Bio and picture coming soon!
Contact Darrin RobinsonMeet the A4TD Team
We are proud of our team of talented professionals who work every day to provide excellent service. Get to know them here!
In the Field!
Darrin Robinson
Career Navigator (CT)
Dawn Offerman
Career Navigator (Maine East)
I have spent most of my adult life in service to the public. My journey to A4TD has been a long and interesting one starting in California working in jails and prisons leading me to Alaska where I was the Director/President of a nonprofit Faith Based Outreach and Rehabilitation Center. Working on the streets of Alaska was challenging and rewarding. My next stop was Oregon where I ran, in the capacity of Director/President, another faith-based nonprofit on a 300 acre working ranch which catered to the rehabilitation of alcoholics and the drug addicted. We specialized in the repair of families who suffered the ravages of both. I look forward to what I can contribute to A4TD and the great people of Maine.
Contact Dawn OffermanMargo Hanlon
Career Navigator (ME West)
I am a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in management, training, service delivery, and data management. My career has been marked by a dedication to improving operations and delivering exceptional services to the community. This journey led me to A4TD where I can work with Maine seniors to empower their lives. Spending time exploring nature is one of my favorite past-times, next to off-road technical climbs and trail riding. My quieter side enjoys cooking, reading and watercolor painting.
Contact Margo HanlonClinton Parker
Career Navigator (NY Western)
Clinton Parker (he/they) brings broad experience in social services, advocacy, and community engagement to their work. They have supported individuals through complex transitions as a medical caseworker for refugees and in roles assisting those with disabilities and experiencing homelessness. Clinton has worked in both direct services to secure housing for clients and in leadership to prioritize vulnerable populations and streamline housing referrals.
A skilled educator, Clinton facilitates workshops on group facilitation, conflict mediation, leadership, trauma stewardship, and anti-oppression. They are dedicated to fostering inclusive communities and empowering others to collaborate and create sustainable change. With a background in community organizing and intentional community building, Clinton excels at uniting people to create equitable environments.
Outside of work Clinton is a passionate crafter and writer of fiction and non-fiction, reflecting his belief in the power of storytelling and creativity to inspire growth and connection.
Contact Clinton ParkerMelanie Streeter
Career Navigator (NY Rochester)
Melanie worked for the last eight years as a recruiter for employers in the IT and Healthcare sectors. An Air Force veteran, she also has experience in avionics, public affairs, journalism, and manufacturing (as a machinist). Melanie believes assisting mature workers find their way back into the workforce or shift onto a new career track (as she’s done a few times), is meaningful work that serves a higher purpose. She is an avid nature photographer, a big fan of networking, and likes hiking, biking, and canoeing in her free time.
Contact Melanie StreeterJulius Dixon
Career Navigator (NY Central)
Julius is a highly skilled recruiting professional with over seven years of experience in talent acquisition, employee onboarding, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Throughout his career, he has developed a deep expertise in sourcing, hiring, and retaining top talent, with a focus on fostering inclusive environments and serving diverse communities. His experience spans a variety of sectors, including local trades, construction, and mental health, where he has successfully led recruitment efforts and partnered with industry stakeholders to address workforce needs. Julius is particularly passionate about career development and apprenticeship pathways, consistently driving initiatives that improve employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.
Julius holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix, further strengthening his ability to apply strategic and data-driven approaches to recruitment and human resources management. His professional journey includes notable roles at organizations such as Helio Health and Manpower Group, where he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
Outside of his professional achievements, Julius is dedicated to ongoing personal and professional growth, continuously expanding his knowledge and skills to stay ahead of industry trends.
Contact Julius DixonRita LaFrance
Career Navigator (NY North Country)
More information coming soon!
Contact Rita LaFranceLouise Wyble
Career Navigator (PA North)
Throughout her career, Louise has always found ways to help those in need. Her work in north central Pennsylvania helps job seekers and nonprofit entities on a daily basis. Stop by a bluegrass or country music festival, and you might catch her!
Contact Louise WybleLinda Lord
Career Navigator (PA South)
I started with A4TD in August of 2018 as a SCESP participant assistant in the Altoona PA office. I enjoyed the training and it has offered me the opportunity of my life, as I have been hired by A4TD as the PA South Regional Coordinator. As a senior myself, I feel I am a great example to the A4TD participants that you can get a great job even at an older age, you just have to go for it!
Contact Linda LordRick Smedley
Career Navigator (VT North)
Rick has a professional background in the Textile and Social Service industries. He is passionate about helping mature workers better their lives, and he knows firsthand that the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) does just that. Before becoming a Regional Coordinator, Rick was a participant in SCSEP and the program worked for him! He looks forward to working with the participants and partners.
Contact Rick SmedleyJon Tenney
Project Coordinator
Jon is a bilingual, passionate educator and IT professional with extensive experience in teaching, software development, and user support. He has a master’s degree in teaching, and has particular expertise in virtual training technology. He is active in Toastmasters, and has won awards for public speaking. He makes large vats of Spanish hot chocolate at work, and refuses to give his coworkers the recipe.
Contact Jon Tenney
Leigh Casey
Program and Compliance Coordinator
Since earning her BA in Sociology from SUNY Binghamton Leigh has spent her career supporting children, families, teens, and adults with disabilities in the fields of education, human services and research. Helping others achieve their goals and thrive is her central passion. Beyond work, her joys are family, German Shepherds, hiking, and ringing handbells.
Contact Leigh CaseyPatti Gannon
Director of Programs (NY/VT)
Patti began her career in higher education where she worked as an Academic Advisor and Associate Director at the Boston University School of Management. After Patti moved to Vermont, she began working in the non-profit area in several administrative roles. She spent 7 years as the Associate Director for Global Campuses Foundation, a peer-to-peer lifelong learning opportunity for adults with intellectual and developmental disability. Patti facilitated and administered the daily operations for the organization. She has a passion for working with underserved communities and building community partnerships. Patti holds a BA in English from Bates College and an MA from Boston College in Higher Educational Administration. In her free time, Patti enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and staying active.
Contact Patti GannonJessica Houck
Director of Programs (CT/ME/PA)
After earning her BA in Psychology from Mt. Aloysious College, Jess worked in management in the food service industry where she developed a passion for recruiting and training. She is also a proud “soccer mom” of a dog-loving family with two boys. She enjoys crafting, spending time with family, and watching the Steelers!
Contact Jessica Houck
At the Home Office!
Crystal Woods
Finance Service Assistant
Crystal comes with a 13 year background in education working with children with disabilities. In 2008 she won the Golden Apple Award in special education (only 3 recipients a year) Crystal is a mother of two. Crystal volunteered for 13 years with the Northern Greyhound, she is passionate about dogs. Crystal enjoys walking her dogs, plant collecting and fossil hunting.
Contact Crystal WoodsKathy LaFar
Finance Services Specialist
Kathy is a finance and administrative professional who with lots of experience in payroll and file maintenance. She is an animal lover, and a longtime member of the Vermont State Guard where she currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Contact Kathy LaFarRoss Farnsworth
Data, Compliance and Special Projects Director
Ross brings 13+ years’ experience in operations of long-term care services and servicing older adults to the A4TD team. During his professional career, Ross has worked successfully in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors servicing older adults across the continuum of care: independent living; assisted living; long-term and skilled nursing care; memory support care; home health; and hospice services. He’s customer service oriented, data and compliance driven, and focused on quality assurance and continuous quality improvement. He has experience networking and creating partnerships via the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, and public service.
He resides in St. Johnsbury, Vermont with his family. He enjoys gardening, video games, and spending time with his family and friends.
Contact Ross FarnsworthAmanda Woodley
Data Coordinator
I graduated from McKinley University in 2016 with an A.S in Social Work. I have over 10 years experience working with children and their families, both in the field and in administration. I have 2 teenage daughters. I enjoy reading and shopping on Amazon.
Contact Amanda WoodleyJoe Seftel
Data Specialist
Joe brings an eclectic mix to his work with A4TD, from years in outdoor retail, as a climbing guide, facilitating domestic abuse education programs, family mediation, and conducting conflict resolution sessions.
He also joins our professional staff after being a participant in the program himself, which he finds an asset when communicating with our participants.
When not working, you’ll likely find him in a canoe or on skis somewhere in the woods.
Contact Joe Seftel
Pat Grether
Data Clerk
Pat joins the A4TD team after a successful training experience in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Pat has many talents and experiences during her professional life including as an Office Manager for an insurance agency where she obtained her insurance license, a Branch Manager for a custom window treatment company where she helped customers design their kitchens and window coverings, coordinating Business Expos.
Pat is a mother, grandmother & great grandmother of some awesome humans. Having lived on a dairy farm as a child, she is a friend of most animals, being partial to kittens and baby goats (kids). She thinks they are cute, curious and independent little trouble makers.
Contact Pat GretherAmy Soldavini
Lead Trainer
Amy is a training and information research professional who is passionate about coaching others through their life-long learning journeys. She is a former school librarian with a BA in communications from University of Maryland GC and an MS in School Librarianship from McDaniel College. Parents of two young adults, she and her husband now live in the Finger Lakes of NY. Amy is also a yoga teacher, swim official, and frequently found out on the lake in the boat or jumping headlong into DIY home and garden renovation projects.
Contact Amy Soldavini
Mark Almeter
Trainer
Mark is a seasoned professional who brings to A4TD 20+ years’ experience in Technology, Operations, Project Management, Continuous Improvement, and Training. During his career, Mark held various leadership roles in healthcare and Financial Services. Mark is a senior member of the American Society for Quality and also serves on the Salvation Army Advisory Board of the Greater Rochester area. He holds a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Mark resides in Upstate New York with his lovely wife and entertaining West Highland White Terrier. He enjoys cooking, barbequing, photography, personal finance, and volunteering at his local church and in his community. He is also an avid Red Sox fan!
Contact Mark AlmeterMark Millward
Grants and Information Director
Mark is originally from the United Kingdom and relocated to New Zealand after completing his university studies, where he lived for 13 years before moving to the United States in 1997. With a strong academic background, Mark holds degrees in business and computer science from the UK, as well as an Associate’s degree in Science and Mathematics, a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, and a Master’s degree in the Science of Teaching Mathematics, earned in the US.
As a dedicated grant writing professional, Mark is deeply passionate about helping others succeed. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his work, driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Mark is a proud father of two grown sons, Taine and Aiden. He resides in Massena with his wife, Dorothy, and their five beloved dogs: Heidi, Stella, and Abby (Standard Poodles), Lucy (a Golden Doodle), and Willow (a Schnoodle).
Outside of his professional life, Mark enjoys boating and fishing on the nearby St. Lawrence River and is an enthusiastic soccer coach. A true DIY enthusiast, Mark is often found working on projects at home when he’s not enjoying time on the water.
Contact Mark MillwardRick Bugbee
Vice President of Programs
Everyone says I am the “math guy”, and I do like numbers. I am also a dog lover and an avid Red Sox and Celtics fan. I used to golf a lot but now its just once in a while and it’s not pretty! I have an extensive background in project and operations management, and training program design & delivery. I enjoy building relationships with both for-profit and non-profit community partners with a focus on helping those in under-served communities. I am a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), the National Association for Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), the American Society on Aging (ASA), and the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
Contact Rick BugbeeJohn Quinn
Vice President of Administration
John has professional background in both for-profit and nonprofit administration and operations. His bachelor’s degree is in Finance and Commerce from Rider University and he has extensive expertise in grant, fiscal, and program management. He is a firefighter, a first responder, a father of two, and an accomplished horseman.
Contact John QuinnPat Elmer
President & Chief Executive Officer
Pat’s background is in theatre management and teaching. She transitioned out of teaching to help kids who had dropped out of school transition into stable employment. Then in 1983, there was a growing number of school-to-work programs being developed, so she changed her focus and began to work with the other end of the age spectrum; unemployed workers age 55+, helping them to enter or re-enter the workforce. This is when she founded A4TD (originally known as Vermont Associates for Training and Development)! A4TD was awarded its first federal grant in 1983 to administer the SCSEP and has continued to successfully operate this program ever since. Pat is one of the longest tenured SCSEP advocates in the country. Her Master’s of Science in Administration is from St. Michael’s College, and outside of work Pat loves photography and travelling.
Contact Pat Elmer