Advisory Council
As the Healthy Monadnock Alliance’s (HMA) workgroups have evolved and expanded, so has the Advisory Council of the Healthy Monadnock Alliance. Formerly known as the Executive Council, this group has taken on a new and enhanced role. It now consists of two representatives from each of the six HMA workgroups and plays a crucial role in promoting collaboration and communication among the various workgroups, all in support of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
This diverse group of stakeholders not only approves the HMA Annual Report, which showcases the Alliance’s achievements and ongoing initiatives, but also oversees the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair for the HMA Leadership Team. They also provide input into the development of the CHIP revision process, ensuring that community perspectives are integrated into the development of our health strategies, ultimately enhancing community engagement and support for health improvement efforts throughout the Monadnock region.
Suzanne Bansley
Suzanne Bansley is a Grant Professional Certified (G.P.C.); she has an M.B.A. in Managing for Sustainability from Marlboro College in Vermont (now Emerson College in Boston) and a Bachelor’s in business management, specializing in finance from Southern Connecticut State University. Suzanne has been Cheshire County’s grants manager since 2014 and is passionate about serving our community and helping organizations within it succeed. Her mission is to deliver incredible value by offsetting the costs of county projects, securing funds to launch new programs, providing fiscal sponsorship services to area collaborations and coalitions, seeking grants, and providing grant writing and management advice to Cheshire County nonprofits. In her free time, Suzanne loves to run marathons, alpine skiing, and travel.
Alyssa Bender-Jesse
Alyssa Bender-Jesse, M.S., is the City of Keene Youth Services Manager, supporting all towns in Cheshire County. Alyssa focuses on restorative justice practices, prevention techniques, and the impact of community engagement and youth involvement. Currently running an accredited Juvenile Court Diversion Program, she strives to help youth make responsible decisions by creating community connections, fostering peer support, and opening education opportunities. With a passion for mental and physical wellbeing, Alyssa expanded her education into health and human sciences, allowing her to work with youth and families achieving their highest potential in overall wellness. Outside of work, Alyssa can be seen volunteering with the Greater Keene Rotaract Club as their Past President, skiing in the winter, or enjoying the beautiful Keene parks, trails, and downtown.
Dennis Calcutt
Dennis Calcutt has over 35 years of experience supporting children, families, and youth mental health. He has worked in many roles, including program coordination, teaching, crisis response, and community outreach. He has also helped build programs and facilities from the ground up. Dennis is known for his patient, collaborative style and his focus on building strong human connections. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from St. Vincent College. He also earned a core certificate in nonprofit leadership and management from Boston University’s School of Management and is a New Hampshire Listens Fellow through the University of New Hampshire.
Sara Fisher
Sara Fisher is a Senior Population Health Coordinator with the Center For Population Health at Cheshire Medical Center. She has 25 years of experience working in healthcare, including 18 years of leadership experience between positions with Planned Parenthood and Cheshire Medical Center. She coordinates WorkWell, a program working with local employers to bring employee wellness policies, programs, and resources to the regions’ workforce, and she recently earned her certification as a Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist. Sara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. Outside of work, Sara enjoys reading, time in nature kayaking or exploring her property with her husband and recue pup Gibson, and endless renovations to their 1850’s farmhouse.
Sarah Harpster
Sarah Harpster is the Community Engagement Director at NH Hunger Solutions, supporting regional food access coalitions/food policy councils to devise and execute collaborative projects and achieve common goals to enhance food security locally. She brings twelve years of experience in the food systems space, having served in the roles of gleaning coordinator, advocacy coordinator, and executive director in a charitable food service organization. Previously, she worked in community organizing roles in supporting family caregivers, supporting municipal energy conservation, and building rural economic opportunities overseas. Sarah has a life-long curiosity about human nature, a passion for justice, and a love of food. She is a member of The Women’s Collective. She enjoys collecting cookbooks (and sometimes cooking), knitting, reading, and training as a yoga teacher.
Benée Hershon
Benée Hershon is the District Manager of the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD). One of Benée’s greatest passions is connecting others with nature, and doing active conservation work in agriculture and working landscapes. Benée graduated from Brandeis University in 2020 with a degree in Environmental Studies, and a certificate in Conservation, Biodiversity, and Society from the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. Prior to working with CCCD, Benée served as the Community Engagement and Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts through the TerraCorps program. From 2021 to 2025, Benée worked as Outreach Coordinator and then as Community Engagement Director for the CCCD, transitioning into the District Manager role in Spring 2025. She is passionate about uplifting and engaging local communities through CCCD programs! Benée is honored to be working with such an incredible and dedicated organization and community in Cheshire County!
Marissa Mannion-King
Marissa Mannion-King is the Senior Population Health Coordinator at the Center for Population Health at Cheshire Medical Center, where she has worked for nearly six years. In this role, Marissa oversees the Wellpowered School Program, connecting schools to wellness resources, programs, policy guidance, and grant opportunities. She also leads implementation of the PreVenture substance use prevention program in partnership with local schools and serves as Chair of the Be the Change Protective and Risk Factors Workgroup. Marissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Colby-Sawyer College and her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology from Regis College. She combines her knowledge of exercise science and public health to guide data-informed decisions and develop programs that promote youth wellness across the region. Her earlier roles as Fitness and Wellness Director, Personal and Group Exercise Trainer, and Recreation Coordinator continue to shape her holistic approach to supporting youth wellbeing
Julie Quinn
Julie Quinn is the Manager for Population Health and Practice Quality at Monadnock Community Hospital. Julie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College and worked as a critical care nurse for ten years. Recognizing the crucial role of preventive healthcare, she transitioned into quality improvement with focus on outpatient quality initiatives, health equity, and chronic care management programs. Her passions include hiking and skiing.