Our Team

Kelsey Stavseth, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Kelsey's passion lies in creating strong communities through an organizational development approach and leads through his community curiosity and generosity values. He believes leveraging existing assets and strengths is the best way to positively impact individuals, teams and communities. Kelsey has an MBA with a focus on Positive Organizational Development and experience working throughout the Vermont Mental Health, Substance Use, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities system of care with previous experience at Howard Center and Lund. Kelsey is most energized when engaging people in meaningful dialogue around giving and receiving feedback and answering the question, "How do we know anyone is better off?”. When he is not working at NKHS, Kelsey volunteers on boards and loves spending time outdoors with his family, exploring the natural beauty of the NEK, especially on bikes.

Laura Nelson, MS MPH PhD (c)

Chief Operating Officer

Laura came to work at NKHS as a new Vermonter in 2019. She and her husband wanted to settle in the area where he was from. Laura attended Virginia Tech, has her MS and MPH, and is currently completing her PhD in Human Development and Family Sciences. Laura feels honored to contribute to an organization dedicated to uplifting the NEK community through vital services for mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities. Laura believes in a person-centered approach that ensures our efforts resonate meaningfully with NKHS employees and the people we serve. As the Chief of Organizational Development, Laura focuses on propelling our agency towards operational excellence through continuous quality improvement. As a Senior Leadership Team member, Laura finds working alongside her neighbors and the community she calls home humbling. Outside of work, you’ll find Laura cultivating her flower garden, working with her horses or taking walks with her dogs.

Michael Huang

Chief Financial Officer

Michael Huang joined NKHS as Chief Financial Officer in 2026, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in finance, accounting, and strategic management across community banking and financial services organizations.

Most recently, Michael served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President at Brattleboro Savings & Loan, where he oversaw all finance and accounting functions, led strategic planning initiatives, and ensured strong regulatory compliance while maintaining institutional profitability.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland. He is bilingual in English and Mandarin and is currently a CPA candidate. Known for his collaborative leadership style and strong commitment to organizational mission and integrity, Michael brings deep financial expertise and strategic insight to support NKHS’s continued growth and service to the community.

Outside of NKHS, you'll find Michael enjoying playing in recreational volleyball and watching his daughters compete in competitive volleyball. 

Brooke Bury, B.B.A., SHRM-CP

Director of Human Resources

Brooke has been the Director of Human Resources at NKHS since 2019. She was born and raised in St. Johnsbury, VT, before attending Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec. Brooke and her husband, a Quebec native, have always valued being close to family and living and working in the same community. In 2007, they moved to Derby, VT, splitting the distance between their families. In 2015, when Brooke joined NKHS, it fulfilled her desire to live and work in the same community, and she found it very meaningful to be a part of what NKHS does for the community in which she grew up and lives. Brooke believes employee and client success go hand in hand and strives to lead with this in mind. Outside of NKHS, a desire to give back (and being a bit of a bibliophile) has led Brooke to a volunteer position as a Dailey Memorial Library Board of Trustees member.

Sharon Ryan, BA, QDDP

Chief of Developmental Services

Sharon grew up in Derby, Vermont. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and returned home after graduation to be close to her family and community. Sharon started her professional career at NKHS in 1997 in the Developmental Services program, as, from a very young age, she wanted to help people with disabilities. Over the years, she has created programs to support children in her community, fueled by an unwavering passion for service. Sharon is a strong advocate, committed to the individuals and families NKHS serves. She believes in a person-centered approach, ensuring people have a choice around their needs and goals to be productive and active members of their community. She also focuses on supporting the staff who serve these individuals. In her downtime, Sharon loves to relax at her camp in the woods with her three dogs.

Erica Perkins

Director of Marketing and Communications

Erica joined NKHS in the fall of 2022, bringing over 20 years of professional marketing and communication experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master's in Communication from Southern New Hampshire University. Shortly after joining NKHS, Erica spearheaded a comprehensive visual brand overhaul, including the launch of a new website and logo. Erica is passionate about integrating design and communication to enhance the human experience. She is dedicated to showcasing the significant impact of NKHS employees on their clients and communities through compelling storytelling, and she strongly believes in the power of kindness and connection. Erica resides in Barnet and enjoys cooking, sewing, traveling, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Carol Hemenway

Executive Office Administrator

Carol is the Executive Office Administrator at NKHS, where she brings strategic organization, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to service. She carries a strong belief that we have a collective responsibility to uplift and protect the most vulnerable members of our population. Carol has a strong background in non-profit public health administration and human resources, including 10 years in non-profit health care for an FQHC. She lives in the Littleton, NH, area, where she enjoys all outdoor activities, including gardening and beekeeping.