Brooke Mattapan Team
Ms. Abby Waldman
Principal
B.A., Brandeis University; M.Ed., University of Nevada, Las Vegas
awaldman@ebrooke.orgAbby Waldman joined Brooke in 2008 as a second grade teacher at Brooke Roslindale. Ms. Waldman then taught fourth grade and served as an assistant principal. She became the principal of Brooke Mattapan in 2015. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Waldman taught third grade through Teach for America in Las Vegas.
Ms. Sheyla Negron-Kerfoot
Director of Operations
B.A., Suffolk University
snegronkerfoot@ebrooke.orgSheyla Negron-Kerfoot joined Brooke in 2019 as operations coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. She currently serves as a Director of Operations there. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Negron was program manager at a non-profit organization and worked as political manager and organizer for a pro-charter advocacy non-profit organization.
Dr. Melissa Oyer
Assistant Principal
B.A., Duke University; M.Ed. and Ph.D., Temple University
moyer@ebrooke.orgMelissa Oyer joined Brooke in 2017 as the School Psychologist at Brooke Mattapan. Dr. Oyer is currently the Assistant Principal for Student Support at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Dr. Oyer was the School Psychologist and Director of Individualized Student Services at the Charter High School for Architecture + Design in Philadelphia, PA.
Ms. Taylor Toll
Assistant Principal
B.A., Bucknell University; M.Ed., Harvard University
ttoll@ebrooke.orgTaylor Toll joined Brooke in 2015 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke East Boston. She returned to Brooke to serve as a seventh grade ELA and SS teacher at Brooke Mattapan, and is now an Assistant Principal. Ms. Toll also taught 3rd and 5th grades at Brooke and 4th grade in Denver, Colorado.
Ms. Danya Wallace
Assistant Principal
B.A., Canterbury Christ Church University; M.A., Goldsmiths University of London; M.Sc., Touro College
dwallace@ebrooke.orgDanya Wallace joined Brooke in 2016 as a third grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, Mrs. Wallace also taught sixth grade ELA and social studies and served as an Assistant Principal at Brooke Mattapan. She is currently an Assistant Principal at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mrs. Wallace taught third grade for four years in the Bronx, New York and worked for many years as an educator in London, England, Botswana, and South Africa.
Ms. Theresa Walsh
Assistant Principal
B.A.,Syracuse University; M.A..,American University
twalsh@ebrooke.orgTheresa Walsh joined Brooke in 2017 as a fifth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is currently serving as Lower Elementary Assistant Principal at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Walsh was principal of Democracy Prep Harlem Elementary School in New York City. She has taught in NYC and Washington, DC.
Mr. Drew Gallagher
Dean of Students Fourth-Eighth Grade
B.A., Bates Colleges; M.Ed., George Mason University
dgallagher@ebrooke.orgDrew Gallagher joined Brooke as a Third Grade Teacher in 2019. He is now the fourth-eighth grade dean. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Gallagher was a Dean of Culture at Pacific Rim Charter School.
Ms. Sarah Vernet
Dean of Students Kindergarten-Third Grade
B.S., Lasell College
svernet@ebrooke.orgSarah Vernet joined Brooke in 2021 as a Dean of Students at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Vernet was a behavior specialist at Achievement First in New York City.
Ms. Kendra Uccello
School Psychologist
B.A., Boston University; M.A., Tufts University
kuccello@ebrooke.orgKendra Uccello joined Brooke in 2019 as a School Psychology Intern at Brooke Mattapan. She currently serves as a School Psychologist there. Before coming to Brooke, Kendra completed her practicum in Boston Public Schools and worked as a Research Technician in a child development lab at Boston University.
Ms. Brianna Burgess
School Psychologist
B.A., University of Southern Indiana; MSEd. & EdS., Indiana University
bburgess@ebrooke.orgBrianna Burgess joined Brooke in 2024 as the School Psychologist at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Burgess had four years of experience as a School Psychologist in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Ms. Stephanie Abellard
Network Lead School Nurse, BSN, RN, CPN; Brooke Mattapan School Nurse
B.A., Regis College
sabellard@ebrooke.orgStephanie Abellard joined Brooke in 2018 as the school nurse at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Abellard had over 5 years of direct patient care experience, including at Boston Children's Hospital and at Beth Israel Advanced Urgent Care. Ms. Abellard became a certified pediatric nurse in 2016.
Ms. Laura Crowe
Kindergarten Teacher
B.A., Union College; M.Ed. Boston University
lcrowe@ebrooke.orgLaura Crowe joined Brooke in 2019 as a Kindergarten Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Crowe worked at UP Academy Dorchester where she taught 1st Grade and English as a Second Language for the past 5 years. Ms. Crowe served with City Year Boston and Teach for America prior to and during her time at UP Dorchester.
Ms. Gabrielle Holme-Miller
Kindergarten Teacher
B.A., Kalamazoo College
gholmemiller@ebrooke.orgGabrielle Holme-Miller joined Brooke in 2017 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Ms. Holme-Miller is currently serving as a kindergarten teacher Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Tairine Mendes
Kindergarten Teacher
B.A., Lesley University
tmendes@ebrooke.orgTairine Mendes joined Brooke in 2023, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She has served as a Student Support Teacher. She is now a Kindergarten Teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Mendes worked with preschool students for three years.
Ms. Jacqueline Stephenson
Kindergarten Teacher
B.A., Georgetown University; M.Ed., John Hopkins University
jstephenson@ebrooke.orgJackie Stephenson joined Brooke in 2023 as a Kindergarten Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Stephenson taught and coached teachers over the course of her nine years at Boston Prep. Prior to that, Ms. Stephenson taught and coached in Baltimore City Public Schools for four years.
Ms. Megan Galvin
First Grade Teacher
B.A., University of Delaware
mgalvin@ebrooke.orgMegan Galvin joined Brooke in 2024 as First Grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Galvin was a Kindergarten Fellow at Neighborhood House Charter School in Dorchester and Extended Day Coordinator at Spruce Nursery School. Ms. Galvin earned her degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Delaware.
Ms. Sophie Herzing
First Grade Teacher
B.A., Hofstra University
sherzing@ebrooke.orgSophie Herzing joined Brooke in 2021 as a 1st grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Herzing was a Lead Teacher for Success Academy Charter schools teaching kindergarten, 4th grade, and 3rd grade.
Ms. Anna James
First Grade Teacher
ajames@ebrooke.orgMs. Anna James joined Brooke in 2023 as a sixth grade math and science teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She now serves as a first grade teacher.
Mr. Joe Tharp
First Grade Teacher
B.A., Northeastern University
jtharp@ebrooke.orgJoe Tharp joined Brooke in July of 2020 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, he has taught kindergarten and first grade. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Tharp studied history and Education at Northeastern University, with minors in Spanish and international affairs.
Ms. Eleanor Kallay
Second Grade Teacher
B.A., Kenyon College
ekallay@ebrooke.orgMs. Eleanor Kallay joined Brooke in 2023 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She has served as a first grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She now serves as a second grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Amy Rezil
Second Grade Teacher
B.A. Stonehill College; M.S.W., Wheelock College
arezil@ebrooke.orgAmy Mejia joined Brooke in 2017 as a third grade Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, she has been a fourth grade teacher and is currently serving as a second grade teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Mejia worked as an Ongoing Social Worker for the Department of Children and Families and prior to that served as a Victim/Witness Advocate for Plymouth County’s District Attorney’s Office.
Ms. Grace Spratley
Second Grade Teacher
B.A., Colorado College
gspratley@ebrooke.orgGrace Spratley joined Brooke in 2021 as an Associate K-2 Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She has served as a first grade teacher. She is now a second grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Spratley was an undergraduate student at Colorado College where she studied French and Education, worked multiple on-campus positions, was a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity, and served as a mentor for the local organization Educating Children of Color.
Ms. Christine Wolfenden
Second Grade Teacher
B.A, University of Connecticut; M.Ed., University of Missouri - St. Louis
cwolfenden@ebrooke.orgChristine Wolfenden joined Brooke in July of 2020 as a second grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Wolfenden taught first and second grade in Boston and St. Louis.
Ms. Anna Cataldo-Holmes
Third Grade Teacher
B.A., Trinity College
acataldo-holmes@ebrooke.orgAnna Cataldo-Holmes joined Brooke in 2021, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is now a third grade teacher.
Ms. Alison Quinn
Third Grade Teacher
B.A., Saint Anselm College; M.A., Lasell University
aquinn@ebrooke.orgAlison joined Brooke in 2022 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is now teaching third grade. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Quinn worked as a Building Aide at Brookline schools.
Ms. Kassandra Rivera
Third Grade Teacher
B.A., Northeastern University
krivera@ebrooke.orgKassandra Rivera joined Brooke in 2021 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan, where she is currently teaching third grade. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Rivera worked as a preschool teacher in Cambridge, MA for more than seven years.
Ms. Moriah Mikhail
Second-Third Grade Science Teacher
B.A., Boston University
mmikhail@ebrooke.orgMoriah Mikhail joined Brooke in 2022, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is currently serving as a science teacher for grades two and three at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Mikhail served as a tutor in Boston Public Schools for three years.
Ms. Brittany Aubuchon
Fourth Grade Teacher
B.A., Emmanuel College
baubuchon@ebrooke.orgBrittany Aubuchon joined Brooke in 2023 as a lead teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Brittany was a middle school teacher for 5 years in Dorchester.
Ms. Kathleen Heaney
Fourth Grade Teacher
B.A., State University of New York at Geneseo; M.A., Relay Graduate School of Education
kheaney@ebrooke.orgKathleen Heaney joined Brooke in 2022 as a fourth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Heaney was a founding third and fourth grade teacher at Ascend Charter Schools in Brooklyn, New York.
Ms. Darragh McLaughlin
Fourth Grade Teacher
B.A., University of Rhode Island
dmclaughlin@ebrooke.orgDarragh McLaughlin joined Brooke in 2019 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Ms. McLaughlin is currently a fourth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. McLaughlin was a student teacher for first, third, and fifth grade while majoring in elementary education at the University of Rhode Island. She also completed a teaching fellowship with Generation Teach.
Ms. Laura Basileo
Fifth Grade Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst, M. Ed, University of Massachusetts Amherst
lbasileo@ebrooke.orgMs.Basileo joined Brooke in 2023 as a fifth grade teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms.Basileo taught math, third and fifth grades in Brookline, MA.
Ms. Veronica Gentile
Fifth Grade Teacher
B.A., Boston College; M.E.T, Sposato Graduate School of Education
vgentile@ebrooke.orgVeronica Gentile joined Brooke in 2017 as a 6th grade math and science teacher at the Brooke Mattapan campus. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Gentile taught 6th grade math and science for five years at Boston Prep, and worked for four years in a variety of roles at Match Charter School.
Mr. Sean McKenna
Fifth Grade Teacher
B.A., Bridgewater State University
smckenna@ebrooke.orgSean McKenna joined Brooke in 2017 as a fourth grade teacher in Mattapan. Mr. Mckenna has served as a seventh grade ELA and history teacher. He is currently serving as a fifth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. McKenna taught seventh grade in Lowell, MA.
Ms. Emily Corbett
Fourth-Fifth Grade Science Teacher
B.A. and M.A., Clark University
ecorbett@ebrooke.orgEmily Corbett joined the Brooke team in 2019 as a 5th grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, she taught 7th grade math at Up Academy Boston for one year, 7th grade science at Roxbury Prep Lucy Stone for four years, and 7th grade science for two years in North Carolina through Teach for America.
Mr. Jose Vazquez-Pizana
Second-Fifth Computer Science Teacher
B.A., Boston University
jvasquez-pizana@ebrooke.orgJose Enrique Vazquez-Pizana joined Brooke in 2022 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. He is now teaching elementary computer science. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Vazquez dedicated himself to aiding middle school teachers at IDEA Frontier.
Ms. Widlyne Antoine
Sixth-Eighth Grade English Language Arts
B.A., Gordon College; M.A., Nova Southeastern University
wantoine@ebrooke.orgWidlyne Antoine joined Brooke in 2022 as a fourth grade teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Ms. Antoine is an entrepreneur, educator, curriculum writer, and trainer with over 22 years of educational experience. She now serves as a sixth through eighth grade ELA teacher at Brooke Mattapan
Ms. Kayla Brissett
Sixth Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
B.S., Fitchburg State University
kbrissett@ebrooke.orgKayla L. Brissett joined Brooke in 2024, as the 6th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Brissett taught 5th grade ELA at Kipp Academy Boston.
Ms. Nikita Martin
Sixth Grade English Language Arts Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst
nmartin@ebrooke.orgNikita Martin joined Brooke in 2022 as the Post-Secondary Transitions Paraprofessional. She also served as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is now a Sixth Grade English Language Arts Teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Martin attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she obtained a B.A in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. During her undergraduate career, she worked in the Disability Services office, helping to promote the empowerment of people with disabilities and providing accommodation services to hundreds of students and faculty on campus.
Ms. Makeda Van Horne
Sixth Grade English Language Arts Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
mvanhorne@ebrooke.orgMakeda Van Horne joined Brooke in 2021 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Van Horne worked at the Henry Lord Community School as a Technology Teacher, a STEAM Teacher, and a long-term mentor with the Coaching for Change program. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and was featured on the Boston 12 news along with speaking at the DESE- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion conference.
Mr. Drew Calabro
Sixth Grade Math and Science Teacher
B.A., Ohio State University; M.Ed., Johns Hopkins University
dcalabro@ebrooke.orgDrew Calabro joined Brooke in 2022 and is a sixth grade math and science teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Calabro worked for eight years in New Orleans and Washington D.C. as a teacher and instructional coach.
Ms. Insia Haveliwala
Sixth Grade Science Teacher
B.S., Missouri University; M.S., Southern New Hampshire University
ishoaib@ebrooke.orgInsia Haveliwala joined Brooke in 2024 as a 6th-grade science teacher. Before joining Brooke, Insia taught math for a year with AmeriCorps, taught 7th-grade science, and spent a summer working with Generation Teach. Insia began their teaching career in Sri Lanka, where they lived for 10 years. insia holds a degree in Psychology and is dedicated to fostering a love of science in their students.
Ms. Rediet Tefera
Sixth -Eighth Grade Math and Science Teacher
B.A., Mount Holyoke College
rtefera@ebrooke.orgRediet Tefera joined Brooke in July 2020 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is now serving as a sixth grade math and science teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Tefera worked as a math tutor for students in pre-K through twelfth grade.
Ms. Jennyfer Frederico
Seventh Grade English Language Arts Teacher
B.A., Salem State University; M.Ed., Boston University
jfrederico@ebrooke.orgJennyfer Frederico joined Brooke in 2022, as a seventh grade English Language Arts and social studies teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Frederico taught at Phoenix Chelsea for three years as a Humanities teacher. Jen is from Dorchester and is excited to work in her community!
Mr. Jason Lopes
Seventh Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; MEd., Boston College
jlopes@ebrooke.orgJason Lopes joined Brooke in 2024 as the 7th Grade ELA/Social Studies Teacher on the Brooke Mattapan Team. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Lopes worked at Nativity Preparatory School of Boston in Jamaica Plain, where he served as both a Teaching Fellow and the 8th Grade Lead Humanities Teacher for a total of three years. Mr. Lopes is a proud Boston native as a lifelong resident of Dorchester, and is excited to continue teaching in his community!
Ms. Vanessa Medor
Seventh Grade Math Teacher
B.A., Boston College; M.Ed., Boston University
vmedor@ebrooke.orgVanessa Medor joined Brooke in 2022 as a seventh grade math teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Medor taught seventh grade math in Washington, D.C. Prior to her service in D.C., she taught sixth grade math at Match Middle School and led the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at her campus.
Ms. Sam Shaffer
Seventh Grade Science Teacher
B.S., University of Texas
sshaffer@ebrooke.orgSam Shaffer joined Brooke in 2023, as a seventh grade Science teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Shaffer taught middle school science in Dallas, Texas for six years. She also coached girls sports, and held roles such as content team lead, and mentor teacher.
Ms. Cassely Etienne
Eighth Grade English Language Arts Teacher
B.S., Howard University
cetienne@ebrooke.orgCassely Etienne joined Brooke in 2022 as an eighth grade ELA and social studies teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Etienne worked and volunteered with different organizations and non-profits including Breakthrough Collaborative, Boston Medical Center, and the International Youth Foundation.
Mr. David Sharkey
Eighth Grade English Language Arts Teacher
dsharkey@ebrooke.orgMr. David Sharkey joined Brooke in 2023 as an Eighth Grade English Language Arts Teacher at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Adrianna Rivers
Eighth Grade Math Teacher
B.A, Smith College
arivers@ebrooke.orgAdrianna Rivers joined Brooke in 2019, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She then served as a Sixth Grade ELA/Social Studies Teacher for two years and is now teaching eighth grade math and computer science at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Rivers attended Smith College where she studied Environmental Science and Nursing and she is currently working towards getting her M.Ed in Education Leadership and Policy at Boston College.
Ms. Robin Arora
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., University of Vermont; M.Ed., Lesley University
rarora@ebrooke.orgRobin Arora joined Brooke in 2014 as a Kindergarten Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, Ms. Arora taught kindergarten for four years and is now a student support coordinator Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Arora served as a corps member at City Year Boston.
Ms. Heather Flaherty
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Georgetown University; M.Ed., Relay Graduate School of Education
hflaherty@ebrooke.orgHeather Flaherty joined Brooke in 2018 as a 1st Grade Teacher. Since then, she has transitioned to the role of English Language Learner Coordinator. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Flaherty served as a 2014 Teach for America Corps Member in the South Bronx, a Fulbright Teaching Scholar in Barranquilla, Colombia, and a 3rd grade teacher in Brooklyn, New York.
Ms. Abigail Lora
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Trinity College; M.A., Lesley University; M.A., Columbia University
alora@ebrooke.orgAbigail Lora joined Brooke in 2016 as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Lora worked as an Expressive Arts Therapist in New York City before switching careers to education. She worked as a teaching assistant in Tenafly, New Jersey, and then spent three years as a classroom teacher in the South Bronx.
Ms. Keyonna Murphy
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; MEd., Bridgewater State University
kmurphy@ebrooke.orgKeyonna Murphy joined Brooke in 2024 as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Murphy worked as a special education teacher at Boston Renaissance Charter Public School and as a substantially separate classroom teacher at Avon Public Schools. She also spent a year as an AmeriCorps Tutor at Match Charter Public School.
Ms. Arianna Romero
Student Support Coordinator
aromero@ebrooke.orgMs. Arianna Romero joined Brooke in 2023 as a kindergarten teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She now serves as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Olivia Rudolph
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., University of Vermont; MEd., University of Vermont
orudolph@ebrooke.orgOlivia Rudolph joined Brooke in 2024 as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan.
Mr. Roy’al Sanyika-Hall
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Boston University
rsanyika-hall@ebrooke.orgRoy'al Sanyika-Hall joined Brooke in 2019 as a Student Support Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. He is currently serving as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Sanyika-Hall was studying Political Science and Chinese at Boston University.
Mx. Char Skidmore
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., UMASS Boston; M.S., Wheelock College
cskidmore@ebrooke.orgChar Skidmore joined Brooke in 2010 as a kindergarten teacher at Brooke Roslindale. Since then, Mx. Skidmore has taught kindergarten, first, and second grade at Brooke. In 2014, Mx. Skidmore served as a founding teacher at UP Academy Holland School, teaching kindergarten through second grade scholars. Char rejoined the Brooke Mattapan team in 2018 as an instructional support teacher and has served as a second grade teacher. Char is now serving as a student support coordinator.
Ms. Leah Weiss
Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Miami University
lweiss@ebrooke.orgLeah Weiss joined Brooke in 2024 as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan and Brooke High School. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Weiss was a 7th and 8th grade Learning Specialist at the Academy of the Pacific Rim in Hyde Park, MA.
Ms. Samantha Guerra
THRIVE Student Support Coordinator
B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst; M.Ed., Lesley University
sguerra@ebrooke.orgSamantha Guerra joined Brooke in 2018 as a lower elementary Associate Teacher at Brooke Roslindale. Ms. Guerra is currently serving as a student support teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Guerra worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher at St. Peter Academy in South Boston. Prior to that, she worked as an MTA for Brockton Public Schools, serving classes of varying abilities in preschool and kindergarten.
Ms. Braelan Martin
THRIVE Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Wheelock College; M.Ed., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; MBA, Western Governers University
bmartin@ebrooke.orgBraelan Martin joined Brooke in March of 2020, as a Student Support Coordinator at Brooke Roslindale. She also served as the Director of Special Programs for the Network. She is now a THRIVE Student Support Coordinator at Brooke MattapanBefore coming to Brooke, Ms. Martin worked for 3 years as a K-2nd grade special education teacher in a substantially separate classroom for students with social and emotional challenges.
Ms. Anise McCroskey-Neff
THRIVE Student Support Coordinator
B.A., Ithaca College
amccroskey.neff@ebrooke.orgAnise McCroskey-Neff joined Brooke in 2020, as an In-Person Learning Proctor at Brooke Roslindale. She then moved on to become a paraprofessional in the Sub-Separate program at Brooke Roslindale. She is currently serving as a Student Support Teacher at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Aimee Nitolo
Multilingual Learner Coordinator
B.A., University Of California San Diego; M.A., San Francisco State University; Teaching Credentials, Sacramento State University
anitolo@ebrooke.orgAimee Nitolo joined Brooke in 2015 as the Multilingual Learner Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Nitolo had worked in education for 12 years including as an AmeriCorps VISTA for ReadBoston, a preschool teacher at South End Head Start, a Bilingual Liaison for Beaufort County School District in South Carolina, and a Spanish teacher in Sacramento, California.
Ms. Danielle Barnack
Physical Therapist
B.A., Boston University; PhD, Boston University
dbarnack@ebrooke.orgDanielle Barnack joined Brooke in 2021, as a Physical Therapist for Brooke. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Barnack was a Physical Therapist at Boston Children's Hospital as well as other charter schools in the Boston area.
Ms. Christie Canavan
THRIVE Speech and Language Pathologist
B.S., University of Vermont; M.S., Sacred Heart University
ccanavan@ebrooke.orgChristie Canavan joined Brooke in 2019, as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Brooke Roslindale. Before coming to Brooke, Christie worked in a pediatric private practice where she provided speech-language therapy to children in early intervention programs, schools, and clinical settings.
Ms. Kira Kennedy
Speech Language Pathologist
B.A. and M.A., Loyola University Maryland
kkennedy@ebrooke.orgKira Kennedy joined Brooke in 2022 as the Speech Language Pathologist at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Kennedy attended Loyola University Maryland and worked as a speech-language pathology graduate student clinician in both school and clinical settings.
Ms. Jessica Knight Pfaffinger
Occupational Therapist
B.S., University of New Hampshire; M.S., University of New Hampshire
jpfaffinger@ebrooke.orgJessica Knight Pfaffinger joined Brooke in 2012 as the Network Occupational Therapist (OT). Since then she has collaborated to assist students across all grade levels access the general education curriculum. Her primary focus is teaching students how to use fine motor, visual-motor, visual processing and sensory processing strategies to increase their participation in school activities. Prior to joining Brooke, Jessica worked as an inpatient and outpatient OT at several pediatric hospitals where she played an active role on many multidisciplinary teams that supported the development, function and participation of children with various physical and cognitive disabilities.
Ms. Victoria Donahue
Occupational Therapist
B.S., Worcester State University; M.S., Worcester State University
vdonahue@ebrooke.orgVictoria Donahue joined Brooke in 2024 as an Occupational Therapist for the network. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Donahue attended Worcester State University and studied Occupational Therapy and Spanish for the Health Professions. She has always been passionate about school-based occupational therapy and completed one of her fieldwork rotations at a local public school.
Ms. Thalia Petridis
Building Substitute Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Boston
tpetridis@ebrooke.orgThalia Petridis joined Brooke in January 2022 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Petridis attended the University of Massachusetts Boston where she majored in Early Childhood Education and taught in grades K-2. Ms. Petridis is a Brooke Charter alum.
Ms. Digna Peña Cintron
Co-Curricular Manager
B.S., University of Massachusetts Amherst
dpena@ebrooke.orgDigna Peña Cintron joined Brooke in 2015 as a Spanish teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, she has co-founded the middle school softball program. She has been Co-Curricular Department Chair and has co-taught Spanish. She is now serving as a Co-curricular manager. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Peña Cintron taught Spanish as a Teach For America Corps Member in the Mississippi Delta.
Ms. Camila Alvahydo
Spanish Teacher
B.A. and M.A., University of Georgia
calvahydo@ebrooke.orgCamila Alvahydo joined Brooke in 2016, as 3rd-5th grade Spanish teacher at Brooke Mattapan. After a few years away, she returned to Brooke Mattapan to serve once again as a Spanish teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Alvahydo was an adjunct Spanish teacher at Simmons College and Bridgewater University. She also held a visiting teacher position at Georgia State University, an assistant teacher position at the University of South Carolina, and was a Portuguese teacher at the Middlebury College language immersion program.
Ms. Carven Bernadeau
Dance Teacher
B.S., Rhode Island College
cbernadeau@ebrooke.orgCarven Bernadeau joined Brooke in 2021 as the dance teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Bernadeau taught four years at Charlestown High School as the dance teacher to grades 9-12, and to students with disabilities.
Mr. Kenny Francois
Physical Education Teacher
B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst
kfrancois@ebrooke.orgKenny Francois joined Brooke in 2016, as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Since then, Mr. Francois has taught 4th grade and Physical Education at Brooke. Mr. Francois is currently serving as the Physical Education teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Francois did City Year at the Irving Middle School in Roslindale.
Ms. Jayuanna Harris
Art Teacher
B.A., Bridgewater State University
jharris@ebrooke.orgJayuanna Harris joined Brooke in 2024, as the Visual Art teacher for K-8th at Brooke Mattapan. Ms. Harris plans to inspire creativity, and foster a feeling of safety for all students. While remaining true to her southern roots, she wants everyone to feel a sense of culture, and belonging. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Harris served as an Art teacher at Kipp Academy Boston where she ran a fashion club for 2nd grade students, was the founder/coach of their step team, as well as choreographer for school musicals.
Mr. David Redick
Music Teacher
B.A., University of Wisconsin Madison, M.Ed., North Park University
dredick@ebrooke.orgDavid Redick joined Brooke in 2023 as a Founding K-8 Music Teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Redick was the Electives Department Chair, Arts Liaison, and Founding Music Teacher at Muchin College Prep (Noble Network of Charter Schools) in Chicago, IL.
Mr. Xavier Edwards
Associate Teacher
B.A., Lasell University
xedwards@ebrooke.orgXavier Edwards Lewis joined Brooke in 2024 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Meghan Solis
Associate Teacher
B.A., University of Florida
mmoriarty@ebrooke.orgMeghan Solis joined Brooke in 2024, as an Associate Teacher at the Brooke Charter School Mattapan campus. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Solis attended the University of Florida where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and served as the president of the Student Florida Education Association.
Mr. Carlos Mario Tamayo
Associate Teacher
B.A., Boston College
ctamayo@ebrooke.orgCarlos Mario Tamayo joined Brooke in 2024 as an Associate Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Mr. Tamayo was the Building Substitute at Excel Academy Greenway in East Boston, worked as a Scheduling Specialist at Mass General Brigham. He currently serves as Town Meeting Member for Brookline's Precinct 2.
Ms. Olivia Yonkman
Associate Teacher
B.A., Occidental College
oyonkman@ebrooke.orgOlivia Yonkman join Brooke in 2024, as an Associate Teacher. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Yonkman was a videographer for LEO Inc.
Ms. Mariela Bello
School Operations Manager
A.A., Bunker Hill Community College
mbello@ebrooke.orgMariela Bello joined Brooke in July of 2020 as an Office Manager at Brooke Mattapan, and is now an Operations Manager. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Bello worked at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center as Administrative Coordinator and attended Bunker Hill Community College for her degree in science.
Ms. Desire Guzman-Peguero
Operations Coordinator
dguzman-peguero@ebrooke.orgDesire joined Brooke in 2023 as a School Culture Aide at Brooke Mattapan. She now serves as The Operations Coordinator for Brooke Mattapan School.
Ms. Lizette Ortiz
Office Coordinator
Lizette Ortiz joined Brooke in 2022 as an Office Coordinator at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Ortiz was the Operations Supervisor for a Community Health Center. She is also a proud parent of two Brooke Mattapan scholars, and a Brooke High School scholar!
Mr. Nicholas Cavaliere
Facilities Manager
ncavaliere@ebrooke.orgMy name is Nick Cavaliere and I joined the Brooke team in 2023 as the Facilities Manager. Before attending Brooke I worked as a Maintenance Mechanic II at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, as well as currently serving as assistant function manager and bar staff at the Winthrop Yacht Club on weekends. I’m very excited to be part of the team.
Ms. Gisselle Alcantara
Lead Paraprofessional
B.A., Universidad Dominicana O&M
galcantara@ebrooke.orgGisselle Alcantara joined Brooke Roslindale in 2017 as a paraprofessional on the student support team, and is now serving at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Alcantara worked at Match Charter School. She also was the director of a children’s choir and had the privilege to teach kids through music.
Ms. Dianyra Grullon
Paraprofessional
B.A., Bridgewater State University
dgrullon@ebrooke.orgDianyra Grullon joined Brooke in 2020 as a Proctor Teacher at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Grullon taught Spanish to students in Roslindale, tutored foreign language learners, and volunteered at Jumpstart Programs in Bridgewater, MA.
Ms. Kyana Houston
Paraprofessional
khouston@ebrooke.orgKyana Houston joined Brooke in 2023 as a Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Jemini Jean-Louis
Paraprofessional
B.A., Xavier University of Louisiana
jemini.jean-louis@ebrooke.orgJeamini Jean-Louis joined Brooke in 2023 as a Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Tasha Lymon
Paraprofessional
tlymon@ebrooke.orgTasha Lymon joined Brooke in 2023 as a Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Suleika Maldonado
Paraprofessional
B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst; M.A., Suffolk University
smaldonado@ebrooke.orgSuleika Maldonado joined Brooke in November 2021, as Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Maldonado worked at the Elizabeth Peabody House gaining administrative and enrichment educational skills.
Ms. Bianka O’Neal
Paraprofessional
A.A., Bay State College
bsantana@ebrooke.orgBianka O'Neal joined Brooke in 2022 as a paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. O'Neal worked at a girls residential program in Arlington MA and attended Bay State College for her degree in Science Criminal Justice.
Ms. Christina Petridis
Paraprofessional
cpetridis@ebrooke.orgChristina Petridis joined Brooke in 2024 as a Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. Ms. Petridis is also a Brooke alum!
Ms. Mimi Pimentel
School Culture Aide
mpimentel@ebrooke.orgMilagris (Mimi) Pimentel joined Brooke in 2021 as a School Culture Aide for Brooke Mattapan. Ms.Pimentel is currently on the operational team and one of the recess leaders at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms.Pimentel was working for City Fresh as a lunch server at Brooke Mattapan. Mimi is also currently studying psychology at Bunker Hill Community College.
Ms. Cheyris Pimentel
School Culture Aide
cpimentel@ebrooke.orgCheyris Pimentel Joined Brooke In 2023, as a School Culture Aide at Brooke's Mattapan campus. Before coming to Brooke, Ms.Pimentel worked as a School Server at Conservatory Lab Charter Lower School with City Fresh.
Ms. Alssely Pimentel Pina
School Culture Aid
apimentelpina@ebrooke.orgMs. Alssely Pimentel Pina joined Brooke in 2023 as a School Culture Aid at Brooke Mattapan.
Mr. Tomas Tonry
Paraprofessional
tomas.tonry@ebrooke.orgTomas Tonry joined Brooke in 2024 as a Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Jocelyn Valencia
Paraprofessional
B.S., Fitchburg State University
jvalencie@brooke.orgJocelyn Valencia joined Brooke in 2022 as a Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Valencia was studying criminal justice at Fitchburg State University
Ms. Lyssette Valencia
Paraprofessional
B.S., Bridgewater State University
lvalencia@ebrooke.orgLyssette Valencia joined Brooke in 2021 as a Paraprofessional on the Brooke Roslindale Team, and is now serving at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. Valencia was a City Year Corps Member for two years.
Ms. Latanya Wright
Associate Dean
lwright@ebrooke.orgLatanya Wright joined Brooke in 2023 as a Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. She is now the associate dean.
Ms. Shaarai De Leon
Paraprofessional
sdeleon@ebrooke.orgShaarai De Leon joined Brooke in 2021 as an instructional support teacher at Brooke Mattapan. She is currently serving as a paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan. Before coming to Brooke, Ms. De Leon worked as a transporter at Faulkner Hospital.
Ms. Dixie Ortiz
Paraprofessional
dortiz@ebrooke.orgMs. Ortiz joined the Brooke Mattapan team in 2017 as a School Culture Aide. Prior to joining our team, Ms. Ortiz was a bus monitor for BPS Transportation and a Brooke parent! Her son joined our school in 2011 when Brooke Mattapan first opened and she has been part of our community since then.
Ms. Lashae Smith
Paraprofessional
lsmith@ebrooke.orgLashae Smith joined Brooke in 2024 as a Paraprofessional at Brooke Mattapan.
Ms. Nickie Martinez
Paraprofessional
nmartinez@ebrooke.orgNickie Martinez joined Brooke in 2024 as a Paraprofessional under the THRIVE Program. Prior to her arrival, Nickie has had more than 10 years of experience working alongside children.