Leigh Madalinski, Site Director lmadalin@bsdvt.org 802-316-0195
Where did you grow up? Hackettstown, New Jersey
Favorite part of afterschool or working with children/youth: I love having the opportunity to get to know our students as people and support them in exploring their interests, learning to make friends and feeling confident. There are so many moments in afterschool where we have the opportunity to make an impact on the future by being a caring adult in the present. I also love getting to know the families in our community–Burlington is such a wonderful place to live and it’s an honor to be able to contribute something meaningful to the lives of people in our city.
Hobbies/what do you like to do outside of work: I enjoy playing the fiddle, knitting and going on adventures with my husband and young son.
Professional experience and education: I have a Bachelor’s in Theatre from the University of Vermont and a Master’s in Cultural Production, with a focus on Education and Museums, from Brandeis University. I discovered the world of afterschool in grad school while collaboratively running an afterschool gallery education program at the Rose Art Museum with fellow graduate students. Since then I’ve worked as an educator in private schools, alternative schools and afterschool programs. Most recently, I was the site director for the afterschool program at Marlboro Elementary School, prior to moving to the Burlington area with my family.
Ben Rodgers, Assistant Site Director brodgers@bsdvt.org 802-316-0195
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Endicott, NY, a village in the Southern Tier of New York State.
Favorite part of afterschool or working with children/youth: My favorite part of working with the afterschool program is participating in and enjoying the same activities the students do. Sledding is a favorite!
Hobbies/what do you like to do outside of work: I am an avid musician and spend most of my time writing and recording music or playing around Burlington. When I’m not playing music I can be found enjoying the outdoors. At least once a day, I dedicate time to hiking, walking or observing wildlife.
Professional experience and education: I graduated in the Spring of 2017 from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY, with a B.A. in Environmental Science Systems and Religious Studies. During college, I worked as a Conservation Steward for New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Conservation and for Baltimore Woods Nature Center as an Environmental Education Intern. The day after commencement ceremony, I packed a bag and left for Richmond, VT, where I worked as a Crew Leader for Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. I spent the summer learning to do conservation work and how to live sustainably in the outdoors. As our season came to a close, I recognized my drive to educate others, and found myself in Burlington as part of the BKids team.
