Sarah Liard – they/she
Events and Operations Coordinator
Sarah brings to their role as Events and Operations Coordinator a background in startup operations, financial strategy, and equity-centered systems design. Before joining OUT MetroWest, Sarah served as Director of Operations and Finance at a California-based tech company, where they led initiatives to streamline reporting, optimize resources, and champion diversity across an international team. A firm believer in the value of global perspectives, Sarah is passionate about building inclusive, intentional spaces that reflect the richness of the LGBTQ+ community.
Sarah has always been drawn to work that supports others. After coming out in their twenties, they experienced firsthand the challenges that can come with navigating identity without a strong support system. That experience fuels their commitment to creating joyful, affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can feel safe, supported, and celebrated.
Sarah lives with their wife, Gabi, and their Golden Retriever pup, Maeve. When not at OUT MetroWest, they enjoy spending time in nature, relaxing at the beach, curling up with a good book, playing video games, or caring for their ever-growing collection of houseplants.
Sam Jean Lyttle – she/her
Communications and Outreach Manager
Sam Jean brings her camp-counselor energy everywhere she goes, and is energized by community-driven programs. Sam has worked with LGBTQ+ youth of all ages, providing trauma-informed care to survivors in the LGBTQ+ community. She has previously served on the Board for Mass NOW, advocating for a number of intersectional feminist policies in the Commonwealth, including LGBTQ+ inclusive sex education. Sam takes a particular interest in the intersections of the LGBTQ+ community and (in)visible disabilities.
Sam is from upstate New York, and moved to Massachusetts to pursue a degree from Brandeis University in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Studio Art. In her free time, you can find Sam reading queer fantasy novels and playing D&D. She lives in Waltham with her wife Andie (they/them) and their cats, Lilith, Freyja, and Orion!
Eli Lavin – he/him
Program Coordinator
Eli started as an Adult Advisor at OUT MetroWest before taking on the position of Program Coordinator. In high school, he was the first to ever come out as transgender and sparked policy changes to protect transgender students. He was also a member of his high school’s GSA where they worked to make the school safer and more accessible to LGBTQ+ students.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Eli graduated with an associate’s degree in communications from Bristol Community College and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Emerson College.
Outside of work, Eli loves to do photography, videography, spend time with his Bearded Dragon named Nico, and play Dungeons and Dragons with his friends.
Mel Pace – they/she
Executive Director
To the role of Executive Director Mel brings with them experience in nonprofit leadership, LGBTQ+ youth program development, DEIB consulting, and community building and organizing. Before joining the OUT MetroWest team Mel most recently served as a Projects and Grants Manager at Love Your Labels, and as the Director of Social Justice Education at City Mission Boston. They are a community educator, activist, and group facilitator committed to a future of collective liberation. Guided by relationships of reciprocity, they enjoy visioning and co-creating spaces rooted in practices of abundance and joy.
Mel lives with their wife, Lauryn, and their sleepy dog, Pluto. When not at OUT MetroWest Mel can be found at the pottery wheel, in nature, learning to garden with her wife, or gathered around a table with friends.
Lily Pearl – she/her
Program and Education Manager
As an Adult Advisor and alum of OUT MetroWest, Lily has been a part of OUT MetroWest in multiple forms. Since her days as president of her high school’s GSA, she has worked to educate people about the LGBTQ+ community. She advocated for policy changes in her high school’s curriculum and handling of bullying. She has worked with different organizations to support LGBTQ+ families and youth of marginalized identities.
Lily was adopted from China when she was 1 year old and has lived in Massachusetts ever since. She graduated from Smith College with a major in The Study of Women and Gender and a minor in Sociology. In her free time, you can find Lily feeding alpacas and emus on a farm and perfecting her matzo ball soup recipe.
Lucy Sweeney – she/her
Director of Individual Giving and Engagement
Lucy joined OUT MetroWest in 2022 as director of individual giving and engagement. Lucy believes that youth play a vital role in imagining and creating a more just, free, and joyful world. She has spent her career fundraising and event planning for small-but-mighty Boston-area nonprofits that uplift youth voices and advance social change. Previously, Lucy served as Director of Development at Science Club for Girls in Cambridge and as Associate and Director of Development at The Food Project in Lincoln. She earned her B.A. in Spanish from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester with a minor in Studio Arts and spent a year living in Mallorca. While not working part-time for OUT MetroWest, you can find Lucy recharging her solar batteries, daydreaming about travelling, and bopping around Somerville with her husband and two little kids.
Lucy is honored to be a part of the fantastic team at OUT MetroWest – and to have the opportunity to grow support for its vibrant community and for LGBTQ+ youth.
Adult Advisors & Peer Leaders
Our team of Adult Advisors and youth Peer Leaders help plan and facilitate youth programs on a weekly basis.
They plan meeting activities, lead discussions, and serve as LGBTQ+ role models for youth participants.
Board of Directors
- Octavio González, Board Chair (he/him)
- Ashley Seeley, Vice Chair (she/her)
- Celia Harrison, Clerk (she/her)
- Jim Bradstreet (he/him), Treasurer
- Danica Wiles (she/they)
- Dennis Hicks (he/him)
- Jordon Bosse (he/him)
- Lindsey Caliga, Alum & Board Member (she/her)
- Francisco Gonzalez-Rauschkolb (he/him)
- Laura Gramenelles (she/her)
- Katherine S. Kaufmann, Director Emerita (she/her)
- Anne Terhune, Director Emerita (she/her)
Growing Our Team
We believe that LGBTQ+ youth thrive when connected to diverse adult role models. When we have job openings, they will be posted on our “Join Our Team” page. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are particularly encouraged to apply. If you are LGBTQ+ and a Person of Color and would like us to keep you in mind for future job or board service opportunities, please consider reaching out to our executive director, Mel Pace.
