Voyager

Faculty & Staff

Aron Merrill (5/6 Humanities): Aron Merrill graduated from the University of Vermont with a double major in Political Science and Environmental Studies. He is endorsed to teach social studies, language arts, and science. This is his 15th year of teaching at Williston Central School. He has also taught at Proctor Jr/Sr High School and Grand Isle Elementary School. Mr. Merrill has many interests that he is eager to share with his students, including fly fishing, baseball, and collecting antiques. He is married and has two children.

Colleen O'Brien (Voyager 5/6 Math and Science): After 16 years of teaching in public schools in Vermont, I still love the challenge and opportunity of working with young people. Beginning my 6th year in Williston this fall, I feel at home at WCS and in the Williston community. Prior to teaching in Williston, I was at Milton Elementary School for 9 years, at Essex High School for one, and working for four years with young people in inner city and suburban Boston growing organic produce for homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and farmers' markets. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Bates College and a Master of Science in Environmental Education from Lesley University. I have two crazy boys, 10 and 6, and a great spouse, who keep me energized and busy and are teaching me a great deal about love and patience! I have a great passion for learning about this planet, and spent my summer reading all about current events in ecology and natural history. I'm also a total soccer nut, having played in the states and abroad, and coaching teams kindergarten through college. I hope that each and every day in Voyager makes me a better teacher, parent, and community member. Here's to a great 2017-2018 school year!

Martha Quatt (7/8 Math and Science): It is hard to believe, but I have worked in the education field for over 30 years. My professional experiences include work in college admissions, college counseling, human resources, and camp directing. I have taught middle school for over 25 years in both private and public schools. My area of expertise is science. During my free time I enjoy hiking and cooking with my husband Martin. My children Jake and Zaza are both in college. I enjoy reading science fiction, gardening, canning, exploring archaeology, and traveling. I earned my undergraduate degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies at the University of Vermont, and a Masters in Education from John Carroll University. I continue to study math and science so I can stay current, and ahead of my inquisitive students.

Josh Roof (7/8 Humanities): I am fortunate and excited to be in my second year on Voyager House as the 7&8 grade Humanities teacher. Prior to my arrival at WCS, I taught 6-8 Humanities for 11 years at Milton Middle School in Vermont. I worked in a variety of educational settings, both private and public to build my skills and gain experience before becoming a public school teacher. I have a B.A. in English Literature from Saint Michael’s, and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Vermont. I am excited to engage with students around their passions and interests, and to learn together. The passions and interests that I bring to my teaching include a love for reading, writing, performing/presenting, and the social sciences. Additionally, music, athletics, and cooking are areas that bring joy to my life and that I willingly share with others. Currently, I live in downtown Burlington with my amazing wife, Naomi, and my two creative daughters, Harper and Juniper.

Courtney Sherman- earned her associate's degree in Liberal Studies from the Community College of Vermont. She then went on to earn her BA in Studio Art and English with a minor in Art History, and further studied to earn her MA in Special Education, both at the University of Vermont. She attended a 1 year certificate program in Environmental Science at Philadelphia University. This is her 6th year at Williston Central School. As a Voyager Special Educator, she prides herself on being a "5th" teacher on house. She has strong philosophies regarding education and believes that all students have the capability to learn and grow and that they do so better when included in their classrooms. While education is a major passion, she also works throughout the year as a wedding florist. She spends her summers in Gambia and Senegal, West Africa, where her husband currently resides. Culture and diversity are great interests of hers as well as volunteering and helping the less fortunate both stateside and abroad. When not in Africa or busy at school, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Aura. She currently lives in Jericho center and anxiously awaits the day when her husband is able to join her in the states.

Ted Milks: I am the new Teacher Assistant for the Voyager middle school team. I am thrilled to be a part of this great group of teachers and students and look forward very much to getting to know and support all your sons and daughters in Voyager. After a brief exploration of becoming a teacher back in the mid-90’s, my career opportunities led down other paths. But I have always hoped the day would come when the time was right for me to become part of a school community and help students reach their potential. I am the father of two wonderful daughters, Sylvie and Georgia (both of whom are currently in middle school at WCS), and the husband of an amazing wife and teacher, Cris Milks, who is the 7/8 math teacher in Harbor House at WCS. I look forward to the opportunity to get to know all of you and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

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