Vermont Community Champions
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Champions

Meet our extraordinary community of leaders driving creative and impactful solutions to the world’s most urgent problems.

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Name Location Short Bio
Connor Seid Burlington Connor Seid grew up in New Jersey and is currently studying Applied Sustainability at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. He has experience working with both children and older adults through environmental programming at the Essex Environmental Center in Roseland, New Jersey. Connor is dependable, attentive, and committed, and approaches care with respect and thoughtfulness.
Debra Banach Colchester Debra is a Vermont based care professional with experience supporting older adults and people with disabilities through nonprofit work. She brings a background in hospitality and airline management, along with more than four years of hands-on community care experience. She approaches each day with a positive and attentive mindset, finding joy in small moments and in being present for others. Known for her upbeat nature and sense of humor, she values genuine connection and takes pride in providing thoughtful, respectful, and high quality care experiences.
Emery Guzyk Burlington Emery is a first year student at the University of Vermont studying Neuroscience. She is deeply committed to supporting people in her community and approaches care with empathy and attentiveness. She has experience volunteering in hospitals and community medical centers, where she provided companionship to patients, assisted with housekeeping tasks, and supported basic medical procedures under the guidance of medical professionals. Outside of caregiving, she enjoys outdoor activities, playing board games, and creative crafts, and brings this sense of warmth and engagement into the care she provides.
Erick Zent Burlington Erick is a Burlington based caregiver who enjoys building genuine connections with the people he supports. He brings a calm and thoughtful presence to his work. Outside of caregiving, he enjoys reading, drawing, and engaging in lighthearted conversation. Erick values meaningful interaction and looks forward to getting to know new members of the community.
Hessain Tamang Burlington Hessain is a Burlington based community member who has lived in the area for over 15 years and recently graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Over the past year and a half, he has worked as a professional photographer. He brings a personal understanding of mobility challenges through his family experience, which has shaped his empathy and approach to care. Outside of caregiving, Hessain enjoys landscape photography, playing ultimate frisbee, and biking around town. He values being present, attentive, and supportive in the care relationships he builds.
Izzy Fish Waterbury Izzy is an 18 year old community member who currently works as a barista and enjoys connecting with people through conversation and service. She takes pride in learning new skills and is working on mastering latte art and the perfect pour over. She is friendly, helpful, and enjoys meeting new people in the community. Izzy brings a warm, approachable energy and looks forward to supporting others through companionship and everyday help.
John Jordan Hinesburg John has lived in Chittenden County since 1988 and began a long and fulfilling career in healthcare IT in 1990 at IDX. He brings decades of professional experience and a strong connection to the local community. Through supporting his own family, including witnessing his father navigate the challenges of finding safe and skilled care, he developed a deep appreciation for the importance of reliable, compassionate support. He is now focused on extending his skills and time to support older adults here in Vermont, with the goal of bringing reassurance, kindness, and a smile to those he serves.
Kim Montpelier Kim is an experienced caregiver, doula, and support person with both professional and personal experience providing care. She is deeply committed to ensuring that people of all ages have access to empathetic, respectful support. She understands the importance of safety, happiness, and dignity in daily life and approaches care with attentiveness and compassion. She is happy to assist with household tasks, spend quality time, engage in enjoyable activities, and provide overnight support when needed. She believes strongly in community based care and values building trusting, meaningful relationships.
Lou Bevacqui Waterbury Lou is a compassionate, attentive, and reliable care professional with over 25 years of experience supporting others through coaching, care, and connection. She is a licensed acupuncturist, artist, and resilience coach who brings a holistic and thoughtful approach to care. She enjoys creative and engaging activities such as drawing, puzzles, playing games, watching movies, and spending time outdoors hiking, running, swimming, or going for walks. As a proud parent of two, she is a good listener who values conversation, laughter, and bringing warmth and kindness into the lives of those she supports.
Magnolia Burlington Magnolia is a recent graduate of the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and History. She has experience working in an assisted living community, where she supported residents experiencing memory loss and physical challenges. She assisted with meals, enjoyed meaningful conversations, and approached her work with attentiveness and care. Magnolia is detail oriented and comfortable helping with a wide range of tasks. She values connection and looks forward to supporting and engaging with members of her community.
Naomi Hed Burlington Naomi (she/her) brings experience in farming, community work, and teaching, and has long been a natural caregiver within her family and social circles. She approaches care with patience, presence, and genuine interest in others. She is currently studying Social Work at the University of Vermont, with the goal of building a lifelong career centered on supporting and serving her community. Naomi values connection and looks forward to getting to know and supporting the people she works with.
Sarah Owen Bristol Sarah is based in Bristol and brings practical, hands-on experience supporting daily life at home. She has strong skills in housekeeping and deep cleaning and enjoys preparing homemade meals from scratch. She is happy to help with meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, as well as providing technology support with computers, smartphones, and everyday software. She also enjoys walking dogs, crafting and sewing, and spending time in conversation, especially around travel. She values being helpful, patient, and supportive in the care she provides.
Susan Wilson Barre Susan is a recently retired Dean of Students who enjoys meeting new people and listening to their stories. She brings a thoughtful and people centered approach shaped by years of working closely with students and families. She enjoys baking, cooking, going for walks, and spending time with animals as well as people. At home, she lives with her partner Bob, two cats named Bijou and Louie, and has two grown children. She currently supports her 90 year old father with his writing and helps organize family photos into scrapbooks. She values connection, service, and looks forward to supporting others in her community.
Trang Burlington Trang is a lifelong Vermonter who enjoys ceramics, rollerblading, and skiing, and is currently learning to snowboard. She has spent the past three seasons working as a gardener and is actively involved in local mutual aid efforts. She values community connection and enjoys staying active and engaged. She looks forward to meeting and supporting others through thoughtful, community centered care.