Penny Austen is the co-founder and Executive Director of ThinkGive. A native Canadian, Penny believes that character is not only a foundational skill but a superpower—one that shapes our ability to thrive, connect, and create positive change. With a background in technology and nonprofit management, Penny co-founded ThinkGive to help young people unlock their potential to make a difference and develop the character traits that will serve them throughout their lives.

Penny holds a bachelor’s degree from McGill University and an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. She lives in Concord, MA, with her husband, three children, and three dogs. When she’s not working, you can find her watching her children play sports, walking dogs, biking, or climbing mountains.

What do you have a PhD in? Ashtanga Yoga
What’s your favorite movie? The Princess Bride
Describe your 10-year-old self. A mini-teen: determined, focused, and a tester of rules.

Scott has witnessed the profound impact of kindness through his eigth-grade son, who is cherished by peers, teachers, parents, and coaches for his generosity of spirit. Inspired by the difference one child’s kindness can make, Scott is passionate about bringing ThinkGive to more classrooms to foster similar positive change.

With a background in marketing, Scott has held roles in higher education and publishing, including leading marketing at a nonprofit executive search firm and managing partnerships with Major League Baseball, Google, and General Electric at Northeastern University. He lives in Southborough, MA, with his wife, son, and two rescue dogs, enjoying family hikes, experimenting with new recipes, and spending summer days on water.

What do you have a PhD in? Embarrassing my son.
What’s your claim to fame? My team going 24-0 in a pickleball league.
Describe your 10-year-old self. Typical middle child, always seeking attention.

Hannah’s fondest memories from her childhood education involve kindness and empathy; indeed, these essential experiences led her to choosing a career in education. She believes that social and emotional learning (SEL) is an essential part of any joyful school experience and equally as important as any subject area. Students deserve to be empowered to spread kindness within their school communities and beyond.

Prior to joining ThinkGive, Hannah taught elementary school for 11 years. In her classrooms, Hannah sought to form meaningful connections with each and every student and to create an atmosphere of kind-heartedness and generosity. Hannah lives with her husband and two children in Woburn, MA. Some of her favorite activities include mountain biking, reading, embroidery, gardening, and visiting historical sites.

What do you have a PhD in? Bluey
Describe your 10-year-old self. Wearing overalls and a white turtleneck, playing four-square with my brothers.
What’s your claim to fame? Making the game-winning, half-court shot in my JV playoff basketball game.

Lisa believes the key to a meaningful life is the connections you form with people and the world around you. She has a passion for enriching the lives of youth and teaching them the importance of helping others.

Prior to joining ThinkGive, Lisa began her career practicing law. After becoming a mom of three kids, she shifted her focus to teaching youth. Lisa co-founded a financial literacy program for children. She also authored and published children’s books about empathy and kindness with the purpose of donating the books to children’s charities and raising awareness about various causes.

Lisa was drawn to ThinkGive because she strongly believes that youth benefit from learning that acts of kindness connect us to others and help strengthen our communities. She plans to bring her creativity and teaching background to ThinkGive to expand the reach of the organization.

Christina believes that giving and receiving kindness can change how a child feels about themselves and how they interact with the world. Especially now, after the isolation of COVID, social and emotional learning is so important in that it teaches skills that lead to healthy and resilient kids.

Born and raised in the Finger Lakes of New York, Christina received her Bachelor's in Political Science from the University of Vermont and a Master's in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago. In Chicago, she spent years in sales before pivoting to the nonprofit world after meaningful volunteer work changed her focus. Now in Boston, Christina has worked and volunteered with the Network for Social Justice, Winchester Federation for Educational Excellence, and Winchester A Better Chance.

Christina moved to Jamaica Plain in Boston in 2012 and now lives with her three young boys in Winchester, MA. As a family, they enjoy snowboarding, hiking, being on the lake, and traveling to visit family and friends. When not working, you can find Christina walking with friends, playing tennis, reading, or spending time with family in Vermont or NY.

Throughout her career in education, Shayna has always placed social and emotional learning at the forefront. She believes kindness, empathy, and inclusion are key factors in creating a successful learning environment where every student feels comfortable and seen. Shayna is thrilled to be part of the ThinkGive team and help bring SEL programs to more youth.

Shayna is a graduate of Northeastern University, where she earned a degree in Communications and International Affairs. For the past eight years, she has worked in education in various roles, including as an early education teacher, professional development specialist, and, currently, as an administrative assistant at a PreK-8th grade independent school. Shayna is certified as a Social Emotional Learning Facilitator and Yoga Teacher. Outside of work, Shayna loves traveling- especially to the beach, trying a new crafting project, and hanging out with her cat.

What do you have a PhD in? Ice cream
What’s your favorite children’s book? Harvest Song by Ron Hirschi
What is your favorite quote that shapes your work or life? “Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.” - Ida Scott Taylor

Melissa believes in the power we all have to positively impact the lives of those around us every day. In our complex world, teaching young people the simple value of kindness towards others helps them understand how their actions have positive ripple effects on themselves and those around them. For as long as she can remember, Melissa learned the importance of serving others and being a positive part of a community. This foundation provided the backdrop for Melissa’s involvement in community service and fundraising efforts in her hometown of Concord since 2015. She has been an active volunteer for ThinkGive since 2022 and served on the Board of Directors for a year before moving into the development role. Melissa is enthusiastic about building relationships to expand ThinkGive’s experiential social and emotional learning program.

Melissa earned her degree in Economics from the University of Colorado and her law degree from Chicago Kent College of Law. She worked as an Attorney in Chicago and volunteered with the Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. In 2015, she moved to Concord with her husband and three boys and feels lucky to call New England home.

Minna's journey of healing and growth in her personal life and in community with others reflects ThinkGive values of authenticity, empowerment, kindness, and small consistent actions that "ripple outward to inspire a collective shift." She is grateful for the people, places, and experiences that continue to teach her about shifting towards a world that reflects the ThinkGive curricula and developing ThinkGive programming that reflects what she's being taught.

Her contribution to ThinkGive is largely informed by her eleven years of classroom experience that integrated mindfulness, social-emotional literacy, and social justice. Today, she has the privilege and honor of co-facilitating spaces that center connection and belonging with humans of all ages worldwide through various modalities such as experiential and somatic practices, conflict resolution, slowing down, and play! Minna delights in the magic of children’s picture books, reclaiming her Korean ancestry, and rock climbing as she roots on land stewarded by the Duwamish people colonially known as Seattle, WA.

What do you have a PhD in? Dog cuddling
What’s your favorite children’s book? What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada, and Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
What is your favorite quote that shapes your work or life? A quote that has been transformative in the way I build relationships is, “Conflict is the spirit of the relationship asking itself to deepen.” - Malidoma Some, West African elder and teacher

Sarah is a senior at Concord Carlisle High School who has a lot of passion for helping her community. This passion has led her to volunteering as a tutor and to volunteering at multiple summer camps. She was drawn to ThinkGive because of their mission of teaching kindness and believes that it can make the world a better place.

Sophia Annunziata is a Junior at Concord Carlisle High School. She is a member of her school's varsity soccer, ski, and track teams, and she is working on starting a unified soccer team for special education students. Aside from sports, she likes to spend time volunteering in the special education classes at her school, as well as volunteering at household goods and various camps over the summer. She is super excited to start helping with the ThinkGive SAB, and wants to help teach social awareness and kindness to students.

My name is Sophia Arif, and I’m a student at Concord Carlisle High School. I am an athlete on both the Field Hockey and Track and Field teams and a member of the Red Cross and Innocence Project clubs. I volunteer at the Veterans Affairs Hospital and the Women’s Health Clinic, working to create a more positive community. I’m excited to carry this mission forward through the ThinkGive Student Advisory Board, where I can share my passion for spreading positivity and working with kids.

My name is Carolina Casimiro-Nunez, and I am a junior at Concord Carlisle High School. During the summer, I work as a camp counselor, and I also help out with the confirmation class for kids. In the future, I hope to become a teacher. I am interested in ThinkGive because I want to find new ways for children to learn and participate in improving their community. I am excited about helping kids become leaders and creating a kind and positive environment.

Hi! My name is Audrey Elmes and I live in Williamsburg, Virginia. I am a rising sophomore at Hampton Roads Academy. I am a field hockey and track athlete and I play flute in my school band. I enjoy volunteering at children’s fairs and food banks, helping out at my school library, and working with animals. I am interested in ThinkGive because I love working with children and helping teachers out. I’m also looking to get more involved in my school, especially with a mental health or kindness project.

My name is Bianca Flores, and I am a senior at Creekview High School in Carrollton, Texas. At school, I am actively involved in Moot Court and Class Council, as well as working at a brunch restaurant. I also enjoy playing and watching soccer, and trying new foods. I was attracted to ThinkGive because it provides a platform for me to share my passion for creating open, welcoming, and collaborative environments.

Nate is a senior at Concord-Carlisle High School. He enjoys activities outdoor activities like swimming and running. He started working with youth through a club that volunteers at local elementary schools. He was interested in ThinkGive because he resonated strongly with the program's message. Nate previously completed the program and he thinks ThinkGive's mission to help educate more schools across the country is very meaningful because he experienced the program's impact first-hand.

Maya is a sophomore at Concord Carlisle High School. In her free time, she enjoys participating in her school's sports teams and club gymnastics and volunteering around her school and community. She is excited to learn and work with others to spread positivity, kindness, and mindfulness!

Matthew is a senior at Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX. He loves playing tennis and basketball, and outside of school, he spends most of his time volunteering at the local history museum and setting up scavenger hunts and educational events. He began working for ThinkGive due to his interest in its mission statement of fostering academic growth with empathy.

Elise McMorrow is a Junior at Concord Carlisle High School. She is a member of the Track and Field team as well as the Alpine Ski team. In the winter, Elise is a ski instructor and pursues her passion for working with children. Besides sports, she is dedicated to volunteering for the benefit of the community. As a fifth grader at Carlisle Public Schools, Elise participated in the ThinkGive program. She is excited to contribute to the program through the Student Advisory Board and spread the important message of ThinkGive.

Grant Morishita is a sophomore at Milton Academy in Massachusetts. He enjoys activities involving oral and visual communication of ideas and humor, including debate and improv, and volunteering his time as an academic tutor and speech judge for middle school students. He was drawn to ThinkGive as he believes that thoughtful communication can enhance expressions of kindness to build community. Grant looks forward to developing these ideas as part of the ThinkGive Student Advisory Board.

My name is Rachel Starr, and I am a junior at Boston Latin School in Boston, MA. I have always enjoyed community organizing for social justice driven events, especially climate-focused ones, as well as volunteering and tutoring. I have been interested in ThinkGive's community based work since I participated in fourth grade, when it changed my view about kindness and making a difference.

Helen Sutton is a junior at Concord Carlisle High School in Massachusetts. She loves encouraging young children through volunteering and babysitting. She was inspired to join ThinkGive after participating in the program as a fifth grader. Helen looks forward to increasing student engagement with ThinkGive through various marketing and community building initiatives.

My name is Layli White and I live in Concord Massachusetts. I am a Sophomore at Concord Carlisle High School. I am interested in ThinkGive because I have been working with and teaching children for a few years now and can see their potential and innate desire to do good! I am so excited to try to create kinder and more inclusive environments!