New teachers and staff at Region One

Here are the new teachers and staff in the Region One School District for the 2022-23 school year, which began Monday, Aug. 29.

Kirsten Gray

Cornwall Consolidated School

First Grade

Kirsten Gray is teaching first grade at Cornwall Consolidated School. She is a certified teacher in special education K-12 and elementary education 1-6. She holds a double certification from Southern Connecticut State University. Kirsten is looking forward to furthering her education with a master’s degree. She will be a first-year teacher. Gray is devoted to education and is dedicated to her students and the community. Prior to working with Region One, she worked in a childcare facility. In her spare time, she loves to travel, spend time with her friends and family, and go to the beach. Salary: $47,130.

Jennifer Fodor

Cornwall Consolidated School

Library Media Specialist

Jennifer Fodor is the new Library Media Specialist at Cornwall Consolidated School. Fodor holds a Master of Science in Education from the University of Bridgeport and a Master of Art in Educational Technology from Fairfield University. She is certified by the state of Connecticut in Elementary Education and also as a School Library Media Specialist. She earned her Bachelor of Science in American Studies, English from Western Connecticut State University. She comes to Region One from the Seymour School District, where she was the Library Media Specialist for both Seymour middle and high schools. Fodor is passionate about books and looks forward to sharing her love of reading, as well as different educational technologies with the students and staff. She resides in New Milford with her husband, three children and cat, Olive. In addition to enjoying a variety of books, she loves road-trips, going to the beach and camping with her family. Salary: $72,069.

Helena Sweet

Cornwall Consolidated School

English Language Arts

Helena Sweet is joining Cornwall Consolidated School as the English Language Arts teacher for grades five through eight. Most recently, Helena was an instructional coach for the cities of Torrington and New Haven. She has also worked as an educational consultant for the Gesell Program in Early Childhood at Yale Child Study Center and as an English and history teacher in Newton, Mass. Helena holds a master’s degree in Teaching from George Washington University. Having grown up in both Greece and Connecticut, Helena returned to the area eight years ago from Cambridge, Mass. She has practiced yoga for years and has taught yoga and mindfulness to adults and children. When not in the backyard reading with her family and their dog this summer,  Helena plans to spend her time on a mountain bike or paddle board. Salary: $81,164.

Joseph Markow

Cornwall Consolidated School

Science

Joseph Markow is a middle school science teacher who comes to Cornwall Consolidated School from Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village.  He completed his B.A. in Zoology at Connecticut College and M.S. in Ecology at the University of Connecticut. He studied amphibians, reptiles and birds in Connecticut and the Caribbean. Prior to completing his teaching certificate, he was an educator for National Audubon Society. He has taught science and math for the past 19 years at Torrington Middle School and Kellogg.  Markow lives in Cornwall with his wife, Jen, and two sons. His hobbies include astronomy, drawing and Ukrainian egg decorating. He plays the euphonium and last year began piano lessons. Markow loves teaching middle school science because he see students excited to make new discoveries and it includes the whole range of science disciplines, as well as strong connections to history, mathematics, art and geography. Markow looks forward to being a part of the Cornwall Consolidated School community. Salary: $91,191.

Micah Conway

Housatonic Valley Regional High School

Mathematics

Micah Conway will teach mathematics at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.  He is a 2022 graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University with a B.A. in mathematics. He completed his student teaching at RHAM Middle School in Hebron and has experience in the Willimantic school district. Micah has a passion for creating an inquiry-based learning environment that can cater to multiple levels of differentiation. He believes that there is no such thing as a “math mind,” and with the correct support, anyone can excel. Born and raised in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut, Micah enjoys spending time outdoors, either with a pair of hiking shoes and a water bottle, or with a good book in a comfy chair. He also enjoys theater, whether he is watching or part of the performance. Salary: $48,717.

Kyle Farrell

Housatonic Valley Regional High School

Mathematics

Kyle Farrell will teach mathematics at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. He is from Goshen. Farrell completed a bachelor’s degree at the University of Connecticut, and obtained his teaching certification through Connecticut’s ARC program. Before becoming a teacher, Kyle worked as a welder and machinist at his family’s metal fabrication business in New Milford. He is excited to bring his work and trade experiences into the classroom. In his free time, Kyle loves to hike, play guitar, and take care of his chickens. Most of all, Kyle loves to spend time with his friends, family and fiancée, Jenny. Salary: $55,621.

Rebecca Perugini

Lee H. Kellogg

Middle School Science

Rebecca Perugini will teach middle school science at Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village. She is a state certified teacher in grades 1-6 with multiple cross endorsements in middle school science (General Science, Earth Science, Biology) as well as middle school mathematics. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from University of Bridgeport and a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from University of Connecticut. She comes from the Bristol Public Schools, where she worked in elementary grade levels for three years. Perugini is a member of the National Science Teachers Association. She is excited to bring her love of science to Region One. She enjoys the outdoors and hiking or trail running with her dog and her husband. Salary: $60,347.

Susana Martinez-Bauer

Lee H. Kellogg School, Cornwall Consolidated School

Art

Susana Martinez-Bauer is a bilingual Pre-K-12 certified art teacher. She will split her time between Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village and Cornwall Consolidated School. She holds her Master’s Degree in Art Education from Long Island University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Adelphi University. Martinez-Bauer is coming to us from the Winchester Public School District where she taught pre-k and second grade art for six years and the Talented and Gifted Art Program for grades 4-6. She is originally from Long Island, where she taught middle school art. She has a passion for art history, drawing and continuously learning artistic techniques. She enjoys sharing this passion with her students and believes that through techniques and creativity all students can be artists. Martinez-Bauer is married and has a 16-year-old son. She loves animals and enjoys taking her dogs on adventures including kayaking, hiking and paddle boarding. Salary: $38,387.

Danielle O’Neil

Lee H. Kellogg School, North Canaan Elementary School

Music

Danielle O’Neil resides in Burlington with her husband, Craig, and 16-year-old daughter, Heather. She will teach music at Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village and at North Canaan Elementary School. She has previously taught at the Housatonic Valley Waldorf School and the Weston School District. She began her piano studies very early in life, learning to read music before she learned to read words. She has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance and a Master’s Degree in Vocal Accompanying, both from Boston University.  Danielle has been a performing pianist, keyboardist, director and accompanist for concerts and theatre productions throughout New England. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys playing instruments, singing, cooking, crafting, outdoor walks and spending time with her family. 
Salary: $78,109.

Amanda Jacquier

Kent Center School

Third Grade

Amanda Jacquier is the new third grade teacher at Kent Center School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. Jacquier is known by parents and students throughout the region from her time spent working as a paraprofessional at Cornwall Consolidated School and from her experiences coaching Region One sports teams. In her free time, Amanda runs her business, Willabee’s Paper Co., with her mother. Amanda lives  in North Canaan and is an alum of North Canaan Elementary School and Housatonic Valley Regional High School. She is excited to start her career in the region she grew up in. Salary: $43,155.

Abigail Fifer

North Canaan Elementary School

Art

Abigail Fifer, the new art teacher at North Canaan Elementary School, is excited to be moving back to the Northeast after having spent the last 20 years living in Wisconsin and Seattle. She taught art in Verona, Wisc., for the last four years, and before that ran her own catering and prepared food company both in Wisconsin and Seattle. She has a BA in Ceramics from the University of Vermont and is a passionate advocate for the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) approach to art education. She brings with her her husband, two teenage daughters, two rescue dogs and two pet snakes. In her free time she loves to paint and draw, cook with and for her family and friends, walk and run outside and curl up on the couch with her dogs. Salary: $52,985.

Melissa Asselin

North Canaan Elementary School

Grade 5-6 Science

Melissa Asselin is an Elementary Educator with eight years experience. She will teach science to fifth and sixth graders at North Canaan Elementary School. She holds her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Saint Joseph and her B.A. in Child Study from Saint Joseph College. She comes to Region One from the Norfolk School District, where she taught for four years. Asselin has a passion for incorporating student interests and inquiry into lessons and projects. She believes in the importance of Social Emotional Learning and is well versed in Yale’s RULER curriculum. Melissa enjoys the outdoors, playing with her beloved dogs, being with her family, and cooking. Salary: $65,702.

Amanda Richard

North Canaan Elementary School

Pre-K

Amanda Richard is excited to return to her hometown area with her family, and begin her next adventure as the new pre-k teacher at North Canaan Elementary School. After graduating from HVRHS, she achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy from Sam Houston State University in Texas. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/Special Education at the University of Saint Joseph. Amanda practiced as a board certified music therapist for 18 years, specifically with early childhood ages. She brings a unique perspective and experience to the classroom. She believes that each child can reach their greatest potential when provided a safe, encouraging, and engaging classroom environment. Salary: $48,717.

Robert “Jack” Weber

North Canaan Elementary School

Grade 5-8 Social Studies

Robert “Jack” Weber is a certified teacher in the state of Connecticut with a focus on history and social studies. He obtained both his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, as well as his bachelor’s degree  in history  from the University of Connecticut. He comes from New Hartford, where he worked close by in the Canton Public Schools as a paraprofessional for two years. Weber has a desire to create positive learning environments while emphasizing the importance of differentiation within classroom instruction. Salary: $46,837.

John Connelly

Pupil Services

Social Worker

John Connelly is a new social worker for the Pupil Services department in Region One. He  received his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy at Lehigh University and after working in the broadcasting and mortgage businesses, he found his true calling and got his Master of Social Work Degree from Springfield College. He worked as a school-based clinician through Wheeler Clinic at Housatonic Valley Regional High School from August 2017 to August 2020. He then worked at High Watch Recovery Center in Kent for the next two years and is returning to the role he knows and loves as a member of the HVRHS faculty. John employs a multi-faceted approach including Internal Family Systems, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and a trauma-informed body-centered Gestalt approach to help students overcome their obstacles and realize their true potential. Salary: $65,617.

Brigid Garcia

Salisbury Central School

Special Education

Brigid Garcia will join Salisbury Central School as a special education teacher. She is especially excited to return to her alma mater, bringing with her many fond memories of former teachers and classmates. Brigid holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Hartwick College and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Simmons College. She earned the latter degree while working as a teacher at the New England Center for Children in Southborough, Mass. Over the past 13 years, she has taught in both public and private schools in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Most recently, she worked with students in an alternative education program in the New Milford public schools.Salary: $80,344.

Julie Browning

Pupil Services

Special Education

Julie Browning is a special education teacher (grades 9-12) who joins the Region One Pupil Services team. She was a special education teacher at Torrington public schools for the past seven years and prior to that taught in New Jersey, where she is originally from. Julie attended Rutgers University for her bachelor’s degree and Centenary College for her Master’s Degree in Special Education. Julie and her husband, Steve, and their dog, Woody, moved to Sheffield, Mass., 10 years ago and love being a part of the Berkshire and Litchfield County communities. When she is not teaching, she loves spending time with her dog, going to concerts, going to the beach and roller skating.   Salary: $93,917.

Melissa Colman

Salisbury Central School

Special Education

Melissa Colman is a certified special education teacher originally from North Canaan, now living in New Hartford. Colman has been married for eight years, and has three young children. She went to Eastern Connecticut State University for her undergraduate degree in English, and the University of Saint Joseph for her Master’s Degree in Special Education. Colman has worked for Winchester and Plymouth public schools. She will be working at Salisbury Central School as an elementary special education teacher.  She is excited to be working at the same school that her mother, Sharon Russell, retired from in June. Salary: $76,378.

Linda Tanuis

Pupil Services

School Psychologist

Linda Tanuis is a State of Connecticut certified school psychologist who is also certified in educational administration. She holds a Master of Arts and CAS Sixth Year Diploma in School Psychology from Fairfield University and a Sixth Year Diploma in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut. She returns to Region One after a five-year stint working at Crosby High School in Waterbury as a school psychologist, and she is delighted to be back. Tanuis has extensive experience at all levels of public education working with students, faculty, parents and outside health and mental health professionals in the service of facilitating student psychological development, mental health and academic performance.Linda is a native of northwest Connecticut. In her spare time she enjoys visiting with family, planting and cultivating her gardens, and spending time with her daughter and grandson. Salary: $100,807.

Rachel Englund

Pupil Services

Special Education

Rachel Englund is a Special Education teacher who is joining the team at Pupil Services. She received her bachelor’s  degree from Southern Connecticut State University. She comes from Naugatuck public schools, where she taught for two years. Englund enjoys working with students with all abilities and is excited to work with the students and staff of Region One. For the last seven years, Rachel has called the Northwest Corner home. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and ice fishing with friends and her husband, Doug. Rachel is looking forward to the new school year — and the short commute. Salary: $53,217.

Jade Colling

Salisbury Central School

Wellness Counselor

Jade Colling joins Salisbury Central School as a Connecticut certified School Counselor. She holds a post-master’s  certification in School Counseling from Keene State College, and both a Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a concentration in school psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SUNY Albany. She comes from Salisbury School, where she counseled and advised students and families through the college process and taught a Psychological and Brain Sciences course for five and four years, respectively. Prior to her work as a college advisor, Jade interned with Donna Begley at SCS when she first moved to Salisbury. It was during this time that she realized how much she enjoyed working in the K-8 setting. She is passionate about supporting students in the areas of academic achievement, social/emotional wellness, and college/career development, and is very excited to join the team at SCS once again. Jade lives in Salisbury with her husband, Kurt, two young girls and a dog.
Salary: $54,855.

Rachel Incillo

Salisbury Central School

Kindergarten

Rachel Incillo is joining Salisbury Central School as a kindergarten teacher. She previously worked in Norfolk as a classroom teacher and most recently as the Literacy Specialist. Incillo graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, earned a Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts at the University of Saint Joseph and returned to CCSU to earn a Sixth Year in Reading and Language Arts. Incillo is extremely excited to bring her love of literacy to the kindergarten classroom at SCS. When not in the classroom, she enjoys gardening, swimming, camping, reading and watching her children play sports. Rachel lives in Winsted with her husband and twin boys.
Salary: $99,573.

Taylor Hurley

Salisbury Central School

Second Grade

Taylor Hurley is the new second grade teacher at Salisbury Central School. She grew up in Salisbury and now lives locally, and is both a SCS and HVRHS alumna. Hurley earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University in 2019 and is currently finishing her Master’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. For the past two years, Hurley has been teaching first grade within Region One. Her favorite parts of summer are reading and going to the beach. She is excited to be joining the Salisbury Central community.
Salary: $57,956.

Julianne O’Connell

Salisbury Central School

Third Grade

Julianne O’Connell will teach third grade at Salisbury Central School. She  holds her M.A. in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and her B.A. in History from New York University. Her career path began on Wall Street, where she worked in finance for nine years. After several years at home with her family, she began working as a paraprofessional in Region One. She has always been passionate about education and was an active volunteer in her local schools during her time off. Julianne grew up in New York City and spent her weekends in Millerton, where she grew to love the area. She now lives in Lakeville with her husband and two daughters, who currently attend SCS. She believes that every student should have the opportunity to learn and be supported. In her free time, Julianne loves to travel with her family. She is excited to begin her new career at SCS. Salary: $50,629.

Elizabeth “Liz” Houck

Salisbury Central School

Middle School Science

Elizabeth “Liz” Houck is not new to Region One, having worked here for nearly 15 years as a Special Ed paraprofessional, as well as a third and fourth grade teacher. She will teach middle school science at Salisbury Central. In 2020 Houck graduated with her Master’s Degree in Education and just recently completed the state of Connecticut Teacher Education and Mentoring (TEAM) program. Houck has a talent for making connections with students and helping them build their understanding of the world around them. She believes students learn through every experience and aims to create a learning environment, in her science classroom, that invokes curiosity and encourages exploration. Houck, originally from Long Island, grew up visiting the Northwest Corner and fell in love with the area. She now resides in Kent with her husband, Seth, and their three children. She is a diehard Mets fan and an avid lover of nature. Salary: $55,320.

Jeff Beck

Salisbury Central School

Middle School Language Arts

Jeff Beck will teach middle school English Language Arts at Salisbury Central School.  He grew up in Sharon but has spent the last several years in Boston after receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boston College. During his time in Boston, he worked with students of all ages, ranging from preschool all the way through high school. Most recently, he taught fifth grade. This past February, Jeff and his partner, Stephanie, were married in a private ceremony in San Francisco. They are looking forward to returning to the area with their black Lab, Carl, and setting down roots closer to family and friends. In his free time, Jeff enjoys playing golf, working on puzzles and traveling with his wife. Salary: $52,921.

Rebecca “Becky” Wilczak

Salisbury Central School

Fourth Grade

Rebecca “Becky” Wilczak is thrilled to be accepting a position as a fourth grade teacher at Salisbury Central School. A Region One native, Becky received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music/Vocal Performance from Providence College. She spent the next four years performing in professional and community theater productions around New England. After many long-term substitute positions at SCS, Becky received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from University of Bridgeport. She currently resides in Winsted with her husband and daughter. In her free time, Becky can be found directing and choreographing children’s theater productions, performing in musicals, and spending an abundance of time at the playground with her daughter.
Salary:  $50,630.

Marie Herow

Salisbury Central School

Art

Marie Herow is entering her 13th year in education and will teach art at Salisbury Central School. She holds her Master’s Degree in Art Education from Boston University, as well as her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Arts from Elmira College. She comes to Region One from Webutuck (N.Y.) Central School District, her home school, where she was the pre-k to sixth grade art and music educator. From the Hudson Valley and Southern Tier of New York, to the Green Mountains of Vermont, Herow has had the pleasure of traveling to teach. When she is not teaching, she is often found alongside her boyfriend and their two dogs for new outdoor adventures, or gardening and volunteering within her community (Amenia). Salary: $57,956.

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