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
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

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.”
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Ext. 6006
[email protected]

​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
​[email protected]

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
[email protected]

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."