Alli Harper

President (she/her)

Alli is the founder and owner of OurShelves, a diverse kids’ book box service and advocacy effort she started because of how hard it can be to find high-quality — and fun! — children’s books affirming LGBTQ+ families like hers and so many others. Before OurShelves, Alli worked as an attorney, policy advocate, and community organizer focused on a wide variety of social justice issues, including serving as President of the MD ACLU during that state’s marriage equality victory. Alli lives with her two kids in Cumberland, Maine.

Emily Hobbs

Vice President (she/her)

Emily is a Senior Compliance & Fraud Officer for a community bank. She has been in the banking industry for 15 years. She has bachelors degree in Sociology with a minor in Women & Gender Studies from USM. In addition to her work with OUT Maine she also volunteers with Olympia Snowe Leadership Institute as an Olympia Leaders Advisor. Emily is passionate about the work of OUT Maine as she is the parent of teenage transgender child. She is committed to educating the community about the importance of supporting trans youth in all aspects of life.

Ray Sylvester

Secretary (any pronouns)

Ray works as the outreach coordinator for the Bridgton Public Library in the Lakes Region of Maine. Community engagement and volunteering are two of her biggest passions, alongside her love of reading and literacy. As a member of the Maine Student Book Awards she is always looking to highlight books that reflect a diverse audience, letting youth readers enjoy stories that can be both mirrors and doors. She resides in western Maine with her two animals and definitely not too many houseplants.

Karen Robbie

Treasurer (she/her)

Karen is a lifelong educator of all ages. She works with districts and schools to establish positive, inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environments where everyone can succeed and experience belonging. Her role with Maine PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), Northeast PBIS, and the Center on PBIS connects her to state, regional, and national networks aiming to improve school climates and student outcomes. Karen lives in southern Maine and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Allison Brezezinski-Scorese

Board Member (they/them)

Allison Brzezinski is the owner of Birch Bark Events, the event planning and management boutique based in Camden, Maine. Some career highlights include Camden Pride Pop-Ups, a series of events celebrating the queer community while raising funds for OUT Maine; Owls Head Transportation Museum’s 50th Anniversary Gala, celebrating the first 50 years of the museum’s legacy while looking to its future in STEM education; Camden Famous Podcast Palooza, a summer kick-off event featuring many local businesses in Camden; Freedom Rising Conference, a Manhattan based conference aimed at coalition-building and supporting activists in political reform; and Nasty Women Unite Fest, a multi-day, multimedia arts festival created in response to the 2016 election. In addition to their work as an event planner, Allison is also a multi-disciplinary artist, producer, and parent of two adorable dogs.

Dr. Aly Goldstein, PsyD, MBA

Board Member (she/they)

Dr. Aly Goldstein is a licensed psychologist and organizational consultant based in Maine. With experience as a school psychologist, therapist, and former COO of an employee wellbeing company, Aly combines expertise in child development, family systems, and organizational leadership. They are passionate about fostering affirming environments for LGBTQIA+ youth and families through education, advocacy, and community-building. In their free time, Aly enjoys DJing dance parties and cultivating a vibrant garden of vegetables and flowers.

Ben Perry

Board Member (he/they)

Rev. Benjamin Perry is a writer, editor, and queer theologian. He is the author of Cry, Baby: Why Our Tears Matter and the editor of several queer theology projects, including the Queer Faith Stories exhibit that now tours Maine. They live in a small commune in Camden, attempting to nurture a fledgling apple orchard.

Matt Hikida

Board Member (he/him)

A queer and trans farmer in Waldo County, Matsu (or Matt) Hikida is passionate about strengthening rural LGBTQ+ communities, food sovereignty, and restorative agriculture. He owns a small vegetable farm (Yonsei Fields) on leased land shared with fellow queer farmers, and he sells Asian ferments in tribute to his Japanese heritage and Asian American upbringing. Coming to OUT Maine with a background in education and a decade of community organizing experience, Matt can also be found fostering farmworker affinity spaces and volunteering with Waldo County Bounty. He enjoys swimming in the ocean, a good campfire with friends, and hanging out with his cat, Dave.