Heather Moore
39 | Executive Director, Shelburne Craft School
Residence: Chittenden
Career Highlights: The career highlight I’m most proud of is receiving my Doctorate in Education and being granted a Fulbright to travel to India.
Community Involvement: In the past three years, with the support of my community, I have built partnerships for the Shelburne Craft School with CCS — an art program for folks with intellectual disabilities, Champlain Housing Trust, South Burlington Vet Center and Age Well. In the past I have volunteered for or worked with UVM Gardening for Health, Vermont Gardening Network, The Maritime Museum and Vermont Refugee Resettlement.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: erving my community makes me my happiest—that light, bright feeling that one gets when they feel truly part of a group of people. I am a chaser of this feeling—looking for opportunities and avenues to engage the greatest number of people in the most meaningful manner for the organizations that I serve. I feel incredibly lucky to have been brought up in such a beautiful and caring place.
Favorite part of your job: The Shelburne Craft School holds a big place in my heart–I love my work. My favorite parts: the community, creating art and the joy that exudes from each studio. I feel lucky every morning to go to work.
Most inspiring mentor and why: My mentoring began with my parents Jim Moore and Betsy Franzoni–both hardworking Vermonters who always taught me to give back to my community. Two quick examples: My mom used to volunteer at the women’s shelter in Rutland, Vermont and my earliest memory of giving back was going with her on a sunny Saturday–bringing Easter eggs for the children there. My dad didn’t sleep for a week when the flooding hit my home town of Proctor–he bailed out people’s basements for days, tirelessly. They both consistently do for their neighbors. I am not as selfless as either of my parents, but I learned much from their examples.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I would really like to have a pet crow.
Favorite Vermont season: My favorite Vermont season is mid May when the tulips are blooming and the air is soft. Spring always feels like a gift. My daughter Rosie was born in May of 2017, making it the loveliest time of year for me for multiple reasons.
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity is creating art. I typically throw pots each day but I also enjoy making stained glass, weaving, woodworking, printmaking and trying new forms of creativity. Additionally I love traveling and seeing the world–in the next few months I will travel to Japan, Mexico and Italy.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: The person I’d most like to share a Vermont beverage with is my husband, Ben Patrick. Having a life partner who truly sees you is a gift that I am grateful for each day. He has taught me how to enjoy life and how to laugh instead of cry–my favorite outings are always with him.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years: I cannot imagine a happier or more balanced life–I hope that I am continuing to live my dream in the future.
Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in community service: Showing up is nearly the entirety of being an essential part of a community. Consistently pitching in will make you part of the beautiful fabric of your community. You will be shocked by how much more (truly exponentially) you receive from every bit you give.