THE TEAM
VLSI’s Founder/Director
Brad Smith -- For many years I coached others to write, in publishing in New York City and then as adjunct professor of Writing & Literature at Johnson State College (now Northern Vermont University). In 2005, however, I was unexpectedly launched on a years-long odyssey with my only child, who as a neurodiverse learner experiences our world very differently. Last year, that child earned an M.Ed. in elementary education. Our painful, rewarding journey together was an education for me, too. It continues to be. I started VLSI in 2016 hoping to make the road to and through college more accessible for other neurodiverse teens and their families.
With a B.A. in English and History from Bucknell University, an M.A. in Cinema Studies from New York University, a certificate in nonprofit management from now-closed Marlboro College, and with years of teaching and working in various colleges and universities, I understand the promise of higher education. My understanding informs VLSI’s distinctive strategic approach for diverse learners who aspire to college and are willing to embrace the challenge.
I live on the edge of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, where the stars shine most fiercely in winter's deepest cold.
With a B.A. in English and History from Bucknell University, an M.A. in Cinema Studies from New York University, a certificate in nonprofit management from now-closed Marlboro College, and with years of teaching and working in various colleges and universities, I understand the promise of higher education. My understanding informs VLSI’s distinctive strategic approach for diverse learners who aspire to college and are willing to embrace the challenge.
I live on the edge of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, where the stars shine most fiercely in winter's deepest cold.
VLSI’s Board of Directors
Dorothy Schnure, Chairwoman -- Dotty worked for Green Mountain Power since 1982, managing all aspects of corporate communications and media relations. She retired in 2018. She graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in English Literature in 1975.
Dotty lives in Hinesburg with her husband, Willem Leenstra; they have two daughters and five grandchildren, including granddaughter Hanna, born on Earth Day 2020.
Steven Vitt, Secretary -- A recent graduate of Landmark College (Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, minor in Education), Steven has strong interest in education and neurodiversity. He conducted multiple internships with Landmark’s Center for Neurodiversity as well as investigated the concept of ‘normality’ and its relationship with learning differences for his Capstone project. He also has worked with neurodivergent high-school and college-aged students in residential settings.
Steven identifies as neurodivergent, having grown up diagnosed as ADHD and NVLD. After facing his own challenges growing up, he wants to use his experiences and knowledge to have a positive impact for those on a similar path. Originally from Boston, he now lives in Rockingham.
Steven identifies as neurodivergent, having grown up diagnosed as ADHD and NVLD. After facing his own challenges growing up, he wants to use his experiences and knowledge to have a positive impact for those on a similar path. Originally from Boston, he now lives in Rockingham.
Maxwell Lyttle -- I graduated from Landmark College, where I grew in understanding of my learning difference, my brain, and acceptance of others' differences--neurological or otherwise. I worked for four years as a social mentor with neurodiverse students, creating social opportunities, belonging, and confidence. In June 2020, I became a house parent at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, providing care, understanding, and structure to the future generation--many with undiagnosed learning differences and traumatic experiences to boot. As a Neurodivergent human myself, I relate all too well with the experiences of many learners out there struggling within the neurotypical framework of learning. I know first-hand what it’s like to be perceived as dull, lazy, and less than others around me. It is my life’s goal to contribute to the work of empowering those who are without power and to fight for equity in all realms.
Sam Graulty -- Sam grew up in Berkshire County in western Massachusetts and attended the University of Vermont (Natural Resources '08). His work has mostly focused on youth and young adults. As an educator, camp counselor, outdoor program director and professional development specialist, he has worked to both connect with young people and connect them to unique experiences. He now works as a program coordinator for Generator in Burlington, a maker space that provides tools, expertise, classes and other programming for the community at the intersection of art, science and technology.
He lives in Jericho with his wife Maddie and cat Jamón, getting outside as much as possible (on bike, boot, boat, shoe, skate or ski).
He lives in Jericho with his wife Maddie and cat Jamón, getting outside as much as possible (on bike, boot, boat, shoe, skate or ski).
Katrina Kretschmar -- bio & photo to come