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Why is the Board Important?

The VCA board is vital because it ensures the organization stays focused on its mission and operates effectively. Board members bring different skills and perspectives to help make important decisions, set goals, and solve problems. The board also plays a key role in raising awareness and building relationships with donors, community members, and other supporters. A well-functioning board helps secure funding and resources to keep programs running and expand the organization’s reach. Most importantly, the board ensures the VCA is accountable, transparent, and operates responsibly, making sure resources are used wisely to achieve its mission. Their leadership and support are critical to the VCA’s success and impact.

Benefits of Being a Board Member

Being a board member of the Vermont Children’s Alliance (VCA) is a rewarding way to make a difference while growing personally and professionally. You’ll help support Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) and multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in Vermont, ensuring children and families impacted by abuse get the care they need. It’s a chance to be a leader in your community, shape efforts to protect kids, and raise awareness about child abuse. You’ll also build valuable connections with other board members, CAC leaders, state agencies, and national organizations like the National Children’s Alliance. On top of that, you’ll gain insight into child protection policies and advocacy while strengthening your leadership and strategic planning skills. Serving on the VCA board means leaving a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of Vermont’s children and families—and being part of something truly meaningful.

current board members

  • Ryan Bjerke, Community Member: Secretary  

  • Jenna Caslin, Bennington County CAC: Treasurer 

  • Lisa Bonser, Franklin County CAC: Vice President          

  • Chris St. Cyr, Caledonia County CAC: President

commitTEes

  • Executive Committee 

  • Advisory Committee

  • ​Marketing and Public Relations Committee

Works collaboratively to build the VCA brand, enhance awareness of SIUs and CACs statewide, and drive donor engagement. Through strategic planning, event participation, and media outreach, the committee strengthens VCA’s presence and promotes our core message: “Every Child, Every Time”.

  • Finance Committee​

Provide oversight and guidance on the financial health of the VCA including reviewing and approving the annual budget, monitoring financial performance throughout the year, ensuring the VCA operates within its budget and adheres to sound financial principles, and identifying and mitigating potential financial risks. Advises the Board of Directors on financial matters including making recommendations on financial policies and procedures, providing input on fundraising strategies and grant applications, and advising on investments and reserves. Support the development and implementation of the VCA's long-term financial strategy.

  • Membership and Accreditation Committee

Ensures that all member centers and teams have a strong voice in setting the priorities and goals of the VCA. The committee is responsible for engaging members in the Alliance's activities and ensuring that all members meet required standards and maintain compliance through the accreditation process.

  • ​Legislative and Public Policy Committee (LEGS)

Protects the sustainability and interests of the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) movement by reviewing, addressing, and creating public policies and a legislative agenda that is relevant to the VCA membership and the CAC movement. With this committee, the VCA promotes civic engagement and encourages CAC members, their staff, and partners to participate in identifying public policy needs and solutions and developing and advocating for public policy platforms. This includes disseminating information that is relevant to the work of the child advocacy centers, the multidisciplinary teams, and at times, the individual disciplines that serve on the teams, in a timely manner. All centers and teams are encouraged to engage and respond at all levels, with support from the VCA/LEGS. Ensures Vermont’s laws and policies will enhance the collective response to child maltreatment, as well as sexual and physical violence. An integral element of this mission involves engaging with government agencies and elected leaders at all levels (local, state, and federal).

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