SJA Welcomes New Faculty and Staff
St. Johnsbury Academy has added nine new faculty and six new staff members to start the 2024-2025 school year. Headmaster Dr. Sharon Howell said, “This bright and accomplished cohort of new teachers, administrators and staff are already bringing a new energy to campus, and I’m grateful for the rich contributions they are making to our learning community. This new group joins us at a time of immense need—for expertise and excellent teaching, and also for vigorous, creative and compassionate engagement with our students both in and out of the classroom. It’s exciting to see this talented new group stepping up and jumping in. We’re so fortunate.”
Faculty
Caroline Roy Adams ’00 joined the mathematics department. She previously taught at Barnet School. Caroline holds a BA from Lyndon State College and a Master of Education and a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Mathematics Teaching.
Caitlin Colino joined the math department. She was previously a trip leader for Cascade Wilderness Challenge and a Field Instructor for Second Nature Wilderness Therapy. Most recently, she worked as an environmental engineer for TRC. Caitlin holds a BS in Environmental Engineering from Tufts University.
Jennifer Costanzo joined the English as a Second Language department. She has been a teacher of ESL to elementary, secondary, and college students, and most recently worked at St. Johnsbury School. Jennifer holds a BA in English from Mt. Holyoke College, and an MA from Teacher’s College, Columbia University.
Jackie Nagle Fox ’03 joined the fine arts department as a photography teacher. Jackie is an accomplished photographer and has owned and operated photography studios and galleries. Jackie attended UVM and Lyndon State College and received a Certificate of Completion from KT Merry Education.
Samuel Johnson ‘12 joined Student Services as a skills instructor. He worked previously as a paraprofessional educator at the St. Johnsbury School District. He holds an M.A. in History from Southern New Hampshire University and dual B.S. degrees in Criminal Justice and History from Northern Vermont University – Lyndon, with a minor in Russian/Eurasian Studies.
Diantha Driscoll Jones ’09 joined the science department. She was most recently a childbirth educator and NVRH, and previously worked as a science teacher at Blue Mountain Union High School. She holds a BA in Secondary Education from UVM.
Michael Kane joined the fine and performing arts department as the performing arts and theater teacher. He was previously employed by Vermont State University as a faculty member in performance arts. He holds a BFA in acting from the University of Montana, and an MFA in acting from Harvard University.
Naomi Kramer joined the math department. She is also the girls’ varsity soccer coach. Naomi was previously a math teach and soccer coach at Gould Academy. She holds a BA in Mathematics from Plymouth State University.
Matthew Stark ’96 has rejoined the CTE department as a woodworking teacher. Matt has worked as a custom furniture maker and carpenter since 1996. He was previously a woodworking teacher at the Academy from 2013 to 2023.
Staff
Ashlea Greenlaw joined the Student Life department as an activities coordinator. Ashlea worked as a school counselor, learning center coach, and dorm parent at the White Mountain School and as a behavioral interventionist at Two Roads Academy. She holds a BS and MA in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire.
Daphne Hsieh joined the Grace Stuart Orcutt Library as an Assistant Librarian. She has been working at the Academy as a substitute teacher for several years and was previously a flight attendant for Cathay Pacific Airways. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Textiles and Clothing/Fashion Design from Fu Jen Catholic University and has completed a year of study in Information and Library Science at Tam Kang University.
Adam Kennedy ’92 joined the Advancement Department as a graphic designer and marketing coordinator. Adam has held many prior roles at St. Johnsbury Academy both in Vermont and in St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju in South Korea. He holds an MA in Graphic Design & Visual Experience from the Savannah College of Art & Design, has completed graphic design studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, and earned a B.S. in Information System Science from Salve Regina University.
Abigail Sweet joined the health services department as an assistant nurse. Her recent experience includes serving as a part-time school nurse at Burke Mountain Academy and as a clinical nurse at the Women’s Wellness Center at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. Abigail holds an MS in Leadership in Health Care Systems from Regis University and a BS in Nursing from the University of Vermont.
Christine Slater joined the Grace Stuart Orcutt Library as an Associate Librarian. She most recently served as Children’s Librarian at Pope Memorial Library. Previously, she worked as an Interlibrary Loan Librarian at Littleton Public Library. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Creative Writing from Lyndon State College.
Elizabeth Wilkins joined St. Johnsbury Academy as a multi-department assistant. She was most recently Manager of Annual Giving/Alumni Relations and Database Research Coordinator at The White Mountain School. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Springfield College. She has also completed coursework in Paralegal Studies at Hesser College and Creative Writing and Literature at New England College.
