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!

James Brassard

James Brassard

James Brassard teaches courses in the business curriculum at CCV’s Center for Online Learning.

What makes your classes unique?

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.

What three words would former students use to describe your classes?

Responsive, understanding, and available.

Briefly describe the real-world experience you bring to your CCV classes.

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.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at CCV?

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.

What is something students don’t know about you?

I am a CCV graduate!

Heather Connolly_faculty

Heather Connolly

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.

What makes your classes unique?

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.

What three words would former students use to describe your classes?

Exciting, tough, fair.

Briefly describe the real-world experience you bring to your CCV classes.

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.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at CCV?

I enjoy helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve their educational goals.

What is something students don’t know about you?

Prior to a neck injury in 2018, I completed the Spartan Trifecta and the Tough Mudder!

Gilberto Diaz Santos

Gilberto Diaz Santos

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.

What makes your classes unique?

They are mostly attended by new Vermonters and we enjoy sharing stories and insights from our original countries or cultures.

What three words would former students use to describe your classes?

Fun, safe, and supportive.

Briefly describe the real-world experience you bring to your CCV classes.

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. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching at CCV?

It’s a supportive and collaborative culture. I also enjoy the cultural diversity of students in the Winooski center.

What is something students don’t know about you?

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

Mary Ann Boyd

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.

What makes your classes unique?

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. 

What three words would former students use to describe your classes?

Flexible, supportive and responsive.

Briefly describe the real-world experience you bring to your CCV classes.

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. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching at CCV?

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.     

What is something students don’t know about you?

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 Bush

Stephanie Bush

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.

What makes your classes unique?

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

What three words would former students use to describe your classes?

Difficult, demanding, and rewarding.

Briefly describe the real-world experience you bring to your CCV classes.

When I’m not teaching, I’m working in my studio. I’m represented by several galleries across the country.

What is something students don’t know about you?

I have backpacked through 23 countries (mostly solo)!

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