Kristiana Birmingham
Executive Director, Bridgewater Community Childcare, brings over 10 years of experience in teaching, coaching, mentoring and administering in the field of early childhood education. Kristiana possesses a detailed knowledge of Vermont State Child Development Division regulations and STARS performance standards, with an emphasis on providing high quality, safe programming to local communities through Vermont Early Learning Standards.
Kristiana joined the Bridgewater Area Community Foundation, Inc. in 2021 to take their dream of creating a vibrant childcare center at the heart of the community center to realization. As the founding Director she oversaw construction, design and implementation of the childcare center in the historical Bridgewater, VT building. Kristiana is currently working on her Vermont Director Credential step three, the final step in the credential process. The Vermont Program Director Credential identifies professional standards in management and leadership for early childhood and afterschool programs and recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills required to be an effective director. She is also working on her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Program Management. Before joining BACF, Kristiana worked for a local school district overseeing and directing several after school programs, and a remote-day education program during the pandemic. Kristiana has studied at the University of New Hampshire as well as Southern New Hampshire University with a dual major in Art History and Graphic Design.
Outside of her professional work, Kristiana has a background as a competitive figure skater and coach throughout New England, serving as a club’s President, Secretary and Safe Sport chairperson. She also has her RYS 500HR Yoga Alliance certificate.
Owen Putnam
Administrative Assistant, Bridgewater Community Childcare, was born and raised in Bridgewater, Vermont. Owen attended elementary school here at the Bridgewater School and graduated from WUHS in 2014. Prior to joining BCC a week after BCC opened, Owen worked in banking/finance with a focus in commercial and personal lending for 5 years. After leaving banking, he quickly realized his love for the early childhood education field. Owen plays a role in and out of the classroom, functioning as a BCC teacher as well as playing an active role in the administrative team. When not working, Owen loves spending time with his family (especially his niece and nephews) and friends.
Brian Bontrager
President of the Bridgewater Area Community Foundation, Inc. graduated from Hesston College in Hesston, Kansas with a degree in Agricultural business. After graduating, he moved to Bridgewater, Vermont in 1985 and started working with two general contractors. He enjoyed learning every aspect of the construction and design trade, building custom residential homes. In 2000, Brian established Bontrager Custom Builders, overseeing a crew of employees and subcontractors; he is involved in every aspect of building projects from conception to completion. He served simultaneously on the Bridgewater Planning Commission for 11 years and on the Bridgewater Village School Board for 10 years. He then went on to serve on the Woodstock Union High Schoo Board and Windsor Central Supervisory Board for 12 years. He also served on the Bridgewater Selectboard for 3 years.
In 2018, the Bridgewater Community Area Foundation (BCAF) was formed and designated as a 501(c)(3) with Brian elected as President of the Board. Brian brings his experience, expertise and knowledge to the overall design, construction and implementation of the renovation of the Bridgewater Community Center.