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 love being a part of the WRVS family. I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and previously lived in South Carolina for 20 years before moving to Vermont.
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 24th year in education. I have worn a few 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
Abigail Adams

My name is Abigail Adams and I am so excited to be a part of the WRVS team. I have spent time in the school for the past two years getting to know the teachers and support staff and could not be happier with the opportunity to become a WRVS teacher. This will be my first year teaching but I know that I will have an amazing support system.
I moved to Vermont 4 years ago from Alabama, and I married my husband who is originally from Alaska. We have two beautiful children, Persephone and Callisto, who love to take care of chickens. I am not much of an outdoors person, being from a hot and humid state, but I love conducting science experiments and listening to music.
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 for my 2nd year at WRVS! I grew up and live in Barre with my husband, two children and dog. I have been working with elementary children for over 10 years and this is my 5th 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
Hi my name is Kimberly McCarthy and I am one of the third grade teachers here at WRVS. I am originally from Long Island New York but I fell in love with Vermont after spending four years at Castleton University. I recently graduated with a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies and hope to pursue my masters in Special Education soon. Outside of school I love to be active. You can typically find me at the gym, going on walks or watching sports. I also love to cook and bake and experiment with new recipes. I am super excited to be teaching full time and can't wait to see what this year holds.
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 second year teaching at Waits River Valley School. Previously, I 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

My name is McKenzie Dennis, and I’m excited to be entering my fifth year at WRVS and my second year teaching fourth grade. I’m a proud Plymouth State University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
I grew up in Haverhill, New Hampshire and am now living nearby with my partner Cody and our son, Kason. Our home is filled with three fur babies, Maverick, Remi, and Theo. Outside of the classroom, you may find me spending quality time with friends and family, traveling, or at the local race track.
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. 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.