The faces on the phone.
Lori Beth Terry
At VKAP, we believe every team member brings something special to the table—and in the case of our Executive Director, Lori Beth Terry, that “something special” often involves balancing a dozen spinning plates without letting a single one fall. From case management to event planning, Lori Beth is at the heart of VKAP’s mission, always working to lighten the load for caregivers while keeping our organization moving forward.
From Peer Navigator to Executive Director
Lori Beth’s VKAP journey began back in 2020 in a support group for grandparents raising their grandchildren. At the time, she wasn’t sure she had anything to offer others—after all, wrangling her own four grandchildren felt like enough of a challenge. But founder Linda Deladuka saw her potential and encouraged her to connect with another caregiver raising a teenager. That conversation was eye-opening: in helping someone else, Lori Beth found she was also helping herself.
Fast forward to today, and she now leads VKAP as our Executive Director. She describes her role as “keeping all the plates spinning,” which includes running the Kinship Navigation Program, planning family events, and developing new ways to support caregivers. Of course, she’s quick to point out that nothing she does happens alone: VKAP’s success is truly a team effort.
A Calling With Heart
For as long as she can remember, Lori Beth has wanted to work in support services. “Home should not be a scary place,” she says, reflecting on her lifelong desire to make children feel safe. Although life and health challenges once put her dreams on pause, her heart never gave up on the vision. It seems fitting that she eventually found her way to VKAP—proof that, as she says, everything happens for a reason.
Her favorite part of the job? Those moments when a caregiver doesn’t feel quite so defeated or alone. Offering even one breath of relief makes every effort worthwhile. She recalls with joy the return of VKAP’s annual summer event this year, which had been canceled two years in a row due to weather. Against all odds, the rain cleared just in time, families gathered, and laughter filled the pavilion. For Lori Beth, that sunshine felt symbolic of hope and connection.
Vermont Roots, Global Footprints
Though she grew up in Grand Isle, Vermont, Lori Beth has lived far beyond the Green Mountains. Her husband’s Army service took their family to Kaiserslautern, Germany, and El Paso, Texas, before eventually bringing them back home. Still, Grand Isle remains close to her heart—her father still lives in her childhood home, with the same landline phone number she grew up dialing.
Today, some of her favorite Vermont memories are made at the Mountain Top Inn & Stables in the fall. Riding horseback through the mountains with her granddaughter brings together nostalgia, beauty, and new traditions all in one.
Family, Pets, and Life’s Joys
When asked about her hobbies, Lori Beth chuckles—her favorite pastime is spending time with her grandchildren. Whether they’re tackling big adventures or simply hanging out, those moments are her treasures. When the house is quiet, she often turns to learning: ways to be a better parent, a stronger navigator, and a more grounded leader.
Her household is also full of furry companions, each with their own quirks. Valentine, a 10-year-old cat, is quick to complain if she spots even the tiniest bit of bowl bottom. Cinnamon, the “not-so-little” rabbit who resides in her granddaughter’s room, clearly never read the fine print about being a tidy house bunny. And then there’s Nora (affectionately nicknamed “Squirrel”), a fluffy Maine Coon kitten who adores cuddles but occasionally earns an eye roll from Valentine. Their antics provide plenty of comic relief.
When it comes to food, Lori Beth is a big fan of breakfast at any hour. Sweet treats and a cold drink—usually a Monster Ultra Peach Energy or a diet Coke with lemon—are her go-to comforts. And if she could have any superpower? She’d twitch her nose like Samantha from Bewitched and have a magically clean house. (Wouldn’t we all?)
Looking Ahead With Vision
As Executive Director, Lori Beth is most excited about VKAP’s growth. She dreams of VKAP becoming a household name, recognized across Vermont as a place of support, connection, and strength for kinship families.
Her advice for kinship caregivers is heartfelt: “You truly are not alone. You do not need to hide behind closed doors or hide how you feel. We are not here to judge—we’re here to listen and support. Trust is hard, but please know I will meet you where you are: on the phone, by email, in a coffee shop, or in your hometown. Come into the light—let us help.”
Words to Live By
Lori Beth carries with her a few favorite mottos that keep her grounded:
“Everything happens for a reason—you may never know the reason.”
“This too shall pass.”
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
These reminders reflect the compassion and resilience she brings to her work every day.
Closing Thoughts
From her early days as a peer navigator to her current leadership role, Lori Beth’s journey has been woven with care, courage, and connection. Whether she’s hosting a summer event, answering a late-night call, or cheering on families from the sidelines, she leads with heart.
VKAP is lucky to have her at the helm, reminding us all that even when the load feels heavy, none of us has to carry it alone.
*Jeana Lavallee, Wearer of many hats, Kin Mom, Edie's Gigi, Autism mom*
