Jessie Grant -Drama

Jessie Grant, originally from Yadkinville, NC, is thrilled to be working with PIE and Vinalhaven School.  She graduated from Lees-McRae College where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Performing Arts Studies with an emphasis in Musical Theater. She is now pursuing a Masters degree in Directing from Roosevelt University, Chicago. Jessie has loved not only teaching on the island but becoming part of the vibrant community.   She has worked with pre-k through adults in her theatrical endeavors. Jessie taught for two years  at C.E. Jordan High School in Durham, North Carolina. Jessie is delighted to "break the curse" of the one year drama teacher, as she is in her fourth year of teaching, second here on Vinalhaven. She has directed a variety of musicals and plays, from Little Shop of Horrors to Guys and Dolls and Complete Works of William Shakespeare:Abridged to Noises Off.  She teaches from the philosophy of "learn by doing". When she is not teaching or performing, Jessie enjoys spending time with friends,singing, reading and attempting to cook

Heather White - Visual Arts

Heather White received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Keene State College. After teaching fourth grade for 2 years in New Hampshire, she and her husband moved to Vinalhaven in 2002. Heather started her time at the Vinalhaven School teaching 3rd grade, and is now the K-12 Visual Arts teacher. When it comes to student artwork, whether it be from a 5 year old or an 18 year old, she encourages students to see their growth in the process first, and then to examine the product. Heather White also coaches high school rowing, is a member of the VSEC team, and the visual and performing arts team. Heather enjoys gardening, inventive knitting, walking, and any type of art classes for further personal growth & just for fun.

Michelle Wiley - Music

Michelle Wiley was born in Haverhill, MA and moved to Yarmouth, ME at the age of two.  Michelle graduated from Yarmouth High School and attended the University of Maine, Orono where she majored in Music Education with a concentration in Instrumental Pedagogy.  Her first teaching position was for SAD #68 in Dover-Foxcroft, ME.  She was hired to build the Beginner Band program and to write a Comprehensive General Music Curriculum K-6.  During this five year period, Michelle served on the State Music Curriculum Committee creating the first curriculum guide which would become the foundational document for Maine’s Music Education Standards. She also played in the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Pit Orchestras and conducted the Piscataquis Community Concert Band.  From 1989 - 1996 Michelle taught in the Messalonskee School District, SAD #47, Oakland-Belgrade-Sidney.  Her duties included General Music K-5, team teaching Beginner Band and Woodwind Specialist for the district.  Michelle established the Honors Wind Ensemble, Clarinet and Saxophone Choirs and the Student Recital Program, which celebrated it’s 50th Student Recital on Tuesday, April 10, 2012.  She played for The Augusta Symphony Orchestra, The Virelai Consort, Pit Orchestras, and was Assistant Conductor for Colby College Wind Ensemble.Michelle would leave teaching to attend Bangor Theological Seminary and received a Master of Divinity degree and was ordained in 1999.  She served as Interim Minister for two Maine congregations and served the Union Church of Vinalhaven before return to teach music in 2006.  She is married to David Arey, a grandmother of 4, conductor of the Vinalhaven Town Band, and member of The Off Shore Trio.  Michelle enjoys playing and performing music, reading and reflecting, playing with her grandchildren, walking her dogs, swimming and chocolate.

Randy Pitts - Technology

Randy Pitts grew up in Garden City, Michigan, a suburb of the metropolitan Detroit area.  He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps two days after his 18th birthday and served his country for 23 years in diverse locations around the world.  While on active duty Randy earned a BA in Information Systems Analysis , completing his undergraduate studies at University of Maine Orono in 1994.  After retiring from the Marine Corps as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 1999, Randy worked as an applications developer for Tidewater Telecom in Nobleboro, Maine.  He joined the Vinalhaven teaching staff in 2001 and has been teaching a wide range of information technology classes since then while also designing and maintaining the school's technology infrastructure.  Randy earned a graduate degree in Educational Technology in 2009.  He is a member of the Fox Islands Electric Board of Directors and enjoys restoring antique vehicles, fishing and camping in his free time.  He is married to Susan Warren Pitts of Vinalhaven and has two children and two grandchildren. 

Jake Tuminski - Physical Education