Heidi

Executive Director
"My name is Heidi Lacey and I am the Executive Director here at Charter House. I’ve enjoyed living in Vermont most of my life; I grew up in the great Upper Valley touring back roads, haying in the summer and sticking close to a fire with a good book or family in the cold winter months. And you guessed it, I prefer warm weather over the cold always.

I am the proud mother of three incredibly bright, kind, fun and loyal children, and am surrounded by an extended family of very dear siblings, in-laws and one energetic grandchild that refers to me as his 'Bahmah.'

My work with Charter House has proven to be the most challenging, yet enlightening endeavor I’ve experienced. This is not a job to me; the people I meet, work with and serve have further encouraged my drive and passion to advocate for all persons in need. Whether it is a houseless person, a Middlebury College intern, a family of 5 in need of referral services, a volunteer from our local faith community or any one of our small staff of amazing colleagues that I spend the majority of my time with, I feel blessed daily to be a part of such interesting, capable, compassionate and resilient people! I love the mission of our work and live to 'see the good'."

Jennifer

Community Advocate
"I am a Middlebury resident who loves getting to know people in the community and finding ways to live and work better together. I spend my time reading, going to movies and trivia night at the Marquis, and spending time drinking coffee with friends and laughing with my family and at my cats.

Annie

Essential Services
"I recently moved back to Vermont after spending several years in Massachusetts, attending school. After earning my bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College, I moved to Boston and studied at Boston University School of Theology, earning my Master of Divinity with a concentration in community chaplaincy. I spent 3 years working with outdoor faith communities made up mostly of people experiencing homelessness. I am thrilled to be a part of the Charter House family, building relationships with our guests and staff and the larger community. I am the mother of 2 sons, Casey and Aidan, and grandmother of 4, all of whom bring me so much joy."

Jessica

Outreach & Housing Case Manager
"My name is Jessica, and I am a housing case manager here at Charter House. A graduate from Castleton University, I was able to pursue my passion for education and working with the community. I grew up in VT and currently own and operate a farm in Rutland County, consisting of a little of everything from sheep to peacocks. Traveling is difficult with a farm to run, but when I can get away, I love visiting with my nephews, going to concerts, and just getting out there to experience new things. Charter House has provided me with a job that I love and with opportunities to grow. Charter House’s mission encompasses what I am passionate about and allows me to help the community."

Katy

Outreach & Transitional Housing Case Manager
"Hi, my name is Katy and I am the Outreach & Transitional Housing Case Manager. I was born and raised in Rutland County. I have 4 cats and 2 dogs. I also have 5 nephews that I spoil from time to time. I love watching my nephews' sporting events! I graduated from Castleton University with a degree in Social Work. I love working at Charter House because I believe in the values and I am part of a team that cares for our community."

Savanna

Coordinated Entry Admin
"I grew up in New Mexico and Delaware. I spent a couple years at Castleton University and graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Human Services: Administration and Family Policy and a minor in Sociology. Post-college I primarily worked at youth residential settings and gained experience in working with people. In the year and a half that I have been at Charter House, I have experienced an immense amount of growth, not only within myself, but within the organization itself. This is a place of acceptance and we do our best to meet people where they are at. I love being able to interact with the guests on a daily bases and helping to create an environment of trust and comfort, especially on the days where there is a lot of emotion in the household. I live close to Middlebury, VT with my two kitties Binx and Mona Lisa who keep me great company. In my free time I enjoy being cuddled up with them or exploring outside."

Frankie

Overnight Team
"Hello to all! My name is Efrain Rivera and I love working at the Charter House. I was raised in the south Bronx and I too used to be on the path of being homeless. I love giving back and helping others. I'm currently living in Vermont and I have three beautiful little girls. I'm 50 years old and doing my best to help all. God bless.”

Click here to learn more about Frankie's story

Faye

Overnight Team
"I like to think of my life as a quilt; every square unique. Some are embroidered, some beaded, some crocheted. Some are appliquéd, some painted, some adorned with ribbon. Each one represents a story, a memory, or a person that touched my life. Over the years Charter House has contributed many beautiful squares to my life's quilt. Thank you for the experiences!"​