Meet Our Staff

Nicole RIce

Executive Director

Nrice@rutlandbgclub.org

Nicole is a lifelong resident of Rutland County, Vermont. She is a graduate of Castleton University with a B.A in Developmental Psychology. She also has a graduate certificate from UMass Amherst with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysist.

Nicole has 15 years of experience working with youth and supporting staff in Rutland County. Her prior experience includes school based mental health supervisor, special education teacher and grant coordinator. When not at work Nicole enjoys her time volunteering in her community, watching her two young children play sports and making many memories with her family and friends.

She believes strongly in empowering both staff and youth to reach their greatest potential. She is passionate about the need for high quality, engaging afterschool activities for all children and is excited to continuously work on this with the Boys and Girls Club of Rutland County.

Malik Hines

Director Of Operations

Mhines@rutlandbgclub.org

Malik is from South Burlington, Vermont, and a graduate of Castleton University with a B.S. in Physical Education and a concentration in Health and Physical Activity Promotion. He now lives in Rutland County with his two dogs, Max and Ruby.

Malik has been part of the Boys & Girls Club movement since 2015. He is passionate about creating safe, fun, and supportive spaces where kids can discover who they are and who they want to become. Whether it’s playing sports, exploring the outdoors, or turning up the music, Malik believes young people thrive when they can be their authentic selves.

Iris Hudson

Director Of Finance

Ihudson@rutlandbgclub.org

Iris is from South Royalton, Vermont. She attended Castleton University. She has worked with the Boys and Girls Club for 5 years!

Iris loves making the kids feel welcomed and making a positive impact in the kids’ lives. Iris loves spending her free time outside skiing, hiking, and playing with her two dogs Snooki and Sammi.

Emily Whitaker

Systems & Compliance Manager

Ewhitaker@rutlandbgclub.org

Emily is from Fair Haven, Vermont. She graduated from SUNY Adirondack with a degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Psychology. She is now building her home in Whitehall, New York with her husband and 3 daughters.

Emily has been teaching and caring for children for 24 years. Her experience ranges from a daycare owner, working within licensed daycare programs, and assisting students with significant needs with the public school system. She enjoys working with children and developing a program that meets the needs and passions of its members. Emily loves art and being creative, baking, gardening, and being outdoors.

David

Gustafson

Admin Assistant & Rutland City Program Director

Dgustafson@rutlandbgclub.org

Kristin Regan

Area Director, Castleton Elementary & Benson Village school

Kregan@rutlandbgclub.org

Kristin is from Castleton, Vermont. She graduated from Colby-Sawyer College with a BA in Psychology, and a concentration in women studies. Kristin continued her education with VT-HEC, Special Education Licensure Program.

Kristin lived in Massachusetts for years working as an Assistant Director of a corporate childcare facility before returning to Vermont, her home, in 2017. She has worked as a paraeducator in many nearby schools and most students know her as “Ms.K”.

Kristin is passionate about making sure all students feel welcome, safe, and have fun doing afterschool activities. She is excited to begin a new adventure and looks forward to seeing what the future holds.

Mikaela Derosia-Rosenweig

Area Director: Poultney & Middletown Springs elementary

Mikaela has lived in Rutland, Vermont her whole life. She graduated from Castleton University with a Bachelor’s in Developmental Psychology.

Mikaela enjoys working with children and helping them reach their full potential. In her free time, she enjoys camping and spending time with friends and family.

Tien Connor

Tconnor@rutlandbgclub.org

Area Director: West Rutland School & Rutland Town School

I am from East Montpelier Vermont, Graduated with a B.S in Sport Management and Minor in Coaching from Castleton University. Worked with the Boys and Girls Club as a YDP starting in the summer of 2023. I love working with the kids and creating a positive and safe environment for them to learn and grow. In my free time I enjoy being outside, hanging with friends, and enjoying life.

Kaetlyn Collins (she/They)

Kcollins@rutlandbgclub.org

Area Director: Proctor Elementary school & Wells Village school

Kaetlyn is originally from Danielson, CT but moved to be a permanent Vermont resident in August 2023. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English, secondary licensure, and a minor in Theater Education as well as a Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction from Vermont State University-Castleton, formerly known as Castleton University. Prior to working with the Boys and Girls Club, Kaetlyn was a high school English teacher in Fair Haven.

Kaetlyn is passionate about equity and inclusion wherever she goes. They hope to help members reach their full potential and teach members how to be successful citizens in the future– being the change the world needs.

When not at work, Kaetlyn is an active participant in the theatre arts, whether it is on or offstage. She plays Dungeons and Dragons and enjoys reading in their spare time