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Getting to Know The River Center: Mandy C

6/19/2025

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Here Comes the Sun—and a Whole Lot More
​

Summer is just about upon us, and here comes the sun! After a spring soaked in rain, my garden and new lawn are practically singing for sunshine. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, the rain has been a gift, coaxing vibrant life from the soil. But as with most things, it’s a double-edged sword. When we have one, we long for the other.
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That’s why this past weekend felt like a small miracle. The forecast promised rain all day, but the skies held off just long enough for us to host our Family Fun Fishing Day with Kinship families: dry skies, joyful hearts, and yes, plenty of fish caught! As we packed the last car, the rain returned, like a curtain falling on a perfect scene. It was a beautiful reminder of how the smallest windows of grace can make the biggest memories.

For those who don’t know, The River Center proudly offers Kinship Navigation—a lifeline for grandparents, relatives, and non-biological caregivers raising children. Thanks to funding from the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), our very own Mandy Carter, Kinship Navigator and Community Resource Specialist, is here to guide families through the storm.

And let me tell you--she is a force.

Mandy doesn’t just know the system, she’s walked it. She’s lived it. Raised in kinship care herself, she’s faced homelessness, heartbreak, and hope—and brings that experience to the families she now serves. Her heart is firmly in this work, and her resource knowledge is second to none. She doesn’t just help, she shows up, without judgment, with a steady hand and an open heart.

And then there’s "See the ABLE, Not the LABEL,” Mandy’s groundbreaking, peer-led virtual support group for caregivers of children with disabilities or developmental differences. It's the only one of its kind in the state. Whether your child has a diagnosis or you’re navigating uncharted parenting territory, this group offers what every caregiver deserves: a place to feel seen, supported, and not alone.

Mandy has worked alongside hundreds of families—from foster parents to grandparents, from those in deep crisis to those just needing a moment to breathe. Sometimes she’s connecting them to resources. Sometimes she’s planning a joyful event. Sometimes she’s just there to listen.

But always, she’s there.

As Mandy says:

“I do this work because I am the families we serve. Their stories are my story. I carry them with me—with deep respect, care, and hope.”

That hope shows up in quiet moments. A deep breath from a tired caregiver who whispers, “Thank you—without you, I wouldn’t have known where to turn.”

The beaming smile of a child at an event created just for them.

Success isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it looks like a single spark of hope. One family feeling a little less lost. A heart held in steady hands.

That’s what we do here. That’s who Mandy is.
​
And we are so grateful.

Author

Odette Butler
Executive Director

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Getting to Know The River Center: Nisa

5/19/2025

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As seen in the Monadnock Ledger Transcript column, A View from the River by Odette Butler (May 27, 2025)

​I was so relieved and excited to receive compliments from the community on last month’s column, where we highlighted Kelli Tourgee, The River Center’s Home Visitor/Parent Educator. Your feedback reassured me that we’re on the right track—celebrating our incredible staff and showing that our programs are led by some of the most caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated people you’ll ever meet.
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Getting to know The River Center: Kelli

4/15/2025

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As the new Executive Director of The River Center, I am amazed everyday by the awesome crew I am so lucky to work with. This is the first of what I hope will be many opportunities for you to hear directly from our staff and truly understand what The River Center means to them and to this community.
​

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I’d like to highlight Kelli Tourgee, our Home Visitor/Parent Educator. Kelli has served in this role at The River Center for 27 years. Over the years, we’ve received countless affirmations of her work and her unique ability to meet families where they are, helping create positive change and outcomes.
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Greetings from the New Executive Director

3/18/2025

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As I embark on my new journey as executive director of The River Center, I am honored to write my first View from the River. In preparation, I have read much of Margaret Nelson's past writing, and I find myself sharing the sentiments she expressed in her inaugural column.  

​What can I contribute to impact this community, and how can I write effectively for the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript when I don’t consider myself a writer?
 ​
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Signing Off: Reflections On Retirement

2/21/2025

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You may have heard that I am retiring. Yup. It’s true.

Heather McKernan kept trying to get me to write a column back in 2011. I had never considered myself a writer, wasn’t confident I had anything to say, and kept putting her off. Then one day I realized I did think I might have something to say and so it began. My first column was in the fall of 2011.
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​Surviving the Winter with Enthusiasm

1/21/2025

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I hear a lot of folks complaining about the winter. They object to the cold, shoveling the snow, ice, and darkness for starters.
​

I remember the winter my oldest was 2 ½ years old and her sister was a newborn. We lived in a cabin in the woods, 1 ½ miles from the nearest neighbor. I was suffering from a tad bit of cabin fever. The baby must have been napping at the time and I wanted/ needed to get outside. 
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Time to Relax and Pay Attention

12/18/2024

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December is filled with traditions, events, and expectations. The season can bring some challenges. I find that I can overreact, get worked up about getting things accomplished, place too much importance on things of little importance, and in many other ways be a little over the top.

I was making cookies the other day. My mother-in-law’s cream cheese cookies- yes, mostly butter and cream cheese with some flour to hold it together. 

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Thankfulness

11/19/2024

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​I have been thinking about thankfulness- tis the season. But more than just because we celebrate Thanksgiving this month. I have been thinking about thankfulness as a healthy and helpful way to approach life.

​For instance, I had a routine health screening recently. I won’t go into specifics, except to say, that the preparation for this screening is not pleasant. Nuff said. But I kept reminding myself that I am grateful for screenings. 
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Transitions

10/22/2024

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“Are you ready to put away the kayaks?” Dave has been asking. I have been silent. No, not really. I don’t want to put away the kayaks. That will mean kayak season is over for the year. On the other hand, it is chilly out there. Do I really want to go kayaking now?? No, not really. 

​William Bridges wrote a book, 
Transitions, in the 1980’s. He tells us that every transition begins at the end. ​
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Rio Giveaway!

10/7/2024

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Thank you for scanning the QR code in the water bottle stuffed with swag from The River Center! Because you took the time to do so, you will have a chance to win one of 2 of our beloved Rio stuffies! Just leave your name and email address in the entry form below. For extra points, leave a comment to this blog post telling us what you are going to be for Halloween!

The giveaway ends at 12 AM on October 31, 2024. If you win, we will contact you via the information you provide. You must be able to pick up your Rio at The River Center Monday-Thursday between 9 am to 2 pm.
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​9 Vose Farm Road
​Suite 115
Peterborough, NH 03458
603-924-6800
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Designated since 2018.
Copyright © 2025 by The River Center​
  • Home
  • Programs
    • Family Support >
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