Meet the Board of Directors

Jessica Archer

Jessica Archer is a middle school teacher at Orono Middle School where she has been teaching since 2000. She teaches 7th grade science and math along with 6th grade language arts. In addition to her teaching, she is the lead teacher for her school's intervention team as well as the school newspaper's advisor. Jessica also serves as one of the middle school's lead curriculum teachers. 

Jessica , who is currently serving as our board vice chair, and served as one of the founding board members, earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in science. She earned her Master's Degree in Special Education in 2009 and her second graduate degree, a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Special Education and Literacy in 2013. 

The pride she has in her teaching role at Orono Middle School comes second only to the pride she has in being a key teacher to her four children: Cameron, Connor, Colby and Cathryn; by far her favorite students!

In her free time, Jessica enjoys working out, baking, gardening and photography. 

Michael Archer

Michael Archer has been in education as a teacher and administrator for the past 26 years at Bucksport High School and now at Orono High School where he has been since 2001.

He is in his sixteenth year as the athletic administrator at Orono High School where he also taught physical education and health during that time.

He is currently finishing his term as President of the MIAAA which is the state's association for athletic administrators.  

Mike resides in Stillwater with his wife and board member Jessica Archer.  They have three other children besides Connor. They are Cameron, Colby, and Cathryn.

Peyton Boucher

Peyton Boucher is from Old Town, Maine and a recent graduate of Old Town High School's class of 2016, where she competed in indoor & outdoor track. She is currently attending Husson University in Bangor, majoring in Criminal Justice, and will graduate in 2020. She is a member of Husson's dance team and enjoy performing with them.

Peyton has already been a major part of The Courageous Steps Project's back-to-school drive & walk-run events, and hopes to continue to get involved in planning future events that we host.

​We are excited to have Peyton on our board, as she will provide a different perspective for our organization. 

Wendy Boucher

​Wendy Boucher has worked at Horizon Solutions, LLC since June 1992, where she is currently the inventory manager/purchasing agent. Wendy currently serves as our special events chair. She graduated from Brewer High School, Class of 1988.  She earned her Associate Degree in Business Administration from Husson University in 1994.  In addition to accepting a position on the Courageous Steps board, she also was activity involved in raising funds for the OTHS Class of 2016 Project Graduation.  She also participates in many local fundraisers and walks. 
 
Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, of 24 years.  Together, they reside in Old Town with their daughter, Peyton.  Wendy enjoys baking, traveling, chick flicks and most of all, spending time with family and friends.

Jessica Fine

Jessica Fine is the mother of two boys, of which one has High Functioning Autism.  She grew up in Texas, where she graduated from Harmony High School and went on to study education at ETBU and nursing at TJC.  She married the love of her life, Matthew, in 2001 and moved to Maine in 2005. Jessica, her husband, and sons (Thaddeus and Quentin) currently reside in Old Town.  Her previous employment includes assisting people with disabilities to find and keep meaningful employment. She is currently a substitute teacher and ed tech at Asa Adams Elementary during the school year, and whatever her boys need her to be in the summer.  When asked why she is committed to The Courageous Steps Project, she will gladly let you know that Connor Archer is not only an inspiration and great mentor for her sons but also an asset to the Autism community through his outreach and genuine altruism.  Jessica enjoys hiking, crafting, photography, spending quality time with her family, and last but not least, raising Autism awareness and acceptance.

Jess Francis

​Jess Francis has worked at Penobscot County Federal Credit Union since 2006, where she is currently the Marketing Manager. Jess is currently our board treasurer. She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Maine in 2011. Jess enjoys spending a great deal of time volunteering in the community; in addition to her most recent acceptance to serve on the Courageous Steps Board she also does volunteer work for Maine Credit Unions Campaign for Ending Hunger, the Special Olympics, Champion the Cure, Junior Achievement, and the Children's Miracle Network. 

When not working, Jess enjoys spending time with her husband, Anthony. The couple resides in Hermon with their two daughters: Natalie and Arabella. She also enjoys traveling, reading, watching horror films, and giving people the benefit of the doubt.

Jay Martin

Jay Martin currently serves as our board chair. 

Jay is one of five sons raised in Bangor by parents Ann (Morris) of Falmouth and J. Normand Martin of Madawaska. A graduate of John Bapst High School, Jay worked as a restaurant manager throughout his college years. Upon receiving his BA English degree at the University of Maine in 1995, he began his career as a technical writer and editor, assisting in franchising the Coffee News publication across the U.S., and serving as Associate Editor for the Solid State Circuits Society. He served as the chief grant writer, fundraiser, and marketing specialist for Washington Hancock Community Agency and United Cerebral Palsy of Maine. He led efforts that earned WHCA four million dollars in grants and contributions, and served a chief role in acquiring the Elizabeth Levinson Center for UCP in Bangor. 

In 2011, Jay accepted an appointment to serve Maine’s Secretary of State as the state’s first Small Business Advocate. In Augusta, Jay assisted small businesses across the state with state regulatory concerns, with a focus on resolving enforcement actions. Since 1995, Jay has served a variety of businesses through his consulting service, Write It Right – Profitable Proposals and Promotions. 
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Jay is a dedicated community supporter, having served for years as on-site fundraising chairperson for the American Folk Festival. As a neighbor of Connor Archer’s family for 20 years, he has enjoyed the privilege of seeing Connor and his wonderful siblings grow into capable, compassionate and talented people. Involved with Courageous Steps since its beginning, Jay is pleased to play a role in helping to fulfill its mission and vision.
Jay’s wife Karen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker employed by Veterans Administration in Bangor. They live in Stillwater in a vintage home they are renovating.

Chip McInnis

I was born in Milo, Maine in 1971.  Soon after, my family moved to Old Town Where I grew up.  I graduated from Old Town High in 1989 and went on to attend the University of Maine.  I earned an associates degree in Legal Technology and later a bachelors degree in Justice Studies.

I have worked in corrections, was a deputy sheriff, and a reserve police officer.  I presently am the Police Services Supervisor at the University of Maine Police Department.  (18 years now); where I am also a member of the bias response team.

In 1999 I married my wife, Jaime.  We presently live at Pushaw Lake in Old Town.  Our Son, Dylan was the love of our lives.  He lived life to the fullest.  He brought joy and meaning to my life.  Dyl was born in 2002.  A few short years later he was diagnosed with high functioning autism.  My wife and I advocated for him beyond the basic needs.  He was able to overcome every obstacle presented to him.  With interventions he was able to "Mainstream" and was successful in all that he did.  His academic progress was simply put, "incredible".  I am in awe of his abilities to understand certain things most adults would struggle with.  Dyl was amazingly smart with technology and far exceeded his expectations placed upon him.  This carried over to his love of hockey.  While most kids start at such a young age, Dyl began his hockey career later than most but quickly gained the skill to "hold his own" out there on the ice.  He was so passionate about the game and sportsmanship alike.  He went to many hockey camps, and played on many teams.  All along, just wanting to be a friend and teammate. 

After Dylan passed away in 2016, I became more focused on advocacy and became certified through the University of Missouri as an ADA Coordinator. I am also a certified Title IX intermediate investigator.  I am passionate about equal opportunities.

I am honored to be selected as a member for the board of directors for The Courageous Steps Project.  So many incredible opportunities are created by the organization and the efforts coordinated by Connor are a tremendous gift to our communities.

Karen Thibault

Karen R. Thibault is the Assistant Director at Green House Child and Family Center, as well as the head teacher in the classroom at the Green House Nursery School, in Milford. She is a member of NAEYC and its affiliate MaineAEYC. She graduated in 1985 from the University of Maine with a B.S. in Early Childhood-Family Relations. Karen raised her daughters, who also graduated from Old Town High School. Karen resides in Old Town with her husband, where they've celebrated 31 years of marriage.