Specials Teachers

Hello! I'm Miss Simpson and I have been making art since before I can remember! I have always loved making things, experimenting with lots of different art materials, and creating artwork as gifts.

I studied bookmaking and printmaking and art education while in college. I also attended craft school for fiber arts where I wove fabric on a loom and screenprinted my own designs on fabric.

I love to provide opportunities for young artists to practice skill-building in the arts, explore a variety of materials in many studio areas, and allow time for ideation, prototyping, and personal expression.

I am an active member of the Vermont Art Educators Association, currently serving as the Treasurer-Elect (previously the Membership and Registration Chair).

While I continue learning new printmaking techniques and bookmaking, I also enjoy spending time with my ferociously loving and theatrical toddler, cuddling with my two dogs, watching Doctor Who, reading Russian fairy tales, singing, and dancing.

After teaching K-8 Music at the Lyme School in Lyme, NH for the past five years, I'm ready for a new adventure and I'm thrilled to be joining the WRVS team. I'm excited to help Waits River students and staff enjoy singing, dancing, concerts, musicals, talent shows and so many other things related to Music!

I live in Bradford with my wife, Emily and my stepdaughters, Kyra and River. I sing and play guitar in a band called The Fairlanes and we play at local venues like the The Colatina Exit in Bradford and Crossmolina Farm in Corinth. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, running, swimming, mini-golf and hanging out with friends. I love Vermont and can't imagine living anywhere else!

Music

Hello. My name is James Graham and I'm excited to be the Physical Education teacher at WRVS. I grew up in Boulder, Colorado and graduated from The University of Northern Colorado with a BA in Physical Education/Kinesiology with a minor in Biology. I was also a two sport varsity athlete while I was there; basketball and track.  

After undergraduate work, I moved to Dallas, TX where my education and athletic training career took off over the next 15 years. I have been very fortunate to have been able to successfully build programs and work with young people in a variety of settings;  large private schools, a large inner city school, a learning different specific school, an English as a second language school, and an island school. During this time I was able to obtain my Masters degree in clinical counseling from Dallas Baptist University. 

As a parallel career I was very fortunate to be able to gain a variety of personal and athletic training certifications (Cooper Aerobics Center Master Trainer, CSM AFAA) and build a successful and very diverse clientele group (youth, professional athletes, rehabilitation). At the age of 34, I was able to earn a spot on a professional basketball team. 

One of my passions is Lobstering. I was blessed and given a very rare opportunity by a seasoned Captain during my time teaching on the island of Islesboro.  He patiently taught me the art of lobster fishing. Three years of getting to teach and develop programs at the school as well as lobster fishing each season was magical.

I am also an avid animal lover, especially reptiles and fish! I have a passion for helping students, a passion for learning, and a passion for my beautiful family!
 

My name is Ann Shaw and I am the School Counselor here at WRVS! I was born and raised in upstate NY, but knew I’d be an official Vermonter someday! I obtained my Bachelor’s in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam and my Master’s in School Counseling from Sage Graduate School in Albany NY. I am an avid bookworm and video game nerd, but I also love spending time outside walking in the woods or kayaking in the summer. I’m getting married this school year to my partner of 4 years and although I’m waiting to change my name until the summer,  I will be Mrs. Schlott next year! 

In Guidance we talk about a multitude of things. In the lower grades we focus on learning about feelings, how to work through our big emotions, and how to be a good friend. As we move into 3-5 we talk more about conflict and how to solve our own problems. In Middle School we work on our Personalized Learning Plans, explore careers and continue our work on solving conflicts and having healthy relationships. I’m more than happy to answer any questions you have about our class! 

Ms. shaw's guidance PAGE

Hello! My name is Ms. Anna and I work in the library alongside my coworker, Ms. Kate. I have been an avid reader since an early age and even before I could read, I loved to look at picture books and make up the stories to go with them. Previous to working at WRVS, I worked as a public librarian and also in the human services field.

I have an Associate's degree in Psychology, and this year I am finishing up my Bachelor's degree in Individualized Studies in Humanities. From there I plan on obtaining my Master's degree in School Library Media at UVM. 

In my spare time I love to spend time with my family, be outside in nature, drink coffee, watch anime, and listen to music. My favorite hobby is, of course, reading! I am grateful to be here at WRVS, and I am so excited to share my passion for learning with the students each week.