Meet the Team
Amy Bannon-Staats
(she/her)
Working in adaptive recreation has been the highlight of Amy’s personal and professional life for over 15 years. Professionally, she has spent time founding, leading, and growing programs at several organizations nationwide. Personally, Amy has competed at the international level on the USA Paraclimbing National Team as a caller for blind athletes. At Maine Adaptive, Amy gets to work with a team of staff, volunteers, and supporters who inspire her every day. In her role, Amy helps raise critical funds and awareness to ensure our mission remains sustainable and impactful for generations to come.
Home: Bethel, ME
When I’m not working, I’m romping through the woods, sliding on skis, or rock climbing with my daughter, husband, and our two pups.
Lizz Peacock
(she/her)
After discovering that being a whitewater raft guide and ski bum could actually be a profession, Lizz’s career path became firmly focused on giving more people the opportunity to experience Maine’s woods and waters. Backed by decades of industry experience as a Registered Maine Guide and work in the outdoor recreation and ski industries, Lizz is driven by the core belief that everyone has the right to experience and connect with the outdoors. At Maine Adaptive, she channels this passion into advancing our mission, leading program operations, and ensuring every participant enjoys safe, fun, and empowering access to sports and recreation.
Home: Newry, ME
When I’m not working, I’m playing on or in water or working in my stained glass shop.
Nate Podgajny
(he/him)
Nate joined Maine Adaptive at the end of the 2024 ski season. A professional ski instructor since 2006, he brings a broad range of experience on snow and in community-focused nonprofit leadership. Growing up in a small town in Maine raised him to believe that all people deserve a chance at doing hard, fulfilling things in a community that cares about them. He is incredibly grateful to be back working where he started to keep that legacy going alongside this super talented team!
Home: Farmington
When I’m not working, I’m outside somewhere with my wife and dogs. If it’s summer, we’re mountain biking or fishing, if it’s fall we’re hunting, and if it’s winter and there’s good snow we’re probably backcountry skiing.
Brandon Merry
Brandon oversees all program needs, development, and program delivery…the fun stuff! Working to enhance volunteer engagement, recruitment, and training opportunities.
Home: Andover, ME
Heather Roscoe
(she/her)
Heather joined the Maine Adaptive staff in 2022. Heather enjoyed a 20-year career in higher education research before deciding to undergo a career change into adaptive sports. Her desire to change careers was rooted in her personal experiences receiving a medical diagnosis as an adult that explained why she had never been able to ride a bike, which had also led to her believing she would not be good at other sports either. After receiving the diagnosis and realizing that she just needed a different kind of cycle to be able to bike successfully , she had to independently figure out how to find the right cycle for her. Success in cycling in her mid-30’s led to trying and succeeding at other outdoor sports. Heather is passionate about helping others work around their own challenges to enjoy recreational sports and outdoor activities so they do not have to figure it all out on their own like she did. She kickstarted her career change by taking an AmeriCorps service year as an outdoor educator for kids in underserved communities in Midcoast Maine while also volunteering for multiple adaptive sports organizations. Heather also serves as a Nordic ski instructor locally in her spare time.
Home: Rumford, ME
When I’m not working, I’m often outdoors cycling, hiking, camping, skiing, or pursuing other kinds of interests such as playing the tenor & baritone sax in community concert bands, playing European strategy board & card games, country line dancing & contradancing, and going on microadventures all around New England.
Alissa Towle
Specialty Program Manager
Alissa works 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
When I am not working I am probably: Camping. An ideal trip includes all my kids and involves biking, hiking, and paddling.
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
Susan Barras
Equipment Coordinator
In my role, I work closely with our program team to maintain and organize our equipment, making sure everything is ready for each program day. My goal is to support our staff and volunteers so they can stay focused on what matters most—our students.
Home: Greenwood, ME
When I am not working: I’m often back in my first career, creating props for Broadway and touring shows—you’d be surprised how often those skills come in handy here!
Enock Glidden
(he/him)
Enock is a lifelong student of Maine Adaptive from the age of 11. He is now part of the team giving back to the organization as the program administrator. He enjoys helping our community navigate the systems we use for requesting lessons, answering questions, and just being there when needed.
Growing up in Maine, Maine Adaptive gave Enock more than just the opportunity to get outdoors—it gave him confidence, independence, and a lifelong passion for adaptive sports. From his very first lesson, Enock learned that disability is never a limit to living an active, adventurous life. Over the years, this incredible community became a second family to him, supporting his growth as both an athlete and an advocate for accessibility.
Now, stepping into the role of Program Administrator feels like coming full circle. Every day, Enock gets to support the next generation of participants, dedicated volunteers, and supportive families who make our programs so special. Whether you are brand new to adaptive sports, reaching out to get signed up for your next adventure, or simply looking for advice on getting involved, Enock is always here to help you get out there and experience the transformative power of Maine Adaptive.
Home: Rumford ME
When I’m not working behind the scenes, you can usually find me exploring Maine’s trails, continuing my work as an accessibility advocate, and finding new ways to enjoy the outdoors. I look forward to connecting with you on and off the mountain!
Jessi Holleran(they/he)
Communications and Partnerships Manager
jholleran@maineadaptive.org
Jessi joined the Maine Adaptive team in August 2026. Before their work as a communications manager for nonprofit organizations, they were a bookseller, freelance copywriter, restoration ecologist, special education teaching assistant, event planner, certified belay instructor, and dog trainer. Regardless of his job title, Jessi has always been drawn to compelling storytelling, and has been telling stories to everyone who would listen – and wouldn’t listen – since they were five years old. They’re excited to bring my creative mind, love of the outdoors, passion for human connection, and sense of whimsy and adventure to the team.
Home: Center Conway, NH
When I’m Not Working, I’m: saving worms from puddles, bringing bees to the river so they can take a lil sip, rambling through the woods with my dogs, curled up on the couch reading next to my dogs, writing poetry, or making my friends laugh so hard they cry.
Sophie Drew
(she/her)
Development Manager
sdrew@maineadaptive.org
Sophie joined the Maine Adaptive team in August 2026. In previous lives she’s been a farmer, a soil scientist, and a high school track and field coach, and has worked in a variety of roles with nonprofits focused on abortion access, local economic development, and environmental stewardship. She believes in building supportive and sustainable communities where everyone can thrive.
Home: Bethel, ME
When I’m Not Working, I’m: running on the beautiful roads and trails in Western ME, making or mending something on my treadle sewing machine, or lounging on the porch with my partner and cat!
Board of Directors
Paul Hogan, President
Kennebunkport, ME
I joined the Maine Adaptive community as a volunteer in 2010, driven by a personal goal: getting my nephew Luke, who has cerebral palsy, onto alpine skis. We had witnessed the transformative power of the program at Sunday River, and before long, my wife Geri and I purchased a condo to more fully support the mission and become a part of the Bethel area community.
Now serving as Board President, the board and staff are spearheading Maine Adaptive’s “next big thing”—the redevelopment of the Mountain Center in Newry. This 340-acre campus, formerly operated by Outward Bound, represents a historic leap forward, providing year-round recreational training and experiences in one of New England’s most pristine landscapes.
I bring a diverse professional background to this role, having served in legal and compliance roles at Prudential Insurance and, before that, as a partner at a major New Jersey law firm. Other career and life experiences were in political fundraising and student affairs administration. When my wife’s job took us to London, I adapted and became a full-time stay-at-home dad.
When not in Bethel, Geri and I live in Kennebunkport. We have two children: Gwynne is a journalist in NYC, and Grady is an attorney in Portland, Maine.
I graduated college from Rutgers, earned an MEd from Teachers College – Columbia University, and then a JD from Seton Hall Law School.
Sally Harkins, Co-Vice President
Bethel, ME
Joseph Begin, Treasurer
South Portland, ME
Joe Begin is a Tax Senior Manager at Baker Newman Noyes at Portland, where he specializes in tax planning and compliance for closely held businesses and real estate professionals. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration (accounting concentration) from the University of Maine, Orono, and a master’s degree in accounting from Saint Joseph’s College. Born and raised in southern Maine, Joe now resides in Scarborough. In his free time, he enjoys golfing (poorly), video games, and spending time with friends and family.
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.
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.
Mona Freeman-Wilkinson
Newry, ME
A retired Senior Vice President in Personal Insurance, I bring more than 30 years of leadership experience in Maine’s property and casualty industry. I grew up in northern Maine and have been a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, with a particular passion for skiing.
My belief in the power of recreation to transform lives has guided much of my volunteer work, including many years of support for Special Olympics and service as a mentor at the Long Creek Youth Development Center. I am excited to bring my leadership experience, love of the outdoors, and commitment to inclusion to the Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation board.
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, Past President
Falmouth, ME
Steve Palleschi is a Vice President and Director with TD Bank, a High School Baseball Coach, proudly serves as the Treasurer for the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, and serves on the Board of Directors for Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation. Steve and his wife, Kerry, live in Falmouth, ME, with their two dogs Ozzy and Fletcher.
Steve’s initial volunteer experience with Maine Adaptive began in the early 2000’s, when he and his friends founded their College’s Ski & Snowboard Club as a way to build a network and community across their campus for skiing and riding, and find ways to give back to their community. Over 20 years later, Steve remains committed to the Maine Adaptive mission and finding ways to enable the organization’s Staff and Volunteers to keep providing opportunities for our athletes and participants to thrive!
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.
Dan Tilton
Detroit, ME
Dan Tilton is the President and CEO of Skowhegan Savings Bank, where he brings strong sales experience and a real dedication to his community. A proud father of eight, Dan was introduced to MASR through one of his children, a committed mono‑skier—an experience that sparked his enthusiasm for the organization’s mission. When he’s not leading at the bank or supporting adaptive sports, Dan enjoys skiing, hunting, coaching hockey, and spending time at camp with his family.
Jasmine Waite
Sidney, ME
Jasmine Waite is a Project Manager with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, where she works in the Environmental and Community Health program. Before joining the Maine CDC in 2021, she served as a Clinical Research Coordinator. She holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Technical Writing.
Jasmine first joined Maine Adaptive in 2022 as a visually-impaired skier, and found the experience transformative. She quickly became involved with a variety of other sport offerings, and then began to explore how she could give back. Being part of the MASR community has been such a gift for her, and she’s grateful to serve on the board.
In her free time, she can often be found hiking, reading, and volunteering as a lighting director with her church.
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.