Alyssa’s varied interests have led her to wear many professional hats. In addition to non-profit director, grant writer, teacher and youth programming coordinator, she has been a chef & circus producer. As an educator, Alyssay’s goal is to help young people understand themselves as change makers and future leaders. She’s designed programs for teens in career readiness through partnerships and workforce resources. She’s a relationship builder and understands that community partners are an organization’s most valuable assets. In her free time she enjoys knitting, herbalism, daydreaming, and experimental baking.
Lilit has planned, implemented, and evaluated a diverse range of youth-serving non-profit programs over the past decade. Prior to coming to BGCB, she served as the Program Director for Beyond Akeela, a summer camp program for youth with learning differences. Lilit most recently served as the BGCB Outdoor Education Program Director for fall 2023, prior to accepting the role of Operations Director. She holds a Masters in Economics and previously established her own freelance photography and graphic design business. Lilit is originally from Armenia. She enjoys outdoor adventures, cooking and solving puzzles (especially Sudoku).
Shaliq is a wildlife technician from western New York. Having studied Wildlife Science, Environmental Science, and Fish & Wildlife Technology, his main focus has always been birds! Shaliq joined the Kids Club program staff with a mission to share knowledge on the natural world in natural spaces with the youth. He moved to Brattleboro with his partner who attends NECCA’s ProTrack, their cat, and two awesome roommates. Previously, Shaliq was an educator and program coordinator at the Seneca Park Zoo in his hometown. When he’s not in a marsh or forest birdwatching, you might find Shaliq making art, watching anime, listening to records, or training Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Be prepared for random animal facts, movie quotes, and the occasional pop culture tangent!
Josh Aho
Kids Club Outdoor Program Staff
He/Him
Josh is part of the Program Staff for the Kids Club at Retreat Farms. He is a studio musician by day and childcare expert at all other business hours. One can typically find Josh at the local coffee shop, thrift shopping, or gaming on his PC. He is a Cancer, loves cats, and has over 6 years of experience in the field.
Rose Francis
Kids Club Outdoor Program Staff
She/They
Teaching kids by day, entertaining kids by night. Rose Francis is a performing circus artist with a background in healthcare and education. Rose graduated from the New England Center for Circus Arts ProTrack program. They are grateful for opportunities to share their passions with the next generation! Fun fact: her favorite tea is Madagascar Vanilla Rooibos.
Julia Menges joins the team as the Flat Street Program Director. Prior to coming to BGCB she has a background in museum programs and operations, membership, and event management. She currently holds a bachelor’s from Johnson & Wales University and is a master’s candidate in Global Culture at King’s College London. In her spare time, she enjoys writing fiction, reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, and studying local entomology.
John has joined our team as Program Staff and Tech extraordinaire at Flat Street. John is a Club alumni. He is also a computer repairman and owns a local fix it computer business, Short Computer Repair. He plans on using this skill to help our members learn all things tech and repair and build their own computer during our programming season. In addition to his business and the time he spends here on Flat Street, he enjoys watching hockey, playing classic and new video games (he’s even built his own arcade box!), playing guitar and writing songs for his band, fixing engines of all kinds, and spending time with friends and loved ones.
Charlie Galanes
Program Staff
He/Him
Charlie has joined the team on Flat Street as Program Staff and is excited to be part of the organization. He recently graduated from the University of Vermont earning his bachelor’s in Business Administration. Charlie grew up here in Brattleboro and is a Club alumni himself. In his free time, he enjoys playing (and watching) all kinds of sports, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.