Our Team

 Executive Director

Ellie leads Rutland Neighbor’s organization mission to support community members in need. Ellie graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in Special Education in 1980.  She then received her Masters Degree in Special Education in 1991 and her Certificate of Advanced Study in Special Education in 1992.  Before taking on this role, Ellie served for 27 years as the Director of Support Services for Rutland City Public Schools, overseeing programs for students with disabilities and those at risk of school failure. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Special Education Teacher and also owned a General Store in South Wallingford, Vermont, reflecting her deep-rooted connection to the local community.

After retiring from Rutland City Schools in 2019, Ellie began volunteering with Rutland Neighbors in 2020, where her passion for service and compassion for others led her to become the Executive Director. She is dedicated to helping those who face challenges in life, ensuring that everyone has access to the care and support they need to thrive.

Ellie is guided by the words of Mother Teresa:
“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.’”

Linda serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Rutland Neighbors. She has been involved since the program’s inception in 2018, when its humble beginnings consisted of offering granola bars and coffee to a small group of visitors several days a week. Her experience as a mother of four and as a residential support for at-risk teens provided a strong foundation for the compassion, patience, and understanding she brings to her current role.

As Rutland Neighbors has grown, so too has Linda’s role. She now spends her days engaging with the many neighbors who stop by for assistance, distributing essential items and connecting individuals with resources. She also provides vital support to the Executive Director and readily steps in wherever she is needed. Linda’s greatest hope is that every visitor and volunteer who walks through the doors of Rutland Neighbors feels genuinely welcomed, valued, and appreciated.

Kelly Major is a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, where she cultivated her passion for healthy living and balanced nourishment. At the young age of 20, she began her career as a home care aide, dedicating many years to caring for others with compassion and respect. Throughout her life, Kelly has also worked in and out of kitchens—whether as a waitress or a cook—developing a deep appreciation for the role food plays in bringing people together.

Since joining Rutland Neighbors in February 2024, Kelly has brought that same dedication and warmth to her work. She takes great pride in providing our neighbors with nourishing, feel-good meals made with both care and love. As she orchestrates the many wonderful volunteers who help prepare and serve meals, Kelly’s energy and kindness fill the kitchen with a sense of joy and purpose.

In 2023, Kelly and her husband, Tom, moved to Hampton, New York, where they are raising their two beautiful young sons, Jackson and William. Her passion for food, family, and community shines through in everything she does—making her an invaluable part of the Rutland Neighbors team.

Rob is a dedicated professional with a strong background in both early childhood education and healthcare. A 2001 graduate of Rutland High School, he began his career by earning his Child Development Certification and working in the Early Childhood field, where he developed a passion for supporting children’s growth and learning. Building on his commitment to helping others, Rob later obtained his Licensed Nurse Assistant (LNA) Certificate and gained valuable experience providing compassionate care to patients.

In 2021, Rob began volunteering with Rutland Neighbors, where his dedication and organizational skills quickly made an impact. He now serves as the organization’s Data Coordinator, continuing his commitment to service and community support.

Lori McVeigh serves as the Bookkeeper for Rutland Neighbors, assisting the Executive Director with financial and clerical responsibilities that help keep the program running smoothly. Dedicated and detail-oriented, Lori takes pride in supporting the organization’s mission and ensuring that daily operations remain well-coordinated behind the scenes.

In addition to her role at Rutland Neighbors, Lori has been the Office Administrator at Rutland United Methodist Church since 2019, where she works closely with Pastor Tom Atkins. She also serves as the Church Treasurer and contributes to the church’s music ministry. Her commitment to financial stewardship extends beyond the local congregation through her service on the Green Mountain District Finance Team.

Lori brings more than forty years of experience as a legal assistant to her work, and she continues to share her expertise part-time at MK Law in Wallingford.

She and her husband, Scott, have two grown children, Ryan and Ashley, and are the proud grandparents of Brody and Saylor.