Older Vermonters need your help,
Meet our Team: Ally, Annick, and Harry
As we continue to highlight some of our amazing staff members here at Age Well, we would like to introduce you to Ally, Annick, and Harry! We have many team members that you may not see every day, but who are vitally important to our mission to support older Vermonters. Hear directly from these three Age Well staff members and learn more about their roles.
Ally McAuslan
Started at Age Well: March 2018
Job Title: Associate Director of Nutrition & Wellness
Department: Nutrition
What do you love about your job at Age Well?
I love being able to help clients in need and offering them the resources to live as independently as possible.
What do you find challenging?
De-Escalating clients who are going through a hard time is challenging. I think a lot of us can relate to that. While it may be challenging, it’s also something I love about my job. Being able to turn someone’s day from negative to positive is very rewarding.
How would you describe your approach to helping clients?
My role involves a lot of active listening. I try hearing a client out, understanding where they’re coming from, making sure they know I’m on their side, asking how I can help, and following up if necessary.
What would you like more people to know about the work you do?
It’s ever evolving. From meals on wheels route management, ensuring our clients are being fed, and assisting with forming new relationships in the community, I am constantly multitasking and going with the flow of what needs to be done!
Where did you go to college?
University of Vermont, Dietetics and Nutrition Degree
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Colchester, Vermont
What are you doing when you’re not at work?
I enjoy powerlifting, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Annick Pyfferoen
Started at Age Well: August 2003
Job Title: Training & Development Specialist
Department: Operations & Compliance
What do you love about your job at Age Well?
I love sharing knowledge that can help people. I find it fascinating to welcome every new staff that we hire, get to know them and their backgrounds, and get them started with the information they need to find their way into their new job within the agency.
How would you describe your approach to helping clients?
In this position, I am behind the scenes, supporting staff and the agency.
What would you like more people to know about the work you do?
I feel lucky that I get to meet with new employees who comes to the agency, and provide them with the training and support that will allow them to perform at their best.
Where did you go to college?
I have a degree in Speech and Language Pathology from a Belgian school.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Brussels, Belgium. I left at 28 and lived in Montreal for a few years. I have been in the States for about 21 years now. I have been away from Belgium as long as I have lived there.
What are you doing when you’re not at work?
I work out most mornings before work (weight and resistance training, and swimming).
Harry Benoit
Started at Age Well: August 1991
Job Title: Care & Service Coordinator
Department: Care & Service Coordination
What do you love about your job at Age Well?
You never know what each new day will bring to the table.
What do you find challenging?
There is a level of complexity that increases exponentially.
How would you describe your approach to helping clients?
I really believe that you have to put yourself in the person’s shoes and really respect their individuality and wisdom that has gotten them through life so far.
What would you like more people to know about the work you do?
It can be very demanding and there are a lot of pieces that have to come together behind the scenes. It is really important to build and maintain good connections with partnering resource agencies and individuals.
Where did you go to college?
Undergraduate at UVM triple majored in Psychology, Speech and Media Communications. Master’s at Northern VT University (JSU) in Counseling.
Where did you grow up?
Enosburgh/Franklin, VT
What are you doing when you’re not at work?
Raising chickens, ducks, have had goats, calves and hogs. Also chasing my two beagle pups and five cats. Have you ever herded cats? Impossible. Over the years have been on the boards and volunteered for non-profits such as the Opera House at Enosburg Falls and the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization.