Sheila was born and raised in Chicago. She graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in English and earned her JD at DePaul University 20 years later. After living in Lexington, KY and Fort Collins, CO. She moved to Worcester in 2014. She and her husband, Tom, are members of Worcester Friends Meeting (Quaker) where she edits the WFM Monthly Newsletter and weekly Friendly Reminders. She is Board Secretary of Worcester Interfaith and has been a CASA advocate for 6 years. The mother of four adopted children and a former homeschooler, Sheila is passionately devoted to the path of nonviolence.

Samantha is a clinical social worker by trade. She finds her passion for advocacy and social justice working with those who have been disempowered by all forms of oppression. She joins CNVS with many years experience working for peace, nonviolence, and social change having lived and traveled through many Catholic Worker and peace communities. Samantha finally landed in Massachusetts when she got engaged to her activist fiance Brian. She finds creativity and freedom in yoga, prayer, nature, time with loved ones, and experimenting with vegan baking.

Peter was born in Weymouth MA, graduated from Harvard College and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.  He completed the Family Medicine Residency at San Francisco General Hospital and went to work at SFGH and Potrero Hill Health Center in 1976. He worked in Family Medicine Residencies and federally Qualified Health Centers until his retirement in 2015. Peter is the Central Mass Co-lead for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Matt grew up on Long Island, NY. He came to Worcester in 1970 to attend Holy Cross College and then complete a M.Ed. from Worcester State College. His career spanned 35 years teaching Special Education, most recently at Quabbin Regional High. He has been a peace activist for 50 years, since he was old enough to file as a conscientious objector. Mostly retired now, Matt has time to pursue his passions for nonviolent conflict resolution at Claremont High and AVP (Alternatives to Violence Program) at the Gardner Prison. He also serves as Clerk of the Worcester Friends Meeting.