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At Stanstead College since…
2019 (chaperoning trips since 2017)

Hometown
Fairport, NY

If I had to describe my job it would be…
Capturing the magic moments that happen at Stanstead on a daily basis through photographs, videos, and words. I will also be covering Drama classes during a maternity leave until the winter, coaching volleyball and basketball and serving as house parent in Davis.

When I’m not working at Stanstead College, I am...
Hanging out with my puppy, Namy (named after Joe Namath), and ferret, Flutie (named after Doug Flutie). We swim in the lake, hike mountains and go on long country drives to Burlington, VT while we listen to tunes. Our favorites include: Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, The Velvet Underground, Dave Matthews and Tupac. I own a business in Burlington, VT, so that is an ever-evolving space that demands some time and attention on some weekends - where I am usually fixing, cleaning, building, and/or planning events. I am happiest by the water and in a boat - canoe or kayak. I adore plants and gardening, can't get enough of films, play the piano, cook like I am never going to eat again, like to sweat, and raise as many monarch butterflies as I can in the summer.

A person/book/song/place/etc. that has inspired me:
Patch Adams and Mr. Rogers - because they embody altruism
East of Eden - it was the first book that stole my heart and undivided attention
“Natural Beauty” by Neil Young - because it's perfect
Outer Banks of North Carolina - because it is also perfect

Other jobs I've had
I was a live-in nanny for two different families for about 6 years. One family lived in Park City, Utah, and the other family owned a summer camp in Maine. I was an Americorps member for the Area Agency on Aging in Newport, VT where I worked with senior citizens and disabled adults. I worked at the Brattleboro Retreat on the forensic involuntary floor for major mental illness for adults. This led me to Howard Center in Burlington, VT where I was a case manager for adult with major mental illnesses that were living in group homes. Throughout all of this time, I was usually coaching basketball and lacrosse at the same time. I also opened Last Stop Sports Bar in Winoski, VT with a close friend -- a dog-friendly, safe, Buffalo Bills-loving bar that tries to give back to the community as much as we can.

A thing you may not know about me
I wear a men's 12 shoe and my husband Adam Spirk wears a 9 1/2 men's shoe.

Most memorable moment at Stanstead College
The 2018 talent show. It was the moment I realize that I was truly amongst the most talented, creative humans I had ever met in my life.

BA, B.Ed, Bishop’s University

 

August 2024

 

I grew up in Quebec City, moved to Lennoxville for university, spent a year living and teaching in Cambridge, UK, and now call Magog home. 

Inspiring young minds to explore their creativity and express themselves through art, and guiding them to see the world from new perspectives. 

 

Enjoying the outdoors, traveling, playing sports (volleyball, golf, snowboarding), reading, painting/drawing, or spending time with family and loved ones. 

My sister, who has an intellectual disability, has been a profound inspiration in my life. She has helped shape who I am today. Her positive outlook and ability to live in the moment are lessons I strive to apply in my own life every day. Thank you, Sharly xx 

 

Resource teacher, English and Science teacher, French language acquisition teacher, special education technician, customer service representative.

I was part of a bowling league when I was younger and even had the chance to play on television twice. 

 

Building meaningful connections with students and colleagues, inspiring a love for art and contributing to a supportive and creative school community.

Hometown
Lac-Megantic, Que.

If I had to describe my job it would be…

The incredibly valuable opportunity to affect young people in a positive way through a multitude of settings and situations.

When I’m not working at Stanstead College, I am...

Home building stuff (snow forts or forts in the living room) with my kids or actually repairing my house or doing some family sports or just chillin' and playing video games or reading. Forts are cool.

A person/book/song/place/etc. that has inspired me

When I first started working here, there were two major mentors who I credit with making me a better teacher/coach and that's Mr. Simard and Mr. Van Dyke. Also, my wife, an elementary school teacher who works so hard every day with kids in the elementary school across the street who come from various backgrounds, some them very difficult home situations. My kids inspire me through their natural curiosity and love of life.

Other jobs I've had

First real job: seven years of treeplanting to pay for university. Great summer job. A little nuts! Second real job: selling cedar shingles and bark mulch for a sawmill that was owned by my father-in-law. But this job (teaching) is the one I was meant for! :-)

A thing you may not know about me

I collected comic books all through university and for a time afterwards. Specifically Sandman and Hellblazer. Loved those! Can't wait to re-read them all...

Most memorable moment at Stanstead College

There are many. The senior girls rugby team 2003 won in double sudden-death overtime over arch-rival BCS. The junior girls soccer team 2011 (not the 2014 one that won everything; that was a fun team too, but the one that finished in third place and went on to upset at the semis and finals to win the championship). Every single Cafe Cappuccino nite. My office. Those who have started a song in my office know exactly what I am talking about. Four or five of us cramped in there with piano and guitars and singing. There's a magic that starts in there every time... going from nothing to something in an hour. It's amazing!

Finally...

Still trying as hard as I can to be the best teacher/coach/mentor/person I can be. I believe good teachers can change the world.