Administrator Biographies
School Administrators
Jan Epstein, Principal - Belvidere Central School/Waterville Elementary School
I am honored to have served as principal of Waterville Elementary School since 2017. As a native Vermonter who grew up in a small, rural town, it is especially meaningful to me to be able to serve a similar school and community. There is a long line of educators in my family and I knew at a young age that I would become a teacher. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature with a minor in Secondary Education from Saint Michael’s College. Instead of becoming a high school English teacher, I pursued my other passion, music. However, after a few years, the educator in me said it was time to get in the classroom. I switched gears a bit and received a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in elementary education from Castleton University. I spent the next several years teaching primary grades in Addison and Chittenden counties. Although I loved working in the classroom, I often found myself in leadership roles which led to my decision to become a school administrator. I received that license through an internship-based program at the Upper Valley Educators Institute. When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my two children, extended family and friends. As time allows, I also enjoy cooking, reading and occasionally traveling to someplace new.
Mary Anderson, Principal - Cambridge Elementary School
I am extremely proud and fortunate to have served as Principal of the Cambridge Elementary School for the past 19 years. I began my career in education 24 years ago on the Canadian border at the Jay/Westfield Elementary School where I taught Kindergarten, Reading Recovery, and sixth grade (but not all at the same time). It was there that my colleagues encouraged me to pursue education leadership and the rest is history. I cannot think of a more rewarding career - one where you are given the opportunity to work alongside a passionate and devoted community who each and every day work tirelessly to prepare our students for the future and change people's lives for the better. In addition to my experience, my education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Johnson State College and a Master's Degree in Education from Trinity College of Vermont. I live in Lamoille County, also known as the heart of Vermont, with my husband, son, and two Tibetan Mastiffs, Sterling and Mansfield. I am a seventh generation Vermonter hailing from Addison County where my ancestors helped to settle the town of Weybridge. I come from a long line of educators and farmers. When I am not at school, I can be found working in my five acre garden and orchard. I also love to spend time with my family and friends, travel, cook, and enjoy the beauty of our great state.
Elizabeth Goodman, Principal - Eden Central School
My educational journey has taken me through group homes in Boston and Burlington, community service projects in Montgomery, Harlem, and Costa Rica, to the hills and forests of Vermont, and in schools on the Navajo Nation, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Now, I am honored to move into a leadership position at the school I love, Eden Central School! Along with the experiential education experiences, I have studied at Bucknell University, Johnson State College, and Saint Michael’s College. At each level, I learned the importance of discussion, collaboration, and colleagueship, along with the love of learning.
Currently, I live in Cambridge, Vermont, with my partner, daughter, and our chocolate lab. Our daughter is a proud graduate of Cambridge Elementary School and Lamoille Union High School and this fall will begin her junior year at Towson University in Maryland. We enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, swimming, and canoeing. Our backyard badminton court is the home to some friendly competition!
Twenty years ago when I applied to a teaching position in Eden, I discovered that Federico Garcia Lorca, one of my favorite authors, spent time at Lake Eden during the summer of 1929. His poems written in Eden are replete with images of beauty and feelings of revelation. The rugged beauty of Eden and the proud people in this community are incredible. I have experienced many epiphanies during the time teaching and learning in Eden and I hope to experience many more.
Diane Reilly, Principal - Hyde Park Elementary School
It is a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of the LNSU team and to serve the Hyde Park School and community. Originally from Pennsylvania, I moved to Vermont to attend college. After attending the University of Vermont, I completed my undergraduate program at Trinity College of Vermont with a degree in Elementary Education/Mathematics and Science. After starting my family, I attended the University of Vermont for a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Emotional/Behavioral Student Services and am currently pursuing a Doctorate degree from Grand Canyon University in Cognition and Instruction. Over the course of my career in education, I have enjoyed working with students as an Elementary Teacher, Specialist K-8 (Heath Educator and Family and Consumer Science), and it has been my greatest joy to be an Elementary Principal. My husband and I live in Georgia, Vermont, with our adult children and granddaughters nearby; for fun I like to cook, read, and spend time with family.
David Manning, Principal - Johnson Elementary School
I have been the principal at Johnson Elementary School since July 1, 2009. Previously, I served as the Assistant Principal and Guidance Director at Hazen Union School in Hardwick and as a high school guidance counselor at Peoples Academy in Morrisville. I have been working in public schools in the Lamoille Valley since 1996. I grew up in Connecticut and attended Trinity College in Hartford, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. After a winter as a ski instructor at Okemo Mountain (where I fell in love with Vermont!), I earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College in Massachusetts. While working at Hazen Union, I completed the necessary coursework at Lyndon State College to obtain the Vermont School Administrator Endorsement. I live with my three sons in Hyde Park, Vermont. You may contact me at 888-6728 or dmanning@lnsd.org.
Erik Remmers, Director - Green Mountain Technology & Career Center
This year marks my third as the director of GMTCC and member of the Lamoille North school community. GMTCC serves the greater LNSU, OSSU, and LSUU communities with high quality career and technical education for high school students and adults, and I could not be more proud of the educational experiences we offer our students. Previous to my role at GMTCC, I served as principal in both Enosburg Falls Middle and High Schools, in Enosburg Falls, Vermont. Prior to becoming a principal, I was a middle-level English teacher, and before that worked in adolescent mental health supporting teens with emotional and behavioral challenges. As a non-traditional learner whose path into the field of education was not a straight line, I am intensely aware of the importance of both relevance and personal passions in meaningful learning. That is why as an administrator my focus has been to provide students with authentic learning experiences that are relevant to their lives and interests. I can’t think of a better setting to provide authentic and relevant learning experiences for students than GMTCC, and as its director, I look forward to continued collaboration with the teachers, students, and the greater community to grow our school.
Bethann Pirie, Principal - Lamoille Union High School
It is an honor to serve the Lamoille North school community. Prior to transitioning into the Principal role, I was the Interim Principal and the Dean of Students at Lamoille Union High School. I hold a Master's Degree in Education and an Advanced Certificate with Administrative Endorsement. I also have eight years experience as a classroom teacher at Hyde Park Elementary School. During my time at Hyde Park, I served on the school’s leadership team, acted as the athletic coordinator, and helped establish and facilitate a community connections committee. Through my involvement working with our community, I have come to recognize the value of effective partnerships and the impact these relationships can have on teaching and learning. Words alone cannot depict the true passion that I have for engaging and building effective partnerships within our school community. I believe that, together, our practices are paramount to the future of each student we serve and I feel honored to contribute to Lamoille North’s programs and services.
Christopher Hennessey, Principal - Lamoille Union Middle School
I am very excited to enter my first year as the principal of Lamoille Union Middle School! I have had a highly rewarding career as both a teacher and school leader in central Vermont for over thirty years. Starting off as a high school social studies teacher and moving on to running alternative programs and schools early in my career, I have since had the opportunity to serve as a building leader and superintendent at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in both Montpelier and Barre since 2006. I believe that our schools need to be places where all children are allowed to grow and thrive as both learners and as people, and my hope is that these diverse experiences putting these beliefs into practice serve me and the students and families of the Lamoille North community well for years to come.
I live with my partner Shannon, also an educational leader, in a close knit neighborhood near downtown Montpelier, and my 22 year old twin daughters just graduated from college and are on their way to great things! To stay healthy, I am an avid reader and athlete who, when time allows, participates in various community theater productions in the region. A well balanced life is important to me, and I hope to model this to all of my students and colleagues in the years ahead.
Ashley Creighton, Assistant Principal - Lamoille Union High School
My name is Ashley Creighton and I am the Assistant Principal at LUHS. I grew up in Bolton and left Vermont for college, but came back in my mid-20s. I have a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on trauma and resilience in education. I am a second-year doctoral student getting my Education Doctorate in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership. One of my biggest interests is working to get every student what they need to be successful and happy. I live in Johnson with my two kids, our two dogs and a rescue tortoise.
Krystal Granzow, Assistant Principal - Lamoille Union Middle School
As the Assistant Principal, I bring 13 years of experience in education to Lamoille Union Middle School. I began my teaching career as an English teacher in middle and high school settings. I served as Operations Administrator for middle and high school summer school. From there, I worked as a Reading and Secondary Literacy Specialist with the central office's curriculum department. Originally from Dallas, Texas, where most of my family still resides, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Arlington Baptist University. I currently reside in Vermont with my husband, James, and our two children, Kyle Mack & Madelyn, who you can read all about in my children's book I authored titled "Maddy Lou and Mack at the State Fair of Texas." I look forward to supporting LUMS students and faculty while building positive relationships with all of the district's educational stakeholders.
Central Office Administrators
Catherine Gallagher, M.Ed. , Superintendent
I consider myself most fortunate to serve Lamoille North as Superintendent of Schools. The road to this position has been a journey that began well before my family moved from California to Vermont when my children were very young. I am a fourth generation San Franciscan and the first of my siblings to leave California. I received my B.A. in physiology and psychology from the University of California, Berkeley and after graduation worked in the fields of advertising and law for the next several years. Shortly thereafter, I was accepted into Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, where I received my M.Ed, with a concentration in Administration, Planning and Social Policy. I returned to California and accepted a position as Director of Human Resources for a consulting firm, specializing in conflict resolution and spent eight years working in that capacity. I left my position to start our family and moved to Vermont when my children were toddlers. In addition to raising my children, I pursued coursework that I needed to serve as teacher and administrator. My first position in education was as a paraeducator at an elementary school until I accepted an offer in 2008 to serve as a special educator at Johnson Elementary School. This began my tenure with Lamoille North. While at Johnson Elementary School, I moved into the role of Education Support Services Coordinator, which included a brief period where I served as Interim Principal, until such time that I assumed in 2012, the role of Director of Student Support Services for the Supervisory Union. In 2016, I was appointed Superintendent for our Supervisory Union. I am thrilled to be part of a dynamic system that consists of exemplary teachers, administrators, community members and most importantly, students and families.
Deborah Clark, Business Manager
Though I cannot be considered a “native” Vermonter, as I was accidently born in Florida, I grew up in Charlotte, VT, where my grandparents once farmed. After a few years of traveling and exploring life, I went back to school and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Champlain College. I have been part of captive insurance administration, mental health administration and higher education administration. In 2016, I made the move to public education administration and happily embraced the role of Business Manager at Lamoille North Supervisory Union. I live in Glover where I enjoy spending time with family, working with my mother in our gardens and helping my husband with his 60 head of Angus cattle.
Jennifer Hulse, Director of Student Support Services
I have been fortunate to serve the Lamoille North Supervisory Union in a variety of capacities since 2007. I came on board, initially, in 2007 as the Special Education Coordinator for the Lamoille Union Middle and High School and remained in that role until 2014. I returned for the 2015-16 school year in the role of Assistant Principal for the Lamoille Union Middle School. Currently, as the Director of Student Support Services for the LNSU, I oversee special education budget development, hiring, professional development of special educators, assist in the evaluation and supervision of special educators, provide technical support to our building principals and staff, and, most importantly, work with families to help navigate the special education process. Additionally, I oversee our Migrant and Homeless students and English Language Learners. I received a Bachelor Degree from Johnson State College in Biology and a Masters Degree in Special Education from the University of Vermont. I hold Endorsements from the Vermont AOE as a Consulting Teacher, Principal, Special Education Director and Superintendent. In my free time, I enjoy skiing, cycling, and hiking.
Kimberly Hunt, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Kimberly brings a wealth of experience in instructional quality improvement, team building, and leadership. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving learner outcomes through a broad-based equity approach in her roles as an instructional leader and interventionist at Hunt Middle School in Burlington and as Coordinator for Equity and Inclusion for the Addison Northwest School District. Kimberly’s achievements include leading the enhancement of the Multi-tiered System of Supports at Hunt Middle School, increasing accessibility to advanced math programs for underrepresented students, and establishing a district-wide Family-School Partnerships initiative. She has also contributed significantly to professional development in diversity, equity, and inclusion, coaching leaders at Harvard Graduate School of Education, and designing impactful training programs at Addison Northwest.
Kimberly loves to ski, bike, and hike in the Green Mountains with her husband and two daughters.
Paula Beattie, Human Resources Coordinator
Thirty years ago, I started my career in a Human Resources support role, processing payroll, managing benefits and the hiring process for a small locally owned Vermont business. Since, I have held administrative and management positions in both Finance and Human Resources. Working for Profit Companies, Non-Profit Organizations and in Local Government has provided me the opportunity to work with hundreds of employees, exposed me to best practices, various software systems, and numerous policies and procedures. Three years ago, I shifted my focus to Human Resources. I no longer wanted to hold split positions between Finance and Human Resources. I am pleased with my decision. I am passionate about helping others, about supporting a positive and nurturing work environment, and providing employees the opportunity for professional growth and development. I believe everyone deserves to feel a sense of belonging when they come to work. I start each day with a gratitude list which always includes my family, my home and my work. I am grateful for each day I am given.
Carrie Bullard, Director of Early Childhood Education
It is with pure excitement and pride that I begin my journey as the Director of Early Education here at Lamoille North. I am honored to work and learn from the amazing leaders of Lamoille North. I have worked in Lamoille County for 26 years with our youngest learners and their families. I have served Lamoille North as both an early childhood special educator (seven years) and teacher in Eden, since 2014. Before that I was a home visitor and taught in collaborative classrooms for the Head Start Program. I earned a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology from Johnson State College and I completed my initial teaching license from the University of Vermont. In 2021 I finished my Master’s of Education at Northern Vermont University-Lyndon with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. Now, I am continuing my education at St. Michael’s College and hope to complete my Certificate of Advanced Graduate studies (CAGS) within the next few years. It is important to me to help welcome all families of young children into our district. Co-creating meaningful learning communities are essential so children can thrive and flourish, have positive outcomes and prepare for a purposeful and productive life. When parents, schools and community agencies partner together, everyone benefits. I value this collaborative process and believe that it helps ensure that all children and adults are cared for and have the highest level of learning. I live in Eden with my husband, three children and chocolate lab. Our family co-operates and maintains a maple sugar operation. I love to spend time in the forest, swim, kayak, and create jewelry out of repurposed beads.
Cole Hayes, Information Technology Operations Director
I’m a Vermont native thrilled to embark on a new career journey as the Information Technology Operations Director with the Lamoille North Supervisory Union. Residing in the picturesque town of Colchester, VT, I share a home with my beloved wife, two energetic boys, and our two loyal canine companions. With a deep-rooted passion for technology and education, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with a team of talented individuals to enhance the educational experience for students across the district.
Michelle Ksepka, Educational Data Manager
I grew up in Wallingford, Connecticut, and followed my family to Vermont in my early 20’s. I have lived in Calais for 33 years, where I raised my family. My work experience includes working in schools in various capacities since 1995 from the baker in food service to the district operations manager. Working with data has been a part of my job for many years, and I have always enjoyed working and manipulating it. Data is a puzzle that once it is solved tells a story. I am excited to serve as the Educational Data Manager of the Lamoille North SU and share my knowledge and skills.
Kelly Shortsleeve, Director of Nutritional Services
As the Director of School Nutrition for Lamoille North, I bring over 18 years of culinary experience to the district. I knew from an early age that nutrition and fresh food was important to me when I would host my own little cooking classes for my family at home. I have over five years of restaurant management experience as well as over ten years of school nutrition background in Vermont. I attended Center for Technology, Essex in their Culinary Arts program and also was a Kitchen Manager Correctional Officer at NorthWest State Correctional Facility for two years. I also have my Associates Degree in Administrative Management that I received in 2022. I ran multiple Jr. Iron Chef Programs at Cambridge Elementary School for 2 years and hope to bring more of these programs to our community. I currently live in Jeffersonville with my husband and our 2 children. Some of my personal interests are cooking, camping, kayaking, sewing and of course anything with my family. I am very happy to be a part of the Lamoille North community and look forward to bringing my joy of food service to everyone!
Jeremy Scannell, Student Support Coordinator
I began my rewarding career at Lamoille North Supervisory Union as a special educator in 2004 at the high school. In June of 2016, I transitioned into the Student Support Coordinator position for both the middle and high schools. In this position for both campuses, I consult with my director regarding the special education budget, hiring; assist in professional development and supervision of the special educators, support staff, Youth Employment Specialist; work with building principals and other administrators in their support of students and, most fundamentally, I work with students and families to support and guide them through the special education process. I am one class away from completing my Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) program with a concentration in School Leadership at St. Michael's College. Prior to that, I received a Masters in Science in Special Education in May 2004 from Portland State University and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Film from the University of Pittsburgh in May of 1996. I currently hold the following license endorsements: Social Studies, grades 7-12; Special Educator, grades 7-12; and Director of Special Education, ages 3-21.
Dylan LaFlam, Facilities Director
What can I say, time flies when you are having fun. In 2006, I made the move from the private sector to the public sector. I wanted to expand my resume and school construction was of interest to me. I was hired as the Director of Buildings and Grounds for the Craftsbury Town School District. They had just failed a bond to renovate the high school building and were looking for someone with a strong construction background to help move forward a much-needed project. They took a leap of faith and hired me; seven years later, we had renovated the high school and built a new gymnasium. I fell in love with the many facets of being a facilities director and never looked back. In my decade and a half of working for school districts and their communities, I have learned a lot about the importance of schools as not only a place of education but as a community center, emergency shelter and as a place that brings people together. I hold certifications as a building operator, asbestos management planner, asbestos site inspector, lead renovator and more. I have had the honor of working on many large community-supported capital projects ranging from $2.2-$9.8 million dollars. It has been my pleasure to serve the Lamoille North Community for the past six years and I look forward to many more. My personal interests include mountain biking, canoeing, hunting, snowboarding and most importantly, spending time with my family. I was born in Vermont and grew up in Walden; I moved out of state a couple of times and out of the country once but always knew I would end up back in the Green Mountains.
Robin Genetti, 21C Program Director
As most of you can tell by the accent, that I cannot always hide, I did not grow up in Vermont. I grew up in Abington, Massachusetts. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in both Business Administration and Management Information Systems from Eastern Nazarene College. Prior to moving to Vermont, my work experience was diverse and varied from accounting, business administration, facilities and energy management. My journey with LNSU began in 2005 as the administrative assistant to the Principal at JES. From there I spent 10 years as the administrative assistant to the Student Support Coordinator at LUMS and LUHS. Moving on in 2014, I became the benefits coordinator at Central Office and have had the pleasure of working with all of the staff in the district. It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I continue my journey with the SU as the Director of the 21C Program. I look forward to supporting our students, our schools and our community in a new way. In my leisure time, you will probably find me outdoors. I enjoy camping, kayaking, bird watching, volunteering, quilting and ministering in a church setting.
Michele Aumand, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
I was born and raised in Southern California and spent the first 26 years of my life on the west coast. I attended Saddleback Community College where I received an Associate's degree in Liberal Arts. I then studied at California State University, Fullerton, where I received a Bachelor's degree in Child Development. We moved east in 1989 and have lived in New Hampshire and Vermont for the past 34 years. I spent 20 years working as an educational sales consultant for Staff Development for Educators, a company based out of Peterborough, NH, that provided professional development for educators, PreK-12. In 2015, I had the very good fortune of being hired by LNSU as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. It has been such a rewarding experience for me to work with such a hardworking and dedicated group of professionals who have one goal in mind...how to best serve our students! I currently live in Stowe, VT, with my husband. I have two amazing children and three beautiful grandchildren! I enjoy working out, running, biking, hiking, kayaking, and most of all, spending time with family!