About Us

Matt McLane - Flexible Pathways Administrator

I have had the pleasure of working at Montpelier High School with students, teachers and community partners since 1999 helping to develop and cultivate connections between student interests, the school's curriculum and the wide array of community learning opportunities that exist beyond the schoolhouse walls. I find my job tremendously fulfilling and am always amazed and appreciative of how generous the Montpelier and central Vermont communities are in involving students in their professional work.  

When I’m not at school, I love to spend time with my two sons and my wife doing almost anything.  Family is important to me.  I really enjoy spending time recreating doing any number of outdoor activities including biking, skiing, hiking, paddling, and (although I hate to admit it sometimes), just putterin’ around outside.  I value an optimistic outlook on life, fairness, equity, persistence and kindness.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or good ideas regarding our CBL program.  I'd look forward to connecting. 

Bill Laidlaw - CBL Faculty Advisor

Since joining the CBL team, I have experienced  great joy in facilitating students' learning in the community.  It is incredibly rewarding to foster students' abilities to better understand themselves, their skills, interests and aspirations in "real world" settings.   I am grateful to our community partners and mentors that make this learning possible, through their time, energy, expertise and relationships with our students.  Prior to this work, I have served as a special educator since 1994 at MHS, Williston Central School and Northfield Middle/High School.  

Outside of school you might find me skiing, hiking, mountain biking or canoeing with my wife and three children.  I've also been sighted sculling on Lake Sunapee, and working with athletes as a strength and conditioning coach in the MHS weight room.   

Sarah Loveless- CBL Faculty Advisor

I had the opportunity to join the CBL team in 2015, the culminating point at which my education, previous experience, and interest in hands-on and non-traditional learning led me to this remarkable and innovative program.  I am constantly invigorated by our students’ interests and insights, the breadth and depth of the opportunities they explore within this program, the investment of our ever-giving community partners, and the enthusiastic support of Community Based Learning in this community. To watch students explore their own interests, skills and aspirations through real world experiences is beyond rewarding, and I love that my job involves thinking creatively, interacting with interesting people, and witnessing students discover their passions and abilities.  I hold an English endorsement as well as a Work-Based Learning endorsement, and I appreciate how the CBL course is centered around personal reflection, using the CBL experience as a lens to look within.

I navigate my life outside of school in much the same way—creatively and with an emphasis on building strong and meaningful relationships. I enjoy exploring—hiking, travelling, camping, paddling, and simply meandering— with my husband and two children.  Indoors, we can be found baking, reading, creating artwork and enjoying music together.  

Heather McLane - CBL Faculty Advisor

I am really excited to be joining the CBL team at MHS. I have taught social studies at MHS for the past eight years and before that in the Philippines, Thailand, Oregon, and Massachusetts. As a classroom teacher and activism club advisor, I have found that the best student learning and engagement happens when learning is connected to the community. I love watching students explore their interests, encounter and navigate unexpected challenges, find their voice, and gain confidence in their ability to make change. The Central Vermont community is so supportive of student learning; I feel really lucky to work with students as a CBL advisor at MHS.

When not working, I love gardening, traveling, reading, being in nature, cooking, and spending time with my daughter and husband. 

Katrina Phillips - CBL Instructional Assistant (IA) Advisor 

This is my second year working with the CBL Team at MHS, but I have worked as an IA in the district for many years at MHS, UES, MSMS, and EEE.  I love working with high school students because of their energy, creativity, and individuality.  I have had some amazing experiences working with the CBL department seeing the challenges that students have faced and overcome.  It is very rewarding work, and the culture of MHS feels like a huge, supportive family.  

When not working, I feel happiest in the woods, running with my dog, playing with kids, and reading.   My favorite children's book is Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, and my favorite author is Wendell Berry.