TA News

Pictured Left to Right: Gretchen Czaja, Zsuzsa Mitro, Maria Rodis, John Leavey, Nick Pasterino, & Stacy Anderson (Not pictured: Sayer Wickham & Nancy McNally)

We are thrilled to welcome the latest additions to our exceptional team of TA educators. Each individual brings a wealth of knowledge in their respective areas, enthusiasm for teaching and learning, and diverse personal and professional backgrounds. They started with an orientation on August 21, and two weeks in are already enhancing our school community with fresh insights and skills!

Stacy Anderson is TA’s new Director of Student Support Services. Stacy brings decades of special education experience to the job, as a behavior interventionist, special education teacher, and in leadership roles at the school and district levels. Stacy and her family reside in Washington, VT.

Gretchen Czaja is a new faculty member joining the PE/health department. A long-time Woodstock-area educator and school meals program administrator, Gretchen is excited to be at TA and to return to her roots as a classroom teacher. Gretchen and her family reside in Thetford, VT.

Zsuzsa Mitro is the new Study Center Coordinator. Zsuzsa is a familiar face to TA students, because she has been a steady substitute teacher in recent years. She brings a diverse background in higher education, language studies, and more to her role. 

John Leavey is a new faculty member joining the math department. Originally from England, John and his family have recently relocated to the Upper Valley. John was most recently teaching high school mathematics at the American School in London.

Nancy McNally is one of two new special education paraprofessionals. Nancy has a diverse background in the field, having worked in public schools, therapeutic schools, private schools, and community service providers (most recently the Upper Valley Haven). Nancy is also a certified therapy dog trainer and lives in Bethel, VT.

Nick Pasterino is the new 7th and 9th grade science teacher. Nick is a long-time educator, having taught previously in Arizona and Rhode Island. He and his family moved to the Upper Valley a few years ago, during which time Nick was focusing primarily on his role as a dad. Nick resides in Fairlee, VT.

Maria Rodis is one of two new special education paraprofessionals. She most recently worked in the First Branch Middle School in Chelsea, VT. Maria is looking forward to providing para support at TA, while dedicating time to finishing her professional licensure as a special educator. Maria and her family live in Thetford, VT.

Sayer Wickham (TA ’06) is TA’s new Admissions and Enrollment Manager. Sayer brings a familiarity with the school environment to his role, as a former science teacher, as well as a connection to TA, through his own experience as a student. Sayer is also a practicing artist; he and his family live in Thetford, VT.