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MEET THE FACULTY
An opportunity to find out more about the Stony Brook faculty. Click on the links below or just scroll through the whole page.
ADMINISTRATION
Peter Cohen - Principal
Mr. Cohen is proud to be entering his 5th year as principal of the Stony Brook School. Prior to coming to Stony Brook, Mr. Cohen taught social studies in Lexington for ten years. With a degree from Bowdoin College and two graduate degrees from Simmons College, Mr. Cohen is now exploring options for pursuing a doctorate degree. Once a month Mr. Cohen is at Stony Brook for Saturday office hours, an opportunity for parents to drop by for discussion.
Steve Guditus - Assistant Principal
Steve Guditus is excited and eager to be joining the Stony Brook and Westford communities this summer! Mr. Guditus spent eight years as a middle school Social Studies teacher at Blake Middle School in Medfield, Massachusetts. Hailing from New York, Mr. Guditus is a Hamilton College graduate, and has earned graduate degrees from Endicott College and Harvard University. He is excited to be part of such a dynamic school and district. In his spare time, Mr. Guditus enjoys running, cooking, gardening and (attempting to) play fetch with his dog, Chester Von Barkington. Please stop by to introduce yourself and say hello!
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
Jean Donlan
Jean Donlan is entering her 4th year as the facilities administrative assistant for both Stony Brook and Blanchard Middle Schools. She is at Stony Brook Monday mornings, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and at Blanchard Monday afternoons, Wednesdays and Fridays. After a career as a Medical Technologist, Jean became a stay at home mom. She has 2 children, who were educated in the Westford Public School system. Jean returned to the work force as a substitute teacher for the Town of Westford. She was a substitute for 6 years before accepting her current position. Jean enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Debi Leavis
Hello, I am Debi Leavis. I am one of the Administrative Assistants who work in the front office. I am entering my third year here at Stony Brook. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know the students here at Stony Brook. I have two teenage children of my own; a daughter who is 15 and a son who is 13. They keep me pretty busy with their sporting events and my free taxi service. Have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you in August!
Daryl Shackleton
Hi, I’m Daryl Shackleton, the guidance department administrative assistant. I am very excited and privileged to be entering my 6th year here at Stony Brook. I enjoy getting to know the students over the course of the 3 years they are here at SB; watching them grow and mature into young adults. I have 5 children of my own – 3 who have already graduated from WA, and 2 who are currently attending WA- so I am surrounded by children my entire day; and I wouldn’t want it any other way. In my “free” time I enjoy watching my children in their various sports & activities as well as reading and doing my daily suduko puzzle. I look forward to the 2010-2011 school year!!
Sandy Carter - Principal's Aide
Sandy Carter will return to Stony Brook for her second year as principal's aide. Most recently Sandy has been a stay at home Mom with her two young children. They are now at the Nabnasset and Abbot schools allowing Sandy to resume a career. Prior to being at home with her children, Sandy worked as a Project Manager for IBM. Her 16 years experience with IBM has taught her patience and the ability to be flexible in working with many types of people across many organizations. Sandy keeps busy doing the book keeping for their Electrical Contracting business, volunteering within her children's classes and enjoying her family. She is looking forward to continuing to work within the Westford Public School system and with the children of the Stony Brook middle school.
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
Julie Ewing - 6th Grade
I have the great privilege of waking up every morning and going to a job I love! I have worked in the Westford Public Schools for the past 14 years as a guidance counselor at the middle school level. After graduating from Union College with a major in English and a minor in psychology, I spent many years in various administrative positions at the college level before pursuing my Masters in Counseling from Rivier College. I am the mother of three children who are all in college and I enjoy traveling, reading, and gardening.
Scott Nilsen - 7th Grade
Mr. Nilsen is excited to continue in his sixth year as Guidance Counselor in the Westford Public Schools. Mr. Nilsen earned his Master of Education in School Counseling at Suffolk University and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the State University of Albany. His previous work experience includes various positions at Perkins School for the Blind and Franciscan Children's Hospital. Mr. Nilsen is thrilled to continue to work with the seventh grade class and is delighted to continue working with the entire community at Stony Brook School. He looks forward to a successful, healthy, and fun-filled school year in 2010-2011.
Lin Westberg - 8th Grade
Lin Westberg joined the Stony Brook Faculty in 2008 as a Guidance Counselor. This year Lin is excited to serve as the counselor for our 8th grade students. She is from New England and has earned degrees from Norwich University, the University of Oklahoma and Rivier College. Lin loves working with Stony Brook students and staff. She also enjoys spending time with her family, doing anything outdoors, traveling, reading and enjoying her friends.
Dianna Fulreader - Adjustment Counselor
Hello, Stony Brook Community. I am thrilled to be entering my third year at Stony Brook. I previously worked in child protective services for 20 years, so this has been a welcomed change. I have two children, one who is entering high school next year, another going into second grade. Having just survived parenting a middle schooler, I am in a good position to empathize with all of you!! I earned a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Smith College. I'm currently finishing up a CAGS program in Education. To maintain a positive outlook on life and a sense of humor, I get outside and exercise as much as possible and always have a good book on hand. I look forward to getting to know you all in the coming
years.
NURSES
Sue Hanly
Sue Hanly has been a nurse in the Westford Public School System for the past 11 years-all at the Middle School level. She worked at Blanchard for several years and one year at the Millennium before coming to SB when it opened. She earned a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing at Boston College in 1986. She also passed a national school nurse certification exam in August of 2008. Sue lives in Westford, is married and the mother of 4 children who have all been educated in the Westford Public School system. Her oldest just graduated from college, she has 2 in college and one in 8th grade here at SB. Sue is a member of the Board of Health in Westford and involved in various other community activites. She is grateful to be able to share the nursing duties here at SB with Julie Marfhefka. Sue has a particular interest in mental health and loves
working with this age group.
Julie Marhefka
I was born and raised in Southern California and married a native Westford man. I graduated from Mt. St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles with a BS in Nursing and worked in a Pediatric Intensive Care in a Los Angeles County Hospital for 20 years. My husband and I decided to move our family to Massachusetts in 2004 with our 2 daughters. I worked as the grant nurse substituting in all the Westford schools and started a town CPR/1st Aid program. I began working part-time at Stony Brook 2 years ago and absolutely love it! It was during this time that I decided to go back to school at UMass Lowell and am working toward a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner degree. I will graduate May 2011.
6 GOLD TEAM
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - Chris DeRoche
I have had the pleasure of teaching middle school students for many years. Reading and LA are my favorites. I look forward to another great year to add to my collection. I am eager to meet my new students and anticipate a wonderful year with them. Some of my passions include family, good friends, reading good books and sharing them with others. I also like to spend time in the garden….and on the beach!
Actually….for me…life is a beach sometimes!
MATH - Vicki Murphy
Mrs. Murphy has been teaching in the Westford Public Schools for 17 years. She has a BA in Mathematics from Wellesley College and a M.Ed. from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. In her free time, you could find Mrs. Murphy in her garden, working on some creative project, reading or exercising, but most likely she would be spending time playing with her own two small children and husband.
SCIENCE - Janet Paroskie
Greetings from Ms. Paroskie, 6 Gold Science Teacher. I am very excited to be teaching at Stony Brook for my 8th year...and I am very excited about being a science teacher. My goal is to spark an interest in science in all of my students because 1. it is fun/interesting/cool/etc and 2. we experience science around us everyday. When not teaching I enjoy reading, listening to all different types of music, working in my garden, walking, doing projects around the house, hiking, biking and being an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. After a restful summer off, it is always great to get back to school to meet the new group of 6th graders...if you think you like summer, wait until you see how much you like being a part of the Stony Brook School community.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Gayle Windisch
SOCIAL STUDIES (August to November) - Adam Amster
Hello Stony Brook, my name is Mr. Amster. I am a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s 180 Days in Springfield Master’s Program. I received my bachelors at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, majoring in History. While attending Wagner, I was a two-sport athlete in wrestling and tennis. I look forward to exploring the world and its fascinating culture with you.
SPECIAL EDUCATION LIASON - Peg Rich
Mrs. Rich has been at Stony Brook for nine years advocating for students and their families and providing specialized instruction in reading and language arts. Mrs. Rich received her Bachelor's degree in Special Education from Rivier College and her Master's degree at Fitchburg State as a Reading Specialist. If not in school, she is running around with her family from softball and football games, to wrestling matches and school obligations. Mrs. Rich loves traveling with her friends, reading a good book and cooking a great meal. This summer she plans to stay in the classroom - preparing students for 10th grade MCAS and working with students to build stronger social skills as part of the Social Skill/Drama connections camp at Crisafuli.
6 MAROON TEAM
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - Kathy Robinson
Mrs. Robinson has been teaching reading in Westford for approximately ten years, moving with the sixth grade from Blanchard to Millennium and finally to Stony Brook. Working with middle school students is an exciting challenge that she thoroughly enjoys. Outside of the classroom, she loves to spend time with her family and loves to garden, golf and read (of course)!
MATH - Kim Rowe
Mrs. Rowe has been teaching math at Stony Brook since 2004. In her previous life, before finding her true calling as a 6th grade math teacher, she was a software engineer. Changing careers was the best decision she ever made! When she's not at school, she's busy chasing after her two-year old daughter.
SCIENCE - Mindy Peters
Hello future scientists! My name is Ms. Peters. Being from a military family, I was born in Texas, and have also lived in the Philippines, Florida, Massachusetts, and now New Hampshire. I graduated with a BS in Earth Sciences from the University of New Hampshire, Durham. My whole life I aspired to be a meteorologist, and desired to chase tornadoes and fly through hurricanes. Before I went down that path, I dove in to full time substitute teaching in Westfield and Longmeadow, MA. It was then that I found my niche for teaching middle school science, and went back for my Masters degree in teaching middle school sciences. I obtained my masters through Cambridge College and am currently continuing my passion for science by taking additional courses.
I have had the joy of teaching science to inquisitive students like yourselves for the past 7 years The 2010/2011 school year will mark my 3rd year being with the Stony Brook Community. Prior to joining the Stony Brook team, I taught 7th grade science in Everett, Ma for 4 years. I also finished my first season of coaching the SB softball team, and also look forward to the second year of the SB after school science club. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, playing fetch with my cat Twix, and am currently training for my second half marathon in October.
I am looking forward to another fantastic year at Stony Brook and look forward to meeting all of you
SOCIAL STUDIES - Katie Ryan
Ms. Ryan has been teaching 6th grade social studies at Stony Brook for six years. She finds teaching middle school students about the geography and cultures around the world to be an exciting and challenging. Ms. Ryan is also a soccer coach in her after school hours. She is the varsity soccer coach at Lowell High and the head coach of a U17 club team the Stars of Massachusetts. In her spare time she loves to play in basketball, tennis, and soccer. She also loves to spend time with her family and her puppy Chloe.
SPECIAL EDUCATION LIASON - Kim Keenan
Miss Keenan has been part of the Westford Public School system for nine years as a Special Educator at Stony Brook. She spends her days supporting and advocating for students, and delivering specialized instruction in the area of language arts. Miss Keenan earned her undergraduate degree from Lesley University and graduate degree in Special Education from Fitchburg State College. As a life long learner, she looks forward to pursuing her doctorate degree some day. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, the beach and spending time with Brian, and her daughter, Emily. Visiting with her two nieces – one who recently graduated from pre-school – is another of her favorite past times.
6 SILVER TEAM
ELA/SS - Meredith Sweet
Mrs. Sweet has been teaching middle school Language Arts for five years; she has taught sixth grade LA at Stony Brook for two years. Prior to coming to Stony Brook, Mrs. Sweet taught seventh and eighth grades at Triton Regional Middle School in Newbury. She loves working with middle school students because she finds them easy-going and eager to have fun while learning. Mrs. Sweet also coaches the Stony Brook Field Hockey team. In her spare time, Mrs. Sweet loves dancing, running, reading, and learning. She values spending time with her husband, and together they enjoy traveling and watching movies.
MATH/SCIENCE - Jenn Masterson
I am thrilled to be joining the Stony Brook Faculty this year! I just finished up my fourth year of teaching middle school in Lowell. I taught science in grades 6-8 for three years and this past year taught both math and science in fifth grade. In my former life I was a research assistant working in biotechnology labs in Lexington and Waltham. One of the reasons I love teaching middle school is because the students are very enthusiastic about learning and still like being kids!
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 children: Grace 7, Audrey 5, and Sean 2. I enjoy reading, working on my scrapbooks and running. I am currently training for a half marathon in October. I look forward to meeting the sixth graders in the fall.
7 GOLD TEAM
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - Eileen Flynn
Mrs. Flynn looks forward to being a member of the 2010 - 2011 Westford faculty. She has been teaching in Westford since the opening of Blanchard Middle School. Prior to teaching in Westford she taught in Boston and taught while living in Geneva, Switzerland. She has earned a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Education as well as completing Post Graduate courses. She loves traveling with her husband and two children. Her other hobbies include trying to improve her golf game, playing tennis and reading.
MATH - Stephanie Sullivan
Stephanie Sullivan is a longtime Westford resident who has been very active in the Westford Public School system for many years. She is a founding member of the Westford Education Foundation and has been substituting while earning her master's in education for middle school math. Stephanie is looking forward to teaching 7th grade math this coming year and is enthusiastic about bringing some of professional business experiences into the classroom. Outside of school, Stephanie is a coach for the New England Disabled Sports Program at Loon Mountain and also enjoys hiking, tennis, golf and travelling
SCIENCE - Heather Boucher
Mrs. Heather Boucher teaches science on the seventh grade gold team. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Physics and her Master's Degree in Education. She enjoys teaching science to middle school students and the spontaneity that they bring to the classroom. While away from Stony Brook, she enjoys spending time with her family including her son Nicholas who is 4 and her daughter Genevieve who is 3.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Tim Curran
Mr. Curran will be starting his 9th year teaching, 5th at Stony Brook. He has earned a Bachelors of History and Education from Franklin Pierce College and is currently enrolled at Worcester State College for his Masters in History Education. Mr. Curran is passionate about teaching and uses his “unique” sense of humor coupled with his enthusiasm for his subject to reach his students. In his spare time, Mr. Curran plays hockey, enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, reading and spending time with his wife, two cats, family and friends.
SPECIAL EDUCATION LIASON - Bev Zambarano
Bev Zambarano has just completed her first year on the Special Education team here at Stony Brook School. She received her BA in History from Dartmouth College and her Master’s in Elementary and Special Education from Lesley University, and has taught Special Education in the Westborough, Acton and Leominster school districts. She is an avid runner and biker and enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with her husband and three children. Last summer, she and her family completed a 5-week, cross-country trip including stops in over ten national parks. Though not traveling cross country this summer, she will be kept busy celebrating her children's birthdays, her parent's 50th wedding anniversary and spending a week on the Cape with the entire Zambarano Clan. She is looking forward to seeing her students
and colleagues again in the fall!
7 MAROON TEAM
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - Kathleen Metcalf
Kathleen Metcalf is delighted to continue teaching 7th grade English on the Maroon Team. She is an avid reader, and particularly loves reading mysteries and historical fiction. Mrs. Metcalf also enjoys hiking in the White Mountains and spending time traveling with her husband, two grown children, and her granddaughter. She received both her BA and M.Ed. from Marymount University in Arlington, VA, and has taught for "many years!" She is excited to be returning to Stony Brook and is looking forward to meeting her new students.
MATH - Jen Gargiulo
Jen Gargiulo loves being a part of the Stony Brook community and a teacher on the 7 Maroon team. She is the coach of the boys’ basketball team and a member of many committees at Stony Brook. She received her BA at Bates in Lewiston, ME and her MAT at Simmons in Boston, MA. She is excited to be returning to Stony Brook in the fall and is looking forward to meeting the new 7 Maroon students.
SCIENCE - Kim Dikeman
Kim Dikeman has been teaching Middle School Science in Tewksbury MA for 16 years, and serving as the Science Curriculum Coordinator for 10 years. Middle School is such an exciting and defining time for students, I would not teach any other age group. Graduating from Fitchburg State and earning a masters a Lesley college in Cambridge Kim is eager to join the Westford commmunity teaching grade 7 Science. If I am not in the classroom I am on the slopes skiing in Vermont, biking, walking, or playing golf. I enjoy being active and keeping healthy.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Justin Maly
Justin Maly is entering his fourth year of teaching at Stony Brook and eigth year overall. Orginally from Buffalo, NY, he earned his undergrad degree in History and Government at Daemen College, where he was a scholarship basketball player. Currently, he is finishing up his graduate degree at Fitchburg State College in Hostory Education. His Social Studies classes revolve around creativity, imagination, and life-long skills and he couldn't imagine himself working in any other profession. In his spare time, Justin enjoys playing in several basketball leagues, participating in triathlons and coaching.
SPECIAL EDUCATION LIASON - Deb Barsel
Deb Barsel has been an educator for twenty-four years. Besides teaching she loves to travel, watch documentary films, and kayak. Outside of school, she is a music and event producer for charitable causes and has taught over a thousand people how to juggle.
7 SILVER TEAM
ELA/SS - Amity Baldwin
Hi! My name is Amity Baldwin. Amity means, friendship, peace and easy to get along with, and I try to live up to my name. I teach Language Arts and Social Studies here at Stony Brook. I've had a passion for reading my whole life, and I love the study of history. Among my favorite authors are Orson Scott Card, William Goldman, and Gregory Mcguire. My favorite period of history is Tudor England, though I love all history and especially ancient history. I have been married almost ten years and have a wonderful one-year-old son, Tommy. My hobbies include bike riding, quilting, and writing. I look forward to getting to know all of you in the fall!
MATH/SCIENCE - Pam Nelson
Pamela Nelson is excited for her second year at Stony Brook. She taught 6th grade math, language arts and science in Pennsylvania for 6 years before moving to Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, she taught 6th grade math, language arts and social studies in Andover for one year and 7th grade math for two years. In 2001 she stopped teaching to stay home and have a family. She has a son, Ethan, who is 9 and a daughter, Sarah, who is 7. In 2009, she took an amazing two week trip to Italy, Turkey and Greece. Last year, she came back to teaching and taught math on the 8 Gold. Now she is looking forward to teaching math and science on 7 Silver.
8 GOLD TEAM
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - Sue DeStefano
Hi! I’m Mrs. DeStefano, and I’ve been in the Westford School System for 17 years. I hope all my present and future students love to read because reading is my passion, and I assign a good many book reports. By the way, I’ve been in a book group that keeps up with the latest adolescent fiction so I have quite a few suggestions for readers. Remember you are never lonely if you have a good book by your side.
Another interest of mine is birds, especially Pacific parrotlets, parrots, and hummingbirds. My parrotlet Kiwi is a gorgeous, feisty specimen, and you might get to meet him. I’ll teach you a few tricks about how to approach birds-you never point a finger at them because they think they are being attacked by a beak. Always bring your finger up to a bird horizontally. Watch the documentary The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill if you want to see how some domestic parrots have adapted to the wild- and then go to Telegraph Hill in San Francisco so you can see these resourceful birds.
I also collect porcelain dolls, am fascinated by archeology, and love traveling. My favorite places are the whole Monterey Peninsula of California, especially Carmel and Pacific Grove where you can see seals, sea lions, sea otters, or explore groves of Monterey Cypress. And I adore Italy, especially the Amalfi Coast and Capri where the blue of the Mediterranean is astonishing. Come to think of it, who would not love Italy if only for the food and art.
I have many interests as you might surmise, but one of my latest is watching Bollywood films. I love the singing and dancing especially since there aren’t so many American musicals these days. Watching a different culture’s films provides real insight into different values, customs, beliefs, but also into our shared humanity.
Well, that’s a little bit about me. I hope you have a wonderful summer, and
don’t forget to do your summer reading. I can’t wait to meet you.
MATH - Amanda Donegan
Ms. Donegan is excited to be joining the team of excellent teachers at Stony Brook School. She graduated magna cum laude from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA with a double major in mathematics and secondary education. She student taught at Boston Latin School; the oldest public school in the country. There she worked with students in both eighth and tenth grade, knowing all along that eighth graders were her favorite. She is eager to continue working with the Glencoe math curriculum to make the study of Algebra a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience.
Ms. Donegan loves to spend her time on the coast of Maine when she is not teaching. She enjoys relaxing with her family at their vacation home in York Beach. She feels very lucky to hold a position as a dining room manager and waitress at her favorite restaurant located on the rocky and sandy coast. But more than anything, she looks forward to meeting her new eighth grade students on September 1st!
SCIENCE - Mary Bourdeau
Mrs. Bourdeau graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a major in math and minors in premed studies and child psychology. At her first job at Computervision, she wrote 3-D graphic design software to help engineers design and manufacture cars and planes. Then she started training customers on how to use the software packages and fell in love with teaching. After receiving her Masters in Education, Mrs. Bourdeau started teaching math and science in Andover before transferring to the Westford Public Schools. She enjoys skiing, golfing, reading mysteries, and renovating houses. She loves spending time with her husband and three sons, especially watching the Red Sox win and rooting for Argentina in the World Cup.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Alyssa Campbell
Ms. Campbell is excited for her second year as the Social Studies teacher for 8 Gold, and her third year at Stony Brook. She graduated college from UMASS- Amherst with a Bachelor’s degree in History and is currently earning her Master’s through Simmons.
When not teaching, Ms. Campbell loves being outdoors and walking her dog, Ronin. She also enjoys spending time on the beach. In the fall, she is one of the coaches of the Stony Brook Cross Country team.
SPECIAL EDUCATION LIASON - Ann Leary
8 MAROON TEAM
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - Michele Dulczewski
I grew up in Amsterdam, NY and moved to Massachusetts in 1992 after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Education from Syracuse University. My Master’s Degree in Teaching English was procured from Salem State in 1998, while I was teaching eighth grade reading, language arts, and science at Whittier Middle School in Haverhill, MA. After eleven years and a move to Westford, I decided that I needed a change, and I wanted to be closer to home. I was fortunate enough to get a position as a seventh and eighth grade Language Arts teacher here at Stony Brook on the newly created Blue Team. When the decision was made to change the format and the name of the Blue Team, I found my current home as the eighth grade Language Arts teacher here on the Maroon Team. I look forward to many happy years here
at Stony Brook with my colleagues.
When I am not in school, I am usually some where on a sports field! I have a husband, Dave, and three kids, Matthew, Justin, and Kate, who are all at different school in Westford and quite involved in lots of sports and activities. I am usually grading many, many essays on the weekends, but when I am not, I am either spending time with my family or doing one of the many things I love, which include reading, shopping, cooking, and watching movies.
MATH - Tricia Craig
This will be my 4th year at Stonybrook, though I have taught in many other places including New York and California. My family has lived all over the country, but have come back to my home state after 20 terrific years of service as a military family supporting my husband's Air Force career. I am the mother of 3 daughters, now in high school or college. I enjoy hanging out with my family, reading, going to the beach, and supporting Westford athletes and performers. You will likely see me at games and shows at WA. I'm looking forward to the new year and getting to know my new team of students.
SCIENCE - Joe Poynton
Mr Poynton is a product of Westford Public Schools and attended Nabnasset, Abbot, and Westford Academy. Upon graduation from WA in 1995 he attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he earned a bachelor's degree in Forest Ecology. He later earned his Master's of Education degree from UMass as well. After working several years as a permanent substitute at Blanchard Middle School he was hired to teach 8th grade science and currently teaches here at Stony Brook.
Mr Poynton is happily married to a REAL scientist who researches cancer and teaches at Brandeis University. Whenever he encounters a question he can't answer in class she usually figures it out for him. He loves spending time in the outdoors, playing with his dog, writing poems, and painting pictures. He doesn't yet know what he wants to be when he grows up, and is starting to doubt that he ever will.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Natalie Blake-Weber
Hi! I’m Mrs. Blake-Weber and I’m absolutely thrilled to be entering my 4th year teaching 8th grade social studies on the Maroon team at Stony Brook. When I was eighteen, I ventured over to the United States from my home in England to participate in a one-year Enrichment Program at Principia College in Illinois. Although I fully intended to return to university in the U.K., my plans changed! After earning a B.A. in History with a minor in English Literature, I moved out to Boston to work as a museum educator in Brookline before obtaining my Master’s Degree in teaching from Simmons College.
This year I finally became a U.S. citizen and traveled to Washington D.C. to celebrate – here I am outside the Supreme Court! When I’m not busy teaching U.S. history, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and my friends, reading, watching movies and visiting museums. I also love to travel back to the U.K. to see my family.
SPECIAL EDUCATION LIASON - Kara Mason
My name is Kara Mason and I have been a special educator here at Stony Brook for 3 years now. I was born and raised in Massachusetts along with my two sisters and one brother. My interest include, painting, outside activities, coaching and traveling. My husband and I currently live in the area and recently added an addition to our family, our son! I received an undergraduate degree from Assumption College, shortly afterwards I completed a Master's program at Boston College in Education. I have had the opportunity to work for many different programs and institutions over the past ten years, but have really enjoyed being here in Wetsford teaching middle school. It is a challenging age group, but watching the kids grow and succeed makes it it all worth it!
8 SILVER TEAM
ELA/SS - Carrie Sterr
Ms. Sterr joined the Stony Brook community in 2009 as the 8 Silver Social Studies/Language Arts teacher. After several years in the film industry, making feature films and documentaries, Ms. Sterr decided to follow her true passion: teaching. She enjoys history and reading the most, and is thrilled that at Stony Brook, she and her students experience plenty of both! She also loves to hike and run with her dog, cook elaborate food creations, travel the world, and meet new people.
MATH/SCIENCE - Danielle Dombrowski
Hi there! Thanks for reading. I grew up in Merrimac, Massachusetts. I have a younger sister, a black and white cat, and a chinchilla named Frederick. I graduated from Fitchburg State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. While in college, I was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, and Psi Chi. I also tutored, participated in Dance Club and intramural sports, was a tour guide, and was a Resident Assistant. This will be my third year teaching math and science on the 8 Silver Team, and I am very excited!
In addition to teaching, I enjoy the visual and performing arts. I also enjoy athletics - especially volleyball and soccer. I love spending time at the beach, going camping, watching the Red Sox and Pats, black and white photography, yoga, and spending time on the computer. Some interesting experiences I have had include rock climbing in Nevada, spending time visiting friends in Los Angeles and St. Louis, dancing and acting on stage, singing in a professional children's choir, and working in various settings including a farm, hair salon, fitness center, and bakery cafe. During my summers I am a camp counselor for a theater-based social skills program for children.
I really enjoy sharing all that I know with others, and if you have any questions for me, do not hesitate to ask!
INTEGRATED ARTS
ART - Sioban Morris
I have been teaching art in Westford for ten years and absolutely love working with the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students at Stony Brook. My educational experience includes a B.A. in fine arts and design as well as being certified in Art Education pre-k through 12. I also lived and studied art in Siena, Italy. I have a Masters Degree in Education and am now working towards Plus 30; taking graduate courses in art.
Before teaching in Westford I was the Education Director for 12 years at The Discovery Museums in Acton, MA. Where I designed exhibits and developed educational programs for children six and under. I am passionate about teaching, creating art, travel and spending time with family and friends.
BAND/JAZZ BAND - George Arsenault
Mr. Arsenault is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and performs regularly as a freelance musician in the Boston area. In addition to directing the Stony Brook 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands and jazz band, Mr. Arsenault conducts the WA Grey Ghost Marching Band, the WA Jazz Ensemble and the Blanchard middle school concert and jazz bands. Prior to joining the Westford Public Schools faculty in 2005, Mr. Arsenault lived and taught in Kurashiki City in western Japan.
GENERAL MUSIC /CHORUS - Holly Johnston
In addition to being the general music teacher at Stony Brook School, Mrs. Johnston has also worked as a music director, voice instructor, and has taught instrumental music in Boston, Lowell, Tyngsboro and Dracut, MA. She received her teaching degrees from Berklee College of Music in Boston and the University of Massachusetts - Lowell. Mrs. Johnston is thrilled to be entering her 4th year at Stony Brook School and looks forward to seeing the familiar faces of our seventh & eighth grade students and warmly welcoming our incoming grade-six students. When not teaching, Mrs. Johnston enjoys spending time with her family and newborn son. Whenever possible, she likes to travel abroad to experience world cultures, customs & languages. Savoring the delicious foods from afar is always a tasty pastime
too. Until then, she spends most of her time participating in educational research & technology, cooking, dancing, enjoying life and being active!
HEALTH - Lisa Downey
I graduated from Plymouth University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education. I earned my Masters in Education from Cambridge College. I have been teaching health and Physical education for 14 years. Over the years I have coached Varsity Ski Team at Westford Academy as well as girls soccer at both Stony Brook & Blanchard. I enjoy spending time and traveling with my husband and our two daughters.
ORCHESTRA/STRINGS - Julie Ottesen
Since I was very young, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. When I was 8 years old, I started to play the viola, and the rest is history. I earned my Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Northwestern University and spent 2 years teaching in Illinois. I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where my husband was playing in the symphony and taught for 2 years. But I grew up locally and wanted to return to Massachusetts. In 1996 Westford was expanding their instrumental music program and I was forutnate to be offered a position at the Abbot School. After moving here, I earned my Masters of Music in Music Education from the University of Connecticut.
It is a pleasure to be a part of the Stony Brook community to teach string instruments and direct the orchestras. Westford has a strong cultural community and gives great support to the instrumental music program. I enjoy reading, listening to and playing music, being outside, and exercising but mostly spending time with my husband and 2 boys.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Beth Gutteridge
Beth Gutteridge graduated from Springfield College in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree with certifications in Physical Education and Health. Prior to teaching Physical Education at Stony Brook, Beth began her teaching and coaching career at Nashoba Tech then moving to Westford Academy in 1987. Over the years, Beth has coached Field Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Cross Country Skiing, Softball and Track. Presently, she coaches the Stony Brook Boys Soccer Team and Coed Track and Field.
In her spare time, Beth enjoys traveling, spending time with family, friends and playing with her dogs.
TECHNICAL EDUCATION - Dave Desmond
Mr. Desmond is a long time veteran teacher in the Westford School system. He teaches Technology Education to grades 6, 7 and 8 and runs the after school woodworking club. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, playing golf and spending as much time as possible with his growing family and his dog Jake !
WORLD LANGUAGES
FRENCH - Diana Albu
I have always been passionate about teaching foreign languages and culture to middle school students, while being a life long learner myself. I obtained a B.A. from the ” Babes-Bolyai” University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, with a double major in French and English, and a Masters in French (MAT) from Rivier College, Nashua NH. After completing the French masters, I continued to take French, education, and technology classes, to keep the teaching of my subject matter updated. I really enjoy being a student as well.
Before coming to Stony Brook, where I currently teach French to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students, I taught English and French in Sibiu, Romania, for 12 years, then Latin and French at Blanchard Middle School for 9 years. During the summer months, I also taught French Language and Culture at the School for Undergraduate Studies at Rivier College, Nashua, NH. Besides foreign languages, I like traveling with my husband and two children and learning about multicultural connections in the world, from ancient times to modern day. I also enjoy tennis, ski and international music.
GERMAN - Ulrike Joyce
I teach German here at Stony Brook. (Initially, I taught French as well) I definitely like that I first get to know my students in 6th grade and then keep them for 7th and 8th grade as well. I love teaching and having fun with my students. I am a Swedish citizen, grew up in Germany, had my college education in Sweden and later moved to the US.
My favorite thing to do is travel. It is always so interesting! Languages have been an integral part of my life. Being able to speak different languages has opened many doors and helped me make friends in many countries. I am hoping that you will love learning all about the German language and culture in my classroom!
Welcome!
LATIN - Maria Dale
Magistra Dale’s natal land is Britain, where she grew up encircled by the rich legacy of the Romans’ long occupation of her island. Latin was her favorite subject in middle and high school, and her aim is to make Latin class equally exciting and educational for students at Stony Brook! Outside of pedagogy at Stony Brook, Magistra Dale’s interests include being a perpetual student of Latin and ancient history, reading at least four books a week, and trying to prevent her amicable canine friend, Reilly, from consuming her library. She also enjoys cooking Indian and North African recipes for her family, with variable results. (Students: if you can figure out how much of the verbiage in this biography has its origin in Latin, email me at mdale@westfordk12.us – the closest
answers will win a prize in September!)
SPANISH & FRENCH - Debbi Gosselin
I began teaching in Westford in 1999 at Blanchard Middle School. I came over to Stony Brook when it first opened. My first love is (foreign?) languages and I have found that I really enjoy teaching my students not only the French and Spanish language but also about the different cultures. My hobbies are reading and traveling.
SPANISH - Kristin Morris
This is Kristin Morris' third year at Stony Brook School, and she's fully enjoying her time her. Kristin is a mom to twin boys who are also in middle school. She passes on her love of Spanish by sharing her experiences from her time in Ecuador, Mexico City, and working with the Spanish speaking public here in the United States. Students learn quickly about her shoe and coffee addictions! She looks forward to sharing great times "en la clase de espanol" with you this year!
SPECIAL EDUCATION
LEAD TEACHER - Jillian Phair
Jillian Phair is thrilled to be part of the Stony Brook community. She has enjoyed every moment of teaching special education at a private school for the past 3 years and is really looking forward to her second year teaching at Stony Brook in September. Jillian received her Bachelor's degree from UMass Dartmouth and recently finished her Master's at Simmons College with a degree in Education: Severe Disabilities. When Jillian isn't at school, she loves to enjoy the outdoors, cook, and visit family and friends.
TEAM CHAIR - Kathryn Garcia
SPEECH & LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST - Elizabeth Giuffre
Hello my name is Elizabeth Giuffre, and I am excited about my move to the Westford School System. I graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA with both my bachelors and masters degrees in speech-language pathology. Since that time, I have worked in the Waterbury Public Schools in Connecticut. I am looking forward to becoming part of the staff and working with the students at Stony Brook Middle School!
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - Kathy Dick
Kathy is a graduate of Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy. She attended Westfield State College as a Special Education Major prior to transferring to Tufts. She has worked in the Westford Public Schools for over 15 years. Prior to working as a school based OT, she worked at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston where she specialized in pediatrics. Kathy lives in Westford with her husband and 3 children. She is looking forward to spending some relaxing days on the beaches of Cape Cod this summer!
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST - Kristin White
Mrs. White is excited to for her second year with the Westford Public Schools. She earned her Master of Education and C.A.G.S degree in School Psychology with a concentration in Child Clinical Counseling at Worcester State College and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Anna Maria College. For the last several years, Mrs. White has also worked for Key Program Inc., which helps assist youth and their families develop positive life skills and experiences. She also enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, reading and traveling.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Abigail DeAngelo
Reggie Bigda
Barbara Greer
Debbie Kinghorn
Jean McAveeney
I am Mrs. McAveeney and I am so excited to be working with the seventh grade students this year. I have worked in the Westford School system for nine years. I first worked at the Abbot School with the fourth grade before transferring to Stony Brook. This summer I have been busy shopping, getting my daughter ready to go off to college. In the summer I enjoy going to the beach and my in laws house in Maine. I also enjoy watching the Boston sports teams.
Gail Viarengo
Emilie York
TBD
TBD
TBD
GENERAL EDUCATION SUPPORT
DEVELOPMENTAL READING - Betty Coty
With an undergraduate degree from Boston College and a Masters in Reading from U Mass, Boston, Mrs. Coty has been a middle school reading specialist for the last fifteen years. Previously she taught in the Arlington Public Schools and at a private school in Newton. Mrs. Coty and her family also lived in The Netherlands where she worked at the American School of the Hague.
ACADEMIC COACH - Alison Peternell
I am excited to begin my 2nd year at Stony Brook as the Academic Coach and 5th year in Westford Public School. I enjoy working with students who may need a little more help with their academics and/or organizational skills. With a BA from Mt. Holyoke College, Master in Education from Lesley, and a passion for learning and organizing just about anything, this position suites me well. I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children, running, biking, hiking and swimming whenever I can.
MATH COACH - Cindy Gale
Hi. I’m Cindy Gale, Stony Brook’s math tutor for Grades 6, 7, and 8. I am a veteran of 35 years teaching in the Acton Public School system and have served as the Grade 6 Title 1 math tutor for the past four years. This year we’re adding Grades 7 and 8 support to my role. I am the mother of two grown children and remain in contact with many of my former Acton students and their families. Working with students and making a difference in their lives makes my job the best!
LIBRARY MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY
INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST - Peri Schultz
Peri Schultz has taught since 1985 and worked for the Westford Public School System since 1991.
She has held her current position as Instructional Technology Specialist at the Stony Brook School since its opening in 2003. Her duties include working with teachers and students to integrate the use of technology to promote and enhance a deep level of learning in all curricular domains, supporting all members of the Stony Brook community with technology needs each day, and teaching her own curricular technology classes. She also helps run the afterschool Computer Club in the cold months to provide interested students a place to have fun and be creative.
COMPUTER TECHNICIAN - Kathy Vaccaro
LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST - Nicole Smith
Mrs. Smith has worked in the Westford Public Schools for many years. She has undergraduate degrees in history and politics. She has a Master's degree in Library and Information Science. Besides finding Mrs. Smith in the Library, you can find her as the Peer Mediation Coordinator and on the yearbook staff.
SUPPORT STAFF
CAFETERIA STAFF
Marie Cronin - Cafeteria Manager
Diane Gilmore - Head Chef
Marilyn Allen
Judth Chandler
Rdhika Cheng
Joyce Chou
CAFETERIA AIDES
Lori Socorelis
Karen Basinas
CUSTODIANS
Rick Harbaum
Peter Haberman
Dick Mungovan
Dylan Palmer
WPC AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Merideth Goddard
Merideth Goddard is entering her 4th year at Stony Brook as Site Director for Westford Recreation’s After School Program. This year she is thrilled to introduce Rec Club, where students can hang out with peers and explore their interests in a safe, constructive, stimulating and fun environment. Before graduating from Southern New Hampshire University in 2007 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Arts and Humanities, Merideth grew up in Westford and graduated from WA with the Class of 2003. During school hours, Merideth can be found in the Stony Brook and/or Recreation offices, on the Frost Field coaching Pre-K Soccer and T-Ball, or working as a Principal Aide at the Crisafulli Elementary School. Although Merideth enjoys her summers as the Assistant Director of Westford Recreation’s Kids Club camp, she is looking forward to
spending another exciting school year with the amazing Stony Brook community!
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