Hope Grove Leadership
Kate Blouin
Executive Director
Kate Blouin is a woman in long-term recovery whose lived experience fuels a mission for creating a sanctuary of healing, dignity, and empowerment for women. Kate Blouin has been an RN for over 15 years, passionate about advocating for and building communities for people to foster connections that empower individuals on their journey to healing. Kate has worked with vulnerable communities for most of her career and has had countless moments bearing witness to the devastating impact of untreated trauma and unstable housing.
Seeing firsthand the gap where care should exist became the blueprint for a bold and deeply personal vision: a trauma-informed, wellness-centered recovery home designed to meet women with compassion and walk beside them toward lasting transformation. Kate has blended heart and strategy to create a structured and meaningful space, creating wraparound support services, community engagement, and outreach materials that reflect the realities of women in recovery and the hope that sustains them. This work is not just about recovery; it’s about reimagining what’s possible when women are given the tools, the space, and the respect to rise.
Kate resides in Fairfield, Vermont. Kate enjoys getting outside, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Kate is privileged to serve on the Board of Directors for Turning Point Center of Franklin County, Vermont, and Step Out Vermont.
Hope Grove Board of Directors
Kristen Poston
Board Member
Kristen Poston is a Business Intelligence Developer currently pursuing a B.S. in Data Analytics. She brings a strong foundation in data analysis and a deep commitment to volunteer work. She is an alumna of Leadership Champlain where she was able to work with Chittenden Accountable Community for Health in a project to reduce stigma in the community around mental health and suicidality. She is committed to community engagement and reducing stigma related to mental health and addiction, drawing on personal experiences that have deepened her compassion for those in recovery. Kristen offers expertise in data analysis, strategic planning, and community collaboration, and is dedicated to building supportive, stigma-free environments where women can find hope and opportunity.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Kristen enjoys gardening, music, art, and spending time with loved ones. She is honored to be part of a team working to uplift and empower women on their recovery journeys.
Holly Hager
Board Member
Holly Hager is a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Northwestern Medical Center and has over a decade of personal recovery experience. She previously served as a recovery coach in the ED, where she supported individuals in crisis with empathy and firsthand understanding. Holly was inspired to join the board by Kate’s vision of a sober house for women and the clear need she sees in her community through her work in healthcare.
With long-term sobriety and a deep belief in the power of community and faith, Holly brings resilience, compassion, and insight to Hope Grove Recovery. She’s passionate about helping others overcome challenges and believes that no obstacle is insurmountable.
Holly enjoys playing pickleball, spending time with her dog, and staying actively involved in her community.
Alison Bushey
Board Member
Alison Bushey is an associate attorney with a background in health law and a particular academic interest in the intersections of law, public health, and harm reduction practices. She is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health treatment, and brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her role on the board. With a close family connection to recovery, Alison understands firsthand the critical role that community support plays in long-term healing. She is honored to contribute to the organization’s mission and to support women on their recovery journeys.
Outside of her professional life, Alison enjoys reading, running, and exploring Vermont with her two young daughters.