This site is created by The Friends of Lafayette House, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Lafayette House, a group home for the developmentally disabled in Portsmouth N.H.

Rene Sullivan, Executive Director

Rene joined FOLH as Executive Director at the end of 2022. Along with her positive attitude and amazing work ethic, she brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous work as a Project Director for Aspire Living & Learning, and prior to that Division Director of CBDS for The ARC in Massachusetts.

Lisa Press, PresidentLisa’s background in Environmental Policy and Planning didn’t specifically prepare her for the challenges of running a group home. However, Lisa loves a new challenge and often channels her mother, Sue Kaplan, who was one of the… — **Lisa Press, President**
Lisa’s background in Environmental Policy and Planning didn’t specifically prepare her for the challenges of running a group home. However, Lisa loves a new challenge and often channels her mother, Sue Kaplan, who was one of the founders of The Richie McFarland Children’s Center and served on numerous boards in the DD community. Lisa has a Masters in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University and worked in municipal government for 20 years. When she isn’t problem-solving for Lafayette House she runs her own business PhoebeandEgg.com.

Lynn Spang, Vice PresidentRegistered nurse for 20 years specializing in surgical services and direct patient care and recovery. Involved with special needs population in various capacities for over 30 years. Bachelors in Business Administration, min… — **Lynn Spang, Vice President**
Registered nurse for 20 years specializing in surgical services and direct patient care and recovery. Involved with special needs population in various capacities for over 30 years. Bachelors in Business Administration, minor in Psychology. Refereed and coached sports at NH high schools for over 30 years.

Melanie Merz, SecretaryMelanie Merz has been creating events and marketing communications for small businesses and nonprofit organizations for the last 15 years. Melanie graduated from the University of New Hampshire and currently lives near the coa… — **Melanie Merz, Secretary**
Melanie Merz has been creating events and marketing communications for small businesses and nonprofit organizations for the last 15 years. Melanie graduated from the University of New Hampshire and currently lives near the coast of southern Maine with her husband and two children. Melanie’s brother Robert has been a resident of the Lafayette House since 2012. You will almost always find Melanie on the sideline of any of the Special Olympics events the residents participate in throughout the year. Melanie is also an active participant in the fundraising and events subcommittees to help plan the fun events both inside the house as well as out in the community.