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 works 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. 

Devon Whelchel
University of Vermont Intern

“Hi, I’m Devon Whelchel, a senior at the University of Vermont studying Psychological Sciences with a minor in Behavior Change Health Studies. Originally from Connecticut, I’m thrilled to join Prevention Works!VT this semester and contribute to their impactful substance misuse prevention efforts.

I look forward to supporting initiatives like Prevention Day in Montpelier, learning from Beth and Taysa about the nonprofit sector, and engaging in marketing, advocacy, and policy work to help spread our mission to support the well-being of our Vermont community.
 
So far in my professional experience, I have had the privilege of working directly with diverse and vulnerable populations, including children and teens with mental health diagnoses and disabled older adults. These experiences have only deepened my passion for supporting people to effect positive change and fostering healthier communities.

Outside work and school, I enjoy crafting, skiing, yoga, cooking, and spending time with my friends, dog, and cats.

Beth Shrader
Director of Programs

             

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 as 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

Prevention Works!VT is guided by leaders in Vermont’s substance misuse prevention community

Jessica Bickford

Coalition Coordinator
Healthy Lamoille Valley

Matt Wollf

Senior Associate for Youth Empowerment
Vermont Afterschool

Emily Zanleoni

Director
Hartford Community Coalition

Tom Fontana

Alcohol, Cannabis and other Drugs Initiative Manager, UVM

Nick Tatakis

Prevention Consultant
State of Vermont – DSU

Maryann Morris

Executive Director
The Collaborative

Mahat Abdullahi

Prevention Works Manager
United Way of Northwest Vermont

Elisha Underwood

Director
West River Valley Thrives

Mariah Flynn

Coalition Director
The Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community