Classrooms - Sharon Elementary School

Blaise Laing: Pre-K

Blaise has been teaching Pre-Kindergarten at Sharon since 2015. Blaise earned a BA in English Language and BS in Psychology from Norwich University and Master's in Early Childhood Education from the University of Phoenix. Although a native to Vermont, she is a world traveler. Blaise's favorites being Italy and Thailand where she had the opportunity to learn academics and culture, which strongly influenced her philosophy of education. She enjoys yoga, coffee, sports, swimming, mac and cheese, and knitting. When she isn't teaching she is making memories with her four children and spending time in nature. You can reach Blaise atbsmith@wrvsu.org.

Lindsey Schell: Pre-K

Lindsey Schell (Ms. Lindsey) grew up in Randolph and Bethel, two rural towns north of Sharon, Vermont. Lindsey attended Ithaca College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. Her degree in Therapeutic Recreation allowed her to work with a range of populations, varying in age from 1 to 101. On the higher side of the age spectrum, Lindsey served as the Activity Director of a 135-bed skilled nursing facility. On the lower side of the spectrum, Lindsey has worked in a variety of early education classrooms. Lindsey’s professional and personal experiences have allowed her to live in New York, New Mexico, and Florida, but she is happy to be planting her roots back in Vermont. In her free time, you may find Lindsey riding her bike, jumping into a river, hiking through the woods, seeking out the best sunrise views, spending time with her two Nigerian Dwarf goats, or watching a movie at Bethel’s Drive-In Theatre. She also loves a good roller coaster! Lindsey is currently taking graduate classes in Early Childhood Education and looks forward to being a part of the Sharon community! You can reach Lindsey at lschell@wrvsu.org

Rachel Piper: Kindergarten

Cropped photo of a blonde woman in a sweatshirt, with blue eyes and a big smile.

Rachel Piper has worked at the Sharon Elementary school since 2012. She worked in the preschool for 5 years before taking on the role of the Kindergarten teacher in 2017. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Vermont and most recently earned her Master’s in Education from UVEI. Rachel initially took 7 years off after college to start her family. She lives in Sharon with her husband John, daughter Alice and son Tyler. When her son started Kindergarten here in Sharon, she started working at the Sharon Preschool. She was the director of the program for 4 years before moving into the “big” school! Rachel loves doing anything outside with her family. She especially loves going to the beach! Watching her kiddos play sports is her all time favorite thing to do! Go Hurricanes! You can reach Mrs. Piper at rpiper@wrvsu.org.

Debra Walton-Strong: 1st Grade

Debra Walton-Strong has been teaching since 1985, and has joined Sharon Elementary in 1987, where she has taught first and second grades and coached many sports. She got her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education from Norwich University and then her Master’s in Education from the University of New England. She lives in Sharon with her husband Randy. She has two grown children, Brooke and Kolbi, a daughter in-law Samantha and two grandsons, Ahren and Devon. She loves anything to do with books, math and learning. She likes to garden, go to the beach, skiing, “glamping”, attending sporting events, being active and outdoors, crossword puzzles, mysteries, family, playing cards, eating ice cream, and of course, working with kids and families. You can reach her at dwalton-strong@wrvsu.org

Madisyn DeMara: 2nd Grade

Madisyn DeMara, or Ms. D has lived in Sharon for many years, and actually attended Sharon Elementary as a student. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education at Coastal Carolina University, and obtained her Master's degree from American College of Education. She taught PreK in Sharon for the 22-23 school year.

Madisyn is an avid golfer. She also enjoys running, swimming, movie nights, and coffee. On her days off, Madisyn is likely at the driving range, singing in church, tending to her vegetable garden, or watching her beloved niece.

Alex Brands: 3rd Grade

Portrait of a man standing outside in front of a green tree.

Mr. Brands has been teaching at Sharon Elementary School since 2019. Mr. Brands graduated from Castleton University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Mr. Brands received his teaching certification from UVEI. When Mr. Brands is not teaching, you can find him mountainbiking, foraging, and enjoying all that Vermont has to offer. In the winter months, you can find him backcountry skiing or on the ice, playing hockey. You can reach Mr. Brands at abrands@wrvsu.org.

Abbie Plaskov: 4th Grade

picture of the Sharon Elementary welcome sign in front of the school.

Abbie Plaskov graduated from College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine with a BA in Human Ecology and a certificate in Elementary Education. She worked in the Bar Harbor Elementary School for 15 years, teaching 3rd and 4th grades. She moved with her family to Sharon, VT in August of 2021. She taught a multi-age 3rd-4th class at Albert Bridge for one year and most recently taught second grade right here at Sharon Elementary. Abbie loves to spend time with her family, bake, run, read and is an excited novice gardener.

DULCE O’HARE: 5th Grade

Dulce is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, BA: art history and Antioch University New England, MEd: Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She has worked as an educator in art galleries, museums, community centers, and preschools. Dulce has taught fifth grade at Sharon Elementary School since 2013 where she enjoys integrating environmental place-based learning, gardening, and cooking into the standard curriculum. Dulce is a strong advocate for students and broadens their support and access to the curriculum through team-taught, differentiated lessons. Working closely with special educators, counselors, and our MTSS team, Dulce works to harness the collective power of the school community to move children forward in their academic and social development. You can reach Mrs. O’Hare at dohare@wrvsu.org.

Andrew Evans: 6th Grade

Portrait of a man with glasses and a big smile.

Mr. Evans has been teaching at Sharon Elementary school since 2020. Mr. Evans graduated from Hiram College with a BA degree in English, and from Trinity College with a BA in Secondary Education and Teaching. Mr. Evans earned a License to teach Elementary Ed. through the Vermont Peer Review Process. Mr. Evans is looking to develop critical thinking skills in students he teaches. He also tries to foster lifelong learning in his students. When not teaching Mr. Evans enjoys cooking, exploring foreign cities, paddling his canoe, and hiking trails. He is looking for some “Go” players to have friendly games. You can reach Mr. Evans at aevans@wrvsu.org.