Tap Into Maple Run

Episode 24: Growing Together in Early Education with Stephanie Ripley

In this episode of Tap Into Maple Run, Bill and John sit down with Stephanie Ripley, Maple Run’s Early Education Director. Stephanie started her journey in the district as a Speech-Language Pathologist and has always been a hands-on learner who thrives on engagement and discovery. She’s passionate about early learning, working with families, and witnessing the incredible transformation of babies into little kids.

Stephanie shares insights on Maple Run’s preschool programs, highlighting the excitement of this stage for children and families. With preschool registration now open, she explains the process, including upcoming preschool playdates on May 14th and May 16th—a wonderful opportunity for families to meet teachers, complete paperwork, and build connections before the school year begins.

Beyond the classroom, Stephanie and her team provide early intervention services throughout the community, supporting young learners and their families as they transition into school. She loves her job because every day brings joy, growth, and the happiness of children.

And of course, we couldn't end the episode without a fun debate: Do Bill, John, and Stephanie enjoy ranch dressing? And how do they eat their chicken nuggets?

🎵 Music Intro & Outro by Kaydince Dezotelle, a talented BFA student.

Wellness Tip of the Week: Wellness isn’t just about physical health—it’s about mental resilience, emotional well-being, and fostering strong relationships. When we prioritize connection, education, and action, we create a healthier, more supportive community.

Tune in for a heartfelt and fun conversation about early learning, community connections, and maybe even a few surprising food preferences!

👉 Listen now!

Episode 23: Literacy, Learning, and Collaboration with Angie Fitzgerald

In this episode of Tap Into Maple Run, we welcome Angie Fitzgerald, Literacy Instructional Coach at Saint Albans City School. Angie works closely with the literacy intervention team and classroom teachers, supporting literacy development across the school. She began her journey at City School as a first-grade teacher and has been a dedicated educator there for the past five years.

With a school spanning PreK through 8th grade, Angie finds it challenging to balance her time across all grade levels. She hopes to work more with 7th and 8th graders, expanding literacy support where it's most needed. As a member of the district literacy committee, she collaborates with teachers 1:1, helping them use data to improve student outcomes.

Beyond her role as an educator, Angie is also a parent of three children in three different Maple Run schools—giving her a unique perspective on learning at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She shares her insights on education, collaboration, and how her experiences as both a teacher and a parent shape her approach.

We also dive into I Love to Read Week, now in its third year at City School, a fun and engaging celebration that brings the entire school together to share the joy of reading.

Join us as we discuss Angie's journey, her passion for literacy, and how she’s making an impact beyond the classroom.

Episode 22 - Finding Joy in Teaching with Liz Sato 🎙

In this episode, John & Bill sit down with Liz Sato, a passionate and energetic 3rd & 4th grade math teacher at Saint Albans City School. Liz's journey in education spans across the globe—she has taught 1st through 6th grades in Alaska, Japan, Colchester, and now, for the past seven years, at City School. She originally joined as a writing teacher for grades 4-6 before transitioning to math, bringing her love of language, culture, and kids into every classroom she’s been a part of.

Liz's deep connection with language led her to Japan to learn Japanese, and her love for both language and children naturally merged into her teaching career. Raised in Alaska, she spent years moving between Japan and Alaska before settling in Saint Albans 13 years ago. She describes herself as a "bossy know-it-all," a personality trait she says is well-suited for teaching. More than anything, Liz gets kids—she understands their struggles, their joys, and their energy, and she finds endless inspiration in their curiosity and humor.

Her family is a huge source of her energy. Her husband, a former BFA employee, now owns KiaJu Kitchen, a beloved Japanese takeout restaurant in Saint Albans. Their two sons are musically inclined, much like their father. Liz, who played trombone until her senior year of high school, encourages her students to embrace music, dance, and self-expression without fear of judgment.

For Liz, "School is where my people are!" She thrives on collaboration with other teachers and is dedicated to creating a joyful learning environment, even when math isn’t every student’s favorite subject. She reminds us that while learning can be challenging, it should also be filled with laughter, connection, and a sense of belonging.

💡 Weekly Wellness Tip: Care for Yourself. Listen to Yourself.

Grief, loss, and trauma affect each person differently - there is no single "right" way to respond. Your feelings are valid, no matter what they are. Take the time you need to process at your own pace, whether that means connecting with others or seeking solitude.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Liz brings energy, humor, and heart to her classroom every day!

🎙 Episode 21 - Supporting Student Well-Being with Lance Metayer & Corretta Enos 🎙

In this episode, John & Bill sit down with Lance Metayer, a dedicated Mental Health Counselor at Bellows Free Academy, and Corretta "Cori" Enos, a compassionate Social Worker at BFA. Both are deeply committed to supporting students’ well-being, whether through mental health counseling, substance use prevention, or social-emotional learning (SEL).

Lance brings a wealth of experience from residential care to direct service and management, and he loves the diversity of his role at BFA. Beyond his work, he’s passionate about woodworking—especially turning bowls on a lathe—a hands-on craft that keeps him grounded and focused.

Cori’s path started in mathematics, but after teaching at an alternative program, she found her true calling in student support services. She now works one-on-one with students, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop strong relationships.

💡 Wellness Tip of the Week: The Power of Self-Care & Grooming – Taking time to care for yourself—whether it’s a fresh haircut, a skincare routine, or simply wearing something that makes you feel good—can boost confidence and overall well-being. When you feel good on the outside, it positively impacts your mindset, motivation, and mental health!

🎧 Tune in to hear how Lance and Cori are making a difference in students' lives and how their unique journeys brought them to BFA!

🎙 Episode 20 - The Power of Confidence & Community with Miss A 🎙

In this episode, John & Bill welcome Ashley Duncan-Aubin, a passionate Cosmetology Instructor at Northwest Career & Technical Center. Known as Miss A to her students, Ashley is a 2004 graduate of the very program she now teaches. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist in Franklin County, she brings a hands-on, confidence-building approach to education—guiding students from textbook learning to real-world application.

Ashley believes in the power of service and instills this in her students. The NCTC Community Salon, open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12–3 PM, offers haircuts, coloring, facials, waxing, manicures, and pedicures at deeply discounted rates. On Wednesdays, the salon provides free services to all NCTC and BFA students. Recently, her students traveled to Saint Albans City School, giving 40+ students professional haircuts - a moment filled with smiles and confidence.

💇‍♀️ Want to book an appointment? Call 802-527-6108 or email [email protected].

💡 Wellness Tip of the Week: The Power of Self-Care – Whether it’s a fresh haircut, a manicure, or a simple skincare routine, taking time for yourself boosts confidence, mental well-being, and overall self-esteem. When you feel good on the outside, it positively impacts your mood and motivation!

🎶 Special thanks to BFA student Grant Sheehan-Myers for providing the music in this episode and to our listeners for submitting questions to TapIntoMapleRun.org.

🎧 Tune in for this inspiring conversation about cosmetology, confidence, and community service!

Episode 19 - Stacey Tully & Kelsey Malboeuf

Join John and Bill as they sit down with Stacey Tully, Literacy Specialist, and Kelsey Malboeuf, Principal, from Fairfield Center School. Kelsey, now in her fourth year as principal and 16th year at Fairfield, has deep roots in the community—growing up in Fairfield, attending UVM, and serving in multiple roles at the school, from paraeducator to second-grade teacher to special educator before stepping into leadership. Stacey, with 36 years in education and 26 at Fairfield, brings a wealth of experience from her time in New York and Virginia before finding her home at Fairfield as a Literacy Interventionist, EST Coordinator, and SEL Coordinator.

In this episode, Stacey and Kelsey share insights into the strong support system at Fairfield Center School, highlighting their unique MTSS approach in this small PreK-8 school of about 250 students, where everyone knows each other by name. They discuss the power of project-based learning and the school’s commitment to maintaining a welcoming community for students and families.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about Fairfield’s student-centered approach to education—plus a little about Stacey and Kelsey’s shared love of shopping and exercise!

Wellness Tip of the Week: The 1% Better Rule – Small, consistent improvements lead to long-term wellness. Rather than making drastic lifestyle changes, focus on daily wins that help you become a healthier, happier version of yourself.

Episode 18: Brianne King – Driving Excellence Behind the Scenes

In this inspiring episode of Tap Into Maple Run, we spotlight Brianne King, the dedicated Business Manager of the Maple Run Unified School District. With 13 years of service and a career spanning roles in accounts payable, payroll, Accounting Supervisor, and now Business Manager, Brianne's journey is a testament to her adaptability and passion for growth.

Brianne's work is guided by a relentless curiosity and a love for learning. A visual learner at heart, she embraces challenges—like mastering Excel—and views them as opportunities for improvement. Her approach to leadership is rooted in connection, valuing one-on-one collaboration and the incredible support of her team.

Beyond her professional achievements, Brianne finds balance through wellness and family time. She enjoys escaping to her rustic camp in New York with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of pets. These off-the-grid moments help her recharge and stay grounded.

This episode also features:

Wellness Tip of the Week: Treat your weekends like mini vacations—take time to rest, reset, and enjoy meaningful moments with loved ones.

Musical Talent: Special thanks to BFA student Gabrielle Dubie for providing the beautiful music that adds so much to our podcast.

Join us as we explore Brianne's journey, her dedication to the Maple Run community, and her inspiring approach to teamwork and excellence. Let her story motivate you to embrace challenges and prioritize what matters most!

Episode 17: Reclaiming the Joys of Education with Jamie Bristol

Join us as we sit down with Jamie Bristol, BFA’s Engagement and Communication Coordinator, for an inspiring conversation about her 24-year journey at BFA. Jamie’s deep connection to students began during her 21 years teaching English, where she cultivated meaningful relationships through 1:1 conversations and small group work.

After witnessing the mental health challenges students faced post-pandemic, Jamie felt called to reclaim the joys of education. She now focuses on creating interactive events that foster community, such as the BFA Experience—our largest recruiting event for prospective students in and out of the district. Jamie’s dedication to supporting students shines through her efforts to highlight BFA’s robust academic, extracurricular, and support services within the vibrant Maple Run and the greater Franklin County community.

A self-proclaimed “project person,” Jamie thrives on creativity and hands-on learning, proving that relationships are the foundation of meaningful education.

Wellness Tip: John & Bill share their philosophies of feeding both body and soul with seasonal nutrition. They explore how winter offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the season’s harvest with warm, mood-boosting meals that nourish and energize.

Tune in for an episode filled with creativity, connection, and inspiration!

In Episode 16 of Tap Into Maple Run, hosts Superintendent Bill Kimball and Assistant Superintendent John Muldoon sit down with Nick Allen, a talented music teacher at Saint Albans Town Educational Center (SATEC). Nick shares his passion for music education and how he inspires students through band, general music classes, private lessons, and the exciting addition of the new SATEC Rock Band. Discover how Nick fosters creativity, teamwork, and musical exploration among students.

This week’s John & Bill Weekly Wellness Tip encourages listeners to explore hobbies that spark creativity and joy—whether artistic, musical, or uniquely personal.

Special thanks to Grant Sheehan-Myers, a BFA student, for creating the music featured in this episode. A heartfelt shoutout to both Nick and Grant for their contributions to this week’s podcast!

Tune in for an engaging conversation about the power of music in education and a reminder to embrace hobbies that enrich your well-being. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

In Episode 15 of Tap Into Maple Run, hosts Superintendent Bill Kimball and Assistant Superintendent John Muldoon welcome Andrew Moore and Christian Adamczak, Outdoor Technology educators at NCTC (Northwest Career and Technical Center). Andrew and Christian share their innovative approach to integrating technology with outdoor education, offering students hands-on experiences that foster technical skills and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Learn how their programs connect students with nature while preparing them for careers in emerging tech fields.

This week’s John & Bill Weekly Wellness Tip encourages you to embrace holiday routine changes by adapting your habits, creating simple rituals for balance, and being flexible to enjoy moments of rest and connection.

The music for this episode is performed by BFA student Kaydince Dezotelle. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about blending education and the outdoors, and discover the transformative power of stepping into nature. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.