Executive Board
Meet Our Executive Board
VCSEA’s Executive Board is composed of dedicated leaders who represent a wide range of experience and expertise in special education. These individuals volunteer their time to steer the organization, provide guidance, and advocate on behalf of their peers throughout Vermont.
Each board member brings a deep commitment to student success and equitable education. With representation from across the state, the Board ensures that VCSEA remains connected, informed, and responsive to the needs of its membership.
Executive Director
Mary Lundeen, M.Ed. – Executive Director
Mary Lundeen has served as the Executive Director of the Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators since July 2024. She began her professional career as a special educator in Nashua, New Hampshire before dedicating 27 distinguished years to Vermont Public Education. Her extensive career, marked by her retirement in June 2024, included service as a special educator, Special Education Administrator, and Superintendent of Schools. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the prestigious Gail Lynk Award in 2024. Ms. Lundeen has contributed significantly to state-level education initiatives and helped shape state education policy through active participation in various committees. Additionally, she has served as an instructor and intern supervisor for the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative since 2018 and has taught graduate-level courses in the School Leadership Program at St. Michael’s College.
Officers
Kris Benway – President (2025-2027)
Kris serves as the Director of Special Services for the Slate Valley Unified School District, a position she’s held since 1998. She is dedicated to fostering equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for all students.
Before joining Slate Valley, Kris worked in community mental health supporting adults with disabilities and as the Director of Student Supports in higher education. Her public school experience also includes roles as an early childhood special educator, home-to-school liaison, and classroom teacher. She has further contributed to education as an adjunct instructor at Castleton University and the Community College of Vermont, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in early childhood education, special education, and school law.
A long-standing member of VCSEA since 1998, Kris has been highly active within the organization. She has served as a Regional Representative for the SW Region in addition to being Treasurer, and contributed to the professional development, legislative, and rules and regulations committees. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the prestigious Gail Lynk Award in 2010.
Heather Freeman – President-Elect (2025-2027)
Heather Freeman is the Director of Student Support Services at the Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU). A seasoned and visionary education leader, she has been serving Vermont’s schools since 2004. Throughout her career, her work has consistently focused on inclusive practices, student-centered learning, and building systems that support the success of all students.
Currently, she serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Act 264 Advisory Board, where she advocates for coordinated and equitable services for children and families across education, mental health, and social service systems. For many years, she has also been a facilitator and organizer for the Central NorthEast Special Education Administrators group. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the prestigious Gail Lynk Award in 2022.
Erin Maguire – Past President (2024-2027)
Erin Maguire serves as the Director of Equity & Inclusion and a local special education director for the Essex Westford School District. She has been a leader in special education since 2002.
Erin has held various leadership roles within the Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators (VCSEA), including legislative chair, board member, and president. Her commitment extends to the national level, where she has served the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) as legislative and policy chair, board member, and through the presidential line from 2018-2024.
With a 26-year career in education, Erin’s diverse experience includes serving as a special education administrator, special educator, middle school science teacher, and paraeducator. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the prestigious Gail Lynk Award in 2017.
Laura Nugent – Secretary (2024-2026)
Laura Nugent serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at the Addison Northwest School District, bringing over a decade of expertise in educational leadership. She previously served for eight years as the Director of Student Support in both the Burlington School District and Addison Central, where she focused on enhancing programs that foster student well-being and academic growth. Her career also includes a role as assistant principal at Burlington High School.
Prior to her election as VCSEA Secretary, Laura served as a VCSEA Board Member for the Champlain Valley Regional Group.
Michelle Theberge – Treasurer (2025-2027)
Michelle serves as the Director of Student Services for Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union, marking her 29th year in education. She began her career as a special educator at Swanton Central School, later transitioning to a classroom teacher position for 14 years. Michelle then returned to special education at Enosburg Middle School, subsequently becoming a district evaluator focused on developing student learning profiles. For the past seven years, she has held her current leadership role as Director for FNESU. Michelle is deeply committed to supporting all students within her community.
Prior to her current role as Treasurer, Michelle served as a VCSEA representative for the Champlain Valley Regional Group.
Regional Representatives
