Board of Directors

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 Bidwell

President

Todd 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.

Susan Roman

Vice-President

Susan 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.

Beth Thompson

Carrie Shanahan

Treasurer

Beth is a Wealth Management Officer at Cape Cod Five Bank. She is a Certified Trust Financial Advisor and an Accredited Fiduciary Investment Manager. Beth is involved with the Housing Assistance Corporation and the Credit for Life Fair. She is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Cape Cod.

Secretary

Carrie is in her 24th year as Physical Education Teacher at Teaticket Elementary. She earned her B.A. in Education and Coaching at Bridgewater State College and her M.S. from Lesley University. Carrie is co-director for the Falmouth Education Foundation's 5K Race, head coach for the FHS Spring Golf Team, and assists with several Teaticket PTO committees. Carrie volunteers for the After Prom Party, numerous sports and school fundraisers. She has received many grants and awards for health, wellness and safety projects.

VIPS Board of Directors, 2021-22

"I enjoy the overwhelming willingness that community members show by investing in the future of our youth."

Kristian Andrade

Kristian is Vice President of Longfellow Design Build. He has a B.S. in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. He was born and raised in Falmouth and is married to Stephanie Andrade. He has three daughters who all attend Falmouth Public Schools. Kristian's favorite teacher was Mr. Kelleher who he had for 8th grade history. He credits Mr. VonHentschel, his industrial arts teacher at FHS, for motivating and encouraging him, and going 'above and beyond' for his students. Kristian received the 2019 Prism Award for Most Valuable Team Member for a builder or remodeler.

"VIPS sees the potential in every student."

Megan English Braga

Megan is a private practice attorney in Falmouth. She earned her B.S. from Wellesley College, her Ed.M. from Harvard University, and her J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Prior to practicing law, Megan was an educator, after-school program coordinator, and special needs advocate. Megan worked as a student support counselor in Boston Public Schools, collaborating with Mass General Hospital and Harvard University to promote positive development and implement intervention services for low-income students and their families. Megan is married with a college bound senior and a soon to be first grader. Megan is a member of the Falmouth Select Board and previous member of Falmouth Finance Committee. In addition to VIPS, Megan is a member of the Falmouth Academy Board of Trustees and the Portuguese American Association of Falmouth. Megan's favorite teacher was Otis Porter who taught 7th grade history at Lawrence School.

"VIPS is a great community partner. They are always ready to take an idea and grow it so that more kids and more mentors' lives are enriched."

Suzie Hauptmann

Suzie is Director of Human Services for the Town of Falmouth. She is a MA Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She earned her B.A. from St. Michael's College and her M.S.W. from Boston College. Suzie spent five years in Portland, OR working with homeless and at-risk youth. Suzie is married to Jay Hauptmann, a 4th grade teacher at East Falmouth Elementary. They have a son (sophomore FHS) and a daughter (FHS '20). Suzie is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, Barnstable County Human Services Advisory Council, and the Cape and Islands Regional Network on Homelessness. Suzie brought the Girls Circle Program to VIPS many years ago, and helped it grow. She says she is grateful that "so many girls and mentors were able to come together in a supportive and enriching group experience."

"I love that VIPS provides mentorship opportunities for students."

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.

"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."

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.

VIPS Volunteer 'a-ha' moment: "The day I realized that my ability to listen was what my mentee needed most from me."

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.

"VIPS provides the support so doors will not be closed, and dreams are made possible."

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.

"VIPS thoughtfully addresses the needs of our students and volunteers."

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.

"VIPS gives children opportunities and tools to build self-esteem and helps guide them to be successful young adults."

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.