Our Staff

  • Tawnya Kristen, Executive Director

    Dedicating a lifetime to elevating the good intentions and strengths we all hold to help build communities where possibility is seen in all people. I am an avid Crossfit and powerlifting athlete who thrives in doing hard things and instilling courage in others so that they can too. My work holds a prominent place of purpose in my life, but my heart is fully committed to my daughter Liv, husband Brian, and dog Lucy. I live in Montpelier and treasure my years thus far in Vermont.

    Find me on LinkedIn

  • Esperanza Ash, Program Data and Administrative Assistant

    I can be found toggling through the many tabs and spreadsheets on my computer and that's where I thrive, supporting our wonderful directors, resource coordinators and community through data management reporting. Thanking our donors, both local and across the country, is one of the highlights of my position and their generosity is truly inspiring. Having lived all over the world I feel blessed to call Waterbury home with my three children, two grandchildren and a cat with no boundaries.

  • Rebecca Baruzzi, Community Impact Director

    Focusing on equitable resource sharing and enhancing existing connections to make communities stronger. Also down to party, especially if there are bikes involved. Favorite party animals are: Pete, Jay, Eric and Tux (not in that order).

    Find me on LinkedIn

  • Michelle Clark, Resource Coordinator - Central and Northeastern Vermont

    I am the Northeast Kingdom lead Resource Coordinator, and also a part-time dental hygienist. I am passionate about connecting people to resources and am proud of my innovative approach. In my free time, I can be found in the barn and working on my family farm, in the pool time with my friends, or spending time with my teenage son.

  • Sarah Galbraith, Director of Development & Community Engagement

    Helping organizations tell their stories and make meaningful connections is my passion work. I live for playing outside, but you can also find me cooking up a storm in the kitchen or snuggling on the couch with a book. I live in Marshfield with my daughter, a barn cat, stray pup, 14 chickens, and a vegetable garden.

    Find me on LinkedIn

  • Blaire Haggett, Working Bridges Family Training Program Manager and Resource Coordinator - Central Vermont

    My passion is connecting to people and connecting people to a variety of things, places, and needs. I live in Graniteville with my two kids, two dogs, and a lizard. I have lived in central Vermont for my entire life, and I love being part of the changes and growth as it comes to our area.

  • Maia Hanron, Working Bridges Senior Program Manager

    In my role as Senior Program Manager for the Working Bridges Program, I help support our compassionate and knowledgeable Resource Coordinators at both United Way of Northwest Vermont and Green Mountain United Way. As a previous Resource Coordinator, I am passionate about helping Vermonters troubleshoot challenges that may impact the stability of their work and homelife. I live in Washington County with my family and two quirky pups. Outside of work, I love to travel and attend as many bluegrass festivals as I can squeeze into my schedule.

  • Laurie Kelty, Resource Coordinator - Central Vermont

    I have been with Green Mountain United Way for more than a decade, and currently I am a part-time Resource Coordinator serving central Vermont. I enjoy going the extra mile to make someone’s day better and help them get the resources they need. I also work at UPS and I love being grandmother to three beautiful grandsons. I also enjoy going on adventures with my partner and spending time with friends and family.

Board of Directors

  • Chris Caldwell, President, Community National Bank

  • Ruth Greene, Secretary, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont

  • Kevin Mead, Vermont Captive Insurance Association

  • Donna Curtin, CorVel Corporation

  • Meg Miller, North Country Federal Credit Union

  • Heather Schmidt, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group

Committees

Executive Committee

  • Chris Caldwell, Community National Bank, Board President

  • Stacy Pinardi, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Finance Committee

  • Stacy Pinardi, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

  • Margaret Pinello-White, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont

  • Matt Calhoun, Edward Jones

  • Tawnya Kristen, GMUW Staff Support

Development & Marketing Committee

  • Kevin Mead, Chair, community member NEK

  • Timothy Barre, Northfield Savings Bank

  • Lori Belding, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust

  • Carol Ellison, Heney Realtors

  • Ruth Greene, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont

  • Gail Pivetti, Green Mountain Community Fitness

  • Sarah Galbraith, GMUW Staff Support