Felicia Dieffenbach : Phys. Ed, Bethel
White woman with a purple scarf smiles, outside in front of a rushing river.

Felicia has been working with our SU for over 15 years.  Initially, she worked at Preschool at Rochester, then PE and Elementary Intervention at Bethel Campus.  Riding, hiking, gardening, and exploring on her new e-bike are her favorite pastimes. You can reach Felicia at fdieffenbach@wrvsu.org.

Jim Hewitt: Phys. Ed. & ECO , Royalton
A man dressed in Red Sox gear with a bat and baseball, inside.

Currently in his 31st year of teaching Jim started teaching at South Royalton 17 years ago after teaching at Bethel Elementary and Tunbridge School. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Springfield College and a Masters degree in Education from Southern NH University. Jim has over 25 years of coaching experience in Basketball, Soccer and Baseball and currently holds the position of chairman of the South Royalton Recreation Committee. He is a native Vermonter, growing up in Chelsea, and currently lives in South Royalton with his wife Jenny who is also a teacher,  and their dog Maggie. He has two children who both graduated from South Royalton. Jocelyn is currently finishing up her Masters degree in Speech/Language and his son Jacob is a Junior at Springfield College majoring in Athletic Training. Outside of school, Jim is always outside,  Sugaring in the Spring, still playing baseball in an over 35 league and loves to ski and snowshoe in the winter. You can reach Jim at jhewitt@wrvsu.org.

Melissa Purdy: ECO, Bethel
headshot of a woman in a red top.

Melissa started working at the Bethel Elementary and Middle school in 2015. She teaches Preschool through 5th grade outdoor education (known as ECO). She also teaches 6th-8th grade Health at the middle school. Melissa has two children. She loves to be outside all year long. In the winter, she snowboards and in the warmer weather, she paddle boards and mountain bikes. She is also an author and artist. Melissa  grew up in Pennsylvania and now lives in the Mad River Valley. You can reach Melissa at mpurdy@wrvsu.org

Malia Timmerman: Art, Bethel
Headshot of a woman with pale blonde hair.

Since 2015, Malia has taught on the Bethel campus, where she is the K-8 visual art teacher. She loves inspiring and being inspired by students of all ages. She was born in Hawaii and lived in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and California before settling in central Vermont in 2005. Malia is also the parent of an awesome middle school kid who was born in Randolph and is usually willing to try out random art projects, go for long walks, and attempt cross-country skiing. You can reach Malia at mtimmerman@wrvsu.org.

Deb Quayle: Music, Royalton & Bethel
woman on vaca

Deb Quayle is new to our campus this year.  She teaches K-5 music and enjoys exploring music with students of all ages.  Music is fun, rife with emotions and alive! Deb was born Louisiana, received her education in the magnet program before getting her degree at Louisiana State University.  She taught music there until her marriage, after which she took time off to raise 4 amazing children with her husband Max in the New England area. She has subbed at Bethel for 5 years and is looking forward to teaching music.  She also plays the violin, loves good food,  history, and the beach.  You can reach her at dquayle@wrvsu.org.

Nicole Lillie: Art, Royalton Campus
artist with her work

Nicole is new to the South Royalton campus, and new to the teaching profession! She graduated from Keene State College with a BFA in Studio Art, with a focus in Sculpture. Nicole loves creating all artistic mediums, but particularly enjoys pottery and oil painting.  When she's not making art, she finds happiness in getting outside; snowboarding in the winter and beaching it in the summer. Nicole is so excited to start her teaching journey, especially since she has two mini artists of her own that go to school in the district! She can be reached at nlillie@wrvsu.org