Julie Potter
Bachelor of Arts
Professional Studies (NVU Online)
Julie Potter isn’t technically a native Vermonter as she was born in Colorado where her father was stationed, but she’s close. Both her parents were born and raised in Windham County and their families have deep roots there. Julie and her family moved back to Southern Vermont when she was 3, where she grew up and has lived, except for the three “traditional” semesters spent at UVM in the late ‘80s. Growing up was spent reading or outdoors, playing in brooks, picking raspberries, and hauling sap for her grandparent’s produce and maple farm.
Julie continued to make Southern Vermont her home where she has worked as a bookkeeper, caterer, parade manager, international dairy promoter, and syndicated food columnist. A momentous shift in her life occurred while supporting a family member struggling with mental illness and she realized the huge toll navigating these challenges takes on children and their families. She currently applies her lived experience professionally as the Assistant Program Director at the NFI Vermont Hospital Diversion Program South, supporting youth experiencing acute mental health crises. She values collaboration and connection, is a strong advocate for mental health, and is proud to serve on the board of the Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health.
She would like to thank her husband, two daughters, wingman Sully the Labrador, and the Women Who Wainscott for all their love and support getting her on this stage today.