Essentials (ES) - White River Valley School

Martha Higgins: Music, Bethel

Martha is excited to be teaching elementary and middle school music for WRVSU. She has been passionate about music and music education since childhood. After finishing her undergraduate degree in music in Chicago, she returned to her hometown, Houston, Texas, in 2016 where she taught private music lessons, orchestra, and elementary music. She is a cellist and composer. In her free time she loves writing, crocheting, drawing, and going on walks with her dog, Kara. She also cares a lot about community service and can't wait to get involved in Vermont. You can reach Martha at mhiggins@wrvsu.org.

Ryan Garrett-Brown: Music, Royalton

Ryan (he/him/his) is excited to be starting his second year of teaching at WRUD! He will be teaching elementary general music at South Royalton Elementary School and AP Music Theory at White River Valley High School. Ryan is originally from Ohio, but now lives in Colchester with his Vermont-born and raised wife. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Technology, a Master of Music in Percussion Performance, and a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Arts. Outside of music, Ryan enjoys hiking, running, and reading. He can be reached at rgarrett@wrvsu.org.

Melissa Purdy: ECO, Bethel

Melissa started working at the Bethel Elementary and Middle school in 2015. She teaches Preschool through 5th grade outdoor education (known as ECO). She also teaches 6th-8th grade Health at the middle school. Melissa has two children. She loves to be outside all year long. In the winter, she snowboards and in the warmer weather, she paddle boards and mountain bikes. She is also an author and artist. Melissa grew up in Pennsylvania and now lives in the Mad River Valley. You can reach Melissa at mpurdy@wrvsu.org

Alejandra Bangerter : Phys. Ed, Bethel

Alejandra Bangerter grew up in Montevideo, Uruguay. She graduated from the Higher Education Institute of Physical Education with a Bachelor Degree in Physical Education K-12, Mayor in Sports. She moved to U.S. in 2001 and relocated to the green state in 2019. She has worked as a P.E. Teacher for over 16 years, which includes some of her overseas experience, a four year term as a state licensed physical education teacher in Miami, FL, three year term in WRVSU and one year in CVSU. Alejandra resides in Bethel with her family. She has two children who are proud members of the WILDCAT Family. She loves sailing, running and nutrition. And now, “stronger than ever”, she is excited and honored to serve your children as the new Physical Education Teacher of the Bethel Elementary and Middle School. She can be reached at abangerter@wrvsu.org

Malia Timmerman: Art, Bethel

Since 2015, Malia has taught on the Bethel campus, where she is the K-8 visual art educator. She loves inspiring and being inspired by students of all ages. She was born in Hawaii and lived in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and California before settling in central Vermont in 2005. She enjoys making and fixing things, taking photos, and traveling, especially to Zambia in southern Africa. Malia is also the parent of an awesome teenager who was born in Randolph and is usually willing to try out random art projects, go for long walks, and attempt cross-country skiing. You can reach Malia at mtimmerman@wrvsu.org.

Nicole Lillie: Art, Royalton Campus

Nicole is new to the South Royalton campus, and new to the teaching profession! She graduated from Keene State College with a BFA in Studio Art, with a focus in Sculpture. Nicole loves creating all artistic mediums, but particularly enjoys pottery and oil painting. When she's not making art, she finds happiness in getting outside; snowboarding in the winter and beaching it in the summer. Nicole is so excited to start her teaching journey, especially since she has two mini artists of her own that go to school in the district! She can be reached at nlillie@wrvsu.org

Adam Justice: PE/ECO, Royalton

I have been teaching Physical Education and Outdoor Education for 5 years. I grew up and attended college in New Hampshire. I have a young son, and enjoy spending time with him and my wonderful wife. I also have a small woodworking business in my free time. You can reach me at ajustice@wrvsu.org

two male students showing off their artwork