Meet the Team

Office Team

Rev. Mar Imsong

Rev. Dr. Mar Imsong currently serves as the Executive Director of both Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries and the ACE Center for New Americans. Rev. Imsong is a trainer, coach, mentor, public speaker, and preacher. Originally from Nagaland in northeast India, he holds a doctoral degree (Th.D.) in Social Ethics from the Boston University School of Theology.

Rev. James Leavitt

After spending more than 20 years in the business world, Rev. Jim responded to a call to ministry and attended Andover Newton Theological School where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 2011.

Since that time, he has worked with other pastors since 2012 when he accepted a call to be the Association Resource Coordinator for the Merrimack Valley Baptist Association of the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts.

In his role as Program Director for the Thriving Pastoral Ministry Program, he now works with many more pastors from diverse cultural backgrounds, and working together we seek to develop resources that will help pastors thrive in their ministries.

In addition to his work with the TPMP project for MBMM he also has done interim ministry within The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts (TABCOM). In his spare time Jim enjoys reading, bicycling, golfing, and traveling. He has visited 43 of the 50 United States so far, along with 9 other countries.

BEN IMSONG

ACE CENTER COORDINATOR

Bendangla Imsong, originally from Nagaland in Northeast India, brings over 20 years of experience in teaching and working with children. After graduating from the Eastern Theological College, she began her career as an assistant librarian. A few years later, she discovered her true calling as a teacher in an elementary school in India. She also taught in preschools in Massachusetts, where she received certification in early education.

Bendangla finds immense joy in watching children learn and grow, marveling at their development over just a few years. Her extensive experience with children has been invaluable in raising her own three children, who are all now gainfully employed and successful in their careers.

Currently, she serves as the Program Coordinator at the ACE Center for New Americans. In this role, Bendangla finds great fulfillment in making a difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees through various projects, including the After School program, ESOL classes, and the ACE Shoppe, which distributes household goods, clothing, and diapers for children.

In her spare time, Bendangla enjoys crocheting, knitting, window shopping, cooking, and tending to the plants and flowers around her home. Her diverse interests and dedication to helping others reflect her deep commitment to nurturing and supporting those around her.

Fritznel Charles

HAITIAN & LATIN X COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Fritznel Charles, an Outreach Coordinator for Haitian & Latin X communities, helps the ACE Center for New Americans in providing service to families from Haitian & Latin X communities. He is originally from Haiti and has lived in Chile where he was a pastor.

Veronique Lapaix

MBMM & ACE CENTER PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Veronique Lapaix originally from Haiti is a former member of the Board of Directors at MBMM and the leader of the Mixed Haitian ECG. She also serves as an instructor and Ethnic Relations Lead at the TABCOM School of Ministry, and currently is the TABCOM Haitian Pastors Liaison.

A graduate from Mass Bay Community College and UMass Boston, she holds an AS in Early Childhood Education, a BA in Spanish, and a Master in Elementary Education. She also holds a MA certification in ESL.

Veronique brings her experience from 21 years (total) teaching preschoolers and in the last few years supervising and managing as a center director. She co-taught a 3-4 grade Sheltered English Immersion class at Graham and Parks School in Cambridge for two years, and worked as a third grade teacher at Boston Public Schools.

She is the mother of two older children Deborah (stage name Debo Ray, Grammy nominated singer) and Timothée.

She also serves as pastor at Eglise Baptiste Eben Ezer in Winchester, MA.

Tahina Pierre

ACCOUNTING & DATABASE SPECIALIST

Tahina Pierre, a first generation Haitian American who was born and raised in the greater Boston area. She is a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Working towards a degree in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Race and Ethnicity, Tahina is dedicated to community outreach. While being of Haitian descent, Tahina is enthusiastic and open to learning about all different cultures including more of her own.

Tahina has always been the kind of person to help others. With that came a lifelong dream of working in the medical field. Tahina hopes to one day focus her aid on the underrepresented communities of color throughout the country. Working with MBMM and ACE allows Tahina to take the necessary steps towards her goals. She enjoys working with the new American children and hopes to aid with the adults as well. Being able to help these new Americans feel a little more comfortable in this foreign country is a continuous reward for her.

In her free time, Tahina enjoys spending time with friends and family. She often tries new activities around the city and attempts to work on numerous hobbies. Tahina also enjoys reading and listening to music. Though trying new foods is definitely her favorite activity.

Shiv Narayan

DIGITAL DESIGN & CONTENT CREATOR

Shiv Narayan, born and raised in Delhi, graduated from Ramjas College, University of Delhi, where he earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Programme) degree. He completed his schooling at Delhi Public School, Noida, with a focus on humanities.

Shiv developed a passion for photography at age 10, mentored by his father, a renowned photographer, and his late grandfather, a noted photojournalist. His talent has been recognized with various accolades, including the prestigious Canon-sponsored "Digix Award."

Professionally, Shiv has valuable experience as an Operations Intern at TravClan, where he excelled in crafting destination requirements, collaborating with travel agents, and enhancing the holiday portal. He is an Independent Creator of Digital Design & Content at Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM) and the ACE Center for New Americans, where he continues to leverage his skills and expertise.

Shiv's newly discovered passion is exploring India's history, cultures, and cuisine, particularly its ancient structures like temples. He often records videos of these explorations for his YouTube channel, Shivvering. Additionally, he enjoys going to the gym, playing football, taking road trips with his family, birding tours, and experimenting with new photography techniques. Shiv's journey reflects a blend of creativity, academic achievement, and professional development, making him a dynamic individual in his chosen fields.