Who We Are - ​Board of Directors

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 Co-Chairs, Cassidy Hooker ([email protected]) Lindsay Looney   ([email protected]) .​

Board Members
Cassidy Hooker
Lindsay Looney
Michelle Downing
Carla Francis
Ally Shea
​Laura Star
Kate Matthews
Ann Alford
Kelsey Mousin

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Heather LaRocca, The Children's Room Director

 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 until the fall of 2021, when she took on the role of Director of The Children's Room. 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.

Carla Francis

While 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. ​

Kate Matthews

I was first aware of The Children's Room when I was pregnant and went to the Spring clothing sale, where I was greeted with such warmth - and got some great baby swag! Since then my son and I have become regulars in the room, nature explorations, and other annual events. My stepson even joined the nature crew on a hike during frigid February break. The parents I've met at TCR have quickly become my local community. I work part-time as a mental health therapist for youth and families, and TCR fits perfectly with my viewpoint that supported, healthy parents raise healthy, well-adjusted kids. It's important to me to give back some of the support and positivity my family and I have gained from being involved with TCR. ​

Laura Star
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Hi! I’m Laura, and I’m pumped to be part of The Children’s Room   board. I started bringing my son to "The Room" and TCR  events soon after he was born and fell in love with the space and community. As a parent and longtime fan of TCR’s events, programs, and the magic of “The Room” itself, joining the   board  felt like a natural step. I’ve experienced firsthand the impact this organization has on families — creating a welcoming, inclusive space that supports connection, creativity, and growth for both kids and caregivers. Professionally, I work in marketing and operations for small businesses and nonprofits, and I’m excited to bring that lens to supporting TCR’s mission. When I’m not working or parenting, I love being outside, exploring Vermont, and sharing good food and laughter with friends and family. I’m looking forward to contributing to this vibrant and essential community space!

Ally Shea

Hi! 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!

​Michelle Downing

Hi! 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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Kelsey Mousin

Hi! I’m Kelsey Mousin and I am a resident of Moretown. The Children’s Room and all of the programming associated with it were a true beacon while navigating life as a parent. As a new mother, I was so incredibly lucky to have a community resource and space that was so accessible and reliable for not only my children’s well-being, but for my own. I am excited to be on the board so that I can serve the young children in our communities and hopefully see them again during their middle school years at Crossett Brook where I teach Spanish and World Cultures!

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