Meet the Falmouth VIPS Board of Directors
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Falmouth VIPS has a Board of Directors. The board meets monthly throughout the school year. The role of the Board of Directors is to help fulfill the organization mission, which is: To enrich the lives of students by promoting volunteerism, creating impactful programs, and forging community partnerships. The VIPS Board is made up of individuals from the community with an interest in education, youth, and community service. Membership includes a liaison from the school committee and the faculty. Member terms are three years and members may serve two consecutive terms. Members of the executive committee serve one-year terms and can be re-appointed for the duration of their term.
VIPS Board of Directors Executive Committee, 2021-22
Todd BidwellPresidentTodd is General Manager of the Island Queen Ferry. He is a town meeting member, past VP of Falmouth Chamber of Commerce, past president for Wings for Falmouth Families; past president of Meeting Professionals International NE Chapter. He is a board member for the Falmouth Preservation Alliance and Cape Cod Apartments; a member of the strategic planning committees for Historic Highfield, Falmouth Museums on the Green, and a member of Friends of Andrews Farm. He is a corporator for Martha's Vineyard Bank.
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Susan RomanVice-PresidentSusan grew up in Falmouth and earned a B.A. in Economics from Boston College and a law degree from Boston College Law School. Susan worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers in Boston and Philadelphia before returning to Falmouth. Susan practiced law for 12 years before returning to the financial industry. She earned her Certified Financial Planner™ marks and is a licensed Investment Advisor Representative. Susan owns Roman Retirement Planning, LLC. She serves on the Board for the Falmouth Housing Trust, is a member of the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce and Falmouth Rotary Club.
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VIPS Board of Directors, 2021-22
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"I love that VIPS provides mentorship opportunities for students."
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Kevin Klauer
Kevin is an attorney with Ament Klauer LLP in Falmouth. He earned his B.A. in political science from University of New Hampshire and his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. He is married to Meghan Klauer and they are parents of three sons and a daughter. Kevin is a past board member of Falmouth Historical Society and Cape Cod Center for Women. Kevin says his favorite teacher was J. Michael Parker, who taught him AP History in his junior year.
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"I feel lucky that my children-and all Falmouth students-get to grow up with VIPS. It's a truly unique program that enhances the lives of not just our youth, but our entire community."
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Liz Lerner
Liz is a Producer/Announcer for WCAI, local NPR, Cape Coast and Islands and a producer for community television. Liz earned her B.A. from Stonehill College and her master's in journalism from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Liz and her husband have two children in Falmouth schools. She is active in the Mullen-Hall Elementary PTO, volunteers for several school programs and events including Arts Alive and the Outdoor Learning committee. She coaches rec soccer. Liz served on the board for Falmouth STEM Boosters, West Falmouth Preschool (recording secretary), and was a juror for the Woods Hole Film Festival. Liz credits Fr. Chichetto, her writing professor at Stonehill, for making her feel like her work mattered and for always encouraging his students.
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VIPS Volunteer 'a-ha' moment: "The day I realized that my ability to listen was what my mentee needed most from me."
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Kitty Muse
Kitty is an aide at North Falmouth Elementary School and a realtor. A Falmouth native, Kitty graduated from FHS and has a B.S. in Nutrition. In addition to her volunteer work with VIPS, served as a teaching assistant and coach for field hockey, basketball and softball. She is currently hosting a foreign exchange student. She is married to Peter Muse and they have three sons and one very adorable granddaughter. Kitty and her husband are frequent Disney vacationers. They love to travel, doing road trips around New England and short flights to Bermuda. They also collect cars, with six in the current collection ranging from new to antique. Kitty says her favorite professor was Tom Richards at Keene State, who taught nutrition and was responsible for changing her course of study. Kitty's favorite VIPS experience is mentoring.
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"VIPS provides the support so doors will not be closed, and dreams are made possible."
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Claudia Nimar
Claudia is a community organizer. She retired to Falmouth from Concord, MA with her husband. They have two grown children. Claudia earned her B.S. from the University of Rhode Island. She volunteers with Cape Cod Theatre Project and Highfield Hall and serves on the Nobska Light Advisory Board, the Falmouth Associates Advisory Board, and the board of The Boston Club. Claudia's favorite VIPS program is the College Mentoring Program because it supports college bound students, many of whom will be the first in their family to go to college.
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"VIPS thoughtfully addresses the needs of our students and volunteers."
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Andrea Thorrold
Andrea is owner of Seaspray Flowers. She is a stewardship assistant at Peterson Farm, a working farm and public open space in Falmouth. Andrea is a member of Falmouth School Committee, vice-chair Division VII of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and Falmouth Town Meeting member. Andrea earned her M.S. from University of Maryland. She is married to Simon Thorrold, a senior scientist at WHOI; they have a teenage daughter. Andrea's high school biology teacher, Mr. Gardner, encouraged her love of the natural world.
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"VIPS gives children opportunities and tools to build self-esteem and helps guide them to be successful young adults."
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Carolyn Woods
Carolyn was born and raised in Falmouth. She is retired from her role as owner of Ideal Floor and Decor. She serves as president of the Falmouth Fireworks and serves on the board of Cape Cod Apartments. While her three children were young, she was a regular volunteer at Teaticket Elementary School and now helps out with her grandchildren, who attend North Falmouth and Morse Pond. Carolyn's favorite teacher at FHS was Mr. Watson, her business teacher.
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