United Way of Pioneer Valley Announces Personnel Changes

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) today announced several changes and additions to its team.

The agency announced the addition of Jennifer Fernandes as the new case coach for Thrive Financial Success Centers in Westfield and Holyoke; Chris Woods as the new part-time volunteer coordinator, as well as the promotion of LaTonia Naylor from community impact manager to senior manager of Community Investments.

Fernandes will coordinate the UPWV’s Thrive program, which serves to strengthen the financial capacity of community college students and residents. Through community collaborative efforts, Thrive promotes and supports activities related to financial literacy, including access to a one-stop financial resource center, workforce development services, and public benefit screening and enrollment. Fernandes has a B.A. in Psychology from UMass Amherst and a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley College. She has been working with the Adult Basic Education program in Holyoke, and has been involved in financial literacy, academic and career counseling.

Woods earned his B.S. in Marketing from Bentley University. Following graduation, he became an Americorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) member for a year and traveled across the country working on volunteer projects. For the past year, he has been a math tutor with Springfield Math Fellows, and he continues as an assistant swim team coach with the West Springfield Torpedoes. Woods will be coordinating volunteer activities for United Way Youth Generate, Stuff the Bus, and Day of Caring programs, among other projects.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer and Chris to our team,” said Jennifer Kinsman, United Way Director of Community Impact. “They both bring the type of enthusiasm and talent we need as the United Way continues to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community across the Pioneer Valley.”

Naylor’s promotion to senior manager of Community Investments will have her overseeing grants management for the education, basic needs, small grants and emergency food and shelter programs. She’ll also provide technical assistance to United Way grantees and community partners and become the UWPV community liaison for education initiatives.

“Latonia is a strong and extremely capable employee. Her passion for and commitment to the mission of the United Way and the communities we serve make her the perfect choice for this position,” added Kinsman.