About Us

Our Staff

JoEllen Tarallo-Falk, Executive Director
(B.A. in Communications, University of New Hampshire, 1977; M.Ed. and Social Services, University of Vermont, 1983; M.Ed., Harvard University, MA, 1988; Doctorate in Educational Administration, Planning, and Social Policy, Harvard University, MA, 1995). 
JoEllen Tarallo-Falk is a state licensed and nationally credentialed health educator with 30 years of service at the crossroads between education and public health as a teacher, trainer, program, project and curriculum developer. Having worked at the local, state, national and international levels, Dr. Falk’s expertise is on the interdisciplinary interface between health issues and educational strategies. At CHL she has authored and developed numerous programs, curricula and materials on comprehensive health topics.

Amelia Darrow, Marketing Director, Operations and Project Manager

(B.A., International Studies from School for International Training & Marlboro College Joint Degree, World Studies Program, Brattleboro/Marlboro, VT)

Prior to joining the CHL team, Amelia was the Production and Licensing Director for Rock River Music, a boutique marketing agency for Fortune 500 brands. There for seven years, she collaborated with abi-coastal team, international clients and multi-national music label and, publishers, working with some of the word's top technology pioneers. Previous to her music industry work, she was Business Manager for the Olallie Daylily Farm in South Newfane VT for thirteen years. Her background in organizational operations, project management and marketing design are complemented by many years serving on local school boards with a focus on school policy, curricula and governance. She is well versed in functioning under tight budget conditions in order to meet challenging community and educational needs.

Catherine Diduk, Events and Training Coordinator

Catherine came to CHL with several years of office and customer service experience. She gained most of her event planning experience during her twelve years working in the Office of Admission at Smith College. In her position as Administrative Assistant/Application Coordinator at Smith, she was responsible for organizing events both on and off campus for prospective students, as well as events for faculty and staff. She also served as administrative support and staff liaison for the Admission Office. She joined CHL after a year as an innkeeper on the coast of Maine, managing a 10 room bed and breakfast. With the youngest of 6 children now in college, Catherine and her husband have made their home in Brattleboro and are enjoying the peace and quiet.

Cindy Hayford, Development and Program Specialist
(B.S. Springfield College, Springfield, MA)

Cindy comes to CHL with a background in community organizing, substance abuse prevention, physical education, and health. From her twelve years of experience as director of the Deerfield Valley Prevention Coalition, Cindy has extensive experience as a presenter, trainer and community liaison, connecting schools and public services to state resources. Prior to working in the prevention field, Cindy was a physical education teacher and coach for sixteen years. She has been an expert presenter on substance abuse, youth development and community organizing. She has received numerous awards in recognition of her outstanding work in the field of substance abuse.

Bob Tucker , Bookkeeper
"Tucker" brings years of experience with non-profit finance to the financial systems at the Center for Health and Learning. He brings competence and humor his work at CHL, while keeping up with his bookkeeping demands for several other local business and organizations. Tucker also volunteers with a local chapter of Special Olympics, coaching youngsters in basketball.