Who We Are

We are immigrants, 1st-3rd generation Americans, and long-term citizens — all committed to creating a culture of welcoming and belonging.

Executive Director

Kirsten Cappy co-founded I’m Your Neighbor Books in 2012. She brings 20 years of experience using children’s books and the companion tools she creates to increase curiosity, empathy, and cultural competency. Kirsten was named one of the Boston Globe’s Everyday Heroes for her work on the Welcoming Library.

Send Kirsten an email.

“Because books change our perception of ourselves and others, they are unexpectedly powerful anti-racist tools.” —Kirsten Cappy

Board Officers:

Pious Ali

Board President, Co-Founder, City Councilman, Portland Empowered

Kimberly Simmons, Ph.D

Board Vice President, Affiliated Scholar, USM Women and Gender Studies

Tim Wyand

Board Treasurer, Financial Advisor

Amy MacDonald

Board Secretary, Author, Community Organizer

Board Members:

Jen Boggs

Writer, Researcher, Public Relations, Toderico Creative

Katherine G. Cutko

Co-Founder, Public Librarian, Social Worker

Deqa Dhalac

City Mayor, Maine Department of Education

Jennifer Hoopes

Attorney, International Executive, Book Lover

Audrey Maynard

Co-Founder, Children’s Book Editor and Educator

Charles Mugabe

Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services Case Worker

Advisory Board:

Dr. Krista Aronson, Ph.D

Director Diverse BookFinder, Bates College Professor and Associate Dean of Faculty

Maria Testa

Author, Poet, Activist

Founders:

Delanie Honda

Co-Founder, ELL Educator

Reza Jalali

Co-Founder, Author, Educator, Storyteller

Terry Farish

Co-Founder, Author, New Arrival Literacy Coordinator

Anne Sibley O’Brien

Co-Founder, Author/Illustrator, Diversity Advocate

Staff:

Melia Coletta

Book & Donor Manager

Pam Remy

Project Manager