ACADEMY
SCHOOL
Brattleboro, Vermont

While I am originally from Vermont, I attended Elon University in North Carolina and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Special and Elementary Education. I then taught in North Carolina for two years before joining the Academy School team this past year. I am currently working towards a Master’s degree as a Reading Specialist through The Reading Institute in Williamstown, MA. My goal for all of the students with whom I work is to encourage them to become lifelong learners by carefully selecting and differentiating curriculum to fit their learning needs. 

As a native to Vermont, Katie grew up in Putney, where she enjoyed horseback riding, soccer, and time spent with friends and family. Katie completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Vermont, where she studied sociology. In 2005, Katie moved back to Putney and began working as a special education paraprofessional at the Bellows Falls Middle School. It was at this time, that Katie realized working with students with learning differences was something she wanted to pursue. She then enrolled in a post-bachelorette special education teacher certification program at Keene State College. Over the course of three years, Katie completed the certification program and her masters in special education. Katie has worked at Academy since 2008, instructing and supporting students in grades five and six. In her free time, Katie enjoys adventures with her family, eating, exploring the outdoors, and traveling. Katie lives with her husband, her daughter, and their two pets in Westminster, Vermont. 

Deb Moranski is a Special Educator at Academy School. She has worked at Academy School for many years with a passion to help children reach their potential and meet the general education expectations. Deb attended Saint Joseph College in West Hartford Connecticut with a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. She started her career as a Special Educator teaching in an inner city school in Connecticut. She moved with her family to Vermont to raise their children. Deb strongly believes every child is capable of doing well and shining in the general education classroom.  

Jain Gavin is a special educator at Academy School. She has been teaching at the school for many years starting at 5th/6th grade and for the last ten years at 3rd/4th grade. Jain graduated from Boston College with a degree in both elementary and special education. She went on to earn her Master's degree at Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Jain taught in West Hartford when she left college. After getting married and having a baby, she moved her family to Walpole, New Hampshire.
She was hired at Academy soon after and moved to Vermont. Jain enjoys teaching and helping Academy Stars shine.

Sondra has been supporting children in learning literacy and math since 1999. Her first seven years were in the Intensive Service program, then she moved into Special Education, where she has been working for the last ten years. Sondra likes working one on one or in small groups helping children learn.  

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