Who We Are

Mission

To help children and families grieving a death navigate their path to a hopeful future.

Vision

​A world where no child grieves alone.

Values

Children are our greatest gift. We value Kindness, Compassion, Connections and Courage.

Our Sea of Hope Initiative

Support grieving children and families
Educate our schools and our community about grief
Advocate to raise awareness of grief as a public and mental health issue
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Honor our
Organization, our
People, and our
Evolution

Our Team

Christine Phillips

Co-Founder/Executive Director
“I believe in my daughters. I believe in the human spirit and its power. I believe in inner strength and the ability to exist for another. I believe there are human beings who strive to do the right thing, who try to look out for others and offer compassion and love. I believe that we are here to help one another.”
Ext. 6001, christine@friendsofaine.com

David Phillips

Co-Founder/CFO
“I serve to establish an enduring legacy of Aine that embodies her spirit, personality and kindness by supporting children like Bella so that they do not feel alone after the death of a sibling or parent.”
Ext. 6007, david@friendsofaine.com

Linda Dinndorf

Director of Strategic Initiatives
“Children are our greatest gift. I am proud to be part of the incredible team of staff and volunteers at Friends of Aine who work tirelessly to fill a vital need for many families in our community who are grappling with grief. As Friends of Aine expands its reach, it is an honor to provide grief resources and training throughout our state and beyond so that no child will grieve alone.”
Ext. 6003, linda@friendsofaine.com
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Kristen Cushman

Education Coordinator
For thirty plus years I have taught young children in the public schools. I have seen them gain and grow so much, but I have also seen them lose. The tools that Friends of Aine provides to our grieving families and our community is priceless. Grief is a journey that no one should travel alone, especially not a child.  To see the children bond and share their stories with peers is an experience like no other. Working together with the volunteers, staff, families, and community members to promote peer-to-peer support is by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
Ext. 6002, kristen@friendsofaine.com

Caryn Butts

​Program Coordinator
“Being able to watch Friends of Aine grow from the ground up has truly been amazing. I am extremely fortunate and proud to be a part of this organization. Since working with the families, I realize just how much our services are needed within our community and beyond.”
Ext. 6006, caryn@friendsofaine.com

Keri Santos

Finance and Administration
“From helping to organize the very first Friends of Aine event to now working at Friends of Aine has been incredibly meaningful. The work we do in Aine’s name brings comfort and hope to many, and I am honored to be part of this organization.”
Ext. 6000, keri@friendsofaine.com

Jenna Bee Wolf

Director of Philanthropy

“When I first learned about Friends of Aine, I was blown away by the work this incredible team has been doing in New Hampshire. The skills and relationships fostered through our peer-to-peer support programs would have powerful benefits for any child or family, and they can be truly life-changing for those who are grieving the death of a loved one. I am proud to have joined forces with such passionate, strategic thinkers who are dedicated to supporting kids, and I am energized to connect our organization with the resources to grow and to serve more families for years to come.”

Ext. 6004, jenna@friendsofaine.com

Leah Neal

Data Assistant
“Friends of Aine has been such a gift to our community, to our neighbors and our friends.  The Friends of Aine Center is such a warm and welcoming place to be.  No one should ever have to feel alone in their grief, and I’m so proud to be a part of this team and to hopefully help Friends of Aine grow and reach even more children, families and caregivers.”  
Ext. 6005, Leah@friendsofaine.com

Sarah Gordon

Program Assistant

” In our center, I see kids in all stages of grief connecting with one another and sharing stories. It’s a privilege to make Friends of Aine the warm, safe place where they can do this hard work.”

Ext. 6010, sarah@friendsofaine.com

Ginny Provost

Education Assistant

” After serving 25 years as a Middle School Guidance Counselor, I am honored to now be a part of the FoA family. Working here is such a meaningful way to continue my own personal mission of helping children and families navigate the difficult and complex world of grief and loss. The staff and volunteers here are full of compassionate dedication to the common goal of easing the pain of grief and helping those grieving to know  they are not alone. FoA is a gift to our community, and it is a blessing for me to be able to share in this much needed work.”

ginny@friendsofaine.com

Ann Marie Smith

In Remembrance 2/25/1962 – 7/31/2023
“Losing Aine changed many lives. Supporting my sister, brother-in-law and niece, Bella through their grief became my new normal. I am so proud to be part of Friends of Aine, knowing how much good we can still do despite our loss. The dedication of the volunteer facilitators and so many others is truly inspiring and motivates me to carry Aine’s legacy forever.”