Meet Pam
Meet Pam
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I am an active St. Albans community member, parent of four, and grandparent of five, whose lived experience has led me to strongly value family, community, and collaboration.
I was an Air Force kid, living in multiple states and countries while my dad flew missions around the world, which taught me so much about adapting to new people, new places, and new challenges with wonder and appreciation. When my family finally settled in Delaware after I graduated from Fairfax High School in Virginia, we opened Cosmic Bakery and Café and became a “go-to” in Rehoboth Beach. I was part of the family business throughout my college years. I met and married my husband of 44 years, Jack McCarthy, while making desserts and studying Biology, Psychology and Political Science at the University of Delaware, where I earned my B.A.
In 1995, Jack became Principal at Missisquoi Valley Union High School, bringing our family to Franklin County, our “forever home.” Our younger children, Mike and Chris, are graduates of Vermont’s public schools and attended Vermont colleges; both are happily settled here after time away from Vermont. Our daughter Laura became a teacher here; she and her family live in Delaware now. Our son Brian and his family lived in Franklin County for a number of years before a job took them to New Hampshire. After serving as Superintendent of Franklin Northwest Supervisory Union for many years, Jack retired. He is now a Maple Run School Board member and a Justice of the Peace.
When we arrived in Vermont, I quickly became involved in Vermont’s groundbreaking efforts in early childhood and family support. I received my Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Vermont in 2003, and was a participant in the first Emerge VT class in 2014.
Over the years, my work roles have included:
Establishing the Parents as Teachers home-visiting program at the Champlain Islands Parent-Child Center
Outreach for and expansion of the Franklin County Early Childhood Advisory Council, which became the foundation for Vermont’s Building Bright Futures Regional Councils
Executive Director of the Family Center of Northwestern Vermont
Leadership of Vermont’s Parent-Child Center Network and other significant early childhood organizations working to improve Vermont’s family support, child care, and early childhood education programs
VT Agency of Human Services Field Director for Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, leading systems-change efforts to make services and supports work better for individuals, children, and families
Co-owner and dessert chef at Cosmic Bakery and Cafe’ in St. Albans
President/CEO of Vermont Family Network (VFN), leading statewide efforts to support families, especially those whose children have disabilities or special health needs
Over my 11 years leading VFN, I was helping to care for our elderly relatives as they aged in place, then in assisted living, both here and in Delaware. I was also a dedicated advocate for Jack’s sister and mine as they navigated different, but equally difficult cancer journeys. After my sister’s untimely death in 2019, my father came to live with us until we lost him to cancer and covid in 2021. I retired from VFN in 2022, and am now coordinating my 91-year old uncle’s care here in St. Albans. I have learned so much from my personal and professional experiences, and understand first-hand the challenges of caring for family members while working full-time and dealing with dysfunctional systems.
Throughout my time in Vermont, I have been involved in a number of boards and advisories’ leadership, including:
The Franklin County Early Childhood Advisory Council, which is now the Franklin/Grand Isle (F/GI) Building Bright Futures Regional Council
The F/GI Community Partnership
The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) Board of Directors
The VT Coalition for Disability Rights
The VT Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance
The Franklin County Democratic Committee
The Democratic State Committee
Currently, I am a member of Franklin County 100 Women Who Care, Vice President of the Board of the Cancer Patient Support Foundation, and an Advisory Board member at Vermont Connector. As the grandparent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I serve on the NH Patient and Family Advisory Council. I am a founding member of the Franklin County Women for Democracy, and serve as a Justice of the Peace.
I have considerable experience in leading change efforts, including organizational mergers. I love working with people from all walks and perspectives, collaborating to find solutions, and making positive change.
I am excited to offer my experience, energy, and enthusiasm to the Vermont Statehouse as a State Representative for Franklin 2, Saint Albans Town. I love my community and my state, and know that I could make a real difference as Vermont navigates continuing challenge and change. Together, we can make certain that Vermont is a place where everyone thrives, and that Saint Albans Town is leading the way!
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