The faculty and staff members at Boston Green Academy are looking forward to an exciting second year – and we’re proud to tell you more about each of them!
Jeffrey Liberty – Headmaster
Jeff Liberty is the Headmaster and the Lead Founder of Boston Green Academy. He formerly served the students and families of the Boston Public Schools as the Headmaster of Parkway Academy of Technology and Health, as an Assistant Headmaster at Boston Community Leadership Academy, as a Boston Principal Fellow at Community Academy of Science and Health, and as a teacher at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and Fenway High School. Mr. Liberty also lived and worked in Sao Paulo, Brazil for four years as a History teacher. A product of the Boston Public Schools from kindergarten through graduation, he attended Brandeis University as an undergraduate and Emerson College and the University of Massachusetts/Boston for graduate school. Mr. Liberty recently celebrated his tenth wedding anniversary and is the father of two beautiful children.
Abdi Ali – Humanities Teacher
Abdi Mohamed Ali serves Boston Green Academy as one of our humanities teachers. He begins his 19th year of teaching in the Boston Public Schools. His career began at Boston Latin Academy. He was a founding faculty member of Boston Arts Academy in 1998. He holds a doctorate in education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and degrees from Boston University and UMass/Boston. He has two children, Amalia and Amir,
and he lives in Roxbury.
Melody Anderson – Cluster Substitute & College English Teacher
Melody Anderson is BGA’s Cluster Substitute and teaches College English. Before Boston Green Academy, Ms. Anderson taught “The Art of Literature” at UMass Boston. She double majored in Communications and English at Eastern Nazerene College and received her Masters degree in English Literature from UMass Boston. When Ms. Anderson is working, she enjoys running, soccer, and snowboarding.
Stephanie Antoniou - ESL Teacher website
Stephanie Antoniou coordinates and teaches ESL at Boston Green Academy. She also teaches Introductory Psychology. Before coming to BGA, she taught ESL at the English High School. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and her Master’s degree in Education at Boston University. Besides working with her amazing students, Stephanie loves to read and play the guitar and piano.
Camden Bahamon – Special Education Teacher
Mr. Bahamon teaches 10th grade Humanities, 9th grade Foundations, and social skills and various subjects in the multidisciplinary room. He grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts and previously taught Algebra at New Mission High School and Charlestown High School in their programs for students with autism spectrum disorders. Mr. Bahamon went to Wesleyan University where he received his Bachelor’s degree and obtained his Master’s of Education degree from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He currently lives in Roxbury and in his free time he enjoys playing sports like basketball and soccer, exercising, or exploring on adventures with the family. He also has a passion for drawing and bike riding.
Willnetta Ball – Chemistry Teacher
Willnetta Ball teaches chemistry at BGA. Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Ball was an atmospheric chemistry researcher at the University of Maryland, College Park and worked in the American Indian Environmental Office at the US Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C. Ms. Ball, who is originally from New York City, began her teaching career through the New York City Teaching Fellows Program and taught chemistry for 5 years in a New York City public high school. Ms. Ball received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Rutgers University in New Brunswick New Jersey, her Masters Degree in Chemistry from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and her Masters Degree in Education from Pace University in New York City.
Malika Benchekribou – Psychology & Humanities Teacher
AT BGA, Malika Benchekribou teaches Psychology and Humanities courses. Malika, born and raised in Wisconsin, moved to Boston in 2006, where she completed her degree in English from the University of Massachusetts- Boston. She holds an ELA teaching license, and prior to joining the BGA team, Malika completed her internship at Fenway High School working as a 12th grade Humanities teacher. Malika has also enjoyed working with Sociedad Latina as an ELL and ELA teacher. When she is not working, Malika spends her time reading, practicing yoga, playing tennis, and traveling and going to concerts with her husband.
Mary Callaghan – Development Coordinator
Mary Callaghan coordinates the development initiatives of Boston Green Academy, working with individuals, corporations and foundations to raise funding to support the school’s mission. She also coordinates the school’s outward-facing identity through the website, communications, media outreach and events. Mary comes to BGA with 7 years of experience in development, PR and marketing, most recently with Boston Children’s Hospital. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Boston College, and spends her time outside of school with her friends and family, running, reading and playing tennis less often than she would like.
Jim Cefalo – Special Education Paraprofessional
Jim Cefalo is a Special Education Paraprofessional at Boston Green Academy, working in the multidisciplinary room. Mr. Cefalo has been working with youth since he was 22-years old and still loves every minute of it. A native of the Boston, Saugus, and Malden area, he enjoys going to the movies, long walks on the beach, fixing things, singing, spending time with family and friends.
Derrick Dambreville – Special Education Paraprofessional
Derrick Dambreville is a Special Education Paraprofessional at Boston Green Academy where he co-teaches with Kathryn Decker in the Multidisciplinary Program. Prior to becoming part of the BGA community, Mr. Damreville worked at the John Marshall Elementary School in the Special Education Program. Born and raised in Dorchester, he is graduated from Fenway High School and is currently working on his Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science. When Mr. Damreville is not working with students, he enjoys playing basketball, videogames, and working out.
Habiba Davis – Director of Student and Family Engagement
Habiba Davis works with staff and parents to increase family engagement with the goal of increasing student achievement. Habiba is a native of Brooklyn, New York but has been a longstanding, proud resident of the Roxbury and Jamaica Plain community. She has and continues to be a part of various community boards and enjoys hanging out with her 8 year old twins. Prior to coming to BGA Habiba served as the Director of a BPS transitional school in Roxbury and as the Director of Community Services with the Department of Youth Services. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in Human Service at the University of Massachusetts, Master’s degree in School Administration at Cambridge College; and has graduate credits from Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. Habiba’s first love is her family, second love is working with students and families from urban communities.
Ryne Deckard – Director of Technology
Ryne serves as the Director of Technology. Before coming to BGA, Ryne was the Director of Technology for Advantage Academy in Duncanville, TX. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media and a Concentration in Theology from Evangel University in Springfield, MO. When not working, Ryne loves exploring new places with his wife, crawling on the floor with his infant son, and watching his beloved, hometown St. Louis Cardinals win more World Series Rings.
Kathryn Decker – Multidisciplinary Lead Teacher
Kathryn is the lead teacher for the multidisciplinary team and serves our students with moderate to severe special needs. Before BGA, she worked in Arlington Public Schools and Los Angeles Public Schools. She is originally from Rochester, New York. She has her Master’s degree in Special Education from California State University Domiguez Hills, but is currently pursuing her Ed.S from Bay Path College in Severe Special Needs, as well as her BCBA certification. When she is not working she enjoys rowing, and spending time with her dog.
Trinity Diggs – Special Education Paraprofessional
Trinity Diggs is a paraprofessional at Boston Green Academy and works in the multidisciplinary room. Originally from Brockton, Massachusetts, Ms. Diggs has been working with kids for about 10yrs. She attended Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia and studied mass media with a concentration in radio/ television and a minor in music. When she is not working at BGA, she loves to write, draw and spend lots of time outdoors.
Megan Dupuy – Data Manager, AmeriCorps VISTA
Megan Dupuy serves as the Boston Green Academy Data Manager as an AmeriCorp VISTA Member. She assists the Director of Technology and other staff in compiling and analyzing data to help further Boston Green Academy’s mission and goals. Megan, originally from Connecticut, graduated from Boston College with a degree in Environmental Geoscience. She has worked as a Research Assistant at Boston College as well as with the Overnight Programs and Summer Courses at the Museum of Science. In her free time, she loves to learn about the history of Boston, swim, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Kathy Ennis – Staff Mentor and Guidance Support
Kathy Ennis has just begun mentoring teachers and providing guidance support at the Boston Green Academy after spending last year working in development at WriteBoston and tutoring at The English High School. From 2001-2010, Kathy was Executive Director of Primary Source, where she worked to broaden the organization’s reach both geographically and programmatically. With the goal of increasing the global awareness of K-12 students, she developed 50 formal partnerships with schools and school districts. Before directing Primary Source, Kathy was a teacher of English, history, and the humanities at Needham High School and the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science, where she designed an interdisciplinary humanities curriculum. In her spare time, she eats good food, goes to the theater, watches movies, and takes long walks.
Joseph Esposito – Special Education Paraprofessional
Joseph Esposito works in the Multidisciplinary Program as one of Boston Green Academy’s Special Education Paraprofessionals. Prior to joining our BGA staff, Mr. Esposito was a building substitute at the Gavin Middle School in South Boston beginning in 2001. Before that, he taught French in Whitman, Massachusetts as well as was French and Spanish teacher at St. Mary Regional High School in Lynn, Massachusetts. He has been in the education field for nearly 36 years and counting.
Justin Garvey – Special Education Teacher
Justin Garvey works as a teacher in the multidisciplinary classroom helping students increase the functional life skills and academic skills to the best of their abilities. He worked with students with multiple disabilities over the past 15 years in the classroom settings, therapy settings, afterschool programs, and as a respite care provider. Justin is originally from Maryland and made the move up to Massachusetts five years ago to live closer to his lovely wife’s family. He study special education at Towson University in Baltimore Maryland and received a Bachelor of Science degree in special education. When Justin is not teaching he loves spending time with his wife and children.
Anna Stanger Golden – Special Education, Math & Science Teacher
Anna Stanger Golden is the Special Education teacher of Biology, Environmental, Algebra, and Geometry. Anna is on the Board of Directors at BGA as well as the Leadership Team. She received her undergraduate degree in political science and her Masters in Special education both at Simmons College to which she has much allegiance. Anna is about to begin her fifth year teaching; the first three were spent at City on a Hill near Dudley. When not working, which happens infrequently, Anna is DIY crafting, playing guitar badly, hiking, eating cheese and other goodies, or just hanging out with her family.
Brian Gonsalves – Director of Student Support Services and Dean of 9th Grade
Brian Gonsalves is responsible for the coordination and supervision of the Student Support Team that include a student support counselor, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator and Community Field Coordinators and Clinical interns. He was formally the Director of Student Support Services at Boston Evening Academy from 2008 -2011 and a Student Support Counselor from 1995-2008 at Fenway High School. Brian is a licensed Independent Social Worker and a graduate from the Boston College School of Social Work. Brian is a sports enthusiast and enjoys outdoor activities in his spare time.
Grant Gary – Mathematics Teacher
Grant Gary is a Mathematics Teahcer at BGA as well as an international man of mystery. He has traveled to over 22 countries as a member of the CIA . His cover as a school teacher in South Boston was blown after he lost a wrestling match with an aggressive Polar Bear in the outskirts of Antarctica while collecting intelligence on a covert Russian Base. He now spends his mild mannered days disguised as a Math teacher who enjoys silly past times such as climbing volcanoes, learning how to survive avalanches, and Teaching his students about the 5th dimension.
Lucas Hall – Library Teacher http://www.hellolibrary.org/
Lucas Hall runs the school library & its programs for BGA students, staff, and families. Before coming to BGA in 2011, he was a Literacy, Humanities, and special education teacher for six years at Fenway High School in Boston. He holds a Master of Science in Library and Information Science / School Media from Syracuse University, a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University, and a B.A. in American Studies from Tufts University. In his free time, he walks, reads, swims, and hangs out with two-legged and four-legged friends.
Kaitlin Harris – Communications Manager, AmeriCorps VISTA
Kaitlin Harris serves as the Boston Green Academy’s Communication Manager AmeriCorps VISTA. She assists the Development Coordinator in establishing and maintaining partnerships, and developing fundraising strategies to support the school’s students, staff, and mission. Additionally, Kaitlin maintains the school’s website, community outreach, and media efforts. Kaitlin is coming to BGA after giving a year of service with City Year Boston where she served at the Burke High School in Dorchester; she is serving a second year as an AmeriCorps volunteer at BGA. Kaitlin hails from Orange, Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Biology. When she’s not working at BGA she enjoys climbing mountains, bird watching, watching Star Trek reruns, and napping.
Reverend Shaun O. Harrison – Community Coordinator
Reverend “Rev” Harrison is a founding member of Boston Green Academy. Rev currently works as a Community Coordinator, supporting teachers and students around behavior management concerns and disciplinary issues. Rev facilitates several Anger Management and Young Men’s groups at BGA every year. Prior to working at BGA, Rev worked as the In-School Suspension Coordinator for Odyssey High School. Rev earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Springfield College and is also a certified Mediator through the Peace Builder’s Institute. When not working to support the students of BGA, Rev runs a gang outreach program called Operation Project GO, enjoys reading and walking.
JoAnne Hawkes – Staff Assistant
Ms. Hawkes is the Head Staff Assistant at Boston Green Academy. Before joining the BGA staff she was the secretary for Odyssey High School for six years. A fun fact about Ms. Hawkes: she was born and raised in South Boston and has played volleyball for over 30 years. She currently plays on a coed team who has won the championship five out of the last six years. When Ms. Hawkes is not working, she enjoys going on family vacations.
Kelly Hawkes – Paraprofessional
Kelly Hawkes is a paraprofessional in several special education math and English classrooms. Before working for BGA, she was a long-term substitute teacher at Excel High School, part of the South Boston Educational Complex. Ms. Hawkes has lived in South Boston, Massachusetts her whole life. She studied at the University of Massachusetts Boston and earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Studio Art and subsequently her Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, specializing in English Language Arts. When she’s not working, Ms. Hawkes likes to play volleyball and work on her paintings, which focus on realistic land and seascapes.
Elise Herrig – Social Work Intern, Boston College
Elise Herrig is a Social Work Intern at Boston Green Academy. She is in her first year of graduate studies at Boston College and is interested in a career working in schools. Before coming to BGA, she studied infant and child cognition. She loves playing percussion, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Tra’Neal Holloman-Rodgers – Special Education, Math & Science Teacher
Ms. Rodgers teaches Math and Science to 11th and 12th grade students with Individual Education Plans for Moderate Disabilities. Before she was selected as a staff member of BGA, she had the pleasure of teaching and learning with students and staff at The Engineering School in the old Hyde Park Education Complex for 3 years. Ms. Rodgers was born raised in Boston and has 14 years of experience supporting urban youth and families. Before studying education, she was in the field of social work and served as a Family Support & Stabilization Worker. There Ms. Rodgers supported the social-emotional needs of youth and families, provided referral services, and helped families build their support networks. She loves supporting the needs of her own family when she’s not in school or lesson planning and she loves sharing family time, taking road-trip adventures, and making positive contributions in her community.
Matt Holzer – Assistant Headmaster
Matt Holzer supports and coordinates the academic program at Boston Green Academy and helped to design and launch BGA as a member of the Founding Group. He most recently served as the Program Director for Humanities and Humanities Curriculum Coach for the Boston Public Schools, and taught high school for nine years in New York City and San Francisco. Matt earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Brown University and his Master’s degree in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. When not working to build BGA, Matt’s fabulous spouse and two amazing daughters are nice enough to accompany him on adventures.
Natalie Jaeger – Director of Special Education
Natalie Jaeger is the Director of Special Education Services at Boston Green Academy. Before helping to found BGA, Natalie was a special education teacher at Fenway High School for 7 years. She received her Masters in Education from UMass Boston and Masters in School Administration from Simmons College. When she is not working Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids, dog and cat at their home in Lynn.
Matthew Johnston – Spanish Teacher www.johnstonbga.
Matthew Johnston is from Charlestown, graduated from Fenway High School in 2000, and went to college at George Washington University in D.C. He majored in Spanish Language & Literature, studied in Sevilla, España and graduated in 2004. He quickly moved to Puerto Rico and worked in a hotel. Soon, he met his future wife, Ela. Later, they had a daughter, Victoria Sofía, in San Juan. They decided to move to Boston to have access to excellent education and healthcare, and to be close to his family. In 2008, he ran into a former Fenway teacher, who asked him to join his team to open a new school in Boston. After five years of hard work, the school opened. This is now your school: Boston Green Academy.
Felicia Jordan – Foundations of Literacy 1 Teacher
Felicia Jordan is one of Boston Green Academy’s 9th grade Foundations of Literacy teachers. She is a West Indian American and the first generation in her family to graduate from college. Before teaching at BGA, she taught 7th grade English Language Arts at Smith Leadership Academy, 7th grade Reading at Boston Preparatory Charter Public School, 9th and 11th grade College English at Urban Science Academy, and 12th grade Journalism. Outside of BGA, Ms. Jordan is a home and health aid, a hair stylist, and a visual artist.
Lauren Kelton – LCSW Student Support Counselor
Ms. Kelton is a founding social worker at Boston Green Academy. In her role as student support counselor, Ms. Kelton supports the social-emotional needs of students and works closely with families and community providers to make sure that each student has a network of support to help them achieve academic success. Prior to her arrival at BGA, Ms. Kelton worked for the city of Boston for over 10 years performing social work in various capacities, always with children and families. Ms. Kelton earned her Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Spanish from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia and her Masters degree in Social Work from Salem State College. When not working to support the students and families of BGA, Ms. Kelton enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling.
Aparna Lakshmi – Humanities Teacher
Aparna Lakshmi teaches 11th grade Humanities at Boston Green Academy, and this will be her fourth year teaching in the Boston Public Schools. Aparna has previously worked at The City School and Spontaneous Celebrations, and she completed her pre-practicum at The Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights, Queens and the Boston Arts Academy. Her favorite novel is Cereus Blooms at Night.
Casey Leonard – Math Teacher website
Casey Leonard teaches Advanced Algebra and AP Calculus at Boston Green Academy. She also serves as a senior advisor. Prior to the opening of BGA, she taught 9th grade math at The Engineering School in Hyde Park as well as various mathematics and computers classes in the San Francisco Unified School District. Outside of school, Ms. Leonard loves to run road races and practice yoga.
Malvina Libsch – Mathematics Teacher
Mrs. Libsch currently teaches Algebra I at BGA and is originally from Liberia, West Africa. For the last year and a half, she worked at Tech Boston Academy, more recently teaching high school math. Mrs. Libsch received a dual Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Gerontology, then a Masters degree in Education from UMASS Boston. She has worked many years as a Social Worker for the state of MA and later an elementary school teacher for the city of Boston. When not working, Mrs. Libsch loves reading, watching movies and socializing!
Mary Linehan – Dean of Students
Mary Linehan functions as the Dean of Students at Boston Green Academy and handles all the discipline issues that arise. In addition, Ms. Linehan holds parent, teacher, and student conferences. She coaches volleyball, junior varsity basketball, and varsity softball. Before BGA, Ms. Linehan had the same position at Odyssey High School. She received her Bachelors of Science in Human Development with a minor in Education from Lesley College. When she’s not working, Ms. Linehan likes to go to the beach, travel, and play golf.
Reginald Loving – Community Coordinator
Regi is a founding member of Boston Green Academy. After starting out as a paraprofessional in BGA’s multidisciplinary program, Regi transitioned into his current role as a Community Coordinator. In this role, Regi supports students and teachers around behavior management concerns, disciplinary issues and also acts as a mentor to many of our students. When not in school, Regi is always on the go; he enjoys spending time with friends and family and relaxes by listening to a variety of music.
Lucía Mandelbaum – Humanities Teacher https://sites.google.com/site/
Lucía Mandelbaum the Humanities 1 teacher and co-teacher of the Latino Student Association. Prior to realizing her passion for teaching, Lucía worked for several years making documentary films. Most recently, she spent two years at Fenway High School teaching Humanities and Spanish. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Clark University and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Tufts University. When she’s not at Boston Green Academy, you can find her enjoying a burrito at Anna’s Taqueria, or going on adventures with her friends and family.
Kelly McGavin – Biology Teacher
Kelly McGavin teaches biology at Boston Green Academy. Prior to coming to BGA, Ms. McGavin taught within the Fitchburg Public Schools for 9 years, most recently at Fitchburg Alternative High School. Kelly studied psychology and biology at Connecticut College, and earned her Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration at Boston College. When she is not in the classroom, Ms. McGavin enjoys being outdoors, running, making jewelry and spending time with her dog.
Virginia McNally – AP Environmental Science Teacher
Ms. McNally teaches both AP Environmental Science and sophomore Environmental Science at Boston Green Academy. She most recently taught Biology at Newton South High School and has taught high school and middle school science for 11 years. Ms. McNally earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her Masters degree in Science from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In August 2012, Ms McNally traveled to Kyoto, Japan with two BGA students to attend the Kyoto Sister City Youth Conference on Environmental Sustainability. These two students presented an outstanding PowerPoint slideshow on the Boston Harbor cleanup to a delegation of nine countries and over 150 people. Ms. McNally also holds accreditation as a licensed and registered dietitian (nutritionist) and shares this expertise with her students. When Ms. McNally is not teaching, planning and developing exciting projects and partnerships, she spends time with her teenage son and daughter and her patient and supportive husband.
Julian A. McNeil – Mathematics Team Facilitator
Julian serves as the mathematics team facilitator and a classroom teacher. He was awarded a Focus on Mathematics Teacher-Leader Fellowship for the 2012-2013 school year. Outside of the classroom, Julian enjoys leading the Historically Black College and University Ambassador Program and the Gay-Straight Alliance. Julian previously taught at the Imhotep Institute Charter High School in Philadelphia, PA. He earned a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Hampton University. Julian loves traveling, shopping, and listening to music.
Alcindo Monteiro – Learning Center Paraprofessional
Aclindo serves as one of BGA’s Learning Center Paraprofessionals and works closely with Ms. Simmoms. He worked for about two years as a Youth Worker at Catholic Charities Teen Center and graduated from Umass Dartmouth with a Bachelors degree in Finance. A fun fact about Alcindo: he was born in Cape Verde. When he’s working, he enjoys playing soccer, basketball and football as well as spending time with my nieces and nephew.
Victoria Nasanga – Social Work Intern, Simmons College
Victoria Nasanga is a Social Work Intern at Boston Green Academy. Ms. Nasanga is studying social work at Simmons Graduate School of Social Work where she also received her undergraduate degree in psychology. Ms. Nasanga has experience in direct care services and plans to continue a career in this field. Originally from Boston, she enjoys listening to music, dancing, and thrifting.
Marisa Olivo - Foundations of Literacy 2 Teacher
Marisa Olivo presently teaches tenth grade language and literature. Before joining the BGA, Marisa taught English literature courses at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School (2006-2012). Marisa has additionally taught Special Education in Rhode Island and Massachusetts (2001-2006). She earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Psychology from the University of Connecticut (2001) and her Master of Arts in Secondary English Education from the University of Rhode Island (2009). When she is not working, Marisa enjoys going for runs, practicing yoga, reading, and spending time with friends and family, especially her Goddaughter Avery.
Heather Otero – Social Work Intern, Simmons College
Heather Otero is a Social Work Intern at Boston Green Academy. She is in her second year of the extended Masters of Social Work program at Simmons College. Before BGA Heather worked in sales and advertising. She decided to make a career change in 2012 and began taking social work courses in the evenings at Simmons. Heather grew up in Lincoln, Massachusetts and has lived in South Boston for the past five years. When not working at BGA or busy with schoolwork, Heather is an avid runner and will be running the Boston Marathon for the first time this April. She also loves to bake, cook, paint, ski and spend time with family and friends.
Johanna Pena – Community Coordinator
Johanna Pena serves Boston Green Academy as a Community Coordinator. Born in New York City and raised in Boston she is a proud Boston Public School graduate. Ms. Pena has been working closely with youth ages 10-19 in the Boston community for over 10 years where she helps guide and coach young adults to make smart choices that will benefit their future and make it a successful one. She is also a mother of a happy and energetic three-year-old little boy. When she is not serving students, her hobbies include writing, singing and working out.
Vicky Rivera – Director of College and Career Counseling
Vicky Rivera assists students in preparing for their futures beyond high school graduation – from applying to colleges and for financial aid to exploring career options to discovering exciting summer opportunities, Ms. Rivera supports BGA students in attaining their dreams. Originally from Lynn, Massachusetts, Vicky returned to her roots in January of 2012 to join the Boston Green Academy community after having worked in College Counseling at Ransom Everglades School in Miami, Florida and previous to that being the Founding Director of College Counseling at Gateway High School in San Francisco, California. Vicky graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in American Civilization, concentrating on race relations in the United States, in particular to Latinos. Outside of BGA, Vicky adores spending time with her soccer-fanatic husband, playing with her daughter and running after her 1-year-old son.
Jennifer Salazar – Humanities Teacher
Jennifer Salazar designs and teaches Humanities curricula for sophomores at Boston Green Academy. In addition, she co-teaches the Latino Student Association as a support & enrichment course. Jennifer, a native of New York City and a proud Yankee fan (yes, she knows she lives in Boston now), moved to Massachusetts for school. She attended Wheaton College as a Posse Scholar for her undergraduate degree, there she attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. She continued her education by enrolling at Tufts University as a member of the Urban Teacher Collaborative program, this allowed her to co-teach 12th grade Humanities and 11th grade Spanish at Fenway Pilot High School. While at Fenway she learned about a brand new school opening in the district, Boston Green Academy, and she took a shot and didn’t look back. When she’s not in the classroom, Jennifer enjoys photography, art, literature, the beach, exploring small New England towns and sleeping.
Ms. Santiago – Spanish Teacher
Ms. Santiago teaches Spanish II to sophomores, juniors and seniors at Boston Green Academy. Ms. Santiago, a native of Puerto Rico, moved to Massachusetts as a junior in high school. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Sociology with a minor in Latin American Studies from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She is currently working on her M. Ed. at the secondary level at the University of Massachusetts-Boston. She started as an intern in the Academy of Public Service at the former Dorchester Educational Complex, after that she continued teaching at Monument High School and Excel High School at the South Boston Educational Complex. Before deciding to go into teaching Ms. Santiago was a paralegal at a small law firm in downtown Boston. When she is not in the classroom she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and traveling.
Alicia Scott – Special Education & Humanities Teacher
Alicia Scott teaches 11th and 12th grade Humanities and Journalism at Boston Green Academy. She is currently in her 2nd year of teaching at Boston Green Academy. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History at Georgian Court University and her Master’s degree in Education at the University of Massachusetts – Boston. She is also a graduate of the Boston Teacher Residency Program, serving her residency at Fenway High School. While not teaching, Alicia loves to compete in sports, specifically volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and running. She also enjoys going to the beach, baking, and knitting.
Julian Scott – Director of Budget and Operations
Julian Scott serves as the Director of Budget and Operations at Boston Green Academy. Before finding himself at BGA, Mr. Scott was the Budget Analyst at Northeastern University where he obtained his Masters of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management; he received his undergraduate degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There he played football for the four years he attended while rooting for his favorite football team the Philadelphia Eagles. His ultimate career goal is to be the Commissioner of the National Football League. Mr. Scott originates from Connecticut where he grew up as the youngest of four siblings and when he’s not working at BGA, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and watching football games.
Chamberlain Segrest – Director of Green Programming
Chamberlain Segrest was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She then attended Tulane University and graduated with a double major in Ecological Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies. Following graduation she worked as a researcher in the mountains of Wyoming, an English Teacher in South Korea (she now loves Kimchi!), and a Science Teacher in Maine and New Orleans. In 2007 she moved to Boston, MA and worked for five years as the Director of Education at “e” inc., a nonprofit that works to bring science literacy and community action to schools and community centers in Boston. She is now thrilled to be the Director of Green Programming at Boston Green Academy where she helps the BGA community achieve their mission of environmental sustainability. When not working, Chamberlain loves playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, reading and skyping with her family in Alabama, Montana and Missouri.
Marc Seiden – Math Teacher
Marc Seiden currently teaches Geometry at Boston Green Academy. Before coming to BGA, Marc spent the previous two years at Brighton High School where he taught Biology, Geometry, and Physics and 10 years before that teaching various math and science courses at Boston Arts Academy. Marc’s favorite part about teaching is serving as an advisor to students. Marc earned his Masters degree in secondary education from Harvard Graduate School of Education and his Bachelors degree in Biology from University of Michigan. Outside of school, Marc enjoys reading, walking around Jamaica Pond, listening to music, and playing video games.
Eileen Shakespear – Associate for Teacher Development and Collaboration
Eileen Shakespear is currently Associate for Teacher Development and Collaboration at Boston Green Academy. In this role, she supports BGA teachers to think more deeply about the craft of their work, to examine and improve their practice. Though no longer teaching full time, she still loves the vitality, the human variety, beauty, and spunky spirit of city people and city schools. Eileen also works as a district/union coach for the Washington based National Education Association Institute for Teaching and Learning. Prior to BGA, Eileen taught English and Humanities in the Boston Public Schools for thirty five years, the last 25 at Fenway High School where she directed Project Week and co-built the Urban Teacher Training Collaborative with Boston Arts Academy and Tufts University. Eileen has an undergraduate degree in English from Boston College and a master’s degree in Education from the University of London, Institute of Education. She is also a Notional Board Certified Teacher. When she is not working, Eileen swims year round, does coffee shop research, talks and laughs with friends and family, reads good books, and enjoys good food and travel.
Maricel Sheets – Assistant Headmaster
Currently Maricel Sheets coordinate school culture & climate initiatives that support BGA students and faculty achieve the mission of the school. This school year is Ms. Sheets’s fourth year as a School Administrator serving with Boston Public Schools. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in History & African-American Studies from Simmons College. Additionally, she is well decorated with two Masters degrees: one being in Education, Policy & Management from Harvard Graduate School of Education and the other in Education Administration from Umass Boston. When Ms. Sheets is not working on BGA’s culture and climate initiatives, she enjoys laughing and having fun with her family at the movies, taking trips, and enjoying different events in and around Boston.
Laura Simmons – Learning Center paraprofessional
Laura Simmons is the learning center paraprofessional at Boston Green Academy. Prior to coming to Boston Green Academy, she worked at TechBoston Academy as a reading support teacher. Laura earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and is currently earning her Masters Degree in Special Education from Eastern Nazarene College. When not in the classroom, Laura enjoys working out, walking her dog and baking.
Alyssa Taglieri-Noble – Special Education Humanities Teacher http://ataglieribga.
Alyssa Taglieri-Noble teaches 9th and 10th grade Humanities and Foundations of Literacy at BGA. Alyssa grew up in the suburbs of Boston and has spent the last four years as a special and general education history teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Simmons College in Boston. When not working at BGA, Alyssa likes to spend time outside with her family, read, and make all sorts of crafts.
Erica Wilson – Physics and Engineering Teacher
Erica Wilson strives to immerse students in her Green Physics and Sustainable Engineering classes and in authentic problem-based learning experiences. Her students will graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to impact local and global environmental justice issues. This is currently her 11th year of urban teaching and her third year as senior adjunct Professor of Science at Cambridge College. She double majored in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University and earned her Masters in Science Education from Cambridge College. Outside of school, Erica enjoys spending time with her two beautiful daughters, traveling, and hosting exchange students.