Saranac Lake Youth Center
Meet the Board
Cassandra Van Cott
President
For the past several years Cassandra has been an active Board member helping to review board policies and coordinate fundraising events. She initially joined the Board as the COVID-19 pandemic was subsiding and our community organizations found a renewed purpose in getting in-person gatherings back. Cassandra found the Youth to be welcoming and other active Board members demonstrated their tireless work ethic to bring the Youth Center into the community, into the next decade, and growing the mission to meet the needs of more youth.
Cassandra has worked in the Community Development Department for the Village of Saranac Lake, for a regional economic development organization, and now currently holds the title of Teller for the Adirondack Bank. In her free time she enjoys trail walks with her two dogs, xc skiing, playing ice hockey, going to 'secret' Adirondack beaches, and traveling to see her family and friends in her hometown of Buffalo, NY with her husband.
Diane Roberts
VP & Treasurer
Coming soon!
Peggy Wiltberger
Secretary
I was asked to join the SLYC board in 2004 when looking to the Center to be the non-profit sponsor for the Saranac Lake Skatepark Committee. Though the Rotary
Foundation stepped up to sponsor the Skatepark, I remained on the SLYC Board,
gradually assuming more responsibilities as needs arose, serving as Treasurer and
President. After 12 years of work, the SL Skatepark was completed, having received the top Tony Hawk grant award for that funding period for its grassroots effort, location and quality design.
I had moved to Saranac Lake from Buffalo in 1993 with my husband and two pre-school aged children to cross country ski. Skiing remains a passion. I was an avid runner, until my knees dictated otherwise. I am an ADK46er and enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing and swimming. I am also a curler with the LP Curling Club.
As a registered nurse I worked 14 years for High Peaks Hospice, and 4 years for the SL Health Association. I served nine years on Board of High Peaks Hospice, 3 as president. I am currently on the Board of SL Health Association, also having served 3 years as president. I am a consumer representative for North Country Home Services Quality Assurance Committee.
Stacie Hurwitch
Member
Coming Soon!
Erika Bezio
Member
Erika Bezio has been an elementary teacher in Saranac Lake since 2003 and has worked in Community Schools since 2019. She earned her degree in Education from Russell Sage College and her master’s from Brown University. Erika is passionate about creating engaging, inclusive learning environments where every child feels supported and inspired. Outside the classroom, she enjoys life with her husband, Derrick, and their ten-year-old son, Wally, often found chasing pucks, footballs, and lacrosse sticks. When she’s not at school or the rink, Erika can be found dreaming of beach weather while baking!
Forrest Horton
Youth Representative
Coming soon!