Laurie Garden, Member of the Board
Marshall Home Fund nominated Laurie Garden to the board April 30, 2026. Laurie has served on the Allocations Committee as a Community Representative since 2022, contributing her knowledge of Watertown’s 55+ organizations to our annual grant program.
Laurie is also the President of Friends of Project Literacy. Her involvement with Project Literacy dates back to 2005, when she began tutoring students. Since 2009 she has served on the board, developing grants and increasing the engagement of the wider community. She has fielded teams for the Watertown Community Foundation Watertown Helps Out and co-hosted community suppers for Project Literacy students with local groups. In addition, she has been active with World in Watertown since 2011, organizing a naturalization ceremony and working to increase the participation of our immigrant neighbors in the life of our community.
Jenna Bancroft, Community Representative
Jenna Bancroft is the City of Watertown’s first Human Services Director. She is a licensed social worker with experience supporting residents as a case manager, outpatient clinician, and human services leader. Jenna has an in-depth understanding of federal, state and local resources, and is dedicated to creating accessible pathways for Watertown residents to receive services. She previously served as Newton’s Director of Human Services, and as the Watertown’s Social Services Resource Specialist through Wayside Youth & Family Support Network where she helped older adults apply to Marshall Home Fund for support.
SHERI C. MELENCIANO, Community Representative
Sheri C. Melenciano serves as the Assistant Director for the City of Watertown Department of Senior Services / Council on Aging, where she develops, coordinates, and oversees programs that promote engagement, wellness, education, and social connection for older adults. Sheri has been with the Department of Senior Services for nearly three years, beginning her tenure as a Senior Case Manager, then served as Program Coordinator before advancing to her current position as Assistant Director.
Sheri holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and brings a strong background in human services, program development, and community engagement. Through her work, she collaborates with local organizations, service providers, volunteers, and community leaders to create meaningful opportunities that enhance the quality of life for older adults and strengthen community connections.
Passionate about advocacy and service, Sheri is committed to ensuring that community resources remain accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of residents. She is honored to have been selected as a Community Representative for the Marshall Home Fund and looks forward to supporting its mission of serving and enriching the lives of older adults in the community.
Paul Moreton, Member of the Board
Paul Moreton has been a resident of Watertown since 2006. He resides on Phillips Street with his husband, Bradd, a retired teacher. Paul has worked as a realtor for the past 20 years and also in accounting and financial services marketing with John Hancock and Sun Life Financial.
Paul reports that he is interested in joining the Marshall Home Fund Board because he has always been a strong advocate of affordable and elderly housing. He served on the Board of Metro West Collaborative Development (MWCD) for three terms and was a member of the finance committee. Presently, he is only on the finance committee. Paul has also been a committee member of World in Watertown, where he led the MLK, Jr. Breakfast school essay contest for 10 years. He continues to serve as a judge/reader for the contest each year. Paul notes that there are a number of present or former committee members of World in Watertown on the Marshall Home Fund Board, and that it would be great to reconnect in this new capacity.
Stephanie Venizelos, Member of the Board
Stephanie Venizelos is the Assistant Director of Human Services for the City of Watertown and also serves as the ADA Coordinator. Over the past decade, she has developed and implemented key initiatives to improve resident health and quality of life. A recognized leader in community wellness, Stephanie specializes in addressing food insecurity and fostering strong collaborative relationships across state and local levels. She is focused on ensuring that programs and initiatives meet the evolving health needs of the community.
A dedicated Watertown resident and parent, Stephanie’s commitment to the community is long-standing. She is a Core Team member of Watertown Community Conversations and has served as co-chair for several School Site Councils and committees. Stephanie holds an M.A. in Human Development and Education and is a Certified Wellness Practitioner and Coach. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, cycling, and exploring local hiking trails.
Rosemary Wilson, Member of the Board
Rosemary Wilson is a graduate of Northeastern Law School and had a long and very satisfying career as a part-time trusts and estates lawyer in a large firm in Boston. She has lived in Watertown since 1977 where she raised her two children. Once they grew up and were less demanding she still worked but spent more of her time volunteering. She did some legal pro bono work, but also helped in other ways with non-profits such as, Epiphany School in Dorchester, Franciscan Hospital for Children, Mt. Auburn Cemetery and others. She retired about three years ago and continues to serve as trustee for several trusts but has been looking for volunteer opportunities in Watertown to advocate for those less fortunate than she. In addition, she has led discussions at the senior center and the library on end-of-life issues.