John Peloso ’19

John rejoins the Vermont Academy community after graduating as a four-year senior with the Class of 2019. He is an assistant to both Student Life and Facilities, and an assistant coach for Boys' Varsity Hockey. When asked his favorite part about VA, his answer is: “The community. The faculty and staff at VA are second to none and truly care about the students. It is a welcoming environment that encourages stepping out of comfort zones with support.”

Maddie Paydos ’18

Maddie is currently in her second year in the role of assistant director of admissions and the head coach of  Girls’ Varsity Hockey. She loves being part of the Vermont Academy community, which has always felt like home to her. “My time at VA carries some of my fondest lifetime memories. It truly makes me feel so lucky to be able to rejoin this community as an adult and see the students create their own memories,” Maddie shared.

Adrian Diaz ’14

Adrian returned to his alma mater as the director of international and residential programs, a Spanish faculty member, and head coach of Boys' Varsity Soccer. When tasked with the question of why he returned, his answer was, “It is a way to give back to a place I call my home away from home. This community needs people that care and want to live ‘the VA way’ and I think it was an easy decision for me to come back and be on the other side.”

Brian Allen ’14

Upon returning to Vermont Academy, Brian started out a faculty member in the history department, and is now an assistant director of admissions and the head coach of Boys’ Varsity Hockey. When asked about how VA has evolved since his time as a student, he said, “VA is a wonderful place–still.” He also has a message for his fellow VA alumni recognizing the work that comes with teaching teenagers. “All of your teachers were underappreciated at the time, as they are now, so reach out and say thank you!”

Brian Schilling ’11

As a son of VA staff member parents, Falko and Lorna Schilling, Brian practically grew up on campus before becoming a student himself. He began teaching English literature at VA in 2018 after learning the craft as an intern the year prior. He is now also the head coach for Boys' Junior Varsity Soccer and Girls’ Junior Varsity Hockey. “What I love most about my job is helping students believe in themselves and their abilities, and then watching them grow with newfound confidence,” he shared. 

Jonathan Barron ’96

Jonathan graduated from Vermont Academy with academic distinctions in Arts, Math, and Science. He was a member of the Varsity Soccer, Rec. Snowboarding, Skijumping, and Varsity Track teams. He was also heavily involved with theater, and is now the director of Theater Arts at VA. 

Caitlin Consula Holton ’96

During her time as a student, Vermont Academy supported Caitlin’s passion for all things equestrian. Now, she is the associate director of college counseling, the 11th grade class dean, and an Equestrian coach. According to Caitlin, “VA is a place where you can connect with students in ways you may not be able to in public school. Once they get to know you, they want to spend time with you and this in turn allows you to help them get as much as possible out of their VA experience.” 

David Hodgson ’89

Dave spent three years at VA as a boarding student and also worked at the school from 1996-2002 as a Spanish teacher. He returned to the Academy in 2007 as dean of residential life and took over at the admissions helm in the summer of 2011. He is currently the senior associate director of admissions and advancement. According to Dave, “Vermont Academy has always put the students first. How we teach our kids has certainly evolved. Vermont Academy has always done a great job meeting the needs of the students of any generation.”

Lisa Eckhardt McNealus ’79

During her time as a student, Lisa was a founding member of the Girls' Soccer program, on the Skiing and Tennis teams, a tour guide, and a drama club member, among other things.

Today, she is the chair of the Visual Arts Department, she works with students in the basic studio courses and Advanced Art, and Art History. She is also an integral part of VA’s Equestrian team. 

Joe Echanis ’79

As a graduate of Vermont Academy class of 1979, Joe was on the Lacrosse, Skiing, and Soccer teams, a part of the Vermont Academy Students Association (VASA), the Drama and Outing Clubs, and others. Now, Joe is VA’s science department chair, heads the robotics program, and is a member of the mathematics faculty. 

Jim Frey ’66

Jim spent all four of his high school years at VA, partaking in Student Government, Band, Drama, Football, and Hockey, among other things. Today, he teaches physics and advanced physics and is the chairman of the Strategic Implementation Committee at VA. He chose teaching because he realized that “our children are the future.” 

The VA community is fortunate to have such a significant group of VA grads who enjoyed their time at VA enough to return as faculty and staff.