MEET THE TEAM
Hayley Barrett began as an intern in 2021 and was invited to the team in 2022. She has previous experience in Public Health where she worked for a workforce development program. She was a first-generation college student and pursued her education at Regis College, where she graduated with a degree in Public Health. She has six siblings and has two Boston Terriers that she loves.
Real Estate Project Manager
Hayley Barrett
Scott Berkley
Acting CFO and Executive, Finance Advisor
Scott Berkley is a Manager at Navitance, bringing over 30 years of experience as an accountant, controller, and business owner across both large corporations and small businesses. Guided by the mantra “getting the right information to the right people at the right time,” Scott specializes in data analysis, reporting, and financial modeling. Known by colleagues as a “spreadsheet ninja,” he excels at transforming complex data into clear, actionable insights. His work supports management teams in developing metrics, KPIs, dashboards, and other tools that foster alignment, efficiency, and informed decision-making. Scott earned his BA in Accounting from Utah State University in 1994 and is known for his commitment to continuous improvement, teamwork, and integrity.
A longtime development and communications professional, Clare Gunther joined CBA in 2023 as Senior Director of Resource Development, to further strengthen fundraising and development, which sustains our many programs and allows us to quickly respond to needs as they arise.
She now serves in much the same capacity, but on a more limited basis, as part-time Development Advisor. A former journalist whose credits include The New York Times, Boston Globe Magazine, and numerous women’s and parenting magazines, Clare has more than 20 years’ experience in grant seeking, fundraising, and donor communications. She previously worked as Chief of Advancement and Communications at Lowell Community Health Center, where she oversaw a successful capital campaign to add dental and vision care and substantially increased annual and corporate giving.
Clare has strong ties to the Merrimack Valley region and a commitment to collaboration and equitable fundraising. She now works remotely from her home in New York’s Southern Tier.
Clare Gunther
Executive, Development Advisor
Tiana Lawrence, a Lowell native is diligent about Racial Equity, DEI, and leadership development, with years of experience in public speaking, implementing workshops, and programming in the nonprofit and higher education sectors. Tiana seeks to leverage community building and organizing to disrupt power dynamics, impact leadership, increase equitable decision-making processes and strengthen diverse stakeholder engagement. Tiana serves as the Director of Programs at Coalition for a Better Acre providing comprehensive program development, implementation, and evaluation. Additionally, Tiana is an adjunct professor at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA and teaches Diversity, Social Justice and Ethics in the traditional undergraduate program and Community Organizing and Development in the Master of Education program. In her personal time, Tiana is a freelance public speaker and DEI practitioner having provided workshops and training as well as participation on several panels. She was a featured Keynote speaker at Northeastern University’s Empower U Conference. Tiana is also a published author. She holds a Master of Education in Community Engagement and a B.A. in Women and Gender Studies and English from Merrimack College.
Tiana Lawrence
Director of Programs
Operation Manager
Jennifer Leonardo Garcia grew up in Lowell and is proud to be giving back to the community that shaped her. She graduated from Binghamton University in New York with a degree in Graphic Design and a minor in Digital Data Studies. Jennifer is excited to take on her role as Operations Manager at CBA, where she looks forward to supporting the organization and contributing to its continued growth and impact.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys listening to music, spending time with her family, and learning about new cultures. She is especially grateful to have grown up in a diverse community like Lowell, which has shaped her perspective and passion for connecting with others.
Manasés Jiminian
YES Program Manager
Manasés E. Jiminian is a first-generation Lawrence-raised public health professional and graduate student pursuing an MPH in Behavioral & Social Sciences at UMass Lowell, following his B.S. in Public Health and Pre-Med. His work has focused on community health, youth empowerment, and substance-use prevention, including several years with the Lawrence Methuen Community Coalition and Drug-Free Communities, where he worked alongside local schools, organizations, businesses, and community partners.
As someone raised in Lawrence, Manasés is passionate about strengthening communities and addressing health inequities through culturally responsive, community-driven approaches. Through volunteer service with Mill City Church, Manasés became connected with the Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) in spring 2026, further strengthening his commitment to serving and empowering communities throughout Lowell. He brings experience in community outreach, health education, policy advocacy, and mentoring youth, along with a strong commitment to serving the Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley communities.
Jennifer Sofia Leonardo Garcia
Dolores Perez
Most recently, Rivera served as President & CEO of MassDevelopment, the Commonwealth’s development and landbank agency. He previously served for seven years as Mayor of the City of Lawrence, MA. A United States Army veteran, Rivera earned his bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst and a master’s in business administration from Suffolk University. He and his family live in Lawrence.
“I am honored to join CBA and eager to work with its talented staff and collaborate with our community stakeholders to foster sustainable development and address key challenges facing our neighborhoods,” said Rivera. “Together we will strive to respond to community needs through collective action.” Read more
Dan Rivera
Engagement and Empowerment Program Manager
Dolores Sierra joined CBA in 2014 but has been helping out as a volunteer ever since she was a child. Before CBA, some of her other experiences include working with Middlesex Community College, McAuliffe Elementary School, Lowell Housing Authority, and AmeriCorps. She loves CBA because she is able to give back to her community. She loves being able to get creative and help plan the numerous events that CBA hosts. She has a bachelor's in psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development. Outside of her work at CBA, Dolores attends church and helps the youth and homeless. In her free time, Dolores likes to express herself artistically, whether it be painting, drawing, or singing; she loves creating.
Jiawei Zhang
Health Access Program Coordinator
Jiawei Zhang is a recent first-generation graduate from UMass Lowell who has a degree in Public Health/Community Health Promotion. She started her journey at CBA as an intern in January 2023. Jiawei recently joined the CBA Health Access team, as an Health Access Program Coordinator.
Since 2015 as a Lowell resident, Jiawei has developed a stronger connection with her community and will continue to utilize her knowledge and prior experiences that she has gained to pursue her passion in promoting the importance of health and to help the Acre community to reduce health inequities to achieve the quality of life.
In her free time, Jiawei likes to go exploring in nature and take sunset photos and listen to good music.