Meet The Team
Meredith McClurg / Board President, Executive Director & Co-Founder
Meredith grew up in the beautiful, small town of Fryeburg, Maine, and is seeing firsthand the hard times kids in her community are having.
“I had some life challenges growing up, and the strength of this community allowed me to grow and flourish.”
After spending 20 plus years away Meredith moved back in the summer of 2019 and has been involved with the youth in the Fryeburg community ever since.
Fall of 2020 Meredith helped launch the first ever local teen center in Fryeburg. This is something the town has never had. The amazing space is located at the Fryeburg Recreation Department's new building on Recreation Drive. Currently, Meredith is the only adult running the center. In it's second year, serving a daily average of 20+ kids, with some days the attendance reaching the high 30's.
“I am definitely creating some amazing relationships. I am told regularly by the teens that show up how much they appreciate the safe space to be themselves…which makes my heart so happy because what we are doing is succeeding!”
Meredith received a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University and a Masters in Elementary Education from Western Governors University.
Respected by her fellow teachers and very much adored by her students, Meredith cherishes her time teaching in Bend, Oregon the most. Spending 6 rewarding years teaching at a K-8 magnet school.
"Many of the skills I have acquired were from my years at Westside Village Magnet School. WVMS is a project-based school that uses a foundation of love to teach their children. Being immersed in such a loving, community driven school for so many years taught me the importance of patience and tolerance when dealing with children. WVMS also taught me how important it is for every kid to feel like they matter and have a sense of purpose in their lives.”
For a while now, Meredith has pondering the following questions: "How can I help foster a real sense of purpose in these kids who are lost and in need of support and direction? "
"How can [we] tie this all in and create a strong community, where we all learn to support each other, regardless of the situation?"
This is exactly what Rivers & Roads sets out to do.
Jennifer Haiken-Santora / Director of Development, Board Treasurer & Co-Founder
Jennifer spent 6 summers in Fryeburg as a camper at Forest Acres. This is where she first experienced the magical summers of Maine. Her dedication and passion to help others as well as her community is strong and resilient. From volunteering and organizing events at her children's school, Jennifer is often the first to spring into action.
“To bring to life a student lead youth initiative focused on long-term mentoring, peer to peer mentoring, academics, social and emotional well-being.... in a rural community that had been so under served, is an absolute gift.. Partnering with a best friend and collaborating with the nations top youth development leaders with decades of experience... this is a dream come true!"
Jennifer brings more than 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, small business management, talent acquisition and operations to Rivers & Roads Maine. Currently a Manager at Prestige Collection; a group of Automotive Dealerships located in New Jersey, Jennifer is recognized in her company as an opportunity maker, mentor and leader. She is most passionate about helping others while building better business environments for a more joyful, productive and prosperous tomorrow.
Jennifer lives in New York City with her husband Nick and their daughters Libby and Phoebe who attend Success Academy Charter School.
Jennifer received a Bachelor of Arts from New School University in New York City.
Kayrin Johnson / Team Lead
Kayrin grew up in the Fryeburg area and graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 2021. Her involvement in youth activities and camps in the local communities range from lifeguarding, swim instruction to coaching youth sports.
Kayrin is passionate and excited to be able work with Rivers & Roads.
"It is a privilege to have this opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much."
With a heart for helping and a true knack for teaching others how to expand their confidence; Kayrin is a natural leader. Whether is it in the pool giving swim lessons, on the field coaching a team or at the Teen Center with students from Molly Ockett middle school; Kayrin inspires her students to not only embrace every opportunity that may present itself, but how to create opportunity and step out of their comfort zones.
Currently, Kayrin is studying early childhood development and psychology at SMCC, and is involved with the Fryeburg Recreation Teen Center during weekday afternoons.
Tim Wylie / Advisor & Board Secretary
Tim Wylie is honored and excited to join the board of Rivers & Roads, bringing over a decade in experiential and outdoor education. After 7 years with Outward Bound in roles from instructor to safety director, Tim landed in Bath, Maine working in the local school district through an Aspirations Incubator mentorship program, Waypoint. Tim oversaw the transition of the program from the Chewonki Foundation to the Midcoast Youth Center where he additionally served as the Associate Director before moving to his current role at Bowdoin College's McKeen Center for the Common Good as the Assistant Director.
Tim lives in Bath with his wife Emily and their 2 daughters Lily and Sierra.
Meaghan Bradbury / Grant Writer & Development
Meaghan Bradbury is an Americorps VISTA member and part of the Rivers & Roads team for her 2024-2025 service term. She currently works behind the scenes supporting the Director of Development and building capacity through grant writing and fundraising efforts. A fire dancer, fairy performer, and ukulele enthusiast, Meaghan is an advocate for therapeutic play and creative expression.
Meaghan lives in the majestic state of Maine where she earned a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and an MSEd in TESOL at the University of Southern Maine, as well as an MFA in Creative Writing from Stonecoast.