Jennifer Amatruto
Facilities Manager
Emily Bellows
Communications Coordinator
Daniel Gostelow
Advancement Coordinator and Data Analyst
Carrie Gutbier
Collections Development Librarian
Robin Hood
Tiny Dog
Emet Koffman
Patron Experience Specialist
Gwen McGowan
Patron Experience Specialist
Carson Schafer
Children and Youth Services Librarian
Paige Vignola
Assistant Director, Education & Community Engagement
Jennifer Amatruto
Facilities Manager
Emily Bellows
Communications Coordinator
A lifelong reader with a taste for nearly every fiction genre, she has recently begun an in-depth exploration into the world of nonfiction as well. In Emily’s opinion, two books everyone should read are any near-future dystopian fiction about the consequences of bigotry, climate change, or end stage capitalism, and a book on women’s health (it’s poorly taught and under researched–we could all learn something more). She’d be happy to give recommendations on either category, or any other genre.
Outside of the library, she enjoys playing board and tabletop roleplaying games, learning (but never mastering) new crafts, getting outside, and nurturing a love of early literacy in her toddler. Though she has lived in Rhode Island, New York, and Las Vegas, she’s called Vermont home since 2004 and is proud to be part of the local community.

Daniel Gostelow
Advancement Coordinator and Data Analyst
- Group:Staff
Daniel Gostelow
Advancement Coordinator and Data Analyst
Daniel combines his background in data analysis, software development, and prospect research to forward the library’s fundraising and other strategic efforts. Prior to his work at MCL, Daniel engineered databases, performed grants research, and taught music. He earned his Ph.D. in Music Composition from University at Buffalo, where he taught undergraduate students for seven years as an instructor and Visiting Assistant Professor. He has also worked with children, and taught music lessons to kids aged 5-12 at Buffalo Community Music School. In his spare time he enjoys piano playing, reading, and exploring the beauty of the Southwestern Vermont region.
Carrie Gutbier
Collections Development Librarian
Carrie developed a passion for children’s literature as an undergraduate student and further honed that passion during graduate school, where she was able to curate her studies using children’s literature as the lense to move through her program. She has shared that passion as a preschool and classroom teacher and librarian. She joins the MCL staff following five years as a Youth Services Librarian at Bennington Free Library.
Carrie holds a B.S. in Education from Northeastern University and a M.A. in Liberal Studies from Skidmore College and a Vermont Certificate of Public Librarianship. A life-long resident of the area, she has a keen sense of the community and is excited to bring her passions and experience with children and families to the MCL community. Outside of work, she spends her time in a flurry of activities including skiing, biking, and running and–of course–reading! Committed to giving back to the community where she lives, she is a Board member at Arlington Rescue Squad as well as a volunteer EMT with the organization. She lives with her husband and daughter in Arlington.

Robin Hood
Tiny Dog
- Group:Staff
Robin Hood
Tiny Dog
Robin Hood got his start at the MCL in 2022 and has enthusiastically taken up the roles of Library Greeter and Staff Morale Specialist. Early visitors to the MCL might encounter Robin on his morning zoomies through the Library, and evening visitors might catch a glimpse of him as he helps to tidy the cafe floor before going home for the day.
Karen Huerta
Patron Experience Specialist
Emet Koffman
Patron Experience Specialist
Each Saturday of Emet’s childhood was spent on a family excursion to the Mark Skinner Library. It was a journey filled with two miles of walking, often hot chocolate, and magic – because she got to be surrounded by books. Her love for libraries only grew as she studied the environment and community development at the University of Vermont. Where before she thought of libraries as a fantastical means of escape, she began to realize what a powerful tool they could be for bringing people together and building community. The past couple of years she has been working as an environmental educator, but upon moving back to Manchester she decided that it was time for a new journey back to her roots. Emet loves reading fantasy books, working on her garden, and continuously learning new forms of art.
Gwen McGowan
Patron Experience Specialist
Carson Schafer
Children and Youth Services Librarian
Carson is a lifelong lover of reading, play, and curiosity. They spent the last decade teaching children from South Carolina to the Balkans to North Africa and back again. Now they are eager to get to know the MCL community’s families. Professional specialties include silly dances and cardboard swords.
Ed Surjan
Executive Director
Beginning with weekly visits as a child with his parents to the public library, Ed Surjan has had deep connections with libraries throughout his life. Following an entrepreneurial career in computer and technology businesses, in 2010, Ed made his love of reading and libraries his career. First, at Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA, and for eight years at The Frederick Gunn School in Washington, CT, Ed has brought a fully engaged, inclusive, and immersive approach to working with high school students, parents, families, and teachers. As MCL Executive Director since 2022, Ed utilizes his combined entrepreneurial and library experience to serve our community and region.
A lifelong learner, Ed has earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Chicago and an MS in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University. He can frequently be found outdoors, running, hiking, and snowshoeing. He and his wife, BJ, enjoy exploring Vermont in the company of their trusty Labrador, Jack.

Paige Vignola
Assistant Director, Education & Community Engagement
- Group:Staff
Paige Vignola
Assistant Director, Education & Community Engagement
Becky Burke
Trustee
Originally from Duchess County, NY, Becky Burke moved to Manchester full-time in 2001 after building a seasona...
Caralee Kennedy
Trustee
A Vermont native, Caralee Kennedy is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch and an advocate for financial lite...
Cristina Maddocks
Trustee
A seasoned mental health professional with 20 years of experience, Cristina has worked in Vermont’s designated...
Hilary Winston Oskam
Trustee
A lifelong lover of books and learning, Hilary has dedicated much of her time to volunteering in schools, chur...

John G Clark
Board President
- Group:Board
John G Clark
Board President

Margi Putney
Board Vice President
- Group:Board
Margi Putney
Board Vice President

Fran Fauver
Board Secretary
- Group:Board
Fran Fauver
Board Secretary

Rhonna Cass
Board Treasurer
- Group:Board
Rhonna Cass
Board Treasurer

Amanda Baer
Trustee
- Group:Board
Amanda Baer
Trustee

Melissa Connelly Bell
Trustee
- Group:Board
Melissa Connelly Bell
Trustee

Becky Burke
Trustee
- Group:Board
Becky Burke
Trustee
Originally from Duchess County, NY, Becky Burke moved to Manchester full-time in 2001 after building a seasonal home with her husband Bill in 1988. With a background in country club business, real estate, and floral design, Becky quickly became an active community volunteer. She has served in various roles with organizations such as the Bart Center Adaptive Ski Program, Hildene, VT Komen Race for the Cure, GMALL, and the Garden Club of Manchester, among many others.

Ruth Corbett
Trustee
- Group:Board
Ruth Corbett
Trustee

Ann Graham
Trustee
- Group:Board
Ann Graham
Trustee

Caralee Kennedy
Trustee
- Group:Board
Caralee Kennedy
Trustee
A Vermont native, Caralee Kennedy is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch and an advocate for financial literacy. She holds degrees in business, marketing, and finance and is passionate about empowering individuals of all backgrounds with the tools needed to achieve their goals. Caralee also leads CommUNITY, a local organization focused on cultural diversity and equity work, and serves as secretary for the Rutland Area NAACP. She resides in West Pawlet with her husband, Seth, and their blended family of five children.

Peter D Kinder
Trustee
- Group:Board
Peter D Kinder
Trustee

Cristina Maddocks
Trustee
- Group:Board
Cristina Maddocks
Trustee
A seasoned mental health professional with 20 years of experience, Cristina has worked in Vermont’s designated mental health agencies, early education, and nonprofit settings. She is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and advocating for youth and families in their home, school, and community environments.

Liz Perkins
Trustee
- Group:Board
Liz Perkins
Trustee

Hilary Winston Oskam
Trustee
- Group:Board
Hilary Winston Oskam
Trustee
A lifelong lover of books and learning, Hilary has dedicated much of her time to volunteering in schools, churches, and community organizations. Originally from Pelham Manor, NY, she holds a degree in History from Fordham University and has lived in multiple states and Canada before settling in Dorset, VT. She has managed a school thrift shop, coached middle school field hockey, and worked in retail management while staying deeply engaged in her children’s education and faith.

Jeff Spencer
Trustee
- Group:Board
Jeff Spencer
Trustee
Susan Hunter
Honorary Trustee
- Group:Honorary Trustee
Susan Hunter
Honorary Trustee
Linda McKeever
Honorary Trustee
- Group:Honorary Trustee
Linda McKeever
Honorary Trustee
Christine Miles
Honorary Trustee
- Group:Honorary Trustee
Christine Miles
Honorary Trustee
Kate Orme
Honorary Trustee
- Group:Honorary Trustee
Kate Orme
Honorary Trustee
Linda Oskam
Honorary Trustee
- Group:Honorary Trustee