CMTM Welcomes New Board Members
We are delighted to announce the addition of three dynamic individuals to the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine's (CMTM) Board of Directors. Each new member brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that will enhance our ability to serve the community and our mission.
We warmly welcome Newell Brookfield, Brianne Lolar, and Laura McHugh to our Board of Directors and look forward to their contributions to CMTM.
Newell Brookfield
Newell Brookfield moved to Maine in 2021 with her family, drawn by a lifelong connection to the state after spending summers here since childhood. Newell is passionate about community involvement, previously serving on the board of St. Paul’s School in Kansas City. She currently serves as Vice President of the board of a seasonal beach club in Scarborough, where she also manages the youth summer camp program and is a member of the library committee. She is also a class parent for the Kindergarten/First Grade class at Waynflete. Professionally, Newell is the founder of an interior design firm established in 2024.
Since moving to Portland with a young child, Newell has been actively engaged with the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, which played a meaningful role in her family’s transition to the area. She has been on the planning committee for the museum’s annual fundraising event for the past two years. Newell is an avid tennis player, loves spending time with friends and family, and is always up to try anything that gets her outdoors.
Brianne Lolar
Brianne Lolar is a citizen of the Panawahpskek (Penobscot) Nation and lives on Alenape Menehan, also known as Indian Island, in what is now called Maine. She graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor’s in Social Work, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education, and a Master’s in Literacy. Brianne worked in the Panawahspkek community with the elders and youth for years before moving into the classroom to teach kindergarten, first, and second grade. Currently, she is bringing voice and representation to Wabanaki through partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators and organizations as the first Wabanaki Studies Specialist for the Maine Department of Education.
In addition to her role at the DOE, Brianne started Dawnland Education & Wellness with her daughter, Kaya to support these areas with a broader reach. Through this work, she has partnered with Starr Kelly at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine to bring rich Wabanaki Studies programming to audiences across the Dawnland. She is looking forward to bringing her expertise to this already robust board and organization.
Laura McHugh
Laura McHugh is a seasoned financial services leader with deep expertise in financial planning, investment strategy, and client relationship management. As a Principal, Senior Vice President, and Client Advisor at Spinnaker Trust in Portland, Maine, she advises individuals, families, and foundations on comprehensive, goals-based wealth strategies, including retirement planning, charitable giving, and estate and wealth transfer planning. Known for her thoughtful guidance and steady perspective, she is a trusted advisor who helps clients navigate complex financial decisions and evolving market conditions.
In addition to her professional work, Laura has demonstrated a strong commitment to her community through more than a decade of nonprofit leadership. She has held multiple leadership roles with Portland Trails, including serving on the Executive Committee and chairing the Development Committee, and is actively involved in governance and investment oversight. Her past service includes board leadership with the Junior League of Portland, Maine, and ongoing engagement with organizations such as the American Heart Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Bentley University and an MBA from the University of Southern Maine. She is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), adhering to rigorous ethical and fiduciary standards.