team
Meet The Individuals Behind MFFC
Shavel'le Olivier, MS
Shavel'le has been a Mattapan resident for 15 years and is MFFC's first Executive Director. She currently holds a MS. in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. Among administrative duties she helps to support the Vigorous Youth in their bike related work.​
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Karleena "Kay" Savage
ACTIVE LIVING AND ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR
Karleena has a BS in Healthcare Management. She has worked in the medical field for about 10yrs and is currently transitioning into personal fitness/training. Her passion is to educate and help women live a more healthier lifestyle, after she herself had a health scare. She is a native of Mattapan and resides in Dorchester with her 2 children.
Vickey Siggers
FOOD ACCESS MANAGER
Vickey Siggers first became involved in Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition 14 years ago as the Community Leader for Healthy on the Block Initiative. She now runs the Mattapan Square Farmers Market and the Summer Eats meal sites at the market and Mattapan Branch Library. Vickey also works at the Family Engagement Network.
Shawntell Usher-Thames
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORTATION ADVOCACY PROGRAM MANAGER
Hi, my name is Shawntell Usher-Thames and I am 29 years old. I have worked with youth since I was 14 at my first youth summer job through ABCD. That has blossomed into a love for education, teaching and learning with young people of all ages. Growing up (and still to this day) I spent most of my time watching anime, reading books, writing poetry and being active. My love of school was not always shared with my peers at school or work. So once I grew up I dedicated my time to making education fun and understandable for learners of all types. I cannot wait to help build a healthier, happier and funner Mattapan!
Samantha Otridge
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Samantha is a marketing student with an interest in public health communication and sustainability. She works with staff and interns to organize external and internal communication.
Zani'ah "Zee" Brown
PROGRAM MANAGER
Zani'ah has a Bachelor's degree in Biology with minors in Economics and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She also holds an Associate's Degree in General Health Sciences. Zani'ah started working with MFFC as an intern in 2023, creating our first annual report and was excited to continue working with the MFFC family. Zani'ah is passionate about increasing healthcare access, healthy lifestyles, and wellness education for intergenerational African American diasporic communities.
Advisory Board
Vivien Morris, MS, RD, MPH, LDN
BOARD CHAIR
Vivien is a founder of the Boston Organization of Nutritionists and Dietitians of Color, a professional organization devoted to increasing African American and Afro Caribbean nutritionists and dietitians and providing nutrition education in the community. She also founded MFFC.
Sonia Carter, MS, LDN
BOARD MEMBER
Sonia Carter, MS, LDN, has been a part of MFFC since 2007. She is currently the Nutrition and Wellness Program Manager at the Boston Public Health Commission and provides leadership and management for the Division of Chronic Disease Prevention. At MFFC she co-chairs the annual Mattapan Moving for Life event and cooking classes.
Theresa Jordan, MPH
BOARD MEMBER
Theresa Jordan is Director of Children’s Facilities Finance for the Children’s Investment Fund, a state-wide technical assistance and finance organization serving early care and education and out-of-school time programs in Massachusetts. At MFFC she helps co-chair the annual Mattapan Moving For Life event.
Robyn Gibson
BOARD MEMBER
Robyn Gibson has ten years of experience working with nonprofit organizations on development, fundraising, strategy, and equity and inclusion. She is currently working at YW Boston as the Program Manager for InclusionBoston.
Shari Campbell
BOARD MEMBER
Shari is certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, business owner, and former educator. She transitioned into wellness after a short stint working as a Guidance Counselor in a competency-based alternative education program for the Boston Public Schools. She has since spent time in various roles assessing social-emotional learning in pre-school age children to directing adult healthy living programs for the YMCA of Greater Boston. What is clear to her is that wellness is not just limited to one domain, and that achieving community wellness is a complicated problem that requires a 360 degree approach.
Interns
Jessica Lane
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Jessica is a current BS/MPH student at Boston University. She is an undergraduate senior and has an interest in both global and environmental health. As a public health major she is excited to work with the MFFC and is excited to learn more about the Mattapan community!
Mac Gaither
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
Mac is a Senior pursuing a BA in Sociology with a minor in Community and
International Development at the University of Vermont. Originally from Pennsylvania, she has
grown up & studied in areas of lush greenery and outdoor activity, and she is passionate about
expanding that access into city spaces and underserved populations. Mac is excited to get to
know the Mattapan community and learn everything she can during her time at MFFC.
Feruzakhon Badalbaeva
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Feruza is a senior at Boston University majoring in Health Science and minoring in Hospitality Management. She was born in Kyrgyzstan and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She enjoys puzzles, spending time outdoors, and quality time with friends and family. Feruza's favorite campus activity is working as a Resident Assistant, where she works closely with students who are trying to settle in on campus while also creating a safe and inclusive environment. She is extremely passionate about working with people and is dedicated to fostering strong connections and a sense of belonging within her community. Feruza hopes to combine her knowledge of health science with her skills in hospitality management to create welcoming and supportive environments, whether in healthcare settings or the hospitality industry. In the future, she aspires to work in roles that allow her to advocate for the well-being of others, ensuring that everyone she interacts with feels valued and cared for.