Our Staff
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VolunteersThe Staff at Neighborhood Connections is very grateful to the volunteers who cover our reception desk each day; answering phones, greeting visitors and supplying important clerical assistance with various projects.
If you are interested in volunteering, please call us at (802) 824-4343. |
Board of Directors
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Nicole Wengerd
Executive Director Nicole was an original staff member when Gloria Dawson and Delores Barbeau first opened Neighborhood Connections eleven years ago. After two years as the agency's Social Worker, she left to pursue a Ph.D in Environmental Studies. She also holds a Master's Degree in Sociology, with a focus on applied community and economic development. For the past seven years she has taught at Keene State College. A New Jersey native, Nicole lives in Landgrove with her husband Josh and two daughters, Wren and Charley. When not working or enjoying time with her family, she loves to run and has a great passion for traveling. |
Retta Murphy
Social Worker
Loretta (Retta) Murphy has recently stepped into the role of full-time Social Worker. Some may know her from her time as a School Counselor at Flood Brook School or as a school clinician at Chester-Andover School. She is also a past Director of Dismas House.
Her primary role here is to provide guidance to individuals and families seeking a wide range of assistance. Retta connects clients to a range of resources within the local and regional communities - coordinating with multiple local partners. In addition, she organizes social connections for seniors and other groups within our cumminities.
Her primary role here is to provide guidance to individuals and families seeking a wide range of assistance. Retta connects clients to a range of resources within the local and regional communities - coordinating with multiple local partners. In addition, she organizes social connections for seniors and other groups within our cumminities.
MC Schwartz
Program Director
Mary Claire Schwartz has returned after a one-year hiatus to help ramp up programming in The Meeting Place as well as help facilitate communications. She was five years with the agency before her return engagement.
MC schedules and promotes a wide variety of lectures and presentations for the enjoyment of all. In one calendar year over 600 individuals gathered to learn about astronomy, gardening, wildlife, health and nutrition, bridge and mah jong to cite a few examples.
MC schedules and promotes a wide variety of lectures and presentations for the enjoyment of all. In one calendar year over 600 individuals gathered to learn about astronomy, gardening, wildlife, health and nutrition, bridge and mah jong to cite a few examples.
Maggi Royle
Finance and Office Manager
With over 30 years experience in public accounting, Maggi is responsible for managing the agency's finances as well as office operations. She and her husband Doug moved to Shaftsbury, Vermont three years ago, after living in Albany, NY for 15 years previous.
She has a passion for gardening and travel. She and Doug have two grown children who live in Boston and St. Louis, MO.
With over 30 years experience in public accounting, Maggi is responsible for managing the agency's finances as well as office operations. She and her husband Doug moved to Shaftsbury, Vermont three years ago, after living in Albany, NY for 15 years previous.
She has a passion for gardening and travel. She and Doug have two grown children who live in Boston and St. Louis, MO.
Elisa Donato
Outreach and Development Director
Elisa joined the organization in August 2020 and hails from the Albany, NY area. She has worked with individuals experiencing homelessness; those impacted by HIV/AIDS; and in hospice care. Before settling in Vermont she spent seveal years living and working in a remote Nicaraguan fishing village after serving in Iraq as a NY Army National Guard member. She holds a Master of Social Work degree and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Elisa joined the organization in August 2020 and hails from the Albany, NY area. She has worked with individuals experiencing homelessness; those impacted by HIV/AIDS; and in hospice care. Before settling in Vermont she spent seveal years living and working in a remote Nicaraguan fishing village after serving in Iraq as a NY Army National Guard member. She holds a Master of Social Work degree and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Rebekah Trudell
Social Worker
Rebekah recently joined the organization as a full-time social worker. Her previous experience includes case management for people experiencing homelessness; program management for United Counseling Services; and working with at-risk youth to help them transition to adulthood. She is currently in school studying for dual degrees in Conservation Biology and Global Health.
Rebekah recently joined the organization as a full-time social worker. Her previous experience includes case management for people experiencing homelessness; program management for United Counseling Services; and working with at-risk youth to help them transition to adulthood. She is currently in school studying for dual degrees in Conservation Biology and Global Health.
Founders
Meet Dolores and GloriaNeighborhood Connections is a community based health and human services organization located in Londonderry, Vermont. It was founded in 2009 by Dolores Barbeau and Gloria Dawson -accompanied by a nurse and a business woman who recognized a need for coordinated and connected assistance for low income and vulnerable individuals. Together they pooled resources with that of a few friends and neighbors and opened their office doors in The Mountain Marketplace Shopping Center in Londonderry.
It did not take long for word to travel and within a short time the staff were working endless hours helping people find resources for affordable housing, food, transportation, medical needs, and assistance with utility bills and economic benefits applications. |
Gloria Dawson (at left) and Delores Barbeau
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