Brookline Teen And Her Mentor Named Big Brothers Big Sisters Match Of The Year

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline resident Allisson Heredia and her longtime mentor, Olivia Charbonnier of Dorchester, have been named one of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts' 2026 Matches of the Year.

The pair have been matched for nearly a decade after Charbonnier joined the mentoring program and was paired with Heredia when she was seven years old. Throughout the years, the two have built a relationship through activities including baking, attending baseball games, and ice skating, while also maintaining regular contact during the COVID-19 pandemic and after Heredia left for boarding school.

Charbonnier said she was inspired to become a mentor after hosting Big Brothers Big Sisters participants during her time working in the Boston Mayor's Office. She signed up for the program shortly afterward and was eventually matched with Heredia.

"I truly can't picture my twenties, such a formative time period in life, without Allisson being there too," Charbonnier said. "Watching her grow into such a successful and accomplished young person, and seeing how she navigates her teenage years with such kindness, drive, and determination, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life."

According to the organization, the two documented many of their experiences together in a scrapbook filled with photos, drawings and memories from their time as a match. Their relationship has evolved from mentor and child to what both describe as a close friendship built through years of trust and shared experiences.

Now 16 years old, Heredia attends boarding school on a scholarship and hopes to study English literature in college before pursuing a career in law. She credited Charbonnier with providing support and encouragement throughout her childhood and teenage years.

"Olivia (Charbonnier) is special because she always knows how to show up for me," Heredia said in a statement. "She believes in me, even when I might not have the confidence myself, and she's always there without judgment."

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts President and CEO Mark O'Donnell said long-term mentoring relationships can have a significant impact on young people as they navigate major life transitions.

"Olivia has been there through every transition, every milestone, and every challenge, and the young woman Allisson is becoming is a testament to what that kind of consistent, loving presence can do," O'Donnell said.

The organization cited national research indicating that mentoring relationships can improve decision-making, academic outcomes, and self-confidence among young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, which is in its 77th year, said it has created and supported more than 25,000 mentoring matches and expects to serve more than 4,000 matches this year.

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