Marites MacLean, President and Founding Board Member
Marites MacLean is a retired early childhood educator, trauma-informed care trainer, and lifelong advocate for children and families. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Fitchburg State University and a Certificate in Advocacy and Leadership from Urban College of Boston, Massachusetts, Marites has dedicated her life to fostering equitable systems and supporting children and families, including those with disabilities.
Marites’ commitment to advocacy is evident through her active participation in various community organizations. She volunteers her time attending meetings with groups such as the Health Equity of North Central MA (CHNA9), where she advocates for the rights and needs of children and families. Her efforts extend to promoting and supporting equitable systems, and she played a key role in the promotion of the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and the Fair Share Amendment (millionaire’s tax) bills, both of which became laws in Massachusetts.
From 2015 to 2021, Marites served on the advisory council for the Department of Early Education and Care, contributing her expertise and insights to shape early education policies. As a Teach Plus and CAYL fellow, she has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the early childhood education sector.
Marites is the President and co-Founder of Empower Children for Success (ECFS), a nonprofit organization based in Fitchburg. In addition to her leadership role, she serves as the Development Director, grant writer, and Program Director, among other roles, to ensure the organization’s success. Her efforts in building and maintaining relationships with donors have been instrumental in securing funding to advance ECFS’s mission.
Under her leadership, Marites secured grant funding from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for the Leaders for Equitable Local Economies initiative, aimed at creating an equitable childcare system. She also spearheaded the creation of a successful Childcare Entrepreneur Training Program, securing additional funding from the United Way of North Central MA, Community Foundation of North Central MA, CHNA9, and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.
Marites’ extensive network of advocates in the early education and care field underscores her unwavering commitment to systemic change. Her advocacy work and leadership have made a significant impact on the lives of children and families, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
BETH ROBBINS: Secretary
With over 30 years of experience as a systems-level leader, Beth Robbins has dedicated her career to advancing equity, well-being, and human dignity across education, public health, and community systems. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that embodying kindness and aligning intentional practice has the transformative power to reshape both people and cultures.
As a co-founder of the Child Care Entrepreneur Steward Training Program, an initiative supported by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Beth has been instrumental in helping over 250 providers build and scale successful businesses. Her work focuses on turning values into action by cultivating belonging and driving sustainable change.
Beth’s extensive history of mission-driven leadership includes:
- The W.E.L.L.: A holistic wellness center in Fitchburg focused on healing and community belonging.
- The Lovewell Initiative: Supporting the development of single mothers (United Way Fellowship, 2007).
- Fitchburg Roots: An arts-based nonprofit elevating youth voice and community identity.
- NeighborWorks Community Leadership Institute: A two-time national convention awardee.
In addition to her role as Secretary for Empower Children for Success (ECFS), Beth continues to serve as a key co-facilitator for regional training cohorts, ensuring that the next generation of child care entrepreneurs has the tools and mentorship needed.
Marciel Vargas-Treasurer
Marcy Vargas is a licensed child care provider and the founder of Vio’s Play & Learn Childcare in Fitchburg. Her journey into family child care is rooted in both professional experience and a genuine passion for nurturing young children. Marcy has created a warm, welcoming, and structured environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore. She understands that the early years are critical and intentionally designs her program to support each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Vio’s Play & Learn Childcare was founded in response to the growing demand for high-quality, reliable child care options. Marcy recognized that many families, especially from immigrant communities, those balancing work, school, and other responsibilities struggle to find care that is both accessible, linguistically, culturally and developmentally appropriate. Her program helps fill that gap by offering a bilingual (English-Spanish) program and nurturing, home-based setting where children learn through play, build relationships, and develop essential skills.
Through a play-based learning approach, Marcy provides hands-on activities that promote curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. Children in her care develop language, early literacy, and social skills while building confidence and independence. She also prioritizes strong communication with families, recognizing that partnerships between providers and parents are key to a child’s success.
Beyond the classroom, Marcy’s work has a broader impact. By providing dependable child care, she enables parents to work, pursue education, and achieve greater economic stability. Her dedication strengthens not only the children she serves, but also the families and community around her.
Natacha Pierre-Louis-Board of Director
Natacha Pierre‑Louis is a multilingual human services professional and community spiritual leader whose work is rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and a profound commitment to empowering vulnerable children, adolescents, and families. Fluent in Haitian Creole, French, Spanish, and English, she brings a global, culturally attuned perspective to every space she serves.
Drawing more than a decade of experience in case management, youth support, social services, and organizational leadership, Natacha has built a reputation for delivering compassionate, person‑centered care. Her approach places fundamental importance on dignity, diversity, and the recognition of social barriers, realities that shape each individual’s life in unique ways and therefore require equally unique, responsive, and effective support.
Natacha’s earlier career included senior leadership roles in human resources and operations across hospitals, manufacturing companies, and hospitality organizations. These experiences strengthened her skills in staff development, training, and organizational systems, expertise she continues to integrate into her human services work today.
Beyond her professional roles, Natacha is deeply engaged in community‑based service and youth empowerment. She has led and participated in numerous programs for children, adolescents, and their families, including church‑based workshops centered on emotional healing, overall health and well‑being, spiritual growth, and awareness of relevant social issues. Her ability to create safe, uplifting, and developmentally attuned spaces for young people has made her a trusted mentor and guide. As a spiritual leader in her community, she supports individuals and families through moments of transition, healing, and personal growth, integrating compassion, faith, and practical wisdom.
Her passion for service inspired her to pursue studies in psychology and human services, driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of human behavior and enhance the quality of care provided to underserved communities. She joined the ECFS Board of Directors with the intention of serving as a voice for minorities and contributing to the social, economic, and emotional development of children, youth, and their families, fostering inclusion, equity, autonomy, resilience, and long‑term flourishing.
SCARLET SANCHEZ: Board of Directors
ADELA CINTRON: Board of Directors