Our Team

Welcome to Our Website!


For 40 years, The Riverside School has been committed to the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of our children and young learners. We foster a love of learning, the freedom to be creative and intentional individuals, and the importance of a community in the development of the whole child.


We are a PreK - 8 school committed to small class sizes that will allow us to engage all learners and to interact with a variety of styles and interests.


Whether you are visiting our website as a prospective parent or teacher, an alumnus, or an interested community member, we would welcome you to our school campus for a visit! 


Thank you for visiting our website and for your interest in The Riverside School.


Roy Starling

Head of School

Roy Starling Standing in front of a red door smiling

Welcome to Our Website!


For 40 years, The Riverside School has been committed to the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of our children and young learners. We foster a love of learning, the freedom to be creative and intentional individuals, and the importance of a community in the development of the whole child.


We are a PreK - 8 school committed to small class sizes that will allow us to engage all learners and to interact with a variety of styles and interests.


Whether you are visiting our website as a prospective parent or teacher, an alumnus, or an interested community member, we would welcome you to our school campus for a visit! 


Thank you for visiting our website and for your interest in The Riverside School.


Roy Starling

Head of School

Roy Starling Standing in front of a red door smiling

Roy

Starling

Head of School

Education: BA and MA in classics from Florida State University


Why Riverside? Having taught here before and also being an alumni parent, I know what an amazing community this is. I'm honored to be able to work in such a great environment.


Personal: He likes surfing, skiing, sailing, fishing, biking, and reading Latin in his free time. He is parent to two Riverside graduates.


Krystal

Ingalls

Director of Finance and Operations

Experience: 20 years of bookkeeping and financial experience.


Why Riverside?   I love working at Riverside because I have many opportunities to step away from my desk and involve myself with students and learning activities.


Personal: Krystal lives with her husband, Chris and two daughters in West Glover. She is a dedicated supporter of the Northeast Kingdom Skating Club and enjoys being active in her free time with weight training.




   

Joel

Gilbert

Dean of Students,

Middle School Science,

Elementary Science Support,

7th Grade Advisor

Education: Cornell University; BS in Science


Why Riverside? I chose Riverside because of the environment of curiosity and love of learning in the community.


Personal: Joel lives in East Burke with his wife, son, Jim ‘15 and daughter, Aurora ‘18. His hobbies include martial arts, sports, and strategy games


Cornelia

Rath

Assistant Head of School,

8th Grade World Issues

Education: Colby College, BA in Spanish and Anthropology; Antioch University, M.Ed in Integrated Learning.


Why Riverside? I am glad to be part of the small community at Riverside, a place where she sees students truly engaged in their learning.


Personal : Nelia lives in a historic home in Kirby with her husband, Dave, daughter, Cora, and two beloved labradors.



Nathan

Gair

Latin, Ancient History

Education: Dartmouth College, B.A.


Why Riverside? I like teaching at Riverside because of my fond memories of going to school here, the students’ high level of engagement, and the extremely supportive culture.


Personal: In his free time Nathan enjoys music and theater. He plays the trumpet; chess; and a game called "Cosmic Wimpout". He also enjoys skiing and making quesadillas.








Caroline

Thompson

Middle School Math, 6th Grade Advisor

Education: Johnson State College, BA; Franklin Pierce University, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.


Why Riverside?  I treasure the feeling of family I get from being a Riversider, with supremely supportive parents and colleagues, different outdoor spaces to learn and grow, and because compassion and rigor exist in the same space. The students are motivated to reach their greatest potential, and they know their caring and compassionate teachers will help them get there.


Personal: Caroline lives in Lyndonville with her husband Dan. They love hiking, kayaking and spending time with their children and their new granddaughter. 

Will

Albritton

Middle School English and American History, 8th Grade Advisor

Education: University of South Florida, BA, Mass Communications


Why Riverside? Everyone is so nice and it looks like everyone is having fun. I want to be part of the fun at Riverside!


Personal : I’m so excited to have just moved to beautiful Vermont from Florida with my wife, her parents, two children and our dog. I love watching movies, musicals and the latest Netflix documentary about crazy people.





Karin

Welch

K-8 Spanish

Education: University of New Hampshire, BA in Spanish and Sociology; Middlebury College, MA in Spanish with a concentration in teaching methodology


Why Riverside? I am looking forward to working at Riverside because of how engaged and passionate the students are. I also love the strong sense of community and the fact that the school values the learning of other languages. 


Personal: In my free time, I enjoy skiing, practicing yoga, and going for walks. I also like to read. 


Kathleen

Haines

Math Interventionist

Education: NVU Lyndon, BA in Mathematics


Why Riverside? I love the autonomy the teachers have to do what’s right for each student, and the outdoor activities and spaces that the campus provides and the teachers utilize.

Personal: Kathleen lives in St. Johnsbury with her husband, son and two dogs. She likes to walk, cook, and read in her spare time.







Deandra

Early

Academic Support Coordinator
Education: BA in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science, Minor in Mathematics from Colby College. M.Ed. in Educating for Sustainability from Antioch University New England. Currently in a 2-year program through Vermont Higher Education Collaborative to become a licensed Special Educator.


Why Riverside? I am so excited to join Riverside in this new role as Academic Support Coordinator. I love the students, faculty, culture, and community at Riverside. I feel like everyone here is valued for being exactly who they are.

Personal: I love traveling, mountain biking, skiing, cows & green pastures, and adventuring with my two kiddos. 

Abby

Johnson

Art

Education: College of Wooster, BA in Studio Art


Why Riverside? I'm excited to explore different ways of making art with this creative community! It seems like a very supportive and open setting for teaching, and I'm looking forward to working with all of the age levels.


Personal: Abby lives in St. Johnsbury with her husband, their two kids and their dog. She loves to be outside and to play music.






Hanna

Wheeler

5th Grade

Education : Oberlin College, BA in English/ Creative Writing, minor in Environmental Studies; Antioch University New England, M.Ed. in science education


Why Riverside?: The emphasis on outdoor and project based learning and the sense of community spoke to me. 


Personal : Hanna and her family are fixing up a farm in Peacham, VT and raising two wonderful little boys. She also enjoys reading, felting, and romping around the hills of Vermont. 





Renee

Piernot

4th Grade

Education: University of California at Davis, BA in English and French Literature; University of Vermont, M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction


Why Riverside?  I watched my daughter grow and thrive socially and academically as a Riverside student. Staff members help students to learn to lead and support each other, and they celebrate each student for their unique contributions. I am looking forward to being part of such a thoughtfully designed school community.


Personal: I live in Kirby with my husband, Jim, daughter, Maaike, and two lovable cats. I like to read, cook, garden, take walks, and kayak.





Natalie

Dalpe

3rd Grade

Education: Saint Michael's College, BA in Elementary Education and English, Southern NH University M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education

 

Why Riverside? I fell in love with the atmosphere and sense of community here and quickly realized that Riverside fostered student curiosity, collaboration, and communication, while exploring outdoor education.

Personal: I enjoy horseback riding, reading, gardening, and being outside with my two sons and husband as much as possible. 



Carrie

Albritton

2nd Grade Teacher

Education:


Why Riverside?


Personal:

Emily

Spring

1st Grade Teacher

Education :


Why Riverside? :


Personal :











Marie

Vaine

Music, Outdoor Education, and Preschool Assistant

Education: BS Mountain Recreation Management: Adventure Leadership, Northern Vermont University


Why Riverside? As soon as I saw students climbing trees and practicing dance routines in the field, I was thrilled with the the excitement and self-motivation. Studying Adventure Education and  helped me connect the trifecta of my favorite things: Music, Science, and Outdoor Ed. Creating lessons that keep students involved helps them to take control of what they are learning and continue their excitement after class is over. 


Personal: I love to bake, play music, mountain bike, ski, hike, rock climb and spend time outside. 

Sean

Fortier

Wellness, Soccer Coach

Education : Keene State College B.A. Social Science. Concentration: Sociology


Why Riverside? : After hearing a lot from Laryssa about the philosophy and environment at Riverside, and then experiencing it myself while teaching orienteering for Birch Buddies and at last year's Oktoberfest event, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this wonderful, supportive community.


Personal : loves to mountain bike, snowboard. like spicy food and his dog, Zoe







Jamie

Robinson

Kindergarden

Education: NVU - Lyndon, BS in Liberal Studies and Early Childhood Education; Southern New Hampshire University, M.Ed.


Why Riverside? At Riverside we don't have a traditional playground and I absolutely love what that leads to. Students use their imaginations as they create and act within the trees. They build strength and courage as they climb trees, and they establish relationships through all of this play. It's something I love to witness and be a part of everyday.


Personal: Jamie loves exploring with her family, skiing, mountain biking, and camping. When she needs to slow down, she hides in a hammock with a good book and coffee. 

McKenna

Earl

Preschool Director

Education: BA Environmental Studies, St. Michael’s College (working toward) MEd Early Childhood Education, Antioch University New England


Why Riverside? The large outdoor space and family involvement attracts me 

to work here. My first visit to the school was during the Spring yard sale and I loved the tucked-away feeling of the campus and the coziness represented by the yurt, the stump circles, and the meadow, along with its connection to the larger community. I'm grateful for the amazing families and felt at ease with all the Riverside staff. 


Personal:I love to hike, backcountry ski, mountain bike, do yoga, and hang with my dogs.

Monica

Schultheis

Associate PreK Teacher & Advancement Affiliate

Education: AS in Early Childhood Education, Spring 2024, River Valley Community College, Claremont, NH


Why Riverside? From the dedicated students, to their supportive families, and the faculty that consistently brings the magic daily, I have found my people.


Personal: Monica likes to be outside! She like to hike, bike, snowboard, SUP, train with her dogs (Babe & Bluey) and garden. Indoors she likes to cook, craft, read, and relax.





Laura

Goldshein

Associate PreK Teacher

Education: BS in Sustainable Agriculture, University of Maine Orono


Why Riverside? Riverside's emphasis on parental involvement and nature-based learning is a perfect fit for our family. Our son has thrived in the enriching environment fostered here, and we knew we wanted to be a part of this supportive community from the first time we visited.


Personal: Laura and her husband own Rocky Valley Farm in Concord, where they raise grass-fed beef, lamb, and pastured poultry. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. 

Kate

Extended Day Leader

Education: Columbia College Chicago, BFA in Fine Arts, minor in Art History


Why Riverside? I’m so excited to be starting at riverside this year because this seems like a thoughtful, supportive learning environment with a strong sense of community! 


Personal: I love making things, gardening, and spending time outside with my family.












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