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…
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,…
Damian DiNicola Damian is an attorney based in Randolph, VT. After a decade at a Philadephia law firm assisting national and international businesses, large municipalities, and pro-bono clients with complex legal matters, he and his family moved back to his hometown. He and his wife and two daughters enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, gardening, and all…
Leona joined Vital Communities in January of 2022. Previously, Leona worked at Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center and brings her experience with organic farming, community outreach, and communications to the role. On the weekends she is most likely to be found at the Farmer’s Market, hiking locally, or diving into a food project. “I’m…
John joined Vital Communities as a housing and transportation program manager in 2021, supporting collaborative efforts to address the longstanding housing crises in the Upper Valley and encourage multi-modal transportation options within and between our communities. John has spent the past nine years researching, teaching, facilitating, and engaging community members around issues related to major…
Sarah joined Vital Communities in 2022 to support the White River Valley Consortium, 11+ towns working to collaboratively address community challenges, beginning with a 3-year project on affordable housing. She previously worked with the Vermont Farm to Plate Network, and is involved in grassroots community development work including the 4-Town Coalition and White River Land…
Ellen joined Vital Communities in 2022 as a Program Manager focusing on projects related to Housing and Transportation. She has worked with individuals, children, and families experiencing homelessness for the past nine years, with her most recent work at the Upper Valley Haven focused on supporting families find and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing.…
Shantida joined Vital Communities Administrative Team in 2021 as our bookkeeper. Her responsibilities encompass general finances for Vital Communities, including A/R, A/P, and payroll. A 2021 graduate of Community College of Vermont with honors in Accounting, she has worked with small businesses and non-profit organizations throughout her career. Shantida enjoys sewing and costume-making (both for…
Gabrielle (she/her) joined Vital Communities in 2021. Gabrielle’s experience is centered around serving communities to become stronger and more civically vibrant. She has supported communities in past roles with state government, local schools, and philanthropy. She is a trained facilitator and program manager. Gabrielle is passionate about creating opportunities for people to learn and innovate…