When Matthew Peiken, Director of CBS for Children’s Friend’s Lynn site, heard Stephanie Sladen, Executive Director of Children’s Friend and VP of JRI, speak enthusiastically about how Boston University’s Non-Profit Management & Leadership Program supported her growth and goals as a leader, he knew the program was a chance to build on his own abilities and knowledge of leadership.

Matthew has been with Children’s Friend, a division of JRI, since 2015 when he started as an Assistant Site Director in Lynn. In 2017, he transitioned to the role of Director of CBS of Greater Lynn. He has had the opportunity to build and support a dynamic team of managers and supervisors who, in turn, lead Clinicians, Therapeutic Mentors, and In-Home Therapists towards addressing the complex behavioral and emotional health needs of the individuals, families, and the communities we serve.

“The NML program at BU gave me the language and framework to leadership in a way that was demystifying and practical,” said Matthew. “My assigned small group and Senior Fellow became cherished colleagues and a mentor, respectively, as I navigated the program and addressed the challenges of leadership being considered. We continue to connect for support and guidance as our leadership journeys continue.”

Matthew says he has benefitted from the support of Senior and Executive Management at JRI. “They truly understand the challenges of the work and share my commitment towards addressing the needs of underserved communities in a strengths-based, client-centered, and culturally-responsive way. From top down, our programs have been encouraged to be creative, grow our skills, and pursue the needs of the people we serve however we are equipped and positioned to do so.”

Matthew graduated from Boston University’s Nonprofit Management and Leadership program in April. Congratulations Matthew!