Jason Cushner, Program Coordinator
BA in Applied Mathematics from University of California, Irvine, Masters in Secondary Math Education from Colorado College
Jason has made a career out of teaching math in innovative ways. In that time, he’s taught math through building a boat, studying democracy, snowboarding, rock-climbing in the desert, and building a low-income health clinic. Jason taught in Vermont, Colorado, Rhode Island, and Turkey. Jason loves being involved in educational reform and has written two curriculum books and multiple articles. (He was even on the cover of Mathematics Teacher Magazine!). Jason has presented at national and international conferences, and gave Congressional testimony last year on issues in math and science education. He has been awarded Outstanding Mathematics Teacher in Colorado and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Jason enjoys rock climbing, trail running, and playing in the outdoors. He has climbed El Capitan in Yosemite a couple times and has climbed in Thailand, Europe, Canada, Colombia, and Mexico. He also participated in a British and American Expedition to climb a 24,000 foot unclimbed peak in Pakistan. Jason also loves going on adventures with his wife and two kids.
Christine Lundie, Advisor
BA in English and Secondary Education from Trinity College of Vermont, MA in Special Education from the University of Vermont
Born in Norwich, New York, but raised in Williston, I am one of nine children in my family. After my first year teaching high school, my career path took a detour, I worked in social services for a combined seven years, and spent 4 years at home with my two daughters when they were little. I worked with adults with cognitive impairments, and later as a case manager for Vermonters living with HIV. I learned so much about life, grace, dignity, self determination and myself in those roles. When my children started school, I went back to work and started working on my Master’s degree. I have been working at South Burlington High School for seven years, and this is my second year as an Advisor in Big Picture. My interests include gardening, home improvement projects, Zumba, and running.
Jim Shields, Advisor
BA in Art History from the University of Notre Dame, MA in Teaching from Connecticut College
Grew up in the Finger Lakes region of NY state (Geneva), moved to Northern NY (Canton) when my father got a job at St. Lawrence University. I grew up in a household of athletes and coaches. Both of my brothers were college All-American lacrosse players, and my father coached and officiated lacrosse, so it was a big part of my life. I played in college and coached for almost 20 years at the high school level. I’ve been interested in filmmaking ever since I started going to “Art Films” at the Snite Musueum at Notre Dame as an undergraduate. I remember seeing Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil” in South Bend, Indiana and it really changed everything I thought about what movies could be. After graduating with an art history degree, I became an art teacher at Brattleboro High School. My life took a couple of zags and I ended up as a high school administrator for nine years, until I got a chance to return to teaching in the Imaging Lab at South Burlington High School. I got to teach video production, digital media, and 3D modeling and animation. What a dream job! I became very interested in the problem of disengagement in school, so I decided to work with Big Picture, and I’ve been here for three years. What an inspiring challenge! Interests/hobbies: filmmaking, creative writing, running, pond hockey,
Anna Finklestein, Co-Advisor
BA in History from Portland State University
This is Anna’s second year at Big Picture South Burlington and is thrilled to be returning to support staff and students for another year! She previously served as an AmeriCorps VISTA for two years at a charter high school in Portland, Oregon, and later at our very own BPSB. She grew up in a small town south of Boston, where she had a slew of both traditional and nontraditional educational experiences. She spent her high school years running a theater company, taking college classes, and reflecting on the world and her place in it. Seeking adventure, she moved to Portland in 2008, where she completed her bachelors in History at Portland State University. Anna is passionate about hiking, food (where it comes from and how it impacts our bodies), education, and healthy relationships. She is excited to be helping young people feel empowered to actively create their own education. Anna is currently pursing her Master’s in Education at Goddard College.
Ryan Morra, Co-Advisor and AmeriCorps VISTA
BS in Biology and Environmental Studies from Warren Wilson College, MS in the Field Naturalist & Ecological Planning Program at the University of Vermont
Ryan is lucky to have been a student and teacher in innovative learning environments from high school through graduate school. Starting out in a performance arts charter school, he later attended a funky residential high school where he participated in an experiential semester program exploring New York City. After high school, he served with and worked for AmeriCorps NCCC for three and a half years, where he developed a passion for environmental and social justices issues. He then ventured south to Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC – one of only five work colleges in the country – for a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies. There, he also apprenticed in carpentry and in small-scale sustainable forestry as a logger and sawmill operator. Afterwards, he received his teaching license in secondary science education through a fellowship at Eagle Rock School in Estes Park, CO, where he first learned about Big Picture Learning. After some years of work and travel abroad, Ryan returned to Vermont for graduate school at UVM. For his master’s project, he worked on a place-based education initiative with the community of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. If he isn’t out hiking and looking up plants and animals in field guides, look for him on his mountain bike, road bike, or planning his next workshop for Big Picture SB!
Linda Barnes, Guidance Counselor
BA in Psychology from Smith College, MA in Counseling from Goddard College
I have over 20 years of experience as a guidance counselor. I have two young adult daughters, and I live with my partner and our cat in Winooski. My interests include my family, walking, boating, theater, and crossword puzzles.