By Kate Bartlett
While Caitlin has deep roots in Buffalo, her heart has always been on the slopes and in the village of Ellicottville. She has helped many find their ‘perfect fit’ home through her Real Estate work, but she also serves the community in many other ways. She has been appointed to the Town Planning Board for many years, and currently serves on the Village Board of Trustees as well. She is the Farmers’ Market Coordinator and has been coaching ski racing for over 10 years.
Caitlin grew up in Orchard Park and has lived in various places around Western New York. Her parents moved their family to Colden in order to be closer to the slopes, and she graduated from Springville High School. She attended SUNY Cortland and University at Buffalo, graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Marketing. During her time at UB she attended two USCSA College Nationals.
She found her way to Ellicottville in 2012 and has been there ever since. “I knew the area from skiing over the years, but as soon as I moved here, it just felt like home.” Caitlin began coaching full time at Holiday Valley in 2013, applying her experience from racing in college nationals with UB. In 2020, she began coaching at HoliMont as their U18/16 Lead Alpine Race Coach. When asked her favorite thing about coaching she replies “what’s not to love about it? It’s the most rewarding experience, and a privilege to coach these athletes. It takes such bravery and fearlessness to race; it’s incredible to watch these kids conquer fears and grow every day. So much of racing is preparation and mental stamina. The race itself only lasts about 40-70 seconds, but the mental strength and anticipation lasts much longer. There’s nothing quite like ski racing. It’s the most intense, incredible feeling; nothing compares.”
HoliMont boasts the largest U18/16 ski program in the state. Caitlin is honored to be a part of this club offering the complete package. “Travis Widger, Snowsports Director, has given me the space and freedom to cultivate this program, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. We have an amazing coaching staff Joel Rathbun, Steve Dunlap and Devynn Martin. We are proud of all of our athletes and the hard work they put in.” This year HoliMont sent Mary Catherine Mangan to Toyota US Nationals, quite an accomplishment for what Caitlin calls a ‘weekend grassroots program.’ “Our athletes are so well rounded, they are given the space to participate in other sports and become more diverse. Our ski program opens pathways to success while keeping our athletes members in their community.”
Catlin has been working in Real Estate for almost 8 years. She currently works with Keller Williams, and enjoys meeting new people, introducing them to the area, and working with people in the community. Caitlin finds joy in helping people find ‘their place.’ “It’s so rewarding to find the right place for my customers. The moment it registers that someone has found ‘their place’ is magical. It’s like when a groom sees his bride for the first time.” Many people in the Ellicottville area are in the market for a vacation/ski home; a place where they will be building core memories with their families. Not only does Caitlin know the area well, but she is eager to share her passion for the area and fortunate to be able to serve in this capacity.
Caitlin is a valued member of the Village Board of Trustees. As she listens to community members and tries to find solutions to community issues, she enjoys being involved in community projects. She recently assisted in the ½ million dollar Ellicottville Skate Park Project, which will be celebrating its Grand Opening on June 30. “The team at Sk8 EVL has done an amazing job fundraising and it has been so educational working with them as the project progressed.” Caitlin has also been involved on the Town Planning Board since 2018. She finds it fascinating what goes into planning and zoning. “Zoning tells a lot about a community and what is valued. It’s given me a deeper understanding where the town is now, and where it plans to be in the future.”
Caitlin’s hobbies include hiking, paddleboarding, surfing, reading, attending live music events and of course avidly cheering on the Buffalo Bills from her front row season ticket. She just started ballet and tap dance classes with Dana Crandall at Elevé Studio in Little Valley. “It is important to me to always be a beginner. I become a better coach learning new skills and challenging my brain and body to move in new ways.”