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 ninth year at WCS as a Humanities teacher, and first on Maple House. Prior to my arrival at WCS, I taught 6-8 Humanities for 11 years at Milton Middle School in Vermont. 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 (listening to, 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 23rd 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 11-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.

Ted Milks:  I am the Team Assistant for 5/6 middle school teams. 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. 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, and the husband of an amazing wife and teacher, Cris Milks, who is the 5-8 Math Interventionist 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.