Carl Gary Taylor, social worker, NAAPI founder, gardener, father

Carl Gary Taylor, 66 of Derby, VT died on December 29, 2022 in Newport, VT following several years of diminishing health and medical complications. Carl lived with the challenges of chemical dependency which contributed to physical and mental health issues.

Carl was born in Miami Beach, FL on January 18, 1956 to Jack and Elly Erdmann Taylor of Bay Harbor Island, FL. He grew up on Biscayne Bay along with his brother Mitchell and many cousins roaming the Islands on bikes, playing in the yards, and doing all things related to water.

Carl was raised in the Jewish faith, attended Hebrew School and became a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emannu-El in Miami Beach, FL.

He was predeceased by his loving parents, grandparents and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Susan Martin Taylor, daughter Jamie Lynn Smith, step-daughter Dawn Jensen Perry, brother Mitchell Taylor and wife Elizabeth of Miami Beach, FL as well as dear cousins and friends near and far.

Carl was a graduate of Lear School, Miami Beach, Fl. At Goddard College, Plainfield, VT, Carl received a Masters in Counseling degree. His time at Goddard was influential in his development. While there, Carl made deep, life-long friendships that he truly valued.

He was avidly interested in many aspects of life, was a prolific reader, collected music from innumerable genres, and studied practices related to physical and mental health, spiritual life and metaphysics. He loved textiles, jewelry, traveling, fly fishing and gardening, for which he attained Master Gardner Certification.

While at Goddard College, Carl came to Newport, VT to do an internship with North East Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA). That year was instrumental in causing Carl to put down roots in the Upper Kingdom especially as the area abounds in bodies of water; lakes, streams, rivers, ponds, and all of the wonders within them. Carl worked for State of Vermont Social and Rehabilitation Services as a Social Worker. He then opened, with the support of his family, Newport Adolescent Programs, Inc. (NAPI) a private non-profit social service offering counseling, therapy, the New Friends Program, and school programs, all with an emphasis on relational experiences including outdoor and animal activities appropriate to children, adolescents, and adults of all walks of life regardless of ability to pay. This work was supported by Carl Gary Taylor Foundation for Children and did not operate under any other funding other than negotiated fees for services.

While introducing NAPI to professionals in the area, Carl met Susan who was working in private practice. A flurry of match-making activities ensued until a dinner date was secured for the two of them. That date lasted for two hours, Carl drove Susan home, shook her hand at the door, and later related to her that he drove away thinking “I am going to marry her.” Susan began providing counseling services to the parents of children receiving services from NAPI. This collaboration led to NAPI adding another A to its name by providing services to adults as well. And the marriage came to be in 1993. Carl and Susan worked together over all the years of their marriage, providing a variety of helping experiences to the community. Their mutual desire to offer a safe place for growth and change to occur was the cornerstone of all of their professional endeavors.

In 2000 the Taylor’s work at NAAPI expanded to include Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy which was at that time an emerging field. Carl and Susan bought a small farm in Derby, VT as a private property and hosted the therapeutic farm program which they had developed at NAAPI. In addition to the activities of the Program, they opened their property to groups and individuals for farm visits. In 2006 They moved from the other side of Derby Pond to the farm to make their home. Carl planted gardens, apple trees, River Birch, Tamarac. Together Carl and Susan developed best practices for the keeping of horses and donkeys, set up buffer zones to protect the waterways, and established walking paths to enjoy the property from many views. Carl considered this work to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of his life.

Carl was devoted to his dear Jamie. She brought much joy and comfort to his life. Watching her grow, being playful together, and supporting her as she moved into her independent life was important to him. Her commitment to developing her skills, her ethics, and life values pleased him to no end.

Carl was a generous and humble man. Through his Foundation and from personal resources Carl supported a vast number of organizations and people in their efforts to make a healing impact on this community and the wider world.

In the last few years, Carl developed a desire to assist in keeping access to rivers available to the public. His collaboration with Vermont River Conservancy was dear to him.

There will be no services in keeping with Carl’s wishes. Donations may be made in memory of Carl to Vermont River Conservancy Protect Access Program, 29 Main Street, Suite 11, Montpelier, VT 05602.