Counseling - White River Valley School

Michelle Pringle: Counselor, Royalton Elementary

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Michelle has been a part of WRUD since 2019, where she worked in the alternative program. In 2021 she joined the Royalton Elementary campus as the school counselor. She has experience as a counselor, teacher, and behavioral support. Michelle completed the Upper Valley Educators Institute Principal Intern Program in 2021, and currently holds a license in administration. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband, her many dogs, and plants of all kinds! You can reach Michelle at mpringle@wrvsu.org.

Nicole LaMothe: Counselor, Middle School

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Nicole has been a school counselor in the WRUD schools since 2006, where she worked with students in grades 7-12. In 2021, she joined WRVHS as the high school counselor. She has experience as a counselor, support plan coordinator, ropes course facilitator, and in restorative practices. Nicole attended the University of Vermont for her undergraduate in Psychology and Sociology and the University of New Hampshire for her Masters degree in Counseling. In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband, playing flute and piccolo with the South Royalton Town Band, hiking, skiing, dancing, and taking traveling adventures of all kinds! You can reach Nicole at nlamothe@wrvsu.org.

Benjamin Dohn: Assistant Counselor, Middle School

Ben began working for WRVSU in the fall of 2021. Ben primarily works with middle school students through individual and small group instruction. Hiking, being outdoors, and playing/watching basketball are among his favorite things to do in his free time. Ben has 10 years experience working with youth and adolescents through non-profit educational initiatives, workforce development, and social emotional growth. Ben grew up in central New York and attended SUNY Oswego for his undergraduate studies before briefly living in Seattle, Washington working with AmeriCorps VISTA. Ben then relocated to Buffalo, New York in order to pursue his Master’s in Social Work at the University at Buffalo. Most recently, Ben has been living in the Upper Valley for the past 3 years. You can reach Ben at bdohn@wrvsu.org.

Alex Wawrzyniak : Counselor, High School

Alex Wawrzyniak (or "Mr. W" to his students) is a school counselor with 12 years of experience. He joined the staff of WRVHS in 2024. His leisure time favorites include nature walks, books, movies, and computer gaming. He lives in Vershire, VT with his wife, daughter, and dog. He can be reached at awawrzyniak@wrvsu.org

Mitch Smoller: Counselor, Bethel

Mitch comes to Bethel Elementary and WRVSU bringing several years of experience as a school counselor, teacher, and outdoor adventure educator. Mitch is both a strong child and teen advocate with a hallmark of establishing meaningful relationships in the community. Mitch most recently taught intensive reading to ELL/MLL learners in the Monroe County School District in Key West, FL. Prior to that, he was a school counselor in Williamstown, VT and in Washington state. His underpinning theme is Wellness and Mindfulness.

Mitch rode his bicycle, solo, self sustained, coast to coast in the summer 2021 and is writing a book about the experience. He is also an avid cross country skier, photographer and studies cosmology.

Mitch graduated from Seattle University with an MA Ed. in school counseling. He also attended Seattle Pacific University and earned a graduate certificate in Adventure Based Education

Mitch can be reached at msmoller@wrvsu.org

Miriam Clark: HS Counseling Assistant, Royalton

I love to cook for people. I love spending time with my 2 sons and husband. We love to go jeeping and camping and going for adventures any chance we can. Miriam can be reached at mclark@wrvsu.org