StaffNew England Academy is staffed by a close-knit team of experienced educational and clinical professionals who share a commitment to helping students fulfill their potential. All staff members are certified by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and have a background in working with students with social and emotional disabilities.Administration Ryan Plosker, M.S., CAGS, Ed.D Ryan is the Executive Director and founder of New England Academy. Throughout his career, Dr. Plosker has worked to bridge the gap between psychology and education to meet the needs of students—from his clinical work at Children’s Hospital in Boston to his later work as a public school psychologist, school director, and special education administrator. Dr. Plosker shares his educational and clinical insights, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level. He has a B.S. in Psychology, a Masters and CAGS in School Psychology and completed his Ph.D. coursework from Northeastern University before completing his doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Massachusetts. Peggy Buscema, MSW, LICSW Peggy has over ten years of experience in the field of Social Work and has worked in a variety of settings. Beginning her career as a clinician at McLean-Franciscan Children's Hospital, she moved into the field of education as Clinical Director and Program Director of Essex Academy. She is a licensed School Adjustment Counselor and Supervisor as well as a Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Peggy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Villanova, and a Master’s in Social Work from Simmons College. Brian Jukins, MSW, LICSW Brian began his career as a counselor at Children’s Hospital, Boston. After two years at Children’s Hospital, he worked for six years as a school social worker prior to joining the New England Academy team. Brian has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Merrimack College and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Salem State College. He has completed post-graduate coursework and is certified in Adolescent Treatment through Boston University. Brian is a licensed School Adjustment Counselor, Principal, and Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Dale Dick, M.Ed. Dale graduated from St. Lawrence University with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Elementary Education. She spent six years working as a high school special education support teacher before earning her Master's degree in Moderate Special Needs. Dale is a licensed General Education teacher, K-8, a Special Education teacher, all levels, and a Special Education Administrator. Susan O'Brien, M.Ed., CAGS Susan has spent over thirty years as a Special Education Administrator in Massachusetts working both in private and public schools. Most recently, Susan was the Director of Pupil Services for the Andover Public Schools District. Susan has worked as a consultant to public and private schools and a program evaluator. Patti Bernheart, M.Ed., CAGS Patti has a B.A. in Psychology, and a Masters and CAGS in School Psychology. Patti is a licensed School Psychologist and Pupil Services Director. She has over 12 years of professional experience in the field of school psychology and education and has worked extensively in public and private school settings. Galadriel McPhail, MA Galadriel has over ten years of experience teaching general and special education teaching experience and curriculum development. Galadriel has worked as a Spanish, ELL and general curriculum teacher in both public and private school settings. Galadriel has a Bachelor's in Spanish and Secondary Education from Gordon College and a Masters of Arts in Applied Linguistics from University of Massachusetts.
Clinical Staff Karrah Briley, MSW, LICSW Karrah is a licensed Social Worker and School Adjustment Counselor. With a background in protective services, Karrah has significant experience working with children and adolescents in the community setting. She obtained her Master's degree from Salem State College. Michael Culp, MAT Michael received both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Richmond, in Virginia. He has been working with children and adolescents in a wide variety of academic, extra-curricular, and therapeutic settings for nearly 10 years. Michael consulted with New England Academy in the development of groups integrating social pragmatics and an improvisational theatre curriculum prior to joining the New England Academy team, as the Program Coordinator for the “Spotlight Program” in Danvers. Michael currently works with students for individual counseling and teaches a number of the school’s dramatic and film based extracurricular groups. Katie Giello, R.N. B.S.N. Katie began her career working in various acute-care medical settings caring for individuals of all ages. She has a passion for children and enjoys interacting daily with the students at New England Academy. Katie received her B.S. in Nursing from Salem State College and is a Massachusetts licensed Registered Nurse. Jamie Goudreau, M.A. Jamie received her Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University, and is a licensed School Guidance and School Adjustment Counselor. She has many years experience working in the school environment in this capacity, as well as in clinical settings, residential treatment facilities for teenage girls and residential programs for teenagers with Autism. Jamie facilitates a variety of art courses and the Women’s Studies elective. Jacky Hart, M.S., CCC-SLP Jacky completed her clinical training at MGH Institute of Health Professions where she received her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. Jacky is also a certified Reading Specialist and has worked in a variety of clinical and school settings. Jacky has a special interest in higher level language development, written expression, and social pragmatics. Sharon Hurley, M.S., CAGS Sharon is a licensed school psychologist and psychologist with a specialty in Neuropsychological evaluation. Sharon spent 8-years working in public schools as a school psychologist before earning her doctorate in Psychology. Sharon completed her post-doctoral training at North Shore Children’s Hospital with a clinical focus on the treatment of children and adolescents. Nicole Langbaum, M.A. Nicole is a licensed School Adjustment Counselor. Nicole received her BA from Duke University in Public Policy and went on to earn her Masters in Expressive Therapies, with a Mental Health Counseling specialization from Lesley University. Nicole has over 10-years of experience working with adolescents and families through a variety of community organizations. With a specialty in expressive therapies, Nicole focuses on integrating the arts into therapy. Jared Leaderman, MA, MT-BC Jared is a board certified music therapist who earned his Masters degree in music therapy and mental health counseling from Lesley University. Jared is currently working on his Ph.D. in International Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Jared began his career as an instrumental music director in both middle and high school settings and currently works with students individually for counseling, music therapy, and he teaches music electives. Jared currently sits o the Board of the Massachusetts Music Therapy Alliance. Joe Mageary, MA, LMHC Joe has a B.S. Psychology from Fitchburg State College and a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University. Joe is currently working on a Ph.D. in Transformative Studies through the California Institute of Integral Studies. Joe has experience with the Upward Bound program as well as a camp counselor at the Boston Center for Children with Diabetes. Prior to joining the team at New England Academy, Joe was the Director of Emergency Services at The Edinburg Center. Bonnie Swart, MA, ABSNP Bonnie has spent the last 10 years working with students with social/emotional needs across many age levels, abilities, and cultures. After completing her master’s degree in School Psychology from Alliant University in San Diego, California, she spent two years working as a school psychologist in public school before joining the New England Academy Team. Bonnie is a licensed School Psychologist in Massachusetts and California, a Licensed Educational Psychologist, and School Neuropsychologist through the American Board of School Neuropsychology. Cindy Veatch, MSW, LICSW Cindy has been working in the field of special education for over ten years. Prior to that she was an outpatient, mental health clinician and also worked in the fields of foster care and adoption. She has extensive group work experience as well as individual and family treatment experience. Cindy is an adjunct professor at Gordon College in the Social Work Department and a Field Educator for Salem State University. She has completed post graduate studies and is certified in Child and Adolescent Treatment through Boston University. Cindy is licensed as a School Adjustment Counselor and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Susan Warner, MSW, LICSW Susan has been working within clinical and school settings for over ten years. As a school-based social worker and community based therapist, she has a high level of expertise working with students with social and emotional disabilities. Prior to her school based experience, Susan worked extensively in residential treatment facilities and Early Intervention programs. She has completed post graduate studies and is certified in Child and Adolescent Treatment through Boston University. Susan is a Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Teachers Lisa Abramowski, B.A. Lisa graduated from Gordon College with a major in English Language, Literature and Mathematics. She was nominated for the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for her work in the classroom and with community agencies and spent time teaching in public schools before joining New England Academy. Abigail Adams, B.A. Abigail is a recent graduate of Gordon College with a double major in French and Secondary Education. She also completed academic studies at L’Institut d’Etudes Francaises pour Etudiants Etrangers. Abigail taught French in public school prior to joining NEA. She is a licensed French teacher, 5-12. Courtni Bolden, M.Ed. Courtni has been teaching in the field of special education for over 8 years. She has her certification in special education K-12, with Asperger’s disorder as a focus area of study. Courtni teaches English with a focus on fostering a love of literature and writing and becoming an independent learner. In addition, Courtni is a certified Smart Board trainer and incorporates the use of technology into class daily. Brian Boulger, M.Ed. Although Brian’s specialty is science, he has been teaching all core subjects for the past ten years in a variety of private school settings. Most recently, he worked as an educational administrator. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Education from the University of Vermont and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Study from the University of Memphis. Brian is licensed as a General Education and Special Education Teacher, as well as a Vice-Principal and Special Education Administrator. Christine Burke, B.A. Christine began her teaching career working in large public schools as a middle school English and History teacher in inner city Lawrence. Christine has a variety of teaching experiences in working with diverse populations of students and families. Christine received her Bachelor’s Degree in teaching from Gordon College. Katie Doherty, M.A. Katie has been with New England Academy since its inception, and before that she taught at a North Shore public high school. Katie's specialty is in English, although her passion and experience with special education students is what brought Katie to New England Academy. Previously, Katie has worked as a counselor for the "Spotlight" Program with students on the autism spectrum. Katie is a licensed English and Special Education teacher, and has a Master’s degree in English from Salem State University. Stanley Eaton, MAT Stanley is known as the "Science Master" as he has held his teaching license in almost every area of science including General Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Stanley taught for seven years in public schools before joining the NEA staff. He has a passion for teaching students with different learning styles. Stanley has a Bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and Master of Arts in Teaching from Marshall University and is licensed in Biology and General Science. Andrew Fondell, B.A. Andrew recently graduated from Gordon College with a double major in English and Secondary Education. He has worked with middle and high school students for years as a teacher, a tutor, a coach, and a camp counselor. Andrew completed his practicum in the Ipswich School District before coming to NEA. He is licensed to teach English in grades 8-12. John Gehan, M.Ed. John is a special educator with more than ten years of teaching experience. He has a Master's degree in Experiential Learning from Endicott College. John's strength is in organization and study skills and he is very creative in helping students understand challenging concepts. Kim Hildebrandt, M.S. Kim has been working in the field of special education for the past 7 years. She graduated from Gordon College with a degree in Secondary Education and English and completed her graduate degree at Simmons College with a masters degree in special education. Kim previously worked at the Landmark School where she specialized in teaching math to students with disabilities, trained new teachers and developed math curriculum. Nicole McKenzie, B.A. Nicole is an experienced Spanish teacher with over 10-years of public school teaching experience. During her years in public school, Nicole worked with a diversity of learners at all different language levels. Nicole has extensive travel and language experience. She has a passion for students understanding the linguistics of foreign languages and emphasizes culture and the use of conversational language. Kate Perry, M.S. Kate is a veteran public school special education teacher, having taught for four in the Quincy public schools as a resource room teacher. Kate earned her Master’s degree in Education from the State University of New York and her bachelor’s in Sociology, with a minor in Education, from Hobart and William Smith College. She is a licensed General and Special Education Teacher. Sarah Rouba, M.Ed. Sarah, a native Australian, graduated from Newcastle University and has taught both internationally and in the U.S for the past five years. Experienced in all levels, pre-k through 10th grade, Sarah is a licensed Elementary, K-8 teacher and Special Education teacher who completed her Master’s degree in Special Education at Endicott College. Kathy Strutt, M.Ed.. Kathy is a veteran teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience in both private and public schools. She has worked as both a special and general education teacher and is a licensed Special Educator. Kathy has a B.A. in Psychology from St. Anselm College and a Master’s degree in Moderate Special Needs from Boston University Greg Twombly, M.Ed. Greg spent the beginning of his teaching career in public schools working in the area of special education, as well as coaching high school sports. Greg has a B.A.S. in History and Secondary Education from Salve Regina University as well as a Master's degree in Special Education from Endicott College. He is licensed in both History and Special Education. Elizabeth Walsh, M.Ed. Elizabeth earned her Master’s degree in Teaching at DePaul University in Chicago and taught alternative education in the City of Chicago public Schools. She holds a B.A. in Political Science. In addition to her teaching experience, Elizabeth coaches varsity soccer, track and lacrosse. Thomas Walsh, M.Ed. Tom graduated from Trinity College with a major in Mathematics and Religion. He has been working with high school students for many years as a Track and Cross Country coach. Tom is a graduate student at Endicott College pursuing a Masters degree in Special Needs Education. He is a licensed Mathematics teacher.
Executive Support Staff Kellie Faulkner Kellie works directly with the Executive Director providing support in the area of admissions. Kellie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management. She brings a variety of experience to New England Academy ranging from health and human services to college admissions. Sarah McWhorter Sarah is at the center of communication for New England Academy. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from Elon University. Sarah is excellent at multi-tasking the staff and student needs throughout the day.
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