Leadership
Meet the
Age Well Team
We are Age Well – the leading experts and advocates for the aging population of Northwestern Vermont. As a nonprofit, we are governed by a Board of Directors. Age Well has 70 employees and more than 1,000 volunteers.
Board of Directors
Sarah Gentry Tischler (President)
Community Supporter – St. George
The pace of life continues to accelerate, and the need to preserve and enhance meaningful and positive connections among all generations, but especially for our seniors, is critical. Serving on the Board of Age Well offers a unique opportunity to help raise up the quality of life for ‘those who raised us’! I am pleased to be able to apply my professional and non-profit experience in supporting this work, all at an exciting and transformative time for the organization.
Meagan Buckley (Vice President)
President and CEO, Wake Robin – Shelburne
Age Well provides a tremendous level of service for our aging Vermonters in their homes and connecting them to crucial resources, and I’m excited to be part of their continued innovative work to come.
Leah Zeigler (Treasurer)
Director of Finance & Human Capital Management, Champlain Investment Partners – Shelburne
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of Age well and to give back to our aging neighbors who have bravely paved the way for my generation and future generations to come. As the proud wife of an Army Veteran who currently serves in the Vermont Army National Guard, I am honored to support Vermont’s aging Veterans through Age Well’s admirable mission.
Liz Gamache (Secretary)
President & CEO, Lund – St. Albans
I’m passionate about supporting Vermonters of all ages to lead meaningful lives. As we age, our needs and desires change and Age Well understands this. I’m honored to support the Age Well mission to support and inspire confident aging!
George Beato
Community Supporter – South Burlington
Now that I am working part time, I have some extra time to be able to give back to the community.
Patrick Brown, PhD
Executive Director, Greater Burlington Multicultural Resource Center – Burlington
I joined the board of Age Well to support the outstanding work already being done, and to bring a diverse lens from our increasingly diverse community.
Vijay Desai
Business & Technology Innovator – South Burlington
I joined the Age Well Board because I believe in empowering older Vermonters to live with dignity, independence, and connection. Through my work in consulting and nonprofit education, I’ve seen how access to resources transforms lives. Age Well’s mission resonates deeply with my values of equity, inclusion, and community impact, and I’m honored to help strengthen services that support confident aging across Vermont.
Jodi Frei
Healthcare & Community Care Leader – Georgia
I am honored to be a part of Age Well as a member of its Board of Directors. As a healthcare professional with a clinical, quality and population health background, I hold a deep appreciation for Age Well’s commitment to provide diverse, personalized services that allow our fellow Vermonters to age safely and happily at home. I have witnessed the positive impact Age Well makes and am excited to play a role in this organization’s mission and vision.
John Hammer
Community Supporter – Shelburne
After a full life as a career naval officer and marketing executive, I still have a lot to give and where better than with Age Well. Here I can help my fellow community members live out their lives in a fulfilled, happy, and healthy manner with dignity.
Dan McLean
Manager – Outsourced Operations, HealthEquity – Westford
Growing up in Essex I learned what a wonderful place Vermont is to live, and coming back to Vermont as an adult I have learned that it can also be a challenging place to stay. Now that I have a career in finance and operations, I know how important it is for the numbers to support the goals and mission of an organization. I am excited to join the Age Well board to support Vermont’s aging population and provide the services needed to maximize the benefits of living in our community.
Glenn McRae
Director, NE Transportation Workforce Center at University of Vermont – Burlington
Building age-friendly communities is essential to a sustainable future for Vermont. I welcome the opportunity to join the learning community of the Age Well Board to contribute my personal and professional experiences to strengthen and advance the organization’s mission. Advancing an asset-based approach to aging has the potential to pay dividends for Vermonters and Vermont.
Susan Murray
Community Supporter – Burlington
During a 40 year career as a lawyer, I worked with many clients (including many LGBTQ+ clients), helping them to plan for death and disability; that work helped me to understand some of the financial, social, and emotional stressors facing older Vermonters. The services that Age Well provides are crucial to helping Vermont seniors stay healthy and safe, and I am glad to be a part of this excellent organization.
Paul Reiss, MD, FAAFP
Physician Founding Partner Emeritus, Evergreen Health – Williston
Age Well is a critical resource assisting so many Vermonters to “age in place”. I am fortunate to have had a fulfilling career of 40 years as a Family Medicine doctor and have seen Age Well help so many of my patients and their families receive critical services supporting their safety, health and dignity. In retirement now, I am eager to assist Age Well in oversight, development and expansion of its robust range of services.
Sarah Russell
Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Intuit Inc – Burlington
I am very interested in the mission of Age Well. As well, the Age Well Board of Directors appears to be highly functioning and this is an important criteria for me when looking for a board to serve.
Craig Stevens
Public Health & Aging Advocate – Castleton
Age Well is rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our older Vermont community; the organization believes in empowering older adults to live with dignity and independence. As a Board member, I am dedicated to advocating for an organization that supports Vermont values which emphasize self-reliance, practicality, strong community ties, and a deep appreciation for independent thinking and resilience.
Age Well’s Leadership Team
I believe Age Well’s mission provides so many important services for those need. When I’m in the field- delivering Meals on Wheels or accompanying our Care and Service team on home visits, I see and feel our client’s deep appreciation, which is heart- warming and so gratifying. We are making a difference in their lives and that motivates me every day!
On numerous occasions, I’ve been in conversations in the community about working at Age Well. I’ve only heard sincere praises and heartfelt thanks for how Age Well has made their life better. Even if indirectly, I know I’m making a difference for aging Vermonters through my work at Age Well and for that I am grateful.
I believe in the Age Well mission, the impact and difference we make in people’s live. The organization’s steadfast purpose coupled with a strong commitment to community makes it a fantastic place to be a part of, whether it’s through volunteerism, or work.
I am incredibly proud of the work Age Well does within our community and am so honored to contribute to its mission. Age Well’s vision aligns deeply with my own values, and I am passionate about supporting both our staff and clients. After 10 years with the agency, I am both excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Director of Resource Navigation.
We all deserve to have the resources we need to live as fully as possible. I love supporting our volunteers who give so much of their time and energy to helping older Vermonters live well!
I have always been passionate about supporting our community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. I am inspired by the supports available within our communities and I am committed to ensuring access to resources. I made a promise to myself to strive to bridge gaps within the system and the resources to promote not only equity for our older Vermonters but also emotional, physical, and overall well-being for everyone we serve. I am grateful for the opportunity to follow my passion, support our community, work along an amazing team, and enhance the well-being of others as the Director of Case Management.
I am so proud to work in an organization that exemplifies its commitment to Older Vermonters every day. As Age Well’s Nutrition & Wellness Director, I believe it is so very important that people have healthy, nutritious food options to support their personal health management and lifestyle choices. I feel fulfilled every time I hear of an older Vermonter that has accessed services through Age Well’s assistance and then to learn how those services enabled them to truly embrace aging and continue to participate in their community!
I am passionate about supporting Older Vermonters and dedicated to advancing the mission of Age Well. With a decade of experience as an Advanced Critical Care EMT, I’ve had the privilege of assisting many older adults in Northern New York State and Vermont. My expertise includes helping individuals navigate essential technology, empowering them to stay connected and engaged.
By combining my healthcare background with my knowledge of IT services, I understand how technology can enhance non-profit effectiveness and help older adults access the resources they need to maintain their independence and well-being. I’m excited to apply this expertise to support Vermont’s aging population and ensure they receive the care they deserve.
My job is to tell people all over Vermont about the amazing services that Age Well provides and the positive impact it has on the people we serve. I know every day that I am making a big difference in the life of an older adult. It’s poetic justice that I get to do what used to get me in trouble in school — talk a lot!
As a 20-year fundraising professional, I have worked on behalf of organizations that serve both children and our aging population. People often ask me, ‘How do you ask people for money, isn’t it difficult?’, my response is always the same – it is only difficult if you are not passionate about the cause and the beneficiaries of your ask. I have been extremely fortunate to work with people and organizations that truly make a difference to those who need us most in our community and I feel lucky to be a part of something that is truly life changing.
I am honored to be part of an organization that makes such a measurable difference in people’s lives. Age Well’s mission fuels my passion to give back to our community and ensure older Vermonters have access to the services they need and deserve.
With my background in business development, I understand the strategic roles fundraising and relationship-building play in driving organizational sustainability and growth. I am excited to apply my skills and expertise—along with a dash of creativity—to Age Well’s major gifts program and to help plan for future giving opportunities.
Age Well’s Advisory Council
Sarah Smith Conroy (Council Chair)
Retired Department Chair, Teacher, Coach and Community Supporter
Age Well’s mission and programs allow me to participate in my community in a new and insightful way beyond my decades long association with both the COTS and CROPWALK (CWS) organizations. I am so grateful for Age Well and appreciate serving as a Meals on Wheels delivery person, a Friendly Visitor and a member of the Advisory Council.
Janis Appel
Social Worker, State of Vermont (Retired) –Franklin County
The hopes and needs of individuals and families across the lifetime require different interventions as life changes and people age, yet they remain the same. I experienced this personally when I retired from my professional role of social worker with children and families to be my husband’s primary caregiver. Age Well was a caring member of our team. I am glad to have this opportunity to both honor his memory and to support my community by helping people of all ages, abilities and need to be safe, secure and able to live meaningful lives.
Christine Baldwin
Founder, Redhead Media –Colchester
After returning to Vermont in 2018 and looking for ways to volunteer in the community, I was fortunate to find opportunities with Age Well through Meals on Wheels. For the past five years, I have truly enjoyed working alongside the Age Well staff and meeting the remarkable clients we serve each day.
Serving seniors in the community has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am grateful to now bring that experience and perspective to the Advisory Council.
Mark Chadurjian
Principal, ClearPath IP Law – Burlington
As an active volunteer, I have seen the difference Age Well makes in its ongoing, energetic support of seniors. I look forward to applying those volunteer experiences, as well as my professional skills, to assist the Advisory Council in its efforts to support Age Well’s programming.
Allison Joyal-Silveria
Vermont Center for Independent Living, Meals on Wheels Coordinator
Vermont is one of only three states in the nation that offers Meals on Wheels to people younger than sixty years who have disabilities. I am honored and proud to represent disabled Vermonters through Vermont Center for Independent Living as the Meals on Wheels Coordinator. I have spent 35 years in human services, first as a nurse, then a housing counselor, and case manager. I am very devoted to serving and advocating for those with a need in these beautiful Green Mountains.
Joan Lenes
Former Vermont State Representative –Shelburne
I believe in the mission of Age Well and value its role in the community. I want to do my part as an advocate for this group of citizens.
Allyan Rivera
Diplomate, American Board of Examiners Clinical Social Work (Retired) –Burlington
Jeff Smith
Senior Vice President of Lending, NorthCountry Federal Credit Union –Burlington
I chose to serve because many of our seniors are among our most vulnerable, and Age Well is deeply committed to supporting them. If I can play even a small role in strengthening that work, it is absolutely worth it.
Chea Waters Evans
Vermont State Representative –Charlotte & Hinesburg
Chea Waters Evans is a state representative in the Vermont General Assembly, representing Charlotte, where she lives, and part of Hinesburg. She is Ranking Member of the House Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee and Assistant Majority Leader for Internal Communications.
Previously, she was a local newspaper editor and reporter, covering news and features in Charlotte, Hinesburg, and Shelburne. Chea spent years volunteering at her childrens’ schools, but once they got more grown up, she shifted her focus to aging Vermonters; for almost a decade she’s delivered Meals on Wheels and served Monday Much monthly at the Charlotte Senior Center. She has two sons in college and one in high school.
Vermont is lucky to have such a sizable aging population, and I just adore spending my volunteer time with those folks. I’m excited to combine my volunteer work and legislative work with the Council. I’ve loved and supported this organization for so long and look forward to doing so for years to come.