Agency Leadership
David Hirshberg, Ed.D., Harvard University
Executive Director
From his high school days, David knew he wanted to help children and worked with disadvantaged children as a camp counselor and a tutor. After graduating college from Brown University, he began teaching and soon was hired as the director of a small alternative school for high school drop-outs.
In 1979, the board of directors of St. Anne’s School hired David to turn around the troubled school. David quickly realized that the school wasn’t meeting the emotional needs of its students, and with the approval of the board, he redeveloped the school as a residential treatment program. In 1982, the school was renamed Germaine Lawrence.
Since then, David has provided the vision and leadership to develop Germaine Lawrence as the premier residential treatment program in New England exclusively for girls. Under his leadership, Germaine Lawrence has enabled countless girls to have an otherwise unreachable opportunity for a safe and productive future. David makes a point to get to know many of the girls and states, “It is so satisfying to wake up every morning knowing I will use all my talent and energy trying to make a difference in the lives of our girls.” In 2010, David was named Employer of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter.
Ann Horgan, MSW, Simmons College
Director of Residential Services
Now celebrating her 25th year of service to Germaine Lawrence, Ann first came to Germaine Lawrence as a residential counselor and worked her way up the ranks. After 12 years of direct care with the girls, Ann assumed the position of Director of Training and Research and now holds the position of Director of Residential Services.
Ann supervises several of Germaine Lawrence’s programs, managing staff, overseeing treatment, and new program development. Her sophistication and skill at milieu therapy are unparalleled, and she ensures the highest quality residential life for girls at Germaine Lawrence.
Ann explains that her professional inspiration comes from two sources: “I am amazed everyday at the resilience of the girls and families that we work with to survive and confront the events in their lives. At the same time, I am also moved by the dedication of the individuals who commit their lives to helping others to overcome those challenges." Ann takes her commitment to youth and family into the community where she lives and was appointed to the Arlington Board of Youth Services in 2010.
Deni Howley, PhD, Social Work, Simmons College
Deputy Executive Director
Deni began working with kids as a camp counselor while in high school. After graduation from college, she taught day care and then high school. Deni moved into social work because she wanted to help kids who were struggling, particularly those who needed to learn the skills to be successful in their interactions with others. She began working at Germaine Lawrence in 1987 as a unit director and moved up to Deputy Executive Director. As such, Deni oversees the day-to-day operations at Germaine Lawrence, ensuring that each girl receives the support, nurturance and structure she needs to be successful. Deni is committed to making a difference in the lives of the girls at Germaine Lawrence, in their families' lives, and in their communities. She believes that ultimately this difference can change the world.
Deni is a certified children’s yoga instructor and martial arts instructor, and is passionate about exposing the girls at Germaine Lawrence to a wide range of interesting activities. She presents on issues related to adolescent girls. Deni taught college classes for several years, including training social workers at Simmons College and Salem State College. Deni has also published articles on working with girls with sexualized behaviors, mind and body training with children, women and religion, and social justice issues in Haiti.
Pam Nourse, MBA, Simmons College
Director of Institutional Advancement
Pam came to Germaine Lawrence in 2004 and has been instrumental in garnering support for Germaine Lawrence’s ongoing programs, new initiatives and other campus improvements. Pam oversees all marketing and fundraising ventures and is passionate about developing connections between Germaine Lawrence and donors, referrers, other schools and allies. She began her career as a community organizer, and has since held leadership positions in a number of Boston-area organizations focused on issues important to women and girls. Pam’s career has been devoted to working for social justice and this is reflected her dedication to expanding the reach of Germaine Lawrence to fulfill its mission of improving the lives of girls in need.
Pam is currently the President of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus. She received the 2003 Wonder Woman award from the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus. She was recognized by the City of Cambridge in 1986 and by the Governor of Massachusetts and Massachusetts legislature in 1993, for her work on behalf of women. Pam is also passionate about building healthy, vibrant communities and currently serves as President of the New View Co-Housing Association where she lives.
Merck Center Leadership
Jannelle Roberts, M.Ed, Cambridge College
Program Director, Merck Center
During college, Jannelle worked at an afterschool program and summer camp. She found herself being drawn to students who required a little extra support. She would try to find ways to make their day a little brighter whether it was a piece of candy, help with homework, or playing a game. It was during this time she realized she was passionate for making a difference and so began a career at Germaine Lawrence.
Jannelle started working at Germaine Lawrence in December 2003 as a residential counselor. In 2005 she took on the role of Residential Director where she worked to create and develop a strong therapeutic community for the Merck Center based upon the values of Commitment, Respect and Caring. In August of 2010 she was promoted to Program Director of the Merck Center.
Jannelle believes working at Germaine Lawrence has inspired her to be a better person. She says; "Many times you not only reflect on the lessons you taught the girls that day, but also the lessons the girls instilled in you about patience, compassion, and resiliency."