Meranda Chandler
KH Class of 2008
Meranda Chandler believes strongly in giving back, which is why her Kurn Hattin experience has come full circle.
Meranda came to Kurn Hattin in 1999 when she was just six years old. She had a very happy experience at the Homes and graduated in 2008. She went on to complete her high school education at Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
In 2011, Meranda returned to the Kurn Hattin campus for a visit that turned out to be a warm, wonderful reunion for everyone. Her connection with Kurn Hattin had remained strong and by April of 2015 she moved into a new relationship with Kurn Hattin as a relief houseparent. Within a year, Meranda became a full-time houseparent in Warner Cottage, supervising the oldest girls in Kurn Hattin’s care. Since then, Meranda has shared her kindness, her experience, and her warmth with girls who are following in her footsteps.
“My goal is to become a role model to the older girls and help guide them along the way. I think this comes easily to me because I was once where they are now. I understand what they’re going through, and I understand their living situations,” Meranda explains.
Along the way, paralleling her Kurn Hattin pathway, Meranda has earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education from the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord. She currently works in the Vermont public school system as a substitute teacher at Bellows Falls Union High School, as well as the Bellows Falls Middle School. She also manages an after-school program and is a club leader at the elementary level.
Additionally, Meranda has stepped up to volunteer as president of the Kurn Hattin Alumni Association and is halfway through a two-year term. As if that isn’t enough, Meranda aspires to attain an advanced degree in early childhood education.
“Being a leader and a role model for young people, that’s what success means to me.”
In 2017, Meranda was invited to speak at the Kurn Hattin annual Get Acquainted Day. Who better to address the group than a person who has gone from student to staff? She has strong feelings about the Homes and wants the public to understand Kurn Hattin’s mission. She says, “We are here to help anybody from any background, and we’ll do our best, no matter what.”
Meranda does just that. She also offers special experiences through Kurn Hattin’s Caught Being Good (CBG) program that allows children to earn rewards. As Ellen Wood, Kurn Hattin weekend director of residential services, explains, “CBG experiences can range from simple after-school or recreational activities like an ice cream trip, to more extensive day-long off-campus activities. The kids love having this special time with adults.”
When Ellen reached out to thank the volunteers for offering CBG experiences and to encourage others to participate, she used Meranda as a prime example. Ellen wrote, “Yesterday, Phoenix had his CBG experience with Meranda. He had picked her activity during the last CBG Store opportunity of the school year, and she surprised him with a trip to Hampton Beach (New Hampshire) to swim in the ocean. He had never done this before, and the memory of this special trip is more valuable than any amount of material items.”
Meranda has her own collection of valuable memories from her days at Kurn Hattin, thanks to a number of caring, generous people who set the example for her. This is why she gives back, to help make sure every child goes forward from Kurn Hattin with their own collection of valuable memories.
Sue Kessler, Kurn Hattin Executive Director, has known Meranda for years. Sue says proudly, “I’ve seen Meranda grow from a little girl into an accomplished young woman and a dedicated, committed Kurn Hattin staff member. Because she attended Kurn Hattin herself, Meranda knows what it’s like to be here, the good parts along with the challenges. That’s where her warmth and understanding come shining through and make her a wonderful colleague and a successful houseparent.”
Meranda’s own definition of success is simple. She explains, “Being a leader and a role model for young people, that’s what success means to me.”