Dr. Joshua McNaughton serves as Director and HiSET Examiner with Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative. With more than 24 years of experience in education—including 4 years leading PVAEC and 20 years as a PreK–12 administrator—Josh brings a wealth of leadership and instructional expertise to his role.

He holds certifications as a Maine Superintendent and Adult Education Director and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology, a Master’s in Environmental Science Education with a concentration in Field Research, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Instructional Coaching.

Josh began his career as an ed tech and special education teacher before moving into administration. Over the years, he has held a wide range of leadership positions, including assistant principal, principal, special education director, superintendent, and now adult education director. His professional background also includes specialized training in School Emergency Response Management, instructional coaching, and service as a HiSET Examiner.

In addition to his professional work, Josh is a member of the Recovery Wellness Board and remains deeply engaged in community efforts. Outside of work, he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, and camping. As a former Maine whitewater guide and trip leader, he continues to value time spent outdoors with family.

Above all, Josh is passionate about supporting learners of all ages, fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth, and helping individuals achieve their goals. As a father, he takes pride in watching his children grow and in celebrating his wife’s accomplishments as an educator.

Hilda began her journey with PVAEC in 2013 as a part time receptionist and became a full time administrative assistant and enrichment coordinator in 2015 under the direction of former PVAEC Director Thelma Regan. She credits Thelma with teaching her how to approach both her work and her life with care, intention, and a sense of purpose that continues to guide her today.

Hilda holds an associate degree in Mental Health and Human Services from the University of Maine at Augusta. She brings a wide range of skills to her work at PVAEC, from supporting adult education programming and assisting the instructional team to managing communications, marketing, social media, websites, and detailed data reporting that keeps daily operations running smoothly. Twice each year, she produces the spring and fall print catalogs, major projects she manages entirely on her own and that are distributed to every mailbox in the region. Hilda has helped build the enrichment program into a robust and financially sustainable initiative and has collaborated with individuals, local organizations, and businesses throughout the region to grow PVAEC’s enrichment offerings. Known for her creative flair, Hilda brings innovation and thoughtful design to all aspects of PVAEC programming. She is also the driving force behind PVAEC’s beloved and unofficial mascot, Skully.

Hilda believes adult education is one of the most impactful programs a community can fund. It offers tremendous value by welcoming people as they are, wherever they are in their journey, and supporting them as they earn a high school credential and move into career training programs that can lift them out of poverty and into the workforce. At PVAEC, she champions programming that is open to everyone. People are welcome to be who they are in a space rooted in respect, curiosity, and care. There is no single way to belong at PVAEC. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected across both adult education and enrichment programming, which intentionally embraces a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ways of learning. For Hilda, adult education is about dignity, opportunity, and meeting people where they are. Your journey. Your future.

Hilda grew up in Atkinson and now lives in East Dover, Maine, with her husband, her dog Brook Trout, and her cat Luna. Brook Trout even graced the cover of PVAEC’s Fall 2025 catalog. Hilda enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the woods, and observing birds and wildlife. In her free time, she loves cooking and baking, making things with her hands, listening to music from Stevie Nicks and Carole King to The Lumineers and Pearl Jam, and keeping an eye out for the occasional surprise gift from crows.

Eve began her work in adult education in 2002 as a GED instructor with RSU 68 Adult Education. When PVAEC later formed as a cooperative, Eve was already there, helping carry the program forward through its transition and growth. Over the years, she has taught GED and HiSET classes, supported students working toward a high school diploma, and led computer instruction, adapting as programs and student needs evolved.

Now serving as PVAEC’s Academic Coordinator and Academic Advisor, Eve brings more than 18 years of experience in adult education to her role. She holds associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in Library Science, and spent ten years as a full-time adult education instructor. In 2016, she was recognized with the Maine Adult Education Association’s Teacher of the Year award, an honor that reflects what students and colleagues have long known.

Eve’s approach to teaching and advising is rooted in a simple belief: every person is different and should be treated as such. There is no one-size-fits-all path in adult education, and Eve meets students where they are, offering steady guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Many students credit Eve with their success, sharing that without her consistent support and motivation, they might not have reached their goals.

The strength and stability of PVAEC’s academic programming is a direct result of Eve’s quiet leadership and steady hand. Her work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day by students working toward their diplomas and new opportunities.

Outside of work, Eve enjoys crafting and spending time in nature, finding the same calm and care there that she brings to her work with students.

Meet Leah Gomes, one of our amazing Academic Instructors and our resident tech guru here at Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative. Leah has over 15 years of experience in adult education and holds a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology, and teaching certifications in English and Social Studies. She teaches in our high school diploma, HiSET diploma, and college transitions programs, and is often the go to person when technology needs updating, fixing, or explaining.

Leah believes in meeting adult learners where they are and supporting them with flexibility and understanding. She knows our students are balancing work, family, and life while working toward their goals, and she is committed to helping them succeed. Outside of PVAEC, Leah is active in her church, enjoys learning new things, reading mystery novels, and helping others with technology. 

Fun fact, in 2023 she started her own business, Your Local Tech Girl. Leah offers one on one technology support appointments through PVAEC to help with devices, software, and everyday tech questions. To schedule a one-on-one tech appointment, call Leah at 207-717-4599.

When it comes to technology, some people call her the GOAT. Other people just call her. Either way, Leah has you covered.

Hollie Teague is an Academic Instructor in Adult Education with a passion for helping learners of all ages reach their goals. Her own journey as a lifelong learner is a testament to perseverance and curiosity: she began her educational path earning a GED and has since gone on to earn a Master’s degree in History and a PhD in Sociology. This trajectory from GED student to doctoral scholar inspires her teaching and provides a unique perspective for students navigating their own learning journeys.

Over the course of her 21-year career in education, Hollie has taught social studies at the high school, community college, and university level. Her professional achievements include five scholarly articles, multiple presentations at academic conferences, and honors such as Outstanding Teacher of the Year at Sanger High School in 2014 and SuperStar Teacher at Nokomis Regional High School in 2023. Her first book is scheduled for release this February.

Hollie believes in a teaching philosophy summed up simply as “Not perfect, but better.” She enjoys connecting with her community, supporting the Center Theater in Dover-Foxcroft when she can, and finding joy in everyday life. Outside the classroom, she loves to read, write, spend time with her family, pet her dog, and indulge in ice cream. Fun fact: her favorite animal is a squirrel, and there are probably too many smiley faces in her emails.