Leadership Team

The leadership team of the Aaron Zenus Foundation is a dedicated group of special individuals who help manage and support our activities to assist those individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they seek to achieve independence, community integration, social growth, and an enhanced quality of life.

Our Leaders and Board Members

Joe Zenus Sr.

Mr. Zenus is a Co-Founder of the Aaron Zenus Foundation. Mr. Zenus has been and remains a strong advocate for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as is the mission of the Foundation.. For the past 20 years, Mr. Zenus has and continues to support the local Milford Area Special Olympics programs serving as a coach, volunteer, and chaperone .Mr. Zenus was also a Co-Founder of the Friends Of Milford Area Special Athletes (FOMASA) serving this non-profit as an Officer and Board Member from its’ inception in 2001 until 2019.

A graduate of Northeastern University, Mr. Zenus enjoyed over 40 years of employment serving the Healthcare industry as a supply chain professional, and held many key management positions throughout his career. 

Jennifer Walsh

I am the Co-founder of the Aaron Zenus Foundation and I have worked for the Town of Milford for over 25 years, as the Local Program Coordinator for the Milford Special Olympics and the Transition/Vocation Coordinator for Milford Public Schools. I am an educator/advocate who is passionate about inclusion for all and giving our individuals the tools they need to succeed and become amazing leaders in our community.   My goal is to increase opportunities and access in the area of social, recreational, and vocational programming for our individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Joe Zenus Jr.

My name is Joseph Zenus Jr. and I am the father of Aaron for whom the Aaron Zenus Foundation is named after. I am married to my wonderful wife Danielle and also have another son Jaxon, who is currently 7 years old. I am a U.S. Airforce veteran and currently live in Milford, Massachusetts. Additionally, I am a Milford Special Olympic basketball coach for over 10 years and enjoy volunteering my time and giving back to my community. I also work as a supply chain senior manager for Astellas (a biotech company) in Westborough, Massachusetts. I am very thankful for the board members we have and being a part of this wonderful organization.

Jean Prickett

I was born and raised in Bay Shore, New York,  After graduating from SUNY Oneonta and living in 3 different states, my late husband Fred and I moved to Milford in 1979 where we raised 2 sons.  Our youngest son Brian was born with a rare genetic disorder, called Trisomy 9.  He is globally delayed and medically fragile.  For 43 years I have advocated for individuals with special needs.  I taught Inclusion Pre-K for Milford Public Schools for 25 years, served on various state and local committees, and coordinated a Multi-Sensory Ecumenical Church Service at the Milford United Methodist Church.  Currently I serve as a member of the DDS South Valley Citizens Advisory Board.  I look forward to continuing my journey advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the Aaron Zenus Foundation.

David Brutsch

I was born and raised in Milford and a graduate of Milford High School and the University of Massachusetts Lowell,  I moved around after graduating and lived in a couple other towns in MA and spent a few years living in Arizona.  I found my way back to Milford in 2013 and have since been volunteering my time in local organizations like Parents for Music, MHS After Prom Committee and the Aaron Zenus Foundation.  I live in Milford with my wife Loriann, we have 3 boys and 2 dogs.

 

Laura Krovocheck

After 22 years as the Assistant Director of the Milford Community School Use Program, I am now now the HR and Benefits Coordinator for the Town of Milford.  I have seen first-hand the growth of the programs and opportunities created for this special population in our community and I’m proud to contribute to the AZF with a positive attitude, compassion and determination that can always be counted on.  Me and my children, Gianna and Sam, live in Milford.

Ashley Aldrich

I love my work at Sweet Inspirations. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Aaron Zenus Foundation. In addition to my Sweet Inspirations job, I work for Milford Special Olympics as an administrative assistant, and I also work at the Milford High School Café serving lunches.
In my spare time, I play a variety of sports for Milford Special Olympics. In 2019, I was selected as one of twelve athletes to play in the Special Olympics NBA Cares Unified Basketball Game during All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2022, I was part of the Special Olympics Massachusetts National Games Team. For fun, I enjoy shooting hoops in my backyard with family and friends.

Loren Blanchard

Since 2019, I have proudly served the students and families of Milford Public Schools as a special educator. In 2024, I took on the roles of Special Education Team Chair and Transition Coordinator, where I support students, families, and staff in planning meaningful educational experiences and post-secondary pathways.

In addition to my work in the schools, I serve as the Local Program Coordinator for Milford Special Olympics, a role in which I create inclusive athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this role, I am committed to ensuring that athletes have access to programs that foster confidence, teamwork, and community connection.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Westfield State University and my Master’s degree in Special Education from Worcester State University.

I am grateful to be a part of the Aaron Zenus Foundation team. My passion is creating inclusive opportunities where individuals of all abilities feel empowered and supported. I am committed to connecting families with meaningful resources, fostering strong community partnerships, and helping individuals build confidence, independence, and lasting connections. It is truly rewarding to support individuals and families in our local community.

 

Susan Braza

My name is Susan Braza and I currently reside in Milford. I have been an active member of the Milford Community for the past 25 years. I currently work as a Registered Nurse at Milford Regional Medical Center. I enjoy being involved and I have spent time volunteering with many different organizations in town such as the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Milford Hopedale Youth Soccer, PTOs, Milford Boosters, and Milford After Prom. I am married to my wonderful husband, Paul Braza, and we have three children Melissa, Brianna, and Justin. For the past two years I have been volunteering with the Aaron Zenus Foundation and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization that supports a great cause.

Mark Leary

I was born and raised on the South Shore in North Quincy and have lived in Foxboro for the past 32 years with my wife and three children. I have a Bachelor’s degree from Bentley University and an MBA from Suffolk University. I recently retired from MFS Investment Management after a 37-year career. During my time at MFS, I held various senior financial roles, with the last 18 as the Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role I supported many managers and employees with a variety of needs.

Having a son on the Autism Spectrum has amplified, for me, the importance of acceptance, respect and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Advocating and supporting community programs that provide opportunities for individuals with special needs has become a passion and I am honored to be part of the Aaron Zenus Foundation. This work is making a profound difference for individuals that need additional support to live, happy and fulfilled lives.

Jeremy Leap

Jeremy works in the Milford area at Milford Federal Bank as Senior Vice President of Lending. He is a member of the Milford Lions and volunteers as a Special Olympics coach. He resides in Charlton with his wife Camille and puppy Layla.