Martina Anderson
38 | Director of Communication, VAMHAR
Residence: Washington
Career Highlights: Helping launch a hyper low-barrier buprenorphine program during my time at Vermont CARES. At first, I was hesitant as I never wanted people coming to the Syringe Service Program to feel pressured into treatment or risk the trust we had built with people in active use. But as we listened to participants, it became clear that they wanted this access, and we got to work. It bridged silos in our system of care, removed barriers to life-saving treatment, and achieved the best retention outcomes in the nation. Though the program is no longer funded, it stands as proof of how necessary and effective these initiatives are -especially now, when access and connection matter more than ever.
Community Involvement: My community involvement is rooted in harm reduction, recovery, and building systems of care that honor people’s dignity. Through my work with Vermont CARES, VAMHAR, and collaborative partnerships, I’ve helped expand access to life-saving services, support resilient workplaces, and bring communities together around healing and care. I also serve as a Circle of Support and Accountability (COSA) volunteer and as the board treasurer at the Community Justice Center, where I have the privilege of walking alongside people returning from incarceration and helping foster safer, more compassionate communities.
Beyond my professional and volunteer roles, I believe joy and embodiment are essential to community connection. That’s why I also offer ecstatic, somatic-based dance spaces; welcoming environments where people can move freely, reconnect with themselves, and share in collective energy. Whether through direct service, systems advocacy, justice work, or joyful movement, my involvement is always about strengthening connection, expanding compassion, and helping communities thrive.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: I was motivated to live and work in Vermont to raise my children in a place where community truly matters. I am originally from Austria and never imagined moving to the U.S. However, it turned out to be a beautiful choice: People here value connection, care for their neighbors, and are deeply committed to both local and global challenges. That spirit not only shaped my children’s upbringing, but also continues to inspire my work in this community – as we clearly still have room for growth when it comes to truly honoring ALL our neighbors.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is my colleagues. We are an incredibly passionate, fierce, empathetic, and fun team. Together, we show that joy is not an afterthought but a vital ingredient in healing, resilience, and connection.
Most inspiring mentor and why: My most inspiring mentor is Theresa Vezina. My former boss (she hates when I say that, haha) at Vermont CARES. She embodies strength, resilience, and deep compassion, and is always supporting people without judgment and with the most care. She believed in me before I ever did and that faith changed the course of my life. I owe this to her.
What is the best career advice: The best career advice I have received is BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOURSELF!
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Few people know that after an injury that forced me to change my major, I contemplated either attending an acting school or becoming a midwife. Neither happened 😉
What three words best describe you: Three words that best describe me are zealous, passionate, empathetic
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is Green River Reservoir in the summer and cross-country ski trails in the winter.
Favorite Vermont season: My favorite Vermont season is summer. I love all the heat and sunshine possible (one might think I chose the “wrong” state when it comes to weather! haha)
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity is snuggling up in front of our fireplace during the winters, and long walks with our puppy during anytime of the year.
What is your favorite smell: My favorite smell is a mix of warm wood, exotic floral, and a hint of spice – grounding and alive.
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 older sister who has not had the chance to visit us here.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: The cause I would support is transforming our carceral system. I believe incarceration doesn’t just punish individuals, it inflicts deep trauma on families and ripples through entire communities. Instead of healing, it too often breaks people down and reinforces cycles of harm. I would support efforts that expand alternatives to incarceration, center restorative justice, and build systems of care that keep people safe while preserving dignity and connection.
What one song is on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend: The song on my playlist I would be embarrassed to tell my best friend is none. Don’t ever be embarrassed by any music that makes you feel something, just start dancing like nobody is watching!
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years: In the next 5-10 years I would love to open a community center that brings people together across differences and creates space for connection, creativity, and care. A place that feels welcoming to all – whether someone comes in seeking resources, conversation, art, or simply a safe spot to land. I was deeply influenced by Spektral in Graz, Austria, where I was involved during college; it showed me how transformative it can be to have a space where community is not just served but celebrated. My dream is to help create something similar here: a living, breathing hub where joy, justice, and healing can thrive side by side.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years: The career goals I’d like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years are: Advance Systems Change / Cultivate Leadership & Mentorship / Champion Equity & Justice / Sustain Community Joy.