VTAAC Co-Chairs
Rebecca Hewson-Steller, RN, CN-BN (she/her)
Nurse Navigator, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
I love the opportunity to share what I’ve learned about the incredible power of collaboration in VT and have the opportunity to contribute to an organization that has supported me and my community for so many years.
Justin Pentenrieder, MSSc (he/him)
You First Program Manager, Vermont Department of Health
Almost half of cancer deaths are preventable. I am passionate about collaborating with partners to implement systems, policy, and behavior change and advance health equity. VTAAC provides a forum, resources, and a roadmap through the Vermont Cancer Plan to reduce the burden of cancer in Vermont and improve the health of Vermonters.
Taskforce Chairs
Lisa Purvis, EdD, MPH, MBA
Director, Community Outreach and Engagement, Dartmouth Cancer Center
As a public health specialist, I have a life-long interest in community-based efforts to improve the health and well-being of residents. As a Vermonter, I am particularly interested in the health status of Vermonters and the health system and services available in Vermont. I hope that I can contribute to programs and initiatives that will benefit Vermonters.
Monica Marshall
Dana Bourne, MPH (she/her/hers)
Tobacco Cessation Specialist, Vermont Department of Health
I am grateful to be a co-chair at VTAAC as I feel the cross-section between tobacco use and chronic disease is vast. By joining VTAAC, and now acting as a co-chair, I feel I am able to work with more partners to improve tobacco screening and cessation across the state, while also providing support for lung cancer screenings in an effort to reduce the burden of chronic disease for all Vermonters.
Leigh Sampson
Associate Director, State Partnerships, American Cancer Society
VTAAC gives partners the opportunity to share information and collaborate on statewide projects. I’ve made new partners, launched interesting projects, and learned new things from my involvement in VTAAC with the shared goal of reducing the cancer burden in Vermont.
Sharon Mallory, MPH (she/her)
Vermont Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Director, Vermont Department of Health
Like most people I know, several of my family members and friends have been impacted by cancer. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to address cancer in Vermont through my work with VTAAC and the coalition’s numerous passionate members.
Rebecca Hewson-Steller, RN, CN-BN (she/her)
Nurse Navigator, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
I love the opportunity to share what I’ve learned about the incredible power of collaboration in VT and have the opportunity to contribute to an organization that has supported me and my community for so many years.
Physical Activity and Nutrition in Cancer Survivors Project
Sharon Mallory, MPH (she/her)
Vermont Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Director, Vermont Department of Health
Like most people I know, several of my family members and friends have been impacted by cancer. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to address cancer in Vermont through my work with VTAAC and the coalition’s numerous passionate members.
VTAAC Staff
Sharon Mallory, MPH (she/her)
Vermont Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Director, Vermont Department of Health
Like most people I know, several of my family members and friends have been impacted by cancer. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to address cancer in Vermont through my work with VTAAC and the coalition’s numerous passionate members.
Hanna Snyder (she/her)
Coalition Coordinator, Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer
Assistant Director of Outreach and Education, UVM Cancer Center
I care deeply about Vermont and the health and well-being of Vermonters. I hope to keep building community and connecting with neighbors to reduce the burden of cancer in Vermont.
Lauren Ressue, PhD (she/her)
Public Health Analyst, Vermont Department of Health, Division of Health Statistics and Informatics
Cancer is a leading cause of death in Vermont and by collecting, interpreting and sharing data, we can better identify areas related to the entire cancer continuum of greatest need and how to best direct resources to support the health and happiness of Vermonters.