Founding Board Members
Rachel Cummings
Founder, President
After moving to Florida in November 2024, Rachel had a strong desire to build community and get connected with her neighbors. She quickly got involved by joining the Human Rights Board and volunteering with the Florida State Parks, officially launching her life as a community and environmental activist. Driven by a passion for sustainability, justice, and reducing human hardship, Rachel created ACRES to help address real community needs in a way that seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment. With a master's degree in Environmental Management and experience in education, leadership, and community-focused work, Rachel is committed to fostering meaningful local impact that results in more resilient communities and healthier ecosystems. Rachel loves spending her free time with her husband and two young children, exploring local springs, going to storytime at the library, or finding their new favorite beach.
Elise Dressler
Vice President
Resa Baudoin
Treasurer
Matthew Atkins
Secretary
Matthew is a content writer from Richmond, Virginia. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a bachelor degree in Multimedia Journalism, he worked in radio before spending a year in local television. There, he saw first-hand how important it is for people to be informed about what’s happening in their community. He looks forward to bridging his communication skills with his passion for serving others. In his free time, he enjoys running, playing cornhole and spending time with his wife and son.
Erin Maroney-Petitt
Member
Erin received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Science from the University of Vermont in 2014, and received her Master’s of Education in Special Education for Middle Level and High School from Concordia University Portland in 2016. She is a dually licensed Vermont science teacher and special educator and has seven years of professional experience working with adolescents with special needs in high school STEM courses and employment training programs for independent paid employment. Erin has worked with a variety of stakeholders at schools and businesses within her community to advocate for increased inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. Erin is passionate about adjusting existing systems, creating supports, and fine-tuning programming to be more inclusive and accessible for all people. She is a firm believer that when all members of a diverse community share resources, knowledge, and opportunities, the entire community becomes more resilient, supportive, and inclusive. Erin is a currently a stay-at-home parent to an active young toddler in northern Vermont and enjoys gardening, painting, and trying to figure out how to make an adequate sourdough bread when she is not actively sprinting after her son.
Therese (Tess) Miller
Member
Therese (Tess) Miller is a dedicated educator and community advocate from Manassas, VA, outside DC. As an English Language (EL) teacher in Manassas, VA, she has devoted her career to supporting multilingual learners, fostering inclusive environments, and helping students build confidence, voice, and opportunity through language and education. Tess’s work is rooted in the belief that strong communities are built through access whether it is access to education, resources, or materials. Her experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations informs her passion for creating programs and initiatives that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to community needs. With a deep commitment to sustainability, equity, and empowering diverse communities, she is excited to be apart of ACRES and work to bring the vision to life.
Who We Are