Meet Your Teachers

Welcome! I went to college at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where I studied comparative literature, vocal music, and classical civilization. I later enrolled in the SUNY New Paltz graduate program where I graduated with a Master’s Degree in English and an MAT in Secondary English Education. I love theatre and music, and I have done a number of plays at the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck- it was actually difficult for me to find a picture because most of them are of me in costume! 🎭 I prefer tea over coffee (though I love Stewart’s iced coffee), my favorite color is purple, and I don’t have a favorite movie or book because I love so many of them! I’m excited to get to know you all this year.

📧 -victoriahowland@hpcsd.org

Welcome back to Haviland, 8th graders! This is my 10th year of teaching, and my 5th year in Hyde Park. I couldn’t be happier to be here with all of you! This year may look different, but we will still learn, have fun, and get to know each other over the next 10 months. Outside of school, I live in Red Hook, about 15 miles north of Hyde Park. I have two amazing kids. My daughter started college this year, and so far she absolutely loves it! My son lives to play basketball and will be a sophomore at Red Hook High School. My favorite way to relax is with a good book, especially if I am on the beach under an umbrella!

📧- christinemance@hpcsd.org

This will be my 5th year teaching, but my first year teaching at Haviland Middle School, and I am excited to be here! My journey to become a teacher started at Dutchess Community College, where I received my Associate’s Degree in General Studies before transferring to Mount Saint Mary College, where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Education. I am currently enrolled in the graduate program at Mount Saint Mary College working towards obtaining my Master’s Degree in Literacy. When I’m not busy teaching or keeping up with graduate work, I like to spend my time producing music (hip-hop, trap, edm, and synthwave), playing sports (basketball, baseball, soccer, and golf), hiking outdoors, and reading books. My favorite book is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. I was introduced to this book in 12th grade, and I became a Mitch Albom fan ever since; I enjoy all of his books. An interesting fact about me is that I am currently writing a book of my own, which I hope to have published one day!

📧- nicholasgilbert@hpcsd.org