We’re excited to (re)introduce you to our newest BBF team members, Martha Braithwaite and Hannah Ossoff.
Martha served as the Building Bright Futures Regional Coordinator for Orleans and Northern Essex counties from 2016–2018 and is returning to BBF as the Policy Manager.
Martha is a mom who knows the early childhood system and policy landscape from the inside out. She has dedicated her career to bringing the expertise of lived experience to the policymaking table. She is a tireless advocate for applying a trauma-informed lens to every aspect of the early care and education system, from policymaking to direct services.
She has served the families of the Northeast Kingdom for over a decade in various direct service program management roles, including with Easter Seals and Northeast Kingdom Community Action. After serving as a BBF Regional Manager, Martha founded and led Northeast Kingdom Organizing, a member-led coalition that uses community organizing tools to advance justice for the people and the places of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, through its start-up years.
Martha studied public policy and economics at Mills College in Oakland, California. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management and social enterprise.
In addition to her work with BBF, Martha enjoys spending time with her children and working in the gardens of her family’s 1850s Northeast Kingdom farmhouse. She is also an avid baker, and if you find yourself at an in-person meeting with her, there might be scones involved.
As Executive Assistant, Hannah provides administrative support to the Executive Director and the rest of the BBF team, assisting with scheduling, communication, coordination, planning, and more.
Hannah has many years of experience working with children and young adults in both social service and early childhood education capacities. She is passionate about improving the lives of children and families in ways that are equitable, meaningful, and sustainable.
Hannah grew up in New Hampshire and moved to Vermont in 2019. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her cat Ziggy; exploring outdoor spaces; and doing any type of art or craft.
Please join us in welcoming Martha and Hannah!
