Nicole Aldous, Records Specialist III
Nicole is passionate about learning and helping others. Prior to joining the Northern Lights team, she worked as a purchaser for a local hardware store where she processed documents and managed filing systems. Nicole’s first introduction to Vermont Education was when she worked as a Para Educator and Substitute. Nicole loves working in education and with record systems which led her to find the perfect position as a record specialist. She is truly excited to be a part of the Northern Lights team. When she isn’t working, you’ll find Nicole camping, kayaking, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband and son.
Elke Billig, Records Specialist III
Elke is excited to be part of Northern Lights at CCV team. She has a diverse employment history, with holding many administrative positions throughout her career, which has provided her with a wealth of experience. With her team-oriented, “can do” approach, she is always looking for ways to collaborate and find innovative solutions. Originally from the Netherlands, Elke attended college in her home country before moving to the United States with her husband. Her international experiences have not only broadened her horizons but also enriched her understanding of different cultures and perspectives, which she brings to her professional life. Elke’s traveling journey has been one of growth and discovery. She cherishes the friendships she has made along the way and is always open to learning from others. She values spending time with her family and has an interest in sports, enjoying both playing and watching them.
Ammie Collins, Resource Advisor
Ammie is passionate about helping others reach their goals, whether it be educational, career, or personal. She takes pleasure in mentoring professionals as they make their journey through the field of early childhood education. Prior to coming to Northern Lights, Ammie operated a registered and licensed home child care program for 26 years, working directly with children ages infant through school age. She holds an AS in Early Childhood Education and the Vermont Program Director Credential. Additionally, she brings with her a vast knowledge of home-based family child care. In her free time, she enjoys camping, vacationing in Florida, and spending time with her family, especially her 4 grandchildren.
Laura Dailey, Registry Manager
Laura Dailey is a dedicated professional and lifelong learner. Prior to joining Northern Lights, she served as an Assistant Town Clerk where she managed public records, supported the Select Board, coordinated special projects, and trained colleagues on new systems and software. Laura earned an Office Technology certificate from Randolph Vocational Center and both an Associate of Science degree in Accounting and an Associate of Science degree in Behavioral Science from the Community College of Vermont (CCV). She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree through VTSU. Throughout her career, Laura has held a variety of administrative, customer service, and educational support roles. At CCV, she has served as a tutor, mentor, exam proctor, and office support professional, while also assisting students with learning technologies such as Canvas. Her commitment to student engagement led her to develop and facilitate an art journaling workshop for students and community members. In recognition of her leadership, service, and innovation, she was awarded a CCV Leadership Scholarship. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Laura is a wife, mother of three, and proud “Mema” of five. She enjoys homesteading, gardening, food preservation, hunting, fishing, foraging, and artistic pursuits. Whether in her career, community, or personal life, Laura is passionate about learning, teaching, and creating meaningful connections with others.
Tia Fotion, Resource Advisor
Tia Fotion is passionate about helping others! She enjoys building relationships with individuals and families she works with, meeting them where they are at and helping them reach their goals. Tia joins Northern Lights from 25+ years working with young children and their families, most recently in a Parent Child Center setting. She started her journey in ECE working with infants and toddlers, then preschoolers, including a Montessori school. Tia holds a bachelor of science degree in family studies, with a concentration in early education at The University of New Hampshire. She enjoys walks with her dog and spending time with family and friends in her free time.
Jessica Giles, Records Specialist III
Jessica has spent most of her career working in higher education as an administrative professional. Before joining Northern Lights, she found joy and deep satisfaction helping students at the University of Missouri in Testing Services, and then at Goddard College as Records & Enrollment Administrator. She holds a B.A. in Global Studies with a concentration in Intercultural Communication from Warren Wilson College, and she is a TEFL certified teacher. When not working, you will find Jessica at her sewing machine, or with a needle and thread in her hand and her dog at her feet.
Becky Millard, Director
Becky is passionate about systems! Throughout her career, she’s served in a variety of roles that benefit the lives of children and families. Becky worked in the greater Boston area as a preschool teacher, music teacher, preschool director, and eventually as director of child care programming for a YMCA in Newton, MA. Since moving to Vermont in 2009, she has served in several leadership roles including four years as regional coordinator for Central Vermont Building Bright Futures. Becky received her undergraduate degrees in psychology and music from Smith College and her master of education degree in early childhood education and creative arts in learning from Lesley University. She holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Marlboro College Graduate School and was a member of the inaugural class of the Snelling Center for Government Early Childhood Leadership Institute. In her free time, Becky enjoys working on projects with many local theatre companies.
Tiffany Miller, Registration and Outreach Specialist
Tiffany is passionate about helping people achieve their goals. Prior to joining the Northern Lights team she worked as a records specialist for a local insurance company and was a recording secretary for Washington County School boards. Tiffany has had the opportunity to live in and travel to many places throughout the country, growing up as the child of a career military service member. Her mother, an educator, taught her the love of learning and supporting education. Tiffany holds a bachelors degree in history, and claims she’ll finish her master’s “one day”. Currently, she spends most of her time relaxing with her family, traveling, and crafting.
Deb Norris, Senior Administrative Assistant
Deb is passionate about helping people grow and learn! She has spent the majority of her professional career doing just that in various roles: whether caring for young children, assisting families in navigating the college financial aid process or most recently planning and executing diversity recruitment and yield events for UVM admissions. Deb holds a B.S. degree in Psychology focusing on developmental psychology. She’s excited to be part of the Northern Lights at CCV team assisting them in their work with early childhood and afterschool professionals – a field that has always been close to Deb’s heart. Deb was born and raised in Vermont and currently resides in Colchester with her spouse, two boys, and beloved kitty. She enjoys being outside especially in the summer and taking Spin classes and Body Pump classes at the gym. You can often find Deb on the side lines of a soccer field watching her younger boy’s youth soccer games or watching her oldest in his bouldering and rock climbing competitions!
Brendan Rooney, Resource Advisor
After spending the better part of a decade in Early Childhood Education, Brendan is excited to be a part of Northern Lights at CCV, where he helps teachers gain access to high quality professional development. Brendan holds an B.A. in Anthropology from Purchase College, with a concentration in ethnomusicology. Brendan has lived with his partner in VT since 2018, and now lives in the Burlington area, where he is an active part of the local music scene. He enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Vermont, and especially enjoys biking and roller-skating along the waterfront.
Joanne Rouleau, Senior Resource Advisor
With thirty years’ experience as an educator, Joanne cultivates a focus on leadership and mentoring. She holds a master of education degree from Trinity College and a bachelor of elementary education from the University of Vermont. Her background includes seven years’ focus on early education, working in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms. Her direct service background in both center-based programs and elementary schools paired with her experience mentoring others is a terrific foundation for her work as a Resource Advisor with Northern Lights at CCV. In her free time, Joanne enjoys outdoor adventures in the mountains and on the water.
Amelia Struthers, Curriculum Manager
Amelia is a passionate advocate for early childhood and afterschool professionals. She has more than thirty years of experience working with children, families, and professionals. Amelia has taught and directed preschool, elementary, and afterschool programs; taught and directed children’s theatre; and is a highly qualified adult instructor including work as faculty at CCV. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College. Amelia is also an award-winning children’s musician and storyteller, improv comedian, performance artist and plays in a singer/songwriting duo with her husband.
Adri Taylo-Behrman, Senior Resource Advisor
Adri is passionate about helping people find their ideal professional pathway. Prior to joining the Northern Lights at CCV team, she worked as outreach coordinator for the Vermont Child Care Industry and Careers Council (VCCICC). She is eager to continue working with early childhood and afterschool professionals, including those seeking non-traditional pathways toward degrees and credentials. Adri is a CCV alumna, earning her associate degree in Early Childhood Education followed by a bachelor of Liberal Arts from degree from Johnson State College’s External Degree Program. She has deep experience balancing work, school, and family commitments and is thrilled to bring her knowledge and experience to the Northern Lights team. Adri moved to Vermont 24 years ago and enjoys spending time outside, and playing ping pong.