Staff

Ronald J. Scott
President
Ron has been president of Opportunity Farm for the past 18 years. He has been involved in the residential care field since 1986. Prior to entering this field, Ron held a variety of positions in higher education, including positions as Dean of Students at the University of New England and Springfield College. He resides in New Gloucester, with his wife, Linda Yerxa, and their two children.

Merrie Allen
Residential Program Director
For over a decade, Merrie Allen has been at the forefront of the drive to provide Maine's at-risk youth with options to support and guide them into lives as successful, contributing adults. She has led the Farm's family teaching team and provided hands-on direction for the program since the summer of 2000. Prior to that, Merrie supervised three homes directly and worked with double that number for a state-wide youth service agency.

Morgan Jameson
Academic Advisor, Girls' Campus
Morgan joined the staff in 2004 starting as a Family Teacher on the girl's campus. She became the Farm's first academic advisor for the girls in September 2005. Morgan graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Goddard College in 2003. She has also worked as a Youth and Family Counselor for Sweetser Family Services.

Eric "Rick" Smith
Assistant Residential Program Director
Rick has been the Assistant Program Director at OFBG for the past six years. He has his Masters Degree in counseling and prior to working for OFBG he was an elementary school counselor and is an eight time certified family teacher having worked in a home for adolescent girls.

Jaime Tardif, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Admissions
Jamie has experience with providing services to children and at-risk adolescents. Jaime currently coordinates referrals for placement and admissions to both the boys and girls campuses at Opportunity Farm. Additionally, she provides direct counseling services and case management to the children who live at the Farm. For information regarding placement and admissions, please contact Jaime at jtardif@opportunityfarm.org or by phone (207)926-4532.

Nancy Thompson
Director of Development
Nancy joined the staff in 2006 as the Farm's Development Coordinator. She has extensive experience in the non profit sector as both a development professional and board member. Nancy has served on the Yarmouth School Committee and lives in Yarmouth with her husband, Bill Taylor. They have two grown daughters, Maggie and Louise.