Our Staff

 Astrid Wielens, Founder and Executive Director

Astrid has a long history working with youth and families for the American Youth Foundation (AYF). She served AYF for 14 years where she held many positions including Program Director and Site Director. Since 2002 Astrid has been involved in hosting Camp Meridian at AYF to provide camp for children with a congenital heart condition. A few years later she was involved in the partnership with CHaD at Wentworth Douglass Hospital to develop programs for children with diabetes and their families.  In 2009 she left AYF to start Zebra Crossings. Astrid continues to serve as a member of the AYF Risk Management Committee to the Board. She is a licensed EMT and she volunteers with McGregor Memorial EMS in Durham.

 Tammy L. Bond, part time Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Tammy has been working in the social work/human services field for the past 18 years with an emphasis on residential programs, foster care and community relations program planning and coordination.  Tammy’s recent experience includes consulting for Casey Family Services and UNH Cooperative Extension on marketing, research, coalition development and event planning.  In addition, Tammy has been an instructor for 11 years with the Education and Training Partnership at Granite State College, which helps to enhance the quality of care for children living outside of their own homes by providing training to caregivers and staff.  In the past, she has worked directly for Casey Family Services, Lutheran Social Services and Covenant House.  She is a graduate of St. Michael’s College in Vermont.  A native NH resident, Tammy enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and their dog.

Program Staff:

Our programs are run by experienced youth development professionals and facilitators who are fully trained for the activities they lead. Our staff set the tone and boundaries for play at the start of each program to ensure the physical and emotional safety of each participant.

Sheila Hatch, per diem Program Staff

Sheila joined Zebra Crossings in January of 2011 as the primary program leader to bring continuity to our programs. She has years of experience as a youth program facilitator at Sweetser and the Browne Center. She brings great creativity to the programs and creates a safe environment for every participant to feel a sense of belonging.

Volunteers:

Zebra Crossings depends on the support of dedicated volunteers who enjoy being part of our community and want to make a difference in the lives of our families. All volunteers receive an orientation at the start of their work with Zebra Crossings. Volunteers work under the guidance of our Program Coordinators and Staff.

Please be assured that we conduct an annual background check for all our staff and volunteers prior to their service to the organization.