I was given the amazing opportunity to lead our school through the transition from a junior high school to a middle school. In doing this, we identified our shared vision and designing how we want to define ourselves as a middle school within the wider North Colonie community.

I have been an administrator for the past ten years most recently as a pupil services administrator here in North Colonie. Prior to my experience in North Colonie I have worked in different capacities in schools in Cobleskill, Lansingburgh and in Washington, DC. I earned a master’s degree from St. Rose, my undergraduate degree from Hobart College and grew up through a public school system in Guilford, Connecticut.

Throughout my experiences, as both a student and an educator, I have been blessed by being surrounded by many dedicated individuals whose passion has been supporting the growth, learning and future of young people. I look forward to being a part of that experience for each and every student who walks the halls of Shaker Middle School.

Please don’t hesitate to call or contact me at any time via email or (518) 785-1341.

Welcome to Skylight Hall in Shaker Middle School! My name is Bill Pickett and I am overjoyed to be the Hall Principal for Skylight Hall. In the upcoming year I will work with Shaker Middle School’s amazing faculty to provide the best academics and environment for our students,

I started my career in Schenectady City School District. While at Schenectady City Schools I was a High School science teacher, science department chairperson and an Assistant Principal at the secondary and elementary levels. Prior to my work at Schenectady City Schools I earned my undergraduate degree from SUNY Oneonta and then my master’s degree from Union Graduate College. I continued on to my administrative degree at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. I am a life-long learner that feels that continued education is important. When not at Shaker Middle School you will find me outdoors enjoying nature as I am an avid outdoorsman or spending time with my two children and wife. 

I look forward to meeting all the families and student and if you have any questions or concerns feel free to email me.

Welcome to Shaker Middle School! My name is Thea MacFawn and I am delighted to be the Wright Hall principal. As hall principal, I work with our students, staff, and families to develop and provide programming and leadership opportunities that allow all students to flourish.

I have been an educator in the North Colonie Central School district since 2005. Prior to my role as Wright Hall principal, I was the Middle School Dean and Principal Liaison to Blue Creek and Boght Hills Elementary Schools. I spent 13 years as an English teacher at Shaker High School.

I’ve been appointed to the New York State Education Department’s English Language Arts advisory panel and its Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education strategy team. I am a National Board Certified teacher, a United States Holocaust Museum Teacher Fellow, and a 2018 Empire State Excellence in Teaching award recipient.

My academic background includes a master’s degree in Teaching English from the University at Albany, a bachelor’s degree in English from the University at Albany, and certificates in School District and School Building Leadership from The College of Saint Rose.

I look forward to working with our students and families. If you need to contact me, I can be reached via email.

Welcome to Algonquin Hall in Shaker Middle School! My name is Lauren Sheeler and I am excited to be one of the Hall Principals at SMS! My greatest hope is for all students to feel welcome, supported, and inspired to achieve. I work collaboratively with all of our wonderful faculty to promote the academic, social, and emotional well-being of our students.

I was a Spanish Teacher at Shaker High School for many years and then an Administrative Dean at Shaker High School for five years. Before coming to North Colonie, I also taught Spanish at Lansingburgh High School and at a high school outside Boston. My undergraduate degree is in Spanish and Education from The College of the Holy Cross. I have two graduate degrees, one in Education with a concentration in Spanish from the University at Albany and another in Administration from Lamar University in Texas.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family. Together, we love traveling, playing sports, exploring the outdoors, and watching movies.

Please do not hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns.

Welcome to Haystack Hall where our color, purple, reminds us of our wisdom, creativity, and ambition! My name is Nicole French and I am very excited to be a Hall Principal at Shaker Middle School and to spend more time with our Haystack students, families, faculty, and staff. I hope we can all work together so everyone in our school feels valued, respected, and provided the dignity they deserve. I look forward to watching each student learn and grow, as these are such pivotal moments of development.

I began my journey in North Colonie as a Special Education Intern and Aide. I navigated into the classroom before I found a home in sixth grade at Latham Ridge Elementary School. I spent about 15 years teaching there before navigating to middle school. I had the opportunity in the 2021 – 2022 school year to teach the same 25 amazing students and cover all four content areas. My undergraduate degree, attained from the College of Saint Rose, is in Elementary Education with a concentration in Psychology. I stayed a Golden Knight for my Master’s degree in Special Education. I received my Administrative Certification from Stony Brook University.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband and our dog. I most enjoy traveling with my large family, reading in quiet spaces, and taking time to write and reflect on the small moments in life. I volunteer in spaces around the City of Albany as an opportunity to continue my own growth and support that of others.

Please don’t hesitate to email me, as building family and community connections is the greatest way to ensure growth for each student.