Whole Children Celebrates 20 Years with New Leadership

NORTHAMPTON — As Whole Children and Milestones, an afterschool enrichment program for people with disabilities, nears its 20th anniversary, a new generation of leaders will guide the programs into the next era of growth and innovation.

Whole Children founder Carrie McGee recently introduced the new leadership team at Whole Children and Milestones, both programs of Springfield-based Pathlight, a leading provider of services for people with intellectual disabilities.

Chris Harper, who has been with the organization since 2010 and served as manager of the Milestones day program, is taking on the role of director of Whole Children, Milestones, and Whole Selves (a relationships and sex-education program). Harper holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and brings extensive experience in leadership and working with individuals with disabilities. Beginning her career as a teacher at Whole Children, Harper has progressively assumed greater management and leadership responsibilities.

Jenna Perna Elias will be stepping into the role of the Milestones day program manager. Perna Elias, who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in education, came to Whole Children and Milestones as a teacher in 2017. She has been an integral part of the Pathlight community, serving on the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee and contributing as a lead teacher and member of the Whole Selves creative team.

Liana Marks, who was named manager of the Whole Children afterschool program in February, rounds out the new management team at the Inclusive Community Center at Village Hill in Northampton.

“It has been an honor, an adventure, and a fulfilling 20 years here at Whole Children,” McGee said. “Together, we’ve achieved so much, and I’m confident that our legacy will only flourish under the capable leadership of Chris, Jenna, Liana, and their team.”

As the transition takes place, McGee will remain at Pathlight as vice president for Family Services to oversee the change and set goals for the programs to ensure continued success.