Meet the Board of Directors​​
 

Judy Giovangelo | Executive Director​
Medway, MA | giovangelo@comcast.net

 

Following the loss of her son Benjamin to suicide on April 16, 2009, Judy started this non-profit organization in her son's name. Her goal as Executive Director of Ben Speaks is to empower the youth of Medway and surrounding towns to be the change they want to see in the world and provide new tools and solutions for powerful and postive expression and prevention within her community.

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Judy is the Executive Director of Ben Speaks. She has been a teacher and healer for many years through her company, CircleWorks. She is a certified yoga instructor, YogaKids & Workshop Facilitator, Reiki, Sound and Intuitive Healer and Hypnotherapist.

Judy is also a motivational speaker with heart and is available to bring the Ben Speaks message to middle schools, high schools and colleges, as well as, provide hands-on workshops through yoga, meditation and expressive art through health, physical education, art or music programs and after school programs.

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​Meredith Poulten / President​
Medway, MA | mpoulten@verizon.net

Meredith Poulten, M.ED., CAC, LCSW is a fierce believer in the power of prevention, self esteem, and resiliency. She has led numerous programs on substance abuse, coping skills, suicide prevention, parenting, and other topics of interest to the community. During her 35 years as a guidance counselor and adjustment counselor in the Medway Public School System, she developed a multitude of programs, including a peer counseling program, a teen diversity group, a health advisory group, and the grant-funded Walk-In-Center which was selected by the state as a model program. The center enabled students to receive much needed psychological services in a timely manner, with a familiar trusted adult. Meredith has run programs such as the SOS (signs of suicide) program, AIDS education, alcohol and tobacco education, and peer mediation. Over the years, she has received several dedications and awards from the school district, state, and students. Outside of school, Meredith has given lectures to every segment of the population, from young students to experienced colleagues. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Metrowest Samaritans and in the Best Interest of the Children, and has been a member and chairman of the Consortium for the Primary Prevention of Substance Abuse (Southwood Hospital and Norfolk D.A. office). She has also served on the task force (advisory council) for Milford Regional Hospital’s Center for Adolescents and Young Adult Health (CAYAH). She is excited to join the Board of Directors for Ben Speaks and helping to continue its wonderful work.

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Alan Cantor / Vice President​
Ashland, MA | alan@alancantor.com
 

Alan Cantor is a coach empowering men and helping them succeed in their families, businesses and in life. He is the founder of The Surround offering weekly group experiences for men who intend to be the best husbands, fathers, and workers they can be. In addition, he leads a workshop, The Connection, teaching men the basics of connecting with other men in a powerful manner. Alan is also an avid bicyclist and fundraiser for cancer research having participated in the Pan Mass Challenge for many years. His participation in the Unitarian Universalist Area Church in Sherborn includes serving as a lay pastoral care minister and worship associate. He has also chaired the annual auction. In addition, Alan is a practicing Zen Buddhist. He is married to Nancy Cantor, is the father of four fantastic children, and grandfather to twin girls.

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Kelli Wentzel | Director​

Southborough, MA | kelli@tcopia.com

 

Kelli Wentzell is pursuing her lifelong dream of owning a leading Massage Therapy & Wellness Center.   Kelli is a graduate of Spa Tech Institute, a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and earned her National Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.  She specializes in preventive and rehabilitative therapeutic massage. Kelli is also a board member of Project Smile, of Hopedale.  Kelli will be focusing on the therapeutic side of CARE. 

 

 

Michael Snow | Youth Director​
Medway, MA | mike22491@me.com

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As a high school friend of Ben’s, Michael is driven to help current and future teens who may be suffering from depression, mental illness and bullying, both in and out of high school. He is highly empathetic and committed to ensuring the safety of those close to him. He graduated from Medway High School in 2009 where he was a peer counselor and leader of TADA (Tolerance Acceptance Diversity Alliance), a high school group focusing on combatting intolerance in schools. Michael is also a former member of “Best Buddies”, a group similar to Big Brothers which focused on the support and friendship for children with different social or physical handicaps. As part of our Board of Directors, one of Michael’s tasks will be to create a strong Youth Advisory Board.