Meet the Team
Kathy Alexander
Child Nutrition Director
Food Service Collaborative
Kathy has a passion for supporting families and children to thrive with good food and nourishment. She has over 20 years of experience in school nutrition. Kathy believes that nutrition is at the heart of success in school. When she is not working, she is happiest knitting or cooking for lots of people. Kathy lives with her husband and their 13 year old pug, Percy.
Michael Cardinal
Fiscal Analyst
Born and raised in Burlington, Vermont, Michael is a dedicated Fiscal Analyst and Grant Manager. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit finance and compliance, he’s passionate about building sustainable systems that serve students and families. Michael is currently completing his Bachelor of Accounting at Champlain College, furthering his pursuit of ethical leadership in mission-driven organizations. Outside of work, he’s a proud father of three who finds balance on the golf course, out on the lake, or simply enjoying the beauty of Vermont with his family.
Elissa Galvez
HR Benefits Administrator
Elissa joined the ANWSD team in September 2025 as the HR Benefits Administrator. With over seven years of experience in employment systems and human resources, she is passionate about supporting staff so they can better support students. Elissa earned an HR Management certificate from Champlain College and is currently completing her degree in Business Administration. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and appreciates all that Vermont’s natural beauty has to offer.
Gabe Hamilton
Director of Learning
Hamilton was appointed the Director of Learning in 2021. Prior to this position, Gabe was Proficiency-based Learning Coordinator/Coach at MAUSD. Gabe also taught Middle and High school Science and Photography for 18 years in Oregon and Vermont. Gabe is an adjunct instructor for Castleton University and Southern New Hampshire University and has taught courses and led workshops in proficiency-based learning across the state. He holds a Master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Oregon, was a 2015 Rowland Foundation Fellow, and received the 2022 Ned Kirsch Innovative Leadership Award.
Stephanie Hurlburt
Business Manager
Stephanie Hurlburt was hired as the Account Supervisor in July of 2024 and recently moved into the Business Manager position on July 1, 2025. She currently lives in Ferrisburgh, Vermont and has been working in the school business setting for over nine years. Stephanie has an Associates Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Champlain College. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and two rescue dogs.
Glory Martin
Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Glory Martin has been a long-time employee within the Addison Northwest District. She began her career shortly after graduation from Vergennes Union High School, as the Receptionist at the school. She later moved over into the Principal's Confidential Secretary position. After being at VUHS for 19 years, Glory moved up the chain to become the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for the district. She has recently completed a total of 34 years with ANWSD.
Glory has been involved with VAEOP (VT Association of Educational Office Professionals), the VT Communications Network through the VT Superintendents' Association, and most recently a member of NESPRA (New England School Public Relations Association).
Laura Nugent
Asst. Superintendent of Student Support Services
Laura joined the ANWSD team in July 2024, bringing over a decade of experience in education leadership. She served as Director of Student Support for 8 years in both the Burlington School District and Addison Central, where she oversaw programs aimed at enhancing student welfare and academic success. Previously, Laura held the role of assistant principal at Burlington High School. Laura earned her doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from the University of Vermont, focusing on transitions, curriculum development, and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). She also completed post-graduate studies at Harvard University in finance and has a keen interest in project management. Living in Starksboro with her husband of 27 years, Laura is proud to be the parent of two sons. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys raising rainbow trout and Maine Coon cats in her spare time.
Tammy Petersen
Administrative Assistant for Student Support Services & Preschool
Medicaid Clerk
Tammy joined the ANWSD team in March 2025 as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Student Support Services and also serves as the district’s Medicaid Clerk. Before this role, she spent six years as a licensed real estate agent and ten years working as a substitute teacher within the ANWSD school district. Tammy holds a Bachelor’s degree from Castleton University and brings a strong background in communication, organization, and student-centered support. She believes deeply in the importance of special education and is proud to support the work that helps all students thrive. Tammy currently resides in Vergennes, Vermont, with her husband and two children.
Vicky Rao
Accounts Payable / Payroll Specialist
Vicky joined ANWSD in June 2024. She found her love of bookkeeping as a student at Mt. Abraham Union High School. Vicky worked at Kennedy Brothers for 30+ years starting as Data Entry and worked her way up to a full-time Bookkeeper within a few short years. Then upon giftshop closure, she was reduced to part-time and also worked at Northlands Job Corp as their Accounts Payable Specialist. Vicky later returned to Kennedy Brothers Inc. as a full-time bookkeeper.
Outside of work, Vicky loves family time, crafts and the outdoors.
Sheila Soule
Superintendent of Schools
Soule was appointed in July of 2018. She is a native of Randolph, Vermont and is a thirty-year career educator. She was the Director of Curriculum in the Harwood Unified Union School District prior to coming to ANWSD.
A graduate of Johnson State College, she received her Master of Education from the University of Vermont in 2004. Soule is also a graduate of the Waddington Leadership Program through the Center for Creative Leadership and was founder and past president of the Vermont Curriculum Leaders Association. Soule is currently co-president of the Champlain Valley Superintendent's Association.
Melissa Strong
Data Management
Melissa joined the team in August of 2021, and has been working as the district's Data Manager since November of 2021. Melissa was born and raised in Vergennes, and is a graduate of Johnson State College. She currently resides in the Little City with her husband and three children.
Tim White
Technology Director
White was hired as the Technology Systems Administrator in June of 2023. Immediately prior to that, he was with Champlain College. Tim has over 20 years of experience in networking and system administration dealing with all manner of operating systems including Microsoft, Mac, and Linux. Born in New York, raised in Vermont, and now living in Hinesburg with his wife & surrounded by his daughters, Tim spends his off hours camping in State Parks or on his motorcycle.
Gary Wright
Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Safety
Wright was hired as the Assistant Director of Buildings, Grounds and Safety in 2019. In May of 2022 Wright took over the role as Director of Buildings, Grounds and Safety. He was born and brought up in Vermont. He has 36 years of commercial, refrigeration and HVAC and building maintenance experience. He is certified in propane, natural gas and universal refrigeration and building automation systems.