At CLS, our team forms the heart of the care we provide. Each of our professionals brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, empathetic support, and deep commitment to supporting families through every stage of their feeding journey.
Heather Chase is a passionate advocate for women's health, a feminist, a dedicated civic leader, and a proud mother of four.
Heather founded CLS in 1996 with the mission of providing support and tools breastfeeding moms need as they transition back to work.
She wanted to break down the barriers that too often make it difficult for women to meet the needs of their babies, their careers, and themselves.
With a strong understanding of the unique structures and workplace cultures that can challenge breastfeeding success, Heather works directly with organizations to reduce these barriers. Breastfeeding is a powerful, profound experience, but our culture often minimizes its importance. Recognizing this fact propelled Heather to work to support organizations that want to help their breastfeeding mothers.
Heather’s work empowers women by helping them make empowering choices. She advocates that women should not have to choose between providing their babies with the best possible nutrition and having fulfilling, challenging careers. She believes that women can successfully integrate a work-life balance with the right support and education.
Heather earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Seattle University and her Master’s degree in Community Health from San Jose State University.
Heather is a civic leader in her hometown of Chester, Vermont. She is the fourth woman in Chester’s history to serve on the Select Board and currently holds the position of Vice Chairman. She is also Chairman of the Board of Civil Authority and has served as Health Officer. Heather is a Justice of the Peace and has officiated three weddings to date.
She is especially passionate about voting rights and finds great joy in election work.
At home, Heather shares life with her son, three daughters, two miniature donkeys (Lulu and Rosco), and her beloved soft-coated wheaten terrier, Henry.
Chris Hutchins has been a valued member of the CLS team since October 2015. As Facilities Manager, he oversees the security, maintenance, and services of the work facility. His role also includes providing essential clerical and receptionist support, as well as assisting with various project-based initiatives to keep operations running smoothly.
A proud native of Vermont, Chris is deeply rooted in his community. He and his wife are the proud parents of two daughters. Outside of work, Chris enjoys supporting his daughters in all their after-school activities, from soccer and softball to swimming and track and field.
As part of the CLS team since 2014, Kim is responsible for the daily operations of the office. Kim manages customer service, client relations, and all aspects of accounts receivable and payable.
A lifelong Vermonter, Kim is married and has two daughters and a grandson.
She and her family cherish their summers on the lake in Northern Vermont, making the most of the region’s beautiful outdoors.
Fenway, our resident border collie, gets a ride to the office daily with Kim Hammond. He is Kim’s beloved companion and won’t let her out of his sight.
Fenway came to Vermont by way of Arkansas; a true rescue dog. But who got rescued, Fenway or Kim, is up for debate.
Jenny is a Registered Nurse and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She coordinates our CLS clinical team as a clinical expert in the role of practitioner and educator providing lactation management, education, and support to expectant and new mothers.
Jenny started with CLS in 2010 and has written many of our parent handouts and newsletters.
She graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University in 1988 with her BSN. Her professional career has included 29 years as an Intensive Care Nursery nurse, two years as a clinical nursing instructor, and two years as a school nurse. Jenny worked in a level 3 NICU and developed the lactation support program for a Children’s Hospital. She obtained her IBCLC in 1996 and has enjoyed supporting moms in their breastfeeding goals since that time.
Jenny is married to her high school sweetheart and has two grown daughters. Her family has rescued many furry friends over the years, including a chinchilla. Enjoys gardening, biking, and hiking the beauty of Arizona.
Carina works as a Spanish translator, empowering CLS to offer bilingual support services. Her role helps ensure that Spanish-speaking parents receive clear, compassionate communication and care throughout their breastfeeding journey.
Originally from California, Carina moved to Vermont at age 10 and has called it home ever since.
When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking out, fishing, and traveling to Mexico to visit family and friends.
At CLS, we are committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality support for every stage of your breastfeeding journey. From preparing to breastfeed during pregnancy to overcoming early challenges or transitioning back to work, our expert team is here to guide and support you.
To start your journey with our certified consultants, call us at 888-818-5653 or request an appointment online.
Mon-Fri 8:00 A. M. to 5:00 P. M.
Sat-Sun On Call Assistance
*24-hour on-call support
for program enrollees
