Theresa Soares: 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 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
    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 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 Family, Infant and Toddler, 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 Parent to Parent, in a position where I can return a few of the many kindnesses that have been done for our family.

Mark Kennedy: Family Resource Coordinator
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. 

Michelle Lewis: Developmental Educator
Born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, I am the eldest of four daughters and from a very close-knit community. My mother joyfully ran a child-care center in our home and from an early age I was in awe of how remarkable young children are. I moved to Burlington to study Early Childhood Development and Psychology at the University of Vermont. Upon graduation, I was hired as an infant and toddler teacher and mentor to undergraduate students.  
      Among many other wonderful learning experiences, I was blessed to be able to join a study tour of the schools of Reggio-Emilia, Italy in 1999. I was inspired by the true sense of collaboration between policy-makers, families, educators and community members.
      Having joined the staff of Parent to Parent, I feel privileged to work with such a competent and passionate group. Each day offers me the opportunity to collaborate with families and professionals from a variety of fields to provide the best services possible for the children in our community. I continuously marvel at the families that I meet, as they share their personal stories and we embark upon journeys together. It is a thrill to be a part of the Family, Infant and Toddler Program.

Michelle Perry: Developmental Educator
Hi! My name is Michelle Perry.  I am a Developmental Educator working for the Family, Infant and Toddler program. 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.

Kelly Morrison-Arbor: Developmental Educator
    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 about children and families as a student at the University of Vermont. Throughout my studies, I worked as a childcare assistant in the infant and toddler rooms at the Campus Children’s Center. It was there that I recognized my passion for working with children and families.
    During the spring of 2002, I was honored to participate in an international study group of the Infant-Toddler Centers and Preschools of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Later that year, I volunteered in an early childhood school in the Volta Region of Ghana, West Africa as part of an international program called Cross Cultural Solutions. 
    In May of 2003, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Early Childhood Education and Development. After receiving my degree, I worked as a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) to an astounding young infant/toddler and his family and as a preschool teacher to 3, 4 & 5 year old children at the Burlington Children’s Space. In the summer of 2007 I completed the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative Program, an Early Childhood Special Educator licensure program. I received my second endorsement on my educator’s license in the field of Early Childhood Special Education in September of 2007. Currently, I am working towards completing my Masters Degree in Early Childhood Special Education at the University of Vermont.
    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.
    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 Family, Infant and Toddler Program and I want to thank you for allowing me to share in your life and that of your child’s.

Bonnie Norton: Developmental Educator
    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 new opportunity to work for FITP and the many families that we serve.

Michael Miller: Developmental Educator
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.

Victoria Rosen: Developmental Educator Assistant
   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
   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, 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).