Administration
Head of School
Sage Bagnato, M.Ed.
Sage Bagnato has thirty years of professional education experience. After earning her B.A. from Dartmouth College, she began her career as a classroom teacher in first, fourth and fifth grades. Sage became intrigued with the notion of how students learn, and returned to school to earn her Master’s from Harvard Graduate School of Education, with an emphasis on Neuroscience and Education. Since then, Sage has worked with hundreds of students as an Educational Diagnostician in greater Boston and Vermont, and has taught many workshops to teachers and parents. She has co-authored two publications, and served as the Learning Specialist at an independent, college-preparatory school.
Assistant Head of School
Libby Macdonald, M.Ed.
Libby brings 20 years of teaching and administrative experience, along with a deep seated passion and commitment to the success of VDS. Libby holds a B.A. from Kenyon College and a Masters in Education from Marymount University. She taught at an independent school in the Washington DC area and was the Director of Heartworks Preschool in Shelburne, VT for many years. Libby lives in Burlington with her husband, Locky and 3 children. She enjoys running, spending time with friends and watching her children’s various sports teams!
Director of Programs
Brea Schwartz, M.Ed.
Before joining Vermont Day School as a founding teacher, Brea taught at an independent school in Sheridan, Wyoming, where she pioneered engaging and innovative learning experiences for her students. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Montana State University and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of New England. Outside the classroom, Brea enjoys being outside, traveling, cooking, gardening, and, most of all, spending time with friends and family and finding ways to bring smiles to their faces.
Director of Student Learning
Katie Goodrow, M.A.
Katie comes to Vermont Day School with a Master’s Degree and Certification in K-12 Special Education. She has over ten years of experience designing and implementing individual and small group instruction in the areas of phonics, phonological awareness, reading, writing, mathematics and study skills. Additionally, Katie is able to conduct diagnostic assessments to identify student learning profiles and needs. She has presented at several workshops and trainings, and is well versed in collaborating with teachers to support learning.
Business Manager
Andrea Bergeron, B.S.
Andrea received her BS in both accounting and business administration from St. Michael’s College. She has many years experience working for various Vermont non-profit organizations, serving as CFO for Vermont Public Television, Shelburne Museum and the Flynn Center. She lives in Shelburne with her husband and two sons.
Faculty
PreK Director and Teacher
Emily Creller, M.Ed.
Emily is a passionate early childhood educator with over 20 years of experience working with children. Before founding the Vermont Day School Pre-K Program, Emily spent 14 years as a Mentor Teacher at the UVM Campus Children’s School. She earned her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education and her B.S. in Early Childhood Education Pre-K-3 from the University of Vermont. Emily is a native Vermonter and enjoys being out in nature with children as much as possible.
PreK Teacher
Molly Keenan, M.Ed.
Molly earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Vermont. Since that time, she has worked as the Lead Teacher at a local Preschool. Her favorite thing about being an early childhood educator is forming a class community that fosters joy, curiosity, and engagement. In her free time, Molly enjoys being in nature, attending concerts in the area, and being with her loved ones.
PreK Assistant Teacher
Massiel Ayala, M.A.
Massiel was born and raised in Panama City, Panama. She began her college education at Florida International University and completed her degree in Marketing and Advertising in Panama. After, Massiel pursued a Master’s degree in Advertising in Barcelona, Spain. In 2013, Massiel moved to the United States, where she met her husband and became a mother to two wonderful children. In 2021, Massiel’s family relocated to Vermont, and since then, has had the privilege of working with and teaching children. In her free time, Massiel cherishes moments with her family, loves to travel and explore different cultures, and savors diverse cuisines. She also enjoys watching soccer games with her family.
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Caitlyn Ketcham, B.A.
Caitlyn is a Vermont native and has been working in early childhood education for the past seven years. Caitlyn graduated from Siena college with a Bachelor’s in English and a minor in Education, and is completing her Masters and licensure in Elementary Education. Caitlyn joined Vermont Day School as an Assistant Teacher in our K/1 classroom. She quickly became an invaluable member of our Faculty and moved into the role of K/1 Head Classroom teacher. Before joining VDS in 2024, Caitlyn worked in a social work setting as a Family Specialist, and as a special education assistant. She is passionate about creating a warm and inclusive classroom community driven by SEL principles. In her spare time she enjoys reading, baking, playing sports, and being by the water.
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Erin Capps, B.A.
Erin is a dedicated elementary educator with over 20 years of experience working with children. A graduate of the University of Vermont’s Elementary Education program, she is passionate about designing meaningful, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based curriculum that builds on children’s curiosity. Before joining Vermont Day School as a founding teacher in 2015, Erin taught at International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in China, Japan, and outside Chicago. When not in the classroom, Erin enjoys camping, seeing live music, and spending time with family and friends.
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Hallie Carpenter Toney, M.Ed.
Hallie has her B.S. from Merrimack College and her Masters in Elementary Education: Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University in Boston where she also received her elementary education licensure. Hallie comes to us with a passion for teaching and working with children. She has experience in schools in Vermont and Massachusetts providing instruction and behavioral management support to students of all abilities in Kindergarten to third grade. Her first career was working with teachers to create student travel experiences with EF Education in Cambridge, MA. Hallie is a native Vermonter and enjoys bringing her passion for musical theater into the classroom.
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Sam Grant, M.A.
Prior to joining the team at Vermont Day School, Sam completed her undergraduate studies at Skidmore College before going on to earn her Masters in Adolescent Education at Manhattanville University. Sam taught elementary schoolers in New York City for several years, leading instruction both in the classroom and in a variety of farm/outdoor education settings. Outside of school, Sam is an avid reader, traveler, and movie watcher. She’s passionate about encouraging students to draw meaningful connections with the world around them in a way that inspires curiosity and imagination. clear-line]
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Alison Morrow, M.Ed.
Alison comes to Vermont Day School with over 10 years of elementary teaching experience in both Rhode Island and Vermont. She holds a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Mary Washington and has also served as a Girls on the Run Coach and Outdoor Education Trip Leader.
Middle School Literacy, Global Studies & Spanish
Molly Johnsen, M.A., M.F.A.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with an English major and a Hispanic Studies minor, Molly holds an M.A. in English from the Bread Loaf School of English and an M.F.A in poetry from Syracuse University. Molly has over a decade of teaching experience at independent schools and colleges as far afield as Lycée International outside of Paris, to Horace Mann in New York City, to Middlebury College. Her soft spot has always been for middle schoolers. Molly’s book of poetry, Everything Alive, was published in October by Green Writers Press in 2025. In her free time, Molly enjoys running, writing, hiking, reading, and getting to the ocean.
Middle School Math & French Teacher
Jack Gill, B.A.
Jack Gill, B.A. Jack is a graduate of Lehigh University’s College of Business and Economics, with a major in Finance and minors in French and Film. Professionally, Jack has several years experience working in finance and data science. During this time, he developed a passion for education and gained experience tutoring, teaching and working with children. Jack has been tutoring and teaching small group instruction in Math and is excited to bring his experience to the VDS Middle School community.
Music & Theater Teacher
Kendra Gratton, B.A.
Kendra holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from St. Michael’s College and an Elementary Music Endorsement from Castleton State College. Over the past 20 years, this Vermont native has taught music and theater residencies, classes, camps, and workshops statewide. Today, she shares her expertise as the Music and Theater Educator at Vermont Day School and as a specialist at the Middlebury Music Center.
Art Teacher 
Ryan Cocina, M.Ed.
Ryan comes to Vermont Day School with 10 years experience as the Woodworking Program Manager and Art Instructor for the Shelburne Craft School. He is passionate about working with children and is skilled at teaching a wide range of artistic mediums, including ceramics, mural arts, drawing, painting and more. Ryan holds his Master’s Degree in Education and is excited to share his creativity and artistic expertise with the students at VDS.
STEM Teacher
Darcie Rankin, M.A.
Darcie Rankin started her professional career as an electrical engineer at IBM, but found her true passion was for working with students when she had a chance to go into schools to speak about science and engineering. She received her elementary teaching endorsement and Masters degree in Curriculum from St. Michael’s College. She has been learning alongside elementary and middle school students for the last fifteen years. Darcie infuses her practice with student voice and choice as she encourages students to take risks, be creative, collaborate, play and have fun!
Assistant Teacher
Vanessa George, B.A. 
Originally from Burlington, Vermont, Vanessa earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and Theatre from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College. She is working towards her Vermont Teaching License with a K-6 endorsement. Vanessa has a strong background in the arts and nature education and has spent the last several summers directing camps for Burlington Parks and Recreation. Outside of the classroom, Vanessa loves board games, gardening, figure staking and listening to music.
Assistant Teacher
Christine Everitt, M.Ed.
Christine earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching at Columbia University. She has worked at a variety of independent schools as an educator in Philadelphia, New York City and Vermont. Most recently, she’s enjoyed her role as Math Coach working one on one with students. Christine lives in Williston and loves spending time with her family. Often this involves watching her two children participate in sports or theater and being active outdoors! She also enjoys her time serving on the Lyric Theatre Board of Directors. Christine has worked at Vermont Day School since its inception and has substitute taught in just about every classroom. She is thrilled to join our Faculty & Staff as a full-time Assistant Teacher.
Assistant Teacher & Learning Specialist
Melissa Caligiuri, M.Ed.
Melissa also holds over 10 years of elementary education teaching experience in both public and private school settings. Additionally, she holds her Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Vermont, along with her Vermont Level II Professional Educator’s license. This year, Melissa will also participate in the Orton-Gillingham Associate Level Course & Practicum at the Stern Center.
