Whispering BRANCHES
Our Mission
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to "Turning Compassion into Action, one Branch at a time". With the power of compassion and community support, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in our community. Together, we can make a profound impact.
Our Story
Whispering Branches began as a simple but powerful idea, a way to rally family, friends, and community members around a shared mission of compassion and kindness. What started as a personal goal has now officially grown into a nonprofit committed to responding quickly and thoughtfully to those in need.
At Whispering Branches, we’re "Turning Compassion into Action, one Branch at a time". We're deeply grateful to everyone who believed in this mission from the start and helped bring it to life. Most importantly, we’re excited to see the difference Whispering Branches will make for those who need it most.
Our Board of Directors
Jessica Smith, Founder & CWO
Jessica Smith is a founding board member and the CWO (Chief Whispering Officer) of Whispering Branches. She is the Co-Owner and Broker of Winsor Brook Property Advisors and The Storage Barn, two community-centered businesses she operates alongside her husband, Scott. With decades of experience in real estate and property management, Jessica has always prioritized people over profit, believing that strong communities start with compassion. Whispering Branches began as a personal goal, a way for Jessica to rally her family and friends around a mission of quiet kindness. With the help of an incredible board and supportive network, that dream became a nonprofit capable of responding quickly and thoughtfully to individuals and families in need. Jessica is deeply grateful to those who believed in the mission from the beginning and excited for the lasting impact Whispering Branches will make. Jessica served for many years as Treasurer on the Dover Main Street Board, where she helped strengthen the heart of downtown Dover through events like Run Before You Crawl and Dover Clean Up Day. She also served on the Dover Race Series Board for several years. Outside of work, Jessica loves spending time with Scott and their three daughters: Jayden, Reagan, and Mollie. She’s a big fan of girls’ nights, red wine, and any kind of game or sport. She’s also a sucker for Hallmark movies (Scott pretends he’s not), and she treasures any moment spent with the people who matter most.
Traci Aubin, President
Traci brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare to her role as President of Whispering Branches. She is a licensed occupational therapist and longtime team member at Whittier Health Network whom often contributes on community and hospital boards to improve collaboration and healthcare services across NH and MA. Traci currently serves in an administrative role at Whittier, focused on admissions, patient experience, and daily business operations in eight buildings across the state, ensuring an optimal healthcare environment for staff, patients and families. Born and raised on the Seacoast, Traci is deeply rooted in the values of community, compassion, and service. She is the proud mother of three: Peyton, a nurse at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital; Spencer, a D1 baseball player pursuing his Master's Degree in Business; and Ryder the catcher for Trinity College Baseball pursuing his degree in economics. Her family shares a strong love for each other and the outdoors, often hiking local trails with their beloved Labrador, Lila. Traci’s leadership at Whispering Branches reflects her lifelong dedication to supporting others, whether through healthcare, family, or community outreach. She is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and healing across all walks of life.
LeeAnn Allaire, Vice President
LeeAnn Allaire is a property manager with a big heart for community and connection. She lives in East Wakefield, New Hampshire with her husband Dale, who runs BridgeView Marketing, and their two fun-loving dogs, Zamboni and Zeke. Their son Wyatt just graduated college in May 2025 and has kicked off his own auto detailing business. When she’s not working or volunteering, LeeAnn enjoys staying active with cycling and long walks. She’s also a big fan of soup, Mexican food, white pizza —and never turns down a good margarita or cosmo. LeeAnn is excited to be part of Whispering Branches and loves giving back to causes that make a real difference.
Carly Boucher, Treasurer
Born and raised in Dover, NH, Carly has always felt a deep connection to her community. As a board member and treasurer of Whispering Branches, she’s proud to support an organization rooted in compassion and committed to helping individuals through life’s tougher moments. Carly also brings her skills in property management and operations from her work at Winsor Brook Property Advisors, where she plays an integral role on the team. She approaches her responsibilities at Whispering Branches with the same dedication, carefully overseeing finances and supporting the organization’s continued growth and impact. When she’s not working, Carly enjoys time with her fiancé, Brendon, and their two dogs, Nelson and Scout. Whether they’re off on a new adventure or simply enjoying a quiet weekend together, Carly values every moment with the people (and pups) she loves most.
Reagan Smith, Secretary
Reagan is honored to be a part of Whispering Branches, inspired by her mother, Jessica, the founder of the nonprofit. Growing up, Reagan’s parents instilled in her the value of giving more than we take, which has driven her to become involved in this organization. Her parents, Jessica and Scott, have dedicated themselves to the community through their work with Dover Main Street and the Dover Rotary, and Reagan has had the privilege of volunteering for many events they’ve been a part of. As the manager of The Storage Barn and office manager at Winsor Brook Property Advisors, Reagan brings a wealth of experience in operations and community engagement. She’s excited to work alongside her family, including her two sisters, who will also be volunteering with Whispering Branches, and her cousin, who serves on the board. Together, they hope to make a lasting impact on the lives of many. Outside of her professional and volunteer roles, Reagan enjoys walking, spending quality time with family and friends, and cherishing moments with her beloved cat.
Jennifer Gilman
Jennifer brings more than 30 years of experience in federal IT solutions and currently leads the Air Force Team at Red River. She’s known for her thoughtful, solutions-driven approach to cybersecurity and her ability to build lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Outside of work, Jennifer is all about family. She’s been married for 9 years, is a proud stepmom, and loves spending time with her grandson, Teddy. She and her husband enjoy camping, playing pickleball, and dreaming up future travel plans—especially their goal of exploring National Parks once they retire. Jennifer is excited to be part of the Whispering Branches board and looks forward to making a meaningful impact alongside an incredible team.
Arianna Huggett
Arianna is proud to serve on the board of Whispering Branches and is passionate about giving back to the community she calls home. A licensed New Hampshire real estate agent, Arianna currently focuses on property management with Winsor Brook Property Advisors. Prior to this role, she was the Facilities Manager for all Storage Barn locations, where she gained valuable experience and made meaningful connections with members of the Seacoast Community. Before settling in New Hampshire, Arianna lived in Virginia Beach, VA, where she worked in the hospitality industry and spent time volunteering with local animal hospitals. Arianna lives in Newington with her spouse, their daughter, and their two pets, Max and Benji. She enjoys being part of the vibrant Seacoast community and, in her free time, loves mountain biking with her family, hiking, cooking, traveling and exploring the area's beautiful coastal towns. She loves trying any new restaurant recommendations and quality time with friends and family. Arianna is honored to contribute to the mission of Whispering Branches and looks forward to supporting the meaningful work ahead.
Missy Mitchell
With over 25 years of experience as a dedicated teacher, Missy brings a lifelong passion for education, empathy, and community empowerment to the Board of Whispering Branches. Throughout Missy’s career, she has focused on helping people grow, learn, and thrive inside the classroom. When her friend Jessica offered her the opportunity to become part of this non-profit, she jumped on the chance to help people thrive outside of the classroom. She believes in the power of community-based initiatives to foster lasting change and can’t wait to see what impact Whispering Branches can make in the community and beyond. In addition to being a teacher, Missy has been married to Casey for 27 years. They have two adult children that they enjoy spending time with. Missy also loves to be outdoors, whether that be camping, walking in the woods, or sitting and listening to the birds. Lastly, she loves the company of her friends and is looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish together.
Aimee began working at Liberty Mutual during high school and has been with them building her career for the past 35 years. She is excited to be part of this organization as she has witnessed the giving spirit of Jessica and Scott and the community involvement of her husband Erik for many years. She looks forward to working with an amazing group of people who are eager to make a difference. Outside of work, she loves to stay active – pickleball, walking, pilates or something new to try. She also loves margaritas, time with friends, reality tv and a good book. What she loves the most though, is spending time with Erik and her kids – Sophie and Colby.
Erik Roy
A lifelong resident of Dover and a proud Army veteran, Erik Roy has dedicated much of his life to serving others, both in uniform and in his community. After graduating from Dover High School in 1991 and serving in Desert Storm, Erik returned home and quickly became a recognizable force in local volunteer efforts. In 2014, the City of Dover honored him as Volunteer of the Year, a reflection of his deep commitment to making a difference. That same year, he was named grand marshal of the Dover Holiday Parade, a nod to his continued presence in the city's most cherished events. Erik founded the Dover Road Race Series and played a leading role in Apple Harvest Day, helping shape both into community favorites. Beyond events, Erik served as President of the Dover High School Hockey Boosters Club and has coached several youth basketball and hockey teams over the years, always driven by a passion for mentorship and teamwork. At home, Erik enjoys time with his wife Aimee and their two children, Sophie and Colby, who inspire his ongoing dedication to giving back.
Scott Smith
Scott Smith is one of the founding board members of Whispering Branches. A licensed real estate agent since 2005, Scott co-owns Winsor Brook Property Advisors with Jessica. Together, they’ve built community-focused businesses grounded in service, integrity, and heart. Scott has been the steady hand behind the scenes—always ready to lend support, move furniture, grill for a crowd, or quietly cover a need without a second thought. His commitment to kindness is quiet, constant, and unwavering. Beyond real estate, Scott has spent nearly two decades coaching his daughters in softball, a role that became one of his greatest joys. He served as President of Dover Youth Softball, volunteered for many years with Dover Main Street, and was a proud member of Dover Rotary. Over the years, he’s helped organize and support countless community fundraisers. Scott is a devoted father to Jayden, Reagan, and Mollie, and the ultimate teammate to Jessica.
Ashley Tara
Ashley, born and raised in Dover, is a seasoned professional with a lifelong passion for exploration. Over the course of her career, she has held diverse roles in both hospitality and finance, skillfully blending strong interpersonal abilities with a talent for organization and operational insight. Her adventurous spirit and curiosity have taken her to many unique places, including a notable experience working in Antarctica. Having traveled to over 70 countries, Ashley has embraced life on the road—and water—living on a sailboat, in a van, and even in a yurt in Alaska. These experiences have further shaped her open-minded and adaptable approach to both life and work. Known for her steady presence and compassionate nature, Ashley is always ready to lend a helping hand and advocate for those in need. She brings this same spirit to her role on the board, where she continues to support and empower others. In her free time, Ashley and her husband, Rob, enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new foods, and attending live music together. An avid runner and hiker, she has completed multiple marathons and is a proud member of the AMC White Mountain 4,000 Footer Club.
Carrie Vaughn
Carrie has over two decades of experience in marketing, nonprofit operations, event coordination, and design. She is currently using those skills as the Marketing & Promotions Manager at Winsor Brook Property Advisors. Her background also includes leadership roles with Dover Main Street, the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce, and Portsmouth Sign Company, where she specialized in helping organizations tell their stories and grow their reach. At Whispering Branches, she is proud to serve as the Chair of the Marketing Committee where she will apply her creativity and strategic thinking to support our mission. Carrie recently stated, “I believe the ability to offer a hand without seeking accolades is one of the most powerful examples I can set for my daughter, grandchildren, and community.” Whether she’s organizing an event, creating a campaign, or simply spreading the word, Carrie is excited to help this organization flourish and make a meaningful impact. When she’s not behind a desk or planning a campaign, you can find Carrie crafting with clay, hanging with her chickens, or planning the next great adventure with her husband Scott and daughter Danica.
Suzanne Vitko
Suzanne is a lifelong Dover resident and former Dover teacher who has dedicated her career to nurturing the next generation while strengthening the fabric of her hometown community. Suzanne currently serving as president of SEED and program director for Advantage Kids, where she channels her unwavering commitment to supporting children's educational and developmental opportunities. As a former coach of Dover High School tennis, she mentored student-athletes both on and off the court, helping them develop character alongside their athletic skills. Suzanne's passion for giving back recently led her to join Whispering Branches. This newest chapter in her service reflects her core belief that true fulfillment comes from putting others before yourself—a philosophy that has guided every aspect of her professional and personal life. Suzanne is married to Tom and is the proud mother of three children—Ty, Rachel, and Tory—who all attended Dover Schools. This personal investment in the local educational community runs parallel to her professional dedication, creating a natural connection between her personal and professional commitment to Dover's educational community. Her family's deep roots in Dover schools reinforce her understanding that strong communities are built when families, educators, and organizations work together toward common goals.
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