We are proud of our team of talented professionals who work every day to provide excellent service. Get to know them here!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Teresa Pittarelli Dzilenski has worked in the non-profit sector for over 50 years. She began at age 17 as an adult literacy tutor, taught on a Native American reservation for 20 years, developed community programs for VISTA/AmeriCorps, did agricultural outreach for cooperative extension programs, and community engagement for a refugee and immigrant resettlement agency. She holds bachelor’s degrees in English as well as Plant Science and a master’s degree in Education with specialized focus in agriculture and technology. She is the proud mom of three children who practice in the fields of law and fine art. She looks forward to helping the mature worker gain new skills and find meaningful employment on behalf of Associates for Training and Development in the Central New York region.
More information coming soon!
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!
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!
Throughout my career I have always been in relationship building positions. I enjoy outreach, communication, problem solving and connecting people with the best sources for a positive outcome. I enjoy hands on working in the community making a difference.
When not working you can find me reading, outside walking my best friend Louie, biking, paddleboarding, kayaking or playing pickleball. I enjoy travel to Denver & Boston to see my sons as well.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Heather has over 10 years of experience working in insurance and customer service. Her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and integrity led to an office management position. She prides herself helping people and always putting forth her best effort.
When she’s not working, Heather enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two kids.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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).
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.
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.
Alex Fizz is an experienced nonprofit leader dedicated to fostering inclusive, resilient communities through strategic program development and leadership. As an executive director, program leader, and consultant, he has collaborated with community impact organizations to drive sustainable growth, strengthen boards, and implement impactful initiatives. With expertise in program design and social-emotional learning, he brings a relationship-focused, innovation-driven approach to empowering individuals and organizations.
Alex believes workforce development is rooted in resilience, growth, and dignity. He is honored to step into the role of CEO and build upon A4TD’s legacy of empowering individuals through meaningful workforce development. Together, this team will continue to foster innovation and opportunity, ensuring that every individual served discovers a pathway to success.
Alex has two young children and lives in Washington D.C. with his partner, Raquel. He enjoys hiking, traveling and playing trivia.
1-800-439-3307 | 1-802-524-3200 | info@a4td.org
© 2025 Associates for Training & Development | A4TD is an equal opportunity employer that administers equal opportunity programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Free language access assistance is also available. Send an email to jquinn@a4td.org if you are need of these services. Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.
EO Officer contact information: John Quinn, VP of Administration and EO Officer; 3 Champlain Commons, Suite 2, St. Albans, VT 05478; 800-349-3307 x125 or TDD/TTY Relay 771; jquinn@a4td.org.
A4TD is a proud partner of the American Job Center Network.
Site by Scout Digital
Welcome current program participants! Enter your password for the A4TD Resource Portal.
OOPS! THAT PASSWORD IS INCORRECT, PLEASE TRY AGAIN.
