Cook oversees Easterseals NH’s Gammon Academy in Lancaster, a residential-educational school supporting children with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities
Lancaster, NH, December 12, 2025 – Gretchen Cook, who oversees Easterseals NH’s Gammon Academy in Lancaster, recently received the President’s Meritorious Award, an honor bestowed annually by peers upon one employee who exemplifies the agency’s mission and values.
Cook formally accepted the award at Easterseals NH & VT’s 2025 Annual Celebration breakfast in Manchester, NH. Under her leadership, Easterseals NH’s Gammon Academy in Lancaster supports both residential and day students of all ages with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities.
“Gretchen’s work at Gammon Academy transforms the lives of children every day,” said Maureen Beauregard, President & CEO of Easterseals NH & VT. “She creates an environment where students of all abilities can learn, grow, and thrive. This award reflects the profound and lasting impact she has on the young people entrusted to her care.”
Cook was one of more than 40 staff members who received nominations for the award this year. She first joined Easterseals NH & VT in 1998 as a teacher at what was then known as the Jolicoeur School in Manchester.
Over the next 12 years, Cook worked in multiple classrooms and roles, eventually becoming an educational coordinator. In 2010, she moved north to Lancaster to assume her current role as director, overseeing both residential and educational programs.
“Gretchen possesses an extraordinary ability to elevate everyone she interacts with, instinctively bringing out the absolute best in others and infusing every encounter with encouragement and positivity,” read the nomination submitted for Cook. “Her effortless generosity of spirit and unwavering belief in the potential of every individual make her not only a catalyst for growth, but also an anchor of support within her residential program.”
Easterseals NH is seeking passionate educators and staff who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities. Learn more about career opportunities at eastersealsnh.org.
About Easterseals New Hampshire
Since 1936, Easterseals New Hampshire has provided exceptional services to ensure that all people with varied abilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. A leader in social services for individuals with disabilities and those underserved by traditional programs, Easterseals NH provides essential services and supports to approximately 17,000 children, adults, seniors, and Veterans annually. Their programs cover areas like early intervention, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, adult day and in-home care, behavioral health, housing, and substance use disorders. Easterseals NH is a community of care for all ages, for all abilities, for life.
For more information, visit eastersealsnh.org or follow them @EastersealsNH on Facebook.
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