2024-25 Faculty & Staff

After arriving at Oak Meadow in 2019 and working in the Before and After Care Programs, the Summer Program and as a coach in the after-school soccer programs, Mya makes the natural transition to the role of Lead Teacher in the Beginners Program. Already a seasoned Assistant Teacher in the Beginners classroom,  Mya’s compassion, creativity, and love for teaching will continue to be an asset for this age group as she enhances her skills with Montessori training and embraces a long-term role at Oak Meadow.

Prior to coming to Oak Meadow, Mya worked a child care center with children from infants through pre-kindergarten. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and studying culinary arts, soccer, basketball and playing the piano. She loves creating art in any form as a creative outlet. To Mya, “Oak Meadow is a safe welcoming space where children and staff can feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring new ideas, cultures and interests in a constructive way.”

Dipika Bhavsar was born and raised in India. She immigrated to the United States in 2001 and earned citizenship status in 2018. After working at Keystone Montessori for nine years, she came to Oak Meadow in 2018. She first worked as a substitute and lunch assistant, and eventually accepted a position as an assistant teacher. She admires the way that Oak Meadow prepares children for whatever comes next in their journey and is proud to be part of that process! Dipika has two children of her own and has enjoyed watching them grow and develop over the years. Family time and gardening are some of her favorite activities.

Evan joined Oak Meadow in 2021. She is an EEC Infant, Toddler and Preschool Certified Teacher and is currently pursuing her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Education at Fitchburg State University. Prior to coming to Oak Meadow, Evan has been an Elementary Ed assistant teacher, a toddler and preschool teacher and a fitness instructor. As a new faculty member, she is very excited to be working in a school and a team “filled with passionate and supportive peers.” Evan underwent major spine surgery when she was only 13 years old. After a full and extremely successful recovery, her passion to be physically active truly took off – she enjoys running, hiking, spinning, paddle boarding and pilates. But to unwind, Evan loves cozying up with a good thriller novel.

Aura joins Oak Meadow this year as a Children’s House Assistant Teacher. She has been teaching for over 30 years, and her Montessori journey began 18 years ago at Lexington Montessori School, when she discovered her passion for Montessori in a Children’s House environment. Aura has since worked at a number of Montessori schools in the area, and she takes pride in her ability to deliver Montessori lessons in an authentic and meaningful way. Outside of work, Aura enjoys exercising, reading, long walks and chasing her dogs!

Amanda attended Fitchburg State University and received a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, with Minors in Early Childhood Education, English, and Diversities. She received her Montessori Training certification in the Infant/Toddler Program through the Cambridge Montessori Institute. Prior to joining the Oak Meadow team in 2018, Amanda worked as a pre-K teacher at Access Futures Early Childhood Learning Center. She finds Oak Meadow to be an incredible place to work. ”The staff and faculty are amazing, and the community that has been built over the years is just outstanding.” Outside of teaching, she loves reading, spending time with her friends and family and cuddling with her cat, Sammy. Amanda can also speak gibberish!

Although working at a Montessori school is a new experience for Andrea, she has plenty of experience with Children’s House age students after working as a preschool teacher for the past 12 years. Andrea is excited to learn more about the Montessori pedagogy and experience it first hand. Additionally, she brings a social emotional component to the classroom with a love for building relationships with children and their families. She enjoys connecting on a personal level and truly getting to know people. In alignment with her love for children, Andrea worked as a photographer at Disney World after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She was also a lifeguard and swim coach throughout high school and college.

For recreation, Andrea enjoys camping and hiking with her husband, spending time with nieces and nephews, watching and working on musicals, and reading. As a lifelong learner, she is also currently learning ASL!

Heather Krom joined Oak Meadow in 2022 to lead the newly added third Beginners Program classroom. Heather has lots of classroom experience having been a Co-lead Elementary teacher for ages 6-9 and Co-lead Preschool teacher for ages 2-4, as well as Lead teacher for early childhood, ages 3-6 and Lead Kindergarten teacher. Personal time includes reading, running, going to the beach and spending time with her twin daughters and yellow lab pup. She is proud to have run the famously daunting Boston Marathon. Heather is excited be part of the Oak Meadow community as an educator as well as a parent; she adds her twins to the Oak Meadow student roster! Heather has a M.A. in Early Childhood Education, a B.A. in Communications, and received her Montessori training certification (AMS Early Childhood 3-6) through Northeast Montessori Teacher Education Center.

Sushmita holds a Bachelors in Architecture from Anna University and a Masters in Architecture from University of Cincinnati. She received her Montessori training certification (AMS Early Childhood 3-6) through the Northeast Montessori Institute. Sushmita formerly volunteered on Oak Meadow’s Board of Trustees and was as a Children’s House Assistant Teacher. Prior to joining Oak Meadow, Sushmita worked as an architectural designer. She loves Oak Meadow for its “collaborative work environments, meaningful connections within the community and its rich learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and promote self-reflection and empathy.” She currently has two children in Oak Meadow’s Upper Elementary program. Outside of teaching, Sushmita enjoys Ayurvedic cooking and Indian classical music. She is also multilingual, speaking English, Hindi, and Tamil.

Kristin holds a B.S. in Biology from Bridgewater State University, and received her Montessori training certification (AMS Early Childhood 3-6) through Northeast Montessori Institute. Born in Massachusetts, she has two children, Oliver (13) and Zoe (10), a lab mix dog named Maizy, and is married to someone from England. Prior to joining Oak Meadow as a Children’s House Lead Teacher, Kristin worked as Director of Elementary School After School Program, a Toddler Teacher, and a Pre-K Teacher at A Place to Grow in Concord, MA. She feels truly grateful to now be a part of the Oak Meadow community. “I was hired to be a Children’s House teacher in 2015 and I am still ‘pinching’ myself in disbelief that I am working for such a wonderful school with a beautiful teaching philosophy. Oak Meadow is an extremely supportive community. I feel incredibly valued and supported as I grow as a person and a teacher. This supportive community feeling also extends to our children and families. Oak Meadow meets children where they are and supports their academics as well as their social emotional needs. Each child comes to us with a unique set of gifts that we nurture, as the child develops into the person that they are meant to be. How special to be a part of that process!” Outside of teaching, Kristin enjoys running, nature walks and spending time with family and friends.

Sarah holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies Teacher Licensure from Endicott College and received her Montessori training certification (AMS Elementary I 6-9) through Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative. Prior to Oak Meadow, she worked as a Meadow Breeze Camp Counselor. She joined Oak Meadow in 2014, moving from Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher to Lower Elementary Lead Teacher and eventually Program Coordinator. Her daughter is currently enrolled in the Children’s House Program. Outside of teaching, Sarah enjoys reading, going for walks and watching movies.

Natalie attended University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth where she earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts, with a minor in Elementary Education, as well as a M.A.Ed in Teaching (Professional MA State Licensure). She received her Montessori training certification (AMS Elementary I 6-9) through Montessori Center of the Rockies. Her son, Henry, attends Oak Meadow and is currently in Children’s House. “Oak Meadow is an extension of my family and home. It is a place where children grow academically and socially within an honest, caring environment, surrounded by dedicated teachers and staff who are invested in the whole child. Now more than ever, a small school setting is why I love working at Oak Meadow. A close knit faculty as well as small class sizes, multi-age classrooms and a spotlight on independent growth allows students to thrive. My own son began in the Beginners program and my husband and I cannot imagine him anywhere else. At Oak Meadow, he will never be lost in a vast ocean, but guided and loved in a small pond.” Outside of teaching, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, letterboxing, golfing, snowmobiling, going to the beach and yard work. And if she ever transitioned out of teaching, she would love to be a professional organizer!

Jennifer holds a B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Hispanic Studies from Connecticut College, as well as a M.A. Dept. of Early Childhood Education and Care (Certified ages 0-7). Previously, she worked at Concord Montessori School as Primary Class Spanish Teacher and Assistant Teacher. She joined the Oak Meadow community in 2012 and has been an Assistant Teacher in both Lower Elementary and Children’s House. She enjoys working at Oak Meadow because “fellow teachers, staff, students and the community are like family. I know I can go to any one of them, at any time, to get help, support, or a laugh if needed. I have worked in many different areas of the school, affording me the opportunity to get to really know the entire OMS staff, and most of the children and families. It means so much to me to have the opportunity to watch these children grow and blossom right in front of me, and to be able to keep my connection with them as they move up from year to year.” Jennifer also has Montessori roots, having attended a Montessori school from ages 3 to 7. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time on Cape Cod with her husband, two kids Jack and Sofie, and her dog Pippa. She has also been riding horses since age 6 and spends most of her free time at the barn. Jen is a BIG fan of ice cream and will travel far and wide to try new ice cream places!

Lisa holds a Masters Degree in Human Relations and Counseling from the University of Oklahoma and holds an Elementary teaching license in the State of Massachusetts. She has copious teaching experience through CASE Collaborative and most recently served as an Assistant and Long-Term lead teaching substitute for Littleton Public Schools.

Lisa is a teacher committed to getting to know each student and giving each student what they need and will be a great fit in a Montessori environment. We are confident that Lisa’s warm demeanor and her desire to build relationships with her students will make her a great support for our students and families and a great teammate for UE!

Ethan holds a B.S. in Sports Management from University of Massachusetts-Amherst, as well as a M.Ed. in Student Administration from Endicott College. Before joining the Oak Meadow community, Ethan worked as a long-term mathematics substitute at Littleton High School. He joined Oak Meadow in 2019 as an Upper Elementary Assistant and also coaches the Oak Meadow Otters in basketball. He enjoys working at Oak Meadow because “it is a special place, full of hard-working students, committed teachers, and nurtures a genuine love of learning.” Outside of teaching and coaching, he spends his time playing basketball, studying American History, swimming, boating and playing trumpet. (He has even played his trumpet onstage at Disneyworld!)

Courtney holds a M.S. in Language and Literacy Studies and a B.A. in Humanities and Elementary Education with a Minor in Theater, both from Wheelock College. She has been teaching in the elementary grades for almost 15 years, most recently in the Framingham Public Schools and at the Christa McAuliffe Charter School in Framingham. Her daughter will be joining her in the Upper Elementary Program as an incoming 5th grader. Courtney has 2 sisters, 2 daughters, 2 cats and 2 dogs! Outside of work, she enjoys reading and exploring new places with family and friends. She is also a certified Aerial Yoga teacher (yes, the kind of yoga where you hang upside down in a piece of fabric!) and loves to share this practice with others.

Mary holds a B.A. in English from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She came to Oak Meadow in 2020 as an Upper Elementary Assistant Teacher and Academic Technologist. Mary began her career working in marketing for several large personal computer companies before transitioning to advertising. After spending 15 years home with her children, volunteering in the schools (which led to an interest in education), she worked for 5 years as a science instructor at the Living Lab as part of the Westford Public Schools system before joining Oak Meadow. Outside of work, she enjoys bicycling, hiking, beekeeping and spending time with family and friends. When the pandemic hit and Oak Meadow went entirely remote, Mary decided to bike to each of her students’ houses to show how much she missed being with them at school – 18 students, 7 different towns and 150 miles of pedaling!

Christine brings her tremendous math talents to Oak Meadow’s Middle School Math Lab. In addition to her experience as a private math instructor, Christine has spent two decades in the publishing industry developing text books on math curriculum and K-12 education. She is an involved member of the OMMS community and former chair of OMPA. Both of her sons, Zachary (Class of ’22) and Theo (Class of ’25) are seasoned Montessori students having spent all of their primary and elementary years at Oak Meadow. Christine looks forward to engaging and supporting Oak Meadow’s Middle School students!

Outside of her work, Christine enjoys crafting, knitting, home-improvement projects, and taking the family dog on trail walks. One fun fact she shared about herself is that she was involved in competitive bowling as a young adult.

Lee Waterhouse began in his role as Oak Meadow’s Education Director in July 2022. With a willingness to jump in and help solve problems, Lee brings critical assets to his work in the Middle School. Having been to 43 U.S. states, Lee was well-traveled before arriving to Oak Meadow. He began his teaching career as an 8th grade English teacher in Mississippi before moving to Connecticut to teach 7th and 8th grade English. He moved to Lake Tahoe to teach middle school Humanities, an area that he loved and recommends that everybody visit. Just before Oak Meadow, he was at Cambridge Montessori School where he taught Middle School Humanities and served as their DEIJ Coordinator. One of his favorite activities is skiing: downhill, cross country, and more recently backcountry skiing. He loves hiking, spending time with family and friends, and rooting for all Boston sports teams. Lee has a B.A. in English from St. Michael’s College and a M.A. in English and American Studies from UMass Amherst.

We are so excited to have Kyle join our team of highly skilled teachers. Before coming to Oak Meadow, Kyle was providing Nature Program support at Oak Meadow through Mass Audubon. He is excited to move into a formal position where he will continue to develop a highly engaging and relevant Nature Program for our students. “I’m excited to continue exploring the Cobb trails and to cultivate a natural space for the students to grow together throughout our time here.” Armed with a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from UMass Amherst and currently working toward a Master of Arts in Education at Tufts University with a concentration in Environmental Education, Kyle is positioned to take Oak Meadow’s Nature Program to the next level!

Rounding out his portfolio, Kyle’s additional interests include community theatre with recent productions of The Sound of Music and Newsies, and prior experience as a gymnast.

Gaby holds a B.A. in International Business as well as a Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language. Prior to joining Oak Meadow in 2022, she has worked in the Littleton public schools, in customer service, and as an English teacher at a Montessori school in Mexico. Even though her degree is in business, she has always loved all things art-related, particularly photography, having also worked as a portrait photographer. To Gaby, Montessori means good memories and a peaceful place to thrive: “My children’s best six years were in a Montessori School.”

Raena Nelson officially joins the Oak Meadow Staff and Faculty, already a seasoned member of the Oak Meadow community. She established herself as a steady force working in the After Care and Auxiliary Programs and subbing in the classrooms. She has served as Cross Country Coach and as the Coordinator for the newly launched Destination Imagination Team. In her role as Physical Education teacher, she looks forward to encouraging a positive PE culture in our community and is excited to support our students in their fitness efforts.

Raena is currently in her senior year at Fitchburg State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science with a Clinical Exercise Physiology Concentration. In her spare time, she enjoys road trips, reading, and hiking.

Steve holds a B.A. in Asian Studies from Vassar College, a M.M. in Musicology from New England Conservatory of Music, and a M.A. in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University. Prior to joining the Oak Meadow community in 2008, he worked as an opera singer, voice teacher, college lecturer, and arts administrator, and has lived in Thailand and Germany. His two children both attended Oak Meadow. Steve is “particularly excited about the many ways in which our students are empowered to thrive in the performing arts. The school has a deep commitment to supporting students in identifying and developing their individual passions across every avenue of the curriculum.” Outside of teaching, Steve coached Oak Meadow’s cross-country team for many years, and enjoys trail running, language study, instrument building, writing plays, and composing classical and jazz music. Recordings of his recent art song settings of poems by Rainer Maria Rilke and W.B. Yeats may be heard on his YouTube channel, where you may also see a few of the many unique homemade musical instruments he has created.