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Meet the BFC Staff

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Amie Whitcomb

Executive Director

Amie has 26 years of experience working in the field of early childhood education and social service. She has been a teacher, parent and Director at the Bristol Family Center throughout her career. Amie has a Degree in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about supporting children and families to be resilient and connected. She loves trips to the ocean and enjoys many outdoor activities with her husband, children and dogs.

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Shawna Ploof

Program Coordinator

Shawna is the program coordinator at the Bristol Family Center. She has her Bachelors Degree in Psychology, with a focus in Early Childhood Education and is currently attending UVM for her Masters in Social Work. Shawna lives in Lincoln, Vermont with her husband, two sons, their dog, two cats, a bunny and many chickens. Shawna enjoys road trips, specifically to the ocean, outdoor activities, gardening, kayaking, and spending time with her family.

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Abbey Gendreau

Program Director

Abbey has been a part of our staff since she graduated high school in 2013. She lives in Monkton with her partner Andre, son Andrew, and two dogs Marley May and Maddie Jane. She graduated from Vermont States Colleges with a Bachelor's Degree and Teaching License in early education in 2024. Abbey is the head coach of the Vergennes Varsity Cheerleading team and helped to rebuild the youth cheerleading team for the district. Her hobbies include dancing, cheerleading, swimming, four wheeling, snowmobiling, and spending time with her family!

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Jessica Ringey

Lead  Infant (Explorer) Teacher

Jessica Ringey lives in Bristol with her husband Jameson and their three children, Jordyn, Jensen, and Jackson. They have a family dog named Josie and a kitty cat named Jake. Jess has her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and in the past has worked at other childcare centers, both in Vermont and New Hampshire. She is very happy to be returning to BFC. In her spare time Jess enjoys being with family and friends, going for hikes, and playing card/board games.

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Faith Webster

 Infant (Explorer) Teacher

Faith began working at BFC as an infant teacher in March 2024. Faith is new to the field and is excited to get enrolled in the TEACH program in the future. Faith lives in Bristol, VT with her fiance and youngest child, and is excited to be getting married in October. Faith loves being outside, hiking, foraging, singing, and playing the piano. She is also a Reiki practitioner and an herbalist. 

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Andrea Butterfield

Lead Toddler (Trailblazer) Teacher

Andrea began her career as an Early Educator in 2001 working as a substitute teacher, this role became a full-time teaching position for her in 2002.  Andrea became a teacher at the Bristol Family Center in 2010.  Andrea has obtained her Child Development Associate (CDA) and well as completed the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Certificate through Vermont Child Care Industries and Careers Council.  Andrea has experience working with children ages 6 weeks through 6 years.  She lives in Starksboro with her husband Jamie, 3 daughters (Sophie, Ava, and Leah) and enjoys camping, taking pictures, cooking, and spending time with family.

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Natalie Bassett

Toddler (Trailblazer) Teacher 

Natalie started at Bristol Family Center in 2019. She has worked with all age groups. She is currently in the middle of working on her apprenticeship certificate through the TEACH program. Natalie lives in Lincoln with her daughter Maddison, Husband Brett, and her dog Cooper! She enjoys being outside and spending time with her family

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Sarah Rougier

Licensed Lead Preschool (Adventurer) Teacher

Sarah started at the Bristol Family Center as a volunteer in High School and became a teacher at the Bristol family Center a few years after graduation.  Sarah completed her Apprentice Certificate through Vermont Child Care Industries and Careers Council.  Sarah ran her own in-home child care for two years while completing her Associates Degree in Human Services with a concentration in Early Care and Education.  Sarah returned to the Bristol Family Center in 2010 as a teacher and became the Director in 2012. In 2020 Sarah left her role as Director to continue her education in ECE.  Sarah returns to BFC as she is completing her BA in Early Care and Education through NVU.  Sarah lives in Monkton with her husband Casey, two children Emmali and Colton, and two dogs.  She enjoys spending time with family and camping.

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Samantha DeGennaro

Preschool (Adventurer) Teacher 

Samantha lives in Bristol with her husband, Michael, and their two boys, Benjamin and Noah. Samantha is currently working on completing her associate's degree in Early Childhood Education through the Community College of Vermont. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, and reading.

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Kia Warren

Lead Preschool (Navigator) Teacher

Kia has been at the Bristol Family Center for 10 years.  She has worked with multiple age groups, however, she is currently in the preschool program. Kia has her Apprentice Certificate through the Vermont Child Care Industries and Careers Council.  She enjoys spending time with her son and her family, listening to music, walking her German Shepards, and hanging out with friends.

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Dani Forrand

Preschool (Navigator) Teacher

Dani started working with children during her senior year of high school and from there has worked in summer programs, after-school programs and mentoring programs. Dani graduated from Castleton University with a degree in Elementary Education in May 2021.  However, she quickly fell in love with the preschool age group. Dani lives in Bristol with her boyfriend, Brandon and her two stepkids, Maxen, and Kenzleigh, who stay with them on the weekends. Dani enjoys spending as much time as possible with her nephew, Logan and her neice, Josie. On the rare occasion that you find her without a young kid by her side, you may see her kayaking local lakes, eating ice cream at Queenbee’s, or spending time with her family.

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Laurie Cousineau

Preschool (Navigator) Teacher

Laurie started at the Bristol Family Center in September 2024, she comes to BFC with 34 years of experience working with young children. Laurie has lived in New Haven for the past 35 years and has five grown children. She enjoys going for walks, reading, listening to music, and loves being by the lake or ocean. She has recently kept herself busy with her golden retriever puppy. 

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Alicia Gendreau

Center Teacher 

Alicia started working at Bristol Family Center in 2016. She has worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Alicia completed her Apprenticeship Certificate through the Vermont TEACH Program in 2021. She currently is a support staff and is training in ASL. Alicia lives in Monkton with her sister Abbey, and their pets, Buddy and Marley. Alicia enjoys anything outdoors, doing DIY projects and hanging out with friends.

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