Our Team

For twenty years, Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast has been guided by science, compassion, and the lived experiences of the families we serve.

What began as a small network of milk donors, clinicians, and advocates has grown into one of the nation’s largest accredited nonprofit milk banks. Today, we provide safe, pasteurized donor human milk to more than 100 hospitals and thousands of families across the Northeast each year.

Behind that work is a dedicated team united by a simple belief: every baby deserves the chance to grow and thrive.

Our team brings together expertise in public health, nonprofit management, healthcare operations, and philanthropy. Many of our team members have experienced the impact of this mission firsthand as milk donors, recipients, and advocates.

That combination of professional expertise and lived experience shapes every decision we make. It keeps families at the center of our work and strengthens our commitment to expanding equitable access to safe donor human milk.

Leadership

A respected author and advocate for families, Deborah has published a book and numerous articles on family wellbeing, parenting, and community health. Her commitment to this work is also deeply personal. When her own children were babies, Deborah became a milk donor. That experience continues to shape her understanding of the impact safe donor human milk can have on infants and families.

Today, she leads the organization, working alongside a dedicated team to ensure every baby has access to the comfort, care, and nourishment they need to thrive.

Based in Greater Boston, Deborah enjoys spending time with her husband, their three sons, and their lovable—if somewhat whiny—dog, Auggie.

Kylia Garver, MPH

Chief Program Officer

Kylia Garver, MPH, brings expertise in public health and healthcare partnerships to Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast. She earned her Master of Public Health degree from Boston University with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health and worked in the medical device industry before joining the milk bank in 2023.

As Chief Program Officer, Kylia leads the milk bank’s donor screening and engagement program while strengthening partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers to expand equitable access to safe donor human milk. She is passionate about ensuring every family receives trusted, expert, and compassionate support throughout their experience with the milk bank.

In her free time, Kylia enjoys group fitness classes, baking, and spending time with her family and pets.

Lazaro Garcia, MPH

Chief Operating Officer

Lazaro brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in highly regulated clinical laboratories and medical device manufacturing. In addition, he has a strong background in operations management and public health.

As Chief Operating Officer, Lazaro works to strengthen the milk bank’s operations while building high-performing, mission-driven teams. His experience navigating complex regulatory environments helps ensure the organization continues to deliver safe donor human milk with excellence and care.

Outside of work, Lazaro enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending quality time with his family and dogs

Kate Atkinson Kaplan

Director of Development

Kate brings more than two decades of fundraising, donor engagement, and nonprofit leadership experience to Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast. Before joining the milk bank, she held senior advancement roles at Brandeis University’s Heller School, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and the Two Ten Footwear Foundation. She also served in leadership at Tufts University and continues to serve on both the Board of Trustees and the Friedman School of Nutrition Board of Advisors.

Kate leads the milk bank’s fundraising efforts, helping ensure more babies and families have access to safe donor human milk.

Beyond work, Kate enjoys walks by the ocean and studying taiko drumming.

Kimberly Koch

Director of Finance

Kim brings over 20 years of nonprofit accounting and finance leadership to the milk bank. While her career has included corporate and government accounting roles, she has a passion for mission-driven work. As the parent of twins who received donor milk as babies, she is honored to continue the circle of giving through her work at the milk bank.

Away from the office, Kim enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with her family.

Driven by Science
Our work is grounded in evidence, safety, and best practices.

Fueled by Generosity
Every ounce of donor milk begins with an extraordinary act of generosity.

Guided by Experience
Lived experience strengthens the care, compassion, and support we provide every day.