Sarah "Sarita" Austin is a Democratic representative for Chittenden-19 in the Vermont House of Representatives, serving since 2019. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she developed a love for Vermont at age 13 during a family ski trip and resides in Colchester, Chittenden County. Notable roles include Clerk of the House Committee on Environment, member of the Canvassing Committee, and participation in legislative caucuses on Climate Solutions, Social Equity, and National Guard. She also serves on the Colchester Planning Commission. Her public service includes volunteer work as a Williston Fire Department EMT, and committee service on community safety and school boards.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Windham College in Putney, Vermont; earned graduate studies in Teacher Education and School Counseling at the University of Vermont .
• Professional Career: Began as a teacher, then served as school counselor at Essex Middle School until retirement, supporting students, families, and teachers. Additional experience spans Head Start preschool support, legal advocacy for domestic violence victims, municipal civic engagement, and consulting for social equity and inclusion in non-profits, businesses, schools, and municipalities.
• Political and Community Experience: Served on Williston School Board, CVU School Board, and Chittenden South Supervisory Union Board; Williston Community Safety Committee; Essex Town/Essex Junction School Safety Committee. Co-Chair of Vermont Attorney General’s Immigration Task Force; boards of Emerge Vermont, Main Street Alliance of Vermont, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, Regenerative Food Network, and Vermont Natural Resources Council. Elected to Vermont House in 2019 and serving continuously.