Christopher Hackett – President, Retired VP/Commercial Lending
Eric Velto – Vice President, Attorney
Jerry L. Bardwell – Member at Large, EMS Consultant & Manager, Alumnus
Toni Ciampaglione – Treasurer, VP/Senior Wealth Advisor
Jerry L. Bardwell – Member at Large, Middleboro, MA, EMS Consultant & Manager, Alumnus
Diane Bazin – Secretary, Westminster, VT, Retired Golf Course Manager/Owner
Toni Ciampaglione – Brattleboro, VT, VP/Senior Wealth Advisor
Christopher Hackett – President, Westminster, VT, Retired VP/Commercial Lending
Susan Johnson – Walpole, NH, Volunteer
Rhonda L. Nolan – Danbury, CT, Manager, Alumna
Leslie Rennie-Hill – Harwich, MA, Retired Education Consultant
Eric Velto – Springfield, VT, Vice President, Attorney
Cliff L. Wood – Putney, VT, Retired College Administrator
Greg Worden – Brattleboro, VT, Business Owner
Sue Kessler has served children and families for more than three decades as part of Kurn Hattin Home and School for Children. Her roles have included Admissions Coordinator, Director of Admissions and Outreach, Assistant Executive Director, and now Executive Director. Over the course of her career at Kurn Hattin, Sue has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, including enrollment, development, and strengthening relationships with families, alumni, donors, and referral partners.
A graduate of Colgate University and a member of its first graduating class of women, Sue brings deep institutional knowledge, compassion, and steady leadership to her role. Her commitment to Kurn Hattin reflects her belief in the potential of every child and the power of community to help children grow with confidence and purpose.
Outside of work, Sue enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, and yoga.
Melissa is mission-driven, committed to advancing young people and communities through sustainable, innovative, and equity-centered solutions. She is deeply invested in cultivating environments where people, systems, and families can thrive.
Previously, she led community planning, advocacy, and grant implementation efforts through the Camden County Youth Service Commission in New Jersey. And social emotional learning through play in Philadelphia, PA. Her global experience includes living and working in Ghana, Morocco, India, and Macedonia through the United States Peace Corps and Cross-Cultural Solutions, where she focused on program design, capacity building, and community engagement.
Melissa holds a Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change from Temple University. A lifelong learner, she continues to deepen her expertise in executive leadership and healing-centered practices for youth, organizations and communities alike.
Outside of her professional work, Melissa values adventure and wellness. She enjoys activities such as aerial arts, running and spending time at home with her dog, Achilles, reading or watching movies.
Stephen Fitch brings more than 40 years of financial leadership in youth-centered nonprofit organizations to his role as Financial Manager at Kurn Hattin Home and School for Children. His expertise in nonprofit financial management helps ensure the school’s resources are stewarded responsibly and strategically in support of its mission.
Stephen is deeply motivated by seeing the mission in action—watching programs make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. His work behind the scenes helps sustain the stability and strength that allow Kurn Hattin to provide new beginnings and bright futures.
Outside of work, Stephen enjoys travel, outdoor activities, growing garlic, following New England sports teams, and writing children’s stories. Most of all, he values time spent with his family.
Beth Ross brings energy, vision, and deep relationship-building experience to her role as Director of Development at Kurn Hattin Home and School for Children. She specializes in connecting people to purpose, bringing together supporters, partners, and families to generate the resources that make Kurn Hattin’s mission possible.
Throughout her career, Beth has led ambitious initiatives that strengthen communities. She became an ICF-certified executive coach, traveled internationally to recruit students, and helped secure the commitments and funding needed to establish five community schools and a teen resource center within a California public school system. Her work reflects both strategic leadership and a belief in what’s possible when people collaborate around a shared goal.
At Kurn Hattin, Beth is passionate about working alongside families and supporters to ensure children have the opportunities they need to grow, discover their strengths, and build bright futures.
Outside of work, Beth enjoys making art, hiking in beautiful natural spaces, and attending live theater, experiences that inspire creativity and connection in her own life as well.
