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 Roberts
Administrative Assistant, Enrichment Coordinator
Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative

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.