Get to Know US
Tabitha
Executive ChiefTabitha Persaud is the Executive Chairperson of Mainely Girls, and is passionate about uplifting and empowering girls, non-binary, and genderfluid youth across the state. With a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth empowerment. Tabitha helps guide the organization’s strategic vision, partnership, and community initiatives. Her leadership centers on creating opportunities for young people to thrive, connect with mentors, and access resources that support their personal growth and well-being.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Tabitha is a devoted mother of two and a proud bonus mom of two. Her family life fuels her passion for building stronger, more compassionate communities where all young people can grow up feeling supported, safe, and empowered to peruse their dreams. Through her work with Mainely Girls, Tabitha continues to advocate for inclusive spaces and meaningful opportunities that help shape a brighter future for Maine’s youth.
Board MemberBrian Fortier
Brian Fortier is a member of the board and former Executive board member of Mainely Girls, and is a lifelong supportive ally of women, girls and the LGBTQ+ communities.
As a former Alternative Education, Special Education, and mainstream education teacher as well as a current Social Worker, Brian has worked to assist and support many students and clients from these communities for over 30 years.
While Brian was born and raised in the County, Brian has extensive history working with the military as an Advocate and Therapist in the domains of Domestic Violence, personal trauma, and individual personal journeys for almost two decades in foreign countries and around America.
Brian has recently returned to the County to bring the lessons he has learned from personal journeys around the globe to help empower women, girls and the LGBTQ+ communities in the County.
Executive Chief Carol Ayoob
Carol became the Executive Director of Mainely Girls in 2015, and moved the organization to Aroostook from Midcoast Maine, after 20 successful years under the direction of Mary Orear, who founded the program in 1994. Carol put together and amazing Board of Directors, and we have been growing solidly, since, with the exception of the years of Covid19. Carol is an artist who has always had an interest in finding ways to build “community” capacity through the arts. She worked early in her life as an advocate for women and children who experienced domestic violence and trauma; she was also a Sexual Assault Educator. It was during that fifteen years, she saw a Girls’ Theater group from the University of Maine (Orono) visit and perform at UMPI. She decided that the transformational experience of giving girls a voice through performance, was something she wanted to learn. She studied Interactive Theater with Kevin Dowling, and put together 8 Girls Theater Groups in ECO2000 schools. She took them “on tour” to perform for other girls around the State, and for 6 years, she met girls who now support Mainely Girls! When girls hold space together, with good mentors nearby, and time to be creatively expressive, Carol believes “change-makers” emerge. It is one of Carol’s deepest joys, to watch a young person find their voice, or their direction, and support them on their path. Only through kind and dynamic mentorship from the many wonderful women in her life, did Carol discover her own unique path!
Janice Santos
Board MemberJanice Santos is passionate about life, the arts, the earth, healing, and the transformation of young girls into young women. Janice has had the experience of living in other states and countries calling The County home for the past twenty-two twenty years. As a veteran with fifteen years of service, she has a diverse background in cultures, education, training and experience. She is excited to support Mainely Girls in their vision and purpose of supporting young girls in their growth..
