Hi – I’m Steph!
I describe myself as an empathetic, optimistic, lifelong learner. I’m a Rhode Island native, but spent roughly 12 years in Northern Virginia while I was in school studying Criminology. I’ve been in Vermont for the past nine years working as a professor, teaching students about criminology, the corrections system, and substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
I just wrapped up my sixth month at Pathways. As the new Director of Services, I’ve spent this time immersing myself in the daily operations of each of our programs, understanding our funding structures and sources, and getting to know the people who bring our mission to life. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting several clients and hearing directly from them the importance of our services.
On any given day, you might find me at any of our various offices or partner agencies across the state, learning more about and supporting our different programs. I might be in Bennington one day, meeting with our Balance of State Continuum of Care partners to discuss upcoming notice of funding opportunities (NOFO). The next day, you might find me at Soteria House meeting with staff and leadership to plan our upcoming move to our new, permanent location. While I have plenty of home office days to plan out content for supervisors’ meetings, review position descriptions, and program grants/contracts, I’m also taking time to conduct one-on-one interviews with staff across Pathways. This is helping me to get to know everyone on a more personal level, better understand their roles from their perspective, and really see what connects them to the work we do.
What inspires me most about our mission is its recognition that traditional (clinical) mental health services are not the only option available, and that human connection can make a profound impact on someone’s life. I’ve had the opportunity to work a few shifts at Rosewood and Soteria over the past few months, and those experiences have been profound. I’ve already lost count of the number of times residents have told me how appreciative they are to have a place to go other than a hospital; to be somewhere that they can just exist as themselves, free from judgment, and feel truly seen, understood, and accepted.
