Meet our Presenters
Heidi Belle-Isle, M.Ed.; NH ASMP WT, PC, IM, ASA 4
Forrest Carter, Jr., M.Ed.; NH ASMP WT, F, IM, PC
Forrest Carter, Jr., M.Ed.; NH ASMP WT, F, IM, PC; Forrest is the Program Director of the Seabrook Adventure Zone in Seabrook, New Hampshire and a Masters level Educator of Physical Education with a concentration in Adventure Education from Plymouth State University. Forrest has over 18 years of experience working with youth from Elementary, Middle, and High School levels in school, after school, and summer programming that intertwine academic, positive youth development, and experiential education. He is American Red Cross Instructor Certified, the NH Afterschool Ambassador through the Afterschool Alliance, and a Drug and Alcohol prevention educator through Project Alert.
Kathy Jablonski, M.Ed.; ASMP WT, F, IM, PC
Kathy Jablonski, M.Ed.; ASMP WT, F, IM, PC; Kathy is retired from a career of working with youth in New York, Maine and New Hampshire. As a teacher of preschoolers to adults, she has been involved with teaching life skills, working on alternate education and dropout prevention. As a school administrator, she championed afterschool programs in the districts as well as writing grants. As Educator Emeritus of UNH Cooperative Extension, her job responsibilities included recruiting, screening, orienting, training and supporting volunteers who conduct the 4-H Club and other 4-H delivery methods. Kathy's expertise has provided s training in a wide range of of curricula and positive youth development to a variety of youth serving organizations and after school providers, specializing in life sciences. Her volunteering background includes: 4-H leader, Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader, women's service club and Rotary International. Kathy earned a Master's degree in Adult Education from University of Maine, Orono.
Terri Peck, M.A.; ASMP F
Terri Peck, M.A.; ASMP F; Terri has been a supervisor at Child Care Licensing since February 2008. Previous to that she was a director for afterschool and group child care programs in the White Mountains and Lakes Region area. Terri has a BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Salem State College, and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa. Terri is also an adjunct faculty member at NH Technical Institute and Plymouth State University.
Kristin Pineo, M.Ed.; ASMP WT
Kristin Pineo, M.Ed.; ASMP WT; Kristin works as an education consultant supporting out-of-school time programs and community agencies as a trainer, curriculum developer, and coach. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and families, and a strong passion for increasing experiential STEM opportunities for youth. Kristin earned her Master’s in Elementary Education from Boston College and her B.A. at Holy Cross. When she’s not helping young people to dissect cow hearts or frogs, (her favorite piece of work), she may be found kayaking, taking pictures, or discussing baseball with anyone who is willing.
Melanie Smith, M.Ed., NHMP WT, F, IM, PC
Melanie Smith, M.Ed., NHMP WT, F, IM, PC; Melanie is a former Afterschool Program Site Director of 10 years at a K-2 elementary school. She holds a BS in Early Childhood Administration and Family Education from Granite State College and M.Ed from Capella University. In her role as an Afterschool Site Director, she developed and implemented several strategies for working with youth and their families. In her current role as a Licensing Coordinator for Child Care Licensing, she spends a lot of time in centers and afterschool programs working with and mentoring professionals. She has a hands-on approach to training and believes that people learn by experiencing, exploring, and experimenting.
Amy Upton, M.S.; ASMP WT, F, IM, PC
Amy Upton, M.S.; ASMP WT, F, IM, PC; Amy holds a Master of Science in Child and Family Studies and is credentialed as an Afterschool and Early Childhood Master Professional, Faculty, Program Consultant and Workshop Trainer. Amy has been in the field of Afterschool for over thirty years, during which time she has founded and directs East Side Learning center in Concord, New Hampshire. East Side provides care for over three hundred children and families. Additionally, Amy is an adjunct faculty member at New Hampshire Technical Institute and University of New Hampshire. She is a trainer and consultant for ACROSS New Hampshire and Preschool Technical Assistant Network.