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@jesvt.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 Interim Principal role, I was 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.

Denise Maurice, Principal - Lamoille Union Middle School

Student engagement and the use of data to determine successful practices have been important parts of my educational beliefs and practices.  While earning my BS in Mathematics at the University of New Hampshire, I had a special interest in how to use manipulatives at the secondary level and used my knowledge to bring greater conceptual understanding to algebra and geometry. As a high school math teacher in both New Hampshire and Vermont, humor, problem solving, mutual respect and a relationship founded in the true belief that everyone can learn mathematics motivated my students to be engaged.  After marrying and moving to Barre, Vermont in 1997, I encouraged the adoption of an integrated math program at Northfield High School to help engage students with an applied mathematical focus.  While at Northfield, I taught middle school mathematics through AP Calculus.  When I returned to school to earn my Masters of Education from Union Institute and University, I began to focus more closely on teacher professional development and the use of data on a school and district level.  This interest took me to the Vermont Department of Education as the NECAP mathematics coordinator.  But, I found that I missed working with students, parents and teachers and returned to public education as the elementary school administrator in Roxbury VT and curriculum coordinator for WSSU.  Being an elementary administrator was an exciting transition and I enjoyed working with kids, families and educators to expand opportunities for students.  Northfield Elementary was my next stop where I worked with a much larger staff to organize school improvement efforts.  From NES, I took a different path and worked in my home town as a private school administrator to experience the PreK-8 environment and found that I truly enjoyed working with middle school students which then led me to Lamoille Union Middle School where I first served as Assistant Principal and now Principal. I am proud to be part of this school community as we expand our restorative practices, proficiency-based learning, student voice opportunities and data-based decision making. I am proud to be a Lancer promoting our Lancer Pride Expectations of Achieving Academically, Initiating Action and Promoting a Positive Attitude.

Bethany Turnbaugh, Assistant Principal - Lamoille Union High School

I am honored to be continuing my work this year at Lamoille Union High School as the Interim Dean of Students. I received my BA from Framingham State University in Psychology with a minor in education and later, my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Vermont University at Johnson. My work is grounded in Trauma Informed Restorative Practices and influenced by Non-violent Communication. I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of ages and abilities from birth all the way through age 70. I have served as a ski instructor, paraprofessional, Lead Interventionist as well as Program Coordinator at Greater Waltham ARC, serving adults with developmental disabilities in a recreational therapy day program, and most recently, School Based Clinician and Student Assistance Coordinator at LUHS. My work at Lamoille has predominantly been in a therapeutic setting. Originally the School Based Clinician in 2020, I accepted the new position of Student Assistance Coordinator where I worked closely with community partners and Reclaiming Futures; a national public health organization out of Portland State University in Oregon, and launched the pilot project, Check Yourself. I look forward to continuing this work and bringing my skills and knowledge of trauma, restorative practices and emotional well-being to the role of Dean. I live in the Mad River Valley with my two children, where, I have served as the Chair of the School Board at a small private Reggio School that both of my children attended. I stay active in my community through service and coaching soccer.  We love to ski, hike, kayak and play outside. I have a deep appreciation for the natural world and bring this love to the work that I do, the way that I parent and the way that I find joy. 

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.

Valerie Sullivan, Director of Curriculum & Instruction

It is a pleasure to join the LNSU team and serve this community's students, families, and teachers. My core values are service, equity, and potential. Being an educator allows me to live my values daily by building inclusive, learner-centered cultures where each student and teacher is supported and can thrive. Before joining LNSU, I served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Lamoille South Unified Union for 14 years. I was a leader in the design of the mentoring and instructional coaching programs at LSUU and served as district mentor coordinator and a K-12 science coach. My classroom experience includes a decade teaching biology, anatomy and physiology, and AP biology and achieving National Board Certification in science for adolescent and young adult learners. I earned my Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from UVM in 2012. I also have a Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor's of Science in Biology. I believe in the power of public education to provide opportunities, challenge and disrupt inequities, and nurture future leaders. I am committed to building the relationships and learning culture necessary to provide relevant and equitable opportunities for all. I live in Johnson, VT, on a family homestead that provides most of our food needs with my husband and three children. 

Maria Davies, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator

I use she/her/hers pronouns. I am the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Coordinator at Lamoille North Supervisory Union. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Law from the City College of New York. Currently, enrolled at the University of Vermont pursuing a Masters of Education in Leadership and Policy. Raised in New York City but Central American born. I am fluent in Spanish. Part of my role at this District includes preparing and building relationships among colleagues (leadership and staff), and with youth through diversity, equity, and inclusion education and training. I believe in listening to understand and connecting before correcting or redirecting individuals.  I believe in uplifting all voices, I believe that we have so much to learn from each other because we are all so different. My favorite word right now that describes what I believe in is, Ubuntu, which means, I am because you are, We are because I am. This is a South Ngunu phrase, which describes the essence of being human. I have been happily married for 22 years and we have two wonderful teens. We moved from England to Stowe, Vermont, late December 2008. 

Ashley Creighton, MTSS Coordinator

My name is Ashley Creighton and I am the MTSS Coordinator for LNSU. 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.

Melinda Mascolino, Director of Early Childhood Education

I am very excited to be transitioning from five years as the Eden Central School principal into my new role as the Director of Early Childhood Education. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton, began my Master's of Education at The Ohio State University and completed it at the University of Vermont. I have been in education for 36 years, 29 of them primarily as a consulting teacher in Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Kentucky and for the last 25 years in Vermont. In 2014, after earning my Principal's license, I became the Assistant Principal at Newport City School and was given the opportunity to create two brand new preschool classrooms, including establishing all of the licensure requirements. I believe it is critical to have strong, effective family and community partnerships for our youngest learners so that they are set for success throughout their school years. I hold endorsements from the Vermont Agency of Education as a Consulting Teacher, Principal and Special Education Director. I love spending time with my three children, husband and menagerie of animals. I enjoy traveling, baking and restoring our 150-year-old home.

Karyl Kent, Director of Nutritional Services

Building on a foundation of 30+ years in commercial foodservice, primarily restaurant and catering work, I found my calling for child nutrition in 2008 when I became Food Service Manager/Head Chef for Richmond Elementary School. My passion for supporting local food producers and teaching children about where their food comes from was the force for building a model Farm to School program. In 2012, I was honored to be chosen by the VT School Nutrition Association to be the Vermont nominee for the National Louise Sublette Award of Excellence in School Nutrition. After eight years at Richmond, I became Production Supervisor for South Burlington School District, overseeing all recipe and menu development and production of meals for five schools. I have a certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Woodbury College which serves me well in my work and my life. I have served as President Elect and President of the Vermont School Nutrition Association from 2019-2021. I am a sixth generation Vermonter, I live in Huntington, VT, with my husband. We have two daughters, a son, a son-in-law and two incredible granddaughters! Together we all enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, cooking together and traveling, among other activities. I am so happy to be working with Lamoille North and to be part of a community that values local farms and feeding kids well. 

Brian Pena, IT Systems Manager

I grew up in San Antonio, TX, and left when I joined the United States Navy in 2001. I served 10 years on active duty and three more years in the U.S. Navy Reserve. I have an AA in Computer Systems Management, a BA in Information Systems Management, and an MA in Organizational Management with a focus on Organizational Leadership. I began working in the education industry in 2015 upon my arrival to Vermont. I am excited and honored to offer my services for LNSU. See you in the hallways!

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 33 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!