Fred Tomaselli assumed leadership of The Fold ministry as Executive Director in 1973. Since then, The Fold has grown from a single unit serving six children to five vital programs capable of serving increasing numbers of teens and families each year. In preparation for new ministry growth and leadership, Fred became President of The Fold Family Ministries in 2003. He continued in that role until July 2012 when he began serving in a support role to assist with The Fold's "next generation" leadership transition.

Dr. Tomaselli holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lyndon (Vermont) State College and has received a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Vermont College of Norwich University. He is also a graduate of a three-year intensive program on pastoral studies and New Testament Greek. His Doctor of Philosophy degree in biblical counseling is from Oxford Graduate School, Crystal Springs (Dayton), Tennessee, where he is also a Fellow in the Oxford Society of Scholars.

In addition to his leadership and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Tomaselli has carried The Fold ministry to churches and other groups throughout New England, the northeast, south, and mid-west by presenting special (c)GraceLife Conferences on Christ-centered relationships, parenting, and family living. Over the years he has led workshops for several organizations in New England and lectured in colleges throughout the northeast and mid-west including SoulFest, Urbana, the Christian Legal Society, Vision New England, and Word of Life Leadership Conferences. Dr. Tomaselli has also been a guest on regional Christian as well as nationally syndicated radio programs including Primetime America, of The Moody Broadcasting Network, and Haven Ministries, hosted by director and author, Charles Morris.

Dr. Tomaselli is a professionally licensed counselor by the State of Vermont. He is also a member of The American Association of Christian Counselors and Association of Exchanged Life Ministries (AELM) with whom he has served a term on the international board of directors. Fred is active with Vermont Tres Dias, an international non-denominational ministry promoting Christian growth and renewal. He also serves his local church on their worship team using his musical abilities and as an elder where he exercises his gifts of leadership, teaching, and preaching.

Fred and his wife, Sally, have four adult children and twelve grandchildren. Sally serves with Fred in their local church and in The Fold office part-time (and as a volunteer). The Tomasellis enjoy reading, music, hiking, traveling together, and family and sports activities.

Jay grew up in Coopersburg, PA and shares that through his own struggles as a teen, he developed a great compassion to reach out to teens in similar struggles.

Jay received his bachelor's degree in youth ministry and Bible from Philadelphia Biblical University. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in family life education through Oxford Graduate School. Upon graduation from PBU, he worked short-term as a youth pastor and later as a volunteer youth leader. Professionally, he worked as a computer programmer. During this time in the secular world, Jay shares that he learned many skills that he employs everyday in his work at The Fold. In March 2009, Jay was offered the role of Program Director at The Fold, overseeing the Girls' Home, Boys' Home, School and Counseling Program. After three years of excelling in this position, he was approached about considering the Executive Director role as Dr. Fred Tomaselli had plans to step into a part-time role at The Fold. Jay accepted the offer and is quick to give God the glory for paving the way. Rod Ames, Chair of The Fold's Board of Directors shares, "The Board of Directors and I wholeheartedly endorse Jay for this position. Jay's passion to serve youth and families, his gift of leadership and his genuine care for the enrichment of The Fold staff make him a perfect fit."

Jay enjoys spending time with his family, the outdoors, playing guitar and learning photography. Jay and his wife Hannah live in Lyndonville with their two daughters.

Steve spent time as a child moving all over the US, and later settled in Barre, VT, where he met and married his wife. Steve came to know Christ at the age of 25. He owned and operated his own Auto Body Repair shop for 12 years. He received an AS Degree in Computer Engineering at Vermont Technical College, and worked as a computer programmer for 10 years before coming to The Fold in January of 2001. Steve's skills and gifts span many areas, such as organization, computer, auto repair, accounting, and other general maintenance repair.

Steve has also spent numerous years cooking and volunteering overnight at the Barre homeless shelter, as well as serving on their board for five years. He also served for ten years as a church elder. He enjoys traveling, woodworking, construction, and antique and roadster vehicles. Steve is one of our most multifaceted staff! His hard work and light-hearted sense of humor brings help and encouragement to staff, teens, and families. Steve lives in Lyndonville with his wife, Beverly. They have two adult sons.

Lynn grew up in Pennsylvania and received her bachelor's degree in social work from Shippensburg University. Lynn's previous work includes 13 years at Water Street Rescue Mission, a Homeless Shelter in Lancaster, and 5 years at American Home Life Intl., a youth ministry for international and high school students.

While looking for new work, Lynn told the Lord that she would explore any door that He opened. Just a few days later, a friend shared with Lynn about an opening in The Fold Girls' Home. Lynn joined The Fold's staff in January 2010 as the Girls' Home Director. After nearly three years serving in the Girls' Home, Lynn was offered the position of Director of Resident Care. In this role, Lynn works closely with the House Parents of both homes, as well as parents of residents through our seminars and counseling program.

Lynn shares that she enjoys watching the Lord work in her life and in the lives of the staff and students as they learn to live with Him as their source. In her spare time Lynn enjoys reading, walking, gardening, puzzles, crocheting and quilting.

Emily was born and raised in Wilton, Connecticut. She was introduced to the grace and truth of Jesus at 16, when friends from school invited her on a Young Life Outreach Weekend. Life has never been the same! Emily received her bachelor's degree in counseling and theology from The University of Scranton and joined the team at The Fold Family Ministries as a Girls' Home Resident Instructor in August 2010. After over a year ministering in the Girls' Home, Emily was offered the role of Development Coordinator.

Emily is passionate about communicating the truths of God in a relational and relevant way and excited for the opportunities to do that in her current role. In her spare time, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to music and podcasts, exploring thrift stores, traveling and occasionally learning to cook. She loves being surrounded by wonderful disciples of Jesus in the Fold community!

Joy is originally from the metro-Denver area of Colorado. She came to a personal realization of God's love for her when she was fifteen years old. Shortly after, she began to feel strongly that God would one day call her to work with hurting adolescents. Early in college, she became aware of residential facilities for hurting and broken youth. As a result, She determined to study counseling in order to one day be equipped to work in such a facility.

Joy graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Bible and Biblical Counseling from Lancaster Bible College in 2004 and spent a couple of additional years in Lancaster, Pennsylvania developing relationships and trying her hand at a variety of positions including a counseling internship, attendant care for a disabled woman, and therapeutic support for children with behavioral disorders.

In the spring of 2006 Joy was looking into ministry opportunities when she became aware of The Fold's staffing needs. She interviewed at the Cornerstone Girls Home and joined the staff as a full-time Resident Instructor later that summer. She served in the discipleship role for almost two years until she was given the opportunity to transition into the full-time counseling role in the summer of 2008. She appreciates The Fold's commitment to families and is excited about her deeper involvement with both teens and parents.

Joy is accredited through the Association of Exchanged Life Ministries, and has completed further counseling training at the Life Center in Grand Rapids, MI.

Some of Joy's life goals include: visiting every continent, publishing a book, acquiring a Master's degree and living in Italy for at least a summer.

Mike was born and raised in Michigan. He received his bachelor's degree in theology from Moody Bible Institute. His wife Chantel spent most of her childhood in Hawaii, Ohio and California. Mike and Chantel met in high school in Michigan and have been together ever since. Mike and Chantel married in December 2007 and both felt a calling to youth ministry.

Mike and Chantel joined The Fold staff as Support Parents in October 2010, working in both the Girls' and Boys' Homes in many unique capacities. Mike and Chantel served as Support Parents for over a year and finished their tenure in that position as they welcomed their first child, Selah Renee, into the world in December 2011. Chantel now cares for Selah and continues to stay involved in many aspects of the ministry. In March 2012, Mike began training under Dr. Fred Tomaselli for the Boys' Home Counselor position. Mike has completed his training through the Association of Exchanged Life Ministries and continues to pursue continuing education in the counseling field.

Mike and Chantel's future goals include missionary work, and potentially church planting in Utah. In their free time, Mike enjoys sports and board games while Chantel enjoys puzzles and crocheting.

Elizabeth grew up in West Burke, VT. She received her bachelor's degree in professional counseling and Bible from Lancaster Bible College. She previously worked at the Wildflower Inn and the LBC Reaching Academic Potential Center. While looking for a full time job in the counseling field after college, Elizabeth received a call from a Fold employee about an opening. Elizabeth joined The Fold staff as our Admissions Coordinator in January 2010. Elizabeth's favorite part about serving at The Fold is building relationships with the families we serve.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading books from a variety of genres, watching thought-provoking movies, trying new recipes and writing letters to faraway friends. Elizabeth and her husband Jason live in St. Johnsbury, VT. Some of her future goals include: walking the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain, with her sister; joining a local theater troupe for one play; traveling with TOMS to deliver shoes to children; and visiting a Hello Kitty theme park. Elizabeth is often the first person who people speak with when contacting The Fold. She represents us well, by providing care, compassion, hope and timely information to families, potential staff and ministry partners.

Elisabeth grew up in Granby, Massachusetts. She received her bachelor's degree in youth ministry with a minor in psychology from Eastern University in 2008. After graduation she worked at Cross World, a missions organization, and volunteered at Hope Community Church, leading a young adult group and assisting in Children's and Youth Ministry. Elisabeth joined the staff at The Fold in November 2010 as the Assistant Home Director in the Girls' Home. She shares that she most enjoyed being part of the students' lives on a daily basis and teaching them life skills, such as cooking, crafts, sports and car maintenance. In October 2012, Elisabeth began transitioning into her role as a Support Staff, working in both Homes, the school and the office. Elisabeth's relational approach to ministry, administrative gifts, attention to detail and coordinating abilities will all be utilized in her new multifaceted role. In her spare time, Elisabeth enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, playing most sports and reading books. One of her future goals is to travel to South Africa.

Mike grew up in Lyndonville Vermont.After graduating high school, Mike worked in construction for 10 years. He has a wealth of experience in several different fields, working previously as a police officer, game warden, county sheriff, insurance adjuster and appraiser and owner.

One of Mike's best friends for many years was The Fold's previous maintenance man. After he retired, Mike jokingly asked The Fold's President, Dr. Fred Tomaselli, when he was going to hire him to do The Fold's maintenance work. A few days later, Mike interviewed and joined, in his words "one of the most caring teams I have ever worked with." Mike's favorite part about serving at The Fold is serving the staff so they are able to serve the hurting teens. He also loves working with the teens on life skills and hearing the prayer requests in prayer groups so he can pray for them effectively. During a prayer group, one of the residents prayed, giving thanks for Mike, that he not only works on maintenance for the buildings, but does "maintenance on our hearts," as he listens, cares and speaks truth to the residents.

Mike's love and care for those around him is evident in everything he does, whether by leading prayer groups, in day to day conversation, or in fixing anything in need of repair. Mike lives with his wife, Sue, and family, in Wheelock, VT.

Brian grew up in Whitingham, Vermont. Brian's 'then-girlfriend' SueAnn led him to Jesus in 1975. Life has never been the same! Brian received a degree in Bible and Theology with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling from Taccoa Bible College. He has also completed a 2 year ordination program, Healing Prayer Ministry and a three year "School of Ministry," through Christ Community Church (Camp Hill, PA) Brian's greatest joy is seeing God at work "re-arranging" lives and the light bulb moments when they "get it." In his spare time, Brian enjoys hanging out with his best friend and wife SueAnn, tinkering with his 1990 Mustang, hiking, reading a good book and watching the Pats beat the Steelers, talking to his kids and listening to worship music. One of Brian's future goals is to write a book.

SueAnn grew up in Lisbon, Connecticut. She received her Associates degree in Human Services and has participated in many healing ministry schools. SueAnn's favorite part of ministry is helping teens discovering who God created them to be and learn to live out their destinies. In SueAnn's spare time, she enjoys reading, Zumba, creating scrapbooks and hanging out with her children and grandsons. In the future, SueAnn hopes to travel the world with Brian.

Brian and SueAnn developed interest in The Fold when they saw how God was changing lives in community, bringing His love and healing to hurting teens. Brian and SueAnn bring years of experience in Pastoral ministry as well as years working with youth in the secular mental health field. Brian and SueAnn have been married for 36 years and have four adult children and two grandchildren.

Hannah grew up in Vermont and New Hampshire. She received a bachelor's Degree in Bible exposition and theology from Emmaus Bible College in 2010. After graduation, she worked as a Mentor at His Mansion, a Christ centered residential program for adults in New Hampshire. Hannah shares that that she loves The Fold's vision to minister to families as well as teens, along with the community atmosphere. Hannah began serving at The Fold in January 2012. What Hannah enjoys most about ministry are "the treasured moments where we share life and I get a glimpse into the hearts of my girls." In her spare time, Hannah enjoys scrapbooking, baking, reading and relaxing outside, preferably next to a lake surrounded by mountains. Some of Hannah's future goals include making microwave popcorn without burning it, learning how to swing dance and visiting the Grand Canyon. Hannah's evident love for people, her quick wit and experience serving in a Christ-centered residential program, make her a natural fit for a Girls' Home Resident Instructor.

Jenny grew up in Tipp City, Ohio and still vividly remembers the day she received Christ at the age of 3 through Awana Cubbies! Jenny received her bachelor's degree in youth ministry and counseling from Grace College in 2009 and her Masters in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from University College of Dublin in 2011. Jenny previously worked in Dublin, Ireland with church ministry, helping youth understand themselves from God's perspective.

Jenny began serving at The Fold in August 2011. She shares that she was drawn to The Fold's ministry by a desire to live out her faith in a real community while helping teens understand the hope, healing and grace found only in Christ. What Jenny enjoys most about serving here are the opportunities to learn from the other staff as well as the girls, and to see the amazing ways that God works. In her free time Jenny enjoys eating chocolate and drinking good coffee, connecting with others, reading and watching movies and sports. Jenny's love for teens, desire to see them reach their full potential, and excitement to teach them biblical truths makes her a tremendous asset as she serves in the Girls' Home.

Laura Joy was born and raised in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington DC. While she grew up in church, she opened up to receive God's unconditional love in a life-transforming way during her freshmen year of college. She received her AS in Social Sciences and her Bachelor's degree in Youth Ministry from Eastern University. After graduation, Laura Joy traveled to ten different states with an organization called Youth Encounter, a year-long program focusing on youth outreach. Laura Joy joined The Fold's staff as a Resident Instructor in October 2012. She shares that she most enjoys walking with people as they realize their identity in Jesus Christ and begin to live transformed lives. In her free time, Laura likes to collage, go on adventures, swim, play guitar and bake chocolate goodies. If you ever want to get her to talk, ask her about prison ministry or youth - those are her passions! A little known fact about Laura Joy is that she trained in Jim Moyer's Circus Club from elementary to high school and traveled throughout VA, DC and MD performing in shows.

Cindy was born in Maine and raised in Newport, Vermont. She received Christ in 1998, when Steve led her to the Lord. Cindy previously worked in local schools as a para-educator and a bus driver. Cindy shares that she and Steve have always loved being around kids, and after their last child left home they wanted to serve in a ministry with kids. Cindy's favorite aspect of ministry in the Boys Home is the opportunity to love the teens and see them grow, all while knowing that she is investing in the restoration of families. In her free time Cindy enjoys reading, cooking and walking. Cindy hopes to one day take a horse ride into the Grand Canyon. One of the things Cindy is most known for at The Fold is her constant readiness to make a big meal! Cindy's ability to listen, caring nature and unconditional love makes the Boys' Home a safe place for all who enter.

Steve grew up in Vermont, Massachusetts and Florida. He received his bachelor's degree in construction technology from Community College of the Air Force and served in the Air Force for 20 years, living in Maine, New York, Colorado, Germany, Texas and Illinois. After his Air Force career he worked as a high school teacher and a bus driver in St. Johnsbury, VT. Steve's interest was piqued when he heard about The Fold during a presentation at the church he and Cindy were attending. Steve enjoys most "the family atmosphere and getting to know the residents and their families." In Steve's free time he enjoys walking, playing racquetball and other sports. Steve's goals include continuing to follow God's call on his life at The Fold and going on vacation in Alaska. Steve is very well respected as the house dad in the Boys' Home. His life of humility, compassion, prayer, deep love for God and giving of himself make him someone the boys and staff love to be around and know they can trust.

Jared grew up in Montrose, Michigan and is very proud of his home state! He received Christ at age 9 but shares he really began his relationship with the Lord in college when he recommitted his life to Him. Jared received his bachelors degree in nursing from Saginaw Valley State University. After graduation Jared worked as a Youth Works Program Director, a Rehabilitation Extern, and also in education and construction. When asked what brought him to The Fold, Jared says, "A dream, a lot of prayer, a lot of trust in God, a lot of love for teenagers, and a lot of pure craziness." Jared enjoys watching God work through the messiness of life, demonstrating His awesome grace in love: "Seeing God in action is absolutely amazing."

In his spare time, Jared enjoys being active; whether swimming, running, biking, hiking and camping, enjoying nature or playing board games, going on road trips and spending time with friends and family. Some of Jared's future goals are to run a triathlon or mud dash, go to India and eat a real curry dish, swim in Lake Ontario (the last Great Lake he hasn't visited) and drive through a Redwood Tree. Jared's contagious enthusiasm and joy about how God is working in his life and the lives of others is a blessing to all he encounters at The Fold.

Kevin grew up in Michigan and received Christ on Easter of 1992. Through the years, he has lived in Chicago, Montana and North Carolina. He received his bachelor's degree in biblical studies from Moody Bible Institute and worked previously "on [his] truck for 13 years and with over 324,000 miles it's still running strong!" Along with tinkering with his truck, Kevin enjoys taking photographs and developing them by hand.

Kevin began serving as Resident Instructor in October 2011. He shares that his interest in The Fold developed as he discovered the ministry was Biblically and grace based. Kevin explains, "The responsibility is not me making the youth change, but the Lord changing the youth as He uses me as an instrument." Kevin's favorite part of serving here is seeing the youth grow in their walk and understanding of the Lord, and also how the staff are grounded in the Word, eager to grow themselves and lots of fun! Kevin's life goal is to grow in grace, understanding and truth. Known at the Boys' Home as the one who can make "anybody laugh no matter how they're feeling," combined with Kevin's passion for and knowledge of God's word, makes him a big brother the boys can laugh with and learn from.

Matthew grew up in Scurry, a small town in Texas. Exposed to the Gospel at an early age, he can always remember knowing the Lord as His Savior. Most recently, Matthew lived in Littleton, Colorado for a few years, working as a Youth Pastor and for Denver Rescue Mission. Matthew's commitment to serve at The Fold stemmed from a desire to work with teens and see them grow in their relationship with God. In his spare time Matthew loves listening to music, running, hiking, camping and hanging out with friends. In the future he hopes to become a missionary in Chad and a Missions Pastor.

Holly grew up in Alabama and Germany. After witnessing God's work in her older sister's life, she received Christ at age 9. She received her bachelor's degree in family social services from Northern Illinois University. Holly shares that her interest in serving at The Fold stemmed from a desire to encourage students to receive God's love and grace in the midst of emotional pain. Holly's greatest joy in her ministry at The Fold is "seeing God work and communicating His grace in every relationship: staff, student and family." Holly began serving as our Teaching Principal in 2008, but previously served as a Girls' Home Director at The Fold for over 6 1/2 years as a single woman. Now, Holly is married with two children and lives in West Burke, VT. In her spare time, Holly enjoys hanging out with her family, playing games, walking and working outdoors. One of her future goals is to become a conference speaker. Holly's tenderhearted compassion, matched with attention to educational objectives, makes her a principal who is a catalyst for both spiritual and academic growth in her students.

Arielle grew up in Wappingers Falls, NY, then attended Calvin College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in English with minors in psychology and youth ministry in 2010. Arielle remembers being very encouraged during her interview that the staff at The Fold truly believed transformation could come only through Christ. Arielle joined our staff as a Resident Instructor in August 2010 and shares that her favorite part about serving here is, "The way I experience personal growth and healing in my relationship with God while I minister to others." In her spare time Arielle enjoys art, writing, hiking, horseback riding and hanging out with good friends.

Melanie is one of the few Fold staff who were born and raised in Vermont. Melanie grew up in Danville, Vermont and was exposed to church from a young age as her father was a Counseling Pastor. She also grew up with great familiarity with The Fold, as staff members would frequently visit and share at her church. Melanie received her degree in Bible and Missions from Appalachian Bible College in West Virginia. During college Melanie had a unique experience of studying abroad in Israel for a year for a work study internship. She shares she is eager to reach out to teens and allow God to use her life experiences to teach them and love them through their hurts. In her spare time Melanie enjoys reading, writing, spending time with family and friends, hiking, listening to music, playing guitar and brushing up on her Hebrew and Spanish. Melanie's future goals include continuing to teach and eventually international missions.