Creative Trails Team
This page is dedicated to our incredible and inspiring Direct Support Professionals, who show their commitment daily!
Director/Founder: Scott Miller, has his BS from The University of Utah in Program Planning, with an emphasis on special populations paralleling outdoor programing and art. He is also a National Outdoor Leadership Alumni and was a senior therapeutic wilderness instructor for AYA. Scott has over a decade of experience working with individuals with intellectual uniqueness. In 2002 he was the John Rosser recipient for outstanding social achievement. Outside human services, Scott c0-owned Washington Ave Art Studios, Vu-Master Gallery and Wicked Pulp Juice Bar and cafe. When Scott is not working or spending time with his wife and two boys, he enjoys good friends, traveling, surfing, tele skiing, art, and tai chi."He allowed me to be who I wanted to be. He is smart, cool under pressure and is bodaciously awesome!" ~Nicholas S.
Portland CREATE/TRAILS/STUDIO/ MEDIA Leadership Program Manager: Lauren Snead has her BA from Mount Holyoke College with an emphasis in Theater, Studio Art and Psychology. She is an AmericCorps Vista Volunteer Alumni and has traveld through out Europe and The United States. Lauren is Chair of the Steering Committee for The League of Young Voters and has a side business as a Wedding Officiant. Lauren has spent the last 9 years working for local non-profits that range from running an after school program for at risk youth to her current position at Creative Trails. Outside of work Lauren enjoys time with her friends and family, being involved in the community and playing her mandolin. " When I need to talk to her she will help me out. As a manager I would rate her a 10". ~Katie O.
Portland Direct Support Professional: Aimee Chaput has her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from the University of Southern Maine with an emphasis on ceramics. While in college, Aimee sent four years as a Resident Assistant. Aimee worked as the Arts & Crafts Director at Camp Sebago, and has also spent two years working as a DSP prior to working at Creative Trails. Aimee is an incredibly motivated and creative person who has traveled through out the United States. Outside of work, Aimee enjoys baking, sewing, reading, making collages and crocheting. "She's awesome! She makes Create more happy. I feel comfortable around her and I like that she enjoys the movement workshops." ~Colleen P
Lewiston CREATE/TRAILS/CULTIVATE Program Manager: Anne Poirier has her BA in Art with a concentration in Education. She also has an associates in Fashion Design from The Chamberlain School of Design. Anne is an Outward Bound Leadership Alumni and has spent time traveling in Japan, Europe, Chile, and Argentina. Anne is a huge Special Olympics advocate and has been a seasonal leading coach for years. She has also taught high school level art in all areas of concentration. Outside of Creative Trails, Anne enjoys spending time with friends/ family, backpacking, skiing, kayaking, road biking, gardening and dancing to good music. "I like her dedication to this place. She has a lot of finesse! When people come in upset she makes them happy again. She makes me feel happy" ~Amy R.
Auburn Direct Support Professional: Angie Libby has been working in t he social service industry for over a 10 years. She is a certified job coach, CMAS ski coach, Project Adventure certificate holder and a Special Olympics athlete trainer. Angie has the ability to make people feel safe, while having fun. She has been with Creative Trails for almost 4 years.Angie is a proud mother of 2 children and when she is not working at Creative Trails she enjoys ice fishing, snowmobiling, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking and baking.
"Angie has so many different techniques about her; she’s funny, she’s fun to be around, she helps people when they need it…she tries to give people ideas.” ~Christine O.
Portland Direct Support Professional: Eric Schwan has his BA from Alfred University with an emphasis in language, art, and culture. Eric has interned at the Highland Nature Sanctuary in Ohio & The Birch Creek Arts and Ecology Center in Oregon. He has spent 5 seasons on the Pomaona Harvesters apple harvesting crew in VT and NH. Eric has also worked as an Ed Tech substitute in the Maine school district and has spent time doing gardening apprenticing in CA & OR. Not to mention he was a baking apprentice at the Benevolence Cafe in Ohio. When Eric is not working he enjoys playing music with friends, hiking, biking, swimming, reading, and writing."Eric is supportive. He is someone to turn to when I need help. He tries his hardest to be honest.” ~Katie O.
Shoot Media Project Team Leader: Natalie Conn has her BFA from Cooper Union, NYC in Painting, Video and Photography. She also attended the Salt Institute For Documentary Studies. Natalie co-produces a multimedia website profiling everyday people in Maine called www.thesundaybest.net. She has interned at the Bakery Photography collective. Natalie does freelance photography and web design. She volunteers at the Youth Building Alternatives at Portland West and at the Creative Arts Workshop in Harlem, NY. When Natalie is not at work she enjoys photography, dancing around her apartment, and painting. natalieconnphotography.com"Natalie is a sweetheart. She’s a picture taker. She keeps people safe – like no climbing trees. She calms me down when I get upset.” ~Meghan R.
Portland CULTIVATE/YUM Program Manager: Eban Soule is in the process of completing his BS in Psychology. He has been working with individuals with intellectual uniqueness for over 7 years, some of which was spent internationally. Eban grew up on a Farm which inspired him to bring some more incredible agricultural opportunities to the Cultivate Program. He is currently working on establishing a program for the culinary artists to sell their baked goods in the Portland Public Market house. You should try their granola bars! When he is not working he is fixing his 82 Mercedes Benz, which will soon be running off of vegetable oil. He also enjoys sailing, windsurfing and freestyle poetry."Eban is a really nice guy and a cool guy. He is good to joke around with and easy to get along with. He’s got a good personality – know what I mean?” ~Billy B.
Open Studio Team Leader: Liz Mortati has her BA from Colby College with a double major in Art and Community Studies. She also studied at the School of The Museum of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Liz lived in Bolivia for 7 months attending protests defending farmers rights. She has also traveled in Chile, Guatemala, and through Western Europe. In 2008 she was awarded the Charles Harvey Pepper Prize recipient for studio art at Colby College . Liz designed and made "Hearst and Hero's" mosaic mural in SF at the SF MOMA. She has worked with Modern Mosaics, Intersection for Arts in SF and Rachael Carson Wildlife Refuge doing Out reach Ed. When not working she enjoys, art, riding her blue bike, and gardening. "She is always awesome. There is never a time when she isn’t. She puts the fore in forever.” ~Alex D.
Portland Direct Support Professional: Donica Weisner has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Southern Maine. While at USM, Donica concentrated on holistic healing & health, art therapy and alternative & creative forms of wellness. For Donica, life is an adventure! She has traveled to Northern California and the Caribbean of Mexico with her family. Donica recently started a new business called “The Positive Perspective Initiative” which connects the community to other creative figures and collaborative artwork displays. Prior to Creative Trails, Donica worked at Shalom House, Inc for 3 years. Outside of work, Donica enjoys yoga, hiking, kayaking, every form of painting, designing murals, camping, biking, farming, supporting the farmers market, holistic health research, staying positive and nourishing wellness. "I think she's a very nice person. I like how she helps me on Trails and with my feelings. She inpsires me in that she has a lot of sense of humor. Her artwork is very neat and talented." ~CT Participant
Kennebunk Studio Art Certificate Program at Heartwood Team Leader: Christine Caswell has her BA in Art History from Keene State College, and her BFA in Ceramics/ Art Education from the University of Southern Maine. Christine is also a 2011 MFA candidate for Ceramics from the School for American Crafts at RIT. In 2005, Christine spent 6 weeks in Sanboa, China where she participated in a Ceramics Artist Residency. In 2009, Christine did a second Ceramics Residency Program and spent 2 weeks at The Watershed Center for the Ceramics Arts where her work appeared in the prestigious Lark Book’s “500 Vases.” Christine has over 9 years of teaching experience, including 5 years as an Art Educator at Freeport Middle School, 2 years at Marshwood High School and 2 years as an Art Instructor at RIT School for Ceramic Arts. Outside of work, Christine enjoys playing Frisbee and going for walks with her dog Basie, kayaking, camping, cooking, baking and spending time with her husband, friends and family. www.christinecaswell.com “She’s awesome! She’s just a good staff member, and she helps us get the work done. She is nice and I feel good around her.” -Kelly B.
Portland Direct Support Professional: Melissa Bear has her Bachelors in Fine Arts in Studio Arts, with an emphasis in photography, from the University of Southern Maine. You can view her work at www.melissa-bear.com. Melissa has been sharing her love for art for almost 5 years with individuals with intellectual uniqueness. When she is not working at Creative Trails she enjoys having adventures with her dog Dixie, painting, photography, yoga, laughing, skiing, and snow shoeing.“Melissa is a very good lady. She’s a pretty funny lady too. What makes her unique is that she is very good at suggesting things to the CREATE crew. I actually call her “Misses Keep You On The Edge Of Your Seat.” ~Shawn C.
Auburn Direct Support Professional: Karen LeBlanc has her AS Degree in Equine Studies/Business Management from Johnson and Whales University, with an emphasis in Horse Farm Management. While Karen was on her College riding team she won many ribbons while competing. She worked at a variety of horse farms in ME and FL in various positions for over years. She also has over 2 decades in the human service field, which include being a Career Specialist for individuals with intellectual disabilities. When she is not at Creative Trails she enjoys snow shoeing, skiing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and spending time with her family. “She’s hyper-genic…hyper in some ways and very friendly” ~Christine O.
Auburn Direct Support Professional: Kailyn Carbonneau has been working with adults and children with intellectual uniqueness for over 5 years and spends time volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club. Kailyn enjoys sharing her passion for performance art and was a lead instructor in developing and implementing our first Creative Trails Variety Show at the L/A Performing Arts Stage. She has traveled both coasts of the United States and loves Maine as her home town. Kailyn is a mother to an enthusiastic 3 year old daughter who she learns something new from on a daily basis. When Kailyn is enjoying her free time she loves to go hiking, kayaking, camping, snowboarding and working on her car “Kailyn has hidden talents...she appreciates originality." Karen S.
Portland Direct Support Professional: Jeremy Maheu has been working with individuals with intellectual uniqueness for over 5 years. He was the Boating Program Leader for Pine Tree Camp, where he supported individuals with water adventures. Jeremy is politically active and has supported campaigns to being apart of Senate recounts. He is avid with many different sports such as basketball, football, and softball. Jeremy also enjoys video games, movies, and fantasy sports. "Jeremy is a positive, good staff. He was helping me with leadership, and we did awesome yesterday. He drives within the limits good." Ralph H.
Auburn Direct Support Professional: Shelly Clark has her degree in Community Health Care from The University of Maine. She has traveled to many warm climates such as Hawaii and the Caribbean, which has inspired her art. Shelly has a diverse professional background. She has managed a restaurant, social work and sells her fine crafts at art fairs. Besides working and traveling Shelly enjoys camping, gardening, sewing, felting, jewelry making, photography, the ocean and spending time with her precious family.
Portland Direct Support Professional: Julie Carey is currently attending the University of Southern Maine with an emphasis on Holistic Psychology. Julie has spent over a year living and working on organic farms. Julie also spent 2 years studying herbalism. Prior to Creative Trails, Julie worked in human services for over 10 years. She sent 2 years as the Young Woman’s Program Coordinator at UTEC in Lowell, MA providing pregnancy prevention curriculum to teenage girls. Julie also coordinated an outdoor program in partnership with the AMC. Outside of work, Julie enjoys yoga, impromptu dance parties, running, hiking, rock climbing, and impersonating 90’s SNL characters.
Portland Direct Support Professional. Mike Fleming received his Bachelor of Science in Photography from Drextel University in Philadelphia. Mike has spent time traveling in South East Asia, Central America and Europe. He has participated in bike tours in the Midwest and the South of France. Mike spent many years playing in a traveling band and helped run a DIV living room art gallery in Philadelphia. He recently exhibited his work at the Triennial Design Museum in Milan, Italy. Prior to working at Creative Trails, Mike spend 9 years as a production assistant in photography, film and video, taught English in South East Asia, spent 2 years working as a Photography Technician at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and volunteered for several months at Spindleworks. Outside of work, Mike enjoys playing the guitar, reading, exploring small towns and quirky museums, making art, hiking and visiting State Parks. Mike also recently shared his love of roller skating. www.mikeflemingphotography.com "He's cool. He takes the time to listen to people and if he doesn't know the answer he'll find out and get back to us. He's easy to compromise with." ~Nick S
Portland Direct Support Professional: Scott Mohler has his BFA in Music Production from the Institute of Audio Research in New York City. Scott lived in NYC for 4 years while attending school and played in several successful bands. He also spent several weeks in the rainforest of Mexico doing research for a paper on wild boars for the Smithsonian. Scott has spent four years working as a DSP for several other companies in the Greater Portland Area before beginning his work at Creative Trails, and has taught music at several children’s summer camps. Outside of work, Scott spends most of his free time playing music and playing the guitar in several bands. If he’s not busy making music, one would most likely find him at the ocean or exploring some new part of Maine. “He’s a very nice guy and he is kind. He’s one of the good people, he’s not mean. He laughs so much!” (Meghan R.)
Portland Direct Support Professional: Henry Powell has his BA from Colby College with a Major in American Studies,with a film concentration, and a Minor in Italian Studies. Henry lived in Padova, Italy for 4 months studying Italian film, music, and culture while perfecting his love for Italian gelato. That interest in food has led him to work for Maple's Organic Gelato in South Portland, ME, as the production manager as well as farm work with David Buchanan at Origin's Fruit in Cape Elizabeth. He has a deep interest in film production and loves editing movies for the Shoot Media Project. In his down time, Henry makes his own ice cream, cycles long distances and plays countless hours of Ultimate Frisbee. He is also obsessed with zombie movies. "He's a real nice guy. He helps me out with film making. He's really good at editing and he's fun to work with." ~ Marc M
Portland Direct Support Professional. Ray Garrett has his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mass College of Art with an emphasis in sculpture. Ray spent a semester abroad through the School for International Training where he attended an Arts & Culture Program in Ghana. Ray has spent over 7 years as a DSP and Art Instructor at “Outside the Lines Studio,” an arts based day program for adults with disabilities in Medford, MA. Ray also spent one summer as a park ranger for the Boston Harbor Islands. Outside of work, Ray’s hobbies include hiking, camping, playing music, print making and enjoying live music. "He's good. He's trying to be helpful to me. He participates in the dancing and he's a good artist." ~Lucas S
