Celebrating Courtney Farrell’s Nearly Three Decades of Impact at Lund

After 27 years of dedicated service, Courtney Farrell, the Director of Residential and Community Treatment at Lund, has announced her decision to step down from her role. Courtney’s journey with Lund began in August of 1996 as an intern in the Adoption Department, marking the start of a remarkable career filled with growth, passion, and a deep commitment to the Lund community. Over the years, Courtney has assumed various roles within the organization, showcasing her versatility and deep understanding of Lund’s many services.

When Courtney first became part of Lund’s Residential Treatment Program, it was a modest operation with just one director and 11 dedicated staff members who tirelessly ensured the program’s 24/7 availability throughout the year. Under her leadership, the scope and capacity of Lund’s services have seen remarkable growth. Now, Courtney oversees a diverse array of residential and community programs, employing over 98 professionals who deliver a spectrum of child and family services from prevention and intervention to comprehensive substance use and mental health treatment across Vermont. During her tenure, Courtney was a driving force behind a multitude of transformative changes within the residential, childcare, and community-based services, significantly bolstering Lund’s capacity to offer holistic wraparound support to Vermont families. Notably, as the project director for a SAMHSA grant, Courtney played a pivotal role in expanding the residential program to include vital case management and children’s services, further solidifying Lund’s reputation as a leader in integrated family support services. Her ability to navigate the complexities of state and federal systems, combined with a genuine compassion for those in Lund’s care, has left a lasting imprint on the organization and the many lives she has touched.

“Courtney is known for her high level of expertise regarding Lund services. Courtney’s passion for ensuring that families are given every opportunity to succeed has resulted in significant small and large-scale changes that enrich Lund and our community—it would be impossible to recount all the ways she has made a difference at Lund and in the lives of the families we serve,” said Lund’s President and CEO Mary Burns.

As Courtney prepares to embark on a new opportunity, her legacy at Lund remains a testament to her profound impact. “I will always cherish my time at Lund and the incredible community and wraparound family supports we’ve built together. My commitment to Lund’s mission and supporting Vermont’s children and families remains unwavering,” says Courtney, reflecting on her tenure. Wanda Audette, Lund’s Director of Adoption and a colleague who has worked alongside Courtney for decades, adds, “Courtney is truly an out-of-the-box thinker and a doer. Her fierce advocacy for children and families is not just evident in her work, but it’s the driving force behind everything she does. Her contributions at Lund will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the mission she has helped shape.” As we bid farewell to Courtney, we extend our deepest gratitude for her unwavering dedication and service to Lund over these many years. We wish her all the best in her new ventures, confident that she will continue to inspire and make a difference wherever she goes.