About PCV - Leadership
Betsy J. Walkerman, JD, President
Betsy Walkerman, PCV President, is a lawyer by training, having received her J.D. magna cum laude from Boston College in 1979. Over the past 30 years, Betsy has worked at the cross section of legal, finance and strategy to launch and build companies. In the 1980s and early ’90s, she was General Counsel, CFO and VP of Strategic Development at Aspen Technology, Inc. She founded her firm, Headwaters Strategy, LLC, in 1996, and since then has served as a consultant and/or board member for more than twenty emerging companies. Her work in the non-profit sector includes leadership roles on land trust projects, the performing arts, and serving on the board of the Lake Champlain Sailing Center. Early in her career, Betsy was associated with the Boston law firm of Bingham, Dana & Gould, and previously worked in the public sector, focusing on energy and transportation policy. Betsy worked closely with Dick and Ginny Walters since the inception of the death with dignity campaign in Vermont. She has led PCV as president and a director since 2015. In 2020, the board created the part-time staff position of President, Betsy was named to this position, and resigned from the board.
Betsy Walkerman, PCV President, is a lawyer by training, having received her J.D. magna cum laude from Boston College in 1979. Over the past 30 years, Betsy has worked at the cross section of legal, finance and strategy to launch and build companies. In the 1980s and early ’90s, she was General Counsel, CFO and VP of Strategic Development at Aspen Technology, Inc. She founded her firm, Headwaters Strategy, LLC, in 1996, and since then has served as a consultant and/or board member for more than twenty emerging companies. Her work in the non-profit sector includes leadership roles on land trust projects, the performing arts, and serving on the board of the Lake Champlain Sailing Center. Early in her career, Betsy was associated with the Boston law firm of Bingham, Dana & Gould, and previously worked in the public sector, focusing on energy and transportation policy. Betsy worked closely with Dick and Ginny Walters since the inception of the death with dignity campaign in Vermont. She has led PCV as president and a director since 2015. In 2020, the board created the part-time staff position of President, Betsy was named to this position, and resigned from the board.
Amy J. Bruce, Executive Director
Amy Bruce is a leader in palliative and hospice care who is driven by her sense of compassion and dedication to improving patient access to high quality, end of life care. She previously served as Operations Director for ResolutionCare and DIrector of Palliative Care Services for Hospice of Humboldt and Hospice of the Chesapeake. Amy is a strong advocate for Medical Aid in Dying as well as bereavement support for families, believing both to be integral parts of comprehensive end of life care. Amy holds a Master of Public Policy and Bachelor of Arts in French and Economics from the University of Michigan. Her leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to service, justice, and strategic growth, complemented by her expertise in policy development, team management, and budget oversight. When not working you can find Amy running and biking the trails and skiing down the slopes.
Amy Bruce is a leader in palliative and hospice care who is driven by her sense of compassion and dedication to improving patient access to high quality, end of life care. She previously served as Operations Director for ResolutionCare and DIrector of Palliative Care Services for Hospice of Humboldt and Hospice of the Chesapeake. Amy is a strong advocate for Medical Aid in Dying as well as bereavement support for families, believing both to be integral parts of comprehensive end of life care. Amy holds a Master of Public Policy and Bachelor of Arts in French and Economics from the University of Michigan. Her leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to service, justice, and strategic growth, complemented by her expertise in policy development, team management, and budget oversight. When not working you can find Amy running and biking the trails and skiing down the slopes.
Audrey Winograd, MSW, JD, Program Manager
Audrey Winograd is a hospice-trained medical social worker with experience in neurology, oncology, chronic disease and end-of-life care. She holds a law degree from Rutgers University, a Masters in Organizational Development from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Vermont. Audrey brings forty years of experience in the field of organizational and community work, personal empowerment and patient-centered care. As a medical psycho-therapist she empowers clients to enhance one’s lived experience today, while engaging in shared decision making for tomorrow. Audrey's PCV work is focused on community outreach, education, and collaboration. She works with the public, medical professionals and organizations to help ensure that people have knowledge and accurate information about end-of-life choice.
Audrey Winograd is a hospice-trained medical social worker with experience in neurology, oncology, chronic disease and end-of-life care. She holds a law degree from Rutgers University, a Masters in Organizational Development from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Vermont. Audrey brings forty years of experience in the field of organizational and community work, personal empowerment and patient-centered care. As a medical psycho-therapist she empowers clients to enhance one’s lived experience today, while engaging in shared decision making for tomorrow. Audrey's PCV work is focused on community outreach, education, and collaboration. She works with the public, medical professionals and organizations to help ensure that people have knowledge and accurate information about end-of-life choice.
Board of Directors
Toni Kaeding, MS RN, Board Co-Chair and Director
Toni Kaeding is a nurse whose work has spanned clinical, academic, administrative, and policy positions in Vermont. She retired from the University of Vermont where she held both faculty and administrative appointments in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. She was founding Director of the Freeman Scholars Program. In 2012, Toni was named recipient of the Founder’s Award by the Vermont Medical Society. She enjoys cross-country skiing and running and lives at the end of the road with her family in Worcester, Vermont. Toni served on PCV's Helpline for many years, assisting patients and doctors. She helps educate students and community members.
Toni Kaeding is a nurse whose work has spanned clinical, academic, administrative, and policy positions in Vermont. She retired from the University of Vermont where she held both faculty and administrative appointments in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. She was founding Director of the Freeman Scholars Program. In 2012, Toni was named recipient of the Founder’s Award by the Vermont Medical Society. She enjoys cross-country skiing and running and lives at the end of the road with her family in Worcester, Vermont. Toni served on PCV's Helpline for many years, assisting patients and doctors. She helps educate students and community members.
Claire Ayer, RN, Director
Claire Ayer of Addison, VT, was raised and educated in the Champlain Valley and raised her own family in Weybridge, VT. She practiced nursing and worked with farmers on water quality issues until 2003 when she was elected to the Vermont Senate. Over 16 years as a Senator, the passage of Act 39 was among her most important contributions to Vermonters.
Claire Ayer of Addison, VT, was raised and educated in the Champlain Valley and raised her own family in Weybridge, VT. She practiced nursing and worked with farmers on water quality issues until 2003 when she was elected to the Vermont Senate. Over 16 years as a Senator, the passage of Act 39 was among her most important contributions to Vermonters.
Diana Barnard, MD, Director
Diana Barnard, a native Vermonter, is Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Care as well as in Family Practice. After more than 17 years in private practice in Addison County, she is a Palliative Care Medicine Physician at University of Vermont Health Network and an Associate Professor at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Barnard was recognized in 2019 by the Madison-Deane Education Fund award entitled "Excellence in End of Life Care." She has served on the Ethics and Palliative Care Committees and Board of Directors of Porter Hospital and also on the board of Hospice Volunteer Services of Addison County. Dr. Barnard was honored by the UVM Larner College of Medicine with the 2020 Service to Medicine and Community Award. In 2021, Dr. Barnard was named Vermont Family Physician of the Year. She is the Vermont liaison to the American Clinicians Academy for Medical Aid in Dying. Prior to her present position, was the Medical Director and a board member of Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. She is a passionate advocate for holistic, comprehensive and patient directed care at the end of life. Dr. Barnard was instrumental in the passage of Act 39 as one of the few practicing physicians who testified for the need for medical aid in dying. She has worked tirelessly to educate medical professionals and serves as the primary resource for clinicians who call PCV or contact her directly for information on aid in dying.
Diana Barnard, a native Vermonter, is Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Care as well as in Family Practice. After more than 17 years in private practice in Addison County, she is a Palliative Care Medicine Physician at University of Vermont Health Network and an Associate Professor at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Barnard was recognized in 2019 by the Madison-Deane Education Fund award entitled "Excellence in End of Life Care." She has served on the Ethics and Palliative Care Committees and Board of Directors of Porter Hospital and also on the board of Hospice Volunteer Services of Addison County. Dr. Barnard was honored by the UVM Larner College of Medicine with the 2020 Service to Medicine and Community Award. In 2021, Dr. Barnard was named Vermont Family Physician of the Year. She is the Vermont liaison to the American Clinicians Academy for Medical Aid in Dying. Prior to her present position, was the Medical Director and a board member of Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. She is a passionate advocate for holistic, comprehensive and patient directed care at the end of life. Dr. Barnard was instrumental in the passage of Act 39 as one of the few practicing physicians who testified for the need for medical aid in dying. She has worked tirelessly to educate medical professionals and serves as the primary resource for clinicians who call PCV or contact her directly for information on aid in dying.
Jaina Clough, MD, Director
Dr. Jaina Clough is a hospice and palliative care physician with the University of Vermont (UVM) Health Network. She has been a hospice physician with UVM Home Health and Hospice since 2012 and provides outpatient palliative care at UVM Medical Center. As an assistant professor of medicine at the Larner College of Medicine at UVM, Dr. Clough directs the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Course for third-year medical students. She is on the medical advisory committee for PCV and is the primary author of the Clinician's Guide to Medical Aid in Dying on the PCV website. She is committed to supporting clinicians in their understanding and practice of MAID. She mentors clinicians locally and presents regionally at conferences, lectures, and grand rounds.
Dr. Jaina Clough is a hospice and palliative care physician with the University of Vermont (UVM) Health Network. She has been a hospice physician with UVM Home Health and Hospice since 2012 and provides outpatient palliative care at UVM Medical Center. As an assistant professor of medicine at the Larner College of Medicine at UVM, Dr. Clough directs the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Course for third-year medical students. She is on the medical advisory committee for PCV and is the primary author of the Clinician's Guide to Medical Aid in Dying on the PCV website. She is committed to supporting clinicians in their understanding and practice of MAID. She mentors clinicians locally and presents regionally at conferences, lectures, and grand rounds.
Carolyn Cooke, Board Co-Chair and Director
Carolyn Cooke has deep experience in both the non-profit and entrepreneurial worlds. Carolyn spent many years working in the outdoor industry including twelve years at Karhu/Merrell where she led the sales efforts that transitioned Merrell from a niche telemark ski boot company to a worldwide footwear powerhouse. She founded an outdoor women’s leadership council to promote women’s participation in outdoor adventure sports. In 1998, Carolyn married her love of the outdoors with her entrepreneurial energy and co-founded ISIS, an outdoor clothing company for women. Carolyn serves as board chair of Vermont Works for Women, a non-profit organization offering training for women and girls to develop economic independence. Recent leadership positions also include co-director of the 2-day Full Circle Festival and Director of Sales and Marketing at AllEarth Renewables, an innovative solar energy company based in Williston, VT. Carolyn's financial and strategic planning expertise are most welcome on the PCV Board.
Carolyn Cooke has deep experience in both the non-profit and entrepreneurial worlds. Carolyn spent many years working in the outdoor industry including twelve years at Karhu/Merrell where she led the sales efforts that transitioned Merrell from a niche telemark ski boot company to a worldwide footwear powerhouse. She founded an outdoor women’s leadership council to promote women’s participation in outdoor adventure sports. In 1998, Carolyn married her love of the outdoors with her entrepreneurial energy and co-founded ISIS, an outdoor clothing company for women. Carolyn serves as board chair of Vermont Works for Women, a non-profit organization offering training for women and girls to develop economic independence. Recent leadership positions also include co-director of the 2-day Full Circle Festival and Director of Sales and Marketing at AllEarth Renewables, an innovative solar energy company based in Williston, VT. Carolyn's financial and strategic planning expertise are most welcome on the PCV Board.
Susan Gillotti, MA, Director
Susan Gillotti is a retired Jungian psychotherapist. She grew up in Washington, D. C. and lived in London for many years. She holds degrees from Vassar College and Lesley University, and has published articles in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy. She is the author of Women of Privilege, a study of the intimate journals and letters of three generations of her maternal forebears, and is now at work on a second book that explores the ways in which the unconscious, through imagery, can nudge us towards self-actualization. Her husband, A. F. Gillotti, a retired international banker and novelist, used Act 39 to take control of the end of his life. She lives in Norwich, Vermont.
Susan Gillotti is a retired Jungian psychotherapist. She grew up in Washington, D. C. and lived in London for many years. She holds degrees from Vassar College and Lesley University, and has published articles in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy. She is the author of Women of Privilege, a study of the intimate journals and letters of three generations of her maternal forebears, and is now at work on a second book that explores the ways in which the unconscious, through imagery, can nudge us towards self-actualization. Her husband, A. F. Gillotti, a retired international banker and novelist, used Act 39 to take control of the end of his life. She lives in Norwich, Vermont.
Marnie Wood, Secretary and Director
Marnie Wood is a retired educator having taught elementary-aged students for more than three decades. She has been a resident of Vermont since 1983 when she came to visit her sister and stayed. She is a member of the Wellspring Singers of End of Life Services in Middlebury. She is grateful for the opportunity to have shared her sister Nancy’s journey (using Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act) during the campaign to adopt Act 39, and with PCV as we have worked to bring greater awareness about end-of-life issues to the residents of Vermont.
Marnie Wood is a retired educator having taught elementary-aged students for more than three decades. She has been a resident of Vermont since 1983 when she came to visit her sister and stayed. She is a member of the Wellspring Singers of End of Life Services in Middlebury. She is grateful for the opportunity to have shared her sister Nancy’s journey (using Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act) during the campaign to adopt Act 39, and with PCV as we have worked to bring greater awareness about end-of-life issues to the residents of Vermont.
David Otto, DMin, Director
David is the founding CEO of Otto & Associates, a holistic financial planning firm with offices in Katonah, NY, and Norwich, VT. He has previously worked as a pastor and pastoral counselor, having received a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York and a Doctor of Ministry in Clinical Services from Andover-Newton Theological in Boston. David and his wife, Mary, lived north of New York City for 35 years before moving to Norwich, VT, in 2002. They moved to Shelburne in 2020. He has served on the board of the Katonah Village Library, as both the treasurer and president; the Bedford, NY, Zoning Board of Appeals; the board of High Horses Therapeutic Riding (Sharon, VT) as both treasurer and president; and the board of the Montshire Museum of Science (Norwich, VT), as treasurer and secretary. David notes, “End of life issues are of interest both professionally and personally. I welcome the opportunity to be actively involved in an organization dedicated to addressing these issues.” Mary and he have two married daughters and three grandchildren.
David is the founding CEO of Otto & Associates, a holistic financial planning firm with offices in Katonah, NY, and Norwich, VT. He has previously worked as a pastor and pastoral counselor, having received a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York and a Doctor of Ministry in Clinical Services from Andover-Newton Theological in Boston. David and his wife, Mary, lived north of New York City for 35 years before moving to Norwich, VT, in 2002. They moved to Shelburne in 2020. He has served on the board of the Katonah Village Library, as both the treasurer and president; the Bedford, NY, Zoning Board of Appeals; the board of High Horses Therapeutic Riding (Sharon, VT) as both treasurer and president; and the board of the Montshire Museum of Science (Norwich, VT), as treasurer and secretary. David notes, “End of life issues are of interest both professionally and personally. I welcome the opportunity to be actively involved in an organization dedicated to addressing these issues.” Mary and he have two married daughters and three grandchildren.