Taylor Leach graduated from Dordt University with a bachelors in Theatre Management. After receiving her bachelors, she worked with a children's theatre company in South Dakota and then later served as children's department lead in her home state of Illinois. She recently received her Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Northern Illinois University. She has spent the past couple of summers working for Camden Harbor Cruises providing educational lobster tours on the M/V Lively Lady. When she isn’t in the school library Taylor can be found working through her constant pile of to be read books, on a walk listening to podcasts, or playing video games with her friends.

Kayla was born and raised on Vinalhaven. She left for a short time to get her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maine at Farmington. Kayla started her teaching career in Kindergarten for seven years then transitioned into the Discovery Room as a Special Education teacher. Kayla has three children- Ellie, Liam and Colin. When not at school, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family, being outside, and reading books. 

Thom Buescher, consultant for the GATE program, earned his undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Fine Arts, a Masters degree in Special Education, a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, and finally an MSW in Clinical Social Work (Loyola University Chicago). He has many years experience working with gifted and talented students. Thom was professor of Gifted and Talented Education at Wayne State University (Detroit) and Associate Director of the Center for Talent Development, Northwestern University. For almost twenty years he was the Director of gifted and talented programs for the Five Town CSD and Camden-Rockport Schools. He was also a member of the high school faculty and taught in the GT programs at Camden Hills Regional High School until 2016. In addition, he has been the GT and curriculum consultant for the Monhegan Island School since 1998. He retired from his clinical practice with exceptional older children and adolescents in Rockland two years ago after 25 years.

A Vinalhaven native, Steve moved off the island when he was just five years old when his family moved to northern Maine.  He continued to visit the island every summer throughout his high school years.  As an adult, Steve worked in construction for 32 years, initially starting in residential home building which later led to commercial construction.  During these years Steve also served in the Maine Army National Guard, and retired after 22 years of service.  In 2012 Steve went to work for the Loring Job Corps as a tradesman instructor.   In 2015 Steve had opportunity to move back to Vinalhaven and take over the vocational education program -- he and his family jumped at the chance to come home.  Steve and his wife, Patti have two children, Benn and Annie.  In his spare time he enjoys playing guitar, hiking, camping and fishing.  Welcome home Steve.

Randy Pitts grew up outside of Detroit, Michigan.  After graduating high school he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country for 23 years.  While on active duty Randy earned a Technical Certificate in Management Information Systems and later a BA in Information Systems Analysis. He completing his undergraduate studies at University of Maine Orono in 1994 and graduated that same year from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL.  After retiring from the Marine Corps 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.  Randy earned a graduate degree in Instructional Technology in 2009.  He is the president of the Fox Islands Electric Board of Directors and enjoys restoring antique vehicles, traveling, and fishing and camping in his free time.  He is married to Susie Warren Pitts of Vinalhaven and has two children and four grandchildren. 

Having worn many different hats at Vinalhaven School over the years, including working in the office and coaching basketball, Susie has most recently been at school since the spring of 2013, working first in the cafeteria, and presently in her second year as an educational technician in Kindergarten/First Grade.  A native of Vinalhaven, Susie has a large island family.  Susie is married to Randy Pitts; they have two children and four grandchildren.  Susie and Randy enjoy traveling around the country visiting their extended family and friends.  Together they have logged many miles in their motorhome seeing this great country we live in, as well as parking at campgrounds in Maine to enjoy time at the lake with their kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews!  Susie also loves to read, knit, and go on walks to various locations on the island; she and Randy have also hiked the Grand Canyon and trails at Arches National Park!

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William Trevaskis teaches music and yearbook to grades K-12. He has a Bachelors of Fine Arts in music theory and composition from Berklee College of Music, and his original compositions have been featured in recitals, workshops, and on television and can be heard on his web site, www.ofthelion.org. His award-winning photography includes aerial images of the Fox Islands and he regularly freelances for local and national publications with his images.

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.