Central Office Staff

North Country Supervisory Union Central Office Staff

The following are employees of North Country Supervisory Union.

To reach any of these individuals please call 802-334-5847 and the extension listed with their name.

If you are unsure of who you need to speak with, press Ext. 0 for the Receptionist.

Superintendent's Office

Superintendent of Schools

Elaine Collins (Elaine.Collins@NCSUVT.org), Ext. 2025

The North Country Supervisory Union Superintendent works with school principals to coordinate the activities of all SU school boards. The Superintendent works directly with principals and/or board chairs to carry out individual board responsibilities and provides input and direction to principals in the preparation of agendas. The Superintendent works with local administrators to carry out all decisions made by the school directors and attends all board meetings, pending need and availability. The Superintendent supervises the Director of Business, Director and Associate Director of Special Education, Director of Learning Design, Community Schools Coordinator, the NCUHS management team, and school principals. The NCSU Superintendent identifies supervisory union educational goals and objectives and prepares plans to achieve those goals and objectives for adoption by the school board, while working to develop common board policies throughout the supervisory union. The Superintendent responds to concerns and requests from parents and the community.

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools

Liz Butterfield (Liz.Butterfield@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2025

The NCSU Executive Assistant to the Superintendent supervises and coordinates the efficient workflow of the school system relative to the duties of the Superintendent and performs all secretarial and confidential work as assigned by the Superintendent. Liz supervises and assists in the preparation of all correspondence and reports emanating from the Superintendent's office and processes incoming correspondence, maintaining orderly files of all records associated with the Office of the Superintendent, including a short-term and long-term filing system, and a set of locked confidential files. She places and receives telephone calls and records messages for the Superintendent, maintains a schedule of appointments for the Superintendent, and makes arrangements for conferences, meetings, and interviews. Liz oversees the scheduling of all supervisory union school board and central administration meetings and tracks and verifies the inclusion of required agenda items, especially annual required action items, in a timely manner each month. The Executive Assistant to the Superintendent acts as a liaison between the Superintendent and administrative staff in screening and routing inquiries and requests and performs other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent.

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Janet Smith (Janet.Smith@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2010

Janet answers phones and transfers calls appropriately; greets visitors; assists with all elementary school and secondary school board mailings; assists office personnel as directed; balances scholarship accounts; orders office supplies; assists in monitoring of school registers for all schools; maintains a database for all employment openings and applicants; assists with background checks; creates monthly office calendars; enters leave for elementary and secondary schools; maintains Life and Long Term Disability records; and assists the Human Resources department, the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, and the bookkeepers, as needed.

School Nurse Leader

Kristy Pillsbury, BSN, RN, LSN (Kristy.Pillsbury@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2045

The School Nurse Leader oversees the entire school health service program, with the responsibility of providing nursing leadership throughout the school district. Kristy applies the nursing process through the development of needs assessments, planning and implementing programs, and implementing continuous quality assurance and evaluation processes. In this role, the School Nurse Leader coordinates the clinical aspects of a comprehensive school health program in collaboration with other members of the health services and education team. The School Nurse Leader collaborates with other community partners and organizations in addressing the health concerns affecting children and their families as well as the community. In order to fulfill these duties of management and coordination, the School Nurse Leader will spend a minimal amount of time in direct clinical care.

Kristy adheres to the Nurse Practice Act, pertinent regulations governing nursing, and the standards of care established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, the National Association of School Nurses, the Agency of Education, and the Department of Health.

Community Schools Coordinator

Samantha Stevens (Samantha.Stevens@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2047

The Community Schools Coordinator facilitates the delivery of McKinney-Vento services in alignment with federal ESSA requirements and The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. Samantha promotes supervisory and local school activities and professional development to achieve the equity goals identified in the NCSU Work and Learning Plan; facilitates services to migrant and English Learners as required by law; and organizes community equity meetings and activities. Samantha partners with community agencies to provide services for identified students impacted by conditions of poverty, parental incarceration, chronic absenteeism, and other social barriers to education. Samantha works to increase collaboration and coordination between school staff, parents and students, and community agencies.

Family and Community Outreach Liaison

Lizzy Alexander (Elizabeth.Alexander@ncsuvt.org)

The Family and Community Outreach Liaison supports the delivery of McKinney-Vento services in alignment with federal ESSA requirements and The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth; promotes supervisory union and local school activities to achieve the equity goals identified in the NCSU Work and Learning Plan; and facilitates services to students and families in partnership with community agencies to provide services for identified students impacted by conditions of poverty, parental incarceration, chronic absenteeism, and other social barriers to education. Lizzy works to increase collaboration and coordination between school staff, parents and students, and community agencies. The Liaison reports to the Community Schools Coordinator

Lisa Daigle-Farney (Lisa.DaigleFarney@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2065

Truancy Officer

Kevin Charboneau (Kevin.Charboneau@ncsuvt.org); 334-7921, Ext. 3148

Business Department

Director of Business

April Touchette (April.Touchette@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2013

The Director of Business and Finance advises and assists schools with financial planning, budgeting, human resources, benefits, legal issues, financial reporting, bid documents, contracts, services, audits, facilities, and insurance, while providing these same services to North Country Supervisory Union (NCSU). April attends board meetings and assists with other requests as needed.

Staff Accountant

Debbie Brunelle (Debbie.Brunelle@ncsuvt.org) Ext. 2037

Debbie Brunelle facilitates year-long communication with auditors and prepares all required records and reports for the eleven external audits. She reviews the audits after completion and makes adjustments as required. Debbie works with our banks in overseeing risk management and investments. Debbie provides the financial statements for boards monthly, attends board meetings, and assists with other requests as needed. Debbie reviews payrolls and accounts payable.

Administrative Assistant/Operations Support

Theresa Miller (Theresa.Miller@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2012

Theresa Miller oversees the liability insurance for all schools in NCSU, including claims and the annual insurance renewal process. Theresa coordinates testing, inspections, compliance, trainings, facilities management, and maintains bus driver files for the entire supervisory union. Along with a myriad of administrative duties, she develops the budget manual annually for the Director of Business, staff accountant, bookkeepers, and principals.

Finance Assistants:

Diane Binette (Diane.Binette@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2019

Diane Binette is responsible for the bookkeeping, payroll, and accounts payable functions for NCUHS, NCCC, and NCUJHS. She handles all cash transactions and completes all required forms and reports. She also provides direct support to all staff with business office-related employment issues. Diane works closely with the management staff at the NCUHS, NCCC, and NCUJHS.

Tiffany Ovitt (Tiffany.Ovitt@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2036

Tiffany Ovitt is responsible for Coventry and Newport City payrolls. She completes all reporting necessary to support these payroll functions, and processes deposits.

Amy Lucas-Brasseur (Amy.Lucas-Brasseur@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2027

Amy Lucas Brasseur provides payroll services to the Brighton, Charleston, Jay/Westfield, Lowell school districts, and NCSU central office employees, as well as processes accounts payable for NCUHS/NCUJHS/NCCC. She also completes all reporting necessary to support these payroll and accounts payable functions.

Katherine Coburn (Katherine.Coburn@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2034

Katherine Coburn is responsible for the Jay/Westfield, Newport Town, Troy, and 21C ENCORE after-school program payrolls, and assists with the NCUHS, NCCC, and NCUJHS payrolls. She completes all reporting necessary to support these payroll functions. Katherine processes accounts receivable invoices to our school districts. She is also responsible for maintaining the 403(b) and 457 records.

Diane Govoni (Diane.Govoni@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2023, Finance/Grant Assistant

Diane Govoni is responsible for the administrative management of various federally funded programs, including federal, state, and local grants. Diane ensures proper posting of all transactions, state and federal reporting and monitoring, while assisting the Superintendent, Director of Business, and Director of Learning Design in the application and administration of the district’s various grants.

Wanda Morse (Wanda.Morse@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2076, Child Nutrition Liaison/Finance Assistant

Wanda Morse is the Child Nutrition Liaison for North Country Supervisory Union. Wanda has a wide range of skills and knowledge in the field of school food service. Wanda manages our food service financial software program. Wanda processes accounts payable for all schools except Derby Elementary and NCUHS.

Learning Design Department

Director of Learning Design

Jessica Applegate (Jessica.Applegate@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2024

The Director of Learning Design is the coordinator of the Consolidated Federal Titles Program and is the Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction for NCSU. Jessica works with teacher leaders and other teacher teams; provides professional development services and research services to schools; is a consultant on education issues; and is the English Language Coordinator.

Learning Design Administrative Assistant

Jen Federico (Jennifer.Federico@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2023

The Learning Design Administrative Assistant to the Director of Learning Design provides high-level administrative support to the Learning Design department, assuring its smooth and efficient operation and positively impacting the education of the children. Jen coordinates the professional learning calendar and workshop enrollments; manages purchase orders; codes invoices of CFP, Tobacco Prevention, and McKinney Vento grants; oversees Curriculum Center room reservations; and updates the Learning Design Department website.

NCUHS Assistant Director of Learning Design

Michael Moriarty (Michael.Moriarty@ncsuvt.org)

Michael works closely with the NCSU Director of Learning Design and NCUHS Principal, as well as other school administrators, teachers, staff, students, and community partners to design and implement innovative curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices for grades 7 - 12. Particular attention is devoted to Proficiency-Based Learning, Personalized Learning Plans, Electronic Portfolios, Universal Design for Learning, Project-Based Learning, & Community-based Learning.

Project Coordinator - Encore After School and Summer Program

(21st Century Grant)

Beth Chambers (Elizabeth.Chambers@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2033

Beth Chambers manages all aspects of the 21st Century Grant and oversees ENCORE after-school and summer programming in Brighton, Charleston, Coventry, Derby, Jay/Westfield, Lowell, Newport City, Newport Town, and Troy.

Instructional Coaches

Literacy Instructional Coaches:

Nicole Gaboriault (Nicole.Gaboriault@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2017

Melissa Lyons (Melissa.Lyons@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2017

Lynzy Birchard (Lynzy.Birchard@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2017

Mathematics Instructional Coaches:

Heidi Whipple (Heidi.Whipple@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2075

Debra Batista (Debra.Batista@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2075

STEM Instructional Coach:

Aaron Miller (Aaron.Miller@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2075

Technology Integrationist:

Andrew Cochran (Andrew.Cochran@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2075

SEL Wellness Coach

Christina Malanga (Christina.Malanga@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2075

The NCSU Instructional Coaches mentor teachers new to the profession or new to working in the North Country Schools system. They collaborate with other supervisory union coaches and the Director of Learning Design. Instructional Coaches assist schools and individual teachers in the development, implementation, and analysis of assessments. They help schools articulate and implement comprehensive, balanced curriculum programs and design and facilitate professional development opportunities for classroom teachers. The coaches work with students who have unique learning needs and recommend appropriate instructional practices, as well as demonstrate best instructional practice through modeling and coaching. They collaborate with other teacher leaders and the Vermont Agency of Education to develop, align, and evaluate state, regional, and district initiatives. The Coaches also perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Learning Design or the Superintendent.

English Learners Teachers

Jonathan Heinrichs (Jonathan.Heinrichs@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2075

Katherine Shick (Katherine.Shick@ncsuvt.org) Ext. 2066

The English Learners Teachers assist English Learners aged 3-21, including migrant children and youth, in attaining English language proficiency and developing high levels of academic achievement. Jonathan and Katherine provide technical assistance related to meeting the diverse needs of English Learners, including planning and implementing effective language instruction educational programs and curricula; identifying or developing, and implementing, measures of English Language Proficiency; and strengthening parent, family, and community engagement in programs that serve English Learners.

Human Resources Department

Human Resources Coordinator

Nancy Griffith (Nancy.Griffith@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2011

The Human Resources Coordinator manages the human resources office operations; establishes checks and balances between payroll and personnel operations; reconciles active employees to benefit memberships; board-approved salaries to actual, etc. Nancy keeps the Superintendent informed of human resource issues. She annually prepares a listing of all professional staff by school/department indicating licensure, and teaching assignment; highlighting those that are not compliant with regulations. The Human Resources Coordinator conducts employee orientation/training programs with appropriate management/administration. She works closely with schools assisting staff/administration in understanding and implementing human resource-related policies and procedures. Nancy promotes equality and diversity as part of the culture of the organization. She coordinates with the administration in recruiting staff: developing job descriptions, preparing advertisements, checking application forms, ensuring budget appropriations for positions, scanning applications to ensure compliance to job requirements, and conducting group interviews when appropriate. She assists the Superintendent in developing policies and practices, standardized and the like, on human resource issues. The Human Resources Coordinator also manages and researchesvarious benefits for all NCSU employees. Nancy maintains all employee and organization contracts/agreements; completes salary/benefit comparisons/analysis as requested; develops and manages the NCSU human resources website; manages all schools' personnel requirements; maintains personnel records, sick leave, contracts, statement of intent, coursework, licensing issues, and database and seniority lists for all schools. The HR Department maintains substitute lists for licensed and support staff for all schools.

Human Resources Assistant

Allyson Cota Folgherait (Allyson.Cota@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2014

The Human Resources Assistant assists with all tasks under the Human Resources Coordinator, including maintaining substitute and chaperone files, tracking background checks on all newly hired coaches, substitutes, and chaperones, and maintaining proper documentation. Allyson maintains tuition, coursework, and professional development documentation and files. She assists with personnel data entry. Allyson maintains new hire packets, performs yearly updates of forms, and assists with financial requests for employees. She assists with COBRA/FMLA notifications, LTD applications, and unemployment reports and requests. The Human Resources Assistant facilitates the employment application process, maintains mandated federal and state poster boards, and completes any other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or the Human Resources Coordinator.

Special Services Department

Directors

Director of Special Services, Jessica Puckett (Jessica.Puckett@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2021

Associate Director of Special Services, Richard Smith (Richard.Smith@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2021

The Director and Associate Director of Special Services supervise and coordinate special education programs for all students eligible to receive special education services based on state and federal regulations; provide leadership in establishing new programs; develop improved understanding of existing programs; evaluate existing programs; and recommend changes and additions as needed. They provide input to principals in evaluating personnel serving in the special education area, and serve as an ongoing resource to the community, parents, administrators, and educators regarding special education issues. Jessica and Richard develop budget recommendations for the IDEA-B Grant and locally-funded special education programs. They provide expenditure control on established budgets for special services.

Special Services Administrative Assistant

Bonnie Hafemann (bonnie.hafemann@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2021

Bonnie maintains correspondence for the Special Education department; reviews Special Education expenditure reports; maintains child count; coordinates service plans, IDEA-B, and I-Team; assists with budgets; codes invoices and monitors spending; completes grant amendments; works with Medicaid Billing Clerks; and monitors Medicaid Reinvestment Funds.

NCUHS Assistant Director of Special Education

Diane Tutko (Diane.Tutko@ncsuvt.org), 334-7921, Ext. 3017

The NCUHS Assistant Director of Special Education assumes the role of general administrator in the general supervision of North Country Union High School special education programs and activities. Diane participates regularly in Individualized Education Program meetings as the LEA to ensure recommended programs will be implemented, and apprises the Director of Special Services of financial and legal concerns regarding instructional programming. She provides pertinent reports to administration and the school board concerning special education programs. It is her responsibility to support and uphold the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and related state regulations concerning the provision of special services to NCUHS students with disabilities.

Case Manager, Residential and Day Treatment Programs

Tami Placy (Tami.Placy@ncsuvt.org)

Tami specializes as the case manager for students in residential and day treatment programs for all students in the supervisory union. She also works with the Evaluation Team in the coordination of evaluations and in supporting case managers with evaluation requests and questions

Behavior Specialists

Liz Torres (Elizabeth.Torres@ncsuvt.org)

Karen Egan (Karen.Egan@ncsuvt.org)

Celine Cote (Celine.Cote@ncsuvt.org)

Camilla McKenzie (Camilla.McKenzie@ncsuvt.org)

Ethan Gariepy (Ethan.Gariepy@ncsuvt.org)

The Behavior Specialists observe individual students with behavioral challenges in their academic setting; consult with classroom teachers regarding behavioral observation; design and implement behavioral plans; assist with behavioral planning; and consult with EST and IEP Teams. They provide administrative consultation; observe classrooms to assist with classroom management strategies; provide trainings to school personnel, community agencies, and parents; serve on committees to advocate for a wider spectrum of educational opportunities; train educational staff in Crisis Prevention and Intervention; and consult with special educators and mentors regarding student needs and behavioral planning.

Special Education Consulting Teachers

Jennifer Patenaude (Jennifer.Patenaude@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2079

Kelly Stafford (kelly.stafford@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2044

Jennifer and Kelly are available to special educators and special education teams to support these individuals with all of their respective duties; they provide guidance to assist with file management and compliance with Special Education Rules and Regulations related directly to the individual caseloads of the special educators; offer consultation related to the provision of specialized instruction and supports that align with individual student's needs; and offer workshop opportunities on a regular basis as a means of sharing information and professional development with the special educators at a local level. Jen is also the MTSS/ETS Coordinator for NCSU.

Kathryn Whitaker (Kathryn.Whitaker@ncsuvt.org); Ext. 2081

Molly Kelly (Molly.Kelly@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2083

Kathryn and Molly serve as consulting teachers for autism and other neurodevelopment disabilities and as assistive technology specialists. They provide consultation and training to school personnel, perform screening for autism spectrum disorders, and provide assistance for the ongoing assessment of students with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Kathryn and Molly provide consultation for the selection of technology solutions for students with assistive technology (e.g. SOLO® Dragon Naturally Speaking, Alphasmart, etc.) or adaptive technology (e.g. speech generating devices, alternate input/switch).

Neuro Team Social Inclusion Facilitator

Caitlin Arcangeli (Caitlin.Arcangeli@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2021

Cat assists teams and schools to ensure equitable and meaningful access to social, leisure, and occupational activities and programs for students. This role is designed to support proactive strategies and methods to serve all students.

Evaluation Team, Ext. 2021

Kristin Beswick, Evaluation Team Coordinator/School Psychologist (Kristin.Beswick@ncsuvt.org) Ext. 2032

Kathleen VanGelder, Evaluation Specialist (Kathleen.VanGelder@ncsuvt.org)

Kim Gannon (Kim.Gannon@ncsuvt.org)

Donald Schabner (Donald.Schabner@ncsuvt.org)

Elizabeth Koennicke (Elizabeth.Koennicke@ncsuvt.org)

The Evaluation Team is responsible for multiple tasks related to comprehensive evaluations for students who qualify for special education services. They administer standardized assessment tools for the purpose of evaluating academic and cognitive ability levels. They score, interpret, and report said assessments and report to Evaluation and Planning teams so decisions can be made regarding eligibility and program planning; are available to special educators to attend meetings; offer additional information/insight into results and/or the assessment tools utilized; and assist with the procedural components of the evaluation process.

Early Childhood Program Coordinator

Diane Nichols-Fleming (Diane.NicholsFleming@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2046

Diane's primary areas of responsibility are: 1) Coordination and oversight of early childhood special education ("ECSE") in compliance with federal and state regulations; 2) Coordination and oversight over early childhood intervention services funded through Title I and Early Education Initiative ("EEI") in compliance with federal and state regulations and; 3) Coordination and oversight over the Family Infant Toddler Program (June 2008). These responsibilities include the maintenance and supervision of school-based preschool programs, consultation, and support to Head Start and other community-based early childhood care and education programs where eligible children are served. These responsibilities also include direct supervision and evaluation of ten licensed teachers and twelve support staff, and membership on effective service coordination teams such as the Early Childhood Support Team, Behavioral Support Team, Newport Early Action Team, and the Building Bright Futures regional team.

Early Childhood Instructional Coach

Ami English (Ami.English@ncsuvt.org), Ext.

The Early Childhood Instructional Coach mentors teachers new to the profession or new to working in the North Country Schools system. Ami collaborates with other supervisory union coaches and the Early Childhood Program Coordinator. The Early Childhood Instructional Coach assists schools and individual teachers in the development, implementation, and analysis of assessments. Ami helps schools articulate and implement comprehensive, balanced curriculum programs, and designs and facilitates professional development opportunities for classroom teachers. The Early Childhood Instructional Coach works with students who have unique learning needs and recommends appropriate instructional practices, as well as demonstrates best instructional practice through modeling and coaching. Ami collaborates with other teacher leaders and the Vermont Agency of Education to develop, align, and evaluate state, regional, and district initiatives. The Early Childhood Instructional Coach also performs other duties as assigned by the Early Childhood Program Coordinator, the Director of Special Services, or the Superintendent.

Special Services Assistant/Proctor

Eric Bouchard (Eric.Bouchard@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2021

Eric works with the NCSU Special Services Administrative Assistant, the NCUHS Transportation Coordinator, and administration by supporting the effective and efficient functions of the special services department, with a slight emphasis on transportation. Eric provides proctoring services as needed.

Title IX Coordinator (Independent Contractor)

Brian Carroll

Medicaid Clerks

Cynthia Jordan (Cynthia.Jordan@ncsuvt.org)

Cynthia Adams (Cynthia.Adams@ncsuvt.org)

The Medicaid Clerks complete Medicaid billing paperwork and submit the paperwork to the Agency of Education. They train and support Special Education Teachers on the Medicaid process.

Education Technology Department

Director of Education Technology

Aime Forbes (Aime.Forbes@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2051

The technology department contributes to the development of the NCSU philosophy of education and supports NCSU policies related to technology, including acceptable use. Aime keeps informed of all legal requirements governing the use of technology. She oversees the North Country Technology Advisory Group and Technology Plan, Technology Support Services, and Student Information System Support Services contracts. Aime assumes responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports, records, and other documents legally required or administratively useful. The Director of Education Technology provides training and generates data reports requested by the administration, using sources such as PowerSchool and the Vermont Data Warehouse. She ensures efficient processes for the entry and analysis of local assessment data in an information system. Aime provides professional development for both professional and support staff, and provides instructional support and guidance for the integration of technology into all classrooms. She develops and implements a training program for building-level technology staff to support the integration of technology; conducts an annual technology needs assessment; and seeks out and writes grant proposals to acquire technology and support its integration. Aime builds NCSU-wide collaboration around technology initiatives. She maintains a permanent inventory of equipment purchased by the supervisory union for technology and makes recommendations regarding the selection, purchase, maintenance, and upkeep of software, hardware, and support materials for both administrative and instructional functions. Aime assumes responsibility for her own professional growth and development, for keeping current with the literature, new research findings and improved techniques, and for attending appropriate professional meetings and conferences.

Network/IT Support Specialist

Ashley Dewing (Ashley.Dewing@ncsuvt.org), ext. 2018

Ashley provides network, telephone, and technical support to users including, but not limited to, technical advice on equipment setup and operation, general troubleshooting, and software installation and utilization. She performs skilled repair, setup, and maintenance of all technology-related equipment as well as technical support for all technology-related systems. Ashley recommends upgrades and replacement of technology equipment and related peripherals to keep systems current. Ashley supports all 12 NCSU schools.

Database/IT Support

Eva Broome (Eva.Broome@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2074

Wyatt Hamby (Wyatt.Hamby@ncsuvt.org), Ext. 2035