Student Support Team

Years experience in an educational setting:  Since 1990 

• Remote Teacher in Fairbanks and Sitka Alaska 

• School teacher,Substance Abuse counselor, Ropes Course Manager/Outdoor guide  as part of a wilderness therapeutic program located in Sitka, Alaska 

• Crisis Counselor in the Bath School District, Maine

• Student Coordinator for the Centre for Students with disabilities in Victoria, British Columbia

• Special Education Director - Harwood Union

• Principal of Harwood Union, Moretown Elementary, Harwood Middle School and CBMS 

Why do I work in a middle school? 

Middle School students are the finest of teachers.  They act as mirrors that constantly and consistently challenge my approach, beliefs and curiosity about the world I live in.  As a lifelong learner I continue to be challenged and learn from each interaction that I am fortunate to have with them.  It is a privilege to serve our student centered community each day.  

Years experience in an educational setting:  Since 2006 

• Middle School math and science teacher 

• Assistant Director of private Vermont School 

• Winooski School System  - teaching math and coaching other educators 

Why do I work in a middle school? 

I have always enjoyed middle school and working with young adolescents, because at this age, there is a vast amount of growth in a student’s understanding of the world around them and their role in it, which includes their impact on themselves and others. As an administrator, so far, I have enjoyed building relationships with staff and students and developing routines and structures that allow for the success and safety of all.

Years experience working in an educational setting:  Since 2004

• Crossett Brook Middle School 

• Program Manager and Course Director for Urban Expeditions at NYC Outward Bound School

• Health Director and Lead Instructor for Wilderness Expeditions at NYC Outward Bound Schools 

Why do I work in a middle school?   

"Middle School is a time of incredible growth, academically and personally, for students; this happens through success, failure, and, most importantly, effort.  The key is to focus on students' effort, which will lead to increased learning and growth from successes and failures; the highs and lows of success and failure are fleeting, but the effort we put in is never-ending."

Years experience in an educational setting: Since 2007

• JV and Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach Burlington/Essex/Harwood

• 1 v 1 Elementary paraeducator Burlington/Crested Butte, CO

• High school Health educator, Essex 

• Student Support Specialist(Middle High School) Harwood 

• Dean of Students CBMS

• Camp for Me Teen Counselor- Summers

• Executive function coach Essex

• SEL Coordinator

Why do I work in a middle school? 

I appreciate middle schoolers' unique and energetic nature.  I like having the opportunity to support them through this period of their lives and recognize their dynamic needs. I also like to celebrate them along the way.

Years experience in an educational setting:  Since 1998 

• Dorm parent, Rock Point School,

• Main Street Middle School,

• 28 years of Basketball and Softball Coaching with students ages 3-18. 

• Camp Counselor and Program Administrator

Why do I work in a middle school? 

I enjoy working with kids, getting to know them, supporting their growth, and helping them manage the challenging moments of growing up. 

Years experience in an educational setting:  Since 2010 

• Fayston Elementary School Counselor

• Two Roads Academy Restorative Practices Coordinator 

• Wilderness Therapy Field Guide in Utah

• Outdoor educator and backcountry trip leader at a residential program and at a nonprofit called City Kids Wilderness Project in Wyoming

Why do I work in a middle school? 

I love getting kids outside, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, coaching ice hockey and soccer too. I do this work because I am passionate about social emotional learning and connecting middle school kids with resources to support their long-term physical and mental health.

Years experience in an educational setting:  Since 2019

• elementary school

•  alternative middle/high school. 

• In her previous social work roles, she has helped reunite parents with kids in state custody, supported youth and adults at an emergency shelter, and helped individuals with intellectual disabilities to find and maintain employment. 

Why do I work in a middle school?  

Rachel loves connecting with kids and families and helping them identify and unlock their inner strengths.