Deborah Betts
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Deborah has been driven by a passionate dream to create a healing farm community for individuals who struggle to embrace their mental and emotional life challenges. She believes that health and longevity can be found and sustained when there is a direct connection to the earth, animals, expressive art and the feeling of being home. She embraced that concept while raising her children, Mariah and Evan, on an organic homestead in Northern Vermont.
Deborah has 27 years of work experience in the field of Human Services. Her background has primarily been in Early Education and Family Advocacy, and Developmental Disabilities. However, for the past seven years, she has had the good fortune to work in the mental health field as a House Manager for a state licensed, Therapeutic Community Residence in the Upper Valley, whose “family model” of care for people with mental illness continues to inspire her.
She studied privately with Wesleyan Professor of Art, May Griswald, in West Hartford, Connecticut. A designer of silver and gold jewelry, she entered the craft market in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and later, for private sale, in Camden, Maine. Still hinged to her heart, Deborah uses expressive art as a healing tool for individuals to work and heal from the inside out.
Hundred Acre Homestead is a seedling program that is a union between one family’s need for quality care of their loved one and Deborah’s desire to share her life’s work with an extended family.
Meghan Smith
Admissions Manager
Meghan works closely with applicants and their families as she handles program inquiries and provides encouraging, friendly support. Her warm smile and upbeat manner are sure to make your conversation about Hundred Acre Homestead a wonderful step in finding a Therapeutic Community Residence.
Prior to joining the Homestead family Meghan worked as a wilderness Therapy Guide and Environmental Conservationist. Meghan enjoys biking, running, Nordic skiing and snowboarding; she has been a competitor in adventure races, half marathons, mountain bike competitions and has soloed the prestigious Mt. Washington Pentathlon race. Partnering her outdoor lifestyle with a desire to help others, Meghan brings a positive outlook and an enthusiastic energy to the Homestead. Her strength as an athlete has transferred into a determination to help others succeed with their own personal challenges.
Meghan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Outdoor Education from Johnson State College. After traveling throughout New Zealand and the United Stares she has returned to settle in Vermont, where she initially developed a love for the Green Mountains.
Meghan is delighted to speak about the holistic concept of wellness offered at Hundred Acre Homestead. Our small community offers great potential for finding balance and regaining a sense of self. Please let Meghan help guide you in your journey to wellness; she would love to answer any questions you may have about the Homestead or our caring staff.
meghan@hundredacrehomestead.com