Staff
Sam Jean – she/her
Development and Communications Manager
Sam Jean brings her camp-counselor energy everywhere she goes, and is energized by community-driven programs. Sam has worked with youth of all ages at camp and schools. Her work prior to joining OUT MetroWest was to provide trauma-informed care to survivors in the LGBTQ+ community. She has advocated for a number of intersectional feminist policies in the Commonwealth, including LGBTQ+ inclusive sex education.
Sam is from upstate New York, and moved to Massachusetts to pursue a degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Studio Art. In her free time, you can find Sam participating in Queer Scouts Boston and finding vegan food spots all around Massachusetts. She lives in Waltham with her partner Andie (they/them) and their 10-pound orange cat, Orion!
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 working on an alpaca farm and perfecting her matzo ball soup recipe. Lily lives in Southborough with her 15 year old dog, Piper.
Whitney Retallic – she/her
Executive Director
For over 20 years, Whitney has worked with youth and young adults in a variety of settings, including as the advisor of a college LGBTQ+ student organization. She has directed leadership programs for students in middle school through college, led interfaith social justice initiatives and conducted outdoor education programs, all within MetroWest.
Originally from Iowa, she first moved to the MetroWest area for college and went on to get her M.Ed. in the Boston area, as well. Outside of work, Whitney loves being outdoors, starting (and sometimes completing) home improvement projects, and working with neighbors on issues of social justice.
Whitney lives in Maynard with her spouse, E.J. Labb (she/her), who is the executive director of an assisted living facility in Westford, and their child, Kaya.
Lucy Sweeney – she/her
Director of Individual Giving and Engagement
Lucy brings 14 years’ experience in Boston-area nonprofits, with a particular interest in uplifting youth experiences and voices and in leveraging the power of relationships to build communities advancing equity and social change. Previously, Lucy was Director of Development at Science Club for Girls and worked in a variety of roles at The Food Project, including Associate and Interim Director of Development. Born and raised on Cape Cod and now a resident of Somerville, she earned a degree from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. Lucy’s loves include soaking in vitamin D, cooking (and of course eating) delicious foods, and being silly with her toddler Alden and husband Sefton.
Lucy is excited to be joining OUT MetroWest, growing its vibrant community, and learning to become a better ally to queer and trans youth and the LGBTQ+ community.
A team of adult advisors helps to facilitate Nexus, Prism, Umbrella, and Youth of Color Hangout. Along with youth peer leaders, they plan meeting activities, lead discussions, and serve as 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)
- Jordon Bosse (he/him)
- Francisco Gonzalez-Rauschkolb (he/him)
- Laura Gramenelles (she/her)
- Donna Tambascio, Advisor to the Board (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, Whitney Retallic.