Theatre Adventure’s Board of Directors
Geoff Burgess
President of the Board
Although now retired, I have been a lifetime educator, mostly teaching neurodiverse students at Landmark College. At Landmark, I taught courses such as Interpersonal Communication, Conflict Resolution, Media Studies, as well as Pedagogical Principles and Practices in the Communications and Education Departments. In addition, I taught Intercultural Communication for Study Abroad programs in Europe, West Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
As well as teaching, I served as Chair for the Communications and later the Professional Studies Departments and finished my professional career as the Dean for the School of Professional Studies and Science. In these capacities, I developed the College’s internship program, student radio station, TV studio, student newspaper, and the Academic Speakers Series. I hold degrees from Hobart and William Smith and Marlboro Colleges.
As a longtime Brattleboro resident, I am married to (retired) therapist and (active) artist Karen Kamenetzky and have three adult children and two grandchildren. I love to garden, watercolor, bike ride, and kayak.
My experience at Landmark College with individuals who think differently echoes my interest in Theater Adventure. I believe in the value of creating and supporting opportunities for people - all people - to explore and express themselves.
Steven Kappel
Treasurer of the Board
Steve has had a career dedicated to trying to improve our State’s health care systems. He formerly worked for the Vermont Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Office doing policy and financial analysis related to health care. His career has also included working for the Health Department; Blue Cross Blue Shield; the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration; and the Vermont Program for Quality in Health Care. Steven spent ten years on the faculty of the Vermont Leadership Institution and also taught part time at University of Vermont. He is currently enjoying partial retirement working as a Health Policy Consultant, enjoying part time employment at a local bookstore, and volunteering as a board member of the People’s Health and Wellness Clinic in Barre whose mission is to provide medical and dental services to folks without health insurance. Steven has been an admirer and supporter of Theater Adventure since 2004, and believes that its work and mission are amazingly valuable. He is thrilled to join the Board.
When not working or volunteering, Steven can be found tinkering in his old Vermont farmhouse, which he has been reconstructing for thirty-five years. In Steven’s words “I’ve spent the last 30 years trying to solve two critical problems: how to make the health care system work better and how to keep the basement of an old farmhouse from flooding every spring. I’ve not managed to solve either one”.
Susan James
Director of the Board
Susan grew up in Missouri and earned degrees in Art History and Education from the University of Missouri. After graduating, she moved to Denver, Colorado, where she worked as an elementary school teacher.
In 1969, Susan relocated to Nova Scotia, and in 1975 she and her son, Wim, settled in Brattleboro. She later earned a master’s degree in Special Education and taught in Guilford, while also working with special education students through Keene State College.
Susan went on to serve as Director of Early Education Services for a year before retiring. She has a deep love of nature—especially birds—as well as art, her family and friends, and her dog.
Susan served as the first Board President on the Theatre Adventure Board when we first became a non-profit in 2019.
Julianne Kaplan
Director of the Board
Julianne has been actively involved with Theater Adventure since 2008, working with numerous aspects of the organization as a teacher, volunteer, and board member. She has also worked as a personal care assistant and is a community advocate for inclusion. As co-chair of the Theatre Adventure Board of Directors Marketing and Community Outreach committee, Julianne has a love for sharing her passion for inclusion with her community.
Mary Traver
Secretary & Parent Representative
Mary Traver grew up in Eastern MA, went to UMass after high school, fell in love with the Pioneer Valley and never left. She eventually graduated from Smith College with a degree in psychology and has worked with adults with disabilities for most of her adult life.
She has worked for or with the United Arc, Nonotuck Resources, Riverside Industries and UCP, was a co-chair of the Greenfield Special Education Parents Advisory Council and is currently the coordinator of the Special Needs Family Alliance, a support group for parents and others with loved ones with disabilities. She has many years of experience as a Human Rights Officer, Coordinator, Committee Chair and is now serving on the Human Rights Committee for UCP and Goodwill of Berkshire county.
Mary is married and has three children and three grandchildren. Her son, Noah, has been a member of Theatre Adventure for about three years.
She loves reading, especially science fiction, spending time with her grandkids, and serving in her church.
She currently lives in Greenfield with her husband, Gene, her son, Noah, and their two cats, D’Argo and Chiana.
Gillian Cuero-Love
Gillian is a Peruvian Transnational and Transracial adoptee who is claiming roots and honoring her heritage. She has been a student organizer, community organizer, chef, and independent researcher. Gillian also works at The Root Social Justice Center as a Youth 4 Change Coordinator and BIPOC Adoptees Group Coordinator.
Debra Glennon
Debra lives in the “Happy Valley” of Massachusetts and is the mother of three active sons, including one with autism. She is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is passionate about bridging research and lived experience through compassion, collaboration, and advocacy. A tireless optimist, Debra is inspired by the transformative power of the arts and the dedicated community that makes Theatre Adventure possible, and is proud to support and promote its mission.