Meet Vernon's New Roster Of Educators

VERNON, CT — The Vernon public school system has several new teachers, specialists and administrators on board for the 2024-25 academic year.

Here are the new staff biographies, supplied by the superintendent's office.

CENTER ROAD SCHOOL

• Emma Zoeckler is a 3rd Grade Teacher at Center Road School. She has 2 years of teaching experience and was previously employed at Center Road School as a long-term substitute for the 2023-2024 school year. Emma holds a Bachelor’s degree from Keene State College in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Saint Joseph. She lives in Vernon and enjoys reading, walking her dog, yoga and traveling. She also has a twin sister.
• Kimberly Wallert is a Kindergarten Teacher at Center Road School. She has over 5 years of teaching experience and was previously employed at Griswold Elementary School in Berlin, CT as a 1st Grade Teacher for a year. Kimberly holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern CT State University. She enjoys biking, kayaking and skiing and lives in Tolland with her husband and 2 children.
• Iwona Kluk is a 5th Grade Teacher at Center Road School. This is her first full-time certified position. She was previously employed with Enfield Public Schools as a Building Substitute. Iwona holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Central CT State University and a Master’s in Special Education Literacy from the University of Saint Joseph. She lives in East Windsor and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on walking trails and trying new restaurants. Her family is from Poland and came to America just before she was born.
• Samantha Hanrath is a Kindergarten Teacher at Center Road School. She has been a teacher for just under 2 years and was previously employed in Enfield as a 5 th Grade Teacher. Samantha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Southern CT State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Central CT State University. She enjoys going to Disney every few months with her parents and sisters, spending time with friends and family and playing pickleball.

LAKE STREET SCHOOL

• Erin Keser is a 2 nd Grade Teacher at Lake Street School. She previously worked at Verplanck Elementary School in Manchester, CT for 8 years. Erin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology from Western New England University and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven. She enjoys yoga, reading and spending time with her nieces and nephews. Erin lives in Manchester and is the youngest of three children. She loves being an Auntie.
• Emma Spahr is a School Psychologist at Lake Street School. She was previously employed in Stratford as a School Psychologist for a year. Emma holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree and 6 th Year Certificate in School Psychology. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, building Lego sets and traveling. She lives in Wethersfield with her significant other and is very close with her parents, brother and extended family.

MAPLE STREET SCHOOL

• Heidy Luis-Fuentes is a 5 th Grade Teacher at Maple Street School. This is her first full-time certified position. She was a District Substitute Teacher in Vernon for a year and taught Math Intervention at Mansfield Middle School for three months following her Master’s internship. Heidy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from UConn. She lives in East Hartford and enjoys painting, running and spending time at the beach in the Summer. Heidy is the second of four children; she has two younger sisters and an older brother.
• Britney Heyse is a 4 th Grade Teacher at Maple Street School. This is her first full-time certified position. While at UConn, she student taught 1 st Grade at Buttonball Lane in Glastonbury and was a Tier 2 small group instructor at E.B. Kennelly School in Hartford. In May, Britney completed the Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s (IB/M) Teacher Education Program through NEAG at UConn. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, kayaking and discovering new books. She resides in Willington and is the youngest of 6 children. She just became engaged in July and has known her fiancé for 6 years.
• Colleen Signori is a 1 st Grade Teacher at Maple Street School. She previously taught in Hartford Public Schools for 17 years; her most recent position there was as a 3 rd Grade Teacher. Colleen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology: Community-Clinical with a Minor in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, all from the University of New Haven. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and came out of retirement in Soccer to coach/play for Special Olympics Newington. She lives in New Britain with her husband and her Lemon Beagle.
• Tanya Satalino is a PE/Health Teacher at Maple Street School. This is her first full-time certified position. She was previously employed as a long-term substitute PE/Health Teacher at West Hill School in Rocky Hill, CT and at Timothy Edwards Middle School in South Windsor, CT. Tanya holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Central CT State University, an Associate’s degree in Nursing from Capital Community College and a PK-12 Teacher Certification in Physical Education & Health from Central CT State University. She lives in South Windsor and enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children. She also enjoys playing pickleball and softball.

SKINNER ROAD SCHOOL

• Kristen Bomengen is a Reading Interventionist at Skinner Road School. She has 25 years of teaching experience and was previously employed with Tolland Public Schools as a Library Specialist for 6 years. Kristen holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Hartford in Early Childhood Education/Special Education and a Master’s degree from Central CT State University in Remedial Reading and Language Arts. She enjoys hiking, reading and enjoying time with family and friends. She lives in Cromwell with her husband and 2 sons; one of them appeared on Season 15 of American Ninja Warrior.
• Lindsay Bukowinski is an Art Teacher at Skinner Road School. This is her first full-time certified position. She was previously employed in Windsor Locks for 4 years as a Kindergarten Aide, a long-term substitute Art Teacher and worked in the Library while she completed her Master’s. Lindsay holds a Master’s degree from Merrimack College. She enjoys going out on her boat, yoga and volleyball. She lives in Windsor Locks with her husband and 2 children. Lindsay can’t wait to bring an exciting Art program to Skinner Road School and create an engaging environment for her students.
• Jessica Wolanin is a Kindergarten Teacher at Skinner Road School. She was previously employed in Enfield for 2 years as a 2 nd Grade Teacher and in Springfield, MA for 8 years as a Kindergarten and 2 nd Grade Teacher. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Reading. She is currently in a 6 th Year Certificate Program for her 092. She lives in Enfield with her husband and 3 children and enjoys cheering on her kids at their activities, volunteering, reading, baking and going to the beach.
• Theresa Golino is a 4 th Grade Teacher at Skinner Road School. She has 20 years of full-time teaching experience. She started her career in Hawaii, then moved to Alaska. She had many adventures before coming back to CT to be closer to her family and friends. Her most recent employment was at Waddell Elementary School in Manchester, CT for 13 years. Theresa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University and a Master’s degree from Central CT State University. She enjoys hiking, reading, movies and TV. She lives in Vernon, is the oldest of 4 sisters and is a “certified fun Aunty” to many nieces and nephews.
• Courtney Woods is a Pre-K Teacher at Skinner Road School. She has 17 years of teaching experience and was most recently employed in Enfield for 6 years as an Academic Support Teacher. She also worked at Maple Street School for 11 years. Courtney holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Joseph in Early Childhood Education & Psychology and a Master’s degree in Elementary Reading & Language Arts. She enjoys spending time with family, attending her children’s extra-curricular activities and dancing with Stop/Time Dance Theatre. She lives in Ellington with her husband (whom she met while teaching at MSS), her son and daughter.
• Nicole Preyer is a Music Teacher at Skinner Road School. She has just under 2 years of teaching experience and was previously employed in Hartford as a 6-12 Chorus and General Music Teacher. Nicole holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Grove City College. She enjoys reading, cross stitching, baking and playing sports. She lives in Enfield with her husband, whom she just married in June. She is the oldest of four and loves her family very much. She is super excited to begin this school year teaching and making music with her K-5 students.
• Terry Keenan is a Grade 5 Teacher at Skinner Road School. She began her teaching career at Odyssey School in Manchester, teaching 5 th Grade for 10 years, then enjoyed long-term substitute positions in several districts including Coventry, Hartford and Enfield. After substitute teaching at Northeast School last year, she knew she had found the district she wanted to call home. Terry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theater and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, both from Central CT State University. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, reading and spending time with family. She lives in Ellington with her partner and their dog, and loves spending time with her Mom, two sisters and her three nephews.

VERNON CENTER MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Chelsea Jubrey is a Reading Interventionist at Vernon Center Middle School. She has over 5 years of full-time teaching experience and was last employed with the Consolidated District of New Britain as a 6 th - 8 th Grade Reading Teacher. Chelsea holds a Master’s degree in Literacy and Language Arts and is currently enrolled in a 6 th Year Certificate Program that she will complete in May of 2025. She enjoys reading, podcasts, binge watching TV, spending time with family and friends, working out and traveling. She lives in Windsor, but is happy to be working in Vernon to be closer to her parents, who reside in-town.
• Charles O’Coin is a Math Teacher at Vernon Center Middle School. This is his first full-time certified position. His previous employment included being a researcher at UConn and teaching at a Robotics Summer Camp. Chuck holds a Bachelor’s degree from UConn in Mathematics, a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education-Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction-Secondary Mathematics Education. He is a life-long Red Sox fan, loves to cook and enjoys playing video games such as Pokémon. Chuck lives in Willimantic with his fiance and is getting married in November 2025.
• Elizabeth Marinelli is a Social Worker at Vernon Center Middle School. She was previously employed in East Hartford as a Social Worker at an alternative school for 14 years. Elizabeth holds Bachelor degrees from Keene State University in Special Education and Social Science and a Master’s degree in Social Work from UConn. She enjoys cooking, yoga, traveling and spending time with friends and family. She lives in Newington with her husband and 3 children.
• Leigh-Anne Young is a Special Education (TLC) Teacher at Vernon Center Middle School. She has 22 years of full-time teaching experience and was previously employed at Manchester Regional Academy for 20 years as a Special Education Teacher. Leigh-Anne holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from UConn and a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Saint Joseph. She enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children (who are very involved in Soccer), attending her children’s Soccer games, exercising, listening to 80’s metal bands and is a huge fan of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship / Mixed Martial Arts). Leigh-Anne lives in Coventry, CT with her family and is an identical twin to her “little” sister.
• Lisa Huckins is a Math Interventionist at Vernon Center Middle School. She was previously employed with Hartford Public Schools as a 5 th and 6 th Grade Math Instructional Coach for 14 years. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree from UConn and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Saint Joseph. She enjoys hiking, being outdoors and running around after her small children. She lives in South Windsor with her husband and 2 young boys.
• Timothy Cooper is a PE/Health Teacher at Vernon Center Middle School. He was previously employed with Ledyard Public Schools as a Physical Education Teacher for 4 years. Timothy holds two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Business Administration with a Minor in Sport Management and another in Physical Education/Health, all from Eastern CT State University, as well as a Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from Central CT State University. He enjoys golf, working out, vacationing in warm climates and spending time with his friends and family. He lives in Windsor Locks with his 2 dogs. He is also the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Rockville High School and is heading into his 8 th season this year in that position.
• Gabrielle Roy is a Special Education (ABL) Teacher at Vernon Center Middle School. She previously worked for 2 years at an elementary school in Georgia as a Special Education Teacher for preschool students with mild intellectual disabilities and special needs. Gabrielle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Southern CT State University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Quinnipiac University. She enjoys playing ice hockey, reading, traveling and taking her dog on adventures. Gabrielle lives in Manchester and is engaged to be married in January 2025. She and her fiancé have a Lab Whippet and a cat.
• Ruth Kahn is a Math Teacher at Vernon Center Middle School. She has over 5 years of teaching experience and was previously employed at Norwalk High School. Ruth holds a Master’s degree in Adolescent Education from Pace University. She lives in Berlin with her husband and enjoys sleeping and hiking.
• Nkaozer Yang is a Special Education Teacher at Vernon Center Middle School. She has over 5 years of teaching experience and was most recently employed with Windsor Public Schools. Nkaozer holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from UConn NEAG and a 6 th Year Certificate from Central CT State University. She lives in Tolland with her fiancé and her son and enjoys family time, hiking, yoga, reading and watching mystery & suspense stories and strength training. She was born at Rockville General as the 6 th of 7 children and the youngest daughter. Her first name was culturally blessed onto her and translates to “last girl.”

ROCKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

• Erin Houlihan is an Assistant Principal at Rockville High School. She has 15 years of teaching experience and was most recently employed with Hartford Public Schools as an Assistant Principal for one year. Erin holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Central CT State University, a Master’s degree in Literacy Leadership from Quinnipiac University and a 6th Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Central CT State University. She lives in Berlin with her husband, son and their dog. She is very excited to join the RHS family.
• Jordan Bonadies is a Math Teacher at Rockville High School. This is her first full-time certified position. She was previously employed with Trinity ESF Camps for the past 4 years as a Counselor and Sports Specialist. Jordan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum, all from UConn. She enjoys playing sports and watching different sporting events, going on runs and traveling. She lives in Columbia, CT and is one of four siblings. Her parents attended RHS and were high school sweethearts there.

• Sandra Zajac-Naylor is a Library Media Specialist at Rockville High School. She was previously employed in Windsor Locks as a Library Media Specialist for 28 years. Sandra holds a Bachelor’s degree in English, a Master’s degree in Reading and a 6-Year Certificate in Educational Studies and Library Media Science, all from Central CT State University. She enjoys reading, kayaking, walking and baking. She lives in Vernon with her husband, two sons (who graduated from RHS) and her dog.
• Taylor Schettino is an English Teacher at Rockville High School. She has 10 years of teaching experience and previously worked in the Charter School network in both Stamford and Bridgeport from 2014 to 2023. Last year, she taught AP English Literature and Composition and 10 th Grade Honors English at Norwalk High School. Taylor holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University and a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Sacred Heart University. She just moved to Vernon from Fairfield this Summer and is engaged to be married. Taylor enjoys drawing, painting, home design, refurbishing old furniture, the beach in the Summer or sitting by the fire in the Winter with a book in hand.
• Molly Allard is an ASTE Teacher at Rockville High School. She began her new position on July 1, 2024. Molly was previously employed at Southington High School for 5 years as an Agriscience Teacher. She holds an Associate’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Molly loves caring for livestock on her farm, gardening, cooking/baking and working on projects around the house. She lives in Bolton with her husband and daughter.
• Efrosini Arvanitis is a Biology Teacher at Rockville High School. This is her first full-time certified position. She was previously employed at E.O. Smith High School for 14 months as a Special Education Instructor. Efrosini holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from UConn. She lives in Willington and enjoys spending time with family, traveling and crocheting. Efrosini is Greek and has family in Greece that she enjoys visiting during the summer months.
• Amy Lord is a Special Education (ABL) Teacher at Rockville High School. This is her first full-time certified position. She was previously employed at Hall Memorial School in Willington, CT as a Special Education Paraprofessional for 4 years. Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design. She enjoys golf, gardening, going to the beach and reading. She resides in Willington with her husband, son and daughter and has a small hobby farm where she breeds Nigerian Dwarf goats.
• Emily Bosques is an English Teacher at Rockville High School. She was previously employed in Meriden as an English Language Arts Teacher at Washington Middle School for two years and at Lincoln Middle School for one year. Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Central CT State University and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport. She lives in Farmington and enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, going to the gym and participating in Soccer sports leagues. She has a very supportive and fun-loving family, and her Dad and two younger sisters are also teachers.
• Ava Krajewski is an English Teacher at Rockville High School. This is her first full-time certified position. During her undergraduate studies, she completed a student teaching program at Sheehan High School in Wallingford, CT. Later, she filled in at Dag Middle School as a 7 th Grade English Teacher until the end of the school year. Ava holds a Bachelor’s in English Secondary Education from Southern CT State University and is in the process of getting her Master's degree in English from SCSU as well. She enjoys reading, art, playing video games with friends, building/modding computers and keyboards, cooking, yoga and traveling with her family. She is a native of Groton, CT and currently resides in Hamden with her partner and her cat. She is very excited to have her first year of teaching in Vernon.
• Amy Burbank-Rollins is a Social Worker at Rockville High School. She previously worked at Norwich Free Academy as a Social Worker for 6 years. Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts with a minor in Psychology from the University of Maine and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Saint Joseph. She lives in Canterbury with her husband and has one son. She enjoys spending time with family, baking and playing with her dogs.