A list of success stories presented by HireAbility Vermont.

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Alex Mattoon

HireAbility Vermont Participant

My start with HireAbility Vermont: I first got connected with HireAbility Vermont in September 2023. I was a junior in high school and met Melissa Gardner from HireAbility and Amanda Gochie from VABIR in the student services office at my school in Bradford. I came in with a clear goal, I told them, “I want to work for the Town of Topsham so I can grade the roads, because they’re awful!” That was the beginning of everything. I signed up for the Heavy Equipment class for the 2024–2025 school year and got started exploring different career paths. At one point, I found out I might not be able to get my CDL due to a disability. That was tough news, but it didn’t end my journey. With the support of my Transition Counselor, Alek Scully, and Amanda from VABIR, I started looking at other career options that didn’t require a CDL. Thanks to some amazing teamwork between my heavy equipment instructor, Dylan, Amanda, and the folks at Casella Waste Systems, I got introduced to Tony and Anthony at their White River Junction location. I had some great conversations, did an informational interview, toured their shop, and that’s when I knew. I wanted to be a Diesel Technician. What HireAbility Vermont means to me: HireAbility Vermont has meant opportunity, support, and real-world connections. They helped me take my interests and turn them into something concrete. When things didn’t go as planned, like not being able to get my CDL, they didn’t let me give up. Instead, they helped me explore new options and supported me through every step. They didn’t just talk about possibilities, they helped me meet people in the field, ask questions, and see what the job was really like. Because of that, I found a career that fits me. I interviewed with Casella, was offered a part-time role while I finished school, and officially started my full-time Diesel Technician Apprenticeship after graduation in April 2025. That would not have happened without HireAbility Vermont. My advice for anyone who is thinking about connecting with HireAbility Vermont: Do it If you’re not sure what’s next after high school, or if you have a goal but don’t know how to get there, HireAbility Vermont is a great place to start. They listen. They support you. They help you find real opportunities that match who you are and what you want to do, even if that changes along the way. It’s not just about getting a job. It’s about building a future that works for you. And that’s exactly what they helped me do.

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Dylan Snyder

HireAbility Vermont Participant

My Start with HireAbility When I first learned about HireAbility VT, it was through my mom. I was finishing up high school in Richford and starting to think seriously about what came next. I wanted to do something meaningful, something that helped people. With HireAbility, I got connected to Sheila, who helped guide me through the steps to employment. I got help with my resume, practiced interviews, and stayed in the loop on job opportunities. Eventually, I landed a position as an activity aide at Our Lady of the Meadows, where I now work on weekends. I also applied for grants that helped pay for college. That was a huge step forward for me in becoming a responsible adult. What HireAbility Means to Me HireAbility has been a major part of my journey. It helped me socialize more, meet others who were looking for jobs, and build the confidence to step into the working world. I was just pretty happy with the fact that I could actually help people and contribute to society. That means a lot to me. Through my job, I get to bring smiles to the residents I work with, that’s something I’m really proud of. I’m also enrolled in college now and working toward my dream of becoming an elementary school art teacher. I’m even taking a graphic design class to build more skills for the future. My Advice for Anyone Thinking About Connecting with HireAbility If you're considering working with HireAbility, I’d say go for it. Ask as many questions as you can so you really understand what to expect. Take every opportunity they offer. You might be surprised how far it can take you. I didn’t think I’d get this far, and now I’m working and going to college. That feels pretty exciting.

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Alex LeFevre

HireAbility Vermont Participant

My start with HireAbility Vermont:

As a child, I attended Rythm of the Rein and fell in love with the atmosphere. Rythm of the Rein provides equine assisted activities and therapies to individuals regardless of their situation. Their mission is to enhance the well-being of individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges for a better quality of life. Back then my favorite horse was Holly, my mom even designed a t-shirt with her on it. I have cerebral palsy and was on an IEP at Williamstown High School when I expressed interest in working. I was referred to HireAbility Vermont. From my time at Rythm of the Rein, I knew I wanted to work with horses. My HireAbility Vocational Counselor, Lee Reilly and Jacqueline Rogers, an Employment Consultant Supervisor at VABIR, reached out to Rhythm of the Rein. Dianne Lashoones the founder and program manager coordinated with PATH intl. therapeutic driving instructor and Barn Manager, Beth Belote, who began to assess what opportunities might be available to me. Although Rhythm of the Rein was not currently in a position to hire anyone, Beth, remaining true to their mission, offered me the chance to gain experience and insight into the work by participating in a Paid Work Experience. This means that HireAbility would pay me to work at Rhythm of the Rein while I learned and gained skills and experience. My dad agreed to be my on-the-job support. I did various cleaning tasks like stalls, feeding bowls, and riding gear. I fed and watered the horses, did hay, swept, prepped premixing soak, and some other odds and ends like helping with posters and first aid kits. My favorite thing to learn was how to lead the horses.

My advice for anyone who is thinking about connecting with HireAbility Vermont:

Prior to this opportunity, I had not yet experienced employment. I loved my time at Rythm of the Rein. Although they are not hiring at the moment, it brought me joy to be there with my dad and I think we’ll volunteer there when we can. Now that I have started to build a resume, I’m excited for the future. Reach out and let HireAbility help you get your start.
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