while hosting weekly yoga and zumba classes.

Laura Villafane

HOUSING SPECIALIST

  • Laura has been living for Maverick Landing almost 15 years with her four children. She previously worked at Partners Health Care System as a Third Party Viewer, and graduated from Lincoln Tech in December 2020 as Medical Assistant. She now serves as MLCS’s Housing Specialist, supporting the community as the point person with Rental Relief applications, general housing support, and connecting folks with needed resources in the realm of housing and evictions. Her favorite part about working at MLCS is that she has the ability to work in a diverse environment. Laura loves that her position allows her to work with families in genuine need.

Paige Thimmesch

HOUSING SPECIALIST

  • Paige cares deeply about their neighbors, and they have volunteered and worked for multiple grassroots organizations throughout Boston. While working closely with community members in Eastie, they are proud to call this city their home. Graduating from Emerson College, they studied Journalism with focuses in Environmental Studies and Peace & Social Justice, applying the people and research skills from these studies to the case management position they now hold at Maverick Landing Community Services. Although they still have much to experience in the advocacy sphere, they are honored to have such a supportive network of people to learn from. In their free time, you can find them walking their rescue dog Ruby or crocheting a new project.

Lucy Theule

RESIDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR, GRACE APARTMENTS

  • Lucy is from Carpinteria - a small coastal town in southern California. Growing up in a predominantly Hispanic community inspired her to strengthen her Spanish by living in Sevilla, Spain, for a year after graduating high school. She continued studying Spanish after moving to Boston in 2023 at Suffolk University, where she also had the opportunity to study abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica, for a semester. She returned to settle in East Boston, where the close-knit neighborhood reminds her of Carpinteria - with the addition of the vibrant greater Boston just across the water. Lucy has a passion for working with nonprofits, serving those in the community, and advocacy. She is excited to continue learning and growing in her role at Maverick Landing Community Services. 

Samantha Price

RESIDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR, LEWIS MALL

  • Samantha is originally from Vermont and relocated to Boston in 2020. They bring a strong non‑profit background, with years of experience supporting Vermonters and Massachusetts residents in accessing insurance, healthcare, and essential resources to help them live their best lives. Much of their work has focused on reproductive health care and community building. Samantha is excited to apply their skills, experience, and adaptability to their role at MLCS in service of the residents they support.

Youth Programming

Savannah Hart

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

  • Raised by her community, Savannah has over five years of experience working with Massachusetts-based nonprofits focused on education justice, immigrant rights, and youth empowerment. A proud Revere resident, she attended UMass Amherst as a first-generation college student, working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in an Individual Concentration: Nonprofit Structures and Community Organizing. Her focus in Asset-Based Community Development only reaffirmed her passion for grassroots change and her unwavering dedication to uplifting those around her.

    Now serving as MLCS’s Youth Engagement Coordinator, Savannah channels her deep roots in community organizing to nurture and empower the next generation of leaders. She is committed to supporting youth in social entrepreneurship, event planning, and goal setting—ensuring they have the tools, confidence, and space to thrive. Through her work, she strives to cultivate a strong, safe, and affirming third space where MLCS youth can build their futures on their own terms and with support.

    Beyond her professional work, Savannah embodies the spirit of mentorship and care—both as a dedicated big sister (who carries that energy everywhere) and as a passionate advocate for the beauty found in everyday life. You’ll often find her embracing small joys, from fun community gatherings to summer visits at Helados Juli’s, where she is a frequent customer.

Elizabeth M . Osinski

FAMILY COORDINATOR & MAKERSPACE SUPERVISOR

  • Elizabeth has lived in the Maverick neighborhood for nearly 20 years, and is often known as the “Icy Lady” for giving out Icy to kids in the summer, or the “Mama Liz” for her welcoming energy and hospitality over the years. She has a rich work history In nursing, and has worked many different health care jobs from Home Health Aid, CNA, to LPN, After some careful consideration, she decided she needed a career change, and is now working at MLCS as a Family Coordinator and Kids Makerspace Supervisor.

    Elizabeth is focused on creating opportunities for connection and engagement through events like monthly bingo and family nights, fostering a sense of belonging for residents of all ages. Through community outreach and programming, she is committed to strengthening the social fabric of the neighborhood and ensuring that children, youth, and families enjoy a smooth and welcoming transition into MLCS programs. Elizabeth's dedication to community well-being continues to leave a lasting impact.

Bryan Solo

MAVERICK MAKERS PRO LEADER

  • Bryan was born in Boston and moved to Revere in 2022, where he currently resides. He studied banking and customer success before joining MLCS, where he now serves as the MMPro studio lead. When he first began his work with MLCS, Bryan supported the community through food distribution and assisted with digital literacy and ESOL programming. He is passionate about all things mechanical, photography, discovering new foods, and listening to music. You can often find him bringing creativity and problem-solving together in the studio and community spaces.

Adult Education

Narda Peña

TESOL INSTRUCTOR

  • Narda was born in Peru and immigrated to Boston in 1999 and has lived in East Boston ever since. She has an Associate Degree as Bilingual Administrative Assistant in her country, and also has an Associate Degree in General Studies and a Certificate as Clinical Research here in the US. She’s gained valuable experience working in different industries such as food, retail, education, and health services which has allowed her to be in deeper contact with diverse populations. During the pandemic, Narda spent a lot of her time volunteering for different organizations around the city, and even found herself working on a few political campaigns. Presently, she works here at Maverick Landing Community Services, as an ESOL Instructor. Her previous position at MLCS was as the Resident Service Assistant. She is very grateful to be here working and helping residents of this community.

Antonio Lobo

ENGLISH INNOVATIONS COACH

  • Antonio is the English Innovations Coach. He has taught English for over 20 years and has worked for several non profit institutions like ENB, JVS, and Catholic Charities in the Boston area. He was trained as an ESOL teacher by the Department of Defense at the Defense Language Institute in San Antonio, TX. Antonio likes his job and believes that English is an essential component that every immigrant needs achieve the American dream.

Food Program

Jamar Leaston

FOOD PROGRAM ASSISTANT

  • Living in East Boston has deepened Zachary’s commitment to supporting his neighbors during challenging times. With years of experience in community-focused work, Zachary is passionate about strengthening East Boston’s local ecology of self-reliance and ensuring residents have access to reliable, healthy food. Zachary does food procurement for our program and partner distribution sites, while also equipping our staff with the resources they need to serve effectively. He’s grateful to do this work professionally in the community he calls home.

    In his free time, Zachary enjoys road trips, roller coasters, watching Celtics games, and playing with his cat, Thomas.

Zachary Hollopeter

FOOD PROGRAM ASSISTANT

  • My name is Jamar Leaston, and I am a Food Program Assistant at Maverick Landing. I am driven by both lived experience and professional insight in my work, where my efforts are deeply rooted in food rescue, community outreach, and expanding access for those facing food insecurity. This work is centered on giving back, strengthening community connections, and service. I take pride in returning to the same community I once lived in, building meaningful relationships, and turning shared experiences into purpose driven impact.

    From supporting local families to serving youth at my former middle school, Umana Barnes in East Boston, I am committed to showing up, giving back, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. Known for my authenticity, leadership, and ability to connect with diverse populations, I strive to be both a voice and a resource for the communities I serve.

    I am also a Certified Personal Trainer and the Founder of Proper Tone Fitness, a brand committed to serving and uplifting the very communities that shaped me. As Founder, my mission is to revolutionize personal health through FITNESS: a holistic approach integrating Functional Intensity, Training, Nutrition, Endurance, Strength, and Sustainability for lasting results.

    I don’t just believe in change, I live it, I lead it, and I bring it back to the people and places that made me.

Culture and Communications

Juan Ochoa

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

  • Juan P. began working with the MLCS youth program and played an active role in the Maverick Makers Pro Program, supporting the project’s development and implementation throughout the COVID-19 period. During this time, Juan contributed to program coordination, documentation, and community-facing communications.

    In addition to Maverick Makers, Juan supported MLCS initiatives such as the Food Program, helping communicate services and resources to the East Boston community during the first four months of the COVID-19 pandemic. While remaining primarily focused on Maverick Makers, he collaborated across programs to ensure consistent messaging and outreach.

    Since 2022, Juan has coordinated and taught beginner-level ESOL and adult digital literacy classes, strengthening his skills in content creation, digital tools, audience engagement, and instructional communication—key competencies for managing social media platforms and online community engagement.

Iz Hall

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

  • Iz Hall is an interdisciplinary artist and teaching artist based in Jamaica Plain, MA, originally from Gardner, MA.

    Working with risograph printing, zines, and  artist books. Iz holds a BFA in Art Education from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and is currently Artist-in-Residence at MLCS Boston, where they design youth-centered programming and host open studio events for the wider public.

    She has been working with the East Boston community since summer 2025 through the N Press Project and the Boston Public Art Triennial. At the core of Iz’s practice is a belief that art belongs to everyone.