Taylor Pequignot, call sign “Patriot”, joined the STARBASE team in February 2015 as a Program Instructor at the Rutland site. He graduated from Castleton State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education specializing in math. Throughout high school and college his favorite subjects were always science, math, and engineering. This made STARBASE a perfect fit by allowing him to share his excitement about these subjects with the students that come from the many different schools in Southern Vermont. Growing up in Northern Vermont, Taylor always liked spending time on Lake Champlain either fishing, boating, or swimming. He enjoys sports such as golf, basketball, football (hence the ‘Patriots’ call sign), and baseball. If he is not teaching students at STARBASE or spending time with his family, he is most likely playing one of these sports or mountain biking.
In July 2015 the South Burlington site welcomed Andrew Prowten, call sign “Churchill”, to the team as its newest Program Instructor. After receiving his Master’s Degree in teaching from the University of Vermont, Andrew worked in public middle schools in the Boston area until the Green Mountains called him back. As a middle school teacher he honed his skills to engage all learners in geography and world history. Now at STARBASE, Andrew incorporates those same strategies to engage young Vermonters in STEM education. In his free time Churchill enjoys hiking, woodworking, snowboarding, cooking, and walking his dog, Sable.
Heidi DeCarvalho, call sign “Lotus”, joined the staff as the Office Manager in October 2015. Heidi graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. She has worked in several industries including education, fitness, and telecom. She is excited to be returning to the field of education in an administrative role; helping to support the day to day operations of the program. In her time away from STARBASE she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cheering for her 3 sons at their sporting events, walks in the woods with her Boxer Bruno, decorating, and practicing yoga.
In December we said goodbye to Becky Dansereau (Wildflower), the Deputy Director at the STARBASE Rutland site. Becky was with the program for 9 years! We thank Becky for her many years of service and commitment to the STARBASE program. She will surely be missed!!
