Brooke Mattapan Team 2022-2023
Ms. Abby Waldman
Principal
B.A., Brandeis University; M.Ed., University of Nevada, Las Vegas
awaldman@ebrooke.orgAbby Waldman joined Brooke in 2008 as a second grade teacher at Brooke Roslindale. Ms. Waldman then taught fourth grade and served as an assistant principal. She became the principal of Brooke Mattapan in 2015. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Waldman taught third grade through Teach for America in Las Vegas.
Ms. Sheyla Negron-Kerfoot
Director of Operations
B.A., Suffolk University
snegronkerfoot@ebrooke.orgSheyla Negron-Kerfoot joined Brooke in 2019 as operations coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. She currently serves as a Director of Operations there. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Negron was program manager at a non-profit organization and worked as political manager and organizer for a pro-charter advocacy non-profit organization.
Dr. Melissa Oyer
Assistant Principal
B.A., Duke University; M.Ed. and Ph.D., Temple University
moyer@ebrooke.orgMelissa Oyer joined Brooke in 2017 as the School Psychologist at Brooke Mattapan. Dr. Oyer is currently the Assistant Principal for Student Support at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Dr. Oyer was the School Psychologist and Director of Individualized Student Services at the Charter High School for Architecture + Design in Philadelphia, PA.
Ms. Dareon Stacker
Assistant Principal
B.A., Denison University; M.A., Northeastern University
dstacker@ebrooke.orgDareon Stacker joined Brooke Roslindale as an Associate Teacher in 2015. Since then, she taught sixth grade Math and Science at Brooke's Roslindale and Mattapan campuses and worked as a Mentor Teacher. She is currently the Middle School Assistant Principal at Brooke Mattapan. Before Brooke, Ms. Stacker worked with the Dudley Promise Corps, Generation Teach, and Breakthrough Collaborative New Orleans.
Ms. Theresa Walsh
Assistant Principal
B.A.,Syracuse University; M.A..,American University
twalsh@ebrooke.orgTheresa Walsh joined Brooke in 2017 as a fifth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is currently serving as Lower Elementary Assistant Principal at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Walsh was principal of Democracy Prep Harlem Elementary School in New York City. She has taught in NYC and Washington, DC.
Ms. Taylor Toll
Assistant Principal Fellow
B.A., Bucknell University; M.Ed., Harvard University
ttoll@ebrooke.orgTaylor Toll joined Brooke in 2015 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke East Boston. She returned to Brooke to serve as a seventh grade ELA and SS teacher at Brooke Mattapan, and is now an Assistant Principal Fellow. Ms. Toll also taught 3rd and 5th grades at Brooke and 4th grade in Denver, Colorado.
Mr. Niel Francois
Dean of Students
B.A., Andrews University
bfrancois@ebrooke.orgMr. Francois Graduated from Andrews University in 2012. While there he studied Social Work in hopes to one day work with children. After graduating Mr. Francois felt impressed to transition into teaching. He started working with kindergarten aged children, Elementary Special Education, and 6th grade history in a span of 5 years. Mr. Francois has a passion for student achievement and character development and is excited to continue that work here at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Sarah Vernet
Dean of Students
B.S., Lasell College
svernet@ebrooke.orgSarah Vernet joined Brooke in 2021 as a Dean of Students at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Vernet was a behavior specialist at Achievement First in New York City.
Ms. Meredith Baez
Assistant Dean of Operations
B.A., University of Massachusetts Boston
mbaez@ebrooke.orgMeredith Baez joined Brooke in July of 2020 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan, and then taught first grade. She is currently the Assistant Dean of Operations. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Baez was an assistant teacher while also attending University of Massachusetts Boston where she studied early childhood education.
Ms. Kendra Uccello
School Psychologist
B.A., Boston University; M.A., Tufts University
kuccello@ebrooke.orgKendra Uccello joined Brooke in 2019 as a School Psychology Intern at Brooke Mattapan. She currently serves as a School Psychologist there. Before coming to Brooke, Kendra completed her practicum in Boston Public Schools and worked as a Research Technician in a child development lab at Boston University.
Ms. Shaiyar Hall
Social Worker
B.A., University of Massachusetts Boston; M.S.W., Boston College
shall@ebrooke.orgShaiyar Hall joined Brooke in 2021 as a social worker at Brooke Roslindale and Brooke High School. She is now serving as the social worker at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Hall worked at Horizons summer academic enrichment program at Dedham Country Day School. Prior to that, Ms. Hall worked at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Department of Children and Families as a Social Worker.
Ms. Stephanie Abellard
Network Lead School Nurse, BSN, RN, CPN; Brooke Mattapan School Nurse
B.A., Regis College
sabellard@ebrooke.orgStephanie Abellard joined Brooke in 2018 as the school nurse at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Abellard had over 5 years of direct patient care experience, including at Boston Children's Hospital and at Beth Israel Advanced Urgent Care. Ms. Abellard became a certified pediatric nurse in 2016.
Ms. Sara Benvenuto
Kindergarten Teacher
B.A., Temple University; M.Ed., Goucher College
sbenvenuto@ebrooke.orgSara Benvenuto joined Brooke in 2022 as a kindergarten teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Benvenuto had eight years of teaching experience in kindergarten, first grade and special education in Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland.
Ms. Laura Crowe
Kindergarten Teacher
B.A., Union College; M.Ed. Boston University
lcrowe@ebrooke.orgLaura Crowe joined Brooke in 2019 as a Kindergarten Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Crowe worked at UP Academy Dorchester where she taught 1st Grade and English as a Second Language for the past 5 years. Ms. Crowe served with City Year Boston and Teach for America prior to and during her time at UP Dorchester.
Ms. Gabrielle Holme-Miller
Kindergarten Teacher
B.A., Kalamazoo College
gholmemiller@ebrooke.orgGabrielle Holme-Miller joined Brooke in 2017 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Ms. Holme-Miller is currently serving as a kindergarten teacher Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Elizabeth Mondragón
Kindergarten Teacher
M.A., Charles Sposato Graduate School of Education; B.A. Davidson College
emondragon@ebrooke.orgElizabeth Mondragón joined Brooke in 2021 as a kindergarten teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Mondragón taught first grade for 5 years at Match Community Day and second grade in Lawrence Public Schools.
Ms. Sophie Herzing
First Grade Teacher
B.A., Hofstra University
sherzing@ebrooke.orgSophie Herzing joined Brooke in 2021 as a 1st grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Herzing was a Lead Teacher for Success Academy Charter schools teaching kindergarten, 4th grade, and 3rd grade.
Ms. Darriana Howard
First Grade Teacher
B.S., Bucknell University; M.A.T., Relay Graduate School of Education
dhoward@ebrooke.orgDarriana Howard joined Brooke in July of 2020 as a First Grade Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Howard taught kindergarten for one year and first grade for two years at Excellence Girls Charter School in Brooklyn, New York.
Ms. Grace Spratley
First Grade Teacher
B.A., Colorado College
gspratley@ebrooke.orgGrace Spratley joined Brooke in 2021 as an Associate K-2 Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is now a first grade teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Spratley was an undergraduate student at Colorado College where she studied French and Education, worked multiple on-campus positions, was a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity, and served as a mentor for the local organization Educating Children of Color.
Mr. Joe Tharp
First Grade Teacher
B.A., Northeastern University
jtharp@ebrooke.orgJoe Tharp joined Brooke in July of 2020 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, he has taught kindergarten and first grade. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Tharp studied history and Education at Northeastern University, with minors in Spanish and international affairs.
Ms. Monique Meeks
Second Grade Teacher
B.A., Lesley University; M.Ed., Lesley University
mmeeks@ebrooke.orgMonique Meeks joined Brooke in 2016 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Roslindale. Since then, Ms. Meeks has been serving as a Second Grade Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Meeks was an Americorps fellow for the Dudley Promise Corps and was a second grade teacher at KIPP.
Ms. Amy Rezil
Second Grade Teacher
B.A. Stonehill College; M.S.W., Wheelock College
arezil@ebrooke.orgAmy Mejia joined Brooke in 2017 as a third grade Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, she has been a fourth grade teacher and is currently serving as a second grade teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Mejia worked as an Ongoing Social Worker for the Department of Children and Families and prior to that served as a Victim/Witness Advocate for Plymouth County’s District Attorney’s Office.
Mx. Char Skidmore
Second Grade Teacher
B.A., UMASS Boston; M.S., Wheelock College
cskidmore@ebrooke.orgChar Skidmore joined Brooke in 2010 as a kindergarten teacher at Brooke Roslindale. Since then, Mx. Skidmore has taught kindergarten, first, and second grade at Brooke. In 2014, Mx. Skidmore served as a founding teacher at UP Academy Holland School, teaching kindergarten through second grade scholars. Char rejoined the Brooke Mattapan team in 2018 as an instructional support teacher and is currently serving as a second grade teacher.
Ms. Christine Wolfenden
Second Grade Teacher
B.A, University of Connecticut; M.Ed., University of Missouri - St. Louis
cwolfenden@ebrooke.orgChristine Wolfenden joined Brooke in July of 2020 as a second grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Wolfenden taught first and second grade in Boston and St. Louis.
Ms. Anna Cataldo-Holmes
Third Grade Teacher
B.A., Trinity College
acataldo-holmes@ebrooke.orgAnna Cataldo-Holmes joined Brooke in 2021, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is now a third grade teacher.
Ms. Alison Quinn
Third Grade Teacher
B.A., Saint Anselm College; M.A., Lasell University
aquinn@ebrooke.orgAlison joined Brooke in 2022 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is now teaching third grade. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Quinn worked as a Building Aide at Brookline schools.
Ms. Kassandra Rivera
Third Grade Teacher
B.A., Northeastern University
krivera@ebrooke.orgKassandra Rivera joined Brooke in 2021 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan, where she is currently teaching third grade. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Rivera worked as a preschool teacher in Cambridge, MA for more than seven years.
Ms. Widlyne Antoine-Filion
Fourth Grade Teacher
B.A., Gordon College; M.A., Nova Southeastern University
wantoine-filion@ebrooke.orgWidlyne Antoine-Filion joined Brooke in 2022 as a fourth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Ms. Antoine-Filion is an entrepreneur, educator, curriculum writer, and trainer with over 22 years of educational experience.
Ms. Kathleen Heaney
Fourth Grade Teacher
B.A., State University of New York at Geneseo; M.A., Relay Graduate School of Education
kheaney@ebrooke.orgKathleen Heaney joined Brooke in 2022 as a fourth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Heaney was a founding third and fourth grade teacher at Ascend Charter Schools in Brooklyn, New York.
Ms. Darragh McLaughlin
Fourth Grade Teacher
B.A., University of Rhode Island
dmclaughlin@ebrooke.orgDarragh McLaughlin joined Brooke in 2019 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Ms. McLaughlin is currently a fourth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. McLaughlin was a student teacher for first, third, and fifth grade while majoring in elementary education at the University of Rhode Island. She also completed a teaching fellowship with Generation Teach.
Ms. Emily Corbett
Third-Fifth Grade Science Teacher
B.A. and M.A., Clark University
ecorbett@ebrooke.orgEmily Corbett joined the Brooke team in 2019 as a 5th grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, she taught 7th grade math at Up Academy Boston for one year, 7th grade science at Roxbury Prep Lucy Stone for four years, and 7th grade science for two years in North Carolina through Teach for America.
Mr. Drew Gallagher
Fifth Grade Teacher
B.A., Bates Colleges; M.Ed., George Mason University
dgallagher@ebrooke.orgDrew Gallagher joined Brooke as a Third Grade Teacher in 2019. He is now teaching fifth grade at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Gallagher was a Dean of Culture at Pacific Rim Charter School.
Ms. Samantha Marzullo
Fifth Grade Teacher
B.A., Appalachian State University
smarzullo@ebrooke.orgSamantha Marzullo joined Brooke in 2022, as a fifth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Marzullo was working as a teacher in Winston Salem, NC.
Ms. Rachel McHugh
Fifth Grade Teacher
B.S., University of Connecticut; M.A. University of Connecticut
rmchugh@ebrooke.orgRachel McHugh joined Brooke in 2022 as a fifth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Emily Johnson
Sixth Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
A.B., Harvard College
ejohnson@ebrooke.orgEmily Johnson joined Brooke in 2021 as an Associate Teacher for sixth grade math and science at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Johnson served as a seventh grade social studies teacher at Browne Middle School in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
Ms. Shanera Brodie
Sixth Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
B.A., Amherst College
sbrodie@ebrooke.orgShanera Brodie joined Brooke Mattapan in 2017 as a middle school Associate Teacher. After her AT year, Shanera transitioned to lead teacher and has since been teaching sixth grade English Language Arts and Social Studies. Shanera is a Boston native and proud Brooke alumna and is thrilled to be back in the Brooke community working with our wonderful Brooke scholars!
Ms. Makeda Van Horne
Sixth Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
mvanhorne@ebrooke.orgMakeda Van Horne joined Brooke in 2021 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Van Horne worked at the Henry Lord Community School as a Technology Teacher, a STEAM Teacher, and a long-term mentor with the Coaching for Change program. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and was featured on the Boston 12 news along with speaking at the DESE- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion conference.
Mr. Drew Calabro
Sixth Grade Math and Science Teacher
B.A., Ohio State University; M.Ed., Johns Hopkins University
dcalabro@ebrooke.orgDrew Calabro joined Brooke in 2022 and is a sixth grade math and science teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Calabro worked for eight years in New Orleans and Washington D.C. as a teacher and instructional coach.
Ms. Veronica Gentile
Sixth Grade Math and Science Teacher
B.A., Boston College; M.E.T, Sposato Graduate School of Education
vgentile@ebrooke.orgVeronica Gentile joined Brooke in 2017 as a 6th grade math and science teacher at the Brooke Mattapan campus. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Gentile taught 6th grade math and science for five years at Boston Prep, and worked for four years in a variety of roles at Match Charter School.
Ms. Rediet Tefera
Sixth Grade Math and Science Teacher
B.A., Mount Holyoke College
rtefera@ebrooke.orgRediet Tefera joined Brooke in July 2020 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is now serving as a sixth grade math and science teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Tefera worked as a math tutor for students in pre-K through twelfth grade.
Ms. Jennyfer Frederico
Seventh Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
B.A., Salem State University; M.Ed., Boston University
jfrederico@ebrooke.orgJennyfer Frederico joined Brooke in 2022, as a seventh grade English Language Arts and social studies teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Frederico taught at Phoenix Chelsea for three years as a Humanities teacher. Jen is from Dorchester and is excited to work in her community!
Ms. Polly Furth
Seventh Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
B.A., Centre College
pfurth@ebrooke.orgPolly Furth joined Brooke in 2017 as a 7th-grade ELA teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Furth had seven years of teaching experience at the elementary and high school level in Indonesia, Washington, D.C., and Denver, CO.
Mr. Sean McKenna
Seventh Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
B.A., Bridgewater State University
smckenna@ebrooke.orgSean McKenna joined Brooke in 2017 as a fourth grade teacher in Mattapan. Mr. Mckenna is currently serving as a seventh grade ELA and history teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. McKenna taught seventh grade in Lowell, MA.
Ms. Vanessa Medor
Seventh Grade Math Teacher
B.A., Boston College; M.Ed., Boston University
vmedor@ebrooke.orgVanessa Medor joined Brooke in 2022 as a seventh grade math teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Medor taught seventh grade math in Washington, D.C. Prior to her service in D.C., she taught sixth grade math at Match Middle School and led the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at her campus.
Ms. Cassely Etienne
Eighth Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
B.S., Howard University
cetienne@ebrooke.orgCassely Etienne joined Brooke in 2022 as an eighth grade ELA and social studies teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Etienne worked and volunteered with different organizations and non-profits including Breakthrough Collaborative, Boston Medical Center, and the International Youth Foundation.
Ms. Adrianna Rivers
Eighth Grade Math Teacher
B.A, Smith College
arivers@ebrooke.orgAdrianna Rivers joined Brooke in 2019, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She then served as a Sixth Grade ELA/Social Studies Teacher for two years and is now teaching eighth grade math and computer science at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Rivers attended Smith College where she studied Environmental Science and Nursing and she is currently working towards getting her M.Ed in Education Leadership and Policy at Boston College.
Mr. Adam Dobberfuhl
Seventh and Eighth Grade Science Teacher
B.S., University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; M.S., Boston University
adobberfuhl@ebrooke.orgAdam Dobberfuhl joined Brooke in 2017 as a 7th grade math and science teacher at Brooke Mattapan, where he is now teaching science to both 7th and 8th grade. Before coming to Brooke, Adam had more than 10 years of science teaching and administrative experience at Boston Prep.
Ms. Heather Flaherty
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Georgetown University; M.Ed., Relay Graduate School of Education
hflaherty@ebrooke.orgHeather Flaherty joined Brooke in 2018 as a 1st Grade Teacher. Since then, she has transitioned to the role of English Language Learner Coordinator. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Flaherty served as a 2014 Teach for America Corps Member in the South Bronx, a Fulbright Teaching Scholar in Barranquilla, Colombia, and a 3rd grade teacher in Brooklyn, New York.
Ms. Sydney Green
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Spelman College; M.S., Mercy College
sgreen@ebrooke.orgSydney Green joined Brooke in 2022 as a Student Support Coordinator for Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Sydney had more than 15 years of teaching experience at a special education high school in the Bronx, NY
Ms. Samantha Guerra
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst; M.Ed., Lesley University
sguerra@ebrooke.orgSamantha Guerra joined Brooke in 2018 as a lower elementary Associate Teacher at Brooke Roslindale. Ms. Guerra is currently serving as a student support teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Guerra worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher at St. Peter Academy in South Boston. Prior to that, she worked as an MTA for Brockton Public Schools, serving classes of varying abilities in preschool and kindergarten.
Ms. Hannah Kearns
Student Support Coordinator
B.S., University of Vermont
hkearns@ebrooke.orgHannah Kearns joined Brooke in 2019 as a Student Support Coordinator for Brooke's Eighth Grade Academy, and is now at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Kearns taught sixth grade special education in San Diego as a Teach For America corps member.
Ms. Abigail Lora
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Trinity College; M.A., Lesley University; M.A., Columbia University
alora@ebrooke.orgAbigail Lora joined Brooke in 2016 as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Lora worked as an Expressive Arts Therapist in New York City before switching careers to education. She worked as a teaching assistant in Tenafly, New Jersey, and then spent three years as a classroom teacher in the South Bronx.
Ms. Anise McCroskey-Neff
Student Support Teacher
B.A., Ithaca College
amccroskey.neff@ebrooke.orgAnise McCroskey-Neff joined Brooke in 2020, as an In-Person Learning Proctor at Brooke Roslindale. She then moved on to become a paraprofessional in the Sub-Separate program at Brooke Roslindale. She is currently serving as a Student Support Teacher at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Sade Phipps
Student Support Teacher
B.A., Boston College
sphipps@ebrooke.orgSade Phipps joined Brooke 2019 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Roslindale. She previously taught first grade at Brooke Mattapan, where she is now a student support teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Phipps taught first grade in Dorchester at UP Academy Holland for two years with Teach for America.
Mr. Roy’al Sanyika-Hall
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Boston University
rsanyika-hall@ebrooke.orgRoy'al Sanyika-Hall joined Brooke in 2019 as a Student Support Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. He is currently serving as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Sanyika-Hall was studying Political Science and Chinese at Boston University.
Ms. Eliza Shocket
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Union College; M.A., Boston University
eshocket@ebrooke.orgEliza Shocket joined Brooke in 2022 as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Shocket completed a City Year, serving as a third grade teacher at the James W. Hennigan School in Jamaica Plain.
Ms. Robin Tucker
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., University of Vermont; M.Ed., Lesley University
rtucker@ebrooke.orgRobin Tucker joined Brooke in 2014 as a Kindergarten Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, Ms.Tucker taught kindergarten for four years and is now the student support coordinator for grades one through three at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Tucker served as a corps member at City Year Boston.
Ms. Nicole Wiggins
Student Support Coordinator
B.A. and M.Ed., University of Connecticut
nwiggins@ebrooke.orgMs. Nicole Wiggins joined Brooke in 2022 as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before Brooke, Ms. Wiggins served as an elementary literacy interventionist intern in Hartford, CT while studying at the University of Connecticut.
Ms. Aimee Nitolo
Multilingual Learner Coordinator
B.A., University Of California San Diego; M.A., San Francisco State University; Teaching Credentials, Sacramento State University
anitolo@ebrooke.orgAimee Nitolo joined Brooke in 2015 as the Multilingual Learner Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Nitolo had worked in education for 12 years including as an AmeriCorps VISTA for ReadBoston, a preschool teacher at South End Head Start, a Bilingual Liaison for Beaufort County School District in South Carolina, and a Spanish teacher in Sacramento, California.
Ms. Bailey Norman
Multilingual Learner Teacher
B.A., Davidson College
bnorman@ebrooke.orgBailey Norman joined Brooke in 2021 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is now an Multilingual Learner Teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Norman worked with the PHLpreK program through the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps.
Ms. Danielle Barnack
Physical Therapist
B.A., Boston University; PhD, Boston University
dbarnack@ebrooke.orgDanielle Barnack joined Brooke in 2021, as a Physical Therapist for Brooke. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Barnack was a Physical Therapist at Boston Children's Hospital as well as other charter schools in the Boston area.
Ms. Kira Kennedy
Speech Language Pathologist
B.A. and M.A., Loyola University Maryland
kkennedy@ebrooke.orgKira Kennedy joined Brooke in 2022 as the Speech Language Pathologist at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Kennedy attended Loyola University Maryland and worked as a speech-language pathology graduate student clinician in both school and clinical settings.
Ms. Jessica Knight Pfaffinger
Occupational Therapist
B.S., University of New Hampshire; M.S., University of New Hampshire
jpfaffinger@ebrooke.orgJessica Knight Pfaffinger joined Brooke in 2012 as the Network Occupational Therapist (OT). Since then she has collaborated to assist students across all grade levels access the general education curriculum. Her primary focus is teaching students how to use fine motor, visual-motor, visual processing and sensory processing strategies to increase their participation in school activities. Prior to joining Brooke, Jessica worked as an inpatient and outpatient OT at several pediatric hospitals where she played an active role on many multidisciplinary teams that supported the development, function and participation of children with various physical and cognitive disabilities.
Ms. Digna Peña Cintron
Co-Curricular Manager
B.S., University of Massachusetts Amherst
dpena@ebrooke.orgDigna Peña Cintron joined Brooke in 2015 as a Spanish teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, she has co-founded the middle school softball program. She has been Co-Curricular Department Chair and has co-taught Spanish. She is now serving as a Co-curricular manager. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Peña Cintron taught Spanish as a Teach For America Corps Member in the Mississippi Delta.
Ms. Camila Alvahydo
Spanish Teacher
B.A. and M.A., University of Georgia
calvahydo@ebrooke.orgCamila Alvahydo joined Brooke in 2016, as 3rd-5th grade Spanish teacher at Brooke Mattapan. After a few years away, she returned to Brooke Mattapan to serve once again as a Spanish teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Alvahydo was an adjunct Spanish teacher at Simmons College and Bridgewater University. She also held a visiting teacher position at Georgia State University, an assistant teacher position at the University of South Carolina, and was a Portuguese teacher at the Middlebury College language immersion program.
Ms. Carven Bernadeau
Dance Teacher
B.S., Rhode Island College
cbernadeau@ebrooke.orgCarven Bernadeau joined Brooke in 2021 as the dance teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Bernadeau taught four years at Charlestown High School as the dance teacher to grades 9-12, and to students with disabilities.
Ms. Tailyn Clark
Visual Arts Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
tclark@ebrooke.orgTailyn Clark joined Brooke in 2021 as an Associate Teacher, and then was a third grade teacher. She is now a visual arts teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Tailyn had 8 years of experience as a freelance photographer and news outlet photographer. She has been heavily involved in her community, participating in marches like the Million Man March and listening to speakers like Al Sharpton and Louis Farrakhan. Tailyn believes that representation matters and in being a leader for youth.
Mr. Kenny Francois
Physical Education Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst
kfrancois@ebrooke.orgKenny Francois joined Brooke in 2016, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, Mr. Francois has taught 4th grade and Physical Education at Brooke. Mr. Francois is currently serving as the Physical Education teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Francois did City Year at the Irving Middle School in Roslindale.
Ms. Ashley Lupfer
Art Teacher
M.A., The University of North Carolina at Pembroke; B.A., The College of New Jersey
alupfer@ebrooke.orgAshley Lupfer joined Brooke in 2021 as the art teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Lupfer taught for 7 years as a middle school art teacher in North Carolina, served as the Middle Division Chair for the North Carolina Art Education Association, and has been serving as an Innovation STEAM Collaborative Research Fellow since 2016.
Mr. Angel Albelo
Athletic Director
B.S., Bentley University; M.Ed, University of Miami
aalbelo@ebrooke.orgAngel Albelo joined Brooke in 2017 as the Athletic Director and PE teacher for Brooke Mattapan. Mr. Albelo is currently serving as the Athletic Director for Brooke High School. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Albelo worked at State Street Bank as an account controller and then served in the United States Coast Guard.
Ms. Eleni Asfaw
Associate Teacher
B.A., New York University
Eleni Asfaw joined Brooke in 2022 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Moriah Mikhail
Associate Teacher
B.A., Boston University
mmikhail@ebrooke.orgMoriah Mikhail joined Brooke in 2022, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Mikhail served as a tutor in Boston Public Schools for three years.
Ms. Thalia Petridis
Associate Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Boston
tpetridis@ebrooke.orgThalia Petridis joined Brooke in January 2022 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Petridis attended the University of Massachusetts Boston where she majored in Early Childhood Education and taught in grades K-2. Ms. Petridis is a Brooke Charter alum.
Mr. Denzel Scarlett
Associate Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Lowell
dscarlett@ebrooke.orgDenzel Scarlett joined Brooke in 2022, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Scarlett was an Intervention Paraprofessional and Assistant Music Teacher at the Attleboro Public Schools. Mr. Scarlett then worked as a Paraprofessional at Brookline High School, supporting inner city and special needs students.
Mr. Jose Vazquez-Pizana
Associate Teacher
B.A., Boston University
jvasquez-pizana@ebrooke.orgJose Enrique Vazquez-Pizana joined Brooke in 2022, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Vazquez dedicated himself to aiding middle school teachers at IDEA Frontier.
Ms. Mariela Bello
School Operations Manager
A.A., Bunker Hill Community College
mbello@ebrooke.orgMariela Bello joined Brooke in July of 2020 as an Office Manager at Brooke Mattapan, and is now an Operations Manager. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Bello worked at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center as Administrative Coordinator and attended Bunker Hill Community College for her degree in science.
Ms. Lizette Ortiz
Office Coordinator
Lizette Ortiz joined Brooke in 2022 as an Office Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Ortiz was the Operations Supervisor for a Community Health Center. She is also a proud parent of two Brooke Mattapan scholars, and a Brooke High School scholar!
Mr. Chuck Peters
Facilities Manager
Tewksbury High School
cpeters@ebrooke.orgMr. Peters joined the Brooke staff in 2005 as the building manager, supporting the building’s expansion into a full middle school and then the addition of the elementary school. Prior to coming to Brooke, Mr. Peters worked at Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Brighton as its building manager and for the Wingate nursing homes.
Ms. Gisselle Alcantara
Lead Paraprofessional
B.A., Universidad Dominicana O&M
galcantara@ebrooke.orgGisselle Alcantara joined Brooke Roslindale in 2017 as a paraprofessional on the student support team, and is now serving at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Alcantara worked at Match Charter School. She also was the director of a children’s choir and had the privilege to teach kids through music.
Ms. Alice Brito-Acevedo
Paraprofessional
abrito-acevedo@ebrooke.orgAlice joined Brooke in 2023 as a Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Julia Cabrera
Paraprofessional
julia.cabrera@ebrooke.orgJulia Cabrera joined Brooke in 2022 as a paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, she was working at a gym!
Ms. Kenniaha Dixon
Paraprofessional
kdixon@ebrooke.orgKenniaha Dixon joined Brooke in 2021 as a paraprofessional at Brooke Roslindale, and is now at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Dianyra Grullon
Paraprofessional
B.A., Bridgewater State University
dgrullon@ebrooke.orgDianyra Grullon joined Brooke in 2020 as a Proctor Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Grullon taught Spanish to students in Roslindale, tutored foreign language learners, and volunteered at Jumpstart Programs in Bridgewater, MA.
Mr. Auston Harris
Paraprofessional
Psychology major at Bunker Hill Community College
aharrris@ebrooke.orgMr. Harris was born and raised in Boston, MA. In 2015 he graduated from Matignon High School and took a gap year to further explore his career options and passions. For the past 5 years he has worked closely with children in the community as a camp counselor at Dorchester Bay Summer Camp. In 2017, Mr. Harris joined the Brooke Mattapan team as a Student Culture Aide and began attending Bunker Hill Community College to pursue a degree in Psychology. He currently serves as a Brooke Mattapan Paraprofessional.
Ms. Suleika Maldonado
Paraprofessional
B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst; M.A., Suffolk University
smaldonado@ebrooke.orgSuleika Maldonado joined Brooke in November 2021, as Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Maldonado worked at the Elizabeth Peabody House gaining administrative and enrichment educational skills.
Ms. Mimi Pimentel
School Culture Aide
mpimentel@ebrooke.orgMilagris (Mimi) Pimentel joined Brooke in 2021 as a School Culture Aide for Brooke Mattapan. Ms.Pimentel is currently on the operational team and one of the recess leaders at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms.Pimentel was working for City Fresh as a lunch server at Brooke Mattapan. Mimi is also currently studying psychology at Bunker Hill Community College.
Ms. Bianka Santana
Paraprofessional
A.A., Bay State College
bsantana@ebrooke.orgBianka Santana joined Brooke in 2022 as a paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Santana worked at a girls residential program in Arlington MA and attended Bay State College for her degree in Science Criminal Justice.
Ms. Lyssette Valencia
Paraprofessional
B.S., Bridgewater State University
lvalencia@ebrooke.orgLyssette Valencia joined Brooke in 2021 as a Paraprofessional on the Brooke Roslindale Team, and is now serving at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Valencia was a City Year Corps Member for two years.
Ms. Jocelyn Valencia
Paraprofessional
B.S., Fitchburg State University
jvalencie@brooke.orgJocelyn Valencia joined Brooke in 2022 as a Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Valencia was studying criminal justice at Fitchburg State University
Ms. Shaarai De Leon
Paraprofessional
sdeleon@ebrooke.orgShaarai De Leon joined Brooke in 2021 as an instructional support teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is currently serving as a paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. De Leon worked as a transporter at Faulkner Hospital.
Ms. Dixie Ortiz
Paraprofessional
dortiz@ebrooke.orgMs. Ortiz joined the Brooke Mattapan team in 2017 as a School Culture Aide. Prior to joining our team, Ms. Ortiz was a bus monitor for BPS Transportation and a Brooke parent! Her son joined our school in 2011 when Brooke Mattapan first opened and she has been part of our community since then.
Ms. Desire Guzman-Peguero
School Culture Aide
dguzman-peguero@ebrooke.orgDesire joined Brooke in 2023 as a School Culture Aide at Brooke Mattapan.