Residential Leadership

Residential Program Director

Debby Johnston, M.Ed., CAGS

Debby began with Community House in the fall of 1993 as part of the first group of staff hired to design, open, and work in a new children's residential program. Other than a period of three years when she only did subbing and consulting while she was in graduate school, Debby has been with Community House full time ever since.

She has held many positions at Community House including Direct Care, Team Lead, Transition Coordinator, multiple stints as the Teacher in the residential classroom, a shared leadership role in the day school, and Program Manager in the residence. In 2021 became the Residential Program Director.

Debby has a BA in Psychology with a focus in child development, a MEd in School Counseling with a strong background in Special Education, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in School Administration. She grew up in southern Vermont and currently resides in western Massachusetts with her husband. In her free time she enjoys gardening, house renovation projects, and spending time with her family.

Case Aid/Administrative Assistant

Kristin, MSW

Kristin came to Community House as a Direct Care staff in early March of 2019. She transitioned to her current role, as Case Aid/Administrative Assistant, in November of 2021. Kristin holds a Bachelor's degree from Mercyhurst University. In January of 2024, Kristin completed her Master of Social Work degree, through Pennsylvania Western University.

Kristin moved back to Vermont from Chattanooga, TN, where she worked with children and adolescents at an inpatient behavioral health center.

When Kristin isn't at Community House or studying, she enjoys volunteering at her local library, spending time with her loved ones and pets, as well as binging both books and TV shows!

Shift Supervisor

Michele

Michele started at Community House as a Para Educator in the Day School program. She also worked as a per diem Direct Care staff at the residence on weekends, school vacations, and snow days. In early 2019 Michele moved to working full-time in the residential classroom. In 2021 she was promoted to be a Shift Supervisor in the residence. Michele is also a proud parent of a Community House Day School Graduate.

Michele graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1994. She played softball all four years and then coached her daughter's softball and basketball teams through the Brattleboro Rec League.

Outside of work Michele enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, family, and friends. She and her husband have a goat farm in Putney, VT where she spends a lof of time. She also enjoys fishing, hunting, photography, and going for rides.