About the Awards
Vermont has more than 20 local Self-Advocacy groups that meet all over the state. Groups meet to learn from one another and to speak up for themselves. GMSA honors the work that these groups do every year by asking each group to nominate Self-Advocates and Allies who STAND OUT and STAND UP! These awards honor one Self-Advocate of the Year and one Ally of the Year for each Self-Advocacy local group.
The Self-Advocate of the Year is someone who is active in their group, helps other Self-Advocates speak up for themselves, brings good ideas to their group, and listens to others’ ideas too.
The Ally of the Year is very active with the local Self-Advocacy group, is ready to help out but sits back and lets Self-Advocates run the meetings, accepts everyone, and treats all as equals.
Honorees
2013
COPS
Self-Advocate of the Year: Jeffrey Sheehan
Ally of the Year: Mona Distefano
Capital City Advocacy Association
Self-Advocate of the Year: Shea Martin
Ally of the Year: Jason Capobianco
Rockin’ Advocates of Montpelier/ Barre
Self-Advocate of the Year: Sammy Badger
Ally of the Year: Wendy Currier
Next Step Self-Advocates
Self-Advocate of the Year: Nicole Villemaire
Ally of the Year: Julia Harvey
Advocates for Action
Self-Advocate of the Year: Todd Ford
Ally of the Year: Jamie McClelland
Champlain Voices
Self-Advocate of the Year: Beverly Williams
Ally of the Year: Lucy Rogate
LGBTQ Support Groups
Self-Advocate of the Year: David Frye
Ally of the Year: Brenda Pitmon
Bennington Peer Support
Self-Advocate of the Year: Lisa Rudiakov
Ally of the Year: Melanie Bruninia
Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered of Rutland
Self-Advocate of the Year: Tammy Lethridge
Ally of the Year: Donna Montag
Vermont Choices
Self-Advocate of the Year: Brett Sweeney
Ally of the Year: Heather O’Rourke
GATSA
Self-Advocate of the Year: Thorin Bingham
Ally of the Year: Kelly Renaud
Friends Helping Friends
Self-Advocate of the Year: Gary Bergeron
Ally of the Year: Mary Blake
Speak Up! Addison County
Self-Advocate of the Year: Sam Parizo
Ally of the Year: Rebecca Holbrook
SAVY
Self-Advocate of the Year: Patty Grassette
Ally of the Year: Tina Lehulier
Our Drop in Center
Self-Advocate of the Year: Michelle Olden
Ally of the Year: Brenda Lanou
Families First Peer Group
Self-Advocate of the Year: Evan Cross
Ally of the Year: Jane Barron
Bennington Self-Advocacy Club
Self-Advocate of the Year: Adam Billings
Ally of the Year: Wendy Whaples
