THE TEAM
Executive Director
Brad Smith -- For many years Brad coached others to write, in publishing in New York City and as adjunct professor of Writing & Literature at Johnson State College (soon to be Vermont State University, Johnson). In 2005, he was unexpectedly launched on a years-long odyssey with his only child, who as a neurodivergent learner experiences the world very differently. In 2020, that child earned an M.Ed. in elementary education. Their painful but rewarding journey together was an education for the whole family. It continues to be. Brad founded VLSI in 2016 hoping to make the path to and through college more accessible for other neurodiverse youth and their families.
With a B.A. from Bucknell University, an M.A. from New York University, and years of teaching and working in college environments, he understands the developmental importance of higher education.
He lives on the edge of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, where the stars shine most fiercely in winter's deepest cold.
Board of Directors
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).
Katrina Kretschmar -- Katrina got her start as a youth-engagement AmeriCorps member in the New Hampshire afterschool network. She was part of the first afterschool credentialling system in the state, and was awarded the Mary Stewart Giles Award for promoting excellence in out-of-school time through her contributions to the professional development of future leaders. She fell in love with training educators about nurturing a sense of belonging, engagement, and connection in all students.
From there, Katrina led programs for 4th-12th graders and then, through a federal career-transition program in Colorado, worked to create partnerships with industry leaders by training them on mentorships and effective internship models. As someone who is ADHD and who sees that as her superpower, Katrina is driven and passionate about the neurodiverse community and the education systems in which they grow and learn. She is highly motivated to create a world where we all belong, connect and engage.
Living in northern Vermont since 2018, she now works independently as a trainer and consultant towards those same goals.
Sunny Naughton, Vice Chairwoman -- Born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, Sunny Noelle Naughton is a nationally recognized facilitator, entrepreneur and experienced networker with over 20 years of presenting experience across the United States and New York City. With a background in human services, journalism and the entertainment business, and a Master’s Degree in Leadership, she has followed her dreams through many industries.
Sunny has worked with greats such as Martin Charnin and Tommy Tune as well as having received a Community Outreach Award from both the Governor and State Health Director of Vermont in 2019. Most recently Sunny advised Governor Phil Scott on proclaiming May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont.
She now lives in Newport with her partner, where she directs the marketing/communications consultancy Sunshine Silver Lining, LLC. She also conducts Mental Health First Aid trainings for educators and professionals across the country.
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 her most recent granddaughter Hanna, born on Earth Day 2020.
Steven Vitt, Treasurer -- 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.
Council of Advisors
Alicia Beth, Ph. D.
Matthew DeGroot
Barbara Edelman
Jim Murray -- Finance Committee
Tom Warhol -- Finance Committee
Matt Wolf
Alicia Beth, Ph. D.
Matthew DeGroot
Barbara Edelman
Jim Murray -- Finance Committee
Tom Warhol -- Finance Committee
Matt Wolf