Who We Are
Evolving with Our Communities
Looking to the future, steeped in history…
Our organization’s longstanding commitment to the community began in 1976 with roots in the The Medical and Educational Fund for the Handicapped. In the spirit of continued growth and learning, our work was dedicated to meeting the medical and educational needs of community members experiencing disabilities, as well as providing integrated and inclusive child care services for the staff who worked with this population. Early programming included the Donovan Learning Experience, Baylies and Early Beginning Centers and Cole-Harrington Children’s Center.
By 1981, the agency had incorporated as Enable, Inc. The Donovan Learning Experience became what is now our Adult Services Division and the Early Education Division grew to include additional age groups and centers. Between 1988 and 1993, the agency expanded services to include our Family Child Care System, and opened what is now our Social Services Division, offering Early Intervention, Family Support and Stabilization programming. Since then Empower has added an early childhood mental health consultation program.
Today, Empower LGA, Inc. annually serves over 2,500 individuals, children, and families by providing an array of early education, adult and social services. Spanning our history and looking ahead to the future, we maintain a solid commitment and devotion to Learn. Grow. Act.
Pamela Camara
President & CEO
Pamela is an experienced leader and skilled human service professional who has applied her talents in public and private service for over 30 years. Pamela joined Empower in January 2022, as President and CEO, with a vision to build on the achievements of the agency and to bring the organization to new heights. Pamela started her career as a ground-level social worker for the Department of Children and Families before entering the private sector as a program director. Having previously served as a Senior Director and Vice President, Pamela was well-prepared to take the helm at Empower. Pamela is known to possess a deep passion for those she serves, and most importantly, foster a team with parallel principles and values. Pamela is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Institute of Nonprofit Practice.
Peter Beals
Finance Director
Peter joined Empower in 2022 as the Senior Staff Accountant with over thirty years of financial management experience. Peter’s role as Director of Corporate Financial Planning at MetLife Boston afforded him the opportunity to develop professional expertise in accounting, analysis, strategic planning and corporate finance. His vast skill set prepared Peter to serve as the Business Director of a small, Brockton non-profit, where he continues to volunteer. Demonstrating a solid commitment to Empower’s values, Peter was promoted to Finance Director in October 2023. Peter holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, as well as professional certifications in finance. Peter and Sarah have six children and a growing number of grandchildren.
Robyn Bowen
Human Resources Manager
Robyn has been with Empower as a Human Resources Manager and Executive Assistant since 2017. She has developed the HR department to become a multi-faceted division by adding a more complete onboarding process, implementing the HRIS system, and creating benefits modules for staff. Robyn continues to pursue her knowledge of Human Resources to help others. She is a certified family herbalist and enjoys sharing her naturalist skills. She is a graduate of Purdue University, holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness, and has a certification in Advanced HR. Robyn is a wife and mother to four children.
Karen Heavey
Senior Director of Child Care
Karen has worked in the field of early childhood for over 30 years. She began as a toddler teacher and joined Empower in 2000 in the role of Early Childhood Specialist in the Family Child Care System. In 2001 Karen opened the Infant Toddler Enrichment Center. She held the position of Program Director until 2022 when she was promoted to Senior Director for Center-Based Child Care supporting the operations of Empower’s four child care centers. Karen has served as an adjunct professor at Boston University and is currently on the advisory board at Blue Hills Regional Technical High School in the Early Education Department. A member of NAEYC and MAEYC, Karen graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and has a Master’s of Science from Wheelock College in birth to three development and intervention.
Laura Duran
Senior Director of Adult Services and Special Projects
Laura has spent most of her professional career at Empower, holding virtually every client-serving role in the Adult Services program. She entered the field as a PCA and joined Empower in 2008 as a Case Coordinator. She later held positions as a Vocational Rehab counselor and Program Advancement and Training Coordinator. Since 2012 she has run the supported living program and in 2022 she was promoted to Senior Director of Adult Services and Special Projects. This joint role provides support and leadership wherever needed throughout the agency while maintaining oversight of the Adult Services division. As a cancer survivor and sibling to a brain injury survivor, Laura is drawn to advocacy and is a firm believer in the independent living philosophy of choice, control, freedom, and equality. She has served as the chairperson for the Commission on Disabilities in Norwood and is a member of the statewide PAS Coalition as well as responsible for running Empower’s Human Rights Committee. Laura is a graduate of Bridgewater State College and has an MSW from Boston College School of Social Work.
Meet the Board
Empower LGA is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors who bring wide-ranging expertise representative of our community’s interests and needs.
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