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 Hines is originally from South Burlington and is a graduate of Castleton University, where he earned a B.S. in Physical Education with a concentration in Health and Physical Activity Promotion. He now lives in Rutland County with his two dogs, Max and Ruby, and his daughter Charlotte, who was born in March 2026. Spending time with Charlotte has become one of the most meaningful parts of his life.

Malik has been part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America movement since 2015 and currently serves as the Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County. He is passionate about creating safe, fun, and supportive spaces where young people can discover who they are and who they want to become. Whether it’s playing sports, exploring the outdoors, turning up the music, or building strong community connections, Malik believes kids thrive when they are able to fully be themselves.

Outside of his work with youth, Malik is also a co-owner of Scoop N’ Chill Italian Ice. He is always looking for new ways to stay busy, grow professionally, support his community, and create opportunities for connection through both his work and personal projects.

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.

Tien Connor

Area Director: West Rutland School & Rutland Town School

tconnor@rutlandbgclub.org

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)

Area Director: Proctor Elementary school & Wells Village school

Kcollins@rutlandbgclub.org

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

Kelly O'Neill

Area Director: Fair Haven & Orwell

koneill@rutlandbgclub.org

Kelly was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, and attended Fitchburg State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with concentrations in education, psychology, and sociology. After graduating, she moved to Castleton, Vermont, her husband’s hometown. In 2023, Kelly received her Initial Teaching License in Early Childhood Education.

Kelly has spent the past 15 years working with youth throughout Rutland County. Her background includes early childhood education, home health aide support, and crisis advocacy and intervention. She is passionate about creating safe, nurturing, and inclusive environments where children feel empowered to learn and grow.

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys camping and spending time with friends, family, and her two dogs, Zoey and Moe.

Dee Straw

Area Director: Poultney & Middletown Springs

Dstraw@rutlandbgclub.org

Hello everyone,

I bring over two decades of experience in behavioral health services in the Hudson Valley, NY. I am passionate about helping people thrive and strengthening the communities I serve.

I joined this amazing team at Boys and Girls Club just months ago. My connection to this work is not just professional; it is also about supporting the community at large. I couldn’t imagine a better role than empowering young people to grow, succeed, and shine.

In my work supporting the Poultney and Middletown Springs communities, I have the opportunity to strengthen connections across both club locations foster collaboration among staff and students.

When I’m not at the Club, you’ll find me spending time with my family, I enjoy exploring local state parks, walking our corgi, “Fifi”, relaxing at the cabin, and trying out new hobbies (while continuing to improve at a few old ones!). I’m also a big animal lover. I adore both dogs and cats. Our family also has a passion for languages; we are multilingual, fluent in Portuguese, with some Spanish and a basic understanding of American Sign Language (ASL).