The 2023-24 school year is off to a fantastic start at Salmon River, thanks in part to the presence of more than a dozen new staff members.

The new staff to join Salmon River span most departments and areas – from instructional to support staff.

The district would like to take this opportunity to introduce many of the new faces that can be seen in the halls this school year to the community.

Carcie Bigtree-Thompson

Ms. Thompson is a Teacher Aide at St. Regis Mohawk School. She is from Akwesasne and is a graduate of Salmon River.

Ms. Thompson said she has always wanted to work with children. This is what inspired her to obtain her associate’s degree in early childhood education.

Salmon River has always been home for Ms. Thompson.

“[Salmon River] gave me awesome opportunities and I want the same for the children around me plus my own children,” she said.

Lisa Buchanan

Mrs. Buchanan is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Salmon River Central School District. She is from Potsdam and has worked for several years in school districts both in the North Country as well as in the Southern Tier of New York.

“My immediate family members were and are all educators, so it was something I was familiar with,” said Mrs. Buchanan.

She said she has heard many wonderful stories about Salmon River through her husband, who also works at Salmon River.

In her spare time, Mrs. Buchanan enjoys singing. When she is not in a place where she can belt out a tune, Mrs. Buchanan thoroughly enjoys knitting and hiking.

Nancy Cook

Ms. Nancy is a Teacher Assistant at St. Regis Mohawk School. She is from Akwesasne.

Ms. Nancy chose to work at Salmon River because she values having the same schedule as her children, who also attend St. Regis Mohawk School.

“I enjoy helping kids,” said Ms. Nancy.

In her spare time, Ms. Nancy loves working in her garden at home.

Krystal Deshane

Krystal Deshane is a Fifth Grade Teacher at Salmon River Elementary School. She is a North Country native, originally from Brasher Falls. Krystal now lives in Bombay.

Krystal originally chose to work at Salmon River because it is where her daughters attended school, and she wanted to show her daughters that education is crucial to being successful in life.

“I grew to love all of the people I work with on a daily basis, the students and the effort that the district puts into making sure students are successful,” Krystal said. “Now, I don’t want to leave!”

In her spare time, Krystal loves to travel — even if that means simply taking a drive around her own community.

Forrest Garbry

Mr. Garbry is a Fourth Grade Teacher at Salmon River Elementary School. He is from Morrisville in Madison County.

Mr. Garbry chose to work in an educational setting because he would like to pass on his knowledge and skills to others.

“I chose Salmon River Central School District because my goals and values align with the district’s,” said Mr. Garbry. “I also love the school colors and mascot. Go Shamrocks!”

In his spare time, Mr. Garbry enjoys gaming.

Amanda Graham

Ms. Graham is a Sixth Grade Reading and Writing Teacher at Salmon River Middle School. She is from Norwood.

At one point in time, Ms. Graham worked as a Teacher Assistant. She later decided to take a position in a different field, but soon realized that she wanted to return to working with kids as a classroom teacher.

“I chose to work at Salmon River because I wanted to work at a school that puts a priority on knowing and accepting their students as individuals,” said Ms. Graham.

In her spare time, Ms. Graham thoroughly enjoys playing video games.

Michelle Griffith

Miss Michelle is a Teacher Aide at St. Regis Mohawk School. She is from Fort Covington.

Miss Michelle chose to work in an educational setting because she believes that children need someone who truly cares for them and their education.

“I do care, I see that they have potential and I won’t let them give up on themselves,” said Miss Michelle.

Miss Michelle has become familiar with Salmon River over the years because her children attend school in the district.

“Coming into the school and speaking with the school staff over the years, it seemed like a great work environment with great people… and I LOVE kids,” she said.

In her spare time, Miss Michelle enjoys having movie nights with her kids.

Brandi Harris

Brandi Harris is the Director of Professional Recruitment and Development as part of the administrative team at Salmon River Central School District. She is from Ogdensburg, and while not new to the district, she is new to her role as an administrator.

Brandi has considered herself an educator for most of her life, going as far back as “playing school” with her younger siblings.

“I love to see the excitement and spark when people learn and grow,” said Brandi.

Brandi said she thoroughly enjoys working for Salmon River because the mission and vision of the district and sense of community speaks to her values and beliefs.

“I am humbled and excited to be a part of the Salmon River family [in this new role],” Brandi said.

In her spare time, Brandi enjoys spending time outdoors at her family’s camp in the Adirondacks.

Windy Hoag

Ms. Hoag is a Secondary Math Teacher at Salmon River High School. Originally from Plattsburgh, Ms. Hoag has loved what she has seen so far of the school district and its community.

“The people are wonderful,” said Ms. Hoag.

Ms. Hoag said she loves math. She looks forward to teaching students about math in a way that will encourage them to love the subject as much as she does.

In her spare time, Ms. Hoag likes to get creative with art and loves to draw.

Andrea Martin

Mrs. Martin is a Counselor at Salmon River High School. Originally from Binghamton, Mrs. Martin is a longtime resident of Akwesasne.

Mrs. Martin is no stranger to Salmon River. She previously worked at the district as a counselor just a few years ago.

“I wanted to come back because I love working with the students and families in this community,” said Mrs. Martin.

Mrs. Martin said she chose to become a high school counselor to help students explorer and find their pathway following graduation.

“I was the first person in my family to go to college, and I was lucky to have a high school counselor who showed me the steps I needed to take to achieve this goal,” she said. “I want to be able to give that same support to the students I work with.”

In her spare time, Mrs. Martin can be spotted on the green playing golf.

Brooke Martin

Miss Martin is a Second Grade Teacher at St. Regis Mohawk School. She is from Fort Covington and is a Salmon River graduate!

“No matter what school I got experience in throughout college, I always knew I would return to Salmon River,” said Miss Martin. “When I walk through the doors here, I feel like I am home!”

Miss Martin chose to become a teacher because of the unique and meaningful connections that teachers are able to make with staff and students. She loves to see students grow!

In her spare time, Miss. Martin watches (and re-watches!) Disney movies.

Emily Martin

Emily Martin is a Kindergarten Teacher at Salmon River Elementary School. She is from Heuvelton.

“I love working with others, helping them grow and be successful,” Emily said.

Emily also loves the fact that Salmon River is such a welcoming place.

“From the moment I started, I felt very welcomed by everyone, and they were very helpful,” she said.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys exploring new places through travel.

Lateisha Mayville

Miss Mayville is a Teacher Assistant at St. Regis Mohawk School. She is from Brushton.

This is Miss Mayville’s first year as a full-time Teacher Assistant. She loves being around kids and being able to connect with them at all different age levels.

She said she chose Salmon River because the staff are all very nice and welcoming.

“I could tell it had an uplifting, positive atmosphere,” said Miss Mayville. “Everyone is kind and helpful while we’re doing this together as a team.”

In her spare time, Miss Mayville enjoys trips to the gym.

Rhonda McGibbon

Miss Rhonda is a Teacher Aide for Special Education at Salmon River Elementary School. She is from North Bangor.

Miss Rhonda chose education because of its importance to everyone and chose Salmon River because she is very familiar with the school district.

In her spare time, Miss Rhonda enjoys essentially anything you can do outdoors during the summer. Camping and kayaking are just some of her favorite summertime activities.

Rebecca Sanger

Ms. Sanger is the Assistant Principal at Salmon River Elementary School. She is originally from Schodack in Rensselaer County, but currently resides in Franklin County.

After working with the New York State Department of Education to help improve schools, Ms. Sanger decided to make a change.

“Salmon River felt warm and welcoming from the first time I entered the doors,” said Ms. Sanger. “I’ve enjoyed the people and the time spent here, and decided to make it more permanent.”

Ms. Sanger said teaching and learning has been a part of her life since her earliest memories.

“My mom was a preschool and Sunday school teacher when I was young, and at the same time I spent a great deal of time with adults with disabilities who were fostered by a family member,” said Ms. Sanger.

In her spare time, Ms. Sanger loves spending time outside. Hiking, canoeing, boating, gardening and fishing are just some of her favorite outdoor activities.

Alyssia Simons

Miss Simons is a Fourth Grade Teacher at Salmon River Elementary School. She is from Norfolk.

Miss Simons credits the several wonderful teachers she had growing up who inspired her to pursue a career in education.

“I did my student teaching at Salmon River and immediately fell in love with the district,” said Miss Simons. “The staff is so welcoming and supportive. Salmon River felt like home right from the start!”

In her spare time, Miss Simons enjoys spending time with her family and her adorable kittens, too!

Devin Snyder

Devin Snyder is a 15:1 Special Education Teacher for seventh and eighth grade at Salmon River Middle School. He is from Fort Covington and is a graduate of Salmon River.

Devin became an educator because he said many teachers had a positive impact on him as he grew up.

“I wanted to be that role model for the younger generation and I knew that could be achieved through education,” Devin said.

Devin chose Salmon River since he grew up and attended school here.

“Ultimately, I wanted to be able to help my community the best I can,” he said.

In his spare time, Devin enjoys relaxing with his dogs and watching sports.

Allison Rust

Miss Rust is a Biology and Living Environment Teacher at Salmon River High School. She is from the very small town of Conifer in St. Lawrence County.

Education is not the first thought Miss Rust had when deciding what to do. She said she originally thought she wanted to work in a lab, until she tried her hand as a long-term substitute teacher in a high school. It was then that she realized that teaching is what she was meant to do!

“The relationships built with students and other faculty is unmatched and getting to spread my love for science feels like a dream,” she said.

Miss Rust said she became attached to students, staff and the atmosphere at Salmon River when she did some student teaching in the district toward the end of the 2022-23 school year.

In her spare time, Miss Rust loves to hike and read.

Danuta Ryan

Mrs. Ryan is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Salmon River Central School District. She is originally from Ukraine, but has been living in the North Country for approximately eight years.

Mrs. Ryan chose to work in education because she said she likes the dynamics of school life.

“I especially enjoy working with my students and learning from them how I can help with their communication needs,” said Mrs. Ryan.

From day one, Mrs. Ryan said she has felt extremely supported.

“I value the school”s initiatives to build meaningful connections between staff and students and their families,” said Mrs. Ryan.

In her spare time, Mrs. Ryan enjoys collecting handmade pottery pieces.

Ciele Samuel

Ciele is a Mohawk Language Teacher at St. Regis Mohawk School. She is originally from Syracuse, but has lived in Akwesasne for approximately 10 years.

Becoming a teacher was something Ciele’s friends and family encouraged her to do.

“I always liked helping my teachers when I was younger,” she said.

Ciele said she chose to work at Salmon River because she likes how the district puts a lot of energy into its kanien’keha programs.

In her spare time, Ciele loves to make moccasins, draw and paint. She also enjoys visiting waterfalls.

Lauren Siskavich

Mrs. Siskavich is an Advanced Art Teacher at Salmon River High School. She is from Malone.

Mrs. Siskavich said she chose to work at Salmon River to be closer to her family.

“Salmon River seems very community oriented,” she said. “I also love teaching young people and sharing art with them.”

In her spare time, Mrs. Siskavich enjoys cooking.

Emilee Smith

Miss Smith is a Fourth Grade Teacher at St. Regis Mohawk School. She is from Potsdam.

Miss Smith chose to work in education because her own teachers inspired her love for learning.

“I want to pass that down to other students,” she said.

Miss Smith is no stranger to Salmon River. She completed a field experience at the district.

“I fell in love with the support and drive the staff has for each of their students to achieve both academically and socially,” said Miss Smith.

In her spare time, Miss Smith enjoys going swimming.

Erin Toomey

Mrs. Toomey is the Assistant Principal at Salmon River Middle School. After spending more than two decades in that Catskills/Mid-Hudson areas, she recently returned to her native Colton.

Mrs. Toomey chose to work in an educational setting because she said she loves seeing sparks in the eyes of students who learn something new.

“I want to help kids love learning and make them believe in their ability to change the world,” said Mrs. Toomey.

While new to Salmon River, Mrs. Toomey is loving it so far.

“Salmon River is a great school with so much interesting culture and a supportive community,” said Mrs. Toomey.

In her spare time, Mrs. Toomey has been working to learn how to golf.

“I am just learning so I’m not very good…yet,” she said. “I play because it’s fun and it challenges me to keep practicing and improve my skills.”

Marla Travers

Miss Travers is a Teacher’s Aide in the Nurses Office at St. Regis Mohawk School. She is from Bangor.

One of the reasons Miss Travers decided to work in an educational setting is that she simply loves children.

Miss Travers chose to work for Salmon River because her own children attended Salmon River Central School and one of her granddaughters currently attends.

In her spare time, Miss Travers enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren.

Moe Webster

Mrs. Webster is a Fourth Grade Teacher at St. Regis Mohawk School. She is from Waddington.

After spending the past 15 years in the coaching world, she decided to make a change.

“After having children I realized how much I love working with children and decided to make the switch from college coaching to teaching/coaching in a classroom,” said Mrs. Webster. “I am excited to take what I’ve learned on the court, in school, from colleagues and through professional development.”

Mrs. Webster enjoys Salmon River’s welcoming environment, small classroom sizes and dedication to its students.

In her spare time, Mrs. Webster enjoys spending time with her kids, being outdoors and taking part in sports.

Supporting restorative practices at Salmon River

Each new teacher attends New Teacher Orientation ahead of each new school year to ensure they are aware of a variety of practices and procedures specific to Salmon River.

This year, one of those items focused around a practice called Community Circle. This practice was instituted this year with teachers and students as a result of the district’s ongoing social and emotional learning professional development. This is helping support the district’s restorative practices.

Practices such as these will be used throughout the school year in classrooms districtwide.