Our Team of Teachers

Mrs. Koskela - Math/Science

Growing up in the Ocean State, Mrs. Koskela developed an interest in all things water. She attended Maine Maritime Academy and graduated with a BS degree in Marine Science and a minor in Mathematics. She began her teaching career instructing students along the shore of Long Island Sound, as a marine science educator for Project Oceanology. After several years, she relocated and earned a Masters of Teaching in Secondary Earth Science education from the University of Virginia. Mrs. Koskela then transitioned to classroom teaching at Charlottesville Catholic School, where she taught Earth, Life and Physical Science at the middle level. In 2013, Mrs. Koskela returned to Maine with her husband and beagles. She has been teaching math and science at Troy Howard MS since 2015.

Outside the classroom, you may find her elbow deep in any number of projects. A scientist at heart, Mrs. Koskela enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, using new recipes or ingredients. She can be found swimming, kayaking, and hiking with her husband when the opportunity arises. In the summer, she tends a garden with an ample supply of lettuce and catches up on her reading.

Mr. Hills, Math

nhills@rsu71.org phone ext: 210

Mr. Hills is entering his 10th year teaching. His first eight years were spent teaching fourth grade at the Nickerson School in Swanville, and this will be his second year teaching at THMS. Mr. Hills earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education at Thomas College in Waterville.

It may be of interest to you that Mr. Hills went to school in RSU 71, and is proud to be teaching alongside some of the same people that taught him. Mrs. Hills, also teaches at and went to school in RSU 71.

Outside of school, Mr. Hills enjoys reading, taking long walks, and playing with his four year old son, Dutch. Mr. and Mrs. Hills are expecting a second child in October, but are not finding out the gender - it’s a baby surprise. Mr. Hills also has a childish sense of humor and enjoys reading, telling, and hearing corny jokes.

Ms. Ryan, Social Studies & Science

pryan@rsu71.org phone ext: 213

Growing up in Maine in the coastal fishing village of Tenants Harbor, and having a father as a history buff and traveling a lot as a child, it is no surprise that Ms. Ryan is one of the 6th grade science and social studies teachers here at THMS. She attended the University of Maine at Machias where she obtained a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a B.S. in Elementary Education with a social science concentration. It wasn't until she worked at a summer science camp Raleigh-Durham, N.C. one summer during college that she felt that she wanted to go in the direction of education with her science background.

Directly out of college, she worked one year at THMS as a 6th grade Ed Tech, supporting students, before she landed the job as a 5th grade teacher at Ames Elementary in Searsmont. This was her home for 18 years, 2001-2019. In the fall of 2019, she joined the 6th grade team at THMS and has really enjoyed seeing students moving on to the next step in their education and being part of that.

Outside of school you can find her traveling, whether it be exploring a state park here in Maine or sitting on the seaside cliffs in Ireland. She finds there is so much to see and learn about the world. She enjoys going on walks, looking for sea glass at the beach, visiting family, and sitting with a good book down at Belfast harbor during the summer.

Mr. Hicock, Social Studies

ahicock@rsu71.org phone ext. 212

Mr. Hicock was born and raised in North Caldwell, New Jersey. He attended the University of Maine at Orono, earning a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. Mr. Hicock came to Troy Howard Middle School in 2001. He has taught social studies, language arts and math during throughout the years. He has served on numerous leadership committees and has been the school's Student Council advisor since 2002. He is most proud of his former students who have gone on to achieve great things and are happy and productive in life.

When not at school, Mr. Hicock is a devoted husband and father to Robert, Danielle and Nicholas. Mr. Hicock's wife, Karen Gorris-Hicock, is a special education teacher in RSU 71. Mr. Hicock has worked as a firefighter and been an assistant production manager for ABC Sports, working to produce nationally televised sporting events. He is an Eagle Scout and also works with Cub Scout Pack #30 and Scout Troop #37 in Belfast. His hobbies include photography as well as collecting coins and sports cards. He also enjoys raising Monarch butterflies at his home in Searsmont.

Ms. El-Hajj