Transforming Community is achievable.
Meet our team
Dedicated professionals driving our success
Amanda Roberto
Founder & President
Founder and President, Amanda Roberto, is a Mental Health Counselor and has a passion for connecting people. Her outlook is deeply inspired by her 7 years in higher ed student leadership. Amanda now performs improv and stand-up comedy, believing that joy and belonging are essential to personal growth. She brings both heart and humor to VAST’s mission.
Matt Palka
Vice President
Matt is a Criminal Background Investigator and an avid journaler, singer, and proud nerd with a passion for cultivating community hubs and collaborative journeys with people. He brings to VAST his unironic enthusiasm, generosity, and curiosity. He broadly creates, believing that when you choose yourself and forge meaning, you are able to proudly rhyme how you live, serve, and better the world around you.
Nadiya Gottschalk
Secretary
Nadiya is a passionate young professional who works in the IDD world. Nadiya is passionate about connection and person centered engagement in and outside of work. Nadiya has many interests including learning the cello, hiking, running, rock climbing, reading, but mostly spending time with her friends.
Connor Baer
Treasurer
Connor is a Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager at a local bank. With a background in banking, Connor brings to VAST a desire to teach financial literacy to members of the community. Outside of work Connor enjoys meeting new people, laughing, and traveling.
Brooke Bokal
Executive Board Member
Brooke is a Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician with an interest in blood banking. She is passionate about creating new social and creative opportunities for young professionals in the Southern Tier. When she’s not in the lab, Brooke likes to spend an afternoon reading with her cat, exploring the great outdoors, or performing improv comedy.
Jenna Goldsmith
Executive Board Member
Jenna is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in Early Intervention, with a passion for fostering meaningful connections with others through authentic and supportive communication. She brings her dedication and imaginative spirit to VAST by supporting events that help others express their creative potential. Outside of her professional work, Jenna enjoys reading, building Legos, and finding inspiration in art and music.
Nadia Murphy
Executive Board Member
Nadia is a Licensed Real Estate Agent who blends deep local knowledge of the Greater Binghamton area with a passion for music, art, theater, and singing. Her creative spirit and strong community ties bring valuable insight to VAST’s mission. As a board member, she helps bridge connection and culture through vibrant, inclusive engagement.
Matt Pitcher
Executive Board Member
Matthew is a Licensed Master Social Worker currently working in the field of addiction medicine, committed to fostering healing and connection. They are passionate about creating inclusive, supportive spaces for people of all backgrounds, both professionally and in the community. Outside of work, they enjoy the local art and music scene, getting lost in a good book, or practicing improv comedy.
Erin Watts
Executive Board Member
Erin is a freelance content developer dedicated to bringing ideas to life and enhancing messaging. With seven years of experience as a leader in the youth nonprofit sector, she is passionate about fostering community and personal development. Erin joined VAST because she believes in the power of connection and making fun, inclusive experiences accessible to everyone. Her work and leadership are rooted in authenticity, creativity, and meaningful connections.
VAST
501c3 Nonprofit Organization
EIN:
33-3621578