It takes a special person to work in special education. Our dedicated team of educators is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of our students. With their unwavering commitment, expertise, and compassionate approach, they create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every student thrives. Meet the extraordinary individuals who bring their heart and soul to special education at LiHigh School.
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28 Depot Street,
Poultney, VT 05764
+1 (802) 855-3929
LiHigh School welcomes all people and does not discriminate because of the age, race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity of any person.
Ashley studied Physical Education with a minor in Health and Psychology at Plymouth State College. Although her initial experiences in teaching led her away from the profession, her interest was reignited after observing reading and other activities at her children's day care.
Ashley's love of teaching was rekindled after attending classes for child care educators, which led her to help teach karate classes in Rutland. She went on to develop adaptive martial arts classes that allowed students with varying abilities to participate. Outside of school, Ashley enjoys reading, hiking, riding motorcycles with her husband, and spending time with her family and pets.
Annie is an educator, artist, and community organizer who returns to The LiHigh School after two years of exploring social work as a Family Service Worker and Family Specialist supporting youth in the foster care systems of Vermont and New York. She has a background in social justice, puppetry, art and education.
Annie came to Poultney in 2014 from Philadelphia. She is a dedicated lifelong learner, and in her spare time, she can be found at the Poultney River collecting rocks, in the flowers of her mini buisness, or pouring hot metal castings at Salem Art Works.
Now living in Poultney, Brandon has resided in Rutland County for the past ten years. A proud alum of the LiHigh School class of 2020, Brandon is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at SUNY Adirondack.
After first lending his assistance with us in the Culinary Program, Brandon has expanded his role to share his passions for music and outdoor education with our students. He has also become a leading program guide in our ELA and Math Foundations labs.
When he’s not helping our students become the best versions of themselves, he’s traveling with his friends to music festivals throughout the region.
Danny graduated from Green Mountain College in 2016 with a B.A in Renewable Energy and Ecological Design. With the hands on design experience and love for woodworking he acquired at GMC, Danny worked as a carpenter for a local family-run construction company. He went on to hone his finer woodworking skills at Bob Gasperetti Furniture Makers.
While working at GMC as the shop manager during their final two semesters, Danny saw that the resources from the old REED shop could be purchased and used to benefit the community of Poultney and anybody who has the passion and interest to learn and share skills. Thus the REclaimED Makerspace was born!
Iana was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, but grew up in Florida before moving to Pittsburgh. There, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from Carnegie Mellon University. Specializing in Scenic Design, she cultivated a love for costumes and craft. Although Iana is deeply interested in using theater as a tool for conflict resolution, community building, and telling spooky stories, her first passion in life is drawing—a foundation that has remained central to her numerous creative pursuits.
After college, Iana relocated to Vermont and settled in Poultney with her partner. She enjoys spending time outdoors, is adept on a slackline, and aspires to learn how to roller-skate. Iana is thrilled to join the team at LiHigh this year!
Jen studied Elementary Education with a concentration in Children’s Literature and an endorsement in Special Education at Castleton University. Her interest in education grew from her experiences running a summer-school program and an after-school program in her hometown of Chatham, NY. She has since worked in various public schools, working with students with various needs and abilities.
Outside of school, Jen enjoys spending her time gardening, reading books, living off the land, baking, hanging with her goats and indoor pets (cats and a dog), biking, and generally being active.
We’re proud to tell you that Josh, after growing up in Queensbury, NY, graduated from LiHigh School in 2020. During his time as a student, Josh became a leader in our Culinary Program and discovered a deep passion for cooking. After graduating, he worked in several food-service environments, but in 2022, he re-joined the LiHigh family as a Culinary Guide in our Sustainable Food Systems Program!
If he’s outside of the kitchen, Josh is usually on the ski slopes, in the woods, or attending live music events. He is thrilled to be back and share his passion with the generations following in his footsteps.
Originally from the north shore of Boston, Kyle moved to Poultney in 2003 to attend Green Mountain College, where he helped create their Progressive Program. After receiving his B.A. in Theories of Writing, he pursued an M.F.A. in Creative Writing at Goddard College. He later taught at GMC while also remotely managing projects for an ad agency. In 2011, he joined the LiHigh School, overseeing our LTI program (which brought our unique model to non-therapeutic students) and managing marketing and operations.
When he’s not typing words on a keyboard, Kyle enjoys skiing with his kiddo, reading with his wife, and attending to his dog’s wishes.
Hailing from Central Vermont, Lucas embarked on an academic journey that took him from the campus of Green Mountain College to Prescott College in Arizona. However, the allure of Vermont drew him back, leading him to complete his history degree at Castleton University. Lucas's previous experience working with students in his hometown has equipped him with a unique perspective and approach to education. He's eager to integrate his vast knowledge, diverse passions, and innate curiosity into the LiHigh community.
Outside the classroom, Lucas relishes the opportunity to acquire new skills, whether it's mastering the intricacies of woodworking or delving into the mechanics of motorcycles.
Upon graduating from Fordham University/Alvin Ailey School with a B.F.A. in Dance, Maya taught various forms of dance and performance art in New York City, New Jersey, and Vermont. She has instructed a diverse range of learners from neurodivergent communities in both studio and arts-center settings, and on primary school and collegiate levels. In 2022, she received her M.F.A. from Goddard College, where she delved into her Japanese heritage through Judo, Butoh, cooking, and collaboration with other Asian artists.
During her free time, Maya enjoys cooking for her family, reading, and relaxing with her husband on the back porch.
Michaela began working with kids shortly after graduating from high school, taking a job in a daycare, which made her realize that she had a passion for working with youth. She later took an opportunity to work in the foster care system, which helped Michaela broaden her perspective. She is very excited to be at LiHigh, where she has the chance to learn, grow, and further her knowledge.
In her free time, Michaela enjoys trying new things, being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and any activity that involves animals (other than spiders, of course).
Nina Dubois is an artist and mother living in Middletown Springs, Vermont. She earned her BA in Art Education from Goddard College and went on to teach for 8 years with us at the LiHigh School.
In 2022, she founded Athrú Healing Arts Initiative with the intention of merging her passion for people, art and social justice.
She now works with our students once a week to provide individualized art making sessions and group workshops that support our students in mind, body and spirit.
Ryan has worked as a musician, recording engineer/producer, music educator, and piano tuner for over 20 years. With 16 years of experience at LiHigh, he has taught various music classes in ways that help with our students’ abilites to express themselves. Having seen and felt how powerful music can be, it has been his goal as a teacher to give students this incredibly outlet. Teaching how to play music while creating is not only fun, it is therapeutic.
When not at LiHigh, Ryan is making a racket whenever he can.
Oshen joins us with her Bachelor’s degree in Coaching & Kinesiology from SUNY Cortland. Before coming to LiHigh, she worked as an elementary para-educator, 1:1 instructor, and English teacher in Rutland City. She also has experience coaching basketball in Poultney and Rutland and coaching cheerleading for the Vipers Youth cheer squad.
When she’s not helping kids, Oshen gets down and dirty playing rugby for the Rutland Ravens.
Stephanie recently moved to Vermont after residing in upstate New York. Before coming to LiHigh School, she worked as a mental health technician at Glens Falls Hospital. She is currently working towards her associate's degree in Psychology at SUNY Adirondack.
In her free time, Stephanie can be found hiking, drawing, or jamming out to music.
She looks forward to building connections with the LiHigh community and is excited to share her experiences with our students.
Stuart first came to LiHigh School in 2013 as a part-time math teacher but quickly demonstrated skills beyond teaching math and soon became a full-time Programs Manager, and now serves as our Academic Director. With a background in music engineering, degrees in Historical Anthropology and Historical Education, 20+ years of experience as a teacher and professional coach for Math & Science teachers, a Master’s degree in Education, and his certification as a Special Educator, Stuart helps all of our teachers improve their practice.
When he’s not at school, he’s improving his sustainable farmstead with his partner, making cheese, butter, jams, yogurt, soap, and a variety of other necessities.
We will add this teacher’s biography soon!
