MEET THE TEAM
Alyssa McKay
Director of Programing
alyssa@therootcellar.org
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In 2011 after completing high school, Alyssa took a hop, skip and a jump from San Diego, where she was born and raised, to Lewiston to attend Bates College, majoring in Chemistry, Psychology, soccer and track. Jesus and the kiddos downtown tugged on her heart to stay after graduation. Calling Lewiston home has brought her much joy as she learns of God alongside His children by working, playing, growing and gathering together.
Alyssa and her husband Jared live in Auburn with their two boys.
In her words, “I just love the Lew!”
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Vicky is one of the few team members originally from Maine! She joined The Root Cellar community first as a volunteer in Portland in 2018. After a few year hiatus which included marrying her husband, Damon, and moving to Lewiston, she filled in a remote learning role followed by an AmeriCorps position at the Lewiston Root Cellar site. After another three year hiatus as a local school teacher, Vicky returned to The Root Cellar as the Administrative and Financial Coordinator in the fall of 2024 and has since taken the role as Director of Operations.
In her words, Vicky attributes The Root Cellar to helping her establish her sense of community and purpose in Lewiston, Maine. She describes The Root Cellar as a melting pot of people of all walks of life who learn to work together, share experiences, and love one another in the example Jesus gave to us.
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In the summer of 2022, Myra Ashley and her husband, Levi, moved to Portland to support a church in the area. Soon after, Myra Ashley began volunteering with the English program at The Root Cellar and became passionate about The Root Cellar’s mission to love their neighbors by meeting real needs. She came on staff in 2023 as the English Program Coordinator, and enjoys learning alongside English students and their families from all over the world.
Olivia Myers
PROGRAM COORDINATOR, LEWISTON
olivia@therootcellar.org
Michael (Fitz) Fitzpatrick
IMMIGRANT FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST, LEWISTON
fitz@therootcellar.org
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Fitz came to Lewiston in March of 2024 after experiencing a few short glimpses of the ministry here in previous summers. After meeting the people and seeing the need, especially as a person with Brasilian roots he became very interested in working at The Root Cellar after getting the chance to connect with so many Portuguese speakers. Fitz is an Immigrant Family Support Specialist, assisting people in whatever trials or hurdles come their way. Fitz equips volunteers through Church Welcome Teams and is developing an Immigrant Orientation class for those newly arrived. Fitz loves living in this community and learning it more everyday. Fitz enjoys spending time with his family, running, and staying active in nature while not working.
Kathleen Funderburk
Fruitful Sewing
Board of Trustees