AnneMarie DeFreest – Our crackerjack Vermont bed and breakfast owner is always on the go. She keeps her fingers in all the pies…from painting new rooms to planting bulbs, from organizing the staff to maintaining our image. She keeps the Inn a thriving, interesting environment that we all get to enjoy. Having opened the Inn in 1987 with her parents Jack and Doreen…she’s learned Innkeeping from the inside out and upside down. With a degree in journalism from Emerson College in Boston, AnneMarie still loves to write and has published a history book commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the town of Waitsfield entitled “Snapshots.” She also self-published a four-color hardback cookbook “Recipes and Reflections,” a storybook-style cookbook about the food experience one has while staying at the Inn.

Jack & Doreen Simko – Are the original visionaries of the Inn at the Round Barn Farm. Who could have known that the Barn would delight and awe so many folks from around the world? They retired from the day-to-day operations in 1995, but we maintain that they are always welcome to join us for a turn at the sink! Before buying the broken down farm and pouring their heart and souls into the restoration, Jack and Doreen owned and operated a family floral business in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Jack is the youngest graduate of the New York City School of floral design still to this day, graduating at the age of 13. He would take the bus into the city for weekend classes and opened his first flower shop with his father at the age of 14. He and Doreen have been together since high school and have raised 5 children together.

Tim Piper – The can do guy. Whether creating our marketing plan, conversing with the guests, or in the trenches, when heaven forbid, something goes amuck with “this old house,” Tim is at ease and truly enjoying his days as an Innkeeper. When AnneMarie was ready to sell it all, she turned to Tim and asked him to quit his job as Director of Sales at Sugarbush Resort and come be her business partner at the Inn. Having been in the hospitality business for close to 30 years, he is a natural. As a former ski industry sales manager, he knows the local mountains inside and out and loves to put together adventure packages for the Inns guests. Start talking sports and we’ve lost him; bring up the Civil War and he will share his family heritage from the Civil War to the Gold Rush days.

Stephanie Koonz – She blew in one summer day in 1993 and has become a fond fixture here…as afternoon Innkeeper, she will take you on a tour, answer questions and acquaint you with the amenities of your room. Catch her in the afternoons baking a new batch of cookies or as our in-house Justice of the Peace performing an elopement ceremony!

Robert Badore – If only we all could have a "Robert" in our lives. He maintains an easy attitude and the whole Inn reflects his grace, from the lawnmower to the snowplow, holiday wreaths and sunflowers alike. We call him the "Prince" but he’ll say hello to "Bob".

Tracey Coutts – Cruising around the inn, fussing with flowers, helping guide guests to a great hike, golf game or horseback ride... You will meet her first most likely on the phone, taking your reservation. Why not get some early tips so every moment is just as you dreamed it would be.

Kate Mahoney - Kate is back for her second time with us and we are glad she finally saw the light! Kate is our playful innkeeper with her Irish eyes always smiling. Kate also cooks terrific breakfasts on Brandi's days off.

Jessica LaCroix - Part of our Innkeeping team "has always dreamed of owning her own inn" or at least she did! We're kidding! With Simon, Jess commutes more than two hours daily to learn the art of Innkeeping. A former school administrator, she is determined to keep us crazy folks all in line and have every job well done!

Simon Burrows - One of our newest members of the team, Simon will most likely beat the rest of the staff to the front door. Having spent over 15 years as a Vermont bicycle tour guide, Simon encourages people to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Born in South Africa, raised in the UK, Simon offers a worldly view to our guests.

Cherie & Haldane– Our unflappable housekeeping team, are happy to be looking after you and determined to make your stay as comfortable and carefree as possible. They will fluff the towels, puff the pillows, tidy and arrange everything before your return. Always a smile on their faces, they enjoy working their cleaning magic throughout the house.

Brandi Gaede– Brandi is a trained pastry chef and our supreme breakfast chef. She cherishes her early morning hours here at the Inn and provides scrumptious morning feasts, and wonderful afternoon treats tempting all to indulge. Brandi is married to our sous-chef, Jake and they have an adorable baby girl.

Jake Marchant - Arriving at the Inn as a guest because his brother was married here in the summer of 2009, he had no idea that 6 weeks later he would be living and working as Chef Charlie's Sous Chef! Jake and his wife Brandi made the wedding cake for their brother and we spotted the talent right off. Jake does not make too many appearances here in the Inn as he is mainly prepping for our Barn functions, however, he is mostly responsible for our afternoon hors d'oeuvres.

Charlie Menard – Our Executive Chef who started with us in 2000, he is a rarity amongst chefs with an easy smile and no problem manner. He makes the food world go around…from 2 people to 2,000 all done with style and panache. A native Vermonter that graduated from the New England Culinary Institute, Charlie has traveled the world cooking up a storm but always knew that he was going to return to Vermont someday. Utilizing our certified organic gardens or working with the local farms his passion for local foods make our weddings unique. We are glad he found a home here because he is more than just our chef as he cares about all aspects of what we do with our company. Be sure to check him out in the Cooking from the Heart kitchen in the Round Barn.

Lani McHugh – The all important numbers gal. Lani sits quiet as a mouse in this house doing a fine job at the balancing act. There is also a chance you could speak to her when calling for a reservation. She worked here a few years back, and has returned for a great second act. Originally from the "flatlands," Lani has lived in the Mad River Valley for over 20 years.

Katie Ross– Is our event coordinator here at the Round Barn. Having been an event planner in New Hampshire, she has found her way to the Round Barn and we are glad she did. Always smiling, she loves her job and it shows. Having a ball in snow country, Katie likes to "rip it up" on the slopes. Welcome Katie!

Laurie Roth Bartlett – Laurie is our sales and marketing person. Born and raised in this beautiful Mad River Valley, if you get a chance to meet her in the Inn, she is the expert on what’s been going on in the Valley for the last 40 years.

Dan Weber GLM - Dan is our resident caretaker. He lives in our apartment here on property. He is the gentleman who is checking the lights at night, locking doors and here for emergencies. He also helps Robert, our maintenance man, with special projects throughout the property. Born in Germany, Dan is fluent in German and will talk soccer for hours.

Cooper – From time to time Cooper, a handsome black lab, comes to the farm for the day. He can be found in the Inn office, or in the Barn. Of course whenever he gets a chance to slip outside he heads straight to the ponds. He is also the designated snow shoe guide dog and will show you the trails while wagging his tail all the way. Well, after all, a lab’s got to do what a lab’s got to do!