Kelley Altieri
Academic Support
Read MoreKelley received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus in English and Elementary Education from Merrimack College, acquired a Master's in Curriculum and Teaching from Fitchburg State College, and completed a professional licensure program for Moderate Special Needs through Simmons College.
Kelley has served students in the Thacher community as an Academic Support Specialist for over 10 years. She is passionate about helping students feel motivated, challenged, and supported each day in order to foster both personal and academic growth. In her free time, Kelley enjoys spending time with family and friends and especially loves any opportunity to escape to Cape Cod to be by the ocean with her husband, dog, and three growing children.
Renay Bane
Art Teacher
Read MoreRenay did Montessori training at the Northeast Montessori Institute, and she holds a B.A. in fine arts from Bridgewater State University.
She has over six years of Montessori classroom experience, starting in an elementary classroom at Bay Farm Montessori and then as a Children's House lead guide at The Inly School. When not painting and sculpting, Renay can be found on outdoor adventures with her family, and her dog Bison.
Josee Bilodeau
Classroom Assistant
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Samantha Campanella
Lead Teacher
Read MoreSam earned her Montessori Infant/Toddler Certification in 2024 through Montessori Institute New England. She also holds an Assistant Preschool Teacher certificate, having spent several years working with preschoolers.
Sam grew up in an in-home daycare owned and run by her mother. She graduated from Blue Hills Regional Vocational Technical High School and is pursuing her college education through online and evening classes. Sam loves spending time with her family and going on outdoor adventures with her dog, Doc.
Jemima Canal
Classroom Assistant
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Susan Cooke
Lead Teacher
Read MoreSusan holds an AMS Early Childhood credential from the Montessori Institute of New England (MI-NE), a B.A. in history from Columbia University, and an Ed. M from Harvard University.
She joined Thacher in the autumn of 2023. A lifelong teacher, Susan taught globally for the Japanese and French ministries of education, as well as for independent schools on the U.S. West and East coasts.
Susan serves as a guide for 'Historic New England'. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling.
Jesse Corwin
Director of PE and After-School Athletics
Read MoreCoach Jesse brings diverse experience working with students of all ages as a basketball coach and teacher. With a lengthy background in Athletics, Education, and Media, he brings a unique approach that fosters inclusion, clear and positive communication, and passion. A dedicated mentor both on and off the field, Jesse is committed to creating an environment where students feel empowered.
Jesse was the long-time Boys Basketball Varsity Head Coach at the International School of Boston in Cambridge, a Radio News and Sports Anchor for iHeartMedia, and works in Analytics for MLB Advanced Media. Away from the court and the mic, Jesse enjoys family time and DIY projects. He is also a Montessori Parent!
Anaya Crichlow
Toddler and Toddler ASC Assistant
Read MoreAnaya grew up in Dedham, MA, and has long been passionate about child-centered education. She attended Gordon College and continues to pursue her higher education. In 2024, she earned her American Montessori Society (AMS) certification, training her as a lead guide.
Before joining Thacher, Anaya spent three years working in a teacher?family?led Montessori co-op, where she supported children in a collaborative, nurturing environment.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys baking for her micro cookie business, teaching Pilates classes around the city, tending to her small but mighty home garden, and exploring her love of worldwide travel. She is grateful to be part of the Thacher community.
Jill Desroches
Director of Education
Read MoreJill completed her Montessori training at the Toronto Montessori Institute in Ontario, Canada. She also holds a degree in Elementary Education and a Master's in Education with a concentration in Montessori.
Originally from New Brunswick, Canada, Jill moved to the Boston area in 2009 to join Thacher Montessori. Before discovering Montessori, she taught in public schools. In her free time, Jill enjoys traveling back to Canada to visit family and friends.
Blanca Diaz
Classroom Assistant
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Kristin Drozek
Senior Administrator
Read MoreKristin holds an AMS Primary certification from the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and Public Relations from Stonehill College. She has been a part of the Thacher community since 2005.
When Kristin is not at Thacher, she loves going to the beach, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Anna Dubrowski
Lead Teacher
Read MoreAnna was born in Boston to German- and Ukrainian-speaking immigrant parents and
attended the city's public schools. Her lifelong love of learning and the rich diversity of
her community ultimately inspired her path into education.
Anna earned her M.Ed. from Cambridge College and obtained her Massachusetts
teaching license shortly thereafter. She previously studied Engineering at Northeastern University and later completed a B.A. in Economics with a minor in Finance and Accounting at Framingham State University. After several years in the private sector, she realized that teaching and training brought her the greatest fulfillment - a joy that echoed childhood memories of playing "teacher."
Her practicum in Special Education deepened her commitment to individualized
learning and to supporting each student's unique strengths. She began her career
working one-on-one with students transitioning back into the classroom, an experience that strengthened her dedication to inclusive and responsive teaching.
Anna returned to the Boston Public Schools- the same system that shaped her own
education- where she began her Montessori journey at the district's only public
Montessori school. She continues to refine her craft and holds her AMS Secondary
Certification through CMStep.
Outside the classroom, Anna enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and gardening.
Sally Fitzgerald
Math and Science Specialist
Read MoreSally received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of New Hampshire, attended graduate courses in education at New York University and San Francisco State, and has a Massachusetts teaching certificate.
Prior to joining Thacher, Sally worked at Sacred Heart High School, Dana Hall, and Eliot Montessori. She likes to garden, hike, run, camp, and read.
Robyn Hinman
Classroom Assistant
Read MoreRobyn is a Salem State College graduate with a Bachelor's in Health and Consumer Service Sciences. She has extensive experience with childcare ranging from Camp counselling, coaching and YMCA aftercare.
An athlete at heart, Robyn has participated in gymnastics, dance, cheerleading, and lacrosse.
Brian Kaehler
Lead Teacher
Read MoreBrian graduated from Gettysburg College in 2011 with a degree in French and then obtained a Master's degree in French from Washington University in Saint Louis in 2013.
Originally from Manassas, Virginia, Brian moved to the Boston area to be a part of Thacher Montessori in 2021. Prior to working at Thacher, Brian taught English as Second Language (ESL) in Taiwan for seven years. In his spare time, he enjoys Dungeons and Dragons, reading, traveling, catching up with family and friends, swimming, and above all, coffee.
Carissa Katzenstein
Spanish Teacher
Read MoreCarissa earned a B.A. in Spanish and Economics from Tufts University in Medford, MA. She also has an M.A. in Quantitative Economics and is certified as a Spanish Teacher for grades Pre-K through 12 in Massachusetts.
Carissa has taught in a variety of environments in Massachusetts and abroad in Spain, where she lived for almost two years. She is certified as a T.E.F.L. instructor and has taught in Madrid for over a year. Within Massachusetts, Carissa has over eight years of experience teaching Spanish in public schools, a charter school, and a Montessori School. The age ranges she?s worked with have spanned from as young as 2.9 years old to adults.
Carissa has three children and lives on the South Shore with her husband. They love to travel and spend time at the beach and with family in their spare time. Carissa also loves coaching her daughter?s soccer team and reading whenever she has extra time.
Miriam Kinsella
Classroom Assistant
Read MoreMiriam is a graduate of the Institute of Technology in Tralee, Ireland. She has a background in business administration and early education, and is a certified Home Health Aide.
Her hobbies include running, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Samuel Lyman
Aftercare Assistant
Read MoreSam graduated from Curry College in December 2018 with a B.A. in Graphic Design.
With his degree in the visual arts, creativity, international work with children, and personal experience with learning challenges, Sam aims to provide compassionate care for a diverse range of children. He has experience with children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities, working at the Charles River Center in both Needham and Natick.
Sharyn Malnati
Office Manager
Read MoreSharyn has business and science degrees from Bridgewater State University.
She began her career as a cartographer/drafter, then transitioned to a receptionist/office manager for over 12 years. All the while maintaining an active volunteering ethic, starting at her local library, as well as volunteering with Girl Scouts, as a Sunday school teacher, and in many capacities at her local schools and parents' groups. She is proud to say she has been an active election poll worker since 2008.
Bridget McConville
Lead Teacher/ASC Coordinator (EL/MS)
Read MoreBridget completed her AMI training from Montessori Northwest in Portland, Oregon for ages 6-12. She also holds a BA in Education from Curry College and a Masters of Education Degree from Loyola University of Maryland.
Bridget was introduced to Thacher through student teaching in 2015. She became a Classroom Assistant until 2019, and after graduate school, she rejoined the Thacher Team as a Lead Guide in Lower Elementary. In her free time, Bridget enjoys spending time outside with her family and friends.
Victor McSurely
Music Teacher
Read MoreVictor studied Voice privately with Berklee College of Music professor Charlie Sorrento and studied Rhythm with well known Jazz drummer Bob Moses.
He left a full-time position as a musician with Boston's Blue Man Group to teach at Thacher. Victor also facilitated the Guitar Circle New England. He was an active participant in Robert Fripp's Guitar Craft school where he received much of his music training (he is the only authorized instructor of this work in New England). Victor is certified by Musik Garten to teach music to young children and has been trained in the Montessori Music Curriculum as assembled by Anna Maria Maccheroni. He is an enthusiast of analog recording, taiko drumming and enjoys improvisational guitar work in various ensembles.
Ayra Mejia
Classroom Assistant
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Marshelle Mitchell
ASC Coordinator (T/CH)
Read MoreMarshelle has 25 years of experience in family services and the corporate world.She has served as a dental assistant for Quincy Adam Dental Associates (Quincy, MA) and a dental assistant intern a Upham?s Corner Community Health Center (Boston).
Marshelle has a dental assisting certificate from the Boston Career Institute. Over the last four years, Marshelle has also been a valued substitute at Thacher in the classroom and in the Aftercare program.
Carolynn Moore
School Nurse
Read MoreCarolynn is a Registered Nurse who graduated from Brockton Hospital School of Nursing and later received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Southern New Hampshire University. In addition to being a certified Red Cross instructor, Carolynn holds a Massachusetts Director II certification in Early Childhood Education.
She worked extensively as a public health nurse during the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic and navigated Thacher re-opening their doors full-time in September 2020.
Carolynn grew up in Braintree, MA, and still lives there with her husband and three children. She enjoys spending time with family, volunteering with special needs children, reading, and the beach.
Stephanie Nichols
Lead Teacher
Mary Padovano
Accounting Manager
Read MoreMary has over 25 years of experience working in business management and finance. She spent several years as a principal and partner of an architecture and design firm and served as a court-appointed executor for a multimillion-dollar estate.
Mary grew up in Boston and graduated from Boston Latin School. She subsequently met her husband at one of their class reunions. They have one son.
She engages in cooking, teaching, interior design, real estate, fashion, and fitness and loves traveling the world with her family.
Tanese Randall
Aftercare Assistant
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Brittany Reppucci Smoot
Lead Teacher
Read MoreBrittany has been working with children for over ten years and is passionate about their development and experiences. She obtained her CDA from Ashworth College and holds her AMI Primary Diploma from Montessori Northeast in Boston, Massachusetts.
Brittany loves outdoor activities ? particularly going to the beach, hiking, and horseback riding. She enjoys spending time with her family and close friends.
Tim Rizzo
Facilities
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Estuardo Sandoval
Facilities
Read MoreOriginally from Guatemala City, Estuardo has been a proud Massachusetts resident since 1989.
He is an avid pet lover, and while an adventurous eater, he still prefers hamburgers and hot dogs. Estuardo is also a Minister who works with adults and children in Saint Mark's Parish.
Sagrario Santana
Facilities
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Kasia Savill
Classroom Assistant/Social Media
Read MoreKasia graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology.
She has been with Thacher since 2007. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, decorating, boating, and outdoor activities. Kasia loves to spend as much time as possible with her family.
Michelle Seyller
Head of School
Read MoreMichelle holds Montessori credentials from both AMI and AMS, along with a B.A. in Psychology and an M.Ed.
Michelle joined Thacher in 2004. A second-generation Montessorian, she began her career in the Children's House classroom, where she taught for over a decade before transitioning full-time into administration. As Head of School, Michelle brings a deep commitment to high-fidelity Montessori practice, thoughtful leadership, and the cultivation of a strong, collaborative school community.
In addition to her work at Thacher, Michelle serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the American Montessori Society (AMS). In this role, she contributes to advancing Montessori education at a national level and supports schools in their pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement.
Michelle is a frequent presenter and collaborator within the Montessori community and is passionate about partnering with educators and families to support each child's growth and potential. She and her husband are the proud parents of two Thacher alums.
Kimberly Storch
Librarian
Read MoreKim holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from Bridgewater State University and an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
A passionate reader and writer, Kim has self-published her book "Footprints in the Snow" and is currently writing a chapter book. She is also a certified life coach for children ages 8 through the teen years through her business, Revin Up Wellness.
Kim loves dogs and animals- during her free time, she goes for hikes with her dogs and volunteers at an animal sanctuary.
Michael Sturgeon
Facilities
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Nikki Toon
Director of Admission and Enrollment Manager
Read MoreNikki holds a B.S. Degree in Marketing from Hampton University and a Paralegal Certificate from Northeastern University.
Nikki has over 15 years of experience as an admissions professional. Before her career as a school administrator, she spent over a decade working in the property management field as a Paralegal, a Compliance Specialist, and a Property Manager.
Alongside her professional life, Nikki spent many years as a performing artist. She enjoyed sharing her professional performing experiences with youth in the community as a volunteer cheerleading coach and dance teacher for many years.
Outside of school, you might find Nikki listening to music, dancing, or hanging out with family and friends.
Vicky Varnum
Business Manager
Read MoreVicky grew up in Colombia, South America, where she studied Psychology before moving to Massachusetts and later completing a double major in Business and Psychology at Curry College in 2011.
Her connection to Thacher began in 2010 when she taught Spanish, an experience she still treasures. While she misses being in the classroom, Vicky loves the work she now does in the Business Office and feels grateful to be part of a community that aligns so closely with her values.
Outside of school, Vicky is happiest outdoors: biking, hiking, and exploring new places with her family. She also enjoys photography and capturing the moments that matter most. Each year, Vicky volunteers with the American Lung Association and participates in a 150-mile bike ride to raise awareness and support a cause close to her heart.
Cassandra Ward
Lead Teacher
Read MoreCassandra holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education with a content major of French from Rhode Island College and an M.Ed. in Montessori Education from Loyola University, Maryland. She obtained her AMI Primary diploma from Montessori Northwest in Portland, Oregon.
Cassandra has been working in primary classrooms since 2011 and has previously worked in traditional settings. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys skiing, traveling, and baking.
Cassandra Yee
Classroom Assistant
Read MoreCassie is a 2018 Lesley University graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Art Therapy. She has experience working with children of all ages and needs.
Cassie spends her free time with friends and family, traveling, gaming, and playing with animals. She is an animal lover with a special fondness for rabbits.