Meet Lisa Dolan
Lisa Dolan has spent her life in Hudson, NY, weaving together education, community, and care. For over 30 years, she served in the Hudson City School District as a teacher and literacy coach, where her passion for reading and mentorship led her to create lasting programs that continue to impact the community.
She founded Hudson Reads, a mentorship initiative pairing community members with students to foster literacy and connection. Recognizing the power of storytelling, Lisa also co-founded the Hudson Children’s Book Festival in 2009, which has grown into one of New York State’s largest children’s book festivals, bringing authors and families together to celebrate the joy of reading.
Lisa is the proud mother of three—Caitie, Christie, and Michael—and a devoted Gigi to her grandchildren, Poppy and Cliffy. She cherishes time spent by the water, whether at her backyard pool or the familiar shores of Oakdale, where she raised her children. Deeply rooted in family, she also shares a close bond with her mother, Pat.
After nearly three decades of marriage, Lisa faced the profound loss of her husband, Don Dolan. This life-altering experience led her to become a certified life coach, channeling her journey through grief into a path of support for others. Her coaching style is gentle yet direct, marked by thoughtful curiosity and a deep respect for each individual's process.
Lisa's work is a testament to her belief in the healing power of stories, the strength found in community, and the resilience that emerges when we face life's challenges with openness and heart.
Meet Caitie Hilverman
Caitie Hilverman was born and raised in Hudson, NY. She left for college and graduate school, earning 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. Her research focused on the mechanisms of learning and memory—how we take in information, how we hold onto it, and what shapes our understanding of the world.
After completing her studies, Caitie went on to research mechanisms of learning at Vanderbilt University before returning to Hudson with her family in 2018. Back home, she joined and chaired the Hudson Area Library Board.
Caitie’s coaching practice is informed by her academic background and her experiences in mental health technology startups. She is a certified Wayfinder Life Coach under Martha Beck and has completed a year-long politicized somatics course. Her approach is thoughtful and curious, helping clients navigate life transitions and explore their personal narratives.
In addition to her coaching work, Caitie serves as the Executive Director of The Spark of Hudson, a community hub focused on fostering innovation, education, and community engagement.
Caitie is also a writer, sharing essays on grief, legacy, and memory through her Substack, All My Dead & Living Things. She lives in Hudson with her partner, Ron, and their two children, Poppy and Clifford. She cherishes time spent outdoors with her family and maintains a deep connection to her community and its stories.
READ: All My Dead & Living Things
Caitie’s blog— essays on grief, legacy, quiet moments in cemeteries, and the tender work of making meaning.
