Classrooms - Sharon Elementary School

Kristin Fauci: Pre-K

Ms. Kristin is thrilled to be a preschool teacher here at Sharon Elementary School. She grew up in Pittsfield, Vermont and went to college in Durango, Colorado. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. She has taught preschool in Colorado, New Hampshire, and Vermont. As a teacher, she is here to guide, support, listen and create enriching learning experiences in and outside of the classroom.

We're incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such beautiful and inspiring forests. Exploring the outdoors provides children with so many spectacular experiences and developmental opportunities--gross motor, fine motor, mathematical, science, art and social connections.

She loves the outdoors--exploring hiking/trail running trails, skiing, mountain biking. She also enjoys cooking and reading. When she is not spending time with her two children, Emma and Dylan, she can be found coaching group exercise classes at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center and Tracy Hall. She is also involved with the Norwich community as a member of the recreation council. You can reach Ms. Kristin at kfauci@wrvsu.org.

Lindsey Schell: Pre-K

Lindsey Schell ("Ms. Lindsey", as her students call her) grew up in Randolph and Bethel, two rural towns in 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 is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and an Early Childhood Educator. Lindsey’s professional and personal experiences have allowed her to live in New York, New Mexico, and Florida, but she is happy to have planted her roots back in Vermont. Lindsey LOVES to read children's stories to her students and watch the magic of meaningful stories blossom in their minds. 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!

Ms. Lindsey recognizes that for most children, Pre-K will be their first scheduled/structured educational experience. To ease children into this experience, she will create a welcoming environment that facilitates exploration, curiosity, open communication, and relationship building. She will listen intently to your child’s interests and feelings. All feelings will be considered and respected, whether glad, sad, mad, or scared. Learning experiences will be place-based (developing a sense of place and learning through environmental exploration) and child-centered.

Lindsey loves being a part of the Sharon community and watching the children grow and change from year to year! 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

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.