Who We Are - Board of Directors
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The Children's Room Board of Directors is made up of Central Vermont parents who care about the future of our community and the children in it. If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors, please reach out to our Board Chair, Danielle Arsenault at [email protected].
Board Members
Danielle Arsenault Melissa Crosa Michelle Downing Carla Francis Ally Shea Laura Star |
Heather LaRocca, The Children's Room Director
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Heather moved to Duxbury in the fall of 2018, when her oldest child started Kindergarten at Brookside Primary School. She first frequented "The Room” with her two younger children, going to the weekly Music and Movement class and then stopping by the cafeteria after to have lunch with her son. Heather has loved the chance to connect with other parents, caregivers and families in the area, as well as engage in the programming offered. In the spring of 2019, Heather joined The Children’s Room board and served as board co-chair for the last year and a half. She has loved helping to steer the organization, as well as getting in the mix with kids and programs. Heather says that The Children's Room has been a boon for her and her family in building community, and an important way to contribute and connect in the Waterbury area. She loves her role in the organization and helping The Children’s Room continue to support and connect children and families in Central Vermont.
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Danielle Arsenault, Board Chair
I was happy to join the Children’s Room Board after years of participating in hosted events and being a frequent visitor to “The Room” at Brookside that it made sense to officially become a part of the TCR Community. The room, the events, the people who make up this organization have created such an outlet and resource for parents, caregivers and families to come together, fostering connectivity and experiences not only for our children but for the adults raising them. Having this local organization has impacted my family in such a positive light, I felt the need to give back and support TCR’s ongoing purpose of providing safe, fun, and developmental programs and activities promoting an overall feeling of togetherness and acceptance in our community and beyond. Hope to see you out there!
I was happy to join the Children’s Room Board after years of participating in hosted events and being a frequent visitor to “The Room” at Brookside that it made sense to officially become a part of the TCR Community. The room, the events, the people who make up this organization have created such an outlet and resource for parents, caregivers and families to come together, fostering connectivity and experiences not only for our children but for the adults raising them. Having this local organization has impacted my family in such a positive light, I felt the need to give back and support TCR’s ongoing purpose of providing safe, fun, and developmental programs and activities promoting an overall feeling of togetherness and acceptance in our community and beyond. Hope to see you out there!
Carla FrancisWhile I could never give back to The Children's Room what it gives to my family, I'm excited to join the Board and help continue the legacy of supporting families with young children. My two little boys have attended every type of event offered by TCR and played in "The Room" hundreds of times--and counting. My goal as a volunteer is to ensure that children and their caretakers have access to these opportunities for generations to come. Outside of The Room you might see me biking, cross country skiing, or patronizing our many wonderful cafes.
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Melissa CrosaI started attending TCR programming in 2021 with my then one year old and found it to be such a lovely way to connect with families in the area. My family has enjoyed the Nature Explorations, spending time playing in the room, the music classes, and the many events that TCR puts on. I joined the board in 2023 in the hopes of contributing to this amazing resource and giving back some of what my family has gained from it. In 2014, I came to Vermont to study Early Childhood Education as an Undergrad, and stayed for my Master's degree in Educational Administration. I fell in love with all that Vermont has to offer and eventually found myself in Waterbury raising my children. I can't imagine a more perfect place for my growing family and look forward to connecting with all of the parents and caregivers in our community through The Children's Room.
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Laura Star
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Ally SheaHi! I’m Ally Shea, and I happily joined the board after about 2 years of frequently visiting the Children’s Room and attending countless programming available through the Children’s Room. I grew up right here in Waterbury, and I’m so excited to be able to support this wonderful community in this way. I taught PE and Health in our district for 9 years before stepping away to raise my two young children at home. I’ve been taking on care for several other local children while home with my two, and we get out into the community every day. I’m hoping to continue building community and support for young families and children. It’s not often you’ll see me without my crew of kids, but when you do, you might find me doing pottery, skiing, camping, or enjoying live music. Cheers!
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Michelle DowningHi! My name is Michelle Downing and I am stoked to be part of the TCR board. My family moved to Waterbury in 2022 with a young toddler in tow and were looking to meet new friends. We were lucky to stumble upon The Children's Room through a Front Porch Forum posting, and the rest is history. TCR has been such an incredible addition to our weekly routine, especially Music & Movement as well as weekend programming, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to give back through being part of the team and meeting so many other wonderful families in our community. When not at TCR, you can find me at my day job in paper sales or trying to figure out how to get a 2.5 year old to love the outdoors as much as I do. Look forward to meeting everyone at the next event!
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