Meet the New Principal & Classroom Teachers at Duanesburg Elementary!

The new school year is almost here, and homeroom assignments for students in PK through fifth grade are being released soon! As we get ready to welcome our students back, we’re also excited to introduce some NEW faces joining the team at Duanesburg Elementary School! Please join us in giving them a warm welcome. The DCS community can’t wait to show you what #EaglePride is all about. Welcome aboard!

MS. KRISTI LABARGE (DES Principal)

a young woman with reddish brown hair oes in front of a purple background

Ms. LaBarge can’t wait to meet you! “What I’m most looking forward to is getting to know the people who make Duanesburg what it is—students, staff, families, and community members,” she said. “I’m excited to learn about the traditions, the values, and the day-to-day moments that matter most to the people here, and to find my place alongside them.”
Outside of work, Ms. LaBarge said she loves spending time with friends and family, including her parents, sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law and she’s loving the role of ‘Auntie’” to her “friends’ growing squads of tiny humans.”
Ms. LaBarge is originally from Latham, NY and is a graduate of Shaker High School.
She played field hockey, soccer and lacrosse growing up and as an adult, likes to stay active through strength training and getting in her daily steps. She also loves to read and enjoys relaxing with a good book on her Kindle.
Ms. LaBarge earned a Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Education with a concentration in Mathematics from SUNY Oneonta, and a Master of Science in Literacy from SUNY Albany. She earned her school leadership certifications from SUNY Albany and holds NYS professional certifications in Childhood Education 1-6, Early Childhood BR, and Literacy B-6.
Read more about Ms. LaBarge here.

MR. ALEC VOLANS (2nd grade)

a young man with a dark shirt poses in front of a white wall

Mr. Volans grew up in Rotterdam, which is where he currently lives.
His family consists of his parents, sister, his finance and his dog.
Mr. Volans said he enjoys playing sports and going on hikes, spending time with family and friends, and listening to music.
When asked what he is most excited about in joining the DCS family, he said: “I’m looking forward to making a positive impact on my students and colleagues. I hope to become a familiar face in the community and be the kind of teacher that students remember.”
Mr. Volans earned a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education (Grades 1–6) with a concentration in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta.
Fun Fact: Mr. Volans played three sports in high school—soccer (goalkeeper), tennis, and swimming/diving (mainly a diver). He also played two years of soccer at the collegiate level!

MRS. SHANNON CECHNICKI (2nd grade)

a woman with reddish brown hair poses in front of a grey wall, wearing a black and white top

Mrs. Cechnicki grew up in Scotia-Glenville and lived in Rotterdam for a short time. After she and her husband Brian started a family, they relocated to Duanesburg where they currently reside.
Mrs. Cechnicki and her husband have two children who attend DES. Greyson will be in sixth grade this year, and Camden will be in fourth grade. The family also has a cat named Kayah.
In her free time, Mrs. Cechnicki says she enjoys spending time with family, outdoor activities, spending time at camp, and watching sports.
Mrs. Cechnicki earned a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Childhood and Special Education from the College of St. Rose, and a Master of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
Mrs. Cechnicki said she is very excited to start at DES because of the families and students. “It means a lot to me to be able to give back and support the students in my community,” she said.

MRS. SARA KNAGGS (3rd grade)

a woman in a boat holds a fish

Mrs. Knaggs attended Duanesburg Central School from kindergarten through middle school before moving with her family to Berne, where she later graduated from BKW.
She currently lives in Voorheesville with her family, including her husband Jerry and their three children, Summer (almost 23), Connor (almost 17), and Calvin (age 6).
In her spare time, Mrs. Knaggs loves to travel, cook, hike, and fish. She loves outdoor activities—from being at the beach, to snowshoeing—and photographing her outdoor adventures.
Mrs. Knaggs said she is looking forward to getting to know the community she was part of as a child.
She earned an Associate of Science in Human Services from Schenectady County Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Education (Grades 1–6) from Grand Canyon University.
Fun Fact: Mrs. Knaggs used to teach in a yurt! What’s a yurt? Make sure to ask her on the first day of school!

MS. JULIA GAUTHIER (4th grade)

a woman with long brown hair wears a denim dress with a white coat over it

Ms. Gauthier grew up in Clifton Park and then moved to Boston for eight years. She currently resides in Ballston Spa.
In her downtime, she loves to read, do puzzles, go to the gym, and cook.
When asked what she’s most excited about in starting at Duanesburg, she said, “I’m so excited to get to join the DES community and to get to know the students and their families!”
Ms. Gauthier earned a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Lesley University.