ACADEMY
SCHOOL
Brattleboro, Vermont

Alyssa-Ann is a Kindergarten para

Amelia Fontein is thrilled to be a part of the Kindergarten team at Academy School. Before coming to Academy School, Amelia worked in a Lower Elementary Montessori classroom. She loves working with 5 and 6-year-olds, and enjoys watching their progress and confidence bloom over the course of their Kindergarten year!

Amelia attended the University of Vermont where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies. She enjoys bringing the outdoors into her classroom, and is even more excited about taking the Kindergartners into the fields and forest to do their own discovery and exploration. Last year, Amelia received a dual Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Antioch University New England.

Amelia grew up in Vermont and has lived here her whole life! She enjoys going for long walks and canoes with her husband and dog, Mona. When she's not teaching, you can find Amelia contra dancing, gardening, and making art!

Brenda Wood is one of the three kindergarten para professionals at Academy School. She has worked in the Brattleboro Elementary Schools as a substitute teacher and para professionals for the past twenty years.

Brenda attended Bellows Falls Union High School and has since continued her education through many workshops and college classes.

Brenda enjoys working with students individually, in small groups and as a whole class.

Brenda grew up in Saxtons River, Vermont. When she’s not supporting students, Brenda enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Chelsea is thrilled to be part of the Academy School Kindergarten team! She graduated from Keene State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Sociology. Her passion for teaching young children has been the driving force of her career, and she is excited to embark on this learning adventure with your Kindergarteners!

Chelsea believes that Kindergarten is a magical time where children discover their love for learning and begin to develop essential skills. Her approach to teaching is all about creating a nurturing and engaging environment where every child feels valued and inspired. She loves to incorporate play, hands-on activities, and creative projects into the daily routine to make learning fun and meaningful.

Outside of the classroom, Chelsea enjoys downhill skiing, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She is excited to partner with you in supporting your child’s educational journey. Together, you will create a positive, encouraging, and joyful atmosphere that will set the stage for a lifelong love of learning. If you ever have any questions or just want to chat about your child’s progress, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Chelsea!

Ellen Nam is part of the Kindergarten team at Academy School. She has taught in the Brattleboro Elementary Schools as a kindergarten teacher and as an enrichment teacher, and now she is an Academic Support Teacher!

Ellen attended Bates College, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology. After spending several years teaching English as a Second Language and working as an environmental educator, Ellen earned a Masters Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Science and Environmental Education at Antioch University New England.

Ellen loves working with children and watching their progress throughout the year!

Ellen grew up on Cape Cod and has spent most of her life living in New England. When she’s not teaching, Ellen enjoys running, gardening, skiing, traveling and spending time with her family.

Emily has been teaching for 18 years, the first 6 in New York City and the last 12 teaching Kindergarten at Academy school. Emily strongly believes in the importance of relationships and works both in the classroom and in the forest to develop children's sense of wonder and curiosity. She founded a Forest Kindergarten program at Academy and is committed to ensuring nature based, child directed, free play for all of her students.

Maureen has had the distinct pleasure of spending her entire teaching career at Academy School. She feels so lucky to be able to spend each day teaching and learning with such incredible children and dedicated colleagues. Her years in education have included teaching Kindergarten, First and Second grades and most recently has become the Special Education teacher working with Kindergarten and First Grade students. She received her teaching degree from Lyndon State College in the area of Early Childhood Education as well as a Masters Degree in the Foundations of Education from Antioch University. Everyday brings new and exciting adventures. Maureen is living her childhood dream and could not imagine doing anything else. When Maureen is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking, camping, taking long walks and traveling.