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Children's Integrated Services-Early Intervention Program Staff
(802) 876-5315 or 1-800-870-6758 | Formerly called: Family, Infant & Toddler Program Email addresses for all staff is (without spaces): firstname . lastname @ vtfn.org
Chittenden County Program (a program of Vermont Family Network)
	Marie Fetterhoff Director of CIS-Early Intervention (802) 876-5315 x255 email See bio >>		Rachel Boyers CIS-Early Intervention Assistant Director (802) 876-5315 x235 email See bio >>
Winooski /Essex/Chittenden Central Team
	Theresa Soares Family Resource Coordinator (802) 876-5315 x241 email See bio >>		Kelly Morrison Developmental Educator (802) 876-5315 x221 email See bio >>
	Shelly Waterman Developmental Educator (802) 876-5315 x238 email See bio >>		Mary Beth Bowman Family Resource Coordinator (802) 876-5315 x229 email See bio >>
Burlington/South Burlington Team
	Liz Jordan-Shook Developmental Educator (802) 876-5315 x224 email See bio >>		Bonnie Norton Developmental Educator (802) 876-5315 x204 email See bio >>
	Michael Miller Developmental Educator (802) 876-5315 x233 email See bio >>		Julia Rood Family Resource Coordinator (802) 876-5315 x257 email See bio >>
Chittenden East/Chittenden South Team
	Ernestine Abel Family Resource Coordinator (802) 876-5315 x210 email See bio >>		Nikki Morse Developmental Educator (802) 876-5315 x252 email See bio >>
	Jessy Camara Family Resource Coordinator (802) 876-5315 x260 email See bio >>
Milton/Colchester Team
	Mark Kennedy Family Resource Coordinator (802) 876-5315 x227 email See bio >>		Michelle Perry Developmental Educator (802) 876-5315 x232 email See bio >>
Intensive Services/Autism Program Team
	Jamie Rainville Autism Program Coordinator (802) 876-5315 x212 email		Victoria Rosen Individual Assistant (802) 876-5315 x242 email See bio >>
	Kathleen Foy Individual Assistant (802) 876-5315 x254 email See bio >>		Tara Iserman Individual Assistant (802) 876-5315 x240 email See bio >>
Admin Team
	Sarah Wallace-Brodeur Program Assistant (802) 876-5315 x237 email See bio >>		Peg Manrique Administrative Assistant (802) 876-5315 x247 email See bio>>

Biographies:

Marie Fetterhoff: CIS-EI Director x255

Rachel Boyers: CIS-Early Intervention Assistant Director, x235
Rachel is the mother of two wonderful girls and has recently adopted a joyful baby boy from Korea. Rachel has experienced first hand the important work of Parent to Parent and FITP. Her third child, Ethan suffered from an undiagnosed seizure disorder and numerous other medical issues. After showing incredible strength, Ethan passed away on May 24, 2005 at the age of 2½ years. Having been on the receiving end of services from Parent to Parent (now VFN), she realizes how important its mission is. The Family, Infant and Toddler Program ensured that Ethan’s early intervention services were implemented and its family centered approach was a comfort to her family. Rachel feels fortunate to be able to give back to an organization that gave her and her family so much support when they needed it the most.
Rachel began her professional life as a ballet dancer and performed regularly with regional dance, opera and theater companies. After making a career change, she received her BS in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University. She and her husband Richard spent a year traveling together where they enjoyed six months living in Kyoto, Japan teaching English and studying garden design and another half of a year interning in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with the landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx. Rachel then returned to school and she received her Master in Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. She worked for 10 years in the field before having to leave in order to care for Ethan.
Rachel and her husband Richard have designed and are in the process of developing a “sensory therapy garden” in Ethan’s memory with the hope that it will benefit children with special needs. She is pursuing the study of horticultural therapy and plans to incorporate these techniques into the visitor’s experience of the garden. She is pleased to be finding a rewarding way to combine her love of gardening and the natural world with her experience of being a mother to a child with special needs.
Rachel attributes her desire to work with Vermont Family Network and FITP (CIS-EI) to her son Ethan. Even though Ethan’s life was too brief, his sweet soul touched many lives as he built a community of loving, caring people around him.

Ethan’s headstone is inscribed with the words:
Those who live no more, echo still within our thoughts, words and deeds. What they were is woven into what we have become.

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Family Resource Coordinators

Theresa Soares: Family Resource Coordinator, x241
I am a native Vermonter. I grew up in the small town of Manchester. After receiving my Bachelor's Degree, I spent the next ten years working in retail management in New York state, California and, most recently, in Burlington. When my twin boys were born prematurely in 2001 I had no idea about the challenges that were ahead for me and my family. After a lengthy NICU stay we were referred to the Family, Infant and Toddler program to monitor the development of one of my sons. He was later diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. It was at this point that I was introduced to what I refer to as "an amazing subculture" full of people who understand and care about the health and well being of young children and their families. When I joined Parent to Parent and FITP (CIS-EI) I knew that I wanted to be included among these special people who help families in so many ways. I look forward to being able to make a difference in the lives of other families who may be faced with similar circumstances. I can't think of a more rewarding way to be able to give back from my own experience.

Ernestine Grey Abel: Family Resource Coordinator, x210
For the past five years or so, my family has had the privilege of getting to know the community of families with children with special needs and providers who serve them. My first visit to Parent to Parent (now VFN) was the place I finally cried about my daughter’s diagnosis. Soon I realized that there was so much I could do, using the resources and support of the caring staff here, to improve her prospects. Now, with those 5 years of experience, and the bright outlook for my daughter -- achieved by intensive early intervention and continuing supports -- I am working here. As a family resource coordinator for CIS-Early Intervention, I support families with information and services that they need to help their child thrive. I find my background in law and elementary education to be helpful in my role. Just as I found great comfort in being linked with a supporting parent at the loneliest time imaginable, I hope I can help other parents feel the help of this network of caring individuals and resources.
With two young elementary age children, our home-life revolves around the family, with all games played with balls taking an amazing amount of our time and energy. We are trying to make music a focal point in our home, to balance against all those sports. For relaxation I love to cook and sew, and I read whenever I can. Because of my husband’s former life in Ireland, there is exciting trans-Atlantic visiting, in both directions. I feel very lucky to work with the dedicated staff at VFN, in a position where I can return a few of the many kindnesses that have been done for our family.

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Mark Kennedy: Family Resource Coordinator, x227
I am delighted to be able to use my professional skills and experiences as a pastor, planner and teacher supporting families and their children. As a father with children who have particular emotional and social challenges, I am keenly aware how critical family-centered support is for children to thrive. When not working with Parent to Parent, I enjoy being with my family and friends, walking, bicycling, canoeing, hiking, folk dancing, singing, volunteering in my church, town, and children’s schools, and telling and reading stories.

 

Mary Beth Bowman: Family Resource Coordinator, x229
I hail from a farm in Eyota, Minnesota (near Rochester) where I essentially grew up knowing only relatives. Because of an irresistible urge of “I have to get out of this place”, I traveled and lived in many awful apartments. I received my degree in music at the University of Minnesota after many fits and starts. It only took me 14 years to finish a Master in Music at Boston University. In 1990, my husband and I and our two little kids left Boston for the Burlington area. I taught music for 25 years in all types of schools, owned a hat business, and was a family consultant for VPIC. Now I’m a Family Resource Coordinator for CIS-Early Intervention.
It was in Burlington that our son was diagnosed with early bi-polar disorder at the age of 4. Our family was clearly on a long ride. Next slide, we now have 2 children in their 20’s, both having their normal age-appropriate angst and questions and we still worry. Next slide. We are the foster parents to a sweet 16-year-old young man who plays football. Previously, we only attended music concerts and theater productions. “Bravo” just doesn’t work on the sidelines of the playing field!
Next slide, could it be back to Eyota?

Julia Rood: Family Resource Coordinator, x257

Jessica Camara: Family Resource Coordinator, x260
Hi! My name is Jessy, I came to Vermont Family Network as a Family Resource Coordinator in July of 2010. I have spent nearly eight years operating a family home childcare program in Williston VT, which allowed me the privilege of supporting, and building relationships with children ages 3 months to 5 years and their families. Wanting to continue my journey in family support and young children is what lead me to Vermont Family Network. I have experienced the amazing benefits of the Children Integrated Service- Early Intervention Program (CIS-EI) with my own son. My fiancé Tim, and I live in Williston and have 3 children, ages 15, 11, and 7 and a little dog in our blended family. When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, baking, sewing, crafting and taking lots of pictures.

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Developmental Educators

Liz Jordan-Shook: Developmental Educator, x224
I am the mother of three boys, Jeremiah, Sam and Joe. We, my husband John included, Sam and Joe live in Williston. I came to know Parent to Parent when one of our twins, Joseph, was born with a complex cardiac disease. Through the years of medical and educational challenges the Parent to Parent staff and "community" have been incredibly supportive. In 1998 I joined Parent to Parent (now VFN) as a member of the Family Infant and Toddler Program (now CIS-Early Intervention). Working atVFN has been an opportunity to give back to a wonderful organization. In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling and gardening.

Michelle Perry: Developmental Educator, x232
Hi! My name is Michelle Perry. I am a Developmental Educator working for the CIS-Early Intervention. I am the teacher person on the Colchester/Milton Collaborative team. I work with children and families at their home or in their childcare program. I have a Master’s Degree in Essential Early Education from the University of Vermont. For 30 years, I have been working in Vermont with children, birth to 5, with developmental delays and their families. I live in Colchester with my husband. We have 5 grown children and 11 grandchildren.

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Kelly Morrison, M.Ed.: Developmental Educator, x221
I was born in New York, the oldest of four girls, but spent most of my childhood growing up in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. I began my incredible journey of learning and recognized my passion for working with children and families as a student at the University of Vermont. It was there that I achieved my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education in October of 2009 and, earlier, my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Development in May of 2003.

I began working as a Developmental Educator with the Children’s Integrated Services – Early Intervention program in September of 2006. Before working with CIS-EI, I worked as a teacher to 3, 4, & 5-year-old children at the Burlington Children’s Space and as a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) to an astounding young infant/toddler and his family. I also had the honor of participating in an international study group of the Infant-Toddler Centers and Preschools of the Municipalities of both Reggio Emilia and Pistoia, Italy as well as volunteering in an early childhood school in the Volta Region of Ghana, West Africa as part of an international volunteer program.
I am an avid horseback rider, caring for and riding a horse at a local horse farm several times a week. My other hobbies include reading, swimming, knitting and crocheting, long walks / hikes, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, cooking, and the company of great friends and family.
I love all of the learning that comes from working with children and their families, as they are the true teachers. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Children’s Integrated Services – Early Intervention program and I want to thank you for allowing me to share in your life and that of your child’s.

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Bonnie Norton: Developmental Educator, x204
I am a fourth generation Vermonter, who grew up in Burlington. My family consisted of my parents, my identical twin sister, a brother and a baby sister. Since the birth of my little sister when I was nine years old, I have known that I wanted to work with and teach young children.
In 1988, I obtained an associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Champlain College. I then went to Trinity College of Vermont to work on a degree in elementary special education. Circumstances made this dream undoable at that time and I left school to teach infants at the St. Michael’s College Child Care Center. It was here that I spent the next 17 years, caring for and teaching infants and toddlers.
During these years, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from St. Mike’s, I met and married Joel Norton, a special educator at Essex High School, and in May of 2000 gave birth to our son, Nicholas.
In 2003, I worked a second job as a PCA for a little boy with medical complications. It was through this work that I decided I wanted to fulfill my original dream of working with children with special needs. The very next semester I enrolled in the Master’s Degree program at Saint Michael’s College for special education. I have been working diligently on this degree, and have nearly successfully completed this.
I am very excited about this opportunity to work for CIS-Early Intervention and the many families that we serve.

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Michael Miller: Developmental Educator, x233
After completing a Masters Degree in Special Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia and retirement from the U.S. Navy I moved to Libby, Montana. I worked in the school system until January 2000 when I began work as a Family Support Specialist with the Child Development Center. For seven and a half years I worked with children and young adults with developmental disabilities. In August 2007 my wife, Ann, and I moved to Vermont from Kalispell, Montana, a fast growing community in the northwest corner of the state near Glacier National Park. Ann and I enjoy cooking, camping, gardening, and each other’s company. I look forward to serving the members of our diverse community and working with the many professionals on our collaborative teams.

Shelly Waterman: Developmental Educator, x238
I am a life long Vermonter who grew up in Burlington. I graduated from College in 1994 and took my first job as an educator of young children that fall. I spent 10 years teaching preschool age children until I gave birth to my first of two beautiful daughters, Hannah, in February 2004. My husband and I embraced parenthood much like most first time parents, with hope, love, dedication, and lack of sleep. My new full time job was to stay at home with Hannah and be every bit the mother I had always dreamed! To be there when she reached all her developmental milestones and celebrates these accomplishments with her. It wasn’t until she was 18 months old when our patient optimism turned into fear. Over night my girl changed. Something unknown to us was taking hold of her and we couldn’t break its grip. She stopped making eye contact with us and was not speaking anymore. After numerous doctors visits, blood draws and hospital stays, Hannah was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome May 5, 2004. Rett Syndrome is a genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls. The disorder becomes apparent after 6-18 months of early typical development. It results in a regression that leads to lifelong disabilities including loss of speech, purposeful hand use, and mobility. It is most often misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy.
The grief was unbearable, and the loss we felt was devastating. Our pediatricians quickly connected us to FITP. If it was not for their love, caring and support they showed my family, I believe Hannah’s outcome might have been very different. The team showed us how to navigate through a system that, at the time, was confusing and scary. The team also connected us with providers in the community who could help support Hannah and her needs. Today, Hannah is a very happy girl. She has family, including a little sister, friends who adore her, and a community of educators and caregivers who support us all on this journey we are on together!

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Nikki Morse: Developmental Educator, x252
Originally from Keene, New Hampshire I moved to Vermont in 2001 to attend The University of Vermont. While there I studied Early Childhood Education and Psychology. Upon graduating with my bachelors in 2005, I became a teacher in a local early childhood program working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Working collaboratively with FITP and EEE in my classroom encouraged me to learn more about the services available for young children with special needs. In 2008 I enrolled in the University of Vermont’s Early Childhood Special Education Master’s program. I hope to graduate with my masters by next December. I have enjoyed learning about the special education field and am excited to be joining the team at CIS-Early Intervention.
I recently moved to Winooski, where we are currently working on renovating a house. I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, and taking trips to Myrtle Beach to visit my family.

Specialists/Assistants

Jamie Rainville: Autism and Behavioral Specialist, x212
I grew up in the small town of Franklin, and after receiving a B.A. in Psychology from Franklin Pierce College, I spent several years in New Hampshire and Massachusetts working and gaining experience across various settings. I had the pleasure of working in a day habilitation program, spending my days with adults with differing abilities. It was here that I was really able to explore one of my passions: music. I founded a bell choir in which our group would travel to various nursing homes and day programs performing. During this time, I also provided respite care for two girls with autism. It was such a privilege to be a part of these family’s lives and this is where I started my journey of helping children and families with autism.
I spent one year working in an autism support preschool classroom in Manchester NH after which moving to MA and working in a program called Building Blocks, providing intensive services to children with autism. After two years of providing direct 1:1 floor time and ABA therapy, I was promoted to supervisor. I have spent the past two years as an autism resource for families and supervising each child’s program and leading the team of therapists.
I am so excited to be back in Vermont, I am enjoying family and friends as well as the beautiful outdoors. I enjoy running, hiking, reading and being with loved ones. I look forward to all the many new families and professionals that I will meet through Vermont Family Network.

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Victoria Rosen: Developmental Educator Assistant, x242
I moved from Ohio to New York City in my 20s and worked in arts and community program development. Thirteen years ago, when my children were 7 and 12, my husband and I moved our family to Vermont. I could not have imagined the richness and depth, as well as fun with dogs, horses, and nature, this move would bring to all of us.
I have an M. Ed. in Counseling and extensive training in somatic bodywork, which teaches people how to slow down and track internal sensations. My observation skills and quality of focused attention have led me to working with children with developmental delays. Recently I have been working and playing in the VNA Family Room as part of a diverse, inspiring community, watching children help each other learn and grow.

Tara Iserman: Developmental Educator Assistant, x240
I was born in a very small town in Northern New Hampshire, where I lived until attending Champlain College in 2003. I graduated in 2007 with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. I have spent most of my life working with young children and really enjoy their energy. It was during my college years that I began working for a local agency that not only focused on children but also their families. It was there that I really gained a lot of knowledge and compassion for the support services available for children and their families. After working in the agency for over 3 years, my work began having less and less to do with actually working with children, and that is what prompted my move into another avenue of the field. Finding an agency like Parent to Parent (now VFN), that is so dedicated to the collaboration and support of children and families seems like the perfect fit for me. I look forward to working with this agency and the families it serves.
I currently live with my boyfriend in Essex where we recently purchased a house, which we spend a lot of time renovating. I also enjoy reading, entertaining, going to the gym, spending time with friends and family and any activity involving the outdoors (hiking, biking, kayaking, snowboarding, and walking my dog Togo).

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Sarah Wallace-Brodeur: Program Assistant, x237
I grew up in Montpelier, the youngest of four children. After receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree at UVM, I married my 8th grade sweetheart and moved to Essex Junction. We have three wonderful children, a dog and two cats. In our free time we enjoy all that Vermont has to offer through hikes, swims, biking, walks in the woods, sledding, and annual camping trips. On top of working for CIS-EI, I also work for Beginnings as a certified childbirth educator. I feel fortunate to be a part of such an amazing network of people working to provide services and support to families of children with developmental delays.

Peg Manrique: Administrative Assistant, FITP, x247

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(end of CIS-Early Intervention Program staff listing)