Board of Directors

POLLYANNA SIDELL is a retired marketing professional with 20 years of experience writing content for manufacturing companies and 14 years experience teaching humanities in public schools in the Boston area. As a project-based learning teacher she used many forms of art to help students connect with the curriculum. With a love for learning

POLLYANNA SIDELL is a retired marketing professional with 20 years of experience writing content for manufacturing companies and 14 years experience teaching humanities in public schools in the Boston area. As a project-based learning teacher she used many forms of art to help students connect with the curriculum. With a love for learning, Pollyanna has undergraduate degrees in Hotel & Restaurant Administration and Human Resources & Personnel Administration and a Master in Business Administration from Babson College and a Master in Creative Arts in Learning and Elementary Education.

KAREN BRUYN was introduced to crafts and creativity at an early age with knitting and sewing her own clothes, under her family’s guidance. She has been creating both traditional and modern quilts for over 40 years. Karen graduated from Babson College with a degree in Finance and spent her career in the accounting field for both private an

KAREN BRUYN was introduced to crafts and creativity at an early age with knitting and sewing her own clothes, under her family’s guidance. She has been creating both traditional and modern quilts for over 40 years. Karen graduated from Babson College with a degree in Finance and spent her career in the accounting field for both private and publicly held companies. Since retirement, she continues to work as an accountant for a few local companies, volunteers to assist seniors with preparing and filing income tax returns, as well as learning and perfecting quilting skills and interests.

SUSAN DAMONE BALCH is an accomplished quilter, fly fisher and teacher. From 2018-2023 she served as SOVAC Board Chair. Previously, Susan ran the women’s fly fishing school at Orvis and was instrumental in the development of Casting for Recovery, a national nonprofit organization offering healing outdoor retreats to survivors of breast can

SUSAN DAMONE BALCH is an accomplished quilter, fly fisher and teacher. From 2018-2023 she served as SOVAC Board Chair. Previously, Susan ran the women’s fly fishing school at Orvis and was instrumental in the development of Casting for Recovery, a national nonprofit organization offering healing outdoor retreats to survivors of breast cancer and served as program director for ten years. Susan lives in Reading, Vermont with her husband, John, where they grow their own vegetables and enjoy playing music together and with friends.