2024 Deering Center Neighborhood Association (DCNA)
Board of Directors
Gavin Boyce-Ratliff, ‘23 - ‘26
Gavin moved to Deering Center in early 2022 with his wife, Eve, and has eagerly embraced the inclusive neighborhood spirit he found here. A landscape designer, educator, and father-to-be, Gavin enjoys exploring the miles of trail behind Evergreen Cemetery and can usually be found staring at his garden wondering what to plant next.
Robert Cabeca, ‘24 - ‘27
I moved to DC about 2 years ago and really enjoyed the community engagement and events (like garden walk and porch fest) so much that I wanted to contribute to the neighborhood in some way. I have had a broad and varied career from restaurant owner and chocolatier to building datacenters for corporations and Gov’t. I have published several books, create art, and produce TV & Film. My primary business is as an excutive business coach. Looking forward to meeting more neighbors!
Zach Enright, ‘
22 - ‘25, Recorder
I am the father of two Longfellow students and have lived in the Deering Center for 10 years. I love our safe, supportive neighborhood. I joined the DCNA because I am dedicated to making Deering Center a vibrant, diverse and affordable place to live.
Alison Kenway,
‘22 - ‘25
My name is Alison Kenway, and I have lived in Deering Center for 16 years. I was drawn to this neighborhood because there were children running around playing on the street, and because I wanted to be able to do my daily errands on foot. These are still what i consider to be the strengths of our neighborhood, and what I want to protect and encourage.
Denis Lachman, ‘22 - ‘25, Vice President
Stevens Ave is our “Main Street” and the heart of our neighborhood. As a property/business owner on Stevens, my hope is to help foster connections and collaboration between residents, businesses and the DCNA. Other interests include our Green Spaces, how the City’s Re-Code might impact Deering Center and future MDOT work along Stevens Ave. Our family has lived in the same house in Deering Center for 20 years and both daughters graduated from DHS. I am currently semi-retired from a career focused on downtown revitalization across Maine, including architecture, planning, urban design and preservation. Kiya and I enjoy gardening, kayaking and grandparenting.
Terri Petnov,
‘22 - ‘25
Being a member of the DCNA Board has provided a way to give back to the neighborhood I have called home for 28 years. Meeting neighbors and working on projects that strengthen a sense of community is always insightful and rewarding.
Scott Segal,
’22 - ‘25, Treasurer
I have lived in Portland my entire life. My wife Amy and my children Emily and Erin love our neighborhood. We have lived in our home since 2000. We enjoy the many things that happen here feel blessed to be a part of it! I am serving on the DCNA board to be part of something bigger and to share my talents. It is a great opportunity to be involved in a coordinated effort to make positive change and to do so with friends, others who care as deeply about their environment.
Charlie Shattuck-Heidorn,
’23 - ‘26
Charlie moved to his Partner Heather's hometown of Portland in 2016 and is the parent of three children two of which are at Longfellow. Charlie attended an intentional community quaker highschool and hopes to bring the atmosphere of living in community everywhere he goes. Being involved and supporting neighbors is a priority for him and being a member of DCNA is a great opportunity to succeed in these goals.
John Thibodeau, ’22 - ‘25, President
Grateful to live here, I see DCNA as a community cultivator for our neighborhood. Bringing neighbors and friends together to plan and create meaningful experiences and events, enrich relationships, and celebrate community and the arts.
Amy Thompson,
’22 - ‘25
Community involvement is an essential part of who I am -- bringing people together to celebrate, connect and support each other has always been something I have devoted my time to. Serving on the DCNA Board of Directors helps me to know who we are as a community and what our neighborhood needs and desires are. Given the choice, I would always choose to organize an outdoor event over an indoor event because I feel much more at home in the out of doors. I love attending monthly DCNA meetings because they push my comfort zone -- not only are they held indoors but I am also a bit of an organized-meeting-phobe. The beautiful group of people who sit on the board with me are helping me move past this.
Elliot Vacchiano,
’22 - ‘25
.I grew up in Portland, mostly in the Deering Center neighborhood. I have had the opportunity to serve DC through my family’s business, Pat’s Meat Market, for many years. I joined the DCNA because I’d love to stay connected to our neighborhood, not only as a business owner, but also as a resident of this great community.
Board members must live in the Deering Center neighborhood, see white area of the map below.
