Our Team | Orleans County Resto

Meet OCRJC Team

Executive Director

Lyn Gatt

It has been my great privilege to have served diverse communities over the course of my career, in a multitude of human service contexts including community mental health, court diversion and child protection.

Through this important work, I have come to believe in two fundamental truths: First, that all people have the capacity to change. And second, that no-one does this alone. Family and community networks are transformative influences and are essential in the pursuit of a safe, healthy, and fulfilled life.

Lyn Gatt, M.S.W.

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Restorative Justice Panel Coordinator

Deborah Crane-Foote

Deborah Crane-Foote (Deb) is the Restorative Justice Panel Coordinator for the OCRJC. She has past experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor, Program Director for a treatment to transition facility, Case Manager for Reach Up (Vermont’s TANF program). She is a disabled military veteran (former B-52 Crew Chief and Weapons Specialist on F-16s) a former freelance illustrator, and an art teacher in both high school and college level courses. Deb is an avid gardener and conservationist with experience in wildlife rehabilitation. She has a passion for social justice and works to find the spark in others to help them be their best selves.

Deb lives with her husband, giant dog, three cats, a parrot, and fish in the village of Barton

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CoSA Coordinator

Samantha Gonzalez

Samantha Gonzalez made Vermont home over 15 years ago with her husband and two children and enjoys spending time as a family watching movies, cooking, and shopping. I have always had a passion for helping others. As the CoSA coordinator, I’m bringing an open mind, compassion, and an eagerness to learn. Over the years I have seen that at times ‘we’ are quick to judge, shame, and blame others but not as quick to listen, understand and learn. I am excited to be part of bringing awareness of the various programs offered at Orleans County Restorative Justice Center and most importantly, restorative justice practices to the community. I am honored to participate in this valuable work alongside all the volunteers, core members and community partners.

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Board of Directors

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The Orleans Country Restorative Justice Center partners with our local community to address harm and injustice through practices that build connection, equity, accountability and healing.

Board Member

Steve Mason

Steve lives in Lowell, Vermont with his partner and spouse, Patricia (Trish) Sears and his dog, Burton.

Steve has a BA degree from St. Michael’s College (Winooski, VT) and an MA and completed his doctoral coursework in International Relations at The Catholic University of America

Steve chose to be a restorative panel member at Orleans County Restorative Justice Center in part due to a positive experience he had when working for Special Olympics many years ago. During that time, as the Director of Training and Programs in Washington, DC, he brought Special Olympics Games into Lorton Penitentiary, a maximum-security facility then located in Lorton, VA, a suburb of Washington, DC.

Board Member

Chris Hardy

Born and raised in Newport, Chris has spent his life here in the Northeast Kingdom. A proud graduate of Johnson State College (Go Badgers!), Chris has worked for Northeast Kingdom Learning Services since 2001 and is currently the Director of Adult Education and Literacy. The work the CJC does is vital to supporting and bettering our community. Wanting to be a part of that work, Chris was honored to join the Board in January, 2022.

Board Member

Terry Collins

I moved to Vermont in 1988, a decision motivated in part to having experienced several trauma events. Later in 2002, I was recruited to serve on the Newport Justice Center Restorative Panel along with 5 other citizens/neighbors. We conducted twice weekly restorative panels, usually 3-4 each evening! A great deal of work completed by a small group of dedicated panelists. Over time I recognize how restorative panels can empower those who have been harmed, like myself and family, and help provide an opportunity to be heard, and hopefully offer some closure. I would encourage anyone to give it a try!

Board Member

Mary Butler

Mary Butler , a Vermont native, born in Burlington, and in 2008 , returned like a homing pigeon to Vermont, following retirement from a 30 career in Hospital Administration and a 5 year Victim Assistance Coordinator role in the Catholic diocese of Spokane , WA.

Mary has a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Science from Diocesan Teachers College - West Hartford, CT., along with a Masters of Science in Health Education from Whitworth College (now University) Spokane, WA.

Mary has traveled extensively for both work and pleasure. Peppered into each visit , whether for a day or a month has been time invested in quality of life for that community.