Since earning a BS in Environmental Science from Colby-Sawyer College, Anna has spent the past few years applying systems-based thinking to land conservation and permaculture design/installation throughout the Monadnock and Upper Valley Regions. If not found riding a bike on our area’s dirt roads and trails, climbing rocks, or exploring White River Junction on two…
In August 2022, Joanne joined Vital Communities as a consultant for the Early Childhood Education Initiative. She is currently the Superintendent of Schools for the Lebanon School District. In this role, she is responsible for oversight of 360 staff members, an annual budget of $45 million, implementation of the Lebanon School Board vision and three-year…
Heather joined the Vital Communities team in August of 2022 as the Development Coordinator and is now the Development Manager. She brings her experience in nonprofit development and environmental consulting to the role. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors gardening and learning more about the plants, trees,…
John Drew joined Vital Communities in August of 2022 as the Director of Place-Based Learning. He spent a long-time as a biology and environmental science teacher and school administrator, seeking to help students develop an appreciation for a sense of place and their important role in a host of interconnected systems. He also draws experience…
Cameron has a background in helping to cultivate resilient local food systems, most recently working with the Kearsarge Food Hub in Bradford. Over the past several years they have worked to connect local farms and farmers to community members and food access programs. They love to write, listen to music, shoot films, travel, and skateboard and snowboard…
Erica joined Vital Communities in July of 2022 as a Project Manager focused on Climate, Agriculture, Energy, and the Local Economy. Erica has a background in international development, gender equity, food security, and health access and health system strengthening. Before moving to the Upper Valley, Erica lived in Portland, OR where she served on a…
Hank joined Vital Communities in July of 2022 as the Administrative & Human Resources Coordinator. They grew up on Cape Cod and went to college in Northern California for botany. After living in California for ten years they moved back to live on Martha’s Vineyard. Hank has worked in healthcare administration as well being a…
Alana joined Vital Communities in July of 2022 as a Project Manager focused on Climate, Agriculture, Energy, and the Local Economy. She has worked with a number of place-based organizations across Vermont that ranged in focus from agriculture and economic development to gender equity and postsecondary education and training. She recently completed a graduate program…
Andrew joined Vital Communities in July of 2022 as a Project Manager in Place-Based Education, including heading the Farm to School program. Prior to joining Vital Communities, Andrew taught Environmental Science for five years at Conserve School in northern Wisconsin. While there, he developed a place-based AP Environmental Science curriculum connecting students with the forests,…
Arianne joined Vital Communities as Development Director in 2022 and leads Vital Communities’ donor stewardship efforts, working with individuals, foundations, and corporate partners to ensure support for a resilient Upper Valley. Prior to joining the Vital Communities team, Arianne was the Development Director for The Upper Valley Waldorf School. Arianne lives in Norwich, Vermont, and…