I would like to introduce myself to everyone. I am Mrs. Collier and  I will be teaching 5th grade this year. This will be my 5th year teaching and I am excited to share it with all of the students from both communities. I was previously teaching at Irasburg Village School and I am very excited to see old and new faces this year.

Outside of school I love to spend time with my husband, 3 year old, and baby, as well as my dog. I love to explore historical sites and light houses, as well as go on fun day trips to see new places. 

I am teaching my 8th year of science at ACS. Before landing at ACS, I led backpacking trips for teens in Yosemite National Park during the summer, and taught outdoor education in Washington, Arizona, California, and Maine.

My degree is a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Studies, and a minor in Biology, from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. I am originally from Seattle, Washington and have lived and visited all over the west coast! This is my 8th year in the Northeast Kingdom.

I use the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to guide my curriculum, and to foster a classroom environment where students are working together to move their science thinking forward.

Students are the ones asking questions, performing investigations, analyzing data, and constructing explanations.

In my free time, I enjoy playing outside with my dog, striking up conversations with new people, and exploring the towns and landscapes of New England.

My name is Phornphilap Gile, but my students affectionately call me Miss Phun. This nickname is short, easy to say, and reminds everyone that learning can be fun!

I am a proud mother of three sons and a YaYa to two beautiful grandsons. Originally from Thailand, I've been living in Vermont since 1997. My journey in education began as a substitute teacher, which opened my eyes to the challenges of managing a classroom and addressing various student behaviors. I worked 2 years as After School and Summer School Site Coordinator at ACS. Then I took a big leap to be a teacher, this is my 3rd year of being a Middle School Math Teacher at ACS, I love teaching and engaging with my students.

Hello! My name is Mr. Seth Varin, and I am thrilled to be joining Albany Community School as your Physical Education teacher! I recently graduated from Norwich University with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a minor in Health. I am excited to begin my teaching career and become part of the Albany Community School community.

During my time at Norwich, I was a member of the NCAA Division III Cross Country team and was involved with SHAPE Vermont, where I continued to develop my passion for health and physical education. My experiences as a student-athlete and future educator have taught me the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and creating a positive environment where everyone can succeed.

I have had the opportunity to work with elementary and middle school students through student teaching, substitute teaching, and summer camps. My goal is to create a fun, inclusive, and engaging environment where every student feels welcome, builds confidence, and discovers the joy of being active.

When I’m not teaching, you can usually find me out for a run, enjoying the outdoors, or spending time with family and friends. I am so excited to get to know my students and their families and look forward to a fun, active, and fantastic school year ahead!

My name is Daniel Chassé, and I’m the 5–8 Music Teacher at Albany Community School. If you hear singing down the hallway or spot a crowd of students carrying instruments, I’m probably nearby.

I started my musical life on the trombone and grew up in the punk era, so I’m far from a traditional music teacher — and I think that’s a good thing. I love showing students that music comes from all kinds of places and all kinds of people. Whether we’re learning a new chord, building confidence in choir, or figuring out how to make a clarinet squeak a little less, my goal is to make our music room a place where students feel safe trying new things and proud of what they create.

I also have a background in preservation, which has turned out to be surprisingly perfect for repairing and maintaining the many instruments that pass through our classroom. Helping students keep their instruments in good shape is one of my favorite parts of the job — it’s hands‑on, practical, and keeps the music flowing.

Outside of school, you’ll find me practicing piano or accordion, walking my dogs, crocheting something colorful, or planning the next dance‑party‑style event with way too many lights and speakers. I’m excited to continue building a joyful, creative music program where every student can find their voice.

My name is Talisa Zayas and I am the Art Teacher for Lake Region Union Elementary-Middle. As a professional artist specializing in painting, sculpture, drawing, and ceramics, I am thrilled to bring my passion for art to the classroom. 

I have a background in working with children of all ages. I love introducing them to new art mediums and exploring the fascinating world of art history. 

My hope is to lead students to discover the joy that art can bring into their lives and to inspire them to experiment with new methods of creating art.