Student Services
Team Overview: Waterville Valley Elementary School offers individualized programs and services to students with special needs. Individualized Education Plans are prepared with the involvement of parents/guardians who are regarded as full partners in the educational process. Emphasis is placed on maximizing academic progress in basic skill areas and in developing compensatory skills. Speech-language services, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are also available to eligible students. If you have any concerns about your child's learning, please reach out to our special educator.
Special Education Faculty
Tara Talamini, Special Educator - ttalamini@pemibaker.org
Emma Gagnon, School Counselor - egagnon@pemibaker.org
Cathie Nigro, Speech Pathologist - cnigro@pemibaker.org
Rex Burnett, School Psychologist
About Our Team
Tara Talamini
Special Education Teacher K-8 M.Ed.
As a special educator, I work with students in a variety of areas to support academics. Special Education case managers and paraprofessionals work with the classroom teachers in planning and providing appropriate individual services to students with disabilities who are found eligible for specialized instruction. Services may include but are not limited to modifications, direct intervention, in class support, homework check-in, organizational support and co-taught classes. All students with Individualized Education Plans have access to the general education curriculum as much as possible. Related Services may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing support, psychological services, and rehabilitative assistance.
The goal of all teachers in SAU# 48 and Waterville Valley Elementary School is to provide appropriate accommodations, modifications and support for students who qualify for an Individualized Education Plan that promotes and increases independence.
When not at WVES, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, hiking year round, reading and going to the lake - basically anything outside.
Emma Gagnon
School Counselor
I am at WVES on Thursdays and Fridays but can be reached via email any day of the week. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any reason, I am here to support both you and your student(s)!
When not at WVES, I enjoy playing softball, coaching soccer for WVES, camping, snowboarding and spending time with friends and family.
Catherine Nigro MA, Ed.; MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathology/English Language Instructor (ELL)
As a speech-language pathologist, I work with students in a variety of areas that impact communication. These areas include articulation, fluency (stuttering), receptive and expressive language, social language, reading, and writing. If you have any concerns about your child's speech and/or language acquisition, do not hesitate to reach out.
ELL services are federally recognized for students who are newcomers to the United States and/or are bilingual based on languages that are heard or spoken in the home. Students are often screened at the beginning of the year. If they are found to be eligible, they will receive ELL support until their English proficiency is at an advanced-intermediate level, and the student is able to be successful in the school environment. For more information, please visit ELL - SAU 48.
Outside of school I enjoy traveling, reading, boating, skiing, and spending time on the river with family and friends.