I began working for Project Harmony in February, 1995 as a Program Manager for the Law Enforcement and Domestic Violence Training Programs and became the Community Connections Hosting Program Director in July, 2002. My main responsibility is the overall management of Project Harmony's Community Connections Hosting Programs that take place in Vermont. I enjoy meeting new people - especially those from other countries, so planning programs for professionals from the NIS is both rewarding and exciting work for me.

My husband, Kim and I have three grown children, Jaime (23) and twins, Jeremy & Jessica (20), a beagle and calico cat. We live in Waitsfield where I enjoy an 8-minute commute to the Project Harmony office every day. My hobbies and interests include gardening, walking, snowshoeing and time with my family and friends.

Renee has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. She has taught physical education and also worked in college admissions recruiting and in banking.

JAY MEADOWS
Program Manager
Jay@projectharmony.org

I have been working with Project Harmony since the summer of 2001 as the US Program Manager for the Community Connection Hosting Program. Primarily my responsibilities involve developing month long professional training programs for various NIS delegations visiting the Vermont area. Once they arrive, I am responsible for facilitating these training programs and ensuring the delegation has a successful stay in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont.

I grew up on the eastern shore of Maryland, on a small tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. This constant exposure to one of the world's great ecological treasures helped me develop a strong attachment to our global environment. I attended the University of Vermont from 1989-1994 and received a degree in wildlife biology. After enjoying a variety of jobs around the United States I made the biggest and luckiest decision of my life... I joined the United States Peace Corps and was assigned to work with the West Altai State Nature Preserve in the Siberian Mountains of northern Kazakhstan. Living within these amazing mountains and studying the flora and fauna with one of Russia's premier botanists for 2 years provided me with the most wonderful times of my life. Since then I have committed myself to working with and assisting the people of the former Soviet Union.

ERIC BOYER
Program Coordinator
Eric@projectharmony.org

I began as Program Coordinator for the Community Connections Hosting Program in December, 2001. Currently I divide my time between this program and the FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange Program) Computer Training of Trainers Workshop scheduled for March, 2003. For the Community Connections Hosting Program, I am involved in preparing professional programs for NIS delegations, facilitating onsite sessions in VT businesses and organizations, as well as coordinating VT host family placements. The FLEX Computer Training of Trainers Workshop involves updating our website, evaluating student applications, contacting FLEX students currently placed across the US, and coordinating program sessions with trainers for this 9-day event.

Before working at Project Harmony, I served for two years as a TEFL teacher in the US Peace Corps in the Kyrgyz Republic. My current positions offer the unique opportunity to combine my experience overseas with my past of being raised and educated here in Vermont. In my free time I practice Aikido in Montpelier, read books, play guitar, and view films with friends.

Eric completed a B.A. in English Literature from St. Michael's College in Colchester, VT. He also conducted a semester of study in Galway, Ireland in the fall of 1997.