‪(774) 312-7851‬ inquiry@nonviolentsolutions.org

Board of Directors

Samantha Leuschner

Samantha Leuschner

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 McConarty

Peter McConarty

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 Shorten

Matt Shorten

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.

 

Sean Minahan

Sean Minahan

Board Chair

Sean is a Rhode Island native and a graduate of Clark University, where he received his BA and MA in history, with a focus on the ancient world. He has been involved with the Center for Nonviolent Solutions since 2011, serving in programs for middle school students, high school students, and educators, and joined the Board in 2013. He currently works at the Genesis Club, a nonprofit organization that provides services to Worcester-area adults suffering from mental illness.

Gina Kuruvilla

Gina Kuruvilla

Gina is from Kerala, a small and beautiful state on the southern tip of India. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Presidency College, Calcutta, and a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Anna Maria College, Paxton. She has served in various staff and voluntary positions in her community and recently took voluntary retirement from her position as Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry at St. Mary Parish, Shrewsbury. She continues to lead her parish’s Social Justice Ministry and also volunteers for the CASA Project in Worcester. She has three children and is a self-described “people person”. Gina and her husband Joe, live in Shrewsbury, MA.