Staff
Fred Kaelin, Executive Director
Fred Kaelin joined the Jordan Porco Foundation in November 2023, following five successful years as the Executive Director of the Shine Initiative, a mental health and stigma reduction organization in MA, and previous roles as Chief Development Officer for YOU, Inc. and Executive Director of Dynamy. Fred is known as a visionary, strategic, and compassionate nonprofit leader and is proud that he has always worked in this sector and for youth-serving organizations. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Hamilton College and his Master of Arts in Teaching English from Tufts University. He is a talented educator and engaging writer and storyteller who frequently shares his lived experience. For his wellness, Fred likes to garden, read, spend time with his family, get as much fresh air and natural light as possible, and occasionally while away time in bookstores and coffee shops.
Email Fred at fkaelin@jordanporcofoundation.org
Mike Daly, Office Manager
Mike was introduced to the Jordan Porco Foundation as a volunteer on the Hartford Resource Development Committee (RDC) and has served on that committee for over a year. Mike has a Bachelor Degree in Marketing and Organizational Behavior from Central Connecticut State University and a JD from Western New England University. He enjoys being part of the team, supporting the staff and helping the foundation operate efficiently. Mike will continue to work with the RDC and believes it is very important to share our mission with the community. In his spare time, Mike enjoys working around the house, reading, writing, and volunteering at his church.
Email Mike at mdaly@jordanporcofoundation.org
Beth Holcomb, Event Manager
Beth earned her Bachelor of Science/Arts degree in Accounting from the University of Hartford and her Masters degree in Finance from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Hartford. She has worked as a CPA in a public accounting firm and an Assistant Treasurer of a Fortune 500 company. Her breadth of experience in event planning and working with volunteers comes from years of volunteer service at her church, her children’s schools and the Greater Hartford Open (currently, Travelers Championship).
Beth resides in South Windsor with her husband Steve, her children Juliana and Michael, and her cats Penny and Abbie. She enjoys the company of others, working out, shopping, day trips, and most of all spending time with her family.
Email Beth at bholcomb@jordanporcofoundation.org
Leah Nelson, Director of Programs
Leah Nelson earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Connecticut, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the UConn School of Social Work. She joined the Jordan Porco Foundation in 2012 and serves as the Director of Programs, overseeing the growth, development, and integrity of the organization’s critical programs. Leah is a Certified QPR Trainer and has also presented her lived experience with mental health and suicide to a number of audiences. Outside of her professional endeavors, she has been an active member of her community, volunteering over the years for organizations such as Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters and Paws New England. A nature lover, Leah can usually be found hiking in the mountains, camping in the National Parks, snowshoeing in her woods, or on the lake on her stand up paddleboard.
Email Leah at lnelson@jordanporcofoundation.org
Nick Marinelli, Program Resource Manager
Nick Marinelli earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychological Science at Central Connecticut State University and recently earned a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from UConn Hartford. While at CCSU, Nicholas developed a passion for mental health advocacy joining groups on campus such as Active Minds and the Psychology Club. He’s committed to furthering his education in the nonprofit sector as a current MPA candidate at the University of Connecticut. Joining the Jordan Porco Foundation in 2018, he has become an integral part of the evaluation, development, and operations of Jordan Porco Foundation programming. Nick has also played a significant role in JPF’s grants process, both researching and writing proposals for the further development of the organization.
Nick lives an active lifestyle, enjoying the outdoors while hiking and camping. He’s also an avid cook and loves to read while hanging out with the best girl in the whole wide world, Acadia (his pup).
Email Nick at nmarinelli@
Carissa Peckrul, Program Coordinator
Carissa Peckrul earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Educational Studies from Roger Williams University. She spent time post graduation serving with AmeriCorps and traveling to teach Mental Health First Aid training across Connecticut. Carissa was introduced to the Jordan Porco Foundation in 2020, as she began pursuing her Master’s of Social Work at the University of Connecticut. She dedicated her time as a Nine out of Ten Ambassador and enjoyed pursuing her passion of suicide prevention alongside other incredible individuals across the country. Her professional experience working in various settings as a social worker and mental health advocate has led her back to JPF as a Program Coordinator and she is thrilled to continue raising awareness through evidence informed programs and training. Outside of the work setting, Carissa values her time with family and friends, is an avid concert-goer, and loves to gain new experiences through travel.
Email Carissa at cpeckrul@
