RIPTON — The North Branch School has hired Joanna Doria of Ripton as the new co-administrator of the school. Doria will be taking over the responsibilities of Mia Allen, co-founder and administrator, who will focus on the school’s board management and facilitation of strategic initiatives.
“We are extremely excited to have Joanna joining the school staff,” Allen said. “Joanna has experience in a variety of schools and educational settings and brings incredible enthusiasm, skill and creativity to a position that works closely with our entire school community. As co-founder of the school, I hoped we would find someone with Joanna’s experience and insight to join our close-knit staff and someone who has an intense passion for education.”
Doria has extensive experience in teaching, coaching and mentoring elementary and middle school-age students. She is also a co-founder and co-director of Middlingo — a world language center in Middlebury bringing cultural awareness and language literacy to local students. She has also run a number of summer language programs and workshops for children of all ages.
At North Branch, Doria will be providing administrative support to the teachers, students, board and families of the Ripton school while working closely with long-time administrator Donna Rutherford. Doria will also oversee the many fundraising events of the school that help to support financial tuition assistance for families.
“I am excited about joining all the incredible people at North Branch School including teachers, students and staff,” Doria said. “I am passionate about alternative educational opportunities for students and believe that North Branch offers an amazing three-year program for middle school kids in our area.”
North Branch School is a non-profit, independent school offering a three-year middle grade curriculum that encourages students to be caring, loving, creative, courageous individuals within their communities. Serving school age children in grades 7-9 since 2001, more information is at 802-388-3289 or northbranchschool.org.