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Faculty Spotlight

Carolina Tristão, Children’s House Teacher

Carolina joined Andover School of Montessori in 2024 as an assistant teacher in our Children’s House program. Carolina was born and raised in Brazil. She is certified as a Montessori Early Childhood teacher from Northeast Montessori Institute (2023). Her Montessori journey began in 2019 at Rockland Montessori Nursery School where she worked with children from 2 to 6 years old. Passionate about the Montessori method, Carolina enjoys working with children because they are delightful and inspiring. She strongly believes in empowering children to be independent and self-directed learners. Carolina is also a mother of a preschooler, with whom she loves spending time. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and baking and spending time with her family and friends. Carolina loves visiting her home country of Brazil when she is on vacation.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about cooking! I love cooking for my family and friends. For me, cooking is a language of love! Because it is not simply serving a dish, but the initiative to work towards something to make others happy.

What do you like about ASM?

Andover School of Montessori embraces diversity! I love being at a school that works to build a diverse community and create an environment where staff and students feel valued. I feel fulfilled to have the opportunity to work at ASM.

Why did you choose to teach 3-6 year olds?

Because it is at this age that we build solid foundations of important life skills, such as independence, communication, patience, and socialization. I feel very happy to be part of this process in my students’ lives.

Why did you choose to teach at a Montessori school?

If I could describe Maria Montessori’s entire method in one word, it would be LOVE. Maria Montessori loved children so much that she spent her entire life observing them. For her, love is the vital energy that helps children learn about the world around them, and that is why children should be the protagonists of the learning process. For me, there is nothing better than working in an environment where we love children and work to help them achieve happiness and satisfaction, preparing them for life by offering them the tools that help them grow and, above all, respecting their learning process.

Children’s House

Maria Behnke

Maria Behnke, Teacher, 2022-present

Born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, Maria holds a B.A. in Political Science with an Art History Minor and a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Ohio University. She first found a love for teaching as a college Logic instructor at OU more than a decade ago. She moved to the Boston area in 2012 to become the Executive Director for an academic non-profit in Harvard Square. Most recently she has spent the last 7 years working directly with young children up through the middle school years. Maria enjoys spending time with her young daughter going on adventures and eating amazing food. She also enjoys running half marathons and weight lifting — as well as playing trivia, and rooting for her favorite sports teams. Maria can’t wait to bring her enthusiasm for teaching and learning, along with her different experiences into the multi-age classroom (Willow) this year!

Susan Burns

Susan Burns, Teacher, 1998-present

Sue is certified as a Montessori Infant Toddler and Early Childhood teacher. She taught in ASM’s Children’s House for 5 years before joining the administrative team as Director of Children’s House. Fall 2016 marks Sue’s return to the classroom as lead Kindergarten teacher. She has a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Human Development from Lesley University. Prior to coming to ASM, Sue taught at the Rockingham County Montessori School and was an owner of the Casa Dei Bambini Montessori School. Her interests include yoga, gardening and spending quality time with friends and family.

Gina Devenish

Gina Devenish, Teacher, 2021-present

Gina has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a B.A. in Liberal Arts, with a concentration in Theatre from Westfield State University. She is currently pursuing her Montessori certification and has her PreK – 2nd grade MA teaching license. Gina has extensive experience working with young children of various ages. In her spare time, Gina enjoys coaching for a local baseball team (The Boston Renegades), getting involved in theater wherever possible whether that’s performing or directing, playing with her dog Nayla, and being a member of the Salisbury Lions Club.

Danielle Gaudet

Danielle Gaudet, Teacher, 2015-present

Danielle holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Endicott College and a Masters Education. She attained her Montessori training from Northeast Montessori Institute. Previously, Danielle was a head early childhood counselor at the Mass. Audubon Society, where she taught children about animals and nature. She is excited to bring her love of nature into the classroom. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Jeannette Joseph, Teacher, 2023-present

Jeannette joined ASM in 2019 as a teacher in the After School Care program. Shortly thereafter, she joined the Red Maple classroom as a Lunch/recess Assistant.  Jeannette has also been a substitute teacher in our Children’s House classrooms and a teacher in our Children’s House Summer Program. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Pondicherry in India and a Diploma in Office Automation. Jeannette’s hobbies include cooking and gardening and she loves to listen to music and spend time with her kids.

Vaishali Sabnis, Teacher, 2023-present

Vaishali holds a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Willingdon College in India and received her AMS Montessori Certificate in Early Childhood 3-6 through Northeast Montessori Institute in 2020. She started her teaching career in India with private tutoring classes and continued her passion for teaching in the United States. Prior to ASM, Vaishali worked at Keystone Montessori School and Oak Meadow School as an assistant teacher before joining Guidepost Montessori as a lead teacher. She loves traveling with her mom, husband, and two daughters, listening to Indian music, and leading her own event-management company.

Alesa Smith

Alesa Smith, Teacher, 2019-present

Alesa holds a B.F.A. from Massachusetts College of Art and a diploma in Preschool Education from the North American Progressive Montessori Teacher Training Program. She most recently worked in Haverhill Public Schools as a Special Education Paraprofessional. Alesa previously taught at New England Montessori School in North Andover for 12 years.

Patricia Stokes

Patricia Stokes, Teacher, 2002-present

Pat holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Lowell State College and an M.Ed. with an Early Childhood Focus from Endicott College. In the education field for over forty years, Pat received her Montessori 3-6 certification at the Northeast Montessori Institute. She also earned her Responsive Classroom I and II certification from Northeast Foundation for Children. Pat is a member of the First New Hampshire Regiment, a living history group and one of the founding members of the Windham Garden Club. During the summer she teaches Red Cross swimming. Pat is enjoying her role of being a grandparent.

Carolina Tristão, Teacher, 2024-present

Carolina was born and raised in Brazil. She is certified as a Montessori Early Childhood teacher from Northeast Montessori Institute (2023). Her Montessori journey began in 2019 at Rockland Montessori Nursery School where she worked with children from 2 to 6 years old. Passionate about the Montessori method, Carolina enjoys working with children because they are delightful and inspiring. She strongly believes in empowering children to be independent and self-directed learners. Carolina is also a mother of a preschooler, with whom she loves spending time. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and baking and spending time with her family and friends. Carolina loves visiting her home country of Brazil when she is on vacation.

Ellen Wilson-Fox

Ellen Wilson-Fox, Teacher, 2022-present

Ellen holds a B.A. in General Fine Arts and Early Care and Education (double major) from Stonehill College and a M.Ed in Integrating the Arts from Lesley University. She is certified in Montessori 3–6 year-olds and is finishing her 6-9 year-old certification with Seacoast Montessori. She is also endorsed by Gordon College in Sheltered English Immersion. For the past two years Ellen has been an assistant in a Lower Elementary classroom at Harborlight Montessori. She also worked three years as an Instructional Assistant at Hillview Montessori Charter Public School in Haverhill.

Lower Elementary

Stephanie Lebouef

Stephanie Lebouef, Teacher, 2021-present

Stephanie has thirteen years of teaching experience working with elementary students. She graduated from California State University Fullerton in 2006 with her B.A. in Liberal Studies. She has taught first through fourth grade in Las Vegas, Nevada. She recently taught second grade in Hudson, New Hampshire. Stephanie is NAMC Montessori certified and has taught Lower Elementary for 6 years. She loves spending time with her son, Gavin. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys going to the park, swimming at the lake and river, being outside in nature, and traveling, when possible. She is so excited to get to know the Lower Elementary students!

Chris Manganaro

Chris Manganaro, Teacher, 2021-present

Chris holds a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Salem State University and a B.A. in English from Framingham State University. he is currently pursuing his Montessori certification. Chris worked at Newbury Elementary School for 7 years in many different capacities including After School Program Assistant and Instructional Assistant. He also worked as a substitute teacher in the Peabody, Lexington, and Belmont school districts, allowing him to see how many school systems operate. Chris has worked with children from PreK to 6th grade. He is excited to work in a Montessori school for the first time as he loves to learn about different ways of teaching. In his spare time, Chris enjoys reading, listening to audiobooks, cooking, and cross-stitching.

Sarah O’Brien

Sarah O’Brien, Teacher, 2004-present

Sarah holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University. She has Montessori Certification for Lower Elementary. Prior to coming to ASM, Sarah taught for three years at the Kingsley Montessori School and eight years at Pincushion Hill Montessori School. Sarah enjoys being a mom and spending time with family and friends as well as scrapbooking.

Cara Richardson, Teacher, 2024-present

Cara has a B.S. in Psychology from Salem State University and is committed to creating a fun, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Prior to ASM, she worked as a substitute teacher, where she gained valuable experience in classroom management and lesson execution. Cara loves to teach and inspire young minds, believing that every child has the potential to succeed. She feels it is her duty to use her knowledge of education and child development to help them achieve that potential. Substituting inspired Cara to seek full-time work as a teacher, and she is excited to incorporate her own ideas into lesson planning and daily tasks. In her free time, she enjoys doing btone Fitness® classes and spending time with her family, friends, and pets. Cara also loves trying new restaurants and foods. 

Upper Elementary

Bill Sisk, Teacher, 2023-present

Bill Sisk graduated from Northeastern University with a MA in Political Science and SUNY Albany’s Rockefeller College with a Ph.D. in Public Policy. After several years of teaching government, history, and research methods to college undergraduates and graduate students at SUNY and Fitchburg State, Bill worked at the Pike School where he discovered a passion and excitement for working with children. At Pike he taught nearly every subject, including math, science, writing, history, and Spanish to students ages five to fourteen years old. Bill is passionate about civic engagement, social justice, and environmental sustainability. He also has many hobbies and talents, including playing guitar, numerous sports, and baby-sitting his dog niece Halo and his dog nephew Fitz. Bill is looking forward to beginning his Montessori-certification training this summer and joining the ASM team for the 2023-24 school year.

Richelle Record

Richelle Records, Math, Science and STEM Teacher, 2018-present

Richelle graduated from Stonehill College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Elementary Education, then moved on to get her M.Ed from UMass Boston. She has worked in the Boston area for the past six years, teaching middle school math and science at two different schools. Richelle is extremely passionate about the environment and working with students in the STEM field. She has a love of life-long learning and wants to share that with everyone. Her hobbies include traveling to new places, working on her hobby farm, gardening, reading, and all kinds of outdoor activities from hiking and kayaking to rock climbing and skydiving.

Middle School

Barbara Orlowitz, Math and STEM Teacher and Head of School, 2014-present

Barbara began her tenure at ASM in 2014 as the Director of Elementary and Middle School. In 2020, she became the Assistant Head of School, and in July, 2023, Barbara became the Head of School.

Barbara received her Secondary I Montessori certification from Washington Montessori Secondary Education Program and attended the Montessori Seacoast Center for Education where she participated in a three week seminar for the elementary math program. She holds an M.Ed in Education Administration from University of Massachusetts Lowell, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Boston University, and a B.S. in Engineering from Purdue University. Barbara came to ASM after twelve years at Oak Meadow Montessori School where she taught math and science and expanded her role to include leadership positions such as Program Level Coordinator, Director of Secondary School Placement, and Co-chair of Oak Meadow’s AISNE/AMS accreditation team. With almost twenty two years of being a Montessori educator, Barbara has cultivated a deep passion for guiding and nurturing students and is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, helping each student thrive academically and emotionally. Barbara enjoys yoga, walking, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Richelle Record

Richelle Records, Math, Science, and STEM Teacher, 2018-present

Richelle graduated from Stonehill College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Elementary Education, then moved on to get her M.Ed from UMass Boston. She has worked in the Boston area for the past six years, teaching middle school math and science at two different schools. Richelle is extremely passionate about the environment and working with students in the STEM field. She has a love of life-long learning and wants to share that with everyone. Her hobbies include traveling to new places, working on her hobby farm, gardening, reading, and all kinds of outdoor activities from hiking and kayaking to rock climbing and skydiving.

Integrated Arts

Maria Droguett Ovando, Spanish Teacher for Lower and Upper Elementary and Middle School, 2024-present

Maria, a native Spanish speaker from South America, has dedicated three years to educating children in the Spanish language. Her experience spans teaching enrichment classes in Spanish at several local schools. She employs an interactive and dynamic teaching style, aimed at enhancing students’ conversational abilities and fostering continuous language development. Maria brings her enthusiasm and passion for Spanish to our elementary students, enriching their learning experience.

Kelley Meade, Physical Education Teacher, 2023-present

Kelley has an Early Education Certification for Massachusetts, a B.S. in Business Administration and Management from Franklin Pierce College, and an Associate’s degree in Travel and Tourism from Bay State College. She has a diverse background in physical activity. Kelley is a Lifetime Achiever Spin Instructor through Madd Dog Athletics, competes in Spartan Races, and has more than 25 years of experience in the fitness industry ranging from dance, aerobics, yoga, weight lifting, and CrossFit training. Kelley looks forward to sharing her diverse background with ASM students. 

Kelley has worked for ASM for the past fourteen years in various roles, and both of her children graduated from the school. Kelley enjoys spending time with her family, concerts, hiking, biking, skiing, and cooking.

Andrea West

Andrea West, Art Teacher, 2013-present

Andrea holds a B.F.A. in painting and a B.A. in Art History from Boston University. She also earned an M.A. in Teaching in the field of Museum Education from The George Washington University. After spending many years developing education programs for notable museums, Andrea strove to combine her passion for art and working with children and became certified to teach visual arts. She most recently served as the art teacher for grades K-8 at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School, in Haverhill, for 6 years. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys singing, being outdoors and spending time with her family.

Megan Witkowski

Megan Witkowski, Music and Drama Teacher, 2021-present

Megan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Studies (Education) from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. During her education, she worked as a volunteer teacher with the Lowell String Project, teaching students how to sing in an ensemble setting and encouraging discovery through musical play and experimentation. Post graduation, Megan worked as a counselor at Running Brook Day Camp in Waltham, where she frequently lead different musical games and activities. In her spare time, Megan enjoys hiking, playing the flute, baking, running, and playing with her two dogs. She is very excited to be teaching at ASM and hopes to spread her love of music to the students!

Veronica Wood

Veronica Wood, Spanish Teacher for Children’s House, 2017 to present

Senora Veronica was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador. She holds a degree in Child Psychology from the Catholic University of Quito and a Master’s in Business Administration from the IDE Business School. In Ecuador, Veronica worked for several years as a School Psychologist for grades one through six. In 2000, she moved to the United States where she began teaching Spanish and funded her own language program, More Than Spanish, which is currently used in several schools and children’s centers throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Veronica believes strongly that all children should have their first exposure to a second language as young as possible, and is dedicated to discovering new and innovative strategies that will engage and enrich young learners. Whether teaching or consulting, Veronica is an enthusiastic educator who continues to share both the joy of learning and an appreciation for language and culture with all her students and clients. She is a member of MaFLA (Massachusetts Foreign Language Association), and ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

Auxiliary Staff

Heather Brown, Lunch and Recess Assistant, After School Care Teacher, 2023-present

Heather has an associate degree in early childhood education and worked as a preschool teacher for 6 years and then as a nanny. She spent many years after that working for the Haverhill public schools and has also worked in a retirement community. Heather missed being in a classroom setting and was excited for the opportunity to join the ASM community.  She is married with 2 adult children and has a dog.  Heather enjoys hiking, baking, and hanging out with her family.

Krystina Doyle, After School Care Teacher, 2023-present

Krystina is originally from Mobile, Alabama and has lived in Massachusetts since 2018. She earned a Bachelors of Arts in Moderate Disabilities from Merrimack College and is working towards her Masters in English as a Second Language at Merrimack. Krystina has also been a substitute teacher in the Children’s House classrooms as well as Lower and Upper Elementary. Outside of school, she loves watching football, spending time with my family and friends, and traveling.

Margo Miller, Lunch and Recess Assistant, After School Care Teacher, 2021-present

Margo earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master degree in music from Providence College and Westminster Choir College, respectively, and taught music education for 10 years. She worked at Thacher Montessori School in Milton, MA as a Children’s House aftercare/lunch and recess assistant for four years. In her free time, Margo enjoys nature, reading, exercise, cooking, and being with family and friends.

Administration

JoAnne Belanger

JoAnne Belanger, Administrative Assistant, 2021-present

JoAnne holds a B.S. in Business from Salem State College. She comes to ASM from the corporate world, having worked at several Fortune 500 companies over the last 30 years. JoAnne’s career began in customer service, answering phones for a growing distributor. She has also worked in sales, account management, and sales management. While raising her family, JoAnne became involved with schools; loved being a part of a school community and felt she had a lot to contribute. She loves spending time with her family, entertaining, working in her yard, and spending time in Maine.

Nicole Brooks

Nicole Brooks, School Nurse Manager, 2022-present

Nicole holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Southern New Hampshire University. She graduated from nursing school in 2015. While in nursing school she worked as a nurse associate on a liver and kidney transplant unit. Her first RN position was a camp nurse for children with disabilities in Boston. She then worked as an adult & pediatric home care nurse but quickly made her way back to the transplant unit. After seven years on the transplant unit she wanted to expand her skill set in critical care by working in the post anesthesia care unit. She is very excited to be working with children again and is inspired by the Montessori philosophy. Nicole enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors with her family, and a book that is hard to put down.

Courtney Cooper, Learning Specialist, 2023-present

Courtney holds a B.A. in Human Development from Wheelock College, an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from American International College, and an MS in Literacy from University of New England.  Courtney has worked as a classroom teacher at various independent schools across the North Shore. She brings to the classroom a love of learning and student connection.  Courtney finds joy engaging with students in meaningful ways through conversation and exploration.  She believes that through this discussion, she can reach students on a deeper level and can help them access their full potential.  Courtney lives in North Andover with her husband and three young daughters.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.

Michelle Finno

Michelle Finno, Director of Enrollment Management and Marketing, 2015-present

Michelle holds a B.S. in Business Communications and an M.S. in Marketing Analytics from Bentley College (now Bentley University). She spent 17 years in college admissions at her alma mater before joining the ASM community. Michelle completed the Montessori Early Childhood Overview course in 2021. She enjoys working with families as they navigate the process of finding a school that is the right fit for their child. In her spare time, Michelle spends time camping, staying fit, and connecting with friends and family.

Anna Kritselis

Anna Kritselis, Information Technology, 2008-present

Anna holds a B.S. in Music Education from West Chester University and an M.S. in Information Systems from Northeastern University’s College of Engineering. Anna has 20 years of experience in a variety of systems-related and management level positions in the private sector. She currently provides IT consulting services to Montessori schools, including Oak Meadow Montessori, Keystone, Pincushion Hill and Shrewsbury Montessori School.

Jeff Kulis

Jeff Kulis, Facilities Manager, 2016-present

Before coming to ASM, Jeff worked for American Alarm. Prior to that, he spent 13 years in the Emergency Response industry as an EMT and Supervisor. Jeff is an avid amateur photographer and spends his free time hiking with his wife and chocolate labrador, Indy.

Shannon Lavelle

Shannon Lavelle, Director of Finance, 2019-present

Shannon holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a Certificate of Accountancy from Bentley University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Massachusetts. She has worked for over 20 years in the accounting field in both the public and private sector, with her most recent years spent at a non-profit college. In her spare time Shannon enjoys being with her family, skiing, gardening and reading.

Jillian Nazzaro Hodges, School Nurse, 2023-present

Jillian graduated from University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Upon graduation, she started her career on a medical-surgical floor that specialized in Liver and Kidney transplants at Lahey Clinic. Jillian worked there for 19 years. She was an adjunct nursing instructor teaching Clinical to nursing students. Most recently she started working as a school nurse for an elementary school in Haverhill and also at ASM. She has also worked as a nurse in a summer program for middle and high school students with social and developmental needs. 

Jillian is mother to five children. When she’s not busy with her children’s sports and activities she loves to spend time with her friends and family, traveling, exercising and taking her dog for walks.

Barbara Orlowitz

Barbara Orlowitz, Head of School, 2014-present

Barbara began her tenure at ASM in 2014 as the Director of Elementary and Middle School. In 2020, she became the Assistant Head of School, and in July of 2023, Barbara became the Head of School.

Barbara received her Secondary I Montessori certification from Washington Montessori Secondary Education Program and attended the Montessori Seacoast Center for Education where she participated in a three week seminar for the elementary math program. She holds an M.Ed in Education Administration from University of Massachusetts Lowell, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Boston University, and a B.S. in Engineering from Purdue University. Barbara came to ASM after twelve years at Oak Meadow Montessori School where she taught math and science and expanded her role to include leadership positions such as Program Level Coordinator, Director of Secondary School Placement, and Co-chair of Oak Meadow’s AISNE/AMS accreditation team. With almost twenty two years of being a Montessori educator, Barbara has cultivated a deep passion for guiding and nurturing students and is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, helping each student thrive academically and emotionally. Barbara enjoys yoga, walking, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Danielle Statires, Director of Development and Communications, 2023-present

Danielle holds a B.S. in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an M.S. in Social Work as well as an M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership from Wheelock College. She has been a Development professional for 10 years. Prior to joining ASM, she was the Director of Development at the American Heart Association. Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, piddling around in the garden, and taking her pup for long walks.

Michelle Toppi

Michelle Toppi, Director of Children’s House, 2022-present

Michelle holds a BFA with a photography major from the Massachusetts College of Art. She also received her Montessori Early Childhood 3-6 certification from the North Carolina Center for Montessori Teacher Education. She has nearly twenty years of experience in Montessori classrooms from coast to coast. A Boston native, Michelle had returned to Boston to teach at Kingsley Montessori School where she also held the leadership role as Curriculum Coordinator for the Early Childhood program. In her spare time Michelle enjoys exploring with her daughter Beatrice and partner Anthony, cuddling her kitties, meditation, quilting, and gardening.

Sarah Young

Sarah Young, Director of Elementary and Middle School, 2021-present

Sarah has five years of teaching experience working with elementary students. She graduated from Stonehill College in 2016 with a degree in Education and Studio Arts and went on to Merrimack College to obtain a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She spent three years teaching 2nd through 4th grade at a sub-separate program for students with severe disabilities in Methuen MA. During this time, she also served as the Curriculum Leader for the program. Prior, Sarah taught K-1 in Needham MA. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys going to the beach, listening to music, and painting.

Board of Directors

Elyse Chase, Chair of Development, Board member since 2022

Elyse spent the first 10 years of her career in early childhood education, working in independent schools in various roles including teacher, admissions coordinator, and assistant director. She is currently working in development at Northeastern University. “As an alumna, ASM holds a very special place in my heart. Without a doubt, I would not be where I am today without the kind, supportive guidance of the teachers and administration at the school. ASM provided me with an individualized education that encouraged and supported exactly who I was while still providing me with challenges and opportunities for growth. The experience and education I received at ASM gave me a strong foundation that I know will allow me to be successful in whatever path I choose. I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors, and to give back to the school that has given me so much.”

Jocelyn Greer, Board member since 2024

Jocelyn is a CPA with over 14 years of experience in general accounting and financial planning and analysis across diverse industries. Currently serving as Assistant Controller at Constant Contact, Inc., Jocelyn brings a wealth of expertise from roles within publishing, renewable energy and SaaS sectors. Jocelyn is originally from China and earned her master of accounting from Bentley University. She lives in Andover with her husband and her son. “Our son has been with ASM for a very long time and we are truly thankful for the years he has had here. I feel honored to be on the board and hope to leverage my expertise to contribute to ASM and its wonderful community.”

David Neshat, President, Board member since 2023

David is the Vice President of Internal Audit, Global Expansion, and the Treasurer of Akamai Technologies. He has extensive experience in all aspects of financial management, with expertise in treasury, internal controls, investor relations, M&A, and reshaping finance operations. David has served on many non-profit and for-profit boards, including most recently Openeye Scientific. David earned his M.S. degrees in both Economics and International Business from Luleå University of Technology, in Sweden. He wrote his M.S. thesis in Economics in Johannesburg, South Africa. “Having lived in four continents and five countries, speaking more than three languages, I have come to appreciate many different cultures and the benefits of diversity. We therefore love the fact that our daughter is in a school that offers not only a strong curriculum, but a diverse student body. I’m humbled to serve on the board and hopefully can add value to the future strength and growth of ASM.”

Jocelyn Pan, Clerk, Board member since 2021

Jocelyn has been in the financial services industry for 20+ years at Fidelity Investments, partnering with clients in providing retirement benefits to their employees. She has responsibility for partnering with Product Development, Retail, Phone Center and Technology teams to bring best in class services to clients. “We are so lucky to have found ASM. Our daughter can’t wait to get to school each and every day. The partnership we have found between fellow ASM families and faculty has been astounding. I am a proud ASM parent and privileged to serve on the Board of Directors to help continue the great work of our school.”

Louisa Proctor, Board member since 2023

Louisa has 15+ years of experience as a senior HR leader in the technology and SaaS space. She has extensive experience in learning and development, management and leadership development, talent management, employee engagement, DEI strategy, and other people-focused functions, scaled for growth and expansion. Louisa graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Business Administration and Economics. She is the founding partner of a breast cancer awareness and action non-profit called Season For Squeezin’, and also a registered yoga teacher at HOME Yoga in Andover. She lives in Andover with her husband, two kids and their golden retriever. “I am a proud ASM parent and incredibly grateful for the experience my two kids have had here. I am excited to use my skills and background to further the mission of this amazing school.”

Daniel Shafrir, Chair of Governance, Board member since 2024

Daniel is a Managing Partner at CFGI, a leading international accounting and risk advisory firm. At CFGI, Daniel leads its Risk Advisory practice, whose focus is advising companies on such areas as financial reporting and operational risk, IT, cybersecurity and data privacy risks, as well as enterprise and strategic risks. Daniel’s work experience spans two decades in a variety of roles, mostly centered around IT, business strategy, and risks stemming from emerging technologies. “The world is changing at an increasingly faster pace. I have made it my business to try to get ahead of such changes and evaluate how they impact people and organizations. I came to realize that the pedagogy of the Montessori method, and its world-class application at ASM, are the best gifts I can give my two daughters to prepare them for the world into which they were born. I am excited to contribute as much as possible to the success of this school.”

Jessica Yu, Treasurer, Board member since 2022

Jessica has over 20 years of experience in accounting and auditing. Jessica started her career in public accounting at PwC in Boston, focusing on Biotech and Pharmaceutical clients. She then moved onto various internal audit roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific and TJX Corporation working on designing and implementing internal control environments. She is currently working as a Revenue Controller for Philips Healthcare based out of Cambridge MA. Jessica has B.S. in Accountancy from Bentley University and M.S in Accountancy from Northeastern University. Jessica and her husband Andrew have been part of the ASM community since 2017 when their oldest child started in Children’s House. “I am a proud parent of ASM and a strong promoter of Montessori education. I hope to use my background to contribute to further strengthen this wonderful community”.