About Prevention Works! VT
We are a network of community coalition leaders, prevention consultants, service providers and individuals with an interest in and a commitment to, substance misuse prevention across the state of Vermont.
PW!VT partners help shape how substance misuse prevention is valued in our state. By partnering with PW!VT you lend your commitment, your knowledge and your action to strengthen the prevention and public health community in Vermont. If you are interested in joining us, reach out to us.
OUR MISSION
to unify voices and be a guiding force on policy, practice and attitudes that promote substance misuse prevention, health and wellness in Vermont.
OUR VISION
Our vision is a strong, sustainable and unified system to prevent substance misuse in Vermont.
Our Leadership Team
Taysa Lynch
Certified Prevention Specialist
Taysa found a love for Prevention through her work in developing, launching, and coordinating peer-based, Youth Leadership Programs for Vermont and New Hampshire youth who struggle with addiction, either themselves or within their family unit. She has seen first-hand the need and benefits of prevention, specifically in our youth, and is excited to be working with a team with the same goals and passion as hers. In addition to her work as a Certified Prevention Specialist with PW!VT, also works in the field of recovery as a Certified Recovery Coach supporting youth in Windsor and Sullivan Counties.
Taysa deeply enjoys creating sustainable programming and bringing new resources to her community. When she isn’t working, Taysa loves traveling, exploring new places, and coed softball.
Beth Shrader
Director of Programming
Beth has worked in the substance misuse prevention field in Vermont since 2004, starting as the Director of the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition. Before joining PW! VT as a full-time staff member in July 2023, Beth worked for PW! VT has been a consultant for two and a half years. As the Director of Programs, she coordinates workforce and professional development projects, networking opportunities, and other programming. Beth is also the principal of a consulting organization serving non-profit organizations in the Northeast whose clients include hospitals and health services organizations, law enforcement agencies, local government, as well as substance abuse prevention coalitions. Beth holds a degree from Rutgers University and attended North Carolina State University.
Our Steering Committee
Jessica Bickford
Coalition Coordinator
Healthy Lamoille Valley
Matt Wollf
Senior Associate for Youth Empowerment
Vermont Afterschool
Emily Zanleoni
Director
Hartford Community Coalition
Nick Tatakis
Prevention Consultant
State of Vermont – DSU
Maryann Morris
Executive Director
The Collaborative
Mahat Abdullahi
Prevention Network Manager
United Way of Northwest Vermont
Carolyn Towne
Prevention Director
NVRH
Sara Stearns
Prevention Director
RRMC