Karin joined Steppingstone in 2008 to lead the National Partnership for Educational Access (NPEA). Bringing many years of experience in nonprofits, management, and professional development, prior to joining Steppingstone Karin was the executive director of Summerbridge Cambridge and developed and led the training and technical assistance program at Horizons for Homeless Children. Outside of work, Karin enjoys traveling, sharing great meals with friends, and listening to live music. Karin holds an M.S.W. from Boston College and her Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Kelly was first hired in 1990 as a consultant and joined the staff as Director of Development in 1992. After 18 years leading the development team, Kelly became president in 2010. Prior to Steppingstone, Kelly had worked in the development office at Dana Hall School and as the production editor of a trade magazine. She has a B.A. in English from Colby College and an M.A. in English from University College London. Originally from California, Kelly lives with her family in Boston’s South End.

Kat joined Steppingstone in 2013 as an Advisor. She later served as the Director of Admission and the Senior Director of Middle School Success. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Kat interned at Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center's youth program, and at the Museum of Science conducting K-12 engineering education research. She first served Boston Public School students through Project Destiny ministries at the Boston Chinese Evangelical Church. Kat received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University. Outside of work, she participates in ballet classes, mentors college students at her church, and listens to BTS.

Chris is an experienced educator with a demonstrated history of leading start-up initiatives in the field of education. Skilled in program development, Chris' expertise lies in the development and management of innovation within ​the social sector. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Chris served as Academic Dean for the Trinity Boston Connects’ TEEP program, as well as band and orchestra director at the Boston Arts Academy. Chris received his B.M. in Music Education from the Berklee College of Music and M.S. Ed. in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania.​ Chris serves as a trustee on various school and nonprofit boards including The Meadowbrook School and Hartford Youth Scholars.

Kerry Tavernese joined Steppingstone in 2008 and has spent the entirety of her 20+ year career working in the non-profit finance field. She graduated from Bentley University with a B.S. in Accountancy and, as the first within her immediate family to graduate from college, feels fortunate that she can apply her business education and experience to support the work of Steppingstone. Kerry grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts and currently resides in Peabody with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children, getting outdoors, and staying physically active by teaching fitness classes.

Jane joined Steppingstone as an Advisor in 2006. She later served as Senior Director of Teaching and Learning and then became Vice President of Academic Programs in 2019. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Jane taught seventh grade Language Arts as a Teach for America corps member in Philadelphia. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Boston College, an M.S. in Education from Saint Joseph's University, and is a graduate of Tufts University’s Institute for Nonprofit Practice. Jane grew up in Florida and currently lives in Malden with her family. She loves playing with her daughter, reading, going on family hikes, and traveling.

Kate Wood joined the Advancement team at Steppingstone in 2007 and has held several roles throughout her tenure. In 2017, Kate was promoted to the Chief Advancement Officer. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Kate was Vice President of National Development at Jumpstart, an early childhood education nonprofit, and she began her career in marketing at Fidelity Investments. Kate is a graduate of Union College. She lives outside of Boston with her husband, two children, and their bunny, Biscuit. When she’s not working, Kate can be found driving to and from soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and basketball games!