CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES FOR COMMUNITY & STAFF MEET-AND-GREET

Lamoille North and Cambridge Elementary are excited to introduce the principal candidates for Cambridge Elementary School (CES). Each candidate brings a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and a shared commitment to supporting students, staff, and families.

As part of the selection process, candidates will spend time at CES learning about our programs, touring the building, and connecting with members of the CES community.

We invite you to get to know them by reading their biographies below and, if you’re able, by attending our Community Meet-and-Greet on Tuesday, March 24, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. in Room 104.

Following the event, community members will have the opportunity to share feedback as part of the selection process. Your voice is an important piece of this work, and we hope you’ll join us.

If you cannot join us in person tomorrow, please use the link below to join us virtually to be a part of the conversation

Information on the candidates:

Kimberley McNamara

Kimberley McNamara has over a decade of school leadership experience, working with students from elementary through high school. Most recently, she was at the Baird School in Burlington. Her background includes extensive experience in special education and state-level programming.

Kim is dedicated to creating environments where students and staff feel supported, connected, and motivated to do their best. She believes that when the right conditions are in place, students can excel. For Kim, learning should be engaging, inspiring, and enjoyable, even as it challenges everyone involved.

Outside of school, Kim enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, running, and exploring Vermont’s outdoors. She looks forward to getting to know the Cambridge Elementary community and learning what makes the school unique.

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Kimberly Johnson-Lesny

Kimberly Johnson-Lesny is a relationship-driven educator who believes that strong connections and a sense of belonging are at the heart of every successful school. She brings 12 years of experience at Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District, where she has served as a special educator, an alternative classroom teacher, and a Special Services Coordinator. In her current role, she works closely with students, staff, and families in Jericho and Underhill to support all learners.

Kimberly is dedicated to literacy, social-emotional learning, and developing systems that help every student succeed. She believes that when students feel joy and a sense of belonging in the classroom, meaningful learning follows.

Kimberly lives in Essex with her husband and enjoys life as an empty nester, with two children in college. At home, she stays active with two dogs and a cat. In her free time, she enjoys walking, snowshoeing, gardening, and reading. She is eager to partner with the Cambridge Elementary community and support its strengths.

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Teri Sue Hitchcock

Teri Sue Hitchcock has 25 years in education and is committed to putting students first. Originally from Minnesota, she began as Principal of Sheldon Elementary School in 2023 and has long felt connected to Northern Vermont through family ties.

Throughout her career, Teri Sue has served as a classroom teacher, math teacher, Title I instructor, school board chair, and school leader. In every role, she focuses on creating environments where student well-being and success are shared goals.

Teri Sue believes that when a school community works together to support the whole child, students are better able to grow, learn, and thrive.

Outside of school, Teri Sue enjoys music, playing piano and bass guitar, knitting, fiber arts, and working with 3D printing. Whether reading, writing, or creating, she brings curiosity and creativity to all she does. She looks forward to connecting with and supporting the Cambridge Elementary community.