Renn Duffey (They/Them) - Director of Safe Homes
Renn is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst where they received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Throughout college, they focused on early childhood and adolescent development, with a particular interest in assisting youth through various mental health and identity concerns. They were a teacher’s assistant for two years in an LGBT psychology seminar, where they received an Outstanding Teacher’s Assistant Award for their implementation of self-developed workshops on various issues affecting the mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals. As a teenager, Renn attended Safe Homes Worcester and was a Peer Leader for two years. Being a part of Safe Homes taught Renn vital lessons about inclusivity and fighting for your beliefs, and the lessons they learned there have inspired them ever since. They hope to bring the same empathy, hard-work, and sense of belonging to Safe Homes that was given to them as a teenager and can’t wait to see how the program grows!
Otto Ruderman (He/They) - Safe Homes Lead Peer
![[Image Description: photo of Safe Homes' Lead Peer, Otto Ruderman, a white, queer, nonbinary person. They are wearing a brown shirt and glasses. They have several piercings on their nose, lips and ears.]](/ottostaffpic.jpg)
Otto is currently a student majoring in Psychology. He is focusing on counseling with an interest in gender and sexuality, in hopes of someday becoming a queer affirmative therapist. During high school, they were the lead facilitator and president for their GSA, where he organized and led many programs, activities, and trainings for students and teachers to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community. Otto has been regularly attending Safe Homes since 2016, and was a peer leader for three years previous to their current role. In their free time, Otto enjoys baking, crocheting and playing video games.
Maxwell Farrell (He/Him) - Safe Homes Peer Leader
Maxwell is currently a college student and is majoring in Psychology. He hopes to work in the field of mental health, particularly in a role involving the LGBTQIA+ community, in the future. Maxwell has been attending Safe Homes since 2018, and has been working as a Peer Leader since 2020. He spends his free time making art, baking, and spending time with his pets.