New Faces at Vermont Woodlands: Welcome Michelle and Catie!

We’re thrilled to welcome two new members to the Vermont Woodlands Association team — Michelle Rodriguez and Catie Raishart! Their experience, energy, and love of Vermont’s forests will strengthen our ability to support woodland owners and foster a culture of sustainable stewardship across the state.

Meet Michelle:
Hi! I'm Michelle Rodriguez, and I’m supporting VWA as the Office Manager. As a composer and musician, much of my inspiration for creative work comes from walking and hiking in the woods, and I’ve been fortunate to call the forests of central Vermont home on and off since 2014. I’ve worked in nonprofit settings in educational and theatrical capacities, and I’m happy to lend my systems thinking to support VWA’s daily operations while assisting members and the broader community. I love creating processes to make our work smoother — and in my free time, you’ll find me cooking, curled up with a good book, or making music. Although Vermont is a landlocked state, I love surfing! You can listen to my latest music here.

Meet Catie:
Hi! My name is Catie Raishart, and I’m so excited to be joining VWA as the Education and Communications Coordinator (Southern VT). Perhaps I have a familiar face — I’ve served on the Education Committee and the VWA Board, though I stepped down from the board to take on this new role! I bring a varied background in education and small business management, and I currently manage our family’s maple and cut-flower operation, Foxglove Farm, which is also part of the Tree Farm Program. I have three kids who often attend VWA events and three dogs who love the woods as much as we do. I’m a people person (the one chatting with random folks in the checkout line!) and I love how forests give us all a common point of connection. Looking forward to meeting you all!

We’re delighted to have Michelle and Catie on the team — please join us in welcoming them to the Vermont Woodlands community!