Behind the Scenes with Amy Carlin

from Around the Chamber - Feb. 2022

Behind the Scenes

with Amy Carlin

Each month,

"Behind the Scenes" features an interview with a leader in our community designed to provide readers a glimpse into his/her interests and passions inside and outside of the workplace

This month,

"Behind the Scenes" sat down with Amy Carlin, Community Relations Specialist and Presidential Events Coordinator at Middlebury College

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Connecticut where a lot of my family still resides. Moved to Addison County when I was eight years old. Graduated from Middlebury Union High School in 2004.

Where did you go to college?

University of Maine, Orono Studied Philosophy and Women Studies

Amy Carlin

First ever job?

My first job was at the Middlebury Bagel Bakery. Would wake up at 5am to work before school - best part was that I could bring a bagel sandwich with me for lunch!

Greatest inspiration growing up? Favorite vacation spot??

This is hard, I really have a strong connection to Maine. My family and I try to get together once a year, all the siblings and nieces and nephews and one year we rented a cabin in Bridgton, Maine, absolutely beautiful location.

I would have to say my parents. They were always there for me and allowed me to follow any dream that I had with full support - from booking me rock climbing camps at age 8 to any sport I wanted to try to even letting me win at family game nights.

Behind the Scenes

with Amy Carlin

Who do you most admire?

I admire anyone who gets up in the morning and tries their best. Anyone who thinks how can I help to make today a better day not just for themselves but anyone they meet or don’t get a chance to.

Favorite type of music?

Angelique Kidjo. She is magnificent. I got to meet here when she visited Middlebury College years ago and was lucky enough to attend one of her concerts at the Flynn, front row. Greatest risk you have taken in your career?

I would say taking on the role of community relations specialist and I am so happy that I did. I grew up in Middlebury but being an adult here and really getting involved has been very exciting for me and something that I have truly enjoyed.

What's the one thing you would change about your industry/mission?

I'm not sure what I would change but I would love to be on more boards and get a chance to see what all the great organizations in town have been working on from the ground level.

Favorite TV Show/Movie?

Typical work week?

Well since Covid things have changed a little. But I would say that I am lucky enough to get to meet with locals from the town over coffee, to planning events for the President of College, to working with couples who are planning their wedding, along with sitting on the board of the Chamber and the Better Middlebury Partnership. I guess… Game of Thrones. But I was very annoying to everyone around me as I caught on late and had to read all the books before watching.

Biggest career challenge?

Not sure. I really enjoy my job and getting to meet new people, help to plan events either at the college or in town. Maybe not getting to take part in all the fun activities that I would like to.

ACCOC would like to thank the following organizations who renewed their 2022 memberships this month.

Addison County Fair & Field Days Art on Main Bread Loaf Corporation Bristol Financial Services Cabot Creamery Cooperative Carol Jean McKnight Champlain Valley Equipment, Inc. Champlain Valley Plumbing & Heating Client Centered Financial Co-operative Insurance Companies Craig Brown House & Cottage D&F Excavating & Paving, Inc. Dakin Farm Danforth Pewter Distinctive Paint & Interiors Gary Baker Greentree Real Estate

Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History Ilsley Public Library Maple Landmark, Inc. Middlebury Inn Moosalamoo Association Northlands Job Corps Center People's United Bank Pike Industries Pregnancy Resource Center Of Addison County r.k. MILES Silloway Networks Stone Block Art & Antiques Suburban Propane Town of Addison Vermont Cider Company Vermont Community Foundation

Each month in "Around the Chamber" we will recognize new and renewing members for their support in helping ACCOC enhance and improve the business and non-profit communities in Addison County.

Shop Local !

Stone Block Antiques 219 Main St Vergennes, VT 05491

Bryn Meadow Studio, Vergennes

Shop Local !

MIDDLEBURY FRAMESHOP & GALLERY

Focus on Non-Profits

Turning Point Center Celebrates a Dynamic 2021!

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the staff of TPCAC experienced an 80% increase in participants receiving individual coaching in FY2021. In the same period the center had over 9,100 individual guest sign-ins from all 22 towns in Addison County. Staff increased from 3 to 13 trained Recovery Coaches, now serving over 60 individuals. We have collaborated with 30 community partners and have embedded our staff at 7 locations to create a solid framework of support for those seeking recovery.

Initiating iPad Rapid Access Program with Vergennes Police Dept., Allison Cherrier, Jenn Mayhew, Chip Mitiguy with Chief Merkel

TPCAC has expanded our mental and behavioral health supports for the populations we serve by providing 24/7 access to a live Recovery Coach with an initiative called “Rapid Access Recovery Coaches” . We hope this program will decrease overdoses and suicide by providing instant access to a video conferencing tool that can meet the immediate needs of those in recovery or people seeking treatment. A person can click a button on our website and see a live peer with lived experience who can help set up an individual with a recovery coach, offer treatment options, give information about harm reduction services, and provide navigation of resources to address the social determinants of health. The program improves our ongoing efforts to address overdose and suicide through linkage to evidence-based peer support treatment and recovery services for those at risk. The Rapid Access program also includes 8 iPads that have been distributed to our community partners including the Vergennes Police Department and Bristol Police Department. Deputies on duty can carry the iPad with them when they are involved in a call with a person with substance use disorder or a family member who might need immediate assistance. The iPads also have links to access recovery meetings, health or behavioral health appointments, videos on harm reduction, Good Samaritan Law, and Narcan.

TPCAC Washington DC Trip, left: our team in front of the White House and right: TPCAC team visit with DC Recovery Alliance

Other highlights at TPCAC include adding 3 new recovery groups Grief and Loss, All Recovery, and Moms in Recovery for a total of 12 recovery group offerings. We added 13 volunteers to our staff who help host our Food Fun Fridays where staff, volunteers, and participants gather to socialize and share a good meal. Volunteers also helped pack and distribute over 300 harm reduction bags that include 2 doses of Narcan and Fentanyl test strips along with information about services. Staff distributed 664 doses of Narcan to individuals and community partners and our trainer gave 7 on-site Narcan trainings.

Focus on Non-Profits

Volunteer Donate

TPCAC Staff on Food Truck Friday.

Starting left Justin Bouchard: Data & IT Specialist, Roberta Enright: Recovery Coach & Family Support Specialist, Jenn Mayhew: Executive Director, Talena Jestice: Bookkeeper, Johny Widell: Recovery Coach. Kneeling left: Nichole Bachand-Bartlett: Program Coordinator, Allison Cherrier: Administrative Assistant & Outreach Coordinator.

The year 2021 included sober events such as an overnight introduction to backpacking trip to Silver Lake and a now annual Cornhole Tournament fundraiser that supports the Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences. In September, we celebrated Recovery Month and with the support of Recovery Vermont, all staff members at TPCAC traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit with legislators for advocacy. When COVID prevented staff from meeting with our representatives, the team decided to visit another Recovery Center in inner city D.C. called DC Recovery Alliance. The staff collaborated and quickly learned that although we are culturally very different, we share common problems in the work that we do. The work that we have accomplished this year would not have been possible without the ongoing financial support of the Vermont State Legislature. We would also like to appreciate the hard work of the Vermont Department of Health and ADAP for their contributions. We are ramping up for another exciting year in 2022 with plans on moving into an 11,000 square foot facility in the heart of downtown Middlebury!