Contact

Faculty and Staff Directory

Department

Grade

Last Name

Will Bailey

Mathematics, Mathematics

Math Teacher

Southwestern University - B.A.
Massachusetts Department of Education - Math 8-12 licensure

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Math Teacher

What about our students inspires you?

Ever since I started at CH-CH in 2006 our students have inspired me with the support and empathy they show for each other on a daily basis, both in class and around campus. Despite the typical drama that accompanies any high school experience, students at CH-CH develop and share a sense of community that allows them to form supportive relationships. Every year I work with math students who have had negative experiences in at least one math class when they were younger. They recognize their shared experience and are consistently quick to step up and assist each other when they see a classmate struggling. I have also witnessed this extend into social situations - they all know how tough and complicated life is as a teenager and it is inspiring when they demonstrate their emotional intelligence in their personal interactions.

How do you get to know your students best?

Since math is seldom a student's favorite subject, I understand when they would rather talk about something else. When the topic is clearly close to their heart, I allow time to engage with them, ask them questions, and let them realize I actually care about them as a person, not just a math student.
Elle Berglund

Health Services

School Nurse

781-314-0827

Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing - B.S.N.

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

As one of the school nurses here at CH-CH, I help keep our community safe and healthy. I interact with students daily whether that be to help with physical health concerns or to just talk about their days. As a member of CH-CH’s Health Team, I also assist our lead school nurse, the athletic trainer, and the counseling department with student wellness.

What led to your career at CH-CH?
After my first summer working as one of the Camp Nurses at Running Brook Day Camp, I was brought on to be one of the School Nurses at CH-CH. I have really enjoyed being able to put my nursing skills to use in a new way in this setting. It is very fulfilling to watch the students learn and grow throughout the year.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?Outside of CH-CH, I enjoy reading, going for walks around my neighborhood, traveling, and continuing to explore Boston as I am originally from Minnesota. Traveling has always been a big part of my life, most recently last spring I drove down the coast of California and over the summer went to Switzerland and France!
Brittany Browning

Health Services

School Counselor

Wake Forest University - B.A., English Literature
Harvard University - M.Ed
Indiana University - M.S.W., Social Work
Joshua Bubar

English, Administration

Assistant Head of School, English Teacher

781-314-0846

Colby College - B.A.
Cambridge College - M.Ed.

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

I am currently the Assistant Head of School here at CH-CH which means that all aspects of a student’s life here at CH-CH, academic, residential, or co-curricular, come under my purview. In my 16 years here, I have taught English, World Civilizations, SAS, lived in both boys’ and girls’ dormitories, coached multiple sports...in short, a little bit of everything...and I think that has prepared me well for this role.

What led to your career at CH-CH?

Through most of high school and into college I worked at a variety of fast food restaurants...Arby’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and McDonald’s to be specific. It was here that I got the first inklings of what I would later see crystalized in Gardner’s MI theory. I met adults in all these places who were really good with people, great trainers, funny, excellent with their hands, smart, and with good work ethics...but who had not gone to college, or in some cases even finished high school, and now worked full time in the fast-food industry. How does this happen? How can someone able to effectively train a teenager and handle a grease fire not finish high school? How can someone able to manage a team through three busloads of tourists, two indecisive senior citizens, and a failing walk-in cooler not have a college degree? I began to think that maybe it wasn’t them...maybe schools weren’t wired up the right way. I now work at a school that sees every student’s gifts and find ways for them to reach their potential; CH-CH is a place that is wired for student success.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?

When I’m not at CH-CH, I drive my children to various activities (Irish dance, soccer, and basketball), play basketball myself, and try to find time to take my wife to dinner.
Lance Conrad

Administration

Head of School

781-314-0800

Bowdoin College - B.A., History and Government/Legal Studies
Harvard Graduate School of Education - M.Ed., Teaching and Curriculum
The Graduate Center of Marlboro College - M.A.T., Teaching with Internet Technologies
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education - Ed.D., Educational Leadership

Bio

What about CH-CH do you love the most?

My family, friends, and colleagues at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall are the epicenter of my life and work. I consider the CH-CH community my extended family, and it is where much of my energy is rightly focused. As a student-centered school, our students fuel my professional and our institutional growth. Our work is transformational, and we proudly teach the way students learn.

What led you to a career at CH-CH?

Prior to Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall, I spent 12 years at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. At Cushing, I taught a variety of courses and electives in history and the social sciences, lived in numerous boys’ dormitories, and coached varsity soccer, varsity “B” hockey, and track & field. In 2000, I “retired” from coaching and pursued administrative roles at Cushing, including Director of the College Prep Program during Summer Session, Director of Teaching & Learning with Technology, and Assistant Director of Academic Affairs. I began my work at CH-CH in the fall of 2006. Beginning at CH-CH as the Assistant Head of School, I soon welcomed the opportunity of becoming the School’s eighth Head of School in 2009.

What do you do in your free time?

My wife Sarah and I have two kids, Jake and Janie. They always keep us on our toes and fill our lives with laughter and love. We like to travel, enjoy the outdoors, and spend a great deal of time with friends near and far.
Caitlin Coston

English

English Teacher

University of Massachusetts, Amherst - B.A., Theater
University of Massachusetts, Amherst - M.Ed, English

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?
English Teacher, Theatre Tech Director

What about our students inspires you?
Our students are some of the most empathetic and kind young people I've ever met. I consistently see students offering each other help during class, making space in their social circles for new students, and reaching out to offer support during stressful times. They have an awareness and compassion far beyond their years.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?
I'm a self-taught metalsmith, and spend much of my time designing and fabricating jewelry. Most of my work is based on my favorite books and poems. I also love knitting, and going for long hikes with my husband and our dog.
Samantha Cruz

World Languages, Visual and Performing Arts

Spanish Teaching Fellow

Framingham State University - B.A.

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Spanish Teaching Fellow and Worcester Hall Dorm Parent

What makes the CH-CH community unique?

The CH-CH community is very close knit. I am a big family person and this community (faculty, staff and students) feels like an extension of my own family. I love that our community is structured around supporting one another and that I have always have the opportunity to spend time with my colleagues and students outside of an academic setting.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?

I'm a huge Yankees fan (I know, I know) and love watching as many games as I can. I also love spending time with my nieces and nephews, working at my sister's bakery, and traveling.
Stephanie Daniels

Athletics, Administrative Support Staff

Executive Assistant to School Leadership

781-314-0800

University of Vermont - B.S., Social Work

Bio

What about our students inspires you?

Their curiosity and ability to think outside the box are characteristics I find very inspiring in our students. They also have unwavering acceptance of each other as individuals.

What about CH-CH do you love the most?

The sense of community. Every adult knows every student and vice versa; people genuinely care about one another.

How do you get to know our students best?
By talking to them - they bring so much to the table! I have learned about Civil War reenactments, community service projects, siblings, what an MRE is, summer internships...they have so much to share, all you need to do is ask.
Annie DiAdamo

History
Luke DiOrio

Visual Arts Program, Visual and Performing Arts Department

Visual and Performing Arts Teacher

University of Hartford - B.A.

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

I teach in the visual performing arts department here at CH-CH. More specifically, I teach Digital Photography and Digital Video Production. Additionally, I am coaching the JV boys soccer team in the Fall and Varsity Ultimate Frisbee team in the Spring.

What makes the CH-CH community unique?
From my experience here at CH-CH, I find the community is incredibly diverse. We have a wealth of cultural diversity and a diverse group of learners in our community. Also, our faculty and staff have a diversity of hobbies and interest which they share with the greater student body, always trying to inspire students to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?
Outside of CH-CH I enjoy spending time watching live music, playing the drums, running a side business as a photographer and videographer, and playing Club Ultimate Frisbee. Also, I generally enjoy anything that gets me outside - disc golf, soccer, hiking, swimming and playing most yard games (spikeball, cornhole, etc.)
Maeve Doolan

Visual Arts Program, Visual and Performing Arts Department

Visual and Performing Arts Teacher; Gallery Director

The College of Fine Arts, Boston University - B.F.A., Sculpture/ Painting

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Visual Arts Teacher, Gallery Director

How do you get to know your students best?

Living in the dorms and participating in the after school programs has really helped me get closer to students.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?

Outside of school I enjoy making my own art, doing yoga, and skiing when I find the time.
Shannon Fortin

Admissions

Associate Director of Admissions

781-314-0862

Gettysburg College - B.A., Psychology

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?
Associate Director of Admission and Director of Financial Aid

What about our students inspires you?
As a member of the Admissions team I have the opportunity to meet our students at the very beginning of their CH-CH journey. It's exciting to watch them bring their interests, talents and passions to our community.

How do you get to know our students best?
Working with our admissions ambassadors, The Cavalry, is a one of the best parts of my job in the Admissions Office! It's great to see so many students volunteer to be a part of this group, and keeps me connected to the student community and daily life on campus.
Denise Goguen

Business Office, Administrative Support Staff, Summer and Auxiliary Programs

Running Brook Camps & Accounts Receivable Manager

781-314-0994

Mass Bay Community College - A.S., Accounting

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

I have been a Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall employee as the Accounts Receivable Manager for six years now and have been the Camp Manager for Running Brook Camps for the past 21 years. When CH-CH took over Running Brook in October of 2010, I became a full time employee and couldn’t be happier. Since I have been a part of Running Brook Camps for so many years, I have gotten the opportunity to get to know thousands of kids and their families. I am lucky enough to get to see them come back year after year and watch them grow up. One of my favorite camp activities is ‘Cooking with Denise’ where I get the chance to share what I love to do outside of camp with all of kids. At CH-CH, I am responsible for the billing and collection of student accounts. Although I do not interact daily with all of the students, I enjoy that CH-CH allows me to find me own niche when it comes to interacting with them.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?

One of the things that I enjoy doing is volunteering at The Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen. This past year, I was lucky enough to incorporate this passion of mine with the students and faculty of CH-CH. With help from the kitchen staff and numerous students, we provide and serve dinner once a month for Waltham’s less fortunate. I am so grateful to be working at a place that has such a great sense of community and commitment to the campers, students, and their families.
Ana Ibave

World Languages

11th Grade Dean; Spanish Teacher

The Autonomous University of Chihuahua - B.A., Spanish Linguistics and Literature
University of Rhode Island - M.A., Spanish Linguistics and Literature

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Spanish teacher/10th grade level advisor/School Podcast director

How do you get to know your students best?

I try to create a variety of class activities where students can express themselves for who they are, like, believe and stand for. I feel that teaching a language allows you to get to know your students in a more personal manner. They have to talk about their personal experiences in this world as they discover the new vocabulary and target structures in Spanish. Also CH-CH provides great spaces and opportunities to establish significant interactions and conversations with our students such as advisory, clubs, affinity groups, assisted study halls, cooking classes, field trips, grade level meetings and community events.

What makes the CH-CH community unique?

The different cultures and ethnicities that conform our community. We have students from different countries for every continent in this world. International students not only come here to study and experience high-school, but also to experience residential life as boarding students in our campus, which also happens to be a historical landmark in the state of Massachusetts.
Ashley Jones

Health Services

Director of Nursing

781-314-0826

Labouré College, School of Nursing - B.S.N.
Elms College - School of Nursing - MSN-ED

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Currently, I am the Lead School Nurse at CH-CH which means I have the pleasure of overseeing the physical health and wellness of the CH-CH community. In addition to developing and carrying out policies to help keep us safe and healthy, I also interact with our students daily to triage physical health related concerns.

What led to your career at CH-CH?
After graduating from nursing school, I jumped right into inpatient care in various settings such as Long Term Care, Subacute Rehab, and Med-Surg nursing. I absolutely loved being able to help my patients on a physical level but quickly learned that there is way more to health than just the physical component. In search of a setting that will not only allow me to help physically but in other areas of a patient's life, I began sub nursing for a school and quickly decided that school nursing is what I wanted to do. I enjoy the challenge of putting my nursing skills to use in ways I've never had to before.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?
Outside of my time at CH-CH, I enjoy being a clinical instructor for various Nursing schools, reading, and most of all, traveling.
Walker Jones

Development/Alumni

Director of Annual Giving

781-314-0809

Tulane University - B.S., Political Economy

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement

What about our students inspires you?

Walking around campus, I'm continually inspired by the creativity and sense of community from our students.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?

I enjoy playing guitar, tennis and working on our vegetable garden.
Shruthi Joshi

Mathematics

Math Teacher

Gujarat Technological University, India - B.S.E., Mechanical Engineering
Gujarat Technological University, India - MEng, Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

I teach in the Mathematics department here at CH-CH. More specifically, I teach Algebra II and Honors Algebra II. Additionally, I am working as an assistant Theatre Tech. Director in the Fall and shot clock operator during Basketball games in the Winter.

What makes the CH-CH community unique?

The CH-CH community is unique because of its diversity, both in terms of culture and learning styles. The faculty and staff are also diverse in their interests and hobbies, which they share with the students to inspire them to try new things. The campus has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, where everyone is thoughtful and caring towards each other. The class sizes are small, which allows for individual attention and personalized teaching. The community is close-knit, like a family, and structured around supporting one another. There are also ample opportunities for spending time together outside of an academic setting.

What led to your career at CH-CH?

My background as a Mechanical engineer and experience teaching in Engineering colleges in India provided me with a strong foundation in education. After moving to the USA, I wanted to continue working in education and discovered CH-CH. The school's commitment to individualized education and providing opportunities for students to excel in Math drew me in. As I got to know the students and saw the impact I could have on their learning and development, I knew I had found my new home. Working at CH-CH has allowed me to continue growing as a teacher and person while helping students fall in love with Math. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this community and to help shape the lives of these incredible students.
Shauna Kelly

Athletics

Athletics Trainer

781-314-0852

Lasell University - B.S., Athletic Training
California University of Pennsylvania - M.S.

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Athletic Trainer/Assistant Athletic Director/Science Teacher

What led to your career at CH-CH?

Prior to CH-CH I worked in the collegiate setting. After graduating with my masters degree I became a member of the sports medicine department at Regis College. I also served as an adjunct faculty member for their exercise science program. During my time at Regis, I was also fortunate to be a preceptor for athletic training education program at my alma mater, Lasell University.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?

Outside of CH-CH I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I played basketball in college, so staying active is very important to me. I still play as often as I can with some of my former teammates.
Rebecca Lemaitre

Development/Alumni

Advancement Office Manager

781-314-0810

Yale University - B.A., Women and Gender Studies
The New School - M.A., International Affairs

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Development Associate

What makes the CH-CH community unique?
It's truly inspiring to work in a community where people uplift one another: teaching faculty, students, staff, and everyone in between. There is an environment of support and genuine appreciation for others that is palpable on campus, which makes CH-CH a unique and inspiring place to come to each day.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?
When I'm not in the office, chances are you can find me on nature walks with my kids, baking vegan goodies in my kitchen, or curled up somewhere reading a good book! I also love playing piano and singing, and am always up for a good karaoke night.
Brenna Lewis-Slammon

English

English Teacher

University of Vermont - B.A., English, B.S., Psychological Science
Harvard University Graduate School of Education - Ed.M., Teaching and Teacher Leadership

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?
Upper School English Faculty, Assistant Cross-Country Coach, Assistant Ultimate Frisbee Coach

What about our students inspires you?
What inspires me most about our students at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall is their incredible capacity for kindness. Alongside their empathy with the broader world, our students practice community care that helps create an inclusive and supportive environment on campus. They are justice-minded and often exhibit a willingness to learn and grow in the name of care for one another and themselves.

What makes the CH-CH community unique?
One of the things I value most about the CH-CH community is how students are invited to be their full selves. There is a real focus on highlighting students many strengths and celebrating their accomplishments, big and small! With this, there are also numerous humanizing practices in place which allow us as faculty to place our students' wellbeing above all else. From a pedagogical standpoint, there is an eye towards improvement and innovation that makes it an incredibly exciting and collaborative place for teaching and learning. Being in community with educators who are always working towards bettering and expanding their practices and with students who bring their innate curiosity to the classroom inspires me daily.
Ami Maniscalco

Admissions

Assistant Director of Admissions

781-314-0815

University of Connecticut - B.S., Human Development
Conor Mulqueen

History

History Teacher

Clark University - B.A., International Development & Education

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

I teach United States History and World Civilization II, help facilitate the LGBTQ+ Affinity group, assist with the JV Girls Basketball team, and serve as the head coach of the Girls Tennis team. I also live on campus and serve as a dorm parent in Worcester Hall.

What about our students inspires you?

The open-mindedness and vulnerability of the students at CH-CH inspires me. The students here come with many different lived experiences and are willing to share these in class. Often, a class discussion about a historical event will lead to a talk on how our world is today.

What led to your career at CH-CH?

I became a teacher because of the impact that a small number of teachers had on my life, especially in high school. I switched from a public school to a private boarding school going into my sophomore year of high school. The teachers at my school took the time to get to know me and made learning interesting. My goal is to be there for my students just like my teachers were there for me.
Kristine O'Brien

World Languages

World Languages Department Chair

Brandeis University - B.A., Hispanic Studies and Economics
Boston University - M.A., Teaching in Modern Foreign Language

Bio

What makes the CH-CH community unique?

At CH-CH, the class sizes are perfect. I really can spend the time to get to know each of my students; their strengths and their needs. I feel like I can teach the individual here.

What about our students inspires you?

I love that when I spend the time and the energy to get to know my students individually, they recognize and respond to that in a very positive way. They appreciate that I want to get to know them, and it makes learning language meaningful and fun for them. It’s a great synergy we have going on.

How do you get to know your students best?
Being the Weekend Activity Coordinator is fun because it's another way for me to connect with students and find out what their interests are outside of classes. They’ve been great about giving me ideas about how to make Residence Life more engaging. It’s another channel for me to get to know them as individuals. I also live on campus and can’t imagine not living here and working here. I love our kids. I feel like we are going through the day to day together and that really is a source of bonding. gain going back to having the connection of knowing my students, that goes a long way as an educator and for our students. It’s a perfect setup to strengthen that teacher/student bond.
Jamie Palmer Keating

Visual Arts Program, Visual and Performing Arts Department

Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair; Yearbook Advisor

St. Michael's College - B.A., Fine Arts
Lesley University - M.Ed., Teacher of Visual Art, 5-12

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

I'm the Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair and Yearbook Advisor. I have always created, read about creating, dreamed of creating or wrote about creating. I love exploring my own passion for the arts but also learning about what drives others to create. I studied studio art, art history, and journalism in college and this prepared me well for a career in teaching. A Master’s Degree in Visual Arts Education and ten years of teaching later, clearly art education was the path for me to take and I’ve loved every moment.

How do you get to know your students best?
In my classes, we often talk a lot about our experiences and interests and how that informs our art-making. We listen to music, talk about films and art, pop culture and what is important to their lives at that moment. This helps us all get to know each other better and feel supported when making and critiquing our artwork together. If we know what makes each other tick, we can help each other make more meaningful and successful artwork.

What makes the CH-CH community unique?
We are all very thoughtful and caring of each other, regardless of how well we know each other. Everyone says hi to each other, gives a smile or wave, and adds to the amicable, joyful feeling of the campus.
Pamela Palomera

Science

Science Teacher

University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus - B.S.
UMass Lowell - M.S.

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?
Science Teacher, Worcester Hall Dorm Parent, Social Media Intern Faculty Advisor

What about our students inspires you?
I find that our students inspire me in so many ways. Their diverse perspectives they bring to the community all serve as constant sources of inspiration. Seeing their dedication to growth and their ability to support each other creates an environment that motivates and uplifts everyone around them.

What makes the CH-CH community unique?
I love that CH-CH is such a welcoming community. Everybody genuinely cares about our students and faculty staff body. It is a very supportive environment, and it feels like family
Graeme Peel

English

English Department Chair

Durban University of Technology - BTech, Youth and Child Development
University of South Africa - BEd, English, Humanities, Technology

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

English Department Chair

How do you get to know our students best?
Building strong relationships is where my heart lies as a teacher. To me, knowing our students as whole individuals, not just students on a curriculum path, is crucial. I try to understand not only their hopes and dreams, but also the quiet anxieties tucked beneath smiles. It's not just about their academic journey, but about walking alongside them through the tapestry of their lives, celebrating triumphs and offering support and complete acceptance when paths get muddy. That's where true learning blooms, in the fertile ground of connection and shared humanity.

What led to your career at CH-CH?
For 20 years, I've been lucky enough to teach in 7 different countries, each one a unique learning experience. Every stage of the journey has shaped my understanding of what it means to be an educator. I stumbled upon this amazing community quite by chance, and it has truly revitalized my passion for teaching. Joining this group of dedicated colleagues who share my values and commitment to individual and communal growth has been incredibly rewarding. Now, I'm not just a teacher with two decades of lessons under my belt, but also a member of a community that's rekindled my purpose. I'm grateful to be here, contributing to our shared learning journey.
Gwen Pojasek

Administration, Business Office

Chief Financial Officer

781-314-0836

University of the Pacific - B.A.
University of Colorado - M.B.A.

Bio

What led to your career at CH-CH?

Education has always been an integral part of my life. My family contains a middle school principal, a professor of education, and two teachers. Growing up I wanted to be just like my parents, one in the education field and one in business. Working as the Chief Financial Officer in an independent school is the perfect mix. I followed right in my father’s footsteps earning my undergraduate degree in sociology with an emphasis on research. After a stint in retail management, I pursued my Master in Business Administration with a concentration on entrepreneurship. Today, my foundation in sociology helps inform business decisions. I am passionate about strategic planning and business planning and spent a good part of my MBA days participating in Business Plan competitions. Each day when I come onto campus I am reminded how fortunate I am to work in finance and management in an environment where students come first. The greatest part of working in a school is getting to see our students find their own success.

What about CH-CH do you love the most?

The campus. It is the school's most valuable asset and its diverse ecology and topography is a visual representation of our School. It is beautiful in all seasons and at its core is a classroom, a laboratory, a meeting room, and a field. One of the best parts of my day is taking a walk across campus.

As a CH-CH community member, you play a lot of roles. Which do you love most and why?

A lot of my work is behind the scenes, however, one part that I love the most is working with our Buildings and Grounds department. In particular, I love working on capital improvements that have direct impact on our student's experience. It is rewarding to be able to see a space transformed and to see how the program and experience evolves as a result.
Annie Radigan

Science

Science Teacher

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - B.S., Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?
Science Teacher, Assistant Coach for Volleyball, Assistant Coach for Basketball

What about our students inspires you?
The authenticity of our students inspires me deeply. It is an incredible gift to work with young people that are empowered and comfortable to be their genuine selfs, despite what challenges they may face.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?
Outside of CH-CH, I can generally be found taking care of my dog Ace, long-distance running, hiking, or exploring the Boston area.
Michael Savaria

Science

Science Department Chair

UMass Dartmouth - B.S.
UMass Dartmouth - M.S.
UMass Dartmouth - Ph.D.

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Science Teacher

How do you get to know your students best?

I get to know the students through the curriculum. In my science classes, I employ a great deal of student choice in project topics and presentation styles, to allow students to explore and share their passions. For example, if we are learning about cellular energy, students can pick any organisms of interest to them and present the required content in any format they choose. This method builds interest and creativity from students, where I may get students to present upon how sea turtle obtain energy presented in the form of a poem to how orchids obtain energy presented through a graphic novel.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?
Outside of CHCH, I carry my passion and love for the nature and wildlife. I am an avid runner, kayaker, and snowboarder, which I combine with photography, so I am always ready to snap the next best photo. I keep a multitude of diverse and exotic pets. The kitchen is my escape as I love cooking and trying out new recipes.
Jennie Scafidi

Administrative Support Staff

Registrar

781-314-0848

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

My role within the CH-CH community is registrar. Imaintain official records for all students past and present, schedule student’s classes, and coordinate exams schedules.

What makes the CH-CH community unique?

How inviting we are and how each person here is different in their own way!

What led to your career at CH-CH?

Took a chance and decided to go into a field I have never thought about! It worked, CH-CH is the best place I have ever worked.
Chris Schafale

English, History

English Teacher, History Teacher

DePaul University - B.A., English
Boston College - M.A., English
Tim Seston

Skills & Academic Strategies, Mathematics

Skills & Academic Strategies Teacher

Colby College - B.A., Biochemistry
Massachusetts Bay Community College
Samantha Shay

Mathematics

Math Teacher

Rutgers University - B.S., Physics
United States Air Force Officer Training School - Graduate and Commissioned Second Lieutenant
University of California, Irvine DCE - Graduate Certificate Paralegal Studies

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH

Mathematics Teacher

What about our students inspires you?

Their intellectual curiosity and pursuit of knowledge

What makes the CH-CH community unique?

The avant-garde-like structure to education unbounded by convention to help those students for whom a traditional academic setting may not be the best bet.
Gwendolyn Shipley

Science, Science

Science Teacher

Brown University - B.A.
Boston University - M.A.T.

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Science Teacher

What makes the CH-CH community unique?

I love to share my love of science with young people at an age where many of them have lost their child-like enthusiasm for nature. I try to encourage their natural curiosity by creating a classroom that welcomes all ideas and questions. Hopefully, after spending a year learning about how their own bodies work and observing nature, some of them will reconsider a career in science. What makes CHCH unique is that I am given the freedom to teach non-traditionally so we can spend time exploring together rather than being expected to lecture and pass on knowledge. I also love how diverse our community is and how welcoming of differences we are.

What activities do you enjoy outside of CH-CH?

When I am not teaching I spend time with my family (generally outdoors) and monitor saw-whet owl migration as a bird bander. I have also recently started to get more active politically to encourage lawmakers to focus on bills that combat global climate change.
Matt Soule

Administration, Communications

Director of Marketing and Communications

781-314-0822

Franklin Pierce - B.A. Multimedia Production
University Of Massachusetts Amherst - M.B.A.

Bio

What about our students inspires you?

I’m inspired by CH-CH students every day. They are some of the most creative, brave, energetic, and caring people I’ve ever met. Some of the most inspirational moments for me are when students give their senior presentations. Not only do these students address the entire school for 10-15 minutes, but they share some of the most personal and insightful stories. The courage and depth I’ve seen during these presentation can be awe-inspiring. On top of this, I’ve seen our students create artwork that is beyond a college level, I’ve seen them start fundraisers for charity and gain huge success, and I’ve seen them set their sights on a prestigious college, where they are now enrolled. I could go on and on - the number of inspirational moments from students in this small school is staggering.

As a CH-CH community member, you play a lot of roles. Which do you love most and why?

My favorite role in the School is the storytelling. Through videos, photos, and news stories, I get to share the amazing things that are happening on the CH-CH campus. To tell these stories, I get to sit in on exciting demonstrations in classes, talk about teaching philosophy with teachers, and work with students on all kinds of projects. The passion that everyone here feels for CH-CH is contagious and there is never a shortage of interesting stories to tell.

What led you to a career at CH-CH?

I’ve had a video camera in my hand since I was eight-years old, and from a young age I had one goal - to work on films and TV. After graduating from college, I worked on several major film sets, TV shows, and traveled the country with CNN. After years of working in production, I realized that what I really missed was the energy of a school environment. I heard many great things about CH-CH, and I was able to use all of the experience creating film and TV in CH-CH’s Marketing and Communication department.
Samantha Stone

English

English Teacher

University of Florida - B.A., English
New York University - M.A., Educational Theatre & English Education

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH

English Teacher and Theatre Program Assistant Director

What about our students inspires you?

Nothing stops our students. I'm continuously in awe of how our students break down barriers and overcome obstacles. No matter how much work they get or how challenging something is, they find a way through it. It's deeply inspiring.

What led to your career at CH-CH?

I worked as a comedian and a journalist in New York City before pursuing my master's in education. I have always loved working with children and teens, and I love nothing more than guiding students through the world of literature. Once I discovered CH-CH in my home state of Massachusetts, I fell in love with it. I'm thrilled to be here!
Marissa Terrasi

Skills & Academic Strategies

Skills and Academic Strategies Teacher

Framingham State University - B.A., Liberal Arts
Regis College - M.A., Education
Megan Kimball Towne

History

History Teacher

Emmanuel College - B.A., American Studies & History
Boston College - M.A.T, Masters of the Arts in Teaching History

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

History Teacher

How do you get to know your students best?

I get to know our students best by talking to them about their interests and their lives outside of school. I like to learn about their hobbies and their aspirations.

What makes the CH-CH community unique?
I think this community is unique because I feel free to be myself and many of our students feel the same way. I feel comfortable to express myself in both appearance and interests.
Al J. Umina

Buildings and Grounds

Director of Buildings & Grounds

781-314-0840

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH and what do you love most about working here?

I am the Director of Buildings and Grounds. I have been at the school for over 20 years now. I love doing this type of work, as I have been doing it all my life. I really enjoy working here; I keep the place hopping.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoying spending time with my wife, kids, and grandkids. I’m also a musician and like playing the guitar.
PoChun Wang

Administration, English Language Learner Program

Director of International Student Life

Berklee College of Music - B.M., Music Composition
Boston University - M.M
University of Missouri - Kansas City - D.M.A.

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Director of International Student Life

How do you get to know your students best?

The old-fashioned way. We chat, spend time working together, and listen to each other.

What makes the CH-CH community unique?

CH-CH is such a warm and welcoming community for ALL. Everyone here can be comfortable to be who they are.
Kenna Weber

Summer and Auxiliary Programs

Director of Summer Programs

781-314-0825

University of Connecticut - B.S., Human Development & Family Studies
University of Connecticut - M.A., Marriage & Family Therapy

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Director of Summer Programs

What makes the CH-CH community unique?

CH-CH is a community that focuses on building connections, helping each individual reach their full potential, and creating supports for students that remain strong even post graduation. It is more than a school, the teachers are more than content providers, and coaches are more than conditioning instructors; joining CH-CH is like joining a family.

What led to your career at CH-CH?

CH-CH is a beautiful campus that many students and faculty call home during the school year. I feel fortunate to call it my home during the summer, welcoming all the campers and counselors in the Running Brook Camps to this beautiful campus. Running Brook Camps continues the CH-CH mission throughout the summer to help more community members learn and grow.
Lori White

Athletics, Health and Wellness

Director of Athletics

781-314-0850

University of N.H. - B.S.
Plymouth State University - M.Ed.

Bio

What is your role at CH-CH?

Director of Athletics and Master on Duty. My main responsibilities include the oversight of the athletics and afternoon co-curricular programs as well as our boarding program. I work closely with our coaches, dorm parents, and the student leaders within the dorms. I love working within the student life realm of academia because there are so many important lessons that can be learned outside of the classroom. I also love seeing our students grow, learn about themselves, and excel through our student life programming. I am continually learning new things from our students as well.

Why live and work at an independent boarding school?

One of the best parts of living and working at an independent boarding school is seeing and getting to know students in varied settings through academic study halls, athletics, drama performances, leadership positions, interactions with my own family here on campus, or simply within the social setting of shared community living in the dorm.

Contact

Faculty and Staff Directory

Contacts by Department

AOD Contact Info

Grade Level Deans

List of 4 members.

Kasey American Horse

Ericka Berman

Ana Ibave

Chris Abrams

Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall