CDC Faculty & Staff

Education:
BS in English Education from the State University of New York at Brockport
MS in Educational Administration from the University at Albany
EdD in Educational Administration from the University at Albany
PhD in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University at Albany

Certification
Permanent NYS Certification in Secondary English
Permanent NYS Certification as a School Administrator and Supervisor
Permanent NYS Certification as a School District Administrator
New York City Certification as a Building Principal
Level 1 Vermont Certification as a School Superintendent
Level 1 Vermont Certification as a Technical School Director

Related Experience
10 years experience as a middle school and high school English teacher
23 years experience as a principal, assistant principal, dean of students, and school superintendent.
8 years experience as a varsity wrestling coach and junior varsity football coach
1 year experience as an adjunct professor of education at the State University of New York at Oswego.
6 years experience as a national presenter/consultant for schools on the topic of peer aggression and school bullying.

Publications
“Differing Perceptions on the Scope and Nature of School Bullying Among Middle School Staff and Student” ( a published dissertation, 1994)
Articles on a wide range of topics including:
School Bullying
Merit Pay for Teachers
The Curvilinear Effect of Part Time Employment on the GPA of High School Students
Mentor Programs in Middle Schools, etc.
In such journals as:
The Phi Delta Kappan
The Bulletin of the National Association of Secondary School Principals
Working Mother Magazine
Redbook Magazine
The Schenectady Gazette, etc.

Education:
High School Graduate with various computer skills

Work History:
Moved to Vermont in 1992. Worked various customer service and office positions throughout the area

Education:
Associates Degree from Champlain College, Burlington, VT

Education:
High School graduate with various accounting and computer courses

Work Experience:
Nine years as a stay-at-home mom. I then worked in the offices of a local bank and a car dealership. The past 19 years have been at the SVSU Central Office in the finance department working with accounts payable, payroll and human resources.

Current: Assistant to the Business Manager

Why do you enjoy working at the CDC?
I believe in the mission statement of the CDC and the teachers and staff are great to work with. I love seeing the positive side of education.

Bio Not Currently Available

Education:
A.S. in Forest Technology
A.S. in Urban Tree Management
International Society of Arboriculture, ISA Certified Arborist
Game of Logging Certified, levels 1,2,3,4

Work Experience:
Fourth year teaching at the CDC
Own and manage Greater Heights Tree and Land Management, INC
Have 12 years experience in all aspects of the logging/ forest management along with individual tree care and hazardous tree removal

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
I teach at the CDC because as a graduate of the Forestry program, I realize the importance of hands on training for individuals that don’t excel in a traditional class room setting. CDC tech. programs allow non-traditional students to build on their interests and hidden talents while learning both vital job and life skills.
 

Education:
BA Trinity College, Burlington VT
Graduate Coursework - UVM

Work History:
8 years Diversified Occupations Teacher- Vermont
8 years Director Client Services- Prescott Arizona
1 year Director Berkshire Unlimited- Pittsfield, Massachusetts
4 years Resource Room Teacher- Vermont
11 years Career and Technical Education Special Needs Coordinator - CDC

Why do you enjoy working at the CDC?
I enjoy helping students to realize their potential

Education:
Cosmetology degree and license - Nassau Tech Center
AS, Arts and Sciences - Nassau Community College
BS, School & Community Health Education - Hofstra University
MS, Physical Education w/Counseling minor - Hofstra University

Work Experience:
A licensed cosmetologist for 22 years, I worked full-time in the industry as a hair stylist for over 10 years. I then taught Health and Physical Education at the high school level for the last 12 years, most recently right here in Bennington, at Mt. Anthony Union High School, as a health teacher and health and wellness coordinator.

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
I am so excited to have the opportunity to combine my two loves, teaching and Cosmetology. Developing a new program has been an incredible challenge, and I look forward to the rewards of passing on skills to the students that will send them into the world with unlimited possibilities!

Education:
BA Theatre and English - Western State College, Gunnison Colorado

Work Experience:
Five years at Heritage High School Littleton Colorado
18 years at the CDC (part-time for five years).

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
It is wonderful to work with students who have a passion for their subject.

Education:
Bachelor of Arts - Southern Vermont College, Bennington Vermont


Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
“Teaching at the Career Development Center is a joy because of the variety of students I have worked with- they are inspiring, thought provoking and lots of fun!”
 

Education:
Advanced course work at Vermont State Colleges

Work Experience:
9 years - Tool & Die Maker - Stanley Tools
15 years - Manufacturing Supervisor/Engineering R&D/CNC Programmer - Flomatic Corp.
15 years Teaching – CDC

 

Education:
Bachelor of Science- Earth Science Education
Western CT. State College

Work Experience:
6th year at the Career Development Center
2 years – Teaching 9th grade Science, Connecticut
1 year - Air Pollution Sources and Control Instructor at Western CT State College
40+ years in construction, 2 years in sales, 4years as a Meteorological Technician/Weather forecaster, and 15 years in Public Health.

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
I work with a group of people who are dedicated to building a better world by passing their knowledge on to future workers.

Education:
Undergraduate Degree - SUNY at Albany, Albany NY
Graduate Degree - SUNY at Albany, Albany NY

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
Technical education is amazing because it allows students to build the connections between the academic learning they are doing and the real world they will soon enter. The students who participate in technical education truly understand that they are doing and the real world they will soon enter. The students who participate in technical education truly understand that they are preparing for their futures. It’s exciting to be part of that.

 

Education:
Troy School of Beauty 1986
Licensure in NY & VT
Miller Motte Technical College, Wilmington, NC 2005
Teaching Certification & Cosmetology/Teacher’s Licensure
Presently enrolled in Apprenticeship Program @Vt. Technical College

Work History:
I have had the pleasure of an exciting career, sharing the experience with Kim’s Style Setter’s, Hair It Is, Visions, and Great Clips. I was thankful to operate my own salon for seven years, at which I worked in constant demand. After Instructor’s education and licensure, I was employed for two years at the Cape Fear Community College in NC as a Cosmetology Instructor. I’m pleased to report how great our new cosmetology program is running and how glad I am to be a part of it.

Why do you enjoy working at the CDC?
I love coming to work everyday! If ever one was to find their niche, this would be me now. I feel at home here with everyone I work with and around. They all have become more than a friend to me. The entire team is supportive, enlightening and encouraging. Our administrative team is the best ever! We have new staff members at whom I look at on their first day and I can only feel exhilaration for them. They may not know right yet, but they too are in a great place in their lives. The students love coming to the CDC. I believe we are the best part of their day.

 

Education:
Springfield Technical Community College - Springfield, MA
Automotive Technology Management
Pennsylvania College of Technology - Williamsport, PA
Extended training in Repair of GM Vehicles
General Motors Training Center - Dedham, MA
Miscellaneous automotive, education and computer related training, classes and seminars

Work Experience:
18 years Teaching – CDC
10 Years, Morrison’s Sales and Service

 

Education:
AA - Liberal Arts - Southern Vermont College
BA - English - Southern Vermont College
Post BA - Secondary Education

Work Experience:
6 years - Mt. Anthony Union High School
1 year - Horticulture Teacher - CDC
2nd year as the Outreach Coordinator - CDC

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
I enjoy education at any facet. The CDC faculty, staff and students are excited and engaged in education, and so it is only appropriate that I work here.
 

Education:
Degree in Business Administration, Accounting and Marketing
University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

Work Experience:
Have taught a variety of accounting classes at Southern Vermont College and Community College of Vermont including Office Accounting. Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Federal Taxation, Auditing and Advanced Accounting.

 

Education:
M.A., Personal Psychology,
New York University
B.A., Economics and Psychology,
Rutgers University

Work Experience:
I spent more than 18 years working in human resources and career counseling
prior to joining the CDC as a cooperative education teacher.

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
I love connecting with employers in order to help students explore careers of interest and learn about the culture of work.

Education:
A.S. Criminal Justice/Policing - Adirondack Community College
B.S. Criminal Justice - Southern Vermont College
Part-time police officer certification
Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council

Teacher Certification:
Vermont Technical College

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
I believe that the CDC offers an excellent chance for students to try out the field in which they believe will someday be their chosen profession. I also enjoy being part of a large team that is dedicated to providing opportunities and real-world experience to those that enroll in our programs.

Education:
Bachelor of Arts - Syracuse University, Syracuse New York
M. Dw. - Harvard University
JD - Syracuse University

Work Experience:
15 years at the CDC.
Prior to moving to Vermont to teach, Mr. Lee-Clark practiced law in central New York, and ran the AIDS Law Project of Central New York through the local Legal Services Agency. He has also taught at the college and graduate level, and has served several churches as an ordained United Methodist minister.

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
I enjoy sharing my passion for the law and the legal system and individual rights.

Education:
BA - Business - Western Michigan University

Work Experience:
11 years - State of Vermont - Veterans Home, Associate Administrator
current - CDC Business Manager since 2000.

Why do you like working at the CDC?
I enjoy working with the diverse staff of the CDC, and making small contributions to program development.
 

Education:
1973 MAUHS graduate
Numerous workshops and trainings in working with children with learning and physical disabilities

Work History:
9 years working with children at the elementary level with intense needs
4 years at the CDC in various tech classrooms and bus transportation

Why do you enjoy working at the CDC?
Working with students has always been very rewarding to me. I learn as much from them as hopefully, they learn from me. No matter what their age, children all have the same needs, to be accepted, understood and loved.

Education:
M.ED. Admin. North Adams State College

Work Experience:
2 Years - Ulster BOCES 11 Years - Singer Career Systems, Glenmont and Northlands Job Corps Centers Current: CDC Adult Services Coordinator

Why do you enjoy working at the CDC?
Working with great teachers to make a difference in people’s careers.
 

Education:
B.A. Anthropology; Minor: Field Ecology, Botany and Environmental Studies
SUNY University at Buffalo, 1999
M.A.T. Secondary Science Education
University of Phoenix-Online Campus, 2007

Additional Graduate Education:
13.0 Credits Environmental Health, SUNY UAlbany School of Public Health, 2000 - 2001
9.0 Credits Curriculum and Technology, Adult Education, University of Phoenix - Online Campus, 2006

Ms. McElheny began her early career as an environmental educator and public health researcher for such organizations as AMERICORPS, Student Conservation Association(SCA) and the NYS Department of Health. In 2002, she began focusing on high school science education. From 2002 - 2006 she worked extensively with the SVCDC Horticulture Program, the Bennington (Walloomsac) Farmers' Market and other community non-profits teaching horticulture and developing community and school garden programs. In 2007 she performed her student teaching under the direction of Mr. James Cross in the MAUHS Science Department and in the July of 2007 she completed a Master degree in the Arts of Teaching Secondary Science. Upon graduation, she was hired to teach 6th grade math and science, as well as facilitate Earth Day programming and a school/community garden program at an Arts and Technology public charter school in Adams, MA. Ms. McElheny joined the staff at the SVCDC in August of 2008 and is very excited to begin developing a new Agroecology program for Bennington's agricultural community.

What makes her most excited about teaching at the SVCDC?
I take great pleasure in developing among my students a respect for their natural environments and watching that respect blossom into true stewardship of the Earth.

Education:
Para in Forestry and Heavy Equipment and also in CAD Design

Why do you like working at the CDC?
I like showing the students what the world has taught me and hopefully some will realize how much further they can go with an education.

Education:
BS - Missouri Valley College
MS - MCLA

Work Experience:
34 years - Science Teaching / Administrator at MAUHS 26 years - Wm. E. Dailey Inc., 26 summers, in various jobs from laboratory R&D, laborer, technician, driver, and plant operator.
Current - Assistant Director of the CDC

Why do you like working at the CDC?
I like working with staff that collaborates for the success of our students.
 

Education:
Dual BS in Criminal Justice and Human Services, minor in child development - Southern Vermont College, Bennington Vermont
MA, Counseling Psychology - Norwich University

Work Experience:
Currently in 10th year at CDC
Several years in other educational settings including social services, counseling, local colleges, preschools, and adult basic education

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
Preparing students for life, and teaching them about a field for which I have much passion.

Bio Not Currently Available

Education:
Northshore Community College, Beverly, Ma. and IBM, Boston, Ma.

Work History:
Presently own and operate the Samuel Safford Inne with my family. Participated in various other businesses for the past 23 years. Volunteered with the Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce and other various community associations.

Why do you enjoy working at the CDC?
It is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated and talented group of people. The CDC faculty and staff work extremely hard to provide quality technical education to this community. Each day is filled with opportunities and success stories. What a great atmosphere in which to work!

Education:
Education, Art and Design and Biology
Westminster College, Oxford

Work Experience:
During his 33 years in the United States he has worked primarily in Education and has taught at all levels from Kindergarten through College. He was made an honorary EMT by EMSCO (Berkshire County, Mass.) for programming services and in 1998 he received an Olmstead award for teaching excellence from Williams College in Massachusetts. He also spent 5 years programming as the head of research and development for Vholson Electronics in Connecticut. He holds both CCNA and CCAI networking certifications.

Education:
1987 Graduate of MAUHS and business courses at Vocational Center

Work History:
Going on 7th year at the CDC and 19th year driving school bus. Lots of real life experience.

Why do you enjoy working at the CDC?
I enjoy working with students, helping them become young adults.

Education:
BSN - University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
Advanced course work through UVM, SNHU, VTC and Johnson State College

Work Experience:
RN at SVMC for 15 years
11 years at CDC
SVAHEC Medquest Director for past 8 years

Why do you like teaching at the CDC?
My favorite part of the job is the relationships I make with my students. It is wonderful to see my students working toward their professional goals, eventually becoming health care professionals.
 

Education:
BA in Psychology and Social Relations
MA in Counseling Psychology
Level II Tech Ed Guidance Counselor
Level II K-12 Guidance Counselor
Level II K-6 Teacher

Work History:
Tech Ed Guidance Coordinator (9 Years)
Guidance Counselor, Bennington School District
Social Worker, Vermont Department of Children and Families
Counselor at Mental Health Services of Southeast Vermont

Why do you enjoy working at the CDC?
I love the positive energy and teamwork at the CDC and with the high schools our students come from. I love the sense of accomplishment our students achieve.

Education:
BA - Psychology

Work Experience:
20 years in childcare field
6 years - VT Registered Home Childcare Center
current - Owner / Director Growing-Up Right at the CDC, Inc. Since 2005

Why do you like working at the CDC?
The children at the center enjoy interacting with the students from the human services class. It is a great experience for them.
 

Education:
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Work History:
Engineer at Kimberly-Clark (2.5 years)
Instructor, “Interpreting Engineering Drawing,” HVCC (1 Course)
Adult Education Instructor at SVCDC in AutoCAD, Blueprint Reading, and SolidWorks (7.5 years)

Why do you enjoy working at the CDC?
I enjoy making engineering accessible to students who may be interested in the profession. For me, it was an abstract concept until I went to college. Now, I am able to help students understand what the field is all about while they are still deciding on a career path. I find helping students learn and use methods for designing and solving problems rewarding.

Work History:
Special Education Para for MAUHS 12 years, CDC for the past 10 years.

Why do you enjoy working at the CDC?
We have a wonderful faculty and staff here and it makes coming to work a pleasure. Also our students add so much to our school life here. I feel we have a voice and are heard.