The 2024 Remarkable Women Awards
Sponsored By:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Deb Stephenson
President & CEO, Brattleboro Savings and Loan
Deb Stephenson serves as the President and CEO of Brattleboro Savings and Loan (BS&L), a community-focused bank with approximately $300 million in assets, four branches, and 54 employees in Brattle-
boro, Vermont. Her 30-year banking career reflects her dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and meaningful community engagement.
Deb’s journey in banking began as an FDIC examiner, where she specialized in Safety and Soundness and Compliance. She later joined Woronoco Savings Bank, where her leadership was instrumental in developing a robust compliance program. Her career path led her to executive roles at institutions such as Country Bank for Savings, where she
oversaw Human Resources, Retail Banking, Facilities, and Training. As SEVP Chief Compliance Officer at Berkshire Bank, Deb contributed significantly to its growth, helping expand assets from $4 billion to $14 billion.
Known for her commitment to integrity and customer-focused service, Deb’s leadership at BS&L emphasizes transparency and community support. She actively participates in philanthropic initiatives, rein-
forcing BS&L’s role as a socially responsible institution. Her thought leadership in finance has made her a sought-after speaker on banking, compliance, and economic trends.
Outside of her professional life, Deb is a mother of two daughters and advocates for work-life balance and wellness. She fosters a positive, inclusive workplace culture where employee satisfaction and growth are core values.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The Reformer and their sponsors will host an event to honor all nominees and name the top winners in each category. Stay tuned to future editions of the Brattleboro Reformer to see the announced winners from the 2024 Remarkable Women event.
A LOOK BACK | REMARKABLE WOMEN EVENT 2023
(L to R) Billie Slade, retired director at Green Mountain Girls Camp, non-profit leader winner. Jessica Galdamez, owner of J&B Catering, business leader winner. Keynote speaker, Tara Cheney, co-owner, Vermont Roadworks and The Heart Rose Club. Alaina Murphy, Found of Inner Heat Yoga, Entrepreneurial Leader winner.
BUSINESS LEADER AWARD NOMINEES
Penny Ash
Sarah Clark
Christine Downs
Kayla Joyce
Nancy Campbell Kerylow
Maya Richmond
Evelyn Sirois
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADER AWARD NOMINEES
Kate Barry
Lisa DiBernardo
Andie Fusco
Celine Lacroix
Katie LaCoy
Michelle Mortimer
Emma Sheldon
NON-PROFIT LEADER AWARD NOMINEES
Susan Avery
Moriah Carney
Bethaney M. LaClair
Hannah Pick
Gibbs Rehlen
Kelsey Rice
Kathy Ur er
Sara Webb
Emily Zervas
JUDGES | 2024 REMARKABLE WOMEN AWARDS
CHENEY FOURNIER-MCCAULEY KELLY
Tara Cheney
Vermont Roadworks/
The Heart Rose Club
Hello, my name is Tara Cheney and I co-own two woman-owned businesses in Brattleboro, Vermont.
The Heart Rose Club is a new business. We offer holistic health, massage, yoga, tarot, astrology and so much more. We also offer a beautiful venue to hold or attend an event in a historic building in downtown Brattleboro, with free parking. Check out our website www.heartrose,com for a list of upcoming events, dinner dances and classes.
Vermont Roadworks is an asphalt paving company who was the SBA woman-owned business of the year in Vermont in 2022. We also recently won The Reformer’s Best of Award for paving in Brattleboro and surrounding towns, for the second year in a row. This is a huge achievement as our colleagues do a great job, but also because the construction industry is still a man’s world. However, there are many women running things, making decisions up front and behind the scenes in businesses everywhere. We have some fabulous women
nominated this year. They are change makers and visionaries. They are ambitious and resilient. They are bright and optimistic and they are making a difference in our communities.
I am proud to be a recipient of the 2021 Woman Business Leader Award and in the company of so many amazing women.
I am so honored to be a sponsor and judge at the Remarkable Women Event. This platform gives me an opportunity to give all the recipients a strength shower, but also to recognize the commonalities between us. Showing up every day and fighting for what we want and need for ourselves and our families is not easy. Owning businesses and being the voice for others takes work, determination and tenacity. And the women here do it with grace, they do. They are strong and they are leaders. They all deserve to be recognized. Keep nominating these women so we can know them and support them.
Andrea Fournier-McCauley
Vice President at Brattleboro Auto Mall and Fairfield’s Auto Group
My name is Andrea FournierMcCauley. I have been a wom-
an in business since I was a young girl. When I was a child I started working in the business world with my father, answering phones at his contracting business.
As a young adult, I worked as a bank teller and commuted to Westfield State University where I earned 2 bachelor’s degrees at the age of 21.
After college, I worked in Western Mass in the business office of a medical practice where I quickly worked my way up to Practice Administrator. At the age of 24, I left my job to start my own medical management company, after many successful years of work in this position, I left Franklin County to move to Spofford New Hampshire.
Upon moving to Spofford I assumed the Marketing Director position at Auto Mall and Fairfield’s. Over the years I have taken on countless roles and most recently being named Vice President of both dealerships in 2022 when my husband took over sole ownership.
I have sat on the board of directors of the Greenfield and Keene YMCA, the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce, and the
JUDGES | 2024 REMARKABLE WOMEN AWARDS
PURCELL
While I am proud of my career accomplishments, my most remarkable achievement is my family, my husband Chris, Daughters Kelci and Keira and our dogs Dexter and Ripley. We look forward to continuing to support our community, especially youth sports, The Windham County Humane Society, Brattleboro Food Connects, our yearly backpack challenge, and Toys for Tots.
Cassie Kelly
AVP, Marketing Director at Brattleboro Savings & Loan
Cassie Kelley is the AVP, and Marketing Director at Brattleboro Savings and Loan. She has over twenty years of Marketing and Graphic Design experience, and her prior role at Pannos Marketing, an agency specializing in banks, gave her a solid background in banking. Cassie has been working for BS&L, a mission-driven community bank, for the past six years. She is responsible for the development and implementation of brand strategy and messaging;
I serve as chairperson of the Grievance Committee.
While I like listing and selling property, my time mainly focuses on managing our two offices. I like working with vacation properties, country homes and farms. I specialize in equestrian facilities and currently own a small horse boarding facility with my family, which enables me to capitalize on my love of horses.
Marlboro is the town that I call home. I live there with my husband Michael, our daughter Giovana, our dog Gracie, 2 cats and several horses. When I am not involved in real estate, I take pleasure in gardening, snowshoeing, kayaking & photography. I am a member of the 251 Club of Vermont having visited and photographed every town in Vermont.
Pamela Savoy
including campaigns, events, digital marketing and public relations. Her work includes the day-to-day posting on social media, project managing larger projects, internal communications and responding to customers who reach out through our website form. Cassie’s favorite things to do at the Bank are planning, designing, and launching campaigns to support our brand, our products, and our community.
Tami Purcell
Broker/Owner at Berkley Veller
Greenwood Country Realtors
Growing up in the beautiful Green Mountain State, I knew that it would be here where I eventually would want to settle down to work and raise a family. I have been a Realtor since 1986 and am the second generation to operate our family business. I am licensed in both Vermont and New Hampshire. I hold the Realtor GRI designation, am a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Vermont Association of Realtors, and the Southern Vermont Board of Realtors where
Currently I am a member of the Brattleboro Rotary Club. I appreciate the camaraderie of the club as well as the service and community volunteer projects we help with. I enjoy being involved in the community and am currently on the board of directors of the Windham County Humane Society and the River Gallery School.
HR Administrator at FulFlex
Pamela is the HR Administrator with Fulflex. She has been employed with Fulflex for 37 years, and have been the HR Administrator for 23 years. She is a native Vermonter, but has lived in New Hampshire for 37 years.
Mount Snow Ski Club.
NOMINEES | BUSINESS LEADER AWARD
Penny Ash
Bookkeeper for Viking Farms (Vermont Maple Syrup)
Penny is a Bookkeeper with Viking Farms (Vermont Maple Syrup). She has been in the Accounting Field for more than 30 years. She formally worked for Lyon Travel Agency/Elderhostel/Road Scholar for 25 years before joining The Back Office Factory.
At The Back Office Factory, she is the Bookkeeper for several small businesses, including Viking Farms. She has recently taken on new roles at Viking Farms.
She is working all day, every day, trying to make Vermont Maple Syrup a successful business. She has been working diligently to solve every problem that comes up and works tirelessly without complaint.
She has been supportive to all she works with and motivates others to be the best version of themselves.
She lives in Hinsdale with her husband, Michael. She has a son, Zachariah, a daughter-inlaw, Danielle, four grandpups and four grandhorses.
In her free time, she is build-
ing a house with her family, helps with the horses, goes camping, and enjoys spending time with her family.
Sarah Clark
Assistant Director at Brattleboro Rec and Parks Department
Sarah Clark has worked for the Brattleboro Recreation and Parks on and off since her early years of high school in various seasonal and full time positions. Currently Sarah is the Assistant Director, which is a position she has held since 2018. She attended Castleton State College where she earned her degree in Sports Administration and a minor in Communications. During her time at Castleton she was a member of the lacrosse team where she was a two year captain.
Currently Sarah coaches the women’s JV lacrosse team at Brattleboro Union High School.
As Assistant Director, Sarah is responsible for organizing and offering a wide variety of activities and programs for those 55 and older as well as also managing the communications for the Recreation Department.
Christine Downs
Quality, Patient Safety and Organizational Excellence Manager at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Christine Downs is the Quality, Patient Safety and Organizational Excellence Manager for Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Christine’s work with the hospital started in 2016 as a Family Medicine nurse. At the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic Christine was redeployed to the PCU unit to support anticipated surges in patients. During that time Christine learned invaluable skills both personally and professional.
As Brattleboro Memorial Hospital expanded its Quality Department Christine was hired as the Outpatient Quality manager. In this role, Christine is the Transformational Manager for PCMH, facilitator of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Grant initiatives for Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and leads and supports quality efforts for Primary and Specialty offices.
Christine is a Licensed Practice Nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. She is a certified CPHQ and has Lean Six Sigma yellow
JOYCE
belt. Currently Christine is enrolled at Champlain college earning her Masters in Healthcare Administration.
Kayla Joyce
Branch Manager at 802 Credit Union
Kayla Joyce, 802 Credit Union’s Branch Manager in Townshend, began her journey in 2017 as a Teller, stepping into her role as Branch Manager in 2019. Kayla’s motivation stems from the strong relationships she’s built with both the community and our members. Her goal is to empower members with financial confidence, support debt consolidation, and offer guidance on managing finances in today’s challenging times, all while fostering a welcoming environment at the branch alongside her dedicated team. Many members of the Credit Union have a devoted relationship with Kayla and appreciate her sincere and friendly personality.
Recently, Kayla completed Loan Servicing training, enabling her to provide lending services directly to her branch members. Over the years, she has also attended various conferences and workshops to en-
ASH
CLARK DOWNS
NOMINEES | BUSINESS LEADER AWARD
SIROIS
hance her skills and provide the best possible support to our community.
In addition to her role at 802, Kayla is committed to giving back, especially to local schools. She has led School Banking programs, taught the basics of finance in classrooms, organized donations for schools, and participated in Reality Fairs to introduce students to financial literacy.
Outside of work, Kayla enjoys quality time with her family and two kids, experimenting with bread baking and cooking, and relaxing on a fun Football Sunday!
Nancy Campbell Kerylow
Manager, Brattleboro Elks Lodge
Nancy Campbell Kerlylow was born and raised in Brattleboro, Vermont. She’s married with 4 children and two grandchildren. She worked for a number of years as a mortgage officer and in the banking industry but always served part-time in the service industry. She currently works at the Brattleboro Elks Lodge as the manager where she handles scheduling, purchasing, inventory, hospitality, and event planning. Through the Elks she
has raised thousands of dollars for the Elks National Foundation and Sliver Towers. Her service to the community is unmatched, she has organized countless fundraisers for members of the community who have fallen on hard times. She continues to work daily providing for those in need.
Maya Richmond
Executive Director of the Windham County Humane Society
Maya Richmond joined Windham County Humane Society in August of 2021.
She earned her B.S. from UVM and her MBA at St. Michael’s College. After graduating from UVM, she worked as Associate Director of Laboratory Support for Middlebury College. During that time, she served on the Board of Directors of the Addison County Humane Society and discovered her passion for animal welfare.
To pursue her passion, she left Vermont in 2003 to serve as Director of Program Development and Operations at the Maryland SPCA in Baltimore. During her six years at MDSPCA, she expanded and launched new programs, opened a veterinary clinic, invested in staff development,
and was part of the organization’s capital expansion team. Well-rounded in operations, staff development, and construction, she left the MDSPCA to put her skills to use while gaining fundraising and executive experience as the executive director of the Animal Welfare Association (AWA) in New Jersey. Over her thirteen years at AWA, she doubled income, staffing, and programs, making AWA a leading progressive animal welfare in the Mid-Atlantic.
In 2018, she started AWA’s multi-million-dollar capital campaign and began designing its new building. Despite delays due to COVID-19, the organization completed work on its 25,000-sf adoption, education, and wellness facility before Maya returned to Vermont.
Maya shares her home with her husband, teenage daughter, and their three cats and two dogs.
Evelyn Sirois
Chief Executive O cer, Members 1st Credit Union
Originally from Aroostook County in Northern Maine, she moved to Connecticut for the many work and education op-
portunities available there in the 1970’s. After several years of making friends in many diverse social groups, she started her education. In fact, while working at an accounting firm, she went to school fulltime and finished with a bachelor’s degree in business management. She later acquired a graduate degree.
Evelyn has worked over 35 years in the credit union industry, her first one being the French Social Circle FCU in Hartford, CT. With that as a catalyst and being of French Acadian heritage, she dedicated herself to many other Franco American nonprofit and not-forprofit organizations. In Connecticut she served on many boards and commissions working tirelessly to promote and organize many local, state, and regional Franco-American events. She single handedly spearheaded a statewide FrancoFest that highlighted events at over 50 French organizations in the state of Connecticut.
She is the oldest of 8 with siblings across the country. She loves to travel to visit her family, read all genres of books, play board games, and cards. And most of all, she loves interacting with people.
She relocated to Vermont in 2014, taking on her newest CEO role for Members 1st Credit Union, continuing her passion for small credit unions. “I have always advocated for small credit unions and their importance in communities where it promotes a closer relationship between the financial institution and its members. Rural Vermont was calling to me.” In keeping with her need to keep busy, she soon found herself involved in several local organizations. She and her husband live in Williamsville where she is happy to say that “it takes 3 dirt roads to get to our house.”
KERYLOW RICHMOND
KathyhasbeennominatedfortheNonprofitLeaderawardatthe BrattleboroReformer’sRemarkableWomenevent.
Asafierceadvocateforcleanwater,healthyhabitats,andresilient communitiesthroughouttheConnecticutRiverwatershed, Kathy’sleadershiphasresultedinatremendousimpactforthe environment.Joinusincelebratingthisincrediblelocalleader!
Topphoto:KathyUrffer Bottomphoto:KathyUrfferwithfellowConnecticutRiverConservancy RiverStewardsKateBuckman(NH),RheaDrozdenko(CT),and NinaGordon-Kirsch(MA)
NOMINEES | ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADER AWARD
Kate Barry
Owner of Mocha Joe’s Co ee House, The Collective Bar and ExP Realty, The Kate Barry Team
Kate Barry is the embodiment of entrepreneurial leadership in the Brattleboro community. As the owner of Mocha Joe’s Coffee House and the newly rebranded The Collective Bar (now called The Tower), both in downtown Brattleboro, she is committed to revitalizing local businesses and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. Beyond her ventures in hospitality, Kate also serves as a successful Realtor and team leader at eXp Realty, managing a group of agents that serve Southern Vermont and New Hampshire. While she juggles many responsibilities, Kate’s most cherished role is being a devoted mom to her young daughter, Junie. Kate’s passion for her community, hard work, and determination have made her a shining example for women with ambitious goals. She is a champion of downtown Brattleboro, constantly striving to make it a better place to live and visit. Through her tenacity, she makes the challenge of owning multiple businesses look effortless—though everyone knows it takes incredible skill and dedication. Kate Barry is an inspiration
to women everywhere, showing that we can not only dream big but also achieve those dreams with strength and perseverance.
Lisa DiBernardo
Owner of Vermont Mortgage Group LLC
Lisa is a Licensed Mortgage Broker and Owner of Vermont Mortgage Group LLC. She has over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, helping thousands of families purchase and refinance their primary and second homes and real estate investors with investment properties.
A Vermonter, Lisa believes in community. She has always been a community volunteer with a focus on children and housing. She currently serves on the Project Feed the Thousands Board of Directors and Windham Windsor Housing Trust Loan Review Committee. Her past volunteer involvement includes being a founder and manager of the Green Street School healthy snacks program, a Green Street School morning fitness program leader, Youth Services and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a board member of Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of Windham County Safe Place.
Lisa enjoys spending time with
her two adult children, her large family, and dear friends. When not working, Lisa enjoys exercise, the outdoors, and traveling.
Andie Fusco
Realtor at Four Season Sotheby’s International Realty
My passion for the mountains began at age six when I joined the alpine race program at Stratton, a journey that took me to mountains across New England and deepened my love for Southern Vermont. Growing up in Cheshire, CT, I became well-acquainted with the weekend commute up I-91, and in 2003, I made the move permanent by attending the University of Vermont in Burlington. During that time, I also coached junior racers in the very program I once participated in. My professional journey included various customer service roles at the mountain, and in 2017, I earned my Vermont real estate license, followed by my broker’s license in 2020. Now, I split my time between Londonderry and Wilmington, VT, where I use my local knowledge and personal experiences to ensure a seamless buying or selling process. In my spare time, I embrace the Vermont lifestyle through skiing, snowmobiling, spending time on the lake, and raising my fluffy chickens.
Currently, I serve as a State Director for the South-Central Vermont Board of Realtors® and chair the VT Association of Realtors® Member Engagement Committee. My volunteer work includes serving on the Bennington County Habitat for Humanity Shires ReStore Committee, being a board member at the Winhall Community Arts Center, and holding the position of secretary for the Stratton Ski & Board Club. In 2023, I began a five-year term as Cemetery Commissioner for the town of Londonderry. My dedication to community and real estate has been recognized with honors such as the South Central VT Board of Realtors’ Good Neighbor Award in 2019 and Realtor® of the Year in 2023. Additionally, Vermont Business Magazine named me a 40 Under 40 Rising Star in 2023, and I received the Shires Chamber of Commerce’s Young Woman in Leadership award in 2024. Proud to be an ally, I’ve been a member of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance since 2021 and am committed to professional development, having earned certifications in Resort and Second Home Property, e-PRO, and At Home with Diversity. I am also proud to be a top performer at Four
Continued on Page 10
BARRY DIBERNARDO FUSCO LACROIX
NOMINEES | ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADER AWARD
LACOY MORTIMER SHELDON
Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty in Stratton, Vermont, where I continue to excel in helping clients find their dream homes.
Celine Lacroix
Owner of Brattleboro Portable Storage
Celine delights in potential, spending her career envisioning what could be, then bringing it to fruition. At the helm of Brattleboro Portable Storage since 2014, she has grown the local shipping container rental company from its modest beginnings to become the largest rental fleet in Vermont. She manages the portable storage business in tandem with commercial and residential real estate holdings in the Brattleboro area, taking special interest in turning around underperforming assets. Exceptional customer service, a personal touch and lightning-fast response times are a common thread that propel her career and businesses forward. Her one-woman operation now employs a team of six fabulous employees collectively delivering on her vision. Through her work in real estate, she has added a total of five new housing units to the local supply. With her ongoing efforts, she aims to make lasting improvements to Brattleboro’s commercial real estate landscape.
Katie LaCoy
Owner of Cultivating Aesthetics
Katie started in the world of cosmetic injectables back in 2018. After spending several years in the field, she felt there was a void to be filled in the area and created Cultivating Aesthetics back in 2021. Katie, is a Registered Nurse with 8 years of experience and still applying her nursing skills at Cheshire Medical Center.
With a deep passion for the field, and wanting to create a more personal experience, she prides herself on having a keen eye for detail and applying this to achieve natural looking and beauty enhancing results for all her clients. She believes in a collaborative approach and invites her clients to ask questions and become educated on their treatments. She works hand in hand with her clients to identify their goals and reach the most natural looking results possible. Being incredibly driven towards creating a successful local business, she has devoted herself to not only providing the best customer service possible, but also continues to engage in ongoing education and trainings to stay up to date on the latest research and treatments in the medical aesthetic industry. Her dream is to create a full-service aesthetic spa, and continues to add new services and
treatments to provide a more wellrounded experience for her clients.
Katie’s biggest passion in life is her family. She has a wonderful husband and three boys. When she is not working she enjoys spending her time with her family and friends. When she has time, Katie loves exploring new places all around the world.
Michelle Mortimer
Owner/President of Wellness Works
Michelle Mortimer is the founder and president of Wellness Works, an Occupational Health and Wellness company located in Southern Vermont.
A seasoned nurse with over twenty-five years of experience, Michelle spent much of her early career in the Emergency Department, both as a bedside nurse and as a Nurse Manager. It was the experience of caring for people after they had become afflicted with preventable diseases, that inspired her to create a company dedicated to advancing the health of individuals.
Recognizing that most of the people’s time is spent in the workplace, Michelle designed her business with the purpose of simplifying access to healthcare services by bringing nurses into companies throughout our region. Recently, due to public requests, she expanded on this need and opened
an Occupational Health clinic where employers can send their workers for necessary work-related testing and treatment.
In addition to her nursing credentials Michelle holds a master’s degree in Functional Medicine and Integrative Nutrition. She is passionate about the idea that food is medicine, teaching people how to prevent and manage chronic disease through lifestyle changes.
Beyond Michelle’s professional work she is an avid outdoor enthusiast. When she is not working, you will most likely find her hiking, skiing, or paddleboarding.
Emma Sheldon
Owner of Integrate Roots Therapy
Emma Sheldon is a certified integrative somatic practitioner, holistic health and wellness coach, and a licensed clinical mental health counselor. She is passionate about working with and helping women navigate the complexities of life and emerge, stronger, more confident, and truly thriving. She is an experienced trauma informed practitioner, who loves working with a mind-body approach and supporting others to find balance and connection with their inner wisdom. She considers herself to be a lifelong learner and is consistently involved in groundbreaking trauma trainings as well as meeting with her shamanic mentors to continue to gain a better understanding of her own personal journey as well as the journeys of others. It is incredibly important to her to be in integrity while supporting others in their healing process, and to remain humble in all that’s she brings to the healing relationship. In her personal time, Emma is an animal and nature, lover, and loves spending time with her friends and family. She loves singing, drumming, dancing, and creating meaningful healing experiences for all. She loves being in community with others and celebrating the gifts that everyone brings.
EastersealsVermontistransforminglivesbyprovidingimpactful, family-centeredsolutionsthataddresstheuniquechallenges facedbyVermontchildren,youngadults,andfamilies.With11 locationsstatewide,fromBrattleboroto Newport,weleadthe wayinworkinghand-in-handwiththeDepartmentforChildrenand Familiestocreatelastingchangethroughpersonalizedsupport andcare.
CongratulationstoKelsey RicefromourBrattleboroof ce onherawardnomination!
ScantheQRcodeorvisitourwebsitetoexplore ourprogramsandjobopportunities.
NOMINEES | NON-PROFIT LEADER AWARD
CARNEY LACLAIR
Susan Avery
Facilitator at Nar-Anon Family Support Group
Susan Avery best describes herself as a mom and a grandmother, a first time author, a community activist and a very good listener.
In life, I have learned you don’t always need to be defined by a college education or professional degree. Lived experiences alone can offer a meaningful journey.
At the age of nineteen, I left the safety and comfort of the home of my birth, Brattleboro, in the Green Mountain State, to journey by car to California and along my way, one chance face-to-face interview opened the door to a successful career that would span well over forty years.
Motherhood in 1968 eventually birthed my 2023 self- published memoir. As a proud native of Vermont heritage with ancestral roots traced to the Mayflower, the lived experiences shared in “ADDICTED: Our Strength Under the Influence” (and written under the pen name, Annie Augustus Rose), could have taken me down. Yet,
as a 38 year ovarian cancer survivor, “divine intervention was no mistake.; failure was not an option.”
To anyone who knows me, they also know my family members are no strangers to the long-term effects of substance use disorder. As a mother who has walked hand in hand with my child I understand the raw desperation, isolation and loneliness that extends far beyond the use of illegal substance. A parent is not free from the bounds of entrapment either.
And as a longtime facilitator for Nar-Anon Family Groups, I am acutely aware of the destruction this brain disease can bring to any community.
Excerpt from Chris Mays, reporter, Brattleboro Reformer:
“Well respected for her commitment to her hometown, Susan has facilitated the local chapter of Nar-Anon Family Group since 2000. By encouraging the Nar-Anon program, she has created a safe and confidential opportunity to guide numerous families through the challenges addiction brings into their lives. Recognizing the importance of sharing her family’s lived experience, her
published articles and local presentations have been well received.”
To be remembered by my family for my unconditional love and by friends for having an unbridled passion for life, for commitment, for kindness and thoughtfulness of others, I will have fulfilled my goal to make a difference by my footsteps.
Moriah Carney Director of West Bee Nursery School
My name is Moriah Carney and I have been part of the Brattleboro early childhood education community for the last 19 years, as the Director of West Bee Nursery School, a non-profit preschool program. Throughout my career, I have also been blessed with many opportunities to serve my community, Academy school PTO co-chair, Windham Early Childhood Educator’s Cooperative leader, Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains leader, Leadership Council member, and a part of different advocacy groups. Along with building partnerships, securing funding, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regula-
tions as a non-profit program. I have a deep passion for integrating nature into education, creating outdoor learning experiences that foster curiosity, independence, and a connection to the natural world, along with a nurturing environment for both staff and students. My leadership is characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a dedication to nurturing the growth of both children and their educators within a childcentered framework. I am honored to have been nominated for the 2024 Remarkable Women award in the Non-Profit Leader category.
Bethaney M. LaClair
Executive Director of the Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce
Bethaney M. LaClair is a dynamic nonprofit executive with a proven track record in strategic leadership, community engagement, and sustainable organizational growth. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce, she has spearheaded initiatives that significantly increased regional tourism, expanded membership, and stabilized finances. Bethaney’s extensive experience spans over almost two decades, with key roles including Interim Executive Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro, where she strengthened donor relations and secured vital funding, and Vice President of Internal Affairs at World Learning, where she cultivated major donor partnerships and led strategic projects.
A passionate advocate for community development, Bethaney actively serves on multiple boards, including Youth Services and Wilmington Works, and has held leader-
NOMINEES | NON-PROFIT LEADER AWARD
ship roles with the Brattleboro Hockey Association and Food Connects. She has been recognized for her commitment to fostering inclusive community growth and collaboration across sectors, embodying a leadership style that prioritizes strategic planning, partnership building, and team development.
Hannah Pick
Executive Director, Putney Foodshelf
Hannah Pick is the executive director of the Putney Foodshelf, an organization dedicated to providing food access and resources to the community. Known for her strong commitment to food equity and her hands-on approach, Hannah collaborates with local volunteers, donors, and partners to support individuals and families in need. Through her leadership, the Foodshelf has expanded its services, and developed the Food4Kids program, which has a unique approach to creating stigma-free food access for kids. Hannah lives in Putney with her husband Matt, and two creative and spunky daughters Brynna and Claire.
Gibbs Rehlen
Co-Founder of Vermont 30 Collective
Gibbs Rehlen is Co-Founder of Vermont 30 Collective, responsible for executing the Collective’s mission. Gibbs also leads ecoAmerica’s American Climate Leadership Awards Program, managing stakeholder engagement and steering the program as it progresses into its sixth year. Gibbs has more than 20 years of experience in the social and for-profit sectors implementing projects, coordinating special initiatives, and managing programs. A fluent Italian speaker, who has spent time working in South Sudan, Costa Rica, and India, she graduated from the University of Vermont and SIT Graduate Institute and is a certified project manager. Gibbs grew up in a small, rural town in Rutland County, spent 20 years living in Italy and Washington DC and now lives in Newfane with her three small children ages 8, 5, and 3.
Kelsey Rice
Family Engagement Specialist at EasterSeals
I was born and raised in Brat-
tleboro, Vermont. When I was twenty-one I drove to southern Utah to work for a wilderness therapy program serving teens and young adults. The inspiration was to experience a landscape drastically different than green Vermont while building up guiding miles on my instructor resume, which was needed in order to work for a leading outdoor experiential program like Outward Bound or National Outdoor Leadership School. Living and working in the high mountain desert of southern Utah proved to be everything I dreamed of, but what I did not see coming was my love for being in the wild was matched by my love for working with struggling people. I never went on to become an Outward Bound or NOLS instructor, instead I continued working in wilderness therapy through my midtwenties until I became pregnant with my first son. At four months pregnant my back pack was getting heavy. I was ready to move back home to Brattleboro and start my family.
Over the last twenty years I have worked for a number of nonprofit mental and behavioral health agencies in Utah, New Hampshire, Arizona and for the bulk of my professional ca-
reer, here in Windham County. My work has involved serving a wide range of demographics within a variety of settings. I have had countless opportunities to witness firsthand the impossible obstacles stacked up against our most vulnerable community members, who are struggling every day to have their basic needs met. At age thirty-five I found myself in a situation I never could have foreseen. I was a single mother of three boys (my youngest still an infant and breastfeeding), and I was fleeing domestic violence. While seeking safety I needed to rely upon all systems of support and protection available in Windham County, including accessing support from trained advocates and Vermont’s criminal justice system. In every interaction I had with Vermont’s domestic violence response systems, I analyzed the services I received. As a survivor of domestic violence with twenty years of professional experience providing trauma informed support services, I am to this day appalled by what victims and survivors experience while seeking safety. I do not allow myself to take my privilege for granted. I have never wondered if my children would have a safe place to sleep or enough food to eat. I do not have communication barriers, or a developmental delay. I do not suffer from substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health disorders. Discrimination fuels my fire because if life after violence is this hard for me, I cannot accept what life is for survivors less privileged. I believe discrimination is born from lack of education. In my recovery I have found offering my lived experience as a survivor to help educate Vermont, reaching as many people in positions of leadership and
Continued on Page 14
PICK REHLEN RICE
NOMINEES | NON-PROFIT LEADER AWARD
URFFER WEBB ZERVAS
power that will listen, to be incredibly rewarding because it gives my pain purpose. I offer my story in service to victims and survivors who do not yet have a voice.
I have been working as a Family Engagement Specialist for Brattleboro Easterseals Vermont since 2019. Brattleboro Easterseals partners with Brattleboro Department of Children and Families to provide child and family support services. Brattleboro Easterseals provides a number of services to families with varying degrees of DCF involvement. The bulk of my work is focused on facilitating family safety planning meetings referred by DCF or other community partners, and providing care coordination to families who are open to receiving support with accessing resources and services they need to establish and maintain safety. Although my survivor work is done outside my professional role with Easterseals, I find great fulfillment in having the opportunity to offer trauma informed support services to
families experiencing harm.
To experience domestic violence is to know what it is to feel violated, exposed and invisible all at the same time. I am honored Christopher Lukasik, Victim Advocate from the Office of the Windham County State’s Attorney nominated me for this award. The acknowledgement of my efforts brings up emotions I cannot adequately express in words. Healing.
Thank you.
Kathy Urffer
Director of Policy and Advocacy & Rive Steward, Connecticut River Conservancy
As Connecticut River Conservancy’s Director of Policy and Advocacy and River Steward in Vermont, Kathy Urffer works to protect and restore the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Kathy has had a diverse career working for nonprofits that focus on the environment, higher education, and social services. She holds a M.S. in Natural Resource Management from Antioch New England
University, a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers, and is a Vermont Leadership Institute Fellow from the Snelling Center for Government. She currently serves on the board of Watersheds United Vermont, as the Natural Resources Commissioner for the Windham Regional Commission, and as a local Town Meeting Representative in Brattleboro, VT. Kathy lives with her partner Frederic and enjoys re-learning about the natural world through the eyes of her two children.
Sara Webb
Project/Grant Coordinator at West River Thrives
Sara brings 12+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector as a program coordinator in various capacities to her endeavors. Her nonprofit work has included project management, community outreach, marketing, volunteer recruitment & management, and grant compliance. Since moving to the West River Valley 11 years ago, Sara has stayed active in the community in multiple vol-
unteer roles. She served on two local school boards and now holds an at-large seat on the West River Education District Board. She also enjoys being a part of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Farm to School (FTS) committee at NewBrook Elementary School, as well as the District Equity Team at Leland & Gray Middle/ High School.
Sara was drawn to work with West River Valley Thrives to support and strengthen the West River community that she loves. Her role as the Parent and Caring Adult Engagement Specialist helps Thrives to expand its outreach to elementary school families. She believes strongly in fostering relationships among students, families, and community members to build a healthy, thriving community.
Sara is a certified Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner. She loves gardening, hiking, reading good books, movies, and playing games with her kids. Sara lives in Brookline with her husband, two kids, two dogs, cat, and four fish.
Emily Zervas
Director of the Putney Public Library
Emily Zervas is the Director of the Putney Public Library, a role she has held since 2015. Her passion for programming and creating a culture of connection are just two of the things that make this her dream job. She lives in Brattleboro with her husband Noel, and enjoys reading, travel, and the company of cats.
Berkley&VellerGreenwoodCountryRealtorsisproudtocontinueourtradition ofwomeninleadership.For59years,thislocal,independent,family-owned businesshasbeensupportingthecareersofextraordinarywomen.
Laura D’Angelo Realtor
SarahDay Realtor
LizLaVorgna Realtor
NadineCoffey Realtor
MaryWallaceCollins Realtor
KassieRubico Realtor
MelissaLowe Accounting
Tamara Purcell, OwnerBroker
ArlenePalmiter Realtor
PenelopeArms Realtor
HeidiBernier Realtor
JodyGraves Realtor
KarenHoppe Realtor
DanielleLauria Realtor
OonaMadden Realtor
ClaireRenaud Realtor
WilmaSkovinski Realtor
JaneSonntag Realtor
LucindaBernard Of ceAdmin.