CCV faculty members are real-world professionals who bring their experience and knowledge into the classroom to create a robust learning environment for students. Each semester, over 400 instructors are employed to teach students in-person and online, offering personalized, hands-on learning opportunities for students to understand what it’s like to work in each program field
Get to know CCV’s faculty through faculty spotlights!
Cynthia Bjerklie teaches a range of classes in the Montpelier, Upper Valley, and Winooski centers, as well as online. These classes include those in the healthcare field such as Allied Health Science: Medical Assisting, Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, and Medical Coding. Recently, Cynthia has also taught a class in Early Childhood Education.
I try to make learning fun, sometimes funny. We all take ourselves much too seriously. There’s always room for fun in the classroom; it helps break up the monotony. I enjoy using object lessons and surprising my students!
Informative, useful, and humorous.
I have worked in healthcare for more than 45 years in a variety of positions including nurse’s aide, clinical medical assistant, administrative medical assistant, certified professional coder, office manager, regional office manager and director of operations of a large multi-specialty clinic. Currently, I am working as an educator at a New Hampshire hospital and I held the same position at Dartmouth-Hitchcock for seven years.
My experiences in working in both clinical and administrative positions have broadened my understanding of not only patient care, but also the business-side of healthcare, including revenue cycle management and the health care insurance industry.
In the ECE field I have taught preschool, elementary and middle school and worked as a school librarian. I have a B.S. in ECE with a minor in family studies and a masters in education (library and media). I have worked with young children for many years and particularly enjoy working with three and four year-olds. I have special interests in farm-based and nature-based education for young children and often have Open Farm Days on our small farm in New Hampshire.
My greatest pleasure in teaching is helping others find their personal paths to enjoyable and stable careers.
I own a small hobby farm with goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits!
Tyler Whitney is an online instructor teaching a wide variety of courses in information technology. These courses include Introduction to Linux, Foundations of Cloud Computing, Desktop Operating Systems, Computer User Support, and Introduction to Computer Science.
As an instructor for technology courses, hands-on labs and direct access to the technologies we’re learning about is something I always try to provide.
Informative, hands-on, and collaborative.
I worked at the University of Vermont (UVM) as a web application developer out of undergrad from SUNY Plattsburgh. While working there I started my masters program at Boston University. I left UVM for a startup company specializing in 3D digital photography and virtual tours as their director of systems administration. Afterward I worked for a small software development firm specializing in web application development and then took my private business full time as a consultant in IT and website/application development. Ultimately, I ended up back at my alma mater SUNY Plattsburgh, currently as the coordinator of enterprise systems and solutions. I teach for Franklin University and the Community College of Vermont.
The diversity of the students I interact with.
I love to play disc golf. I own over 50 different discs for various types of flight, shots, etc.
Kara von Behren is a CCV instructor that teaches online, allowing students from across the state to access her Leadership, Mentoring, and Supervision for Early Childhood & Afterschool Professionals class.
There is a lot of self-reflection and practical assignments people can apply to their work right away.
Practical, informative, and oh-so reflective!
I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 15 years and in education in general for over 20 years. I am currently a director of a center-based program and run an elementary school, so I use the skills students are learning every day. I am so familiar with the challenges and successes students in this class face because I live it daily!
Getting to work with such a diverse group of students who are all so engaged in their learning and their fields of study!
I love sewing, knitting, crocheting, making jewelry, and lots of other crafts! I am a huge fan of the Oxford comma! I am left-handed and got away with writing some of my cursive letters incorrectly because my teachers didn’t know how to teach me the correct letter formation. My kids wanted a fish tank and now I’m mildly obsessed with watching them.
Lindsey Webb teaches science classes online at CCV such as Environmental Science, Ecology, and Biology. In recent semesters, Lindsay has taught Intro to Biology, Ecology and Evolution, and Wildlife Ecology.
I believe students learn best from doing. My classes are filled with small projects, hands-on learning, and outdoor observations. I aim for students to walk away with real-to-life experiences so they’re ready for whatever is next for them.
Organized, project-based, active learning, non-traditional.
My background experiences include having titles such as Park Ranger, Wildlife Biologist, and Environmental Educator. Like many of my students, I love being outside and I’ve made a career around doing just that!
I love the diversity of students in every class. From high school students to working parents to adults looking for a career change. The ideas and experiences that each individual brings to the classroom enrich our discussions.
My interests include: spending time outdoors, reading, listening to podcasts, and playing the occasional video game.
Ananda Forest teaches classes at CCV Bennington, Brattleboro, and Upper Valley academic centers. His classes include Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, World Mythology, Native American History and Cultures, Society and the Environment in History, and Intercultural Communication.
My enthusiasm for my subjects and enthusiasm for what lights my students up in the classroom. What I enjoy most about teaching is the students!
Enthusiasm, challenging, fascinating.
I spent years pouring water in a sweat lodge, leading and participating in shamanic ceremonies, studying with enlightened masters, and working as a carpenter.
I love trees!
James Brassard teaches courses in the business curriculum at CCV’s Center for Online Learning.
I believe in being openly accessible and prompt in replying to questions students may have. Communication is critical and this is exponentially more important in an online environment.
Responsive, understanding, and available.
After serving in the military I returned to CCV where I earned my associate degree and went on to earn my bachelor’s degree from The Florida Institute of Technology and then my masters at Florida Gulf Coast University Lugert College of Business. Professionally, I have vast experience with company startups and growth. I have led startup and expansion efforts for two organizations that now have multiple locations throughout the United States, while additionally working with the National Football League to develop partnerships. In addition, I have started a non-profit organization which focuses on local charity efforts.
The opportunity to connect with students while developing an understanding of their unique thoughts and challenges, which allows for deeper discussions and the ability for students to excel as they progress through their academic journeys.
I am a CCV graduate!
Heather Connolly is an instructor at multiple CCV academic centers including Montpelier, Rutland, Winooski, and the Center for Online Learning. She teaches healthcare classes such as anatomy and physiology, introduction to health, clinical medical assisting, clinical medical assisting internship, administrative medical assisting, and administrative medical assisting internship.
I bring nearly 20 years of clinical experience to my teaching and I enjoy making learning fun while also underscoring the significance of a career in medicine.
Exciting, tough, fair.
I ran a successful chiropractic practice for 15 years and have been performing Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exams in private practice for the past eight years.
I enjoy helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve their educational goals.
Prior to a neck injury in 2018, I completed the Spartan Trifecta and the Tough Mudder!
Gilberto Diaz Santos is a CCV instructor who teaches English for Academic Purposes in Winooski and online. He is also a coordinator of teaching and learning at CCV-Winooski.
They are mostly attended by new Vermonters and we enjoy sharing stories and insights from our original countries or cultures.
Fun, safe, and supportive.
I have taught English for Academic Purposes to students of different educational backgrounds and study disciplines for more than 30 years in two different countries.
It’s a supportive and collaborative culture. I also enjoy the cultural diversity of students in the Winooski center.
I have many life experiences to share beyond teaching. I have traveled a lot and worked as an event organizer, cook, roadie, photo/videographer, columnist, and now I have a YouTube channel with shows in Spanish and English.
Mary Ann Boyd is an online instructor teaching Conflict Resolution (COM 2360), Effective Workplace Communication (COM 1010), and Death and Dying (PSY 2130) in the fall 2022 semester. She has previously taught Interpersonal and Small Group Communication for CCV and Human Intimacy and Sexuality at another VSCS school.
I am always looking for what students have done well. Always! Though I will work to help you flourish and grow, I also recognize the strengths which you already possess to help you meet your goals. I’d also add that I make it MY goal to empower each and every student I work with, recognizing that learning is not a “one size fits all” experience. It is my job/role to understand your learning needs and to meet you exactly where you are.
Flexible, supportive and responsive.
I am a Vermont Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has significant experience as a mental health professional, having worked with individuals, couples/families and groups in community mental health settings as well as private practice. In addition, I have experience as a home health/hospice social worker.
I began my own educational journey at CCV as a non-traditional student and gained confidence as an adult learner. CCV, and the wonderful instructors I had, believed in me when I most needed supportive guidance, and for that I am truly grateful. I am honored to pay that forward, witnessing the next generation of CCV students grow and flourish.
I teach ZUMBA, I’m a golfer (I’m not great but I keep trying!), and I am a major dog (and cat) lover!
Stephanie is an art instructor who teaches drawing I, painting I and II, sculpture, introduction to studio arts, and landscape in art at CCV-Middlebury.
My classes lean heavily on technique. Most of the classes I teach are introductory and rather than focusing on conceptual work, I teach various tools and techniques that will empower you on your own artistic journey. Making art is a labor of love, but it’s also a lot of very hard work
Difficult, demanding, and rewarding.
When I’m not teaching, I’m working in my studio. I’m represented by several galleries across the country.
I have backpacked through 23 countries (mostly solo)!
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