Staff
Fair Tide is as strong as it is because of its amazing staff.
Meet Mary
Mary Oplinger joined our Fair Tide family as program director in August 2007. Mary’s overall job as Program Director involves developing and implementing Fair Tide’s programs, including individual, group, and community-oriented programs and services for our Transitional Housing Program participants in Kittery, ME and for a Supportive Housing Program in Rochester, NH. Since June, Mary has also served as Interim Executive Director.
Mary received a Bachelor of Science in Individual and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University and has been a volunteer parent aide, supporting at-risk teen parents in the Portsmouth area.
Previously, Mary worked for Families First in Portsmouth, NH for 9 years as a home visitor, parent educator and coordinator of family programs where she headed up a program for families who were “between homes”. She says that is what “sparked my interest in supporting the homeless”.
Mary is interested in family, friends, the environment, yoga, knitting, and learning something new.
For more information about Mary and the services offered to Fair Tide’s program participants, contact us, or speak to Mary by calling (207) 439-6376 ext. 2 or send an email to program director@fairtide.org.
Meet Barb
Barb Joined Fair Tide in July of 2010 as Director of Social Entrepeneurship. In addition to managing the day to day operations of the Fair Tide Thrift Store, Barb is responsible for developing and implementing online sales and social media marketing strategies and increasing Fair Tide’s already large donor base.
Having worked retail for more than 17 years—most of them spent at Kittery Trading Post—Barb expressed excitement at the opportunity. “It is heartwarming to work in the nonprofit world where less is actually more,” she said. As for her vision for Fair Tide, she said she wants “everyone to become a Thrift Store shopper.” “I want Fair Tide to be the model for all thrift stores with a strong community based mission,” she says.
Meet Jan
Fair Tide recently welcomed Case Manager Jan Walsh-Grande, who will work closely with residents as they work to develop the skills they will need to succeed as active members of the community. Having been raised in state homes, Jan’s interest in the social system was sparked at a young age. She began at age 14 to volunteer at New England Home of the Little Wanderers, mentoring Ala Teen programs and also serving as a SPCA volunteer.
Eventually returning to college for her BS in Behavioral Sciences at age 47, Jan says her professional desire to work with Fair Tide results from her belief in the organization’s ability to meaningfully assist those struggling with life’s circumstances.
“I believe Fair Tide brings hope back into desperate lives and offers much-needed support to those looking to cross a bridge back into the community,” says Jan, who most recently served as a Director/Shelter Manager of a seasonal homeless shelter in Strafford county.
Meet the Board
Our Advisory Board lends tremendous assistance and support to our staff throughout the year.
Brad Hirst, President
Second Christian Congregational United Church of Christ
Kittery Maine
Wanda McDonough, Vice President
Families First Health & Support Center
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Maureen Raynes, Treasurer
People’s United Bank
Kittery Maine
Charline Ludgate, Secretary
International Women’s Club of New England
Cape Neddick Maine
Barbara Kelleher
Kittery Maine
Karen Peterson
Davidson-Peterson Associates
Kennebunk Maine
Janet Stitt
Clinical Social Worker
York Maine
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