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
Pamela Ahearn
I am delighted to be back at Waits River Valley School. I started teaching in 1980 and came to teach at Union District #36 in 1983. I’ve enjoyed teaching First, Second, Third and Fourth Grade as a classroom teacher. I have also worked as a Title I Reading Teacher and as a Math Interventionist. I particularly enjoy inspiring scholars to find joy in learning and building their self-confidence.
I received my Bachelor of Science degree at Castleton University. My major was Elementary Education with a minor in Social Science and a Concentration in Secondary Education. I received my Masters of Art in Educational Leadership with a focus on Math Education at Trinity College.
When I’m not teaching, I prefer to be outdoors. You can find me in the garden, hiking with my dog in the woods and skiing on the backwood trails when there is snow. I live on a homestead in Barre Town with my husband and son.
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
Katie Evans
My name is Katie Evans and I have been a classroom teacher at Waits River Valley School for sixteen years. From 2007 to 2016 I taught second grade; since then, I have taught third graders!
I was born and raised in Vermont, and I live in Barre Town with my husband, Jamie. We have two wonderful grown children, Benjamin and Molly.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to concerts, and exploring this lovely state of ours.
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
Crystal Emerson
My name is Crystal Emerson and I am happy to be one of the fourth grade teachers. This is my twelfth year teaching at Waits River Valley School. Most of my teaching career at WRVS has been spent in grade 4. I am known for my love of owls.
I was born and raised in Vermont, and live in Barre Town with my loving family; husband Daren and children Evan and Caitlin. We also share our home with our cats Mocha and Midnight.
When I am not at WRVS I can be found camping and floating on the White River, enjoying the beach, or spending quality time with my family and friends.
Jennifer King
My name is Jennifer King and I am the middle school academic interventionist. I have been a resident of Corinth for over 20 years and live here with my husband and 3 children. I have been teaching for just over 10 years and spent the first 9 years as an elementary school teacher. I have been working on obtaining my M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction and will graduate next fall. I love to travel to tropical locations. I love pirates and sea turtles but truly the ocean is where my heart lies.
What is Academic Intervention? In intervention, I provide educational interventions and progress monitoring for scholars who need support in reading, writing and math. I work with the other middle school teachers around developing strategies, skills, tools, techniques, and capacity to effectively teach all scholars. Here at Waits River Valley School, intervention is provided through the use of a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). This means that each scholar will get targeted support to ensure they are getting what they need to be successful and master the necessary skills. Continuous monitoring of student performance and progress is a regular part of intervention. A variety of methods are used to engage students in their learning. This includes the Common Core State Standards (CCSC). I fluently use all the grade level standards in order to ensure that I am able to target the skill that needs to be mastered. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning so they know how to apply what they are learning in different contexts and take responsibility for their progress and success.
Fifth Grade
Rachel Page
I grew up just across the Connecticut River in Haverhill, New Hampshire and love the North Country of NH and VT! I love coffee, sloths, and friends. My free time is often spent running, cycling, hiking, reading, taking road trips, or with friends and family. I still remember my first experience working with students, and I couldn't have imagined a better one. I observed thoughtful, inquisitive, and eager students during those mornings, and those observations inspired me to become an educator.
This will be my fourth year as a classroom teacher. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and English and am licensed to teach in both New Hampshire and Vermont. I am attending Castleton University for a Master of Arts degree as well. One of my core beliefs as an educator is that an equitable and developmentally-responsive classroom provides the best environment for our students to learn, grow, dream, and be successful. What does that mean? That students have what they need in order to learn with our community, our community is understanding of these needs, and our structure is based upon these principles.
Heather MacAskill
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