Leadership Team
Katherine Riley, Principal
Katherine Riley has been working in different capacities at CVU for over two decades. Prior to coming to Vermont, Katherine taught for six years in New York. She received her undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University and went on to earn a masters from Plattsburgh State University. During her career, Katherine has lived in Peru, volunteering in rural communities as a teacher of English, and has also taught English in Bhutan where she developed curriculum encompassing the tenets of the Bhutanese policy of Gross National Happiness. She is committed to expanding an understanding of the importance of global citizenship and our interconnectedness with others in public schools. Katherine lives in Hinesburg and enjoys time on the water and in the mountains.
Jessica Hoskins, CVU Director of Special Education
Jess is the Director of Special Services at CVU. She has worked at CVU since 2009, first as an intensive needs paraeducator, then as a program assistant, and then as a special educator starting in 2014. She graduated from St. Michael's College in 2009 with a degree in history and education, and earned her Master's degree in Special Education from St. Michael's in 2017. She lives in Jericho with her husband (also a special educator!), daughter, and son. Her other love is aquatics, and she has taught many CVSD students how to swim and certified them as lifeguards through her work at area pools before her children were born.
Renee Breault, CVU Activities Director
Renee Breault is a native Vermonter, born and raised in the Champlain Islands. She received her undergraduate degree in Allied Health Science with a Concentration in Athletic Training from Lyndon State College, and received her Masters Degree from California University of Pennsylvania in Exercise Science. She spent 12 years at Johnson State College in a variety of roles, 9 years as an Athletic Trainer, 3 years as the Head Softball Coach, and held titles of Senior Woman Administrator in Athletics, and advisor of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. She spent the past 10 years at Saint Michael's College as the Director of Sports Medicine overseeing all 21 Varsity Sports Programs. In her free time she enjoys playing softball, spending time with family, friends, and her small zoo of animals.
Monica Carter, CVU Chittenden House Director
Monica Carter is a native of Northern Vermont and received her undergraduate degrees in Elementary Education and Mathematics at Johnson State College. Monica began her work in CVSD as a math teacher at CVU in 1995. After several years working on an interdisciplinary team in the ninth-grade Core Program, she moved on to teach math in grades ten through twelve and has taught nearly every math class offered at CVU. Monica’s implementation of proficiency-based learning and grading practices in her classroom led to an opportunity to serve as a proficiency-based learning coach at CVU and Hinesburg Community School for several years. Recently, she returned to CVU full time as the Chittenden House Director and is enjoying working with students and faculty in a different capacity. Outside of school Monica enjoys spending time with her family on their small farm, following the endeavors of her adult kids, and exploring some of the beauty that our state and country has to offer.
Beth Slater, CVU Fairbanks House Director
Beth is the CVU Fairbanks House Director. She has worked in education for more than two decades. Prior to working in CVSD, she worked in Grand Isle for 14 years. Beth received her undergraduate degree from Keene State in NH. She received her master's in Special Education from the College of Saint Josephs and completed advanced graduate studies through Saint Michael’s College. She holds a Special Ed endorsement for ages K-21 and Director of Special Education and Principal endorsements. Beth lives in South Burlington with her two children. When Beth is not working, she can most likely be found on the sidelines cheering, gardening, walking, reading, and playing outside.
Amy Wardwell, CVU Snelling House Director
Amy Wardwell is the Snelling House Director at Champlain Valley Union High School. Amy grew up in South Burlington, VT. She received a B.A. in History from St. Michael's College in 1996 with a minor in French and Secondary Education certification. She has dabbled in many professional development courses and activities and is currently pursuing an M.Ed there with a focus on School Leadership. Amy has been on the CVU faculty for 28 years teaching a variety of Social Studies courses including 10th grade Humanities, US and the World, Media and Society and Holocaust and Modern Genocides. She was also a founding member of the CVU Nexus Program which has provided increased opportunity for students to engage in interest based, personalized learning. She is also the faculty advisor for the CVU Volunteer Outreach Club. Amy is passionate about working with students to nurture their skills and talents in ways that bring them joy and that also enhance the communities they are a part of. Outside of school Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult sons, reading, cooking, spending time on Vermont's lakes and rivers, traveling and trying to improve her golf game.
Sam Callison, CVU Nichols House Student Engagement Lead
Sam Callison is the Nichols House Student Engagement Lead. He joined CVU in 2025 after working in the Williston Schools for the three years prior. A graduate of UVM's education program, he has spent time working in a variety of school settings, including an alternative therapeutic school. Sam is passionate about building strong communities, and is excited to partner with students, staff, and faculty to enrich the sense of belonging for CVU students. Outside of school, Sam enjoys competitive sailing, cooking good meals, and spending quality time with his wife and dog.