K-5 Teachers
Kindergarten
Alecka Champion
My name is Alecka Champion and I'm excited to be part of the Kindergarten Team! I have taught at WRVS for 3 years and have previously taught preschool in Bradford for four years. I am from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and moved to Vermont 15 years ago when I married my husband, Mike, who is from the area. We have two wonderful sons, Rowan and Collin, and lots of fun pets like cats, chickens, geese, fish, lizards and dogs.
I enjoy spending time outside, listening to music and enjoying time with my family and pets. We often go camping in the summer and traveling to Pennsylvania and Maine each year.
This is my 12th year in education and I love being a Kindergarten Teacher the most!
Abigail Tyson
My name is Abby Tyson and I'm excited to join the WRVS team! I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, lived in South Carolina for 20 years and moved to Vermont this past summer.
I live in the community with my partner, Bernie, and our funny pets. I come from a large family and adore my nieces and nephews. While I love the mountains in VT, the beaches in SC are my favorite spot to vacation.
This is my 20th year in education. I have worked many hats in a school building; I've been a Reading Coach, Reading Interventionist , and a classroom teacher. I have been a classroom teacher for grades K, 1 and 3 but I must say that being a Kindergarten Teacher is my favorite!
First Grade
Anastassya Sells
My name is Anastassya Sells and this is my first year at WRVS teaching first grade. I am proud to be a Wildcat! In my professional experience, I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from New England College and have been gaining knowledge in the education field for many years. In terms of my way of teaching. I believe every child is unique and deserves a caring, inspiring, and engaging atmosphere in which they can grow emotionally, intellectually and socially. Furthermore, as an educator it is also important to me to also be a strong advocate for diversity and equity because I also love getting to learn about different cultures in our school community.
Erica Thompson
My name is Erica Thompson and I live in East Corinth with my husband and two teenage boys. We are very active in sports and enjoy spending most of our time outdoors.
I've been teaching for 17 years and love second grade! This age has some knowledge to build on and an eagerness to learn more. We enjoy a lot of games together and we build our second grade family through shared experiences.
Second Grade
Amber Charbonneau
My name is Amber Charbonneau and I'm excited to be teaching Second Grade this year! I grew up and live in Barre with my husband, two children and dog. While this is my first year at Waits River, I have been working with elementary children for over 10 years and this is my 4th year as a classroom teacher.
When I'm not at school, you can find me with a paintbrush or a book. I love to paint with watercolors or acrylics. I'm also an avid bird watcher with owls being my favorite. I'm looking forward to a year full of laughter, learning and fun!
Chelsea Carter
My name is Chelsea Carter. I live in Barre, Vermont with my husband, Landon, my son, Percy, and my two cats and dog. I am originally from Lincoln, New Hampshire where I learned how to snowboard at Loon Mountain. I ended up in Vermont because I went to school and graduated with my teaching degree, and master's in Special Education at Johnson State College (Now NVU Johnson). When I'm not teaching, I am a photographer. I have photographed dance shows, weddings, portraits for friends, and many other things.
I have been teaching for 8 years now, and loving all of the experiences I have been part of at many different schools. I have to say, second grade has been my favorite year to teach because of the huge growth that is seen in the year. The scholars are also more independent and it is rewarding to see them be proud of their work. They are also constantly putting a huge smile on my face!
Third Grade
Kimberly McCarthy
Brooke Horniak
My name is Brooke Horniak and I'm one of the 3rd Grade teachers at WRVS. I recently graduated from college and I'm very excited that my first teaching position is at the school where I attended grades K-8.
In my free time you might find me coaching youth softball, reading a good book, or cruising around town in my blue Jeep!
Fourth Grade
Becky Lussier
This is my first year teaching at Waits River Valley School. For the last eight years I have taught 3rd grade at Northfield Elementary School.
I was born and raised in Barre, Vermont. In 2021, I moved to Topsham, Vermont with my Basset Hound, Julia and my partner, Joe. Recently, we welcomed two cats, Martin and Sherry. I enjoy being outdoors and the quiet country life. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling and going to the beach.
Most of our classroom news and information, as well as direct private message communications can be found on our Class Dojo.
McKenzie Dennis
Fifth Grade
Rachel Page
My name is Rachel Page and this year is the start of my ninth year of teaching. I have worked as a reading and math specialist before coming to Waits River. This is my fourth year teaching at Waits River Valley School and I will be teaching 5th grade.
I grew up across the Connecticut River in North Haverhill, New Hampshire and currently live there with my husband, Josh. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Education and have recently begun exploring ideas for my Master’s Degree. I enjoy exploring both Vermont and New Hampshire. In my spare time you can find me reading, hiking, or sometimes scooping ice cream at a dairy store in New Hampshire.
Jennifer King
Hello. My name is Jennifer King and I am the 5th grade language arts and social studies teacher. I taught 5th grade for 8 years in New Hampshire before joining WRVS. This is my 4th year here. I spent 2 years as one of the 6-8 team and then moved back to elementary school last year where I taught 4th grade. 5th grade is truly where my heart is, so I’m happy to be returning to what I love. I plan to retire in 5th.
I have lived in Corinth for 23 years. I love sea turtles and pirates. I have 3 beautiful children (a 2nd grader and twin seniors) and have been married 25 years to my wonderful husband Tom.
I absolutely love teaching and am very excited to be a part of the WRVS family.