Sizer School, a North Central Charter Essential School is particularly proud of its highly qualified staff members. A brief biography of staff members in alphabetical order by last name follows. Click here for our current Staff Directory.
Colleen Andujar earned her degree in Psychology with a minor is Middle School Math Education at Worcester State Univ. Prior to joining Sizer in 2012 as Receiving Room Coordinator, she was a Substitute Teacher at Memorial Middle School, a Long Term 6th Grade Special Education Substitute at Fitchburg Art Academy, and a Long Term 5th Grade Mathematics Teacher. Mrs. Andujar teaches 7th grade mathematics and also assists with Tutoring for the Special Education Department. Mrs. Andujar volunteers with the Fitchburg High School Marching Band during the fall season and in her spare time, is a private tutor. She and her husband, enjoy reading, watching movies, outdoor activities, hanging out with our dog Shiva and watching Football.
Kathy Akerman, Special Education Administrative Assistant and Paraprofessional joined Sizer in 2013. She began as a substitute in 2009, but left for two years to work fulltime in Boston running a GED program. Ms. Akerman has an A.A. in Liberal Studies from Mount Wachusett Community College, a B.A. in English from Amherst College and a Masters in Education from UMASS Amherst. She enjoys reading, knitting, needlework, loves gardening and the beautiful sunshine. Ms. Akerman is the mother of three adult children.
James “Jamie” Aubuchon joined Sizer in 2013 as a New Teacher Collaborative, Collaborating Teacher & High School Prep Math Teacher and is now the Technology Teacher & Middle School Yearbook Advisor. He is a graduate of UMass Dartmouth where he earned a BFA in Illustration. Prior to teaching, Jamie worked in corporate design and communications for over 20 years. He is an AFOL (adult fan of Lego’s) and is an avid runner.
Erica Barnes joined Sizer in 2012 with the tutoring program working with 7th & 8th graders. Now as a 1:1 Aide & Paraprofessional she is working with 9th graders and loves every second of seeing their lovely faces everyday! She hopes to be more involved with the school, activities, sports, plays, meetings, etc this year. Still a student herself, she attends Fitchburg State University and is working on her Bachelors Degree. Her aspiration is to teach math, maybe science, and possibly work in a special education program. She enjoys being outdoors whether it be hiking with her dogs, camping, hunting, fishing, archery, etc. She enjoys baking and also loves watching hockey with her boyfriend.
Robert “Rob” Belliveau, originally from Fitchburg, attended North Middlesex Regional High School and earned his degree in History with a minor in Geography from Ohio State University. Prior to joining Sizer School in 2008 he taught 6th Grade Social Studies at Academy Middle School and served as a paraprofessional in the Fitchburg school system. Mr. Belliveau and his wife Emily live happily in Leominster. His interests include the American Civil War and sports, particularly tennis, baseball, basketball, football, singing, the 1980s and golf. Mr. Belliveau teaches 7th Grade Humanities, as well as Government and Sociology/Psychology Electives at the high school level.
Karla Breen received her bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota and is working on her Masters in Special Education at Fitchburg State University. She started teaching in Aurora, Colorado. After moving to MA in the fall of 2009 she joined Sizer as a long-term substitute for 7th Grade ELA and moved to her current position as 7th Grade Learning Specialist. In addition Ms. Breen is also the 7th Grade Team Leader. She and her husband are the proud parents of daughter Rachal and Marybeth, who bring love and laughter into their lives every day. In her spare time, Mrs. Breen enjoys running, traveling to see family and friends, trying new restaurants, and reading realistic fiction.
Bob Briggs joined Sizer in 2014 as Facilities Director. Coming to us from Burbank Hospital, Mr. Briggs had 31 years experience in Facilities Maintenance and 5 years experience in Facilities Management there. He is a licensed Construction Supervisor, Refrigeration Technician, Oil Burner Technician, and 3rd Class Engineer. He is an avid New England sports fan and motorcycle enthusiast, he has a passion for playing golf, and enjoys the outdoors, nature, the sea coast, lakes and mountains.
Ann Calcaterra joined Sizer in 2008 as Librarian and serves as a staff representative on the school’s Board of Trustees. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fitchburg State University with a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education. The parent of two Sizer/NCCES alumnae, she serves as staff liaison to the Sizer School PTO. She and her daughter Antonia have climbed Mount Washington each of the last five years as part of Seek the Peak to raise money for the Mount Washington Observatory; in 2011 they hiked in memory of Mr. Phil Bertoni. They are now working on their “4,000 footers” list, to try and climb the 40 recognized 4,000’ high mountains in New Hampshire.
Jaclyn “Jackie” Clarke majored in Fine Arts and earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and then earned her B.A. in Art (Cum Laude) from San Jose State University in California. She then went on to receive her Masters of Visual Arts at Anna Maria College in Paxton in 2009. She taught art in California to high school & middle school students before joining Sizer in 2004. She enjoys pottery, reading, hiking, yoga and spending time with her family. A parent of Nancy & William both Sizer alumna, Ms. Clarke teaches Visual Arts.
Cassandra Cook is from Fitchburg and graduated from Fitchburg State University with a degree in Middle School Education and English Literature. She did her student teaching at Memorial Middle School and joined Sizer in 2014 as the REWARDS Teacher. Ms. Cook enjoys watching hockey, football and baseball. She loves pizza and spending time with her parents and brother. She is so excited to finally achieve her lifelong dream of being a teacher!
Ken Corbett joined Sizer School in 2012 as a Custodian. He was previously a custodian at Fitchburg State University for many years and owned his own company doing auto detailing. Mr. Corbett enjoys biking, hiking and being outdoors.
Alyson Cordio joined Sizer in 2012. She is a veteran Performing Arts teacher who has come to Sizer from Leominster. Mrs. Cordio earned her two degrees in Music Education from the Univ. of Massachusetts Amherst. She is very excited to be creating and developing a music program here. Currently teaching Chorus, After School Chorus, Theater Arts, Performing Arts, Music Theory & Performance, Percussion Ensemble,and 9th Grade Advisor, it is her hope to expand curricula to include both an instrumental component, and music technology for grades 7-12. Mrs. Cordio’s primary instrument is piano, although plays the flute and has an extensive vocal background. She is married, with two wonderful boys who keep her “spare” time hoping. When not at school her number one priority is her family.
Mariam Karis Cronin has a B.S. in Secondary Education, M.A.T. in the Teaching of English, and C.A.G.S. in Staff Development, all from Fitchburg State Univ. After teaching English in Massachusetts schools for over 38 years at the high school, middle school and college levels, she retired from teaching in 2007. Eager to work in an essential school, Mrs. Cronin returned to teaching in 2009, when she joined Sizer as a part time Title I Reading Specialist and then as the ninth grade English teacher. In the 2014, Mrs. Cronin will serve as the Subject Area Leader for the English Department, as well as a literacy teacher. The mother of two grown children and a grandmother, she enjoys writing, reading, gardening, piloting her pontoon boat and learning how to smell the roses.
Lyndsie Currallo, a Fitchburg native, joined Sizer in 2008 and has worn many hats including Assistant to the Principal and Special Education Director, Special Education Tutor, and Middle School Counselor. She is now the School Counselor for grades 10, 11, & 12. Ms. Currallo is the faculty advisor for the Sizer ski/snowboarding club and Gay-Straight Alliance: EQUALS. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Commonwealth College Honors Program at the Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst and has studied abroad in Milan, Italy. She earned her Master of Science in School Counseling at Fitchburg State Univ. in 2011. Ms. Currallo enjoys snowboarding and climbing mountains with her husband, spending time with her puppy and family, and loves photography, traveling, dogs, and music.
Anna Cynar joined Sizer in 2012 as a Biology, Ecology, and Anatomy Teacher. She earned her Masters in Environmental Studies and Science Teaching Certification at Antioch Univ. She received her BA in Communication and Culture Studies from Michigan Technological Univ. in Houghton, MI. She spent two years serving in AmeriCorps running an Environmental Leadership Program. Ms. Cynar has worked for several Environmental Education organizations such as MA Audubon, Rippleffect, and the Ferry Beach Ecology School. She co-created the Keene Community Garden program assisting the social services agencies in growing, harvesting, and cooking vegetables from their raised bed gardens. In her free time she enjoys gardening, hiking, reading, crafting, & time with her husband.
Stephanie Davolos joined Sizer School in July 2007 as the Executive Director. For fifteen years Ms. Davolos was a leader and builder of two of the most socially entrepreneurial non-profit organizations in the country, Teach for America and Citizen Schools. She was a founding staff member at Citizen Schools where she was instrumental in the growth of the organization from one small after-school program in Dorchester, MA serving 40 students in 1995 to 32 academically oriented, apprenticeship-based after-school programs in public schools across Massachusetts and the nation serving more than 2500 students. Ms. Davolos earned a B.A. in French and Art History from Dickinson College and her Masters in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She taught French in rural Louisiana and was Regional Director in Louisiana for Teach for America serving over 150 corps members from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and beyond. Prior to joining Sizer she served as Massachusetts Regional Director at Citizen Schools where she led the organization’s expansion to seven cities across Massachusetts. Ms. Davolos has also received her Certificate of Achievement from the National Institute for School Leadership. She lives in Hubbardston with her two daughters where she has also served on the Hubbardston Center School Council.
Duncan Devlin joined Sizer in 2012 as a 10th Grade Math Teacher. He graduated Cum Laude from The University of Massachusetts Amherst with a B.S. in Mathematics, a B.A. in French, as well as completing the Secondary Teacher Education Program. While doing all of that, he also found the opportunity to live in Paris for a year, and speaks fluent French. Mr. Devlin considers Sizer School to be the “perfect match,” for his unique set of talents and sense of humor. He spends a lot of his free time “doing math problems in [his] head for fun.” When he is not totally encompassed by a math problem, you can find Mr. Devlin playing hockey, watching hockey, talking about hockey, studying hockey, or writing about hockey. You will never find a bigger Boston Bruins fan. His students enjoy his quirky manner of teaching, as well as, “knowing the answer to any question you might ask Mr. Devlin without the bother of having asked it.”
Carey Doucette serves as the Principal focused on Teaching & Learning. In collaboration with teachers and staff, she ensures that Sizer School is a rigorous and personalized academic environment where all community members grow as learners. Carey grew up in Fitchburg and graduated with honors from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) with a B.S. in Exercise Science and earned a Masters in Teaching Biology from Fitchburg State University. She was a founding faculty member (2002) and taught Biology and Middle School Math and served as the Co-Chair of the Math and Science Team prior to becoming Principal in 2011. She is the proud mother of Wiley and Seamus who look forward to being Sizer students in the near future.
Danielle Drapeau joined Sizer School in 2014 as the 9th grade English Language Arts teacher. She was born and raised in Ayer, Massachusetts and has lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Washington, D.C., and Somerville, MA. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English Literature from the College of Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In her free time, she loves to read, write, watch movies, play basketball, swim, laugh, and be with her family. She loves spending time outdoors and visiting new places. Before coming to Sizer, Danielle taught 7th and 8th grade Arts and Humanities at Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School. She is thrilled to be a part of the Sizer School community!
Michael Dudley earned a B.A. in Physics from the Univ. of Maine. Prior to joining Sizer in 2008 as the Div.3 Math & Science teacher, he taught physics and geometry for the Upward Bound program at Univ. of Maine before teaching physics in a public high school in Southern Maine. Previously he peer facilitated introductory physics for five semesters and conducted research with the Physics Education Research Laboratory at Univ. of Maine. Mr. Dudley, his wife and daughter live in Greenville, NH. His interests include: running, hiking, Celtic and Icelandic music, chess, quantum physics and designing posters.
Louis Giancola is a founding teacher at Sizer (2002) teaching Wellness: grades 9-12. He graduated from Westfield State University with a B.S. in Physical Education and Health, K-12. After graduation, he moved to California for 5 years living in Lake Tahoe and San Francisco. Returning to MA, he was an instructor/coach at Fliptastics, and owned a construction company. He then taught Physical Education at the Petersham Center School in Petersham, MA (K-6). The parent of two, he is an avid hiker and supports the outing club with other staff. His ambitions are to help students understand how Wellness is a lifelong learning endeavor. He enjoys spending time with his family, likes volunteering, and teaches religious education. Any spare time he enjoys doing painting/construction and spending time with the Sizer community having fun.
Mark Goguen is the Peer Mediation Coordinator at Sizer since 2013. Mediation Services of North Central MA, Inc a community agency in Leominster, MA that has been in service at Sizer School since 2007. With a B.A. in Human Services from Fitchburg State University, Mr. Goguen has managed shared living and rehabilitation programs for non-profits, as well has worked 15 years in mediation with adults in courts and the community, as well as supporting divorcing families. Bee Keeping, running and extensive traveling (he’s been to Iceland 26 times!) is how he finds balance in his own life.
Deborah “Deb” Fnine believes that the options are endless. She has been a licensed funeral Director and Embalmer (TX) and has served in the Army Reserves. She has “worked the lines” and more for Verizon, and then decided to change things up again. She worked in the Registrar’s Office and Life Long Learning at MTCC, while also working as an Administrative Assistant for Fitchburg State University to design and manage the website and coordinate Pre-K to 3 training. With two Associate Degrees (Computer & Web Design from MWCC / Liberal Arts from Excelsior College), Mrs. Fnine joined Sizer in 2014 as an Administrative Assistant. She enjoys cooking, baking, going to Wells Beach and relaxing with her husband and 2 daughters.
Amanda Hunt joined the Sizer Community in 2014 as the Student Services Team Administrative Assistant. She comes to us understanding that you can be whatever you want to be, as the options are endless. With an Associates degree in Science (Human Services) from MWCC, she brings with her a variety of experiences and skill that support our work. Prior to Sizer, Ms. Hunt has been a preschool teacher’s aide, a Certified Nurses Aid, a Resident Assistant assisting adults with developmental disabilities, and a Housing Quality Assurance Dispatcher. Living in Fitchburg with her son, she enjoys watching the Investigation Channel and reading.
Kathryn Harper joined Sizer in 2013 as the 8th grade World History Teacher. She graduated of Boston College, where she earned her Master's of Education in Secondary History. She also has a bachelor's in History from Boston University, where she specialized in medieval and early modern Europe. Kathryn hails from Chicago, but has been in the area for last 9 years, which messes with her sports allegiances quite a bit. She loves to read all things including the backs of cereal boxes. She is a large consumer of digital media, and appreciates anything that makes her laugh. When she can put a book down, Kathryn enjoys cooking, eating, watching other people cook, playing with her cat, Pilot, and shopping.
Melissa Hutchins enjoys reading, writing, research, music, singing, and travel. Having worked at the Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School, AmeriCorps VISTA, North Adams Public Schools and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Ms. Hutchins joined Sizer in 2009 as a 10th Grade Learning Specialist and 10th Grade Team Leader. She earned her B.A. in Sociology and Women’s Studies from Wheaton College and received her Masters in Education with a concentration in Special Education from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She has excitedly taken on the position of Principal, Director of Specialized Instruction.
Chris Jeffcoat joined Sizer in 2012. He teaches Engineering, as well as serves as Chair of the Science Department. He earned a Bachelors Degree from UMass Amherst in Natural Resources Sciences and Legal Studies. Through his career, has taught a variety of classes including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Robotics, Hydrology, Environmental Science, and Engineering. Mr. Jeffcoat enjoys any outdoor activity, playing with any technology, and reading anything nonfiction.
Harmony Johnson is the 8th Grade Mathematics teacher. Originally from the Sunshine State, she moved from Central Florida to MA in the summer of 2009. She earned her B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Business Administration from Framingham State Univ. She joined Sizer in 2014. Before Sizer, she was working as a private math tutor for high school and college students. Coffee, Cheez-Its, and Hello Kitty are pretty much all she needs in life. When Mrs. Johnson is not at school, she's spending time with her (handsome!) husband, (adorable!) son, & (awesome!) dog."
Tom Johnson joined the Sizer in October 2012 as the Facilities Day Porter. He is a graduate of Wachusett Regional and lives in Rutland, MA. As a long time server, he works evenings at the Steakloft in Northboro and is an aspiring writer in detective fiction. In his spare time he volunteers twice a week at the UMass Hospital University Campus. A self-proclaimed literary snob, he enjoys reading Victorian and Russian literature. Tom is also an avid gardener, hiker, and fan of both hockey and baseball and is the Girls Softball Coach.
Brenda Jones started as the Director for Finance & Business Services at Sizer in 2007. Prior to joining Sizer, Ms. Jones spent nine years as the Assistant Comptroller for the Wachusett Regional School District. Previously, she spent ten years as a purchasing agent for the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management and served a two-year tour of duty in the U.S. Army. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Business Administration from Worcester State College and earned an Associates Degree in Accounting (Cum Laude) from the Univ. of Anchorage. She is a MA Certified Public Purchasing Officer and a Notary Republic. She enjoys reading, camping and traveling to warm Caribbean Islands.
Sarah Kebler joined the Sizer School in 2014 as the 8th grade science teacher. She has previous experience teaching in New Hampshire along with various naturalist positions. Ms. Kebler graduated from Antioch University and holds a Masters in Environmental Studies and Science Teacher Certification. In her free time she enjoys hiking, kayaking and birding.
Katherine “Kate” Keller graduated from Earlham College with a degree in Sociology/Anthropology. She then earned her Elementary Education Master’s Degree from Lesley University. She eventually landed in Northborough, MA, teaching at Touchstone Community School, a small independent school, for over twenty years. She joined Sizer in 2012 and in 2013 started a new position as Math Specialist for grades 7 and 8. Mrs. Keller has taught a variety of ages, in various capacities. After years of using a constructivist approach to teaching math, she came to realize she especially enjoys guiding students to think as mathematicians. She wants students to discover that there is a mathematician in each of us.
Leigh Kleinklaus joined Sizer in 2014 as the School Counselor for Grades 7-9. She received her Masters of Science in Professional School Counseling from Sage Graduate School, Bachelor’s in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo. She has been working with kids in a school setting since 2012, at the high school, Community College level and then as a Family Empowerment Facilitator at Elementary level. Ms. Kleinklaus has worked individually with students and parents in the areas of academic, career and personal/social and held workshops on career search, college application, financial aid, behavior modification and wellness. She loves the beach, fall and winter, apple picking, haunted hay rides, pumpkin carving, ice skating and skiing. She recently moved to MA with her partner and 2 loving cats!
Jenna Lavery Quigley joined Sizer in 2014 as the school's first Adjustment Counselor. She graduated with high honors from Northeastern Univ., moved on to Boston College where she earned a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, and recently completed additional post grad work with the Collaborative for Educational Services. Before joining Sizer, she worked in both public education and community mental health. Ms. Lavery holds certifications in school adjustment counseling and moderate disability special education, and loves helping students discover their unique strengths. She is the mother of two daughters, and enjoys snowboarding, travel, hiking, music, cooking, creating her own beauty products, & working on her garden.
Matthew “Matt” Lynde has his B.A. in Religious Studies & History and a Masters in Teaching, from Boston University. He previously taught at North Quincy High School and Leominster High School. Mr. Lynde joined Sizer in 2007 where he is teaches 10thth Grade US History, and has served as the Athletic Director. He and his wife are the proud parents of two sons and a daughter. He enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking and being a fan of all Boston sports teams, particularly the Red Sox.
Maryann Macri worked as a computer programmer before joining Sizer School in 2008. Starting as the Lunch Coordinator, she moved into the role of Assessment Coordinator and then added Assistant to the Principal to her title and is now the Associate Director of School Operations. Mrs. Macri grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Penn State University. The mother of three children, two of whom are Sizer/NCCES alumna, she enjoys sewing, cross-stitching and family time.
Elizabeth “Lizz” Mallett earned a B.A. in Marine Biology from Roger Williams University and earned her Masters of Education in Special Education Moderate Disabilities 5-12 from Fitchburg State University. Joining Sizer in 2008, Mrs. Mallett taught summer school and worked as a substitute before becoming the 8th Grade Learning Specialist, as well as the 8th grade team leader. As the school's United Way Youth Venture Champion, Mrs. Mallett supports students who would like to start their own youth venture. She has bred and raised seahorses and as an undergrad completed research to determine the best feeding regimen to maximize their life span as fry (babies). Mrs. Mallett's passions are her husband, dog-child Bella, baby on the way, school supplies, learning, reading, as well as dancing and singing (terribly).
Justin Marble joined Sizer in 2011 as a Math Para Professional. Preceding this position he worked as a long-term substitute math teacher at Concord Carlisle High School and as a Division 2 math teacher at the Parker School. Prior to his career in education Mr. Marble worked in the software industry, and holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from M.I.T.
Marktavian D. Martin teaches Middle School Wellness and serves as a 7th Grade Advisor. Prior to joining Sizer in 2010, Mr. Martin graduated with a B.A. in History and Masters in History from Fitchburg State University. He previously taught Jobs for Bay State Graduates at Leominster HS and was an Advisor in the office of ACCESS/MSS at Fitchburg State. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Sizer and is very active in school events. Mr. Martin helps run the Project Adventure program and strives to expose the students to all types of physical activities including his favorite - Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art mixed with gymnastics, dance and music.
Tricia May has been the Principal at Sizer School since 2007. Now specializing as the Principal, for Student Services, she is a founding staff member (2002) as well as the parent of a Sizer student and founding Sizer alumna. She graduated Cum Laude from Fitchburg State Univ. with a B.S in Human Services and an M.S. in Counseling. Ms. May is a licensed Special Educator, School Social Worker, Guidance Counselor, and School Principal. She has earned recognition for excellence in teaching, leadership in education & social justice, and service to youth. She has been a Special Education Teacher, School Guidance Counselor, School Adjustment Counselor, Special Education Director, and Student Services Director. With the hopes, dreams and interests of young people in mind, Ms. May is dedicated to making real a North Central MA literacy zone.
Sherri Milkowski began teaching 10th grade English at Sizer since 2007 and has 22 years teaching experience. Prior to joining Sizer, she taught at Ayer High School and Nashoba Regional High School. She earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Bay State College and a B.A. in English with a Secondary Education Minor from Framingham State (Cum Laude). Mrs. Milkowski completed the NISL program and has served on Sizer's academic leadership team. She and team ten are already planning the 6th annual, grade 10, New York City trip which she co-founded. Her proudest accomplishment is being the mother of two amazing young men, both of whom have been or are part of our wonderful Sizer community.
Aaron Minton is a native of “Everywhere USA” by virtue of growing up in a military family... He graduated from Liberty Univ. with a major in History and a Minor in Global Studies. After graduation he spent time as a Job Corps counselor, and then moved on to Graduate School at the Univ. of Massachusetts at Amherst, earning an M.A. in History. From there, he taught at a charter in Boston, again at Job Corps, and joined the Sizer School in 2014 teaching 9th grade “History of the Atlantic World”. Mr. Minton plays the guitar, ukulele, mandolin and harmonica. He resides in Oakham with his wife and son, Sawyer. When not teaching he enjoys outings with his family, playing disc golf, and rooting for all Boston sports teams.
Anthony Montesion joined Sizer in 2011 as the Receiving Room Supervisor. As a graduate of Fitchburg State University, he now serves as the Sizer Dean of Students, is a member of the Sizer Student Services Team, leader of the Crisis Response Team, and is also on the Academic Leadership & Operations Leadership Teams. He previously worked at the Memorial Middle School in Fitchburg working with security and teaching. In his spare time, he teaches drum and bugle corps in New England. He enjoys history, music, and working with students to problem solve.
Margie Nelson and her husband move to Massachusetts from Texas, to be closer to their five grandchildren in 2014. The mother of four, she joins Sizer School with several years of Food Service experience in Texas schools, as our Food Service Coordinator. She has been very clear that she loves children and has spent her life ensuring that they are well fed.
Peter “Pete” Nelson had taught 14 yrs when he joined Sizer in 2005. He earned a B.A. in English with a minor in Russian at Seattle Pacific Univ., a Masters in Business for Economic Educators at the Univ. of Delaware and a Masters in Teaching at Seattle Univ. Pete earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Reading at MGH Institute of Health Professionals and is a licensed Reading Specialist. He taught middle school humanities in Washington and Illinois and was a literacy specialist in Washington. He also worked six summers as a tour guide in Alaska. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons, swimming, soccer, writing, reading and camping. At Sizer Mr. Nelson has served as director of curriculum& instruction, literacy coach, grade 8 English Language Arts teacher, English team leader and Title I coordinator. As a Literacy Specialist, he teaches reading, writing & critical thinking.
Lyn Niemi is a founding faculty member at Sizer. She did her undergraduate work at the University of New England where she earned a BA in Liberal Studies, Cum Laude. In 2001, she earned her MAT in Teaching English from Fitchburg State University. Before coming to Sizer in 2002, Ms. Niemi taught English in Amherst, NH at Souhegan High School, a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Ms. Niemi currently teaches 11th and 12th grade English (World Literature I and World Literature II, respectively). She is also a 12th Grade Advisor. When she is not teaching (or thinking about teaching!), Ms. Niemi enjoys spending time with her family, reading, practicing yoga, hiking, and running.
Janet O’Hara started her career as a licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent in NH & MA. She then became an Information Manager for MMS & NEJM and earned her Certificate in Leadership from Boston University, CEC. Advancing her career, she became an Operations Manager at an international software consulting company. Following her desire to be a part of the Essential School family, Ms. O’Hara joined Sizer School in the summer of 2011. As the Associate Director of Executive Operations, she has a passion for things “organized and proficient” and her work has fast become as fun as her hobbies. Mrs. O’Hara loves her family time, decorating, scrapbooking, gardening, travel and a really good book.
Bill Park joined Sizer in 2013. He graduated Cum Laude from Framingham State University with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and teaches Algebra 1. His previously worked with students with developmental and behaviors disorders for 3 years; worked for a wilderness counseling program part time for 8 years; and has worked summers on a ropes course for 4 years. Mr. Park enjoys hiking and biking as well as spending time in trees on a high ropes course.
Meredith Pavlosky joined Sizer in 2013 to teach 8th Grade English Language Arts. Mrs. Pav graduated summa cum laude from Clark University with a BS in Communications and English and is a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda national honor society. Before becoming a teacher, she had a successful sales career. She is the mom of three great kids and enjoys spending time with her family. Mrs. Pav loves books - in fact her favorite hobbies are reading and writing. If you can't find her at school or with her kids, she's probably at the library.
Stephanie Powers is the 11th Grade Learning Specialist. She received her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Education from Rivier College and pursued a degree in counseling so that she could better understand the needs of her students. She earned that graduate degree in the spring of 2011, with a concentration in School Guidance from Fitchburg State University. That fall, she joined Sizer. Prior to coming to this school, Mrs. Powers worked as an administrator at Sylvan Learning Centers, then as a Special Education teacher in NH & MA district schools. She has a background in teaching literacy skills at the secondary level and teaches Senior Seminar in addition to working with the 11th graders. In her free time, Mrs. Powers enjoys reading, taking fitness classes, and spending time on the family farm. Mrs. Powers and her husband are in the process of becoming foster parents.
Ryan Prescott joined Sizer in 2014 as Enrichment Coordinator and Athletic Director. He comes to us from St. Mary’s School of Worcester where he was the Athletic Director and teacher of several subjects, as well as coach for Basketball, Track & Field and Soccer. Mr. Prescott earned his B.S. from St. Joseph’s College in Physical Education with a minor in Education/Biology. He earned his Masters from Providence College in Special Education. Mr. Prescott enjoys anything sports, games and clubs. He has been named Coach of the Year, WCAC-2013; Sportsmanship League Award for four years, WCAC-2010 through 2013; and Male Student Athlete of the Year Award in College, 2008 and 2009. Coming from Canada, French is his first language and he married his best friend.
Daniel Prevost was born in Cuba, where he completed studies to become a Musician, Automobile Technician and Industrial & Residential Electrician. He chose three different fields to be prepared for the social, economic and political instability in his country. He taught music in Cuba for 5 yrs before immigrating to the US with his wife & son. After living for a few years in Florida, he moved to Massachusetts to enroll at Atlantic Union College where he earned a B.A. in Theology and completed his Masters in Education at Worcester State Univ. Joining Sizer in 2004, Mr. Prevost teaches Spanish 2, 3 & 4. He loves to read, play saxophone, travel, make movies and skydive. He has many relatives and friends in Cuba but feels lucky and at home with his new school family.
Andrea (“Andie”) Ramos joined the staff in 2014 at the Front Office Administrative Assistant. Sizer is not her first rodeo as she previously worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Sacred Heart School in Gardner. Ms. Ramos attended both the University of Maine and Mount Wachusett Community College. Her hobbies include her love for camping with her family and scrapbooking.
Ann Rantakyto joined Sizer in 2013 as a Food Service Associate after retiring from the Fitchburg Public School Food Service Program.
Deb Roy joined Sizer in 2012 as a part-time Division 2 Mathematics teacher. She holds a BS in Education in Secondary Education and a MS in Educational Leadership and Management from Fitchburg State University. Deb grew up in Fitchburg and taught in the Marlborough Public Schools system from 1979-2012. She was a mathematics teacher and department head for 25 years at Marlborough High School. Her last eight years she was an assistant principal and principal at Marlborough High School. After retiring in July of 2012, she returned to teaching in January 2013. She loves teaching mathematics and enjoys working with high school students. She enjoys traveling and outdoor activities, especially hiking.
Emma Russell joined Sizer School in 2014 as the Development Coordinator. She graduated from Vassar College in 2013 with a degree in English Language & Literature, and for the past year served as the Director of Christian Education at First Church in Glastonbury, CT. Ms. Russell has also worked as a summer camp counselor and arts instructor, proofreader, and research assistant and transcriber for a published collection of medieval women's writing. In her free time she enjoys cooking and baking, as well as ballroom and swing dancing.
Sheryl Schiavo earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Lowell, a Masters in Engineering from Northeastern University. She has initial licenses to teach Mathematics and Chemistry in Massachusetts in grades 5 to 12. As a materials engineer, Ms. Schiavo worked on several major projects and was awarded two patents for her work. She also worked as a supervisor in a Quality Control Laboratory for many years, before making the switch to a new career in education. Joining Sizer in 2004, Ms. Schiavo teaches Division 3 Math: Algebra II and Pre-Calculus. The mother of two children, her family enjoys mountain biking together. She has enjoyed sewing clothing, quilts and assorted crafts since she was a child.
Evelyn Sliousarenko joined Sizer School in 2008 as the Business Administrative Assistant and supports the Finance Committee as Clerk. She earned an Associates Degree (Cum Laude) from Northern Essex Community College and has her certification as a Massachusetts Public Purchasing Official for Supplies and Services. She is the mother of three, grandmother of two and lives in Fitchburg with her husband. Mrs. Sliousarenko and her husband are competitive go-kart racers who also enjoy camping, hiking and kayaking.
Jennifer Spingla earned a B.S. in Horticulture from the Univ. of Maine at Orono and a Masters degree in Middle School Education from Fitchburg State Univ. She is an avid outdoors person who spent a decade working as a youth expedition leader & experiential educator. Ms. Spingla earned her certification in General Science and Middle School Math as a participant in the New Teachers Collaborative where she taught at F.W.Parker Charter Essential School. Ms. Spingla, a Leominster native and graduate of St. Bernard's High School, enjoys playing guitar, running in the woods with her dog & traveling to mountains around the world to hike and backpack. Joining Sizer in 2004, Ms. Spingla teaches Middle School Science & Mathematics.
Laura Stapler joined Sizer School in 2014. She graduated from UMass Amherst in 2013 and spent the year since serving in the AmeriCorps volunteer program, City Year, in which she worked in a 5th grade classroom in Boston. Ms. Stapler teaches Engineering and Chemistry at Sizer. She enjoys swimming, reading good stories, traveling, and genetics.
Brian Sullivan started at Sizer in 2005 as the Director of Information Technology. Mr. Sullivan grew up in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He has a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and is pursuing a Masters in IT. In his younger years he worked as a ski patroller in Vermont and led bicycle trips in Europe. Prior to coming to Sizer, Mr. Sullivan worked as a web developer and a systems analyst. Mr. Sullivan enjoys running, biking, all snow sports and traveling. Mr. Sullivan lives with his wife, daughter and son in Lunenburg.
Sheena Swanson is a Fitchburg native who received her Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Fitchburg State College and her Master's Degree from American International College. She has been a Special Education teacher for almost ten years, teaching in Leominster, Marlborough, and at FLLAC collaborative before joining the Sizer team in 2012 as a 9th Grade Learning Specialist and Grade 9 Team Leader. She likes to go running and enjoys the cold weather. She lives in Gardner with her husband and two boys.
Pamela Sweeney earned her B. A. in Religion and Philosophy from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland and her Master of Arts in Teaching History from Fitchburg State University. Prior to coming to Sizer, she home schooled her children for more than ten years, taught parenting skills for Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care, and was a parent educator at MSPCC. Mrs. Sweeney and her husband Tim are proud to be a founding family here at our school, and are the parents of five Sizer/NCCES alumnae. Mrs. Sweeney became a faculty member in 2006, and is a Division 3 History Teacher and the Team Leader of the History/Social Studies Department.
Linda Tarantino has a B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.S. from the Univ. of Massachusetts at Lowell in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Engineering Sciences. Currently she is working towards an Advanced Professional Certificate in Emerging Technologies in Education from Lesley University. Prior to joining Sizer, she taught Math & Chemistry under the International Baccalaureate Program. Ms. Tarantino enjoys traveling and has lived and worked in France and England. While in England she became a certified bicycle safety instructor for the Oxfordshire Education Authority. The parent of two Sizer alumni, Ms. Tarantino is a founding faculty member (2002) and has held many roles here as a teacher, department leader & instructional coach. This year she has moved out of the classroom and serves as the Technology Integration and Instructional Coach.
Julie Tobin graduated from Framingham State College in 2003 with a degree in Elementary Education and a co-ordinate major in English. Julie began her career in Ayer as a fifth grade teacher and spent eight years teaching English, Science, and Social Studies at Page Hilltop School. Ms. Tobin has enjoyed her time at Sizer School since 2011 as a 7th grade English teacher and advisor, and looks forward to many more years of Thinking, Caring, and Acting!
Libny Vargas-Miller graduated 35th out of a class of 2500 students at Dewitt Clinton High School in Bronx, NY. She went on to earn a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Spanish and Education, along with her Master of Science in Guidance Counseling, from Fitchburg State Univ. Ms. Vargas has worked at Fitchburg State as a teaching assistant and as an assistant to the Literacy Coordinator. A nationally certified tutor, she has tutored college students, young adults and working professionals. Having been born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she is fluent in Spanish. Ms. Vargas enjoys writing, singing, cooking, baseball, and spending time with her college sweetheart and husband, their two daughters. A founding faculty member (2002), Ms. Vargas teaches Spanish 1, & Spanish 4, is a 9th Grade Advisor, and a CFG Coach.
Adam Vazquez joined Sizer in 2012 as the Head Custodian. Born and raised in Lowell, Mr. Vazquez moved to Fitchburg and enjoys being a part of this school community. Prior to working at Sizer he worked for over 10 years with the Chelmsford public school system in their facility division. He enjoys cooking, taking walks with his dog, golfing and is a “wicked big” Boston sports fan.
Maria Vazquez joined us 2013 as the Communication and Student Recruitment Coordinator. She graduated from Fitchburg State College with two B.A. degrees, Criminal Justice and Sociology. She has worked previously for Mass in Motion Kids, as the Dance Program Director at Sterling Academy of Gymnastics and Dance, at Worcester County Sheriff's Office, Shriver Job Corps and LUK Crisis Center. Her prior work and life experiences have given her the opportunity to hone her people skills, develop organizational skills, and to sharpen her creativity. She enjoys reading and dancing…all the time, so watch out for her in the hallways. She is the proud mother of an amazing little girl and is excited to join a team that meets students where they are and helps bring them to where they want to be in creative and intentional ways.
Sneha Verelst, originally from England, moved to New Hampshire when she was 14 years old with her family. She attended Nashua High School and earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Master of Science in Health Education from Springfield College, Springfield, MA. Prior to joining Sizer in 2014, she taught Health and Physical Education at McKay Arts Academy for five years. Mrs. Verelst has been happily married for three years to her husband, Sebastian, and they have a baby girl, Zara. Her interests include spending time with her family (especially Zara), watching soccer, being outside, traveling, and making art. Mrs. Verelst teaches 7th and 8th grade Health Education and is an 8th grade Advisor.
E. Myriah Zwicker joined us 2013 as the School Nurse. She graduated in 2003 from Hartwick College with a B.S. in Nursing. She has been caring for people in a health care setting since she was 15. In nursing she has worked in hospitals Labor & Delivery as well as surgical floors. She has been a Clinical Instructor for Quinsigamond Community College and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. As well, she has worked with the National Children’s Study as a Clinical Research Nurse and Per Diem School Nurse Substitute. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, the beach, gardening and spending time with her family & friends. As the mother of three, she appreciates that it takes a village to raise a family and is inspired by the work at Sizer.