Passionate and Dedicated

Jennifer Minicucci

Executive Director, she/her

MS Arts Administration & Cultural Entrepreneurship Northeastern University

Jennifer is a strong proponent of the power of art to bring about transformational change. She believes art can build understanding, connection and belonging, creating a more just, inclusive, and equitable world. She is delighted to bring to Arts in Reach her passion for art, education, and community building along with more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience.  

After early stints in corporate public relations at Ogilvy, Adams & Rinehart in Washington, DC and Cone Communications in Boston, MA, she chose to transition to a focus on development and strategic planning for cultural and educational nonprofits. After building fundraising functions at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH and Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC) in Portsmouth, NH, Jennifer began a consulting practice. Clients included Portland, ME-based Indigo Arts Alliance (IAA), an artist residency supporting Black and Brown artists; the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra; and Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth, NH; InventiveLabs, a startup incubator and gap-year program for alternative learners in Amesbury, MA; and Pinetree Institute in Eliot, ME, offering community resources to address the effects of childhood trauma. Jennifer also co-founded Polaris Charter School, a public elementary school for neurodiverse students, in Manchester, NH, and has served on the Board of Trustees for the Academy of Science and Design and Granite State Arts Academy. 

She recently served as President of Art-Speak, the Cultural Commission for the City of Portsmouth, NH, and presently sits on the Board of Advisors for the Museum of Art at the University of New Hampshire, on the Advisory Circle for IAA, and on the Visual Arts Committee of PMAC. An avid oil painter and metalsmith, she has sold her work in several New England galleries. 

Jennifer holds a master’s degree in Arts Administration and Cultural Entrepreneurship from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. She lives with her family in a 202-year-old farmhouse in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and studies drawing at the Academy of Realist Art in Boston, plays flute in the New Horizons Band at PMAC, and especially enjoys reading, cooking, running, museum-going, and listening to live music.

Lindsey Castellon

Program Coordinator, she/they

Driven by a passion for innovation and creativity, Lindsey Castellon is an artist, maker, and professional who blends technical expertise with artistic expression to create meaningful impact. Lindsey first worked with AIR as a teaching artist, and now joins us as Program Coordinator. 

Lindsey’s creative versatility shines through her work in multiple domains. In the field of non-profit programs, she combines strategic thinking with a flair for innovative problem-solving, enabling programs to thrive and create lasting change in communities. Her skills in training design, data analytics, and grant-funded initiatives are matched by a natural ability to think outside the box, helping organizations push boundaries and achieve their goals.

Beyond her professional work, Lindsey is a passionate creator. She channels her creativity through her illustration studio, Angry Gato Designs, where she brings whimsical, cute, and funny animal illustrations to life for clients. She also shares her love of craftsmanship by teaching laser cutting at her local Makerspace, inspiring others to explore their own creative potential.

A lifelong learner, Lindsey is constantly seeking new ways to blend her passion for innovation and creativity, continually expanding her knowledge and skill set. She is also an alum of the New Leaders Council New Hampshire ‘23 cohort, further showcasing her leadership and commitment to making a difference.

Lindsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of New Hampshire, grounding her work in a strong foundation of sustainability and forward-thinking principles.

Sheila Shea

Director of Programs, she/her

Sheila Shea is a dedicated and experienced nonprofit leader with a passion for empowering communities through arts and education. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit organizations, schools, and higher education, Sheila has honed her skills in program development, fundraising, community engagement, and strategic planning. Her work is rooted in a commitment to social impact, focusing on arts, education, health, and wellness. As an advocate for inclusivity, she is particularly passionate about using yoga and the arts as tools for personal empowerment and community building.

Having first joined AIR as a board member over 20 years ago, Sheila’s return to the organization is a full-circle moment, allowing her to apply her deep understanding of community engagement and wellness to foster growth and drive meaningful impact.

Throughout her career, Sheila has demonstrated a talent for fostering collaboration, cultivating donor relationships, and leading innovative programs that align with the mission and values of the organizations she serves. Her intercultural competencies, leadership qualities, and passion for social justice and the arts continue to guide her work in creating positive change within communities.

Sheila holds a Master’s in Intercultural Studies from Lesley University and is an active member of Leadership Seacoast’s Alumni Network. She remains deeply committed to leveraging her skills to create impactful programs that support youth, wellness, and the arts.

Nicole Seaward

Director of Operations, she/her

Nicole Seaward is a dynamic force in nonprofit leadership, driven by her passion for building connections and sparking real change in individuals, communities, and organizations alike.

As the former President and Executive Director of WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio, she balanced the big-picture vision and day-to-day operations, ensuring strategic and operational success. With a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology, Nicole’s expertise shaped leadership strategies for Fortune 50 companies, where her ability to create inclusive, transparent, and results-driven solutions transformed teams and organizations. 

Nicole’s operational strategies boosted employee well-being, lowered turnover rates, and inspired leaders to thrive. With over a decade of experience, her professional journey is a testament to an unwavering commitment to advocacy, disability inclusion, and equity.

Nicole is affiliated with the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity where she speaks to businesses and organizations about the importance of genuine neuroinclusion. She is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor who co-authored a course, Autism In The Workplace, that guides employers towards compassionate, successful autism inclusion. She has spearheaded innovative goals that have driven action and left a lasting legacy, especially in the areas of disability support, volunteer engagement, and professional development. Nicole’s leadership is not just about getting results—it’s about empowering people and creating environments where everyone can flourish.

caitlin little

Director of Community Engagement, she/they

caitlin little is a dynamic community engagement advocate and multi-modal artist dedicated to fostering creativity and driving positive social change. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in developing innovative programs that promote equity and cultivate vibrant artistic communities.

As the co-founder of Petshop Gallery (Omaha, NE), caitlin established a multi-media art and performance space that emphasized community collaboration and creativity. Her commitment to empowering youth is exemplified through her leadership in arts mentoring programs, where she has guided young musicians in songwriting and performance, fostering a supportive environment that emphasizes teamwork and self-expression.

caitlin’s advocacy for the arts has led to successful legislative initiatives, securing funding for arts and culture districts across the state of Nebraska. She has worked closely with the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts (NHSCA) on granting panels and has served on the Dover, NH Arts Commission. Currently, she serves on the Haverhill, MA Cultural Council, furthering her commitment to cultural representation and accessibility in the arts.

Recognized as a YNPGO Emerging Nonprofit Leader Honoree and a recipient of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Change Maker Award, her impact extends beyond her local community. caitlin has played a pivotal role in grassroots fundraising efforts and collaborative projects aimed at enhancing cultural vibrancy.

She holds a Communication Design certificate from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and her work continues to inspire others to engage with the arts as a vehicle for change. 

Kathi Hardy

Teen Artist Transporter, she/her

Kathi is an exceptional person who is an integral part of our team at AIR. Not only does she play a crucial role in transporting our teen artists, but she also serves as a mentor at The School of the South in Seewanee, TN.  

Kathi loves reading and exploring fiber arts, with a particular love for knitting and crocheting. She spent many years traveling the world through serving in the Navy, and one of the fascinating places she lived was Iceland. She believes that everyone has unique gifts to give to the world, and AIR provides youth the environment to find and bring forth their gifts.