Our Council | Girl Scouts

We're here to help them shine.

Behind every Girl Scout and volunteer is a team of local staff ready to help them earn that next badge, embark on a camping adventure, or organize an impactful service project. That’s what a Girl Scout council is. We are here to maintain camp properties, provide local Girl Scouts skill-building workshops and resources to achieve whatever they can dream up.

Over 5,000 girls from across central and western Massachusetts are reaching their fullest potential. Our members are discovering what’s important to them, connecting with their community, and taking action to make the world a better place.

With the help of over 3,000 volunteers, we are creating adventures, learning opportunities, and future leaders at our four camps, two Leadership Centers, and with dedicated community partners.

We believe in the power of girls! From her first troop sleepover over with her very best friends to hiking Mount Washington to designing her own adventure—our Girl Scouts find the sparkle that makes them special. We think that’s pretty cool.

We connect over 8,000 members in 186 cities and towns in western and central Massachusetts, girls and adults who are experiencing new adventures every single day and building friendships that last a lifetime.

We get involved in our communities.  Hundreds of service projects are completed each year! Our Girl Scouts and volunteers change the world through small acts of kindness and BIG ideas that make a lasting impact. Serving meals at a community soup kitchen, collecting items for local shelters and singing holiday carols to bring cheer to elders are regular aspirations for our members.

We value diversity and inclusiveness.  Girl Scouts does not discriminate on any basis, including age, race, ethnicity, religion, and disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have questions, concerns, or issues that need attention, we're here to help! Call us at 508-365-0115 or 413-584-2602, or email us at info@gscwm.org. Our hours are Monday–Friday, 9AM–4:00PM, or by appointment.

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Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts consists of a diverse group of volunteers who are community leaders and professionals. They are chosen by the Board Development Committee and elected by the voting members of the Council. The role of the Board of Directors is one of governance. Their responsibilities include strategic planning, fund development, appointment of the CEO, financial oversight, and interaction with the community.

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President/Chair - Nicole Messier toggle arrow

Nicole Messier is the Program Manager for a classified program at Raytheon Technologies in which she is responsible for $15M in annual revenue. She was previously the Maritime Portfolio Business Manager for Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems where she oversaw a team of four financial analysts and $200M in annual revenue. She has earned multiple team and personal awards for her creative approaches to financial processes. Nicole is an 8-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force where she worked as Base Finance Manager and served overseas. Nicole earned her Master’s Degree in Management with a concentration in Accounting from Worcester State University. She has volunteered with many organizations that include the American Red Cross, Worcester youth sports, and many animal-related causes. Originally from Minersville, PA, Nicole resides in Shutesbury, MA with her husband, son and two Australian Shepherds. When not working, she can be found spending time gardening, hiking, bird-watching, and teaching herself how to play the guitar. Nicole is completing her first term with the GSCWM Board of Directors, has served as the First Vice President and President since September 2023.

First Vice President- Christine Cassidy toggle arrow

Christine Cassidy is a retired corporate and marketing communications professional. She previously served as the Chief Communications Officer for Fallon Health in Worcester. In that role she was responsible for the organization’s internal and external communications functions, as well as its community engagement and charitable giving. Christine is a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and an Emerita member of the Leadership Council for the United Way of Central Massachusetts’ Women’s Initiative. She is a past Chair of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and served as Chair of the 2015 and 2016 Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference. Additionally, she was recognized in 2008 by the Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA as a Woman of Distinction, selected by the YWCA of Central MA as its 2017 recipient of the Katharine F. Erskine Award in Business and Law, and in 2019 named as one of the Worcester Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business. She graduated summa cum laude from Becker College where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Christine has completed one term on the GSCWM Board of Directors.

Second Vice President – Roberta McCulloch-Dews toggle arrow

Roberta McCulloch-Dews is the Vice President of Marketing at Greylock Federal Credit Union. A communications professional with more than 25 years of multi-industry experience, Roberta began her career as a newspaper journalist in 2000, and later transitioned to marketing communications/public relations, higher education, and local government. She most recently served as the Director of Administrative Services and Public Information Officer within the Office of the Mayor for the City of Pittsfield in western Massachusetts for nearly eight years. Roberta has a bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism from New York University and a master’s degree in Social and Public Policy from SUNY Empire.

Secretary - Ryan Matson toggle arrow

Ryan Matson is an Insurance Producer with Braley Wellington Insurance Group in Worcester, MA. He is the Secretary on the GSCWM Board of Directors and the chair of the GSCWM Fund Development Committee. He was a member of the 2018 Forty under 40 class in the Worcester Business Journal. Ryan resides in Worcester where he attended and graduated from Assumption College. This will be Ryan’s fifth term on the GSCWM Board of Directors. He previously served on GSCWM’s Board Development Committee.

Treasurer - Sheryl Zarozny toggle arrow

Sheryl Zarozny is Founder & CEO of A3 Management Consulting, serving the health insurance and provider sectors, and currently acts as a fractional SVP of Customer Success for a healthcare technology company. With more than 30 years of experience, she is a strategic advisor and operations executive known for leading, scaling, and transforming organizations from startups to multimillion-dollar enterprises. Her expertise spans both operational and technology domains, with a focus on improving healthcare delivery. In addition to her role as Treasurer of GSCWM, Sheryl is the immediate past President of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s MetroWest chapter. She also advises the Macgregor Communications Boston Project Management Summit and is a member of CHIEF and Women Business Leaders in Healthcare. She holds a BS in Business Administration from Bryant University and an MBA from Assumption University. She mentors freshman college students at Bryant University in the IDEA design thinking program as well as college senior women in the Women in Leadership course. She lives in Shrewsbury with her husband and has a son and two daughters.

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Jennifer Cluett toggle arrow

Jennifer Cluett has worked at Worcester Polytechnic Institute for more than 25 years and currently serves as the Associate Vice-President for Enrollment Management & Dean of Admissions at WPI. She is responsible for the recruitment and enrollment of new undergraduate students. She also serves as a member of the University's inaugural Staff Council. Jennifer was a Girl Scout for seven years and later served as a Brownie troop leader while a college student at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. A resident of Charlton, Jennifer is married and has three children. Her passions include all things Disney and jigsaw puzzles.

Lyn Farris toggle arrow

Lyn Farris has held an investment portfolio management role since 2006. She joined the Hanover’s investment team in 2022 as Vice President of Surplus and Risk Assets. Prior to that role, she was Principal Investment Officer of Fixed Income for the State of Connecticut Treasurer’s Office, a Portfolio Manager at Cigna, and a Portfolio Strategist at Prime Advisors (now part of SunLife Capital). She has extensive experience managing multiple asset classes and investment strategies at a whole portfolio level while incorporating short-term and long-term economic outlooks. In 2021, she was named one of Institution Investor’s Rising Stars and one of Chief Investment Officer’s Next Generation Rising Stars. She graduated from the University of Connecticut Honors Program summa cum laude with degrees in actuarial science and economics. She has both her CFA charter and CIPM credential. She serves on the CFA Society Hartford Board of Directors and serves on the Finance Committee of the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts. She also cofounded Women in Investments in Hartford and participates with Girls Who Invest and Insurance Women’s Investment Network.

Neliana Ferraro de Mitchell toggle arrow

Sara Flynn toggle arrow

Dr. Donna Hodge toggle arrow

Dr. Donna Hodge is the 12th President of Fitchburg State University and the first woman to lead the institution in its 132-year history. A first-generation college graduate, she brings more than two decades of leadership in public higher education, with a focus on access, equity, and student success. Her commitment to leadership began early as a Brownie Girl Scout in Troop 532, where her mother served as troop leader. Those early experiences shaped her lifelong belief in the power of opportunity and community. In 2025, she returned as a speaker at the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Gold and Silver Awards. Dr. Hodge serves on several regional and national boards and holds a Ph.D. in Rhetoric, master’s degrees in English and Women’s Studies, and executive certificates from MIT and Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

Jennifer Hubert toggle arrow

Kimberly McCullen toggle arrow

Kimberly McCullen serves as Associate Director for Workforce Development at the College of the Holy Cross, where she is dedicated to helping employees thrive through strategic learning and development initiatives. A certified CliftonStrengths coach, Kim is passionate about unlocking individual and team potential in the workplace. Beyond her professional role, Kim is a committed volunteer and advocate within the pediatric cancer community. She holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University and a certification in HR Practices from Cornell University. With a strong interest in board governance and organizational development, Kim is eager to support smaller nonprofits in building sustainable, people-centered practices to help serve those at the core of their mission. Kim is honored to continue her service on the Board of Directors for GSCWM for another term.

Abigail Mensah (Orealns -Thompson) toggle arrow

Abigail Abena A. Mensah, a first-generation Ghanaian American, is an experienced educator and equity leader with over a decade of service in educational access, student support, and community development. She currently serves as Dean of Equity & Inclusion at Worcester Academy, where she leads student-centered programming, supports historically marginalized populations, and fosters inclusive community partnerships across the city of Worcester. Abigail holds an Ed.M. from Boston University and is pursuing her Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership at Maryville University. She serves on the boards of the Worcester History Museum and African Community Education (ACE) and is a Trustee Associate at the Nativity School of Worcester. A graduate of Leadership Worcester (Class of 2024), Abigail is deeply committed to mentorship, youth empowerment, and advancing equity through education. Her work reflects the Girl Scout mission of making the world a better place by championing community-rooted growth, fostering belonging, and empowering the next generation of changemakers.

Jennifer Merton toggle arrow

Jennifer Merton is a Senior Lecturer at the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She is the Director of the Business Law Program, and serves as the Associate Chair of the Management Department. Jennifer is the Director of the Isenberg Ethics Competition, and the coach for the Isenberg Ethics Team. Additionally, she has a part-time law practice in East Longmeadow. She received her undergraduate degree is from Mount Holyoke College, and juris doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She was a Girl Scout and served as a leader for her daughters as well as the unit coordinator for East Longmeadow.

Katie Rozenas-Hanson toggle arrow

Chris Schwantner toggle arrow

Chris Schwantner is the Chief Engineer of Television for New England Public Media (WGBY-TV) in Springfield. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from SUNY Plattsburgh. Originally from Rochester, NY, he has lived in South Hadley with his family for 28 years. Chris previously served on the board of directors for the Girl Scouts of Western Massachusetts and then on the GSCWM board after serving on the committee that merged the three central and western councils of Massachusetts in 2008.

Stefanie Silva toggle arrow

Stefanie Silva is the Director of Programs and Events for the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her role at the Chamber, Stefanie was the Sales and Catering Manager at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel. From 2005-2017 Stefanie worked for Outback Steakhouse, Bloomin Brands, as the Regional Director of Training, overseeing the training and operations of over 100 restaurants and new store openings in the Northeast territory. Born and raised in Worcester, Stefanie attended Worcester Public Schools and continued her education at Westfield State and Worcester State University. She currently serves on the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women for the City of Worcester. Stefanie lives in the city with her husband Clessio and son Luca.

Christina Walker toggle arrow

Christina Walker serves as the Marketing Project Officer at Greylock Federal Credit Union, where she helps bring product awareness, financial education and community programs to life in meaningful, accessible ways. With a blend of project management and creative insight, Christina oversees campaign implementation, collaborates with internal teams and local partners, and ensures that every marketing effort reflects the credit union’s commitment to serving its community. A former Girl Scout of many years, she developed an early commitment to service, leadership, and teamwork and has volunteered with Cradles to Crayons, Habitat for Humanity and various local organizations. Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Providence College.

Board Development Committee toggle arrow

Amelia Holstrom, Chair toggle arrow

Lisa Blackmer toggle arrow

Jennifer Cluett toggle arrow

Sara Flynn toggle arrow

Roberta McCulloch-Dews toggle arrow

Bonnie Walker toggle arrow

Karen Wall toggle arrow

GSCWM Senior Managers toggle arrow

Theresa Lynn, Chief Executive Officer toggle arrow

Theresa Lynn, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, has made a life-long career of serving others in mission-driven organizations. Her strong commitment to community engagement and her passion for the wellbeing of children and families led her to previous roles as Senior Vice President of the United Way of Central Massachusetts where she focused on connecting people and much needed resources; as the executive director for Back on My Feet, addressing homelessness and job insecurity in Boston; and as executive director for ReadBoston where she ran the only comprehensive early literacy program in the city for 14 years.

Theresa serves as a board member for the Worcester Education Collaborative as well as the BioBuilder Education Foundation. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, an MBA from Boston University, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of Holy Cross in Worcester. Her contributions to the community have been acknowledged with a Heroes Among Us award from the Boston Celtics, and recognition as a Top 40 under 40 in Boston by the Boston Business Journal.

Suzanne Smiley, Chief Operating Officer toggle arrow

Suzanne has served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) since the council was formed in January, 2008. For 19 years, she served as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Western Massachusetts and, prior to that, for seven years as Executive Director and one year in an entry level position for the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada based in Reno, NV.Ms. Smiley was a Certified Girl Scout Executive Director/CEO, earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Case Western Reserve University, and completed an 11 day executive seminar in nonprofit management through the Harvard School of Business. In addition, she completed the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation and numerous other short courses on fundraising, human resources management, and organizational change.

Suzanne has volunteered in many capacities, including serving as chapter president of Business Networking International, board member and secretary for the Employer’s Association of Western Massachusetts, board member for the Human Services Forum, and various officer positions with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In addition Suzanne was the Town of Gill Planning Board Chair for 17 years and Zoning Board of Appeals Chair from 2006 to the present. She is currently a Music Minister and is a former religious education instructor at St. Patrick’s Church in Northfield, MA.

Laurie Roberts Belton, Chief Financial Officer toggle arrow

Laurie came to GSCWM in February 2026, having worked in non-profit finance for more than 16 years, most recently as Senior Director of Finance and Administration at Abby’s House, central Massachusetts’ largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for women and children experiencing poverty, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health challenges. She previously worked as Director of Finance and Operations for Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology from Bryn Mawr College and completed the coursework for a PhD in Archaeological Studies at Boston University. A trip to Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania in 2001 inspired Laurie to change her focus from the ancient world to the modern one and sealed her commitment to providing opportunities for growth and development for underserved and marginalized populations. She returned to Tanzania and worked for 2 years as Director of Finance and Operations at D-Tree International, a non-profit using digital technology to improve diagnostic accuracy and delivery of appropriate care by rural health workers. She completed the Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) program at Financial Management Associates Institute in 2017.

Laurie grew up in Worcester County and is proud to support an organization that creates opportunities for girls in her own community. A Girl Scout from Brownies through Seniors, she also attended camps Laurel Wood and Green Eyrie. She credits Girl Scouts with instilling values that continue to guide and motivate her. Laurie lives in Worcester and is the mother of two adult sons.

Monica Baldyga, Director of Membership toggle arrow

Monica has been with GSCWM professionally, since 2005, bringing with her a long standing relationship in membership. Monica was a Girl Scout for five years, her mother, taking a tip from a school nun, signed her up to join Girl Scouts. As a mother of three girls, Monica got involved with the Girl Scouts again, volunteering for their troop. She was a Brownie troop co- leader for nine years and a Junior troop co-leader for two years. Monica’s other volunteer opportunities included running her town’s girls softball league, volunteering at her church all while attending school part-time. She has worked for Nichols College, before working for the health department at Head Start. Monica felt that working as a Membership Specialist for GSCWM, where she could marry her devotion and love of children, with her GS volunteer knowledge, was a win, win. As a support specialist for GSCWM, Monica has overseen half the service units in Central and Western MA, at one point or another. Through hard work, and mentorship from many wonderful staff and volunteers, Monica worked her way up from membership specialist to director of membership services. A proud Girl Scout lifetime member who is also the proud mother of three Girl Scout lifetime members. She understands and embraces the organization, its mission and it members. Monica is a very proud Cuban born American citizen who calls Webster, Massachusetts home.

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History Committee toggle arrow

“Every badge you earn is tied up to your motto. This badge is not a reward for something you have done once or for an examination you have passed. Badges are not medals to wear on your sleeve to show what a smart girl you are. A badge is a symbol that you have done the thing it stands for often enough, thoroughly enough, and well enough to BE PREPARED to give service in it. You wear the badge to let people know that you are prepared and willing to be called on because you are a Girl Scout. And Girl Scouting is not just knowing.....but doing.....not just doing, but being.” – Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of Girl Scouting

The Girl Scout History Museum exists to preserve memorabilia related to Girl Scouting, so that it may be available for present and future users.

With the memorabilia, we offer exhibits and historical program activities to help foster a sense of belonging to the Girl Scout organization founded in 1912.

Museum Tours and Hands-on Exhibits at Camp Laurel Wood in Spencer
Browse the exhibits and displays of unique Girl Scout memorabilia and the library at the Gage Center at Camp Laurel Wood. Get a sense of how Girl Scouts have evolved over the years. Guided tours and vintage uniform try-on sessions are available by advance reservation. If your group is staying at camp for the weekend or you would just like to take a tour, do a program, or visit with Juliette Gordon Low make a reservation today. There is no charge for museum tours and they can be tailored to your group’s interest or badge work. Call 413-584-2602 or email historycommittee@gscwm.org. Reservations are required.

If you are interested please email historycommittee@gscwm.org to schedule your visit

Vintage Uniforms
Did you know that GSCWM’s Girl Scout Museum has vintage uniforms that you and your girls can try on, wear during fashion shows and parades, and use to learn more about Girl Scouting during the past 100 years?

Historic uniforms may be rented for activities such as parades, fashion shows, theater productions, or World Thinking Day.

Uniforms are available from both the Worcester and Holyoke Service Centers and are available in many sizes and vintages (from 1912-present).

Three weeks’ notice is required. Click here to reserve a set of uniforms. If you are looking for uniforms from a specific time period, please specify, otherwise we will find a mix of years which meet your size requirements.

Adventure Through Time Activity Boxes
Have you ever wondered what Girl Scouting was like in the past? All you need is an Adventure Through Time Box. There you will find a vintage uniform and handbook from another decade. Try some badge activities, learn a new song, play a new game. After completing the requirements, a Girl Scout History patch may be purchased. Click here to reserve a box.

Volunteers Needed – Donate Just 1 Hour Every Other Month
Volunteers operate our museum! We encourage you to consider being part of the team. Troops are invited to contact us about making a display and individual adults of every age are needed and appreciated. Can you assist with typing, record keeping or putting a display in place? Perhaps you’d like to help lead tours of our collection? Short term and continuing helpers are needed. To volunteer or learn more, contact historycommittee@gscwm.org.

Feedback
We want to hear from you! What types of exhibits or historic information would you like made available to your troop or group? How could we improve our tours? Any feedback you provide will help us provide better historic programming in the future. Email historycommittee@gscwm.org.

Gold Award Committee toggle arrow

GSCWM is fortunate to have three regional Gold Award Committees fully dedicated to working with our Gold Award Candidates. The GAC consists of volunteer Mentors whose commitment of time, talent, and dedication to the Girl Scout Mission, supports our highest achievers throughout the Gold Award process.

WISP Statement toggle arrow

The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, Inc. (GSCWM) is committed to protecting your nonpublic personal information and has taken steps to protect your privacy. The type of information we collect varies depending on the nature of your involvement with our organization. A “minimum necessary” rule is used for both collection and access of secure information. Employees and volunteers may receive, or have access to, information about you only if there is a good reason and they must agree to follow established security and confidentiality procedures.

Periodic training is provided for employees and volunteers who, in carrying out their responsibilities for GSCWM, have reason to collect or access nonpublic personal information. Annually, all employees sign an acknowledgement that they have read and understand our privacy policies and procedures.

We have technical, administrative, and physical security measures in place to protect your personal information from unauthorized access and improper use. Our security procedures are reviewed annually to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and to consider appropriate new technology and updated methods. Despite reasonable efforts, no security measure is ever perfect or impenetrable.

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