Faces at TRIP: Elizabeth Anderson

Elizabeth Anderson is a volunteer intern at TRIP this fall.  She is working on TRIP’s sustainability and neighborhood stabilization initiatives.  Elizabeth has also done some design work for TRIP, such as updating some of TRIP’s materials.

Elizabeth is a coterminal student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute working on her bachelors in Sustainability Studies and masters in Ecological Economics, Values, and Policy.  Her interests are sustainability, policy, social justice, and urban planning.  After she graduates, Elizabeth hopes to work on improving sustainability and people’s lives in either the government or non-profit sector.

At RPI, Elizabeth is the chair of the Student Sustainability Task Force and Associate News Editor of The Polytechnic. She also plays on the RPI Ultimate Frisbee club team.

We are very happy to have Elizabeth at TRIP this semester! 

Faces at TRIP: Patrick Madden

Patrick Madden: Executive Director

Patrick Madden, TRIP’s executive director, has been a face at TRIP for decades – almost 3, in fact.  His name and face is synonymous with TRIP, having been here since 1985, when he was first hired as the Director of Real Estate Development  -- 29 years ago  (which is really odd since he swears he’s not a day over 30)! 

Patrick has real staying power; he has been TRIP’s executive director since 1987 and never left, just as he has never left Troy for any significant amount of time.  Born and bred in Troy, he lives on the Eastside, only two blocks from where he grew up and where his father still resides. Patrick is a maven in regard to risk management and his motto as a director of a complex housing organization:  always hire people smarter than you.

Patrick says he knows a little about a lot of things.  He is an skilled photographer, a history buff, enjoys music and kayaking and is a graduate of Albany Law School.  He has been learning the mandolin for several years now; ask him to play a tune sometime! 

In addition to his roles at work and play, Patrick also is a dad to three great kids. We are fortunate to have this wise captain at the helm of TRIP!

Faces at TRIP: Theresa Newton

Theresa Newton:  Director of Rental Operations

Theresa Newton has been the Director of Rental Operations at TRIP since 2001. 

Theresa oversees the management of TRIP’s portfolio of 301 apartments.  She works with TRIP staff, private owners of apartment buildings and she helps area landlords on management issues.  She also oversees small development projects.  A typical day would include writing reports for lenders, working with project owners and landlords, budgeting programs and planning for improvements and long term use.

Theresa states that her goals at TRIP focus on providing better apartments for hardworking families and seniors.  

She enjoys working in Troy as her family roots are here and she has become attached to many other families in and around TRIP’s neighborhoods.

In her spare time she is an avid cyclist and triathlete.  She recently competed in the Patriot Half Ironman.

Faces at TRIP: Jessica Krajewski

Jessica Krajewski: Intern

Jessica Krajewski joined TRIP as an intern in January of this year. She is a sophomore dual major in architecture and civil engineering at RPI. She has always wanted to find a way to combine her experience in architecture with her desire to create strong communities for all.  Although she is mostly doing research, she is excited to start working more in depth on some upcoming projects. 

Working at TRIP has been a wonderful experience because not only does she feel like she is making a difference, but she finds everyone here extremely nice and willing to help with anything she may need. 

In her spare time, aside from classes, more classes, RPI Student Government, her internship here at TRIP, and more classes she loves to hang out with friends and just be a typical college student. 

Thanks Jessica!  We really appreciate your help and interest!  

Faces at TRIP: Hilary Lamishaw

Meet Hilary Lamishaw: Director of Community Affairs

The face behind "Faces at TRIP" and many more of the programs that leverage TRIP's hard work in the community at large, Hilary Lamishaw has been our Director of Community Affairs since 1996. She has a long history of finding and empowering latent leaders to make a difference in their community, from her days as an organizer before she came to TRIP to her daily role today, where she connects people and groups together to share experiences and find commonalities. 

She states that it is her goal to to help people deal with issues as a group - as group efforts often get better responses than individual complaints. She is a strong believer in the power of every-day citizens to get things done, and has helped groups like TNAC (Troy Neighborhoods Action Council), the Vacant Properties Workgroup, and "D.O.G.S." (Dads of Great Students) find their voice. 

Hilary also serves as Coordinator for the NeighborWorks Alliance of New York State, a coalition of 22 similar organizations that are dedicated to revitalizing their communities. 

And in her spare time..........

Faces at TRIP: Bobbi Carter

Bobbi Carter joined TRIP as the first director of its NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center which opened in 2001.  She had previously worked in the lending industry for 18 years.   Despite the pressures of a growing demand by people who want to become homeowners, want to save or preserve their homes from disrepair or foreclosure, or want to turn their financial position around, Bobbi loves her job.  Her staff of five is like family to her, as are many of their customers who become life-long friends.  That is the key to her happiness; she most enjoys working with people who come in with financial problems and little hope – and leave her with a new understanding of what’s possible.  She’s quick to add that that doesn’t necessarily mean being a homeowner, since not everybody wants to or should own a home. Learning how to manage your finances, however, creates the path toward any dreams. 

When Bobbi is not working, she is able to spend time with her four-legged family, Max and Cutie, her mini Schnauzers. And are they the cutest!  

And what else do you think Bobbi might do when not working?  Talk about taking your work home with you, she did several  – what else?  -- home improvement projects recently.  Read the accompanying DIY article to see her story.  

New Year, New Skills

Learn to DIY

While holed up at home recently taking some time off from work, Bobbi Carter, Director of TRIP’s HomeOwnership Center, took a mental inventory of house projects that needed to be done and pondered repair people to call.  Perhaps because it was during the holiday season when she often counsels people about how to manage their money, she realized there is no reason why she couldn’t try to do the repair, even if it ended with her needing to hire a professional to finish it.  

It started with doing the necessary research, in this case, searching the internet for “How do you….”

With a great deal of help from the web and YouTube videos in particular, Bobbi was able to learn each step of her repair project and the materials needed.  She even learned the names and uses of the many tools left her by her father, about three of which she knew how to use.  

Armed with knowledge, Bobbi tackled the inner mechanics of the downstairs toilet and replaced the corroded pop up drain and trap for the sink in that room.  Hours later, she successfully mastered it and had changed its inner parts, replacing old corroded pipes that will conserve water use and ultimately save her some money.

Next up was bleeding the radiators, draining them of any air that is caught within which reduces heat and increases costs.  First, YouTube, then get the right tool (in this case, the key), then get to work.  Again, a success. 

Bobbi is planning next to replace her old thermostat with an energy-efficient, programmable one.   The only thing she is worried about for this project is making sure the power is off before tackling it, so her task this weekend is to buy a good tester (the one tool her Dad didn’t seem to have)!  After this it’s back to the list that that seems to be growing daily along with expertise and YouTube, and confidence.

She will be taking the money she is saving with contractors & energy efficiency and adding it to her 52 Week savings so this time next year she can actually take a Vacation and not a Staycation!   And you can too!

Faces at TRIP: Michele Desormeau

Michele Desormeau: Maintenance Team

Meet Michele Desormeau, TRIP’s newest employee at 3 months and one day.  She is quick to tell people that her nationality is French although based on the different ways that people pronounce her name, it changes from Italian to German to …..

Michele joined TRIP’s maintenance team in September and has many years of experience in this field.  She feels working in maintenance is challenging and rewarding work, particularly since it is not the “same old thing” every day.  The work changes daily, whether it is making repairs or meeting tenants.  She is exhilarated to be working at TRIP, doing everything from repairs to “make readies,”   where she enjoys working alone as well as working with other maintenance staff on joint projects. 

When Michele is not working she loves traveling in her RV, which is currently vacationing without her in warm weather in Knoxville, TN.  Michele recently rescued a Jack Russell terrier who she named “Jack.”  Before you accuse her of having no imagination, she will tell you that her grandson thinks it’s cool when he googles Jack Russell and photos of Michele’s dog pops up. 

She used to be fussy about her hair in order to look her best, which she thought was important until her best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a radical mastectomy.  Now she cuts it as soon as it reaches 8 inches (every 18 months) and donates it to Locks of Love to make wigs for cancer patients.  She explained that she often has clips in her hair, not because she thinks it looks “cute,” but to keep the hair out of her face so she doesn’t cut it before it’s long enough to donate. 

Michele is an awesome worker and a great team player.  In addition to her excellent work, we enjoy seeing her smiling face when she comes into the office.  Welcome, Michele!  

Faces at TRIP: Bob Cuddey

Bob Cuddey

Meet Bob Cuddey: 
Maintenance staff

Bob Cuddey has been part of TRIP’s maintenance team for 8 years in December, which is long enough for him to see a lot of kids living in TRIP’s apartments grow up to be teenagers.  As a maintenance staff, he and his partner Josh Wiston are responsible for 76 apartments located in 23 buildings.  They do the “soup-to-nuts” of rental maintenance, being responsible for the upkeep, upgrading, repairs and “make-ready” work of preparing apartments with a fresh look when a new tenants moves in.   

Bob enjoys his work and takes a lot of pride in doing the job right.  Although his work is labor intensive, he gets satisfaction from working with our tenants on resolving any issues or questions that they may have.  Caring for 76 apartments means that his work is different every day; he definitely likes the variety that the job brings.

When Bob is not at work he enjoys relaxing with his daughter Casie, his girlfriend Robin and his pit bull mix Elton at his home in Cohoes. He recently got his motorcycle license and enjoys riding whenever he can. He also enjoys baseball, football and mixed martial arts.   Watching drag racing is another favorite activity.

One of the things that Bob enjoys most about his job is his ability to help tenants with issues --  and the smile on their faces when he’s done.  

We are so happy having Bob as part of the TRIP team!  

Faces at TRIP: Ben Dooley

Meet Ben Dooley, Maintenance Mechanic at TRIP

Ben started working at TRIP two years ago and is glad he did!  He enjoys the camaraderie among all the staff and particularly among the maintenance crew.   He also finds it satisfying to be able to correct any issues that might come up with our tenants’ apartments.   Ben was a big help at TRIP & RCHR’s recent Green Fair and Recycling Day, where he collected metal products for recycling. 

With TRIP’s recent purchase of Jacob Square, a twenty-two apartment building on 11th Street, Ben is looking forward to making the needed repairs and correcting any and all issues with the property.

When Ben isn’t working at TRIP, you’ll find him keeping active by playing sports.  His favorites are football, softball and golf. 

And what a team-player he is – Ben is always willing to lend a hand to anyone or anything that needs help.  Ben, we’re so happy you’re part of TRIP’s team!  

Faces at TRIP: Eric Newton

Meet Eric Newton – a Junior at SUNY Oswego, majoring in Journalism.  Eric is interning this summer at TRIP on a volunteer basis, organizing TRIP’s second annual Green Fair next month.  In addition to his TRIP responsibilities, Eric caters for Lily and the Rose and works at Fifty South Restaurant.  When Eric isn’t working he enjoys rowing at Fish Creek, kayaking and hiking.  Eric says he likes the work environment at TRIP and the opportunity to work with various green groups.

Thank you Eric for your efforts. Good luck this fall at Oswego!

Faces at TRIP: Elsie Pastor

Elsie Pastor

Elsie Pastor moved into an apartment with TRIP more than ten years ago.  She quickly became a favored tenant and neighborhood advocate, especially as she is bi-lingual (Spanish).  In August 2004, Elsie began working at TRIP in Rental Management, as a coordinator.  She processed applications, did filing, scheduled appointments and excelled at general clerical work.  In 2009 she was promoted to a Rental Manager here in Troy and in 2010 Elsie took over Site Management of two senior apartment complexes in Albany.  

Elsie is an extremely hard worker and is dedicated to her senior residents who all have considerable needs.  Her background in accounting is also a great asset in running the two apartment sites.  When Elsie isn’t working, you might find her at the movies, spending time with her five grandchildren, sewing or doing crafts.  She is also a very accomplished cook and enjoys managing the grills at block parties. Elsie is a great deal of fun and we miss her daily presence at 415 River Street.  

Elsie’s goal for this year is to bring more on-site services to the senior properties.  We are certain she will be successful!       

Faces at TRIP: Susan Patregnani

Helping to keep all of the TRIP numbers in order is Bookkeeper Susan Patregnani. Susan manages the paperwork associated with maintenance staff payroll, tenant legal proceedings, and security deposit accounts. She also assists the Director of Accounting by reconciling all accounts as well as helping TRIP residents when they come in to pay rent or have a question about their apartment.

Susan has a passion for animals, with a house full of cats, as well as interior decorating. She loves watching HGTV, and has a particular soft-spot for House Hunters and House Hunters International.

Having worked at TRIP for the past four and a half years, Susan enjoys the friendly atmosphere and looks forward to keeping up the great work!

Faces at TRIP - Jay Coons

Jay Coons, Maintenance Mechanic

Zoey & Jake

Jay Coons is a lifelong Troy resident and has been working with TRIP’s maintenance staff for just 18 months. Jay’s job as a maintenance mechanic involves preparing apartments between tenancies – painting and repairing things -- as well as general maintenance requests such as dealing with plumbing, heating and electrical issues. Jay loves the fact that every day at TRIP is a different work day. There is also always plenty to do, so he can keep busy and the day flies by. He says that he “comes in, gets to work, and the next thing he knows it is 3 o’clock – it’s great!”

When Jay isn’t working, he is focused on the three loves of his life: Kelly, his girlfriend of 8 years and his first love, his American Bulldog named Zoey, and his Calico named Sasha. Jay loves all animals and his favorite thing to do is take Zoey for walks and play with her. When Jay can get away, he and Kelly escape to her family’s camp on Caroga Lake where he can recharge and relax with Kelly and Zoey. Jay also considers himself something of a sports nut. He is an avid Dodgers, Raiders, Lakers and North Carolina basketball fan. 

Jay’s coworkers enjoy his sense of humor and helpful demeanor – he has been a great addition to our team!

Faces at TRIP – Sandy Phoenix

Sandy Phoenix and TRIP have a long history. Her love for bookkeeping led her to an opening at TRIP, and she was hired on December 4, 1978! Luckily for us, she has been with the program ever since.  She is currently the Office Manager and Director of Accounting for TRIP’s seven companies. Sandy has three people working with her who are tasked with ensuring that business runs smoothly: they provide customer services, serve as our Human Resources department, maintain the front office including equipment and supplies, do bookkeeping, and help keep TRIP on track.

Before TRIP, Sandy worked at St. Mary’s Hospital and spent some time at home, taking care of her three children. When she isn’t working, Sandy now spends time with her seven (soon to be eight!) grandchildren.  She also loves to ride motorcycles and go snowmobiling, boating, and camping. Her family camps everywhere whenever they get a chance – they all love the outdoors! Aside from riding her motorcycle for pure pleasure, Sandy also likes to bike with a cause: she and her husband regularly do cancer runs and are helping with one this coming May.

TRIP thanks Sandy for her wonderful spirit and lifelong dedication to helping others!

Faces at TRIP: Sam Messick

Sam Messick

Helping people find quality, affordable TRIP apartments often starts with our Rental Coordinator, Samantha Messick.  As a member of TRIP’s Rental Management team, Sam processes rental applications and helps interested applicants navigate the process.  She also coordinates the landlord screenings, a program that allows private landlords to find the most responsible tenants for their apartments.

When she’s away from the office, Sam likes to bake and read digital-page-turners on her Kindle.  Putting a family recipe to use and baking up a batch of Keyser cookie bars is always a treat.

After a year and a half at TRIP Sam aims to become even more efficient while maintaining a strong sense of empathy.  Finding the right apartment for applicants while remaining open-minded about each individual’s circumstances is key to successful rental management.

New Faces at TRIP: Chris Nobes

Working with TRIP for the Fall 2012 semester is RPI student Christopher Nobes. Chris is a fifth-year Architecture student with a minor in Sustainability and will be spending his time with us as our Sustainability and Urban Architecture Intern. Throughout the semester, Chris will have the opportunity to visit some of our rental and rehab sites while also conducting research focusing on funds and design ideas to further TRIP's environmental improvement efforts.

Outside of school, Chris enjoys playing soccer, snowboarding, and playing the drums. His love of soccer even brought him to Europe where he played as a defender on international teams in England and Portugal.

Chis hails from Belchertown, Massachusetts, and hopes to one day start his own architecture firm focusing on an integrated approach to real estate and construction. Welcome Chris, we're looking forward to a great semester!

New Faces at TRIP: Caitlin Casterlin

Caitlin Casterlin

Welcome to TRIP's newest HomeOwnership Advisor, Caitlin Casterlin! With her strong financial background, having previously worked in banking and at the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, Caitlin is sure to be a valuable member of the TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center team!

Caitlin's lifelong interest in helping people, especially on an individual level, led her to work with TRIP & RCHR. She looks forward to working with clients as they navigate the worlds of financial stability and homeownership. Having recently purchased a home herself, Caitlin knows how daunting the process can be and hopes to guide others away from possible obstacles.

In addition to the time Caitlin spends working on her new house, she also enjoys hiking with her dog. As a foster pet owner, Caitlin houses, trains, and socializes dogs who will eventually be adopted. This process allows animals to live in comfortable homes rather than shelters while shaping their behavior into desirable pets.

We are all excited to have Caitlin as a member of the TRIP & RCHR community! Welcome!

New Faces at TRIP: Paul Richer

Joining the TRIP staff this month is Paul Richer! Paul, former Capital District Habitat for Humanity Executive Director and Family Support Manager, began on July 9th in the HomeOwnership Center as our HomeOwnership Advisor/ Foreclosure Specialist.

Paul Richer

In addition to his experiences in the housing sector Paul also enjoys taking the stage as an actor. Some of his most notable dramatic roles include: William Shakespeare's King Lear, Antonio Salieri in Amadeus, and John Proctor in The Crucible.

Paul has also spent a good deal of his life outside of the United States either living abroad or travelling. He has been to numerous countries throughout Europe and even lived with his family in West Africa for about seven years!

Helping people in need has been a lifelong mission for Paul, and much of his time has been spent working with troubled children and teens. TRIP is very lucky to be welcoming someone with such a rich, philanthropic background; welcome Paul, from everyone at TRIP!

New Faces at TRIP: Welcome Joel Levy, Summer Intern

TRIP would like to welcome our newest intern, Joel Levy! Joel is a rising senior at RPI double-majoring in Business Marketing and Electronic Media Arts and Communication. Growing up in Florida, this is his first New York summer!

Joining the TRIP team as a Marketing and Communications Intern, Joel will be developing templates for and designing printed materials, assisting with online promotion of TRIP and our partners, and serving as a photographer at events. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Joel, and look forward to a productive summer!