Meet The Team 

S'ra DeSantis graduated from the University of Vermont with a BA in Environmental Studies and an MS in Plant and Soil Science. She was an organic vegetable farmer for more than 20 years. S'ra directed the Farmer Training Program and taught in the Plant and Soil Science Department at UVM for 5 years. She completed the Teacher Apprenticeship Program at Champlain College to become certified in teaching middle school science in 2020. She has been teaching on Clover House for 3 years. She has two great kiddos, Arlo and Elsa, who you will definitely hear a lot about. S'ra has many interests including chickens, plants, hiking, paddle boarding and of course teaching science. She looks forward to getting to know you all this year. 

Josh Roof: I am fortunate and excited to be in my tenth year at WCS as a Humanities teacher, and second on Maple House. I graduated from Saint Michael's College in 1997 with a BA in English Literature, and from UVM in 2006 with a Master's in Curriuculum and Instruction. Prior to WCS, I taught 6-8 Humanities for 11 years at Milton Middle School in 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,  history, and the social sciences. Additionally, music (listening, singing, and playing guitar), athletics, and cooking are areas that bring joy to my life and that I willingly share with others.  Currently, I live in Colchester with my amazing wife and two creative daughters.

Amy Skapof: I am proud to say this will be my 24th year teaching.  I graduated from Cornell University in 1997 with a BA in Geology, and from UVM in 2000 with my MAT. I started my career teaching 8th-grade science in Barre for two years before I found my home in Swift's multiage, interdisciplinary setting.  I truly enjoy the many adventures each new school year offers, and the energy that middle schoolers bring into the classroom.  I am also a mom to one CVU high schooler and one freshman in college.  I enjoy creative endeavors, music, and any outdoor activities.  You are equally likely to find me paddling, running, walking, at the gym, gardening, skiing, or enjoying time with friends and family.   

Ryan Palmer:  Ryan is a native Vermonter, has dedicated his 12-year career to the field of special education. He holds a bachelor's degree in Education from Franklin Pierce University and earned a master's in Special Education from Saint Michael's College in 2018. Ryan previously served as an Autism Specialist, where he supported third through eighth-grade students with social cognition and behavior management. When he's not in the classroom, Ryan enjoys fly fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his wife, two sons, and their chocolate lab, Winston.