Each week during the Fall we are sharing some fun facts about our newest Team Tiger family members. Here is our featured group from the Sept. 30 Talking Tiger newsletter:
Jenna Manzo
Math Teacher – Hudson Falls High School
Where do you live?
Queensbury
Where did you go to college?
SUNY Cortland
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because of the impact that my teachers made. I hope to inspire students to become the best version of themselves!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
My favorite things to do outside of school are to go hiking and spending time with my family.
Favorite sports team?
The Pittsburgh Pirates
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
I was a competitive dancer for 15 years!
Jennifer Gaulin
Reading Teacher – Hudson Falls Middle School
Where do you live?
Hudson Falls
Where did you go to college?
SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Oswego, College of St. Joseph
Why did you become a teacher?
I had some really memorable teachers as an elementary student in Hudson Falls. I wanted to be “that teacher” for some child one day and I’ve always loved working with kids.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
Spending time and vacationing with my husband Jeff, family, and friends . Going to the movies and watching movies at home. Trying new restaurants with our friends .
Favorite sports team?
Red Sox in addition to anything HF TIGERS!
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
It is what it is!
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
I was born in Akron, OH and I have a coffee obsession.
Mike Vargues
Physical Education Teacher – Hudson Falls High School
Nickname?
Mike
Where do you live?
Malta NY
Where did you go to college?
SUNY Plattsburgh & Canisius College
Why did you become a teacher?
To be a coach and teach kids the value of athletics.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I like to travel, I would like to visit every sports venue across the country.
Favorite sports team?
I like the Yankees, Rangers and Jets.
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
That I was born in New Jersey.
Chris Doody
Physical Education Teacher – Hudson Falls High School
Where do you live?
Glens Falls
Where did you go to college?
Cortland
Why did you become a teacher?
I was fortunate to have several great PE teachers while attending Hudson Falls. As a student, I saw first hand how Coach Heinzelman, Coach Chickanis, Coach Casey, and Coach Fish all helped create a positive school culture and that is now my top priority as a teacher
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I enjoy working out and hiking the many local trails and mountains that the north country has to offer. I also enjoy watching my two favorite teams, the New York Giants and the Duke Blue Devils.
Favorite sports team?
New York Giants and the Duke Blue Devils.
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
Although sometimes PE teachers get the stigma of only liking sports/athletics, some of my favorite classes while attending Hudson Falls were my core classes. I really enjoyed history in high school, particularly when we learned about the historically significant events within Hudson Falls and in the surrounding communities.
Katie Dion
First-Grade Teacher – Hudson Falls Primary School
Where do you live?
South Glens Falls
Where did you go to college?
SUNY Potsdam for BA in Psychology, SUNY Plattsburgh MST
Why did you become a teacher?
Becoming a teacher has always been my passion. All of my professions have included helping kids, whether it be teaching or social work. It is important for kids to always be accepted, have a constant and a supporter and I wanted that to be me. I always want my students to feel comfortable coming to school and have my classroom feel like a second home. Kids are only kids once, and if I can make them laugh, smile, learn and become more self confident, that is more than I could have ever asked for.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I love to bake with my kids . We have a big cookie bake every year around Christmas time. We travel to Pennsylvania where we lived for 5 years and spend a whole weekend baking cookies! I also love to travel to Buffalo to watch the Bills play!
Favorite sports team?
My family loves the Buffalo Bills and the Atlanta Braves!
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
I think my students would be surprised to know that I love to go 4 wheeling!
Here is our featured group from the Sept. 23 Talking Tiger newsletter:
Ashlie Dolphin
Special Education Teacher – Hudson Falls Middle School
Where do you live?
I currently live in Queensbury, but I was a graduate of Argyle.
Where did you go to college?
SUNY Potsdam and The College of Saint Rose.
Why did you become a teacher?
I had awesome teachers throughout middle and high school and knew I wanted to be able to do the same thing!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I love to play and coach volleyball, as well as spend time with family and friends.
Favorite sports team?
Buffalo Bills!
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
Although I’m an ELA teacher, I hated writing essays when I was in school!
Chloe Nemier
Long-Term First-Grade Substitute – Hudson Falls Primary School
Where do you live?
Gansevoort, NY but I am from Massena, NY
Where did you go to college?
SUNY Potsdam
Why did you become a teacher?
I watched my mom growing up and spent so much time in her classroom, she is an incredible kindergarten teacher. I’ve always wanted to be just like her!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
Walk my dog, house shop, & try new restaurants
Favorite sports team?
The Ravens because I have their quarterback on my fantasy team
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
Be silly!
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
I also work at SportsZone on my free time, a sports store that my boyfriend’s family owns & I love waking up early and going to bed early!
Tammy Moss-Hicks
Chemistry Teacher – Hudson Falls High School
Where do you live?
South Glens Falls but I grew up in Hudson Falls
Where did you go to college?
Niagara University BS, SUNY Plattsburgh MST
Why did you become a teacher?
I wanted to become a teacher because I worked in industry as an analytical chemistry and did not enjoy the atmosphere. I wanted to help students learn to love science and hopefully pursue a career in science.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I hike, boat, and travel with my husband and our dog. We are also working on training our dog to become a therapy dog.
Favorite sports team?
The Yankees
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
Life is full of challenges; it is how we tackle the challenges that defines us.
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
I am a retired Colonel in the US Army and am airborne qualified. I deployed to Iraq in 2005.
Meghan Gray
Second-Grade Teacher – Hudson Falls Primary School
Where do you live?
Moreau
Where did you go to college?
Winthrop University and SUNY Plattsburgh
Why did you become a teacher?
I want to inspire students, and let them know that no matter what adversity they face they can look in the eye and overcome it. I have a YOU CAN DO IT! classroom motto that helps to motivate along with our Dewey (The Can Do Rubber Chicken).
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I love to travel with my family, sing and dance.
Favorite sports team?
Jets Jets Jets, and I love the Brooklyn Nets!
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
You are Unlimited
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
Only eight years ago I was unable to spell, read and write. I overcame a horrible brain illness, and had to retrain my brain to learn. Not only did I overcome this illness, but that is when I truly started my teaching journey and completed my Masters in Teaching.
Samantha Poitras
Special Education Teacher – Hudson Falls Intermediate School
Do you have a nickname?
Sam
Where do you live?
Saratoga Springs, New York
Where did you go to college?
Southern New Hampshire University and University at Albany
Why did you become a teacher?
All throughout school, I loved school and my teachers! I always looked up to them and appreciated the new things that they taught me. As I got older, I started to realize that I wanted to do what they were able to do for me. Seeing my students learn new things and enjoy learning makes me happy and I love being able to be a part of that experience.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I love reading a good thriller/romance novel! I also enjoy traveling with my family to our favorite destination, Disney World.
Favorite sports team?
I don’t watch sports, but if I had to pick, I would probably choose the Philadelphia Phillies.
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
“Do what you need to do and enjoy life as it happens.”
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
I used to work at Walt Disney World.
Caitlin Canavan
Special Education Teacher – Hudson Falls Primary School
Where do you live?
Queensbury
Where did you go to college?
Nazareth College
Why did you become a teacher?
I love learning and want to share that love with my students!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
Hiking, kayaking, reading, and baking
Favorite sports team?
Buffalo Bills
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
Take chances, make mistakes, get messy! -Ms. Frizzle
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
I am a student too! I am starting my Master’s in educational technology this winter.
Andrew R. Welkley
Science Teacher – Hudson Falls Middle School
Do you have a nickname?
Andy
Where do you live?
Defreestville area of North Greenbush.
Where did you go to college?
SUNY Maritime College
Why did you become a teacher?
After a week long substitute math teaching gig at Knickerbacker Middle School in Lansingburgh, I realized that I **really** enjoyed working with kids, especially helping them learn to think critically for problem solving.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
“I am an inveterate gamer! I love just about all manner of games from table top games like Monopoly, to card game of many varieties (regular stuff like Pinochle, and Rummy, to collectable card games like Magic: the Gathering). I love computer games, specifically Role Playing Games like Mass Effect, Fallout, and Cyberpunk 2077. I also enjoy playing table top battle games like WARMACHINE, Warhammer 40K, and even historical games such as Flames of War (WWII miniature battles). I paint miniatures for these games. BUT, my favorite game to play of all time is Dungeons and Dragons!!!”
Favorite sports team?
When I used to follow American Style football it was the Miami Dolphins.
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
Be Kind First! Don’t wait for others to be kind to you.
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
That I really enjoy listening to electronica and Dub-step music.
Jillian Veitch
Fifth- Grade – Hudson Falls Intermediate School
Do you have a nickname?
Jill
Where do you live?
Wilton
Where did you go to college?
SUNY Plattsburgh for Elementary and Childhood Education and St. Rose for my Masters in Literacy.
Why did you become a teacher?
I wanted to become a teacher because I love children. I love the excitement they bring to learning and every day moments.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and my three daughters. We love to travel and explore new places. I also love to read. I read every night!
Favorite sports team?
I do not have a favorite sports team, but I do like to cook (and eat) different appetizers as my family watches the game.
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
According to my Kindle, I have read 74 weeks in a row!
Mark Frament
Social Studies Teacher – Hudson Falls High School
Do you have a nickname?
Mr. F
Where do you live?
Clifton Park
Where did you go to college?
Hudson Valley CC, SUNY Brockport, University @ Albany
Why did you become a teacher?
My faith and personal beliefs is that people should use their gifts and talents to help others. I believe that by teaching Social Studies to our youth, that is the best way for me to help others. Especially considering the importance of Social Studies in America; where no matter what you do for a career you will encounter people of other cultures, religions and political opinions, and having a good Social Studies education helps us be informed, active and empathetic citizens.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I consider myself a bit of a Renaissance Man of sorts. I enjoy a lot of athletic and academic hobbies, a few of which are playing drums for my church’s band, playing recreational basketball and baseball, and especially hiking and camping in our NY’s beautiful Adirondack Park.
Favorite sports team?
Baltimore Orioles Baseball
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
My age. My spatial quasi-OCD at home and on my school desk.
Jay Hebert
7th-Grade Social Studies – Hudson Falls Middle School
Where do you live?
Queensbury, NY
Where did you go to college?
Undergraduate – Harvard, Graduate – Clarkson
Why did you become a teacher?
I wanted to become a teacher to help young people gain the tools necessary to be successful in their future.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
My favorite hobbies that I like to share with students are hiking, running (track and field), and traveling.
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
As a history teacher, my favorite subject in school was science.
Raymond Cummings
7th-Grade Math Teacher – Hudson Falls Middle School
Do you have a nickname?
Ray
Where do you live?
Warrensburg
Where did you go to college?
SUNY Potsdam, Walden University
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher to help influence young minds, and create interest in the field of mathematics.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
Ice fishing, exercising, spending time with my family.”
Favorite sports team?
NY Jets
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
“You miss every shot you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky, – Michael Scott
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
That I have never been a gym teacher. That I play Bass Guitar.
Shannon Gillis
8th-Grade Science Teacher – Hudson Falls Middle School
Where do you live?
Hudson Falls
Where did you go to college?
St. Lawrence University
Why did you become a teacher?
I don’t really remember. I know that I had a lot of influential teachers in my life that showed me what I wanted to be as a human. Mr. Keenan would wait after school with me everyday until my mother could pick me up from school. Mrs. Hammond took concepts in math that was very frustrating and difficult for me and made it not seem like such a big deal. She believed in me and always looked me in the eyes. Although I wanted to be a Math teacher, I learned in college that Biology was a much better fit as began to appreciate the living things around me. I have found so much joy and fulfillment in exploring this world of science with my students.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
My favorite thing to do outside of school is spend time with my family. They are all very cute and get most of my jokes. I love reading a good book and sitting on my front porch with a cup of coffee. I like traveling with my family. I love running, volleyball, paddle boarding. I am heavily involved in environmental advocacy, protecting our area from pollution due to industrial development and sit on two boards, Clean Air Action Network of Glens Falls and Hands off the Hudson. I am also a NYS Master teacher engaging with area teachers and researchers to collaborate on educational pedagogies and content.
Favorite sports team?
Philly Eagles
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
“Life is just what life is. Sometimes you can’t change life. It’s just life”- Henry Gilroy (my son)
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
My students are surprised when I tell I played volleyball my senior year with a broken back and that I was struck by lightening on Tripoli Road (ambulance, elevated body temperature, blown alternator on my 1990 Chrysler Reliant).
Margaret Lawrence
Health & Physical Education Teacher – Hudson Falls Middle School
Where do you live?
Queensbury
Where did you go to college?
SUNY Cortland, University of Wisconsin- La Crosse, SUNY Plattsburgh
Why did you become a teacher?
I love PE and health. I wanted to share that with students. I know PE isn’t for everyone, but there are ways to make it fun for all students. My goal was to create a classroom that provided students with the ability to explore different activities and promote lifelong fitness!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I love to spend time with my family. We love every sport, especially ice hockey, football, softball and lacrosse. We travel as much as we can!
Favorite sports team?
Detroit Red Wings, NY JETS, US Women’s National Ice Hockey
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
“Time well spent.”
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
I taught in Queensland, Australia for a year!
Danielle Dunleavy
Kindergarten Teacher – Hudson Falls Kindergarten Center
Where do you live?
Lake George
Where did you go to college?
Hartwick and College of St. Joseph
Why did you become a teacher?
I love working with little kids helping them learn and grow. I think Kindergarten is truly the best age. They have such a love for learning and they are eager to try new things.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I have a 5 year old son and we love to swim, hike and explore the outdoors. We also love to travel to the beach!
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
The places I’ve traveled