Vermont Family Network welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors in June. These individuals bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences that will tremendously benefit the non-profit organization that empowers and supports all Vermont families of children with special needs.
“We are very fortunate to have these four wonderful people join our Board,” said Pam McCarthy, President/CEO of Vermont Family Network. “Vermont Family Network’s Board has grown greatly over the past few years and we are proud to have such a diverse group of Board members with a wide variety of talents that will enable our organization to effectively and efficiently meet to the growing and changing needs of families across the state.”
Abigail Adler, M.D, is a pediatric hospitalist at University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, caring for children with complex medical conditions and their families. Abby and her family reside in Burlington. A member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, she brings significant expertise and insight to VFN’s supports for children and youth with special health care needs and their families. Abby is excited to share her knowledge of Vermont’s health care system to enhance the organization’s work throughout Vermont.
Tammy Carroll is the Senior Director of Information Systems at Champlain College. She lives in Essex with her husband and children and is a recent graduate of Vermont Family Network’s Family Leadership Series. Tammy’s experience as a parent of 3 daughters with special needs makes her uniquely qualified to participate as a VFN Board member. She brings great knowledge of the health, education, and service systems, as well as nonprofit management. She is passionate about the power of family voices to make positive change and is delighted to be contributing to VFN as a parent and a professional.
Craig Giles is the Vice President of Planning and Analysis for Northern Power Systems. An experienced organizational leader in operational and strategic planning, he brings a wealth of expertise to VFN. Craig’s experience as the parent of a young son with autism and his family’s connections to other health concerns has inspired him to help advance VFN’s mission and support other families in accessing the resources they need. Craig and his family live in Essex Junction.
Jennifer McDonald is an attorney with Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC. She and her family live in Williston. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Champlain and has a robust history as a community volunteer. Jen has a strong commitment to community service and believes in the power of nonprofit partnerships to make a difference for children and families. She looks forward to assisting VFN in its mission-driven growth and development.
These new volunteers bring VFN board membership to nineteen; 53% of the board is parents of children with special needs.