The 2025 Remarkable Women Awards
SPONSORED BY:
Remarkable Women 2025 C gratulati s n inees!
Brattleboro Area Realty is proud to support Remarkable Women in Business.
We’re grateful to the Brattleboro Reformer for hosting so many fabolous events that we value and support, such as Windham County Has Talent, Street Food Festival, Backpack Giveaway and more!
Kristen and Chris are two successful women that LOVE what they do!
Kristen Ziter Taylor 2018 Entrepreneurial Leader
Voted Best of the Best by Market Surveys 23 years running President/Owner of Brattleboro Area Realty since 2011
Chris Lewis
Voted Best Real Estate agent by Reformer’s Readers 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 & 2025
CRS, CBR, GRI, ABR Broker VT & NH for over 35 years
realtyvermont.com 402 Canal Street Brattleboro, VT 05301 info@realtyvermont.com
Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion Founders, NECCA (New England Center for Circus Arts)
ABOUT THE 2025 REMARKABLE WOMEN 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 2025 Remarkable Women event.
Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion are identical twins who are award winning aerialists based in Brattleboro, Vermont. Their resumes include Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey, Special Award at Wuqiao Festival, Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and American Circus Educators Award for Excellence in Education.
In 2002, they founded their personal company Nimble Arts, to develop workshops for training aerial teachers and present theatrical circus performances.
In 2007, they founded NECCA as a not for profit and it has grown to be the leading circus arts education center in the United States hosting recreational and professional training that draws practitioners from around the world.
Serenity serves as Board Chair of the American Circus Alliance and Elsie serves on the Safety Committee of the American Circus Educators.
The sisters recently opened the LakeSide studio in Tinmouth, VT to support circus company residencies.
BUSINESS / ENTREPRENEURIAL
LEADER AWARD NOMINEES
Elaine Beam
Kacie Charest
Tracy Corriveau
Severia Drake
Elise Lacroix
Shela Linton
Toni Powling
Sarah Vangel
NON-PROFIT LEADER AWARD NOMINEES
Libby Bennett
JoAnne Blanchard
Annie Daly
Linda Hoag
Alyssa Hunt
Ti any Stanley
VOLUNTEER LEADER AWARD NOMINEES
Alex Beatte
Elizabeth Fisher
Carla Lineback
Angela Litchfield
Deb Pawelczyk
JUDGES | 2025 REMARKABLE WOMEN AWARDS
BURTON FOURNIER-MCCAULEY LEWIS
Connie Burton
Owner, Burton Car Wash
Connie Burton founded Burton Car Wash in Brattleboro, Vermont, with her husband, Ron, on December 3, 1975. What began as a small wash on Canal Street has grown into a local landmark—built on hard work, community spirit, and genuine care for people.
After Ron’s passing in 2008, Connie continued to lead the business with the same heart and commitment that defined its early days. She’s known for her generosity and quiet strength— hosting annual Veterans Day events with free washes for veterans, sponsoring GreenUp Vermont, and supporting countless nonprofits across Southern Vermont.
The car wash lot bursts with her signature marigolds each summer, a bright reflection of her love for the town she’s helped shape for nearly five decades. As her daughter points out, it impossible to go anywhere in town and not bump into someone who has been touched by her mom or the car wash. As her daughter quips with Connie “All paths lead back to the car wash, and to Connie.”
Andrea Fournier-McCauley
Vice President, Brattleboro Auto Mall and Fairfield’s Auto Group
My name is Andrea FournierMcCauley. I have been a woman 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 Mount Snow Ski Club.
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.
Chris Lewis Broker, Brattleboro Area Realty
Chris joined Brattleboro Area Realty over 35 years ago and still says she loves her job! Voted Best Real Estate Agent by Readers’ Choice 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024, she truly appreciates the support and recognition our community has given her.
Chris is one of the hardestworking professionals in the Real Estate industry, and it is her pleasure to be a judge in this special event.
JUDGES | 2025 REMARKABLE WOMEN AWARDS
WILSON PURCELL ZITER TAYLOR
Owner& President, Berkley Veller Greenwood Country Realtors
Tamara (Tami) Purcell is the owner and President of Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors, a family business that was started in 1965. Purcell has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Vermont and for the past 32 years she and her family have owned a small horse farm in Marlboro, Vermont. She additionally serves on the boards of the Windham County Humane Society and The Vermont Museum of Natural History. Tami is a member of the Brattleboro Rotary Club.
Vice President of Operations, Integrated Solar
Katrina is the Vice President of Operations and Sales at Integrated Solar. Katrina ordinally join Integrated Solar in 2009 and earned her NABCEP Technical Sales Certification in 2015. Katrina holds an Associate’s Degree from Greenfield Community College in Fine Arts and B.S. Degree from Keene State College in Business Management. Katrina previously worked with Vermont National Bank for eleven years in positions of Reconciliation, Quality Control, Customer Service and Computer Technician. Katrina also has worked with Kroka Expeditions as Financial
Congratulations to all the amazing women who were nominated!
Valley Village proudly celebrates our Executive Director, JoAnne C. Blanchard – a true Remarkable Woman!”
and Marketing Directors as well as ForesTrade Inc. as Inventory Manager, Logistics Coordinator and Accounting Assistant. Prior to coming to Integrated Solar, Katrina operated her own accounting and bookkeeping ser-
vice business for 6 years. Katrina likes to hike, bike, kayak, canoe, cross country ski, downhill ski, ice skate, dance, run, swim, paint, horseback ride, practice yoga, garden and spend time with her family.
Kristen Ziter Taylor
Owner/Broker, Brattleboro Area Realty
I am Kristen Ziter Taylor, Owner/Broker of Brattleboro Area Realty. I am a huge fan of this event and proud of all the hardworking, high-achieving women in our town. I won the Entrepreneurial Leader award in 2018 and Brattleboro Area Realty is consistently voted Best Real Estate Agency by Readers choice year after year.
I feel fortunate for my continued participation as a judge in this special event.
Thankyou, CarlaLineback,forallyoudoforthe Proutycommunity.Youaretrulyremarkableandwe aresogratefulforyourleadershipasBoardChair!
Tami Purcell
Katrina Wilson
NOMINEES | BUSINESS / ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADER AWARD
BEAM CHAREST CORRIVEAU DRAKE
Elaine Beam Principal,
Saint Michaels Catholic School
It is with a heart full of gratitude and a mix of emotions that I accept this nomination. I recently announced my plans for retirement and this nomination has caused me to reflect upon not only my time at Saint Michael’s, but all of the schools where I have served.
After growing up in Westminster, and living in Massachusetts for a short time, my husband and I returned to southern Vermont to raise our 2 daughters. As my children grew I knew I belonged in education. I went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Norwich University, and my Master’s in school administration from The Woodruff Institute at Castleton. I began teaching in Acworth, NH and then transitioned to Grafton Elementary School where I served as both Principal and teacher for 12 years.
Experiencing Catholic education as a child, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Saint Michael School and join its beautiful faith community. Since 2009, the school has undergone many improvements and continues to grow. From the solar panel array on
the roof to updated classrooms and the installation of a new playground I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of members in the community who have supported the mission of the school. In 2019 we graduated our first High School class and the school has returned to its roots offering a Catholic classical liberal arts curriculum.
As I complete 17 amazing years at Saint Michael’s, I am so grateful to all of the teachers, staff, students, families, parishioners, and community members who have welcomed me to Brattleboro and supported me through all of the changes at our school. I look forward to completing all we have planned for this school year.
Kacie Charest
Brattleboro & Putney Branch Manager, 802 Credit Union
Since joining 802 Credit Union in June 2017 as a Teller in Windsor, Kacie has shown dedication, leadership, and a genuine care for people. Over the years, she has advanced through multiple roles — from Member Service Representative to Branch Manager in Bellows Falls in 2023, and now overseeing both the Brattleboro and Putney branches as of 2024.
Alongside her career growth, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2023 and is pursuing her MBA, expected in 2026. In January 2025, she launched 802 Credit Union’s Leadership Development Program, designed to nurture future leaders by providing mentorship, training, and opportunities for growth. This initiative reflects her commitment to helping others reach their full potential.
What truly sets Kacie apart is her balance of drive and compassion. She leads with empathy, supporting her team, serving members, and engaging with the community. Her focus on people, both within the credit union and beyond, demonstrates the qualities of a visionary leader and a Remarkable Woman.
Tracy Corriveau
Owner, Mama T’s Sweet Spot
I am a creator, dreamer, and doer who believes life’s sweetest moments often rise from the toughest challenges. Born with a rare condition that left me missing two ribs, a muscle, and a shifted heart, I learned early that strength isn’t always visible—it’s built through resilience and heart. Independent since fifteen, I’ve built a life rooted in purpose, laughter,
and creativity. From crafting my own rolled ice cream truck to sharing food, stories, and kindness, I bring warmth to everything I do. I believe success is measured not by titles, but by courage, compassion, and connections we make.
Severia Drake
Proprietor, ByWay Books & More Severia opened ByWay Books & More on Canal Street two years ago, relocating from Stamford, CT. She knew only one person in the area: her mother who had moved from Florida in pursuit of the beauty and peace in rural Vermont. Severia has made Brattleboro her home and her shop a destination for all who love the literary arts.
Severia has always been a part of the book industry. Her first job, at age 14, was as a page in her town’s library and she continued to work in libraries, in the publishing industry, and in retail. Now, operating her own shop, is the ultimate testament to her dedication to literature for all. Severia earned her B.A. in English and Spanish and a M.A. in Industrial Organizational Psychology.
Since opening the bookshop, Severia has worked tirelessly to learn about and engage with
NOMINEES | BUSINESS / ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADER AWARD
voline in October 2025. While running the fast lube shop, she has also spent the last five years building Stop and Go Heavy Duty. Originally starting with two machines in 2020, her fleet now has grown to 12 machines. She plans to continue expanding the fleet and offering different machines that are needed in the local area. Her next phase is to join her sister’s business, Brattleboro Portable Storage as inventory manager. She hopes to continue her journey of success with both roles.
Shela Linton
the Brattleboro community and to find ways to give back. Located on the outskirts of Brattleboro’s downtown area, ByWay Books is a stop off the highway, within walking distance from the high school and around the corner from the hospital. Her cozy shop is ADA compliant and comfortable for all. There is a large dedicated children’s section, welcoming for children to browse and play. Mobile fixtures allow Severia to host a variety of events. The shop offers an array of books to gift, read and collect in virtually all genres. And Severia, a true people-person, prides herself on delivering the best in customer service.
Severia is a strong advocate for literary artists and provides a warm, welcoming space for all to engage with authors from small presses to larger publishing houses, as well as poets, novelists, and dramatists from all over, with a special emphasis on local creators. In this short period of time ByWay Books has become a destination for open mic poetry, dramatic arts readings and author book launches.
A carefully curated collection of books for sale not only reflects a variety of work for all ages but also a growing inven-
tory of bilingual books in Spanish and French and different themes relating to culture, arts, and lifestyle.
The most important aspect of running the business for Severia is to highlight the community of literary interests and make books affordable and accessible for everyone. Severia has established her own Little Free Library on Canal Street for passers-by; she donates baskets of books to local schools and organizations for fundraisers; and she holds special sales for all.
She looks forward to growing and engaging more with the fabric of the southern Vermont area community!
Elise Lacroix
Owner, Stop and Go Heavy Duty
Elise Lacroix is best known for her work at Stop and Go Instant Oil Change. She has spent nearly a decade working at Stop and Go, she stepped into the role of Business Manager in 2020. She prioritizes determination, organization and communication and attributes her successes to those attributes. She took the business from the lows of COVID to all time highs. This resulted in a recent sale to Val-
Executive Director, The Root Social Justice Center
Born and raised in Brattleboro, VT, Shela is the co-founder and current Executive Director of The Root Social Justice Center. As Executive Director she helps lead a team of BIPOC folks in centering blackness, shifting resources into BIPOC communities and honoring and celebrating BIPOC healing and joy. Shela is also a proud mom of two grown children and two young grandbabies. She enjoys spending time with her family and being in community.
Shela’s career in activism, advocacy and community organizing began at age 16 in the public health field as a committee member of the Community Planning Group. Her work there addressed disparate outcomes for BIPOC women contracting the HIV/AIDS virus. She expanded her work in this field by joining The New England Regional Minority Health Committee to address disparate outcomes for all BIPOC folks in New England.
This experience led Shela to the field of harm reduction where she became a HIV/AIDS and Hep C tester and counselor and helped run a southern Vermont syringe exchange
program. This work led to the co-founding of the Windham County Turning Point, in Brattleboro.
As a mother, Shela created The Parent Advocate Program to support parents and their children in school systems, focusing on addressing harassment and meeting the needs of students with special needs. This work led to the creation of The Civil Rights Advocacy Program, where Shela advocated statewide for families in school systems, helped BIPOC and other marginalized groups hold employers and institutions accountable for discriminatory practices, and supported families impacted by the Vermont DCF system. In 2016, Shela’s DCF advocacy with families led to the creation of the Families United Program.
Shela’s commitment to racial justice in community and civic spaces has deep roots that continue to grow. She has worked as a consultant through Equity Solutions and independently to help communities address issues of class and race and create equity. She has served as Town Meeting Representative for the Town of Brattleboro and on various boards, including the Brattleboro Town School Board and the panel on Racial Disparities in Criminal and Juvenile Systems. Her work also includes the Oversight Commission on Children, Youths, and Families, where she helps oversee Vermont’s child welfare system. Additionally, Shela has been involved in initiatives like the First Step Black Wealth Redistribution Pilot, aiming to implement reparations for Black residents in Vermont, and the Children’s Justice Act Task Force, which supports policies to ensure the safety and well-being of Vermont’s children.
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LINTON
Toni Powling
Owner, C&T Firewood
For the past ten years, owning a small firewood company has led to me being dubbed as the “firewood queen” to many of my clients. It has been a strangely fulfilling lifestyle for many reasons. First, I get to work with my family every single day. There’s a bond in that that cannot be explained. Additionally, the relationships I have built with customers throughout the years is worth every freezing winter day and every hazy hot humid summer. Working outside has its own set of pros and cons. But being a business owner means that regardless of the weather- there’s work to be done. And knowing people rely on you to heat their homes in Vermont’s ever-changing weather - there’s not much room for complaining about the physically demanding work. Being a mother of 7, and a grandmother of 10, a wife, a sister, a friend and a neighbor, some days seems easy compared to being a business owner and a laborer in
a typically male dominated sector. There are days I leave the house while still dark, and return home as the sun is setting. My typical “office” wardrobe co sits of work gloves and work boots and a hard hat and I usually eat my lunch outside on a log landing with my husband and son. When I’m not running the wood splitter or loading the trucks by hand, I am typically delivering cords of wood to all areas in the region. I have met so many wonderful people over the years, and am grateful to be able to be an integral part of their Vermont living. Spare time isn’t as common for us as I’d like it to be, but when we do have it we like to make the most of it. I enjoy family gatherings, traveling to new places, cooking meals for holiday dinners and hunting, fishing and hiking. I am incredibly honored to be nominated.
Sarah Vangel
Partner, Costello,
Valente & Gentry, P.C.
Sarah is a Vermont native who grew up in Brookline. After grad-
uating from Leland and Gray Union High School, she attended Wheaton College in Norton, MA, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. After a few years of finding herself, the path to the practice of law presented itself and Sarah received her Juris Doctor from Western New England University Law school in 2009. Sarah clerked in the Bennington Superior Court for a year, and then began practicing as an attorney, working with two different Brattleboro firms from 2010 to 2019. In 2019, Sarah became a partner at Costello, Valente & Gentry, P.C. where she continues to practice law in the areas of real estate, criminal defense, estate planning, probate, civil litigation and fam-
ily law, along with managing the operation of one of the largest firms in Windham County. One of Sarah’s favorite things about practicing law is the ability to maintain relationships with clients over long periods of time, to meet the various legal needs that they may encounter, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients as well as her community. In addition to practicing, Sarah proudly serves as a member of the Grace Cottage Hospital Board and the Judicial Nominating Board for the State of Vermont. Sarah lives in Townshend with her two daughters, husband and two dogs, and enjoys spending time outside playing, running, hiking, and skiing.
For50years,BurtonCarWashhas beenproudtoserveandwoman-led. FromConnieBurton,toeverywoman whodrivesthroughourwash,your strengthinspiresuseveryday.
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NOMINEES | NON-PROFIT LEADER AWARD
Libby Bennett
Executive Director, Groundworks Collaborative
Born and raised in Brattleboro, Libby’s roots in our community run deep. After cutting her teeth in the Peace Corps, Libby returned to Brattleboro and worked her way from Intern to Executive Director at Groundworks Collaborative, where she leads a team that puts dignity up front. Last year they helped over 4,700 of our neighbors to access fresh food at no cost (Foodworks); helped as many as 100 neighbors per day with a warm meal, a place to shower and come in out of the weather (Groundworks Drop-In Center); provided shelter for over 200 individuals and housing case management to over 200 households; and assisted scores of people in some of the most vulnerable situations with intensive mental health, recovery support, and primary care services (Healthworks). Like many of her peers at Groundworks, Libby often works 6 days a week, but she is also out in the community building relationships with dozens of area partner organizations — all while raising a spirited daughter who is shaping up to be a true leader in her own right. Help-
ing to make Brattleboro a better place isn’t just Libby’s job, it’s her life’s work.
JoAnne Blanchard
Executive Director, Valley Village
JoAnne C. Blanchard has devoted her career to supporting and empowering older adults, guided by a deep belief that every senior deserves to live with dignity, purpose, and independence. As Executive Director of Valley Village, a senior living community offering both assisted and independent living, she leads with compassion, vision, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing quality of life for residents and staff alike.
During her five years at Valley Village, JoAnne has led numerous initiatives that have strengthened the organization’s mission and culture. She successfully implemented a new electronic medical record system, spearheaded a strategic planning process to ensure long-term sustainability, and secured grant funding for a new van to improve resident mobility and engagement. Under her leadership, Valley Village has cultivated a strong, positive culture—one where employees are proud to work and residents are proud to call home.
JoAnne holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Trinity College in Burlington, VT. Her career has spanned multiple roles in the field of aging services, including positions as Case Manager for Senior Solutions and the Visiting Nurses Association, Director of Social Services at Springfield Health and Rehab, and Executive Director of Springfield Hospital’s Adult Day Program for over a decade.
In addition to her leadership at Valley Village, JoAnne serves as President of the Senior Solutions Board and as a community partner with the Windham Aging Collaborative. Her dedication to excellence in senior care was recognized in 2024 when she received the Administrator of the Year Award from the Vermont Health Care Association.
Outside of her professional life, JoAnne enjoys spending time outdoors and on the water with her family. She is also a nature-inspired artist, creating ephemeral works from found materials gathered in the forest and along the sea.
JoAnne is deeply honored to be nominated for the Remarkable Women award, and humbled to be recognized among so many inspiring women who are making a difference in their communities.
Annie Daly
Founder & President, LSO Equine Sanctuary Incorporated
Annie has always believed that every animal deserves a second chance. A lifelong animal lover with a special connection to horses, Annie turned her dream of creating a safe haven for animals into reality when she founded LSO Equine Sanctuary Incorporated in 2022. Her inspiration came from her own rescue journey — beginning in 2007 with her first horse saved from an auction and deepening after witnessing the harsh realities of the horse slaughter pipeline.
What began as a passion project has grown into a community-driven mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and educate. Under Annie’s leadership, LSO Equine Sanctuary not only provides a home for horses in need, but also opens its gates to the public to raise awareness about responsible ownership, the dangers of the auction system, and the power of compassion.
Through her dedication, Annie has built a rescue that embodies kindness, education, and community. Her unwavering commitment ensures that each horse who arrives at LSO finds more
BENNETT BLANCHARD DALY HOAG
others more clearly and compassionately. I am especially fascinated with collective history and narrative, and the ways in which we cultivate meaning through the stories that we not only inherit but also the ones we tell about our own lives experiences and diverse communities.
Ti any Stanley
Co-Founder, Chasing ZERO, LLC
than just safety—they find love, dignity, and a new beginning.
Linda Hoag
Founder, Caleb’s Cherubs Educational Fund
Linda formerly worked in financial planning and investment management for almost 30 years. Linda completed her Foundations in Financial Planning through the College of Financial Planning in April 1999 and in February 2002, she received her Registered Paraplanner designation.
She moved to Vermont in 2004, continuing to work remotely. In December 2007 she retired from the corporate world and started volunteering with the Windham County Humane Society in Brattleboro, VT. While she is a past president, and treasurer of the Board of Directors, she is still involved as a current board member, currently serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors.
In June 2022 Caleb’s Cherubs Educational Fund was born and registered in the State of Vermont. Her 40-year vision became a reality – helping children in a way they could feel accepted, ex-
plore their creativity, make sure they are fed and clothed, and help teachers and classrooms support this endeavor. Empowering Children to Succeed is our tagline but encouraging diversity, equality, inclusion, belonging, and self-esteem through education is our mission.
Alyssa Hunt
Executive
Director, Boys & Girls Club
From culinarian to administrator, educator to director, my varied professional roles share a central commonality- they have afforded me the privilege of cultivating and nourishing community. My work in nonprofit organizations has always given me a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment because it has allowed me the opportunity to serve communities, share collaborative work, and have deep conversation with people from all walks of life. Regardless of my title, my vocation is to bring people together through the power of story and place, helping individuals see themselves in the past and the future. My life-long passion for liberal arts has furthered my belief that through literature we are able to see ourselves and
Tiffany Stanley is the CoFounder of Chasing ZERO, LLC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for veteran and first responder suicide prevention. Born in Brattleboro, Vermont, Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Politics from George Mason University.
She has spent the past 12 years at Landmark College, a nonprofit institution, where she serves as the Senior Executive Assistant to the President.
In 2020, Tiffany and her husband, Chase Stanley, a former police officer and Army Ranger, founded Chasing ZERO to support those who serve and protect. Since receiving its 501(c)(3) designation in 2022, the organization has raised over $100,000 through community events such as 22-mile walks, golf tournaments, and fun runs. They are dedicated to changing the stigma around mental health assistance.
Tiffany and Chase live in Newfane, Vermont, with their dog Gus and cat Joe Bob. Tiffany is deeply honored to be nominated for this award.
CONGRATS !
KACIE CHAREST
Branch Manager, Brattleboro & Putney
We’re proud to have this remarkable woman on our team.
Thank you for supporting members, staff, and the community at
HUNT
STANLEY
NOMINEES | VOLUNTEER LEADER AWARD
BEATTE FISHER LINEBACK
Alex Beattie
Secretary & Chair of the Events Committee, Newbrook Fire & Rescue
I’ve lived in Newfane my whole life and currently work full time doing payroll at Stratton Mountain Resort. I’ve been a member of Newbrook Fire and Rescue since 2012, where I serve as the secretary and chair of the events committee. Being part of the department and helping out in the community has been such a rewarding experience over the years. I really enjoy working behind the scenes to help make events for our community come to life and bring people together.
When I’m not at work or with the fire department, I enjoy reading, baking, cooking, and spending time with my loved ones. My husband and I have a one-yearold son who keeps us busy and smiling, along with our two dogs, three cats, and three goats. I’m proud to call Newfane home and to be part of such a supportive and close-knit community.
Elizabeth
Fisher
Co-Leader, St Michael’s Episcopal Church Refugee Ministry
As American troops were leaving Kabul in August of 2021, the
Taliban entered, putting Afghans who had worked with Americans at risk, St Michael’s Episcopal Church launched a Refugee Ministry. In January of 2022, I was asked to lead a team to receive and settle the first Afghan family to arrive at SIT. Like the dozens of volunteers who followed, we helped to enroll “our family” members in schools, develop American resumes, shuttle them to job interviews, open bank accounts, and provide English conversation and tutoring. (Many of these tasks have since been taken on by Case Managers at the ECDC Refugee Resettlement Agency). We learned a lot about our town, schools and agencies, as well as the Afghan culture.
We were immersed in Muslim customs, celebrations and religious practices. We learned about the atrocities they experienced, the extraordinary restrictions placed on Afghan women and girls once the Taliban took over and the traumas carried by those fleeing war-torn nations. Our hearts broke with theirs as we heard about family members left behind. Through this our team grew very close with one another and our ‘family’.
After that first family, I stayed
involved with the re-settlement of New Americans. Saint Michael’s goal has been to settle two families each year. In partnership with ECDC we have welcomed two Congolese families, both of whom had lived for decades in refugee camps away from their homelands.
In 2024-2025 I also served as a Co-Leader of our Refugee Ministry - which successfully recruited dozens of new volunteers to sponsor 85 International Scholars, all from refugee camps, to come to the USA for pre-college training at SIT. The extraordinarily hardworking nature of the refugees and students, their strong faith, and their gratitude to be here in Brattleboro is humbling.
As a retired senior, this work helps my days feel full and meaningful, and has provided an important opportunity for my children to participate in an intercultural community in our small part of a multicultural world. It is a joy to live here among such a generous community.
Carla Lineback
President of the Board of Trustees, Winston Prouty Center
Having grown up in the Brattleboro area, Carla cares deep-
ly about the community that helped shape who she is today. Carla served for several years on the Morningside Shelter board, including during its merger with the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center. She was then the first board president of the newly formed Groundworks Collaborative. Carla has served on several other local boards and committees, including the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce board and the Dummerston Social Services Advisory Committee. She is the current board chair for Winston Prouty Center and is a past president of the Brattleboro Rotary Club.
Carla is currently the Director of Alumni and External Engagement at World Learning/SIT, after serving in various other leadership positions during her 20 years with the organization. She has over 25 years of experience in international education, including curricula design, teaching, facilitating, training, and coaching students and professionals to look beyond their differences and discover common ground. For several years, she served as facilitator and coach for a virtual dialogue program convening college students from the Middle East and the United States, and she has played an important role helping refugees as they resettle in the area.
As a five-time group leader for The Experiment in International Living (World Learning’s flagship study abroad program for high school students) Carla believes in leading from behind, which she defines as supporting others as they discover and develop their own leadership skills.
Carla holds an undergraduate degree in Italian language and literature from Smith College
NOMINEES | VOLUNTEER LEADER AWARD
I presently reside in Drewsville, New Hampshire with my husband Mike and a menagerie of domestic and farm animals, my desire to help and care for people extending to other living creatures of all kinds.
I grew up in North Walpole, New Hampshire, where I attended elementary school from kindergarten through sixth grade. Afterward, I continued my education in Walpole for 7th and 8th grade and later graduated from Fall Mountain Regional High School in 1979.
own homes. Both endeavors allowed me to continue my dedication to helping others, while also attending to the needs of my family.
My introduction to scouting began in 1994, when our daughter’s girl scout troop was likely to disband because there were no leaders. Seeing how my daughter benefitted from the interaction and stimulation that scouting provided, I and a friend stepped up to fill the void. And the rest, you could say, was history.
and is serving as co-president of her class. She spent two years as a Rotary World Peace Fellow receiving her master’s degree in peace studies. Carla enjoys learning new languages and exploring new customs. As a product of a bilingual and bicultural home, she is raising her daughter to speak English and Spanish.
Angela Litchfield
Vice President, NewBrook Fire & Rescue Department
I was born and raised in Newfane, Vermont. I have lived here in the house that I grew up in for the majority of my life. I have four beautiful daughters and four grandchildren whom I love to spend my free time with.
I work as the Administrative Assistant to the Windham County State’s Attorney’s Office and have been there for 26 years. I was Vice President of the Ladies Auxiliary for the NewBrook Fire and Rescue Department, and I joined the Fire Department in 2022 to become a First Responder/Firefighter. I am currently serving as Vice President and Historian for NewBrook. I am also very active in fundraising and assisting on the events committee. I have also been on the Newfane Select
board and served as the Chair. Additionally, I am the Treasurer for the Incorporated Village of Newfane, as well as one of the Board of Directors for Newfane Anew Community Volunteers. This year, I was also appointed as the Emergency Management Director for Newfane.
The work I do is very important because with every organization, we help to keep the community thriving. I work hard to be here for the people in my community, and I take the time to listen to everyone, understand other’s needs, and help to come up with resolutions that are acceptable to all.
Helping people is what I love to do. I find that in every role I have within the town I can be there to help the residents by listening, problem solving, and just being there in their time of need. The Town of Newfane gave me a wonderful childhood, and I am proud to invest my time in giving back to my community.
Debra
Pawelczyk
Volunteer Support Coordinator, Girl Scouts
My name is Debra (Crosby) Pawelczyk, Deb or Debbie to my friends and family.
As a teenager, in addition to my schoolwork, I spent my evenings and weekends babysitting children in and around our neighborhood in North Walpole, as well as, assisting my grandparents and their elderly friends with household tasks that they could no longer undertake on their own. From an early age I have always found great joy in helping others.
During my senior year of high school, I began working at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. While employed there, I completed the necessary training to earn my Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) certification. In addition to my LNA duties, I also worked as a Physical Therapy Aide.
I worked at Maplewood Nursing Home, from 1979 to 1986, resigning my position when our daughter was born.
When our daughter was 2 years old, I started doing daycare, which allowed me to care for my own child, while also providing support to other children and families in the community. I also, at this time, began working as a private duty nurse, providing personalized care to elderly and infirm individuals in their
Long after our daughter had aged out of the program, I continued volunteering with the Girl Scout organization. During my 31-year tenure with Girl Scouts, I have led troops of varying age levels and taken on various administrative duties.
I am currently the Volunteer Support Coordinator and manage the affairs of 12 Girl Scout Troops throughout the region, three of which I also lead.
Alongside my work with Girl Scouts, I also became involved with Boy Scouts and have been volunteering with Walpole NH Cub Scout Pack 299 for over 20 years. I currently serve as Committee Chair for both this pack and Boy Scout Pack 299 and am the leader of two Cub Scout dens.
Though the administrative part of my volunteer duties can, at times, be challenging, the fulfillment I gain from working with the kids and fellow volunteers far outweighs any difficulties. Guiding these young individuals through their formative years has brought me immeasurable joy and a deep sense of purpose. They have all become a part of my extended family. I cannot imagine doing anything more satisfying in my spare time.
LITCHFIELD PAWELCZYK
Brattleboro Reformer
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Manchester Journal
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