Caitie Hilverman,
Executive Director
Caitie Hilverman’s Hudson roots combined with her academic pursuits and experiences led her to her role at The Spark. After graduating from Hudson High, Caitie earned degrees in Brain and Cognitive Science and American Sign Language from the University of Rochester, then a PhD in Psychology from the University of Iowa. She went on to research mechanisms of learning at Vanderbilt before returning to Hudson with her family in 2018. Back home, Caitie joined and chaired the Hudson Area Library Board. At The Spark, Caitie leverages her deep-rooted connection to the city and her experiences to spearhead initiatives that foster innovation, education, and community engagement.
Elizabeth Dickey,
Operations Coordinator
Elizabeth Dickey worked as a project manager for many years and now handles daily operations for the Spark Building. Before moving to Hudson in 2018, she was a volunteer crisis counselor for NYC Anti-Violence Project, a teaching assistant with Art Start, and a member of the University of Michigan’s Collective Against White Supremacy. She’s a trustee of the Hudson Area Library Board and previously served on Mayor Johnson’s Police Reconciliation & Advisory Commission.
Linda McGriff,
Communications Specialist
Linda McGriff, a proud Hudson native and Communications Specialist at The Spark of Hudson, has recently extended her professional horizons by introducing LM Communications, a venture dedicated to empowering local businesses. Her initial collaboration with The Spark of Hudson as LM Communications' first client highlights The Spark's dedication to supporting emerging entrepreneurs. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Linda also holds a full-time position of Director of Education and Youth Development at The Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood, complementing her community-focused initiatives. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and over a decade of experience in communication strategy, which includes overseeing The Spark's social media and website, Linda's enthusiasm for her hometown and its progress is evident in all that she does.
Fathema Rahman,
Workforce Development Coordinator
Meet Fathema, our dynamic Workforce Development Coordinator at The Spark of Hudson. With a rich background ranging from barista to bank teller, Fatima has always cherished the opportunity to connect with people and hear their unique stories. Originally from New York City, she spent a brief period in Buffalo before finding her home in Hudson. Here, she has built strong relationships with the local youth, making her an invaluable asset to our apprenticeship programs. Fathema's journey to The Spark was inspired by a high school teacher who recognized her potential to make significant contributions to our community. She believes that the real joy in her work comes from the human connections she fosters, and the positive impact these interactions have within the community.
Peter Wenger,
Community Coordinator
Peter Wenger is a recent graduate of Cornell University where he pursued an independent major through the Robert S. Harrison College Scholar Program. Ever since interning in the Senate in the spring of 2023, Peter has had a passion for public service. Having volunteered at a harm reduction center in NYC and one of the oldest American maximum security prisons in Auburn NY, he is constantly trying to find new ways to connect with members of his community that are often ignored. As the son of The Spark's founders, Peter has been around this project since the very beginning; officially joining the team in August of 2024, Peter is enthralled to be a part of the exciting work happening at 502 Union St, and beyond!
Jessica Laddin,
Community Coordinator
Jessica Laddin has spent nearly the past three years working in community arts programming and youth/ intergenerational workshop curation. From 2021-2024, Jess was the Community Workshop Coordinator at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, where she programmed free community workshops including, but not limited to, Shakespeare Improv, Chess Club, Hip-Hop Dance, and Art Club. Jess is one of the cofounders of Hudson Community Choir (est. 2023), which is a is a free and non-audition whose mission is to foster an empowering community of singers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to help them find connection, belonging, and joy through musical performance. Jess is a graduate of Ithaca College (2021) and holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance.
Susan Danziger & Albert Wenger,
Co-Founders
The Spark's founders, Susan “Gigi” Danziger and Albert Wenger, have long been champions of positive change and innovation. With a track record of driving impactful initiatives, they bring a spirit of innovation and a dedication to creating lasting solutions to our organization. Their vision is the driving force behind our mission to ignite curiosity, inspire learning, and empower community development.