Williston School District Early Education Program Teachers
I have been a teacher in the field of early childhood education for over 20 years. My passion in working with children centers around creating engaging environments and building curriculum that is project based and hands on. My teaching practice is grounded in providing children opportunities to "make things", often with re-purposed materials and items from the natural world . As I made the transition 9 years ago to working as an early childhood special educator, I have carried many of my core values of teaching with me. I believe in the capacity of children to direct their own learning. I see myself as a facilitator in the classroom, observing the play and work of the children, and then using these observations to inform my decision making about program design. I love the challenge of bringing a diverse group of children together to build a cohesive, supportive learning community. I hold degrees from the University of Vermont and Johnson State College. I have had the unique opportunity to participate in study tours of the early childhood schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. This culturally and aesthetically rich experience has had a lasting influence on my work with children and families.
Patricia Casey, MA, M.Ed.
Early Childhood Special Educator
pcasey@cvsdvt.org
802-871-6228
CLICK HERE FOR PATRICIA CASEY'S CLASS LINK
Patricia Casey, MA, M.Ed.
Early Childhood Special Educator
pcasey@cvsdvt.org
802-871-6228
CLICK HERE FOR PATRICIA CASEY'S CLASS LINK
I am proud to be both a parent and a teacher in the Williston School District. I feel fortunate to be teaching in a district that recognizes and values the importance of early education for the youngest members of our community. My certifications include early childhood special education as well as speech language pathology. I have been working in Williston since 2004.
Jodi Russell, M.Ed.
Early Childhood Special Educator
jrussell@cvsdvt.org
802-871-6236
Jodi Russell, M.Ed.
Early Childhood Special Educator
jrussell@cvsdvt.org
802-871-6236
I have enjoyed working as a speech language pathologist in the Williston School District for the past 20 years. My role has shifted over the years from special education case manager for 1-4 grades to my current role as a speech pathologist in our Essential Early Education program. Working with preschool aged children and their families is my passion. These are the years of tremendous growth in speech and language development. I love young children's inquisitive minds, zest for life and joy in play. It is a privilege to spend time with your children and help nurture their growth as they become ready learners for Kindergarten. I received my undergraduate degree in Communication Science from Penn State and my masters degree in Communication Science from UVM. My husband and I have two grown children who live on the west coast. I enjoy kayaking, traveling, ballroom dancing, football (Steelers and Penn State), hiking, good books and movies, painting, and spending time with family and friends.
Candy Wakefield, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
cwakefield@cvsdvt.org
802-871-6237
Candy Wakefield, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
cwakefield@cvsdvt.org
802-871-6237
I have been a speech-language pathologist working with children in both preschool and elementary school since receiving my Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University. Working as SLP in the EE program here at Allen Brook, I have the privilege of supporting the growth and development of young children in their home, school, and community. I strive to build positive communication opportunities within a language rich environment. I am honored to work with your children, building their confidence and competence in preparing them for a bright future! My husband and I live in Shelburne with our two young daughters and our dog, Cooper. I enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, swimming, and reading on a cold winter night… I think I chose the right place to set some roots!
Lindsay Hastings, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
lhastings@cvsdvt.org
802-871-6229
Lindsay Hastings, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
lhastings@cvsdvt.org
802-871-6229
I have been working in the Williston School District since 2002. My path to becoming the Early Education Outreach Coordinator has been an adventurous and fulfilling one; I am thrilled to call the world of early education my professional "home". My outreach work consists of ensuring that all children in our community have the opportunity to access high-quality early education. I work in partnership with families, School-Based Programs, and Early Learning Partner Programs, in order to welcome our youngest learners into their first school experience. I consult and collaborate with professionals, both in and out, of the school, including: English Language Teachers, Speech Language Pathologists, Special Educators, Howard Center Services, math and literacy coordinators, preschool teachers, school administrators and program directors. I live in Williston with my family and have nostalgically witnessed the inevitable...watching my three little boys boldly grow up and turn into young men.
Victoria Francis, BA
Early Education Outreach Educator
vfrancis@cvsdvt.org
802-971-6240
I am an Early Childhood Outreach Special Educator and I have been working in CVSD since 2005. Initially, I worked with children ages Birth-3 who were in need of specialized instruction. Currently, I sit with a team of professionals, in collaboration with Children's Integrated Services (CIS), to support children and families as they transition from services with CIS to services with the school district. I also support all of the early education school based programs in CVSD, with locating, screening, evaluating and serving young children. Additionally, I consult and collaborate with programs in our community who provide programming for children who reside within CVSD. I live in Burlington with my husband, two young sons and our family dog.
Kristin Eisensmith, M. Ed.
Early Childhood Education Outreach Special Educator
keisensmith@cvsdvt.org
802-985-1904
Kristin Eisensmith, M. Ed.
Early Childhood Education Outreach Special Educator
keisensmith@cvsdvt.org
802-985-1904
l am very excited to be a part of the Champlain Valley School District as the Director of Early Education. I have license
endorsements in early childhood, early childhood special education and general education through grade 6. I began working for
CVSD in 2013. My prior experience includes Milton Town Schools and the YMCA early childhood programs. My philosophy for early childhood education includes curriculum that is hands on, developmentally appropriate and inclusive of all children. I live in Hinesburg with my husband and we have three adult children, all of them graduates of CVU. I feel honored to be part of such a high quality school system. Please feel free to contact me at anytime with questions about early childhood options in CVSD.
Shelley Henson, M. Ed.
Director of Early Education
shenson@cvsdvt.org
802-985-1936
endorsements in early childhood, early childhood special education and general education through grade 6. I began working for
CVSD in 2013. My prior experience includes Milton Town Schools and the YMCA early childhood programs. My philosophy for early childhood education includes curriculum that is hands on, developmentally appropriate and inclusive of all children. I live in Hinesburg with my husband and we have three adult children, all of them graduates of CVU. I feel honored to be part of such a high quality school system. Please feel free to contact me at anytime with questions about early childhood options in CVSD.
Shelley Henson, M. Ed.
Director of Early Education
shenson@cvsdvt.org
802-985-1936
