VLSI’s Founder/Executive 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 child, who as a neurodiverse learner experiences our world very differently--that child recently earned an M.Ed. in elementary education. The journey was an education for me as well, and I founded VLSI in 2016 hoping to make the road easier for other neurodiverse teens and their families. I appreciate the whole of the college experience, having been not only a teacher but also men’s tennis coach and a student advisor.  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 Marlboro College, and years of teaching and working in various colleges and universities, I understand the value of higher education. That understanding informs VLSI’s distinctive strategic approach for diverse learners who aspire to college.

I live on the edge of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, where the stars shine brightest in winter's deepest cold.

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​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.

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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.

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Steven Vitt -- 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.

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Note:
The VLSI Board of Directors has been reduced by coronavirus-related issues.
We are actively seeking new members. Interested? Contact us for more info!

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