Our Board of Directors
Crystal Barnes, JD, Director
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Crystal Barnes, JD, Director, CFF Board of Directors. Ms. Barnes is a dedicated legal professional with over 18 years of experience, specializing in employment law, compliance, and litigation management. Ms. Barnes is currently a Director & Associate General Counsel for a global aerospace and defense contractor. Some of her key areas of responsibility have included advising corporate functions on regulatory changes; leading and implementing company-wide compliance strategy related to employment law regulations; managing conflict of interest disclosures; resolving administrative charges and agency investigations; and managing employment litigation, related budgets and case strategy. Ms. Barnes has previously worked in Washington, D.C., as an associate at several law firms, Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo, and Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, where her practice included representing clients in federal and state courts in claims arising under local, state and federal employment laws. Ms. Barnes strongly believes in the importance of the individual’s role in community building and service. She has served in various volunteer capacities for decades with organizations ranging in missions that focused on social services, access to justice, youth advocacy, and African American history and culture. She was a member of the inaugural events volunteer corps for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and is currently a volunteer board member of the Unique Learning Center, a D.C. based youth advocacy organization. Ms. Barnes is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and North Carolina. She is affiliated with the District of Columbia Bar Association, the National Bar Association, and the Association of Corporate Counsel, National Capital Region. She was also a 2017 Fellow of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Ms. Barnes earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. , and her Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Princeton University, with certificates in African American Studies and Spanish. |
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Kay Johnson, MPH, MEd, Director and Treasurer
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Kay Johnson, MPH, MEd, Director and Treasurer, CFF Board of Directors. Ms. Johnson is nationally recognized for her work in maternal and child health policy, as a researcher, advocate, and consultant. Reducing the impact of poverty and racism and increasing access to services for women, children, and their families are two of her lifelong goals. She is founder and president of a small, woman-owned business—a national firm based in Vermont since 1998 and currently known as Johnson Policy Consulting. Her work at the Children’s Defense Fund, March of Dimes, George Washington University, and Johnson Consulting have shaped the direction of maternal and child health (MCH) and Medicaid policy since 1984. she has been active in health policy at the federal level and provided consultation to 45 states. She has written more than 100 policy reports and professional journal articles. She previously held academic appointments as Research Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth (1998-2016) and as Lecturer in Healthy Policy at the George Washington University. Ms. Johnson has demonstrated skills in leadership and strategic planning. She served as senior consultant for development of the new strategic plan for the HHS-HRSA-Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) (2020-2021). As staff director or chair for several national panels (e.g., US HHS Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality, National Newborn Screening Task Force, Committee on Perinatal Health, CDC Select Panel on Preconception Health), she fostered consensus among diverse stakeholders which led to recommendations and many action strategies being implemented. In addition to her appointed advisory roles on many entities, Ms. Johnson has held positions on various boards including All Kids Count, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, Partnership for Prevention, National Perinatal Association, Vermont March of Dimes, Chapel Hill NC Women’s Center, and DC Mayor’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Panel. Before moving to Vermont and starting her consulting firm, Ms. Johnson was a Senior Research Staff Scientist at the GWU Center for Health Policy Research (1996-1998). She held roles as senior advisor (1991-1992) and national policy director for the March of Dimes (1992-96). Working at the Children’s Defense Fund in senior health staff positions (1984-91), she founded the first federal MCH advocacy coalition and coordinated efforts for passage of six major Medicaid expansions for pregnant women and children and other policy change. Prior to her policy work, she worked for seven years providing direct services to low-income families in child care centers devoted to equity and justice for diverse groups of families in Buffalo, NY and Chapel Hill, NC. During her years as a teacher/provider, she also was active as a volunteer in community organizing and community-based organizations focused on social justice and equity. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) from the University of North Carolina (1984), as well as a Master’s Degree in Education (MEd) from the University of Buffalo where she studied child development (1978). |
Robin Anthony Kouyate, PhD, MA, Director
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Robin Anthony Kouyate, PhD, MA, Director, CFF Board of Directors. Dr. Anthony Kouyaté has over 25 years of experience providing social and behavioral science leadership to support chronic disease, maternal/newborn/child health (MNCH), nutrition, and reproductive health programs in 15 countries in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Her experience spans a range of behavioral domains including chronic illness self-management, medication adherence, postpartum contraceptive use, breastfeeding and infant nutrition practices, adolescent resilience, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, and parenting with emotional intelligence. Since 2010, she has provided behavioral science leadership and expertise leading teams in designing digital and non-digital health solutions that support chronic disease self-management, in the private sector retail pharmacy, start-up and biotech industry settings. Dr. Anthony Kouyaté has served as a consultant, a volunteer, on advisory boards, and on professional society committees for organizations focused on supporting health and wellbeing, as well as mentoring BIPOC youth and peers. These pursuits reflect her passion for supporting people of color, women, and particularly BIPOC youth in their development, professional pursuits, and overall well-being. In 2005 - 2006, she served as the Lead Research Consultant for the National Council of Negro Women, documenting the efficacy of NCNW partnerships with African women’s empowerment organizations and presenting findings to the funding organization. She has served as a mentor for first generation BIPOC students for the America Need You Program, Los Angeles (2021-2022) and a professional peer mentor, Amgen Black Employee Resource Group Mentor-Mentee Program (2021). She has been appointed to two presidential committees for the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM): Committee Chair for the Microcredentialing Committee (2019-2020) advising on additional fundraising approaches; and Committee Member for the Industry Connections Committee (2022 – present) mandated with supporting the Membership Council by developing industry connections for SBM and its members. Dr. Anthony Kouyate has served on advisory boards as behavioral science subject matter expert for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals (2012) and Motiv, a digital health start-up (2023). She received her PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, her MA in International Economics and American Foreign Policy from the Paul H Nitze Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, her BA in Comparative Area Studies – Africa and the Middle East from Duke University, and is fluent in French. |
Catharine Noel, AA, Director
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Catharine Noel, AA. Director, CFF Board of Directors. Ms. Catharine Noel is a seasoned culinary professional with 28 years of experience in the culinary field. She is deeply committed to student development and learning, combining extensive classroom experience with a passion for sustainable, locally sourced food. Ms. Noel has developed and taught a comprehensive 12-week farm-to-table curriculum, providing hands-on instruction and evaluating student performance to ensure practical learning outcomes. Throughout her career, she has held significant roles, including serving as the Lead Baker at the University of River Falls, WI, and as a Pastry Chef and Chef at Lucia’s Restaurant and Bakery in Minneapolis. Currently, she brings her expertise to the Swift House Inn in Middlebury, Vermont, where she produces high-quality pastries that reflect her dedication to the craft. Ms. Noel holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Culinary Arts, earned in 2009, and she continues to infuse her work with a passion for food, farming, teaching, and community engagement. |
Our Program Leadership Team
Lydia Clemmons PhD, MPH,
Executive Director
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Dr. Clemmons is a medical anthropologist with a 35-year career leading ethnographic research and community development programs in the US and more than 20 African countries. She has more than 20 years of senior executive-level experience managing national and global program annual budgets of $20-$50 million dollars. She is internationally recognized for her innovative work integrating arts and culture into effective public health and social change programming. Dr. Clemmons began her international work as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Democratic Republic of Congo. She has worked for the US Agency for International Development, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and numerous US nonprofit organizations working in international development. She grew up on her family’s farm in Vermont and returned in 2013 to help her parents preserve the farm- one of just 0.4% of all farms in the US that is African-American owned- for future generations. As President of the Clemmons Family Farm, Inc., she provides leadership for the farm’s transition into a 501c3 nonprofit organization and oversees its programming. She is fluent in French and Lingala. Dr. Clemmons is the recipient of the 2021 Con Hogan Award from the Vermont Community Foundation, the 2021 Arthur Williams Award for Meritorious Service to the Arts from the Vermont Arts Council, and the 2022 NAACP-Rutland Branch Lifetime Achievement Award. She holds a PhD in Medical Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, a Master in Public Health from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and a BA in Human Biology from Stanford University. |
Rose Twagirumukiza, MS, Director-Administration and Operations
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Rose Twagirumukiza is an international development professional with a record of leadership in impactful global programs. Her experience encompasses program management, international fieldwork, and the coordination of initiatives in relief, economic development, and security, all driven by a profound commitment to the empowerment of communities worldwide. A cornerstone of Ms. Twagirumukiza's professional ethos is her aptitude for cultivating cross-cultural collaboration. She navigates diverse cultural environments, establishing partnerships with local organizations, professionals, and business owners. As a member of the leadership team, Ms. Twagirumukiza ensures operation of all organizational programs, providing support for daily administration, program coordination, and communication Prior to her tenure at Clemmons Family Farm, Ms. Twagirumukiza held roles as a Program Manager at Panagora Group and Resolute Health Outreach, as well as a Program Officer at Jhpiego. She holds an M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University with a concentration in Global Politics and Security, and a B.A. in International Relations and Spanish from Lake Forest College, where she achieved cum laude honors. |
Catharine Noel, AA, Senior Advisor for Farm-to-Table Programming- African Diaspora Foodways Institute of Vermont
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William Thompson, BA, Creative Placemaking Site Manager and Groundskeeper
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Catharine Noel is a seasoned culinary professional with 28 years of experience in the culinary field. She is deeply committed to student development and learning, combining extensive classroom experience with a passion for sustainable, locally sourced food. Ms. Noel has developed and taught a comprehensive 12-week farm-to-table curriculum, providing hands-on instruction and evaluating student performance to ensure practical learning outcomes. Throughout her career, she has held significant roles, including serving as the Lead Baker at the University of River Falls, WI, and as a Pastry Chef and Chef at Lucia’s Restaurant and Bakery in Minneapolis. Currently, she brings her expertise to the Swift House Inn in Middlebury, Vermont, where she produces high-quality pastries that reflect her dedication to the craft. Ms. Noel holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Culinary Arts, earned in 2009, and she continues to infuse her work with a passion for food, farming, teaching, and community engagement. |
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William Thompson is a multidisciplinary community builder whose work bridges the arts, education, and hands-on craftsmanship, bringing a thoughtful and socially aware perspective to everything he does. Mr. Thompson has worked as a carpenter restoring historic buildings, a landscaper, a camp counselor fostering teamwork among youth, and a volunteer with local arts and service programs. An active muscian, creative writer, and performer, he explores themes of identity, humor, and belonging through the literary arts, music, and theater. His multifaceted experiences reflect a passion for learning, storytelling, and connection across generations. Mr. Thompson's experiences as a paraeducator at Ferrisburgh Central School and as a star athlete (football, rugby, and basketball) in highschool and college have deepened his commitment to supporting young people’s social-emotional development and physical health. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Thompson’s diverse pursuits reflect his curiosity and dedication to community life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Black Studies from Middlebury College. |
