The Vermont Center for Afterschool Excellence supports seven regional groups for afterschool professionals. These groups meet regularly and although specific goals for each group vary, a common theme of collegial support and resource sharing exists among all groups. Other efforts specific groups may address include:

• Regional staff trainings
• Curriculum and/or equipment sharing
• Collaborative funding efforts
• Joint advocacy efforts

Regional groups typically meet every other month in a central location. Groups are open to all those working within afterschool programs and participation from a cross-section of community-based organizations, school-based programs, and home providers is encouraged. All those who participate in a regional group have access to a statewide online discussion forum dedicated to supporting afterschool programs. For more information about the regional group in your area, please contact the coordinator of the group nearest you.

Southwestern Vermont Regional Group
Coordinator: Carrie Becker
cbecker@rssu.org, 802-558-1640
Carrie is Director of Rutland South Afterschool, which includes five programs. Carrie has 15 years’ experience in helping develop and secure funding for after school programs in Vermont. She was recently appointed an Afterschool Ambassador for the Afterschool Alliance, a national advocacy nonprofit organization. Carrie holds a BA and MA in Neuroscience and Ph.D. in Psychology, and serves as Instructor of Cognitive Psychology at Castleton State College.

Central Vermont Regional Group
Coordinator: Guy Viens
gviens@u32.org, 802-223-3456
Guy is the administrative assistant for WCSU’s Community Connections. He moved into this position after serving as the Site Coordinator for the program at East Montpelier Elementary School for the past eleven years. Community Connections serves eight sites within the Montpelier and Washington Central Supervisory Union. Guy is a native Vermonter and has lived here most of his life. He holds a BA in Elementary Education and taught for 10 years at Twinfield Elementary School.

Chittenden County Regional Group
Coordinator: Adam Sollace
asollace@ccsuvt.org, 802-857-7000 x4409
Adam is Afterschool Director of Village Kids at Essex Junction Recreation and Parks. Prior to his current work, Adam was Site Director and Professional Development Coordinator for School’s Out in South Burlington. Adam serves on the Child Development Division (CDD) Think Tank, a group working on effective strategies that lead to program quality through professional development and retention of qualified teachers and caregivers. Adam is currently working on a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Franklin/Grand Isle Regional Group
Coordinator: Teresa Bedell
tbedell@fnesu.net, 802-848-7661
Teresa is Project Director of LEAPS, a six-site afterschool project in Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union.  Teresa has nearly 20 years  experience working with youth in a variety of settings. Teresa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has worked as a mentor and in other leadership roles through the Vermont Center for Afterschool Excellence.

Northern Vermont Regional Group
Coordinator: Nicole Miller
nmiller@ossu.org
Nicole is the director of the REACH! Program in the Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union and as such oversees three afterschool program sites. Nicole worked as a site coordinator with REACH! prior to taking on the directorship. Nicole holds a BA in Elementary Education from Johnson State College and has lived in Vermont since the age of ten.

Orange/North Windsor Regional Group
Coordinator: Dana Anderson
daanderson@wnwsu.org, 802-767-4632 ext. 3140
Dana is the director of ExCEL, a multi-site afterschool project in Windsor Northeast Supervisory Union. Dana’s has worked in a variety of afterschool and youth programs in both Vermont and Colorado. Dana holds a BA in Elementary Education and Psychology from Johnson State College and has lived in central Vermont for nearly ten years.

Windham/South Windsor Regional Group
Coordinator: Sue Fortier
sue@meetingwatersymca.org, 802-463-4769
Sue is Senior Program Director at Meeting Waters YMCA and oversees six afterschool programs in southeastern Vermont.  Sue has been working with school-age youth for over 25 years and has been in her current position for 14 years.  Sue grew up attending one of the first afterschool programs in Vermont at the Greater Burlington YMCA.  Sue holds a Master’s in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College.