Meet the Team
Amy Bannon-Staats
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Development Coordinator
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: Bethel, 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.
Cate Parker – Non-voting BOD
MASR Venue: Sugarloaf
Glenn Kroll – Non-voting BOD
MASR Venue: Sunday River
Lynne Cole
MASR Venue: Pleasant Mountain
Sport: Alpine Skiing
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
MASR Venue: Sunday River
Sport: Alpine Skiing
Nick Burnett
MASR Venue: Sunday River
Sport: Alpine Skiing
To join the council or ask questions please email Ernie Forgione at kayakanywhere@gmail.com Please include your sports of interest, your ski location of interest, and any adaptive specialties you might have such as blind guiding or tethering.