Mel Houser, M.D. (she/they) is an Autistic/PDA/ADHD/dyslexic/dyspraxic/dyscalculic Board Certified Family Physician. Except for the doctor part, she didn’t know any of these things about herself until age 37. “Dr. Mel” is passionate about helping patients of all ages learn about their brains and build connections to overcome society’s broken systems and discover the truth that “there is no one right way to be a person,” (to quote her child at age 5). In addition to providing medical care to neurodivergent patients through the lifespan, Dr. Houser also provides neurodiversity training to healthcare practices and workplaces around the country about how to create environments where people with all types of brains can get their needs met and thrive.
Sierra Miller, DNP, APRN, FNP-C (she/her) is a founding member of our medical staff. She is an AANP board certified nurse practitioner. Sierra earned her Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from St. Lawrence University before coming to the University of Vermont and earning her Doctorate in Nursing (DNP). As a family nurse practitioner, Sierra is passionate about providing inclusive patient-centered primary care to all ages. Special interests include Health at Every Size, reproductive health, trauma-informed care, and empowering everyone’s healthcare autonomy. Sierra lives with her partner, stepson, dog, and two cats in Montpelier, VT where she hopes to build a future improving the healthcare of the community she grew up in.
Lizzy Pieratt (she/her) is All Brains Belong’s Education Programs Coordinator and Mel’s Executive Assistant. She coordinates all of ABB’s research collaborations, small group educational programs, and neurodiversity / inclusion and neurocultural competency trainings.
Lizzy has her MA in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University. She has loved working with children for the past 23 years. In addition to her experience as an educator in a wide range of settings, she also started and led a Waldorf homeschooling co-op. Over the past 10 years, Lizzy has also enjoyed helping several start-up small businesses blossom by coming alongside to help with marketing and public relations. In her free time, Lizzy enjoys being a Mama to her two amazing kids, reading, and snuggling her cat.
Olivia Tyler (she /her) is a nurse with over a decade of experience who brings a holistic approach to patient support. She strives daily to hold space for her patients so they can focus on healing. Over the years she has become more and more aware of the mind-body connection and the importance of helping others find theirs.
Olivia finds herself drawn to advocate for equality for all. She has expanded her skills by becoming a yoga instructor, birthing doula, and a trauma informed, embodied anti-racist paraprofessional. Her goals for the future are to help bridge gaps in the community, create inclusivity so we all have a place at the same table and we can see the impactful ripple effects of creating a world where all people belong.
Olivia lives in Montpelier with two amazing teenage children, their dog and two kittens. She loves music, walks, movies, yoga, conversation, silence and singing in the Montpelier Community gospel choir.
Reagan Dufresne (she/her) is the Administrative Coordinator for the Kid Connections project. She graduated from Saint Michael’s College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Art & Design. During college, she held a leadership role in a mentorship program and completed an internship at Turning Point Recovery Center. These experiences deepened her understanding of human connection and how she can use her strengths to foster community. Passionate about creating a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging, Reagan is committed to helping people connect—with each other, their environment, and the world around them.
Reagan lives in Burlington with her high school sweetheart and finds joy in movement, great food, and quality time with loved ones. In the next year or two, she hopes to adopt a cat.