Nicole Pelletier
31 | Area Manager - Developmental Services, HCRS
Residence: Springfield
Career highlight(s) you are most proud of:
Becoming a part of Health Care & Rehabilitation Services. This has given me so many wonderful opportunities. I have recently become a part of the leadership team, in a field that I love. I have always been 
passionate about being a part of my community and supporting others. In my day-to-day work, I get to do both. I now have the opportunity to share the skills I have learned with others whom I support, to continue to be a part of the mission, vision and values.
Your community involvement:
I have always been involved in the emergency services field. As a kid in Proctorsville, I was a junior firefighter. Now, I am part of the community partnership between emergency services and adults with disabilities. This gives emergency personnel a better understanding of the way various emergency events could take place and greater familiarity with those whom they serve.
Inspiration for living and working in Vermont:
Vermont has always been home. I am motivated to help our state continue to grow and advocate for more necessary resources to help keep people in Vermont feeling supported.
Favorite part of your job:
Having no two days be the same. I love coming to work every day and leaving having developed a whole new set of skills, met someone new or learned something I didn’t already know.
Most inspiring mentor:
Nurse practitioner Gianina Farrugia has inspired me to do what I love. She takes on the world of medicine with such compassion and heart and dedicates herself to the field by helping others.
Best career advice you have received:
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure you are taking care of yourself while advancing and working hard on your career.
Something fun about yourself that few people know:
I attended the Vermont State Firefighters’ Association’s Fire Cadet Academy.
Three words that best describe you:
Charismatic, tenacious and compassionate.
Favorite Vermont escape:
Montpelier. It’s so central to other beautiful areas of Vermont, and there are so many culinary delights. My two favorites are Oakes & Evelyn and Caledonia Spirits, for some amazing atmosphere and craft cocktails.
Favorite Vermont season:
Fall — it doesn’t get much better than that.
Favorite downtime activities:
I am the mom of a toddler, so I don’t have much down time. I enjoy an outdoor run around the time the sun is setting.
Favorite social media:
Instagram. I love the photos other share, some of the relatable funny memes and networking with those who share the same interests.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
Author, podcaster and academic Brené Brown.
Cause(s) you would support if you had unlimited funds:
The Brain Injury Alliance of Vermont. So many people with brain injuries are living with limited resources, and I would love to be able to give back in a bigger way.
A song on your playlist you are embarrassed to admit to your best friend:
My friends know that I have the most versatile playlist — everything from ’80s hits to ’90s pop, from classic rock to today’s country, and everything in between. What I am most known for (and proud of) is bringing back the older tunes and staying “stuck in the ’90s.”
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years:
I’d like to continue to grow within my company and support the growth of an amazing team of people.
Goal(s) you’d like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years:
Becoming proficient in my current role and giving back more to my local community. I would like to finish my bachelor’s degree an advance in my current field.
How your community service has changed since the pandemic:
The pandemic enabled me to look at community service with a different view. The pandemic helped us realize how in need the community was of things we never saw before.
How your job has changed since the pandemic:
My job has changed in fundamental areas like becoming more virtual, traveling less and being more flexible. The areas that have had more of a significant impact are the local resources available to those we serve and the need for increased advocacy for their needs.
