Speaker Series

The program will provide an introduction to the Volunteers in Northampton Schools (VINS) program. VINS offers members of Northampton Neighbors an opportunity to  participate personally in public education in Northampton. Volunteers offer enrichment and support throughout the grades at the request of teachers and staff. VINS has been active recruiting, training, placing, and supporting volunteers in the Northampton public schools for over forty years.  Resource volunteers visit a class once or twice to share career, experiences, or areas of expertise. Regular volunteers help out in a classroom for 1-2 hours once or twice a week where they can get to know the students and teacher. Some volunteers meet regularly each week to provide enrichment for one student or a small group. VINS warmly welcomes members of Northampton Neighbors to join us bringing the helping hands and hearts of our community into our schools.

Margie Riddle is the President of the Board of Directors of Volunteers in Northampton Schools (VINS). Margie has been involved with VINS for many years as one of the first VINS volunteers, as the Coordinator of VINS, as a teacher inviting VINS Volunteers into her classroom, and as a school principal suggesting VINS Volunteers to teachers. She has taught throughout the elementary grades in many districts and served as a principal and on the Northampton School Committee.

Andres Cucalon Molina is completing his first year as VINS Coordinator.  He has a background in marketing and videography and a particular interest in working with non-profits like VINS. He has been a staff member in a nearby school district.