Staff Biographies

Administration

Marilyn Zophar

Principal

I grew up here in Vermont and attended Johnson State College. I have worked in many capacities, such as the director of a Circus Camp, and I've been an administrator for 10 years now. My four children live all over the country and they have a total of 12 grandchildren! This is good because being with children lifts my spirits. Besides my love of working with youth, I love to read, renovate my old house, and be outside. Oh, and I love ice cream.

Pat Lecours

Administrative Assistant

I grew up in Barre, Vermont, and I've been working at Hardwick Elementary since 1982. I have two children and 6 lovely grandchildren. I, too wanted to work with children, and I also wanted to be in hardwick. Second to here in the Northeast Kingdom, my favorite place is the coast of Maine.

Graded Classes

Mike Baker

Physical Education

I grew up in Morrisville, VT and attended the University of Vermont. I now live in Hardwick, and am the proud father of two very active boys. In my spare time I enjoy golfing, camping, coaching, following the Red Sox, and chasing those boys around. I have been teaching at Hardwick Elementary for nine years. I consider myself fortunate to have a job at a great school and an opportunity to teach children to live healthy and active lives.

Kindergarten

Merrill Hurst

At 50+ I decided to become a teacher! Years of life, work, and parenting experience have contributed greatly to my teaching. Hardwick Elementary School is my first job, and I hope to be here for my whole career. What do I love about teaching Kindergarten? Helping little ones feel comfortable as they enter elementary school; having the opportunity to develop social skills with them; introducing children to the magical world of reading; seeing children excited about learning; making learning and socializing fun and successful. I live in nearby Greensboro with my husband, the local shopkeeper. We see our two busy 20+ daughters from time to time. I love to read, cook, ski and travel.

Peggy Sprague

I live in Elmore with my husband Steve in a house that we built back in 1977. My two children, Zach and Kate, are off on their own adventures (Kate just returned from Tanzania and Zach is in the Vermont Air Guard), but they return home to check in every now and then. I recently completed my Master's degree in Teaching Elementary Science through the VSI program. I enjoy teaching kindergarten kids, working with my colleagues at school, any kind of skiing in the winter, traveling during mud season, and gardening in the summer.

Karen Tibbits

I grew up in Cambridge, VT and attended Johnson State College for both my undergraduate and graduate programs. My husband and I live in Morrisville on a small hobby farm with our two young boys. We love to be outdoors and spend a lot of time camping and fishing during the summer, hunting in the fall, snowshoeing and most recently playing hockey during the winter months. I spent some time traveling in the business industry before realizing that my calling was education. Over the past six years, I have worked in several grade levels, but now feel that Kindergarten is the perfect fit. I especially enjoy observing and being part of the transformation that all of the children take once they enter public school. It is so fulfilling to be part of the foundation of lifelong learning!

First Grade

Linda Kinney

I grew up here in Hardwick and I attended UVM and Johnson State College. My career as a teacher began way back in 1973, and I've been with HES ever since. I really enjoy working on writing with my children, talking with them about their stories and giving back something to the town where I grew up. I enjoy asparagus, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, the Indiana Jones trilogy, walking on the beach, the color blue, and getting lost in a book. I've traveled all over North America and Canada including Utah, Arizona, South Dakota, Texas, New Mexico, Maine, Florida and Hawaii — and I would absolutely love to see peace in our world.

Joanne Spear-Duffy

I was raised in upstate New York in the small town of Cambridge. After high school I moved to Newbury, Vermont where most of my family lived. I started to work and met my first husband. We had two children, Amanda and Nicholas. I raised my children by myself. When we all grew up I decided to go to college to become a teacher. I attended Norwich University in Montpelier under the Adult Degree Program. All three of us were in college at the same time, and I only finished six months before my daughter. Since then, I've been working as an educator. I was a Title I Reading teacher at Lyndon Town School but my dream was to be a classroom teacher. I wanted to be able to teach all the subjects, and I started teaching first grade at Hardwick in 2005. I love to garden both vegetables and flowers in the summer and to snowshoe in the winter. I have and love animals. When I am confined to the inside I love to paint and do crafts. My favorite snack is dark chocolate and I have been to Hershey, PA three times, but I don't go just for the chocolate; the scenery is beautiful!

Second Grade

Suzanne Bader

I began teaching at Hardwick Elementary in 1988. Working with Hardwick kids is always a pleasure! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, kayaking, gardening, skiing and reading a good book.

Jessica Baitz

I am a native of Wells, Maine and I have the best of both worlds. I'm able to visit my family and enjoy the ocean and return back to my home in Barre where I enjoy the breathtaking mountain views. My husband and son, Cole, love to play outside in the warm weather, enjoying such activities as baseball, canoeing, hiking, golf and swimming. I have been teaching at Hardwick since 2000 and love to see my former students in the halls and on the courts and fields. It's amazing watching them grow!

Third Grade

Betsy Allen

My very first teaching job was at the old East Hardwick School when it was just three fourth grades, back in 1976! So it was like coming home when I came back to Hardwick Elementary School again. I have continued the tradition of sharing my love of cross country skiing with every class! As for academics, my favorite subject to teach is math, as a way of thinking and solving problems.

Elaine Gendron

I grew up here in Hardwick, and I attended Johnson State College. I started working at HES in 1993 because it's in my hometown, and I love working with the other wonderful teachers here. When I'm not teaching, I practice yoga and golf, and I am part of a book club. Chocolate, Salmon, and Cherry Garcia ice cream all make my day, as does being able to go for a walk. I have traveled to Spain, England, Wales, Germany, Amsterdam, Mexico, and France, and the change that I would most like to see in the world would be people being more conscious.

Barbara Mercier

Growing up on a dairy farm in Bridport, Vermont gave me the opportunity to learn about life in a down-and-dirty kind of way. At the ripe old age of seven I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. Teaching is my passion. I love to instill in children the love of learning and how to unlock the mysteries that lie in education. Celebrating their learning achievements and helping them through the hard times keeps me grounded. I have three children; the youngest is attending Castleton State College. My husband and I own a beautiful house in Bridport, which is my paradise on earth. I love the country and I have the pleasure of watching wildlife pass through my backyard. My hobbies include walking, biking and gardening when I can. I love to dance and enjoy life to its fullest. So stop on by and we'll do a little learning and a little dancing!

Fourth Grade

Kevin Broderick

I was born in New Jersey. I moved to Brookfield, Vermont in 1980. Working for farmers and on old tractor engines for Brook*Field*Service was the only way to make a buck before I was old enough to get a car. When I acquired an old Subaru, I found employment with carpenters, a grounds crew and at a hardware store before enrolling in Norwich University. I attended Norwich and graduated with a degree in Education. I completed a Master's program at UVM in mathematics. My teaching career started at Hardwick Elementary in 1991. I enjoy teaching better each year. I wouldn't want to do anything else, I wouldn't want to teach anywhere else. A few years ago, I joined the Hardwick Fire Department, which has afforded me the opportunity to work with and learn from a group of highly skilled and dedicated people. My fiancè works in a lab at a hospital and is also a teacher. The interests of our kids vary from music and drama to sports and academics. We get to see plays, go to games, listen to recitals and view art shows that our talented kids are involved in. I am interested in history and artifacts. A '59 Cadillac and an old house are things I spend my spare time working on. Also, I like to play the guitar.

Maureen Demers

I grew up in Newington, Connecticut and moved to Vermont when I was 21. I got my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Johnson State College, and I've been working for Hardwick Elementary ever since. My husband was the farmboy next door and we have been married for more than 30 years. We operate a small farm and we both love to garden. If I weren't a teacher, I would actually be a full time farmer. That, or a nautical archeologist. But I love working with children, watching them progress and achieve their goals, so it's teaching for me!

Fifth Grade

Carolyn Aiossa

I grew up here in Hardwick, left for a number of years, and returned to teach here. I love to read and am fortunate enough to teach this at fifth grade, along with writing, social studies and science. Fifth grade is a wonderful age and I enjoy my students very much.

Beth Miller

I love math and I love kids so it is natural that I would end up as a math teacher. I live with my two basset hounds who keep me busy at home. My absolute favorite thing to do when I'm not at school is to sit in the sun in my lawn chair and read. I also am a huge Red Sox fan.

Sixth Grade

Mike Noyes

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, I went to college at Drexel University in Philadelphia. I then taught for 4 years in central Florida, but came back to Vermont in 2001. I have been teaching 6th grade at Hardwick Elementary School ever since. Mr. Ryan tells me the best part of my job is working with him. My students say it's the excellent pay. I say it's the great kids I get to see every day! I live in beautiful North Wolcott with my wife, Cindy and our 2 dogs, Dexter and Molly. I love to coach and play soccer, telemark ski, and obsessively watch the Phillies and Steelers.

Mike Ryan

I grew up in Vergennes, Vermont and attended Johnson State College. I am the proud father of Tyler, 30 and Kate, 22. My favorite activities here in the lovely Green Mountain State are skiing, hiking and golfing. I have worked here at HES since 1973 and I wish for peace and prosperity in the world.

Judy Picard

I was born and raised in Malrboro, Massachusetts, and I attended the Cape Cod Community College. I started working at HES 21 years ago, and have been here ever since. I've raised two boys, Nathan and Mathew, and have had the privilege of traveling all the way to Japan. I love colors ― all of them, I love the ocean, and I enjoy walking and running.

Special Programs

Kelly Evans

REACH! Site Coordinator

Kelly began working for REACH! in August. Her experience is in outdoor education and adventure-based learning. She has worked for the Hazen's Notch Association, Hulburt Outdoor Center, Canyonlands Field Institute, Orange County Outdoor Science School, and Pacific Environmental Education Center. She enjoys backpacking, rafting, and rock climbing. Ask her to say something in Spanish - maybe she will!

Nancy Ford

Health

I graduated from Johnson State College and have a Master's degree in Special Education. I have been teaching at HES for 20 years. During that time I have taught grades 3-6 and for the past six years I've been teaching Health Education. I really enjoy my current assignment because I get to work with all the children and see them grow from Kindergarten through Grade 6. In my free time I like to work in my flower garden, visit my granddaughter and take motorcycle rides with my husband.

Tammi Smith

Athletics Director

I was born and raised in Hardwick, and I have two sons, Jamon and Jason. I work here at HES because I love working with children, and it's pretty close to home. My favorite place to be most of the time is camp!

Special Education

Tracy Ulrich

Home/School Clinician

I am a private mental health counselor who has been working at HES for 5 years. I grew up in Sussex County, New Jersey and have been living in Vermont for 11 years. My husband, Paul and I have two daughters who are 8 and 3, and we have two dogs named Zoe and our newest addition, Wilson. I enjoy spending time hiking, camping, painting, snowboarding and gardening. I love working at HES because it is such a friendly, loving and supportive enviroment. My passion is working with children who come from challenging life situations and helping them to be successful in all that they do both at home and at school.

Heather Wright

Learning Consultant

I grew up in Woodbury and attended school there and at Hazen. I have three kids and they attend school here at Hardwick Elementary. I went to college at Lyndon State so I could be close to home. Gardening for perennials and vegetables are my practical hobby; horses are my splurge. I graduated college in 1991 and started work here that fall. My favorite part of being a teacher, whether at school with students or at home with Fresh Air kids, my own, or the many extras we have, is being able to introduce something new in a child's life opening up their world. I like caring for horses, dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys and pigs. I like fishing, canoeing, just being outdoors, and I love my kids. I've traveled to the Virgin Islands with my dad's construction job, camped in Maine, ridden horses in Montana, seen the Badlands in the fog, and visited Ontario, St. Louis, and California with Key Club.

Reading

Sara Behrsing

I grew up in a small New Hampshire town called New Boston. I lived on a dairy farm with my four sisters. I graduated from Lesley College in Massachusetts. I taught three years in New Hampshire before moving to Hardwick, Vermont. My two children attended Hardwick Elementary School and I have taught here for 15 years. I enjoy working with children and helping them learn to read. I love being a part of this school, town and community.

Cindi Burnham

Title I Reading

I'm a Hardwick native who attended UVM and then lived in Florida for four and a half years. There, I attended the University of Florida at Gainesville and Florida Atlantic University. After returning to Vermont, I attended Johnson State College. I am certified as a "Reading and Language Arts Specialist, K-12". I have two grown sons, both of whom live out of state. I enjoy tending my perennials, playing piano, and collecting and learning about small antiques such as postcards, buttons, Occupied Japan, depression glass, and very old reading primers, to name a few. I've traveled to France, Hawaii, Russia, Morocco, the Canary Islands, and many cities in the US and Canada; and I still have a long list of places I'd like to see. My favorite part of teaching is seeing the face of a young child when I'm able to say, "You are reading!"

Pam Fisher-Parro

I have been a reading specialist at HES for 11 years. I make the daily trek from Montpelier. I graduated from Southern Illinois University many years ago, but even then I knew reading would be my vocation as well as avocation. I am an avid tennis player and play on two USTA teams at First in Fitness. The highlight of my tennis career was several years ago when my team qualified for the Nationals in Arizona. My favorite part of teaching in Hardwick is the kids.

Barbara Jacobs

I have lived in several parts of the US, but am glad to have settled in Vermont. My adventures in education have included positions as classroom teacher, guidance counselor, and now reading specialist at schools in New England and Germany. Working at Department of Defense schools in Germany enabled me to travel all over Europe, and I hope to return some day. My husband is also an educator and we have 2 daughters; one at the University of Vermont and one just starting high school. Weekends find me walking, biking, gardening or curling up with a good book.

Support Staff

Jennifer Faith

Librarian

Born in Petaluma, California, I have been blessed to call areas of the Appalachian, Ozark and now Green Mountains home. I moved to Morrisville in 2001 with my husband, two daughters ages 9 and 11, two cats and two fish. My absolute favorite color is purple. In my free time I love to scrapbook, garden and read. The best part of my job is when I am able to help a student find a perfect book and then they come back and tell me the book was a winner!

Technology

Michael O'Dell

Webmaster / Technician

I am currently the newest and youngest member of the Wild Branch team. I was born and spent most of the first decade of my life in Bakersfield in central California, later moving to Garden Grove and Westminster in the Anaheim area of southern California. I've always been a very laid back person, which some have perceived as apathy. It is true I don't care about little things very much, because I prefer to care about what matters — the people around me. All of my hobbies and interests have remained fairly constant since the age of four; my first computer was a Commodore 64, on which I played games and learned to type, and it was at this age I first began to watch cartoons, including some Japanese animated shows. Not long after, I also became interested in comic books, and since have also discovered the conglomeration of these two interests in Japanese graphic novels. I enjoy most any animated film or series, from silly Disney works such as Goof Troop, to other American kids' shows such as Swat Kats, all the way to very dark Japanese animated films such as Akira, Appleseed and X/1999. I also enjoy many kinds of movies, and am a fan of most games including World of Warcraft (which is one of the ways I retain contact with some old friends). I've been labeled a genius by various people throughout my life, however I care little for what capacity I have — I rather care for how I use it, and whom I can use it for.