Meet the Team

Amy Bannon-Staats

Co-Executive Director

abannon@maineadaptive.org

In my role, I collaborate with the Managing-Director of Operations, Lizz, to lead the organization responsibly and strategically towards an exciting future. I organize fundraising initiatives, write grants, oversee marketing and communications efforts, and support the needs of our growing team of amazing staff and volunteers!

Home: Albany Township, ME

Favorite book: “When Women Were Birds” by Terry Tempest Williams.

When I’m not working: You’ll find me romping in the mountains with my dog Elmer, skiing, paddling, or climbing any of the magnificent granite walls in New England.

Nate Podgajny

Program Director

npodgajny@maineadaptive.org

I work closely with the Managing Directors and the Program Team to ensure that all activities at Maine Adaptive offer the best experience to our students and volunteers. I’m stepping into this role with a wide background as a professional snowsports instructor, a camp director, and a nonprofit leader. I have a Master’s degree in health sciences (my thesis was in neuroscience) from Montana State, and have spent time working in a variety of healthcare settings. 

Home: Farmington, ME

When I’m not working: I can be found enjoying the outside – on lakes, trails and rivers.

Lizz Peacock

Co-Executive Director

lpeacock@maineadaptive.org

I coordinate with the Managing Director of Advancement, Amy, to ensure that all the various aspects of Maine Adaptive work together in a way that is mission driven and fiscally responsible. I work closely with the program team to deliver on our motto of “Safety, Fun and Learning.”

 

Home: Newry, ME

 

When I am not working: You can probably find me in or on water – liquid or frozen.

 

If I was a TV show character: I would probably be the hidden announcer/narrator.

Brandon Merry

Senior Program Manager

bmerry@maineadaptive.org

I oversee all program needs, development, and program delivery…the fun stuff! Working to enhance volunteer engagement, recruitment, and training opportunities.

 

Home: Andover, ME

 

Spirit Animal: The wolf, always leading from the back of the pack to assure that everyone stays together.

 

Favorite Book: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Heather Roscoe

Program Manager

hroscoe@maineadaptive.org

Role Description: I manage the Nordic and Court Sports programs and support the program team at all other activities.

Home: Rumford, ME

Favorite Quote: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear (or bad gear choices)”

Favorite Book: The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson

Spirit Animal: Otters (because of their affinity for water and playfulness)

When I’m not working: You’ll probably find me Nordic skiing in the winter, biking, hiking, paddling, and camping in the summer, playing strategic board & card games, playing the tenor and/or baritone sax in local community bands, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Favorite smell: Pine tree forest

Alissa Towle

Specialty Program Manager

atowle@maineadaptive.org

I work with the program staff to coordinate and execute Maine Adaptive’s specialty programs. Current examples include Veterans programming, New England Visually Impaired fest (NEVI*Fest), and Mono-Ski Training Camp.

 

Home: Cumberland, ME

 

You might not know this about me: I am a native Mainer and have lived here my entire life as have my parents.

 

When I am not working I am probably: Camping. An ideal trip includes all my kids and involves biking, hiking, and paddling.

Mary Scanlon

Communications Coordinator

mscanlon@maineadaptive.org

I am responsible for ensuring that participant and volunteer paperwork submitted is complete and processed. As well as an assortment of administrative tasks around the office.

Home: Bethel, ME

The one item I would grab from my burning house is: A painting hanging in my kitchen by my Mom.

Recent great read: Sesame Street “Grover Goes to School” by Dan Elliott.

Toby Burdet

Sugarloaf Program Manager

tburdet@maineadaptive.org

I oversee our winter program up at Sugarloaf, which includes all the scheduling for participants, volunteers and advisors. I love being able to spend my weekends out in the mountains and helping others do the same!

 

Home: Oakland, ME

 

Favorite Quote: Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start. -Nido Qubien

 

Favorite Vacation Spot: With my family in Switzerland

Enock Glidden

Program Administrator

eglidden@maineadaptive.org

I assist with the development side of Maine Adaptive and assist fundraisers and donors during the Ski-a-Thon. I also coordinate the many outreach events we offer throughout the year.

Home: Rumford, ME

Board of Directors

Paul Hogan, President

Kennebunkport, ME

Sally Harkins, Vice President

Bethel, ME

Joseph Begin, Treasurer

South Portland, ME

Stephen Bergeron

Bethel, ME

I am a 37 year global sales and marketing professional. During my career I have developed  global strategies with building cross departmental teams.

Our son sustained a serious injury at the age of 7. Our family has developed adaptive strategies over the years allowing our son to have a full life.

Elyse Doyle

Portland, ME

I am a Senior Project Manager for an energy storage technology company based in Milan, Italy. The company is called Energy Dome. We build “CO2 batteries” that are utility-scale energy storage systems. I’ve worked as a technical project manager over the last 10 years in the utility/energy/machine industry. I received my PMP certification in May 2020, and I teach master’s level project management courses part-time at the Roux Institute (Northeastern) in Portland, ME.

Joseph Begin (another board member) originally introduced me to MASR because he knew my professional skills and that I have a ski cabin in Carrabassett Valley, where I grew up skiing with my grandmother. Winter sports have been such a gift for me and my family. Giving back to this organization is a perfect fit for me; Joe was right!

Luke Goodine

Naples, ME

Account Executive, Chalmers Insurance Group. I am a Commercial Insurance Advisor with 15 years of experience in the industry. My practice is focused on manufacturing, construction and human services.

I am heavily invested in my communities both personally and in business. Maine Adaptive serves an important need for those with barriers to participate in sports. Skiing has always been an important part of my life, and I love being able to share that experience with others that might not otherwise be able to participate.

Glen Harrop

Newry, ME

Originally from Oldham in Northwest England, Glen Harrop’s journey to Sunday River began with the North American Ski and Snowboard Academy (NASSA), a program designed to immerse young adults in the ski industry. In 1999, he joined Sunday River as a Ski Instructor, and after just one season, he was hooked on the mountain lifestyle and the Maine outdoors.

 

Over the past 20+ years, Glen has been a dedicated member of the Sunday River community, sharing his passion for skiing and fostering strong relationships with guests, team members, and local partners. His commitment to creating meaningful experiences on and off the slopes reflects his love for the outdoors and the unique spirit of Western Maine.

 

Glen lives in Newry with his wife, Meredith, and their three children, Henry, Clara, and Poppy. Henry is a proud participant in Maine Adaptive, and as a family, they’re grateful to raise their children in a community that embraces outdoor adventure and connection.

Glenn Kroll

Portland, ME

Emma Laprise

Naples, ME

Rebecca Mellaly

Portland, ME

Becca Mellaly is currently employed at Tyler Technologies where she is an associate software support specialist. Before this, she spent 8 years in the education/nonprofit sector working with students with barriers to their education and helping them earn credentials of value. In 2021, she joined Maine Adaptive as a volunteer. Becca has a dual B.S. degree in Secondary Education and Biochemistry from Unity College. Becca lives in Portland with her husband Liam. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

Steven Palleschi, Immediate Past President

Falmouth, ME

Josh Precourt

Saco, ME

Josh Precourt is a Vice President and Commercial Banking Relationship Manager at Bangor Savings Bank. Having been in commercial banking for 15 years, he supports the lending needs of businesses and commercial real estate developers in the Southern Maine region. Born and raised in Biddeford, Josh returned to Maine from Massachusetts and New York in 2018 and lives in Saco with his wife and two sons. In addition to MASR, Josh serves as a Board Member for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Maine. In his spare time, Josh enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.

Ali Spaulding

Carrabassett Valley, ME

Dan Tilton

Detroit, ME

Jasmine Waite

Sidney, ME

Volunteer Advisory Council Members

The Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC) comprises venue and sport-specific, elected volunteers who help to
put MASR’s mission into action by fostering communication among the volunteers, the Board of
Directors, and the Staff. 

Larry Collins

MASR Venue: Sunday River

Sports: Paddling, Nordic, Alpine Skiing

Ernie Forgione

MASR Venue: Pineland Farms

Sports: Snowshoe, Cycling, Paddling

Jeff Gray

MASR Venue: Sunday River

Sport: Alpine Skiing

Barbara Raiche

MASR Venue: Sugarloaf

Tom Beaulieu

MASR Venue: Sunday River

Sport: Alpine Skiing

Becca Harrison

MASR Venue: Sunday River

Sport: Alpine Skiing

Charles Scribner

MASR Venue: Pleasant Mtn. 

Sport: Alpine Skiing

Gabby Sinotte-Chair

MASR Venue: Sunday River

Sport: Alpine Skiing

Nick Burnett 

MASR Venue: Sunday River

Sport: Alpine Skiing

Nate Podgajny- Staff Representative

 

Lynne Cole

MASR Venue: Pleasant Mountain

Sport: Alpine Skiing

Glenn Kroll – Board of Directors Representative

To join the council or ask questions please email Gabby Sinotte at vac@maineadaptive.org Please include your sports of interest, your ski location of interest, and any adaptive specialties you might have such as blind guiding or tethering.