St. Francis Xavier School

Though born in New Jersey, my family moved to Vermont when I was very young.  I grew up in beautiful Underhill and I can’t think of a better place to be a kid!  I spent my childhood, biking down country roads, swimming in rivers, climbing trees, and wandering through the woods.  

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My parents are faithful Catholics and my faith came in waves throughout my childhood and teen years.  When it came time to choose a college, it made sense to go to a Catholic one where my faith could be fostered.  I chose Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio and majored in Elementary Education.  I graduated in 2006.  Upon graduating, I moved back to Vermont and worked as an assistant preschool teacher at King Street Youth Center in Burlington.  After two years there, I felt I was ready for my own classroom.  I wanted so badly to work in a Catholic school, and my prayers were answered with St. Francis!  

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I was hired in 2008 as a Kindergarten teacher.  I taught for 5 years and then decided to take a year off to have my second baby.  One year turned into three as my husband took a job in Northern Virginia.  We spent a year and a half there and realized Vermont was calling us home.  I knew I was ready to go back to teaching and I was lucky enough to get the 1st grade position back here at St. Francis.  As soon as I walked back in the doors, I knew I was home.  I taught 1st grade for 4 years and then had an epiphany about how I wanted to work with children.  I realized how desperately students are in need of social/emotional support and so I decided to leave the classroom and get my masters degree in school and clinical counseling.  I will start that next fall.  I am beyond happy to begin this journey at St. Francis; working with the students and faculty that I’ve been blessed to work with all along!  

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I currently live in Burlington with my  two children Benjamin (9) and Josie (7), and my Husband, Shane. Both kids attend St. Francis.  When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy hiking, biking, reading, traveling (when I can), and spending time with family and friends.