Staff

Ilsa Svoboda – Executive Director

Ilsa is a social worker by training, with extensive experience in nonprofit operations, grant writing and client services. She most recently served as Director of Social Work Services at the New York MOW program that provides in-home meal delivery, senior center sites, adult daycare, and other senior services. Ilsa is a trained gerontologist and has worked with the senior population for the past 17 years. She brings many rewarding qualities to the Meals on Wheels of Bennington County program including fundraising, volunteer management, senior programming, and community development. Ilsa has long ties to Bennington County and resides in Old Bennington. During her downtime, Ilsa enjoys all aspects of the outdoors, running, hiking, kayaking, and xc skiing.

Vicki Gardner – Office Manager

Vicki has worked at MOW since 2012. She is that friendly voice that greets everyone on the phone and helps clients who come to the Café. She is responsible for all reporting, client records, and correspondence. She is a graduate of  Southern Vermont College, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Her hobbies include jewelry making, reading, and knitting. Vicki loves animals and has two dogs and two cats, parakeets, and fish. Previously, she worked at the Humane Society in Menands. “I always worked for nonprofits,” she says. “It feels good to help people who don’t have their basic nutritional needs met. To me the food is important, but I think the visit from the drivers is even more important.” Vicki would like to coordinate a Meals on Wheels for pets, since “I see how much companionship pets provide to the homebound clients.”

Luke Shaw – HEAD CHEF

Luke has been with Meals on Wheels for 10 years now and continues to manage the kitchen with delicious foods and innovative ideas. Luke has been cooking for over 15 years and is happy to utilize his skills while helping the elderly and the community he belongs to for many years.

Brian Steitz – Operations Coordinator

Brian is a will-do type of guy. He serves as our ”roundsman”. His duties include managing special dietary meals, organizing the Home Delivered Meals,  delivering meals, picking up donated food, and helping in the cafe. “Every day is different at MOW”, states Brian,” and there are many things that need to be done”.