Kindergarten
Niki Olesky
Kindergarten Teacher
802-875-2108
Hello! I am Mrs. Olesky. I am so glad to be part of the Kindergarten team at Chester-Andover Elementary School. I received my Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Colorado College in 2007 and my Master's degree in Early Childhood Education (Birth to 3rd Grade) from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT in 2018. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 10 years both in the preschool classroom and various after school programs before starting here at CAES. I aim for my classroom to be a welcoming environment where students have fun, can be creative, feel safe, and have ownership of their space. I love getting students outside and brining the curriculum with us to the woods. I believe that building classroom community, school-wide community, and social-emotional skills is an important foundation for learning. I live in Andover with my husband, two children (7 and 1) and two dogs. When not in the classroom I enjoy playing with my kids, hiking or snowshoeing, gardening, cooking and camping. I am so glad to be starting another school year here at Chester-Andover Elementary School.
Stephanie Jackson
Kindergarten Teacher
802-875-6865
I am thrilled to join the Kindergarten Team at Chester Andover Elementary School. With a background in Elementary Education and English, I have a strong passion for teaching and integrating literacy throughout the entire day. I am a lifelong resident of Southern Vermont and love exploring all it has to offer. When I am not at school I enjoy kayaking, hiking, photography, and cooking for family and friends.
First Grade
Meghan Cenate
1st Grade Teacher
802-875-6847
Hello, my name is Meghan Cenate. I grew up in Rhode Island and graduated from Plymouth State University with degrees in Elementary and Special Education. I taught 2 years of Special Education before coming to Chester-Andover Elementary School. I spent 3 years teaching 3rd grade before joining the kindergarten team. When I am not at school, I enjoy crafting, reading, sports, and any outside activities with my children.
1st Grade Teacher
802-875-6848
My name is Erin Matulonis and I love teaching at CAES! My undergraduate degree is in elementary education from Skidmore College and my graduate degree is in school administration from Keene State. I have taught kindergarten, first grade, third, fifth, and sixth grade - loving each grade level. I enjoy being outside, spending time with my family, gardening, photography, and of course teaching
Second Grade
Shanna McCarthy
2nd Grade Teacher
802-875-6840
Hi, I am Mrs. McCarthy! I am one of the Second Grade teachers here at Chester-Andover Elementary School. This is currently my 16th year teaching at CAES. Prior to teaching second grade at CAES I taught special education here. Before my move to Vermont I taught both regular education and special education in Massachusetts. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education as well as Special Education, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Technology and a CAGS in Education. I enjoy teaching in a way that encourages individual and group creativity and expression. I hope to give my students an exciting and adventurous year that will leave them with a thirst for knowledge that is never-ending. When school is out I enjoy spending time with my husband, Matt, and my two sons Dylan and Kaiden. We enjoy taking Dylan and Kaiden on many adventures, which frequently include lots of sporting events like Red Sox baseball games!
Kali Walker
2nd Grade Teacher
kali.santino@trsu.org
802-875-6863
third Grade
Jill Wilson
3rd Grade Teacher
jill.wilson@trsu.org
802-875-6863
Hello. My name is Jill Wilson. I was born and raised in a small town in upstate New York. In fifth grade, I decided I wanted to be a teacher and played the part every chance I had. Whether I was reading to younger students, volunteering in classrooms, or tutoring after school, I was always involved in helping kids. When I graduated from Cambridge Central School in 2006, I attended The College of St. Joseph to pursue an education degree. I took both general education and special education courses, though my degree was in general education. I graduated in 2010. I then began to substitute in the local school districts and work at a Summer Camp for kids as an Aquatic Director and After School Program as a Head Counselor. In the Fall of 2011 I started graduate school at The College Of Saint Rose. During this time, I continued to work as a substitute as well as at both the summer and after school programs. I pursued and received a Masters in Literacy with a Certification in Special Education in May 2013. Chester–Andover Elementary School started my teaching career. I have found a great joy and comfort as part of the community and plan to stay!
Rachel Bennett
3rd Grade Teacher
rachel.bennett@trsu.org
802-875-6839
Hello, my name is Rachel Bennet. My family and I joined the Chester-Andover community in 2018. I jumped right in coaching Rec sports and getting to the local businesses. Before that we lived in Maine and NH. I was a para for 9 years in the Keene, NH school district. When my daughter was born I ran a home daycare. Then, I homeschooled my own four children for eight years. While homeschooling I finished my Bachelors in Elementary Education and started at CAES in 2021. I love helping kids find joy in learning, discovering the power of a good book, and spending lots of time outdoors.
Fourth Grade
Laurie Birmingham
4th Grade Teacher
802-875-6867
Hello! My name is Laurie Birmingham and I’m excited to be teaching at Chester Andover Elementary School this year. I started my teaching career right here in Chester in 1998 as 5/6 teacher. As much as I loved teaching here it was only a one year position. The next year I began teaching in Grafton, Vermont where I taught grades 5/6 for 5 years. During my time in Grafton I earned a Master’s degree from the University of Vermont’s Mathematics Initiative, (VMI) a three-year program whose goal is to improve the mathematical knowledge of teachers K-6. In 2004 I decided to put teaching on hold to raise a family. I was fortunate enough to stay home while my children were young, but during those years I maintained my teaching license by taking numerous classes, volunteering at CAES and tutoring. Last year I worked part time at Elm Hill, a K-2 school, in Springfield, Vermont as a math interventionist. Not only am I passionate about teaching I am passionate about the community of Chester in which I live.