The COVE team
Community of Vermont Elders advocates for local, state, and national programs that promote quality of life for older people and adults with disabilities. Contact us with general queries here.
Michelle Kessler
DIRECTOR OF SMP
In addition to overseeing many of COVE’s administrative functions, Michelle Kessler, of Stowe, serves as director of Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol. This is a federally funded program designed to educate and empower Vermonters to protect their Medicare benefits, and an important part of COVE.
Marichel Vaught
ELDER ADVOCATE
Marichel Vaught serves Vermont as the state’s only advocate dedicated exclusively to the needs of its older population. She helps people with a wide range of needs, including service needs, financial stress, isolation, and scams.
Hilary Hoffman
OUTREACH & EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Hilary Hoffman lives in Stowe with husband Jesper; two Labrador Retrievers, Karl and Lars; and college-aged sons Johan and Anders. As outreach and education coordinator for Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol she visits communities in all corners of Vermont, empowering older people to keep themselves safe from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.
Dave Smith
DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Dave Smith is a writer, editor, filmmaker, photographer, and designer who lives in Middlesex. As digital media coordinator, he oversees COVE’s electronic communications and messaging, and creates stories to bring our efforts alive.