My name is Hannah Nadeau, and I am excited to join Cavendish Town Elementary School as we develop a new program for our youngest learners—preschool!

I began my career in early childhood education in 2004 and hold an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus on Child and Adolescent Development. I also hold a Vermont teaching license for Birth–Grade 3 and have taught in both center-based and public-school programs.

I grew up in New Hampshire, attended Boston University and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2000.   I taught in Boston and then moved to Cavendish in 2002.  Over the years I have taught Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade and Homeschooled my own children through Middle School.  CTES always welcomed my children as homeschoolers and I was excited to begin teaching here in 2019.  I admire and respect the joy and enthusiasm young children have for learning.  Young children thrive and grow through play and predictability.  My goal as a teacher is to support students in the ways they learn best.  When I’m not at school I love spending time with my family, gardening, photography and thrift shopping. 

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I began my own educational journey at Chester-Andover Elementary School, continued through Green Mountain Union High School, and later graduated from Woodstock Union High School after moving to Reading. One of my favorite memories as a child was receiving old teacher manuals and workbooks just before summer break—treasures that sparked countless hours of "playing school" with my sisters.

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Education from Castleton in 1999 and became a licensed K–6 teacher. In 2003, I completed my Master’s in Education, and in 2019, I expanded my licensure to include Birth–PreK. Teaching has always been more than a profession to me—it’s been a lifelong passion.

When I am not at school,  I love to sing, sew, paint, read, walk/hike, watch movies and have adventures with my kids (which includes my little pup, Dustie).

Third and fourth graders are becoming abstract thinkers and leaving behind the relative concrete thought processes of younger students.  This makes them incredibly interesting and so much fun! I have been lucky enough to work here at C.T.E.S. for 29 years, and I can’t wait to start next year!  

I grew up in Rhode Island right by the beach.  That is probably why some of my favorite things and places are beach related.  When I am not at school I love to be at the beach, swimming, boating or anything boat related.  In the summer you’ll definitely find me at the beach with a good book.  

My undergraduate degree is from the University of Maine, in Orono Maine.  Later I received my Masters of Education from Southern New Hampshire University and later I also received my Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from the same university.  

My favorite things to teach are reading and science. 

Adolescence is marked by profound changes in all aspects of development. To be the best teacher of 10-13 year olds, you have to be ready to pivot at any given moment. My students are designed to challenge. My background has helped me support these learners.

I grew up in NJ and NY in a family of eight--my mom and dad, five brothers and me. Childhood for me was playing in the dirt, waiting my turn and talking sports. Adolescents are messy. They push boundaries and are emotional. I encourage individuality, and togetherness. I help my students take ownership of behaviors and be kind.

I hold a BS in Business Management from Ithaca College, a Masters in Science Education from Castleton University, and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from SNHU. Before teaching I worked for 8 years in marketing and management. Our farm is home to our business, Cavendish Game Birds, in Springfield, VT. I encourage my students to make dreams and build stamina for their passions.

Currently I serve on our licensing board and leadership team. I have coached a youth swim team, been a masters swimmer, and sing alto in my church choir. I was a state leader in writing and have won a national science teacher award. I teach my students how to follow and lead. 

Some of the best projects I ever facilitated were grounded in fortitude, inquiry and fun. We have measured the density of ice by building igloos, made living biography museums with first-person scripts, and gathered food from local farms to cook a meal at a local restaurant. Movement works for adolescents.

In my 32 years at CTES, I have taught almost every subject. I can’t say I have a favorite. I love the differences. I teach my students that each day provides a new chance; that you are not having a conversation if you are the only one talking; that your brain is a precious gift; and that a great day is one where you delight in another. 

At home, I listen to music and garden. I walk, swim, and camp. I love traveling with my husband, Rick and.my two adult children, Janie and Elliot. My large extended family and friends are always welcome at our farm for a walk in the fields, a Packers game, or a homemade meal. In my classroom, like at home, we love, argue, laugh and forgive. It’s been a pleasure to teach in this beautiful little school.

Classroom Website

Yes, it is an odd combination, but I love it!  Believe it or not, I began my career teaching high school social studies and math.  I have lived in Chester for over 25 years and was involved at  BRHS and CAES in a number of capacities.  My coaching experience brought me to CTES in the role of PE teacher and after 1 year, I added art. I love the experiential nature of both subjects and enjoy helping students explore the world around them in different ways.

I earned my BA from Hamilton College, before teaching prep school and coaching  for 7 years. I earned my  MEd from UNH while serving as the assistant Div I, women’s lacrosse coach.  I have taken extensive graduate work in Physical Education in order to add PE as a teaching endorsement and am currently working to add art as a third endorsement.  I believe that whatever you do, you should do to the best of your ability!  

I have always been active:  I dance, swim, hike, bike, canoe, and ski nordic and downhill. I love to share the active lifestyle with our CTES students.  I enjoy reading, sewing, and creating art.  And I love to travel the world, exploring other cultures and environments including Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa, Thailand, Europe, Iceland, the Dominican Republic, and Canada.  

My husband and I had one daughter who taught us so much and brought so much joy to our lives.  She was born with a severe neurological condition and passed in 2020 at the age of 19.

Dr. Gelsomine has over 32 years of professional expertise and experience with diverse children in rural and urban environments. She began her career as a bilingual special educator, serving children with complex medical conditions at a regional Children’s Hospital. Dr. Gelsomine has taught in early intervention, elementary school, and university programs. She has received numerous awards for her teaching excellence. Dr. Gelsomine brings unwavering dedication to the provision of evidence-based practices and high quality learning opportunities for children at educational risk and with disabilities. She is honored to teach at Cavendish Town Elementary School.

Dr. Gelsomine loves birds, the Green Mountains, and spending time with her husband and family.  

Proctorsville was my hometown. CTES is where I spent my youth. I went away for college. Okay, I didn’t go far, Castleton State. I asked if I could student-teach here at CTES. Two wonderful teachers, Mrs. Connie Kendall and Mrs Peggy Svec, agreed to mentor me. I finished the semester and graduated that December. By January I was full time at CTES as an assistant. Not long after that I was asked to take on the role of teacher to a 5th grade classroom. I have been in this building guiding and teaching children for 29 years. It has been wonderful to teach the children of students I had in the past.  

I enjoy scrapbooking. It allows me to be creative and capture the memories.

I like to read, watch movies with my husband, and enjoy time with family and friends.

 Math has always been a passion of mine and I am pleased to be the Math Interventionist for CTES. 

I began my teaching career in Connecticut 50 years ago! I have taught grades 3-6 as an elementary teacher and grades 7-12 in math. I was also a mentor and State of Connecticut Assessor of beginning teachers during that time. I have been a part-time resident of Cavendish for 48 years, and now reside here permanently.

I have a B.S. in Elementary Education and Mathematics, a M.S. in Educational Media and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Administration and Supervision. 

I believe good teaching has its roots in developing a positive rapport with students along with a sense of humor. 

Music is my hobby. I enjoy singing, playing drums , piano and guitar. My son plays trumpet and has a Masters in Jazz Performance. My wife, a retired teacher, and I enjoy traveling the world, cooking, gardening and living in Vermont.

Hello families! I’m so happy to introduce myself as the new school counselor and to officially be part of this wonderful community. This role truly feels like a dream come true for me and my family.

I grew up in southern Connecticut and attended Springfield College, where I earned degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice. I stayed on at Springfield to complete my Master of Social Work, and during that time, I also competed on the track and field team, throwing javelin and hammer.

My career began in Springfield, Massachusetts, where I worked as a mental health clinician in a specialized behavioral program. From there, I found my true calling in school counseling—and I’ve been proud to support students and their families for the past 20 years.

My husband and I had always dreamed of raising our family in Vermont. After renovating a little farmhouse in Weston last summer, we quickly knew we had found home. So when I saw this counselor position open, it felt like everything had come full circle.

I’m truly excited to be here and can’t wait to get to know you and your children. I believe in building strong connections with families and working together to help every student feel supported, confident, and valued.

I have wanted to be a child and family therapist since I was young. I have 10 years of experience providing therapy in various settings and working with clients throughout the lifespan, but primarily with children and adolescents. I have my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and am licensed in VT and NH.  I have enjoyed working at Cavendish the last few years!

My approach is person-centered, meeting a client where they are at and integrating relevant modalities (DBT, CBT, mindfulness, etc.) to best support overall wellness.  I feel that including caretakers in the therapeutic process is essential. I have experience working with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, autism, and self-esteem/body image challenges among other issues.  

In my free time, I love being with my family (including my dog and cat) and friends. I enjoy gardening, nature walks/hiking, kayaking, reading, yoga, and seeing live music.

I have been a registered nurse for over 20 years.  I started as a School Nurse in 2019  

at Chester Andover Elementary school and then moved to Cavendish Town Elementary in 

the fall of 2022. It is my goal to keep our students healthy, safe and ready to learn.  I am happy to be a part of the CTES team!

I grew up on Long Island, New York.  I received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from 

Oswego State University. After graduation, I worked with individuals with autism and brain Injuries in various settings. This work led me to pursue a career in Nursing.  I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University. I have worked in various settings throughout my career including Cardiology, ICU, Nurse Care Coordination and Primary/Urgent care. I became a certified Asthma Educator in 2015. 

I live in Ludlow with my husband and son. In my spare time, I enjoy snowboarding, hiking,   gardening and camping.