Board of Trustees Welcomes Two New Members

Dr. Timothy Shafer and GailAnn Fisher

The two newest members of the Grace Cottage Hospital Board of Trustees, GailAnn Fisher and Dr. Timothy Shafer, both have long and close ties to the hospital. Born at Grace Cottage (delivered by Dr. Otis), GailAnn is the daughter of Amon & Marcia DeWitt of Townshend. "I grew up just down the street from Grace Cottage," said GailAnn, "but I never thought, back then, that I’d be on the board one day!"

GailAnn graduated from Leland & Gray High School, and got her Associates degree from Hartford College for Women; in 1978 she graduated with a B.A. cum laude in psychology from Connecticut College. She worked at Leland & Gray as a paraprofessional until she accepted a job in the Townshend Post Office in 1980; she has been Townshend’s postmistress since 2001.

GailAnn lives in Grafton with her husband, Steven, a self-employed masonry contractor. They have two children, Stephanie and Theron (both born at Grace Cottage, delivered by Dr. Backus), and two grandchildren.

"I’m very glad to serve on the board because I love this hospital, and it’s a way for me to give back to the community," said GailAnn.

Dr. Timothy Shafer is a graduate of Oberlin College and Dartmouth Medical School. He came to Townshend under the auspices of the National Health Service Program and opened his own practice in 1987, which became part of Grace Cottage in 2003. He’s the medical director and VP of Medical Staff at Grace Cottage. Dr. Shafer and his wife, Dr. Deborah Luskin, live in Williamsville; they have three daughters, Miriam, Naomi and Ruth. In his free time, he’s a self-described "gentleman farmer," hiker, kayaker, and x-country skier.

"I feel privileged to serve with such a diverse group of people of commitment and good humor. I think it’s crucial in my role as Grace Cottage’s medical director to help communication between the board, leadership, and staff," said Shafer.

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