Lund is proud to announce several key leadership transitions in its nationally recognized Adoption Department, marking both a celebration of legacy and the start of a new chapter. Wanda Audette, Director of Adoption and Co-Director of Project Family, will retire from her full-time role this Friday, October 31, 2025, after more than 30 years of transformative leadership. She will continue in an advisory role through June 2026 to support a thoughtful and seamless transition.
In tandem with this shift, Lund is excited to announce the following leadership appointments:
- Karisa Thompson has been named Director of Adoption and Co-Director of Project Family. A 21-year veteran of Lund, Karisa brings deep expertise, unwavering compassion, and strategic vision to this role.
- Melissa Appleton has been promoted to Associate Director of Adoption, a reflection of her steady leadership and strong commitment to helping children find safe, stable, and loving families.
- Emily Smart has been promoted to Adoption Finalization Coordinator, working remotely from the St. Johnsbury area. Emily’s warmth, skill, and dedication are already making a meaningful impact.
Together, Karisa and Melissa will lead Lund’s adoption team forward with heart, humility, and a shared commitment to permanency for all children.
“Wanda has built a strong foundation of adoption services in Vermont by establishing an impactful public- private partnership with DCF and creating an exceptional team at Lund,” said Karisa Thompson, incoming Director of Adoption. “I’m honored to lead this next chapter with compassion, ingenuity, and the same steadfast commitment Wanda has shown over the past three decades.”
Since joining Lund in 1995, Wanda Audette has led the growth of adoption services from a two-person team to a statewide, nationally recognized program. She was instrumental in launching Project Family and cutting the average time to permanency in half, and forging critical partnerships that center the needs of children and families.
“This Friday, I retire from my role as Director of Adoption and Co-Director of Project Family—a role I’ve been honored to hold for the past 30 years,” said Wanda Audette. “It has been a joy to work alongside dedicated colleagues in service of children and families across Vermont.”
“I’m pleased to share that Karisa Thompson will be stepping into this leadership role. Over her 21 years at Lund, Karisa has brought dedication, wisdom, and heart to every position she’s held—including her many years in the adoption department. I have every confidence in her ability to lead this program forward. During my phased retirement, Karisa and I will continue to work closely to ensure a thoughtful, seamless transition,” said Audette.
“We are deeply grateful to Wanda for her decades of visionary leadership,” said Liz Gamache, President & CEO of Lund. “Her impact will be felt for generations. With Karisa stepping into this vital role, we’re confident our adoption team will carry forward Lund’s legacy of excellence. This has been a thoughtful and collaborative transition, and we’re excited for what comes next.”
Lund invites community members, colleagues, and partners to join us in celebrating Wanda’s remarkable career at Lund by the Lake on May 7, 2026, at Hula in Burlington. More details will be available soon at www.lundvt.org.
