Will Towne
Executive Director
Will Towne joined the Upper Valley Haven in 2025. Will brings more than ten years of experience in housing, shelter, and direct service, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Spectrum Youth and Family Services in Burlington, Vermont. His background includes directing operations, improving programs and facilities, managing supported housing teams, and working directly with individuals seeking stability. Will has also taken on statewide leadership roles that include serving on the Governor’s Council on Housing and Homelessness, co chairing the Chittenden County Homeless Alliance, and contributing to committees focused on shelter, data, and coordinated entry. His work reflects a commitment to ensuring people can rely on accessible food, shelter, and supportive services.
Jennifer Fontaine
Director of Operations
Jennifer Fontaine joined the Upper Valley Haven in 2008 after a decade in the financial sector. She holds a BA in Social Work, an MS in Human Services, and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Common Good Vermont. She is also a graduate of Leadership Upper Valley and Food Solutions New England’s Network Leadership Institute. Jennifer serves as Treasurer of the White River Council on Aging’s Bugbee Senior Center, Co-chair of the Food Security Network of the Upper Valley (a subsidiary of Hunger Free Vermont), and a steering committee member of Upper Valley Strong. She is also active in numerous community workgroups focused on her passion for food access and food justice.
Laura Gillespie
Director of Development & Communications
Laura Gillespie joined the Haven in 2016 after ten years in development at The Aloha Foundation. Laura is a graduate of Dartmouth College with an MS in Nonprofit Management from Marlboro College. Laura is President of the Lifecare Board of Alice Peck Day Hospital, sits on the APD Board, formerly served on the board of Jag Productions and the Board of Hartford-Norwich Holiday Basket Helpers. Laura coaches adult and junior community rowing programs with Upper Valley Rowing Foundation.
Amy-Louise Pfeffer
Director of Human Resources
Amy-Louise Pfeffer joined the Haven in the spring of 2026. She brings experience in nonprofit leadership, small business development, and public education. As the former Executive Director of The Stone Trust, she grew the organization’s training and certification programs in dry stone walling from one site to eight, spanning the Northeast to the Rockies. She holds a Master of Education, a Master of Environmental Studies, and certificates in Nonprofit Management, Strategic Resource Development and Fundraising, Level 1 Dry Stone Walling, and Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency. She is currently developing fluency in Nonviolent Communication and Restorative Circle facilitation.