Elizabeth DoCouto, Teacher, 2026-present
Elizabeth joined ASM in 2024 as a substitute teacher before transitioning into lunch and recess assistant. Although she earned her degree in web design, her true passion has always been working with children. She spent many years as a nanny and has worked in kindergarten classrooms as well as in substitute teaching at both public and private schools. Elizabeth loves helping children learn, grow, and feel supported throughout their day. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and being with her husband and three children. She is excited to continue growing as part of the ASM community!
What are you passionate about?
I’m an artist at heart and love making things with my hands. Depending on the day, that might mean painting, knitting, making jewelry, designing a website, working on a project around the house, or helping my kids repair a treehouse. I grew up with an artist mother who taught me how to paint, sew, knit, and approach creativity without being afraid to try something new. I love that the creative process is often a little messy, unexpected, and always evolving.
Why did you choose working in education as a career path?
Working with children has always been a meaningful part of my life. I love how curious and observant they are, and I’m constantly amazed by how quickly they learn and how much they understand about the world around them. Children naturally gravitate toward people who listen to them, take their ideas seriously, and encourage them to keep exploring. I feel lucky to have a job where I can help create that kind of environment while doing something that brings me so much joy.
What factors led you to teach at a Montessori school?
I was drawn to Montessori because learning feels natural and purposeful. Children are given the opportunity to work with materials, make discoveries, and build a real understanding of a concept rather than simply memorizing information. I especially appreciate the Montessori approach to subjects like math, which can feel intimidating to some children. By learning the fundamentals through hands-on experiences, they develop a strong foundation that makes more complex concepts easier to understand. The teacher’s role is to provide the right tools, spark curiosity, and give each child the space to learn at their own pace.
What do you enjoy most about ASM?
ASM has a genuine sense of community. There are so many opportunities for children of different ages to connect, learn from one another, and feel that they are part of something bigger than their individual classroom. I love watching the younger students look up to the older children, and traditions like the birthday celebrations make the school feel especially personal. I feel fortunate to be part of a community where children are truly known, supported, and placed at the center of everything we do.
Tell us about your most recent adventure project.
Our summer has been busy in the best way. I’ve spent some of it at ASM getting to know new students and spending time with familiar faces. Outside of school, my family and I recently took our annual trip to Vermont. We swam in rivers, found local swimming holes, explored a farmers market, and watched my kids jump from a bridge into the water. It was a chance to slow down, spend time outside, and enjoy being together—which is usually our favorite kind of adventure.
Meet Our Faculty and Staff
Children’s House
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!
Heather Brown, Teacher, 2025-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, especially since her own children attended Montessori! In 2023, Heather joined ASM’s team and supported our Children’s House program during lunch, recess, and nap time as well as our After School Care program. She also teaches in our Children’s House Summer Program. Heather is married with 2 adult children and has a dog. Heather enjoys hiking, baking, and hanging out with her family.
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.
Elizabeth DoCouto, Teacher, 2026-present
Elizabeth joined ASM in 2024 as a substitute teacher before transitioning into lunch and recess assistant. Although she earned her degree in web design, her true passion has always been working with children. She spent many years as a nanny and has worked in kindergarten classrooms as well as in substitute teaching at both public and private schools. Elizabeth loves helping children learn, grow, and feel supported throughout their day. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and being with her husband and three children. She is excited to continue growing as part of the ASM community!
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 our After School Care program. During her time at ASM, she has held a variety of roles, including lunch and recess assistant, substitute teacher, assistant teacher, and now, as a lead teacher. She recently earned her Montessori Teacher Certification for children ages 3–6 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Pondicherry in India as well as a Diploma in Office Automation. Her Montessori training has strengthened her commitment to creating a prepared environment where each child is respected, encouraged, and inspired to become an independent, confident learner. She believes that strong partnerships with families and a warm, supportive classroom community are essential to helping children thrive. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, painting, crafting, caring for her plants, and spending time with her family, and she loves bringing creativity and hands-on learning into the classroom.
Taryn Reale-McCay, Teacher, 2026-present
Taryn is AMS Montessori certified in ages 3-6 from Northeast Montessori Institute. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention as well as a M.Ed with a concentration in Montessori Philosophy. This fall will be Taryn’s 14th year of teaching and has led both toddler and preschool classrooms. Taryn’s interests include watching documentaries, perusing antiquarian book stores, and spending time with friends and family.
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.
Michele Slater, Maternity Leave Substitute Teacher, 2026-present
Michele is a Master teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood with a minor in both Spanish and Environmental Science. She has worked as an English as a Second Language teacher for elementary, middle school, and adult students as well as fourth and fifth grades. She has also taught ninth grade Spanish. After training at the Washington Montessori Institute for a year, she founded her own not-for-profit AMI Montessori school in Connecticut and worked as a full-time teacher and Head of School for sixteen years. For the past eleven years, Michele has worked as a primary guide, instructional leader, and Earth Day coordinator in a public Montessori school in Hartford, CT.
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, 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.
Lower Elementary
Stephanie Leboeuf, 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!
Tessa Johnson, Teacher, 2026-present
Tessa has a B.A. in Psychology from Skidmore College and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Lesley University. They have worked with kids from kindergarten to 5th grade, and particularly enjoy the lower elementary grades. Prior to joining the ASM team, they worked as an apprentice teacher at the Shady Hill School, an assistant teacher at the Graham and Parks school, and as an assistant stage manager at various theaters in the Boston area. In their free time Tessa enjoys baking, playing board games with their roommate and sister, and playing their many ukuleles.
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, 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.
Upper Elementary
Corey Blanchard, 2025-present
Corey graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in History and a minor in the Classics, followed by an M.A. in History. After working at The Warner House Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and as a substitute teacher at Epping Middle/High School, Corey pursued a PhD in History from the University of Southern California, where he served as a Teaching Assistant. He earned his PhD with the completion of his dissertation, “Portsmouth at Piscataqua: Landscape, Society, and Culture in the Development of Portsmouth, New Hampshire to ca. 1740.” Corey has experience teaching a multitude of historical subjects, from Ancient Civilizations to Modern US History, and has worked with students from middle school to college, though he has a special affinity for the middle school classroom. In his free time, Corey enjoys reading, writing, numismatics, antiquing, hiking, playing tennis, cooking, and baking. He is looking forward to teaching middle school Humanities, coordinating the Montessori Model United Nations, and joining the ASM community.
Kelly Franklin, 2026-present
Kelly is excited to join Andover School of Montessori as the Upper Elementary teacher. She has ten years of experience in Montessori and public charter school settings. She earned her B.A. in Film Studies from Connecticut College, her M.Ed in Montessori Education from Loyola University Maryland, and her Elementary (6-12) certification from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. She is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning environments that support a lifelong love of learning. Outside of school, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, playing board games, hiking, and crafting.
Richelle Records, 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
Corey Blanchard, Humanities Teacher, 2025-present
Corey graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in History and a minor in the Classics, followed by an M.A. in History. After working at The Warner House Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and as a substitute teacher at Epping Middle/High School, Corey pursued a PhD in History from the University of Southern California, where he served as a Teaching Assistant. He earned his PhD with the completion of his dissertation, “Portsmouth at Piscataqua: Landscape, Society, and Culture in the Development of Portsmouth, New Hampshire to ca. 1740.” Corey has experience teaching a multitude of historical subjects, from Ancient Civilizations to Modern US History, and has worked with students from middle school to college, though he has a special affinity for the middle school classroom. In his free time, Corey enjoys reading, writing, numismatics, antiquing, hiking, playing tennis, cooking, and baking. He is looking forward to teaching middle school Humanities, coordinating the Montessori Model United Nations, and joining the ASM community.
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 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
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, Art Teacher, 2013-present
A formally trained artist, Andrea holds a B.F.A. in Painting and a B.A. in Art History from Boston University, as well as an M.A. in Teaching from George Washington University. With 20 years of experience teaching art in Montessori schools, she has developed a rich, interdisciplinary art curriculum for students in grades K–8 that combines skill-building in a wide range of artistic media with the study of art history. Recently, she has partnered with ASM’s music teacher, Megan Witkowski, to help teach theater classes and produce ASM’s elementary and middle school plays. As Director of Auxiliary Programs, Andrea oversees ASM’s childcare programs and curates a diverse catalog of engaging after-school enrichment classes for students of all ages, partnering with talented instructors and community organizations to provide meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom. Outside of school, she enjoys watercolor painting, spending time in nature, and traveling with her family.
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!
Auxiliary Staff
Lauren Blalock, Lunch, Recess, and Nap Assistant, After School Care Teacher, 2025-present
Lauren has been working with children for 12 years now. She love arts and crafts and during her free time she is always working on a new project or relaxing and watching her favorite shows and movies.
Maureen Crowley, Lunch, Recess, and Nap Assistant, After School Care Teacher, 2025-present
Anita Goff, Lunch, Recess, and Nap Assistant, 2018-present
Anita graduated from Neumann University in Pennsylvania with a BSN. She enjoyed a career in orthopedic nursing in both Pennsylvania and New York before moving to Massachusetts and becoming a stay at home mother to her three children. Once her children were well into their school years, she enthusiastically joined the ASM community as a lunch and recess assistant and has been a proud member of the Birch classroom for the past seven years. Anita enjoys cooking, reading, attending local theater productions, exploring Boston with her two daughters and watching her son play in year round soccer games.
Anna Harrer, Before School Care Teacher, 2024-present
Anna loves children and is delighted to start her day caring for them. Her focus prior to this was raising her two lovely daughters and being involved in volunteer opportunities within their schools and in the local community. Anna enjoyed a career in banking for many years and holds a degree in Graphic Design & Illustration. Anna also works at a gourmet nut and chocolate store in downtown Concord. In her spare time she enjoys going to the beach, taking long walks, traveling to new places, cooking, and reading. Most of all she loves spending quality time with family and friends.
Yvonne Ratner, Lunch, Recess, and Nap Assistant, 2018-present
Administration
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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.
Andrea West, Director of Auxiliary Programs, 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.
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, Treasurer, 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.”
Chris Ham, Board member since 2026
Chris Ham is the Director of Engineering Operations at Harness, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on engineering productivity, operations, and organizational effectiveness. His career spans multiple disciplines and industries, from military service to quantitative finance to technology leadership, giving him a unique perspective on leadership, operations, and organizational effectiveness. Chris earned a B.S. in Marine Transportation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a Master of Finance from the University of Maryland. Chris and his family joined ASM in 2025 and have one child in Children’s House. “As parents, we have been impressed by how well ASM gets to know each child as an individual. The individualized attention and supportive learning environment have made it a wonderful fit for our family. We are grateful to be part of such a welcoming community, and I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors in support of the ASM’s continued success.”
Liliya Kramer, Board member since 2026
Liliya is an attorney with over ten years of litigation and counseling experience in government, global law firms, and in-house corporate settings. In her current role at Analog Devices, Inc. as Counsel, Employment and Labor, she is responsible for advising on risk management, legal compliance, and litigation. Liliya graduated from The George Washington University with a B.A. in International Affairs and earned her J.D. from Cardozo School of Law. “We continue to be impressed by the wonderful faculty, administration, and families who are a part of the ASM community. Our daughter thrives at ASM and we feel lucky to have found such a nurturing environment for her education. I look forward to serving on the Board of Directors to assist the school in any way that I can.”
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.”
Lisa Perdigao, Board member since 2025
Lisa has over twenty years of experience in higher education. Before relocating to Massachusetts, she was a tenured full professor and served as Humanities Program Chair, Assistant Provost for the Honors College, and Assistant Vice President for the Honors College at Florida Tech. She received a Ph.D. in English from Northeastern University, M.A. in English from Boston College, and B.A. in English and Philosophy from Boston College. As a faculty member and university administrator, student success is central to her work. “ASM has been a wonderful environment for our daughter. It has provided her with a strong foundation while fostering a curiosity for learning new things. I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors and contribute to the school and community in this role.”
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.”
Rupam Som, Board member since 2025
Rupam has over 13 years of experience in revenue accounting within different technology and SaaS companies. He currently is the Senior Revenue Manager at Arcadia. He graduated from Framingham State in 2008 with a BS in Mathematics and from Kaplan University in 2011 with an MS in Accounting. Rupam and his wife Chrystal currently reside in Tewksbury and have been part of ASM since 2023. “I am thankful for this school for providing such a wonderful educational experience for my boys and love the community feeling at ASM. I look forward to helping out on the board in any way I can”. When not at school, you can catch the Som family heavily involved in Cub Scout Pack 49 in Tewksbury. Rupam is a den leader for his youngest son’s cub scout den as well as the treasurer for the Cub Scout Pack, and a behind the scenes helper for his wife who is the Cubmaster and den leader for their oldest son.
