TA News

Photo R-L: Kate Reimanis, Shannon Knowles, Melissa Friel, Patrick VanKirk, Denise Lopez Mazzeo

Thetford Academy launched the new school year last week with six new staff members on the team. In July, TA was excited to welcome Kate Reimanis to the role of garden coordinator and Horticulture teacher. Kate is a longtime educator, most recently at the pre-K level, and for many years served as a farm-to-school educator.

Shannon Knowles also joined the team in July, joining the Finance department as Staff Accountant. Shannon has over a decade of experience in office and business management in schools and nonprofits, and was a small business owner for the first half of her career.

In Science, Melissa Friel joined the department, returning to her native Vermont from Wisconsin. For the last six years, Melissa taught a variety of science disciplines in a rural school and also brings experience as an environmental educator and Peace Corps volunteer. Melissa will be teaching Biology, Advanced Biology, and Marine Biology this year.

Patrick Van Kirk and Denise Lopez Mazzeo joined the Student Support services team as paraprofessionals. Patrick and his family relocated from Denver, Colorado to Vermont this summer. He is shifting from a first career in design and photography into education, and most recently has been substitute teaching in the Denver Public Schools. Denise, originally from Puerto Rico, relocated to Vermont in 2023, and brings extensive teaching experience to her new role.

Susan Donnelly joined the front office team on the first day of school. Susan brings a wealth of experience to her role as administrative assistant, including many years in various positions at Dartmouth Hitchcock. She is originally from Orford, NH and resides in Ryegate, VT.