Our Board of Directors










Nicole Benson moved to Newmarket in 2002 from Wisconsin with the relocation of her husband’s job.  Since that time she had five children, most currently attend school in the Newmarket School District; her son at the Jr./Sr. High School, and her daughters are in the Elementary School.  Nicole enjoys volunteering at her children’s school and church along with volunteering at local elections. Nicole likes Newmarket for many reasons, “I enjoy the strong relationships that I have built here and the people I continue to meet. I have always wanted to make a difference in our world as well as desire to make an impact on our community. I found that NCEP fulfills this goal by serving two of my interests: children and education.”

Heidi Chase moved to Newmarket after graduating from UNH in 1987. She fell in love with the area and the small town feel and never left. She and her husband Cliff raised their two boys in Newmarket and our proud to say they are both Newmarket High School graduates (2000 and 2013). Heidi started NCEP with a small group of women in 2004 after many kitchen table discussions regarding education and the need to provide teachers and staff with additional funding for creative programs, recreation scholarships and equipment needs.  

Jennifer Ganly has been a Newmarket resident since 2006. She and her husband Austin are raising their two girls in the Newmarket School District, and love the small town community. Jennifer is passionate about health and wellness and joins NCEP to help make a difference in the lives of the children in our community. 

Alison Leahy has been a Newmarket resident since 1992. Its working-class history and strong sense of community make her proud to live here. As a busy working mother of three boys, NCEP has provided her with a way to connect to, and help make a difference for, Newmarket's kids. Grant by grant it has been thrilling to see how NCEP’s efforts are making a direct impact in our community. In addition to NCEP, Alison has been an active member of the Newmarket Jr./Sr. High Booster Club and Project Graduation.


Greg Thayer is a retired Newmarket teacher. For decades he shared his passion for sciences with students at the Newmarket Jr./Sr. High School. NCEP offers a way for him to stay connected to his school "family" and support Newmarket's children and youth.


Sheana Thorell began teaching at Newmarket Elementary School in 1995 where she taught fifth grade for 23 years and special education for two years. She was then an administrator at Newmarket Junior/Senior High School for two years. Sheana has recently retired from the school district, but as a community member of 21 years, she wants to continue to volunteer in the Newmarket community. Sheana chose to volunteer with NCEP to give back to the organization because they provided her with several grants while she was a teacher. In addition, it provides her the opportunity to continue to support her colleagues in the Newmarket School District. Sheana’s favorite part about living and teaching in Newmarket is the many connections she has made with the students and families in Newmarket.

Newmarket Community Education Partnership

About NCEP.

Our Vision
To maintain a respected, financially stable organization in Newmarket that provides: resources to our target population through twice yearly grant cycles; in-kind goods and services donations; and facilitating awards of recognition to unsung heroes who work with children and youth.

Our Mission
To enhance social, recreational and educational experiences for children and youth in the town of Newmarket.


A series of kitchen-table conversations led by local parents inspired the founding of the Newmarket Community Education Partnership (NCEP). The group’s goal was to augment social, academic and enrichment opportunities for local youth, also considering children who have limited access to programs that are already offered in the academic and recreational settings.


NCEP connects and supports the community through grants that fund programs and supplies. NCEP grants have supported a variety of projects including: technology for the classroom; after-school enrichment programs; anti-bullying curriculum, supplemental athletic equipment; fitness classes; equipment for the disabled; nutrition programs; support groups; and financial assistance for summer camp. Please see our News page for more information about NCEP grants.


Funding for NCEP is provided by community donations and grants. Please help us support Newmarket's children and youth.

In 2004 NCEP was officially formed and its 501c3 non-profit status in was achieved in 2007.