2022-23 Faculty & Staff

Debbie joined the Beginners Program as an Assistant Teacher in 2020, but she has worked at Oak Meadow in various capacities since 2007. She holds a B.A. from S.U.N.Y and an M.S. in Audiology from Syracuse University. Debbie has worked as a Clinical Audiologist at Mass. Eye & Ear Infirmary and Lahey Clinic, as a Technician Safety Officer for Safety Partners, Inc, and as a Home Health Aide for Minute Women. Working at Oak Meadow is wonderful for Debbie, because she loves to watch the children grow in skills and self-confidence and see their excitement for learning. Outside of Oak Meadow, Debbie enjoys reading, swimming, crossword puzzles, beaches and lakes at any time of year and spending time with her adult son and daughter and 2 dogs. She has spent time in Costa Rica, working on a study of hearing loss in infants and setting up a hearing aid donation program. Debbie is also the Rummikub champion of her family!

Mya joins the Beginners team in 2021, but she has been at Oak Meadow since 2019, working in the Before/After Care Programs, the Summer Program and as a coach in the after-school soccer programs. Additionally, she will be the assistant coach for the Oak Meadow basketball team this winter. Mya is currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education.  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.”

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!

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 and a B.A. in Communications.

Sydney is currently pursuing her doctorate in Psychology. Before Oak Meadow, Sydney was an Assistant Teacher at Kindercare Daycare Center, a receptionist and paralegal at Moquin & Daley and a color assistant at Artistic Creations Salon. To Sydney, Oak Meadow means a sense of community and belonging. Joining Oak Meadow as a Beginners Assistant Teacher in 2019, Sydney enjoys working here because “it is a really positive, supporting environment for both children and teachers. This, as well as watching the children’s development, has made my time here incredibly enjoyable, and something I am very thankful for.” Outside of teaching, she enjoys writing and playing music, taking hikes or walks outside, researching for her psych degree and spending time with loved ones.

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!

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.

Amy joined the Oak Meadow team in 2021 as a Classroom Assistant, having also been a substitute for the school. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and is Pre-K -2 teacher certified, as well as ECE certified. She has previously worked at preschools in Arlington and Reading and also runs a small decorative cookie business from her home. Outside of work, Amy enjoys baking, photograph and traveling, but mainly spending time with her two children. She says that Oak Meadow has the most supportive team that she’s ever had the pleasure of working with. “The love and support that they give the children is beyond amazing!”

Sanaa holds a B.A. in Psychology and English from Bangalore University and has received her Montessori certifications through the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center (AMS Early Childhood 3-6) and the Indian Montessori Centre in Bangalore (AMI Early Childhood 3-6). Prior to joining Oak Meadow in 2012 as a Children’s House Lead Teacher, Sanaa taught at Keystone Montessori School. Sanaa enjoys working at Oak Meadow because “it is committed to a culture of mutual respect, and it values and facilitates social emotional learning for faculty and students alike. Oak Meadow is a second home to me.” Sanaa also has one child who graduated from Oak Meadow in 2019. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading and theatre.

Ashlyn holds a BA in Business Management from Simmons College. She joined Oak Meadow in 2020, starting in the After Care Program and recently becoming an Assistant Teacher in Children’s House. Prior to Oak Meadow, Ashlyn worked for many years as a Certified Childcare Assistant at a local daycare/preschool. “I was excited when an opportunity opened up for me to join Oak Meadow, as I have always been interested in the Montessori philosophy. Since starting here, I have been so impressed with the kindness, support and overall welcoming culture and community.” When not at school, Ashlyn enjoys being outdoors and travelling and can often be found on Cape Cod or in the White Mountains. She also loves spending time with her family and pets – including a cockatiel she rescued from the wild.

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.

Supriya holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and has been with Oak Meadow since 2014. She attended a Montessori school as a child, and has worked as a preschool teacher in India and an assistant teacher at Keystone Montessori School in Chelmsford, prior to joining Oak Meadow. Outside of work, Supriya is a makeup artist for classical Indian dance recitals and weddings. She enjoys being an events decorator for friends’ parties, and also likes to cook and to travel to historic places. She loves supporting and working with her Children’s House students.

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!

With a BS in Business Administration as well as a Master Certificate in non-profit Management and Paralegal certification, Linda Williams brings a variety of skills to the classroom. She has been a Director of Administrative Services and a Human Resources Manager and even owned a couple of her own businesses. Linda’s experience in an educational setting includes her role as a Paraeducator. She appreciates watching a child grow and develop while learning and is excited to join the Oak Meadow team where she can participate in providing learning opportunities for students. In her spare time, Linda loves antiquing, reading, watching movies, traveling, and baking.

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!)

David Mingolla joined the Upper Elementary team in the role of Teaching Assistant in August 2022. Before coming to Oak Meadow, David was a 7th grade English teacher at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury, MA and a 5th grade teaching assistant at Venerini Academy in Worcester, MA. David speaks fluent Italian, enjoys hiking, soccer, playing music, cooking, and writing and is excited to be leading the Oak Meadow Otters as our soccer coach. He is currently working towards a Masters in Secondary Education.

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!

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.

Maria holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Prescott College as well as a M.A. in Secondary Education in Earth Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. She came to Oak Meadow in 2019 as an Upper Elementary Assistant Teacher and is very excited for her son, Talon, to join the community as a Beginner in the fall of 2021. She loves working at Oak Meadow where “students grow a deep love of learning, discover their academic abilities, develop compassion for the world around them and find self-motivation.” Before coming to Oak Meadow, Maria worked as a STEM Middle School Teacher at Parker Charter School in Devens, MA. She also worked for Nature’s Classroom in various locations throughout New England. Prior to becoming a teacher, Maria was an ornithologist and worked for the National Audubon Society’s Project Puffin based on the coast of Maine. She spent three summers living on coastal islands, working with seabirds. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in her garden, caring for her chickens and preserving food. She also likes to explore local hiking trails, travel around the country camping and hiking, and is an avid yogi and reader.

Lori holds a B.A. in Anthropology with a Minor in Archaeology and Museum Studies from Hartwick College, as well as a M.S.T. in Social Studies (7-12) from SUNY Plattsburgh. Prior to Oak Meadow, she worked at St. Mary’s School in Ticonderoga, NY, teaching 5-8 Social Studies and 6-8 ELA. In college, she was able to travel to England, France and Germany, investigating museums, churches and iconic places in Europe such as Stonehenge, the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Louvre, Versailles, Neuschwanstein castle and Dachu concentration camp. This was a pivotal experience for her, in that it solidified her love of world culture and the desire to share that with other people. Lori joined the Oak Meadow community in 2015 as a Middle School Humanities Teacher and Program Coordinator. Her daughter, Maggie, attended Oak Meadow for 7th and 8th grade and graduated in 2019. Lori enjoys working at Oak Meadow because “it is a school about relationships. When I first walked through the door, I was struck by the warmth and welcoming spirit of the school. The core of an excellent academic program is the relationships that are built between teacher, student, and parent. We are a team!” Outside of teaching, she loves to read and spend time with her family.

Beatriz holds a B.A. in Communication with a Minor in Foreign Languages from University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Prior to joining Oak Meadow in 2010 as a Spanish Teacher, she has worked as a translator and interpreter. She also worked in marketing for USAID in Bolivia, the tool cutting and pharmaceutical industries in Germany and taught Spanish at Milton Academy. Beatriz is a member of Oak Meadow’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force and served on the COVID-19 Task Force. She enjoys working at Oak Meadow because “it feels like a family, learning and growing together in a real, holistic child-centered way.” Beatriz’ son, Nicolas, attended Oak Meadow from 2012-2016. Outside of teaching, Beatriz enjoys woodworking, ceramics, travelling, working out, reading and spending time with friends and family. She speaks five languages and has lived in four countries. A thief once stole her wallet on a bus, but she jumped off the bus, ran after him, and caught him!

Tim holds a B.A. in History from the University of New Hampshire and a M.Ed. in Teaching and Curriculum from Fitchburg State University. Prior to joining the Oak Meadow community in 2014 as a Middle School Math Teacher, Tim worked for 10 years in the Lowell Public School system teaching middle school math. He also spent five years as a Mutual Fund Analyst and worked at The British Museum in London, England. Tim enjoys working at Oak Meadow because “it is a special place where learning and growing as a young person is not only the mission or goal, but the reason we are all here.” He is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada and has also lived and worked in 3 countries and traveled through more than 13 countries. He has a wife, two children (13 and 9 yrs), and a brother who lives in Australia. Outside of teaching, Tim enjoys sailing, home projects and spending time with his family.

Stephen holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Lesley University. Prior to joining Oak Meadow, he worked as a teacher and naturalist at another Montessori school and was Education Coordinator at Mass Audubon for 14 years. He came to Oak Meadow in 2014 as our Naturalist and a summer program lead instructor. To Stephen, Oak Meadow means a strong, growing and nurturing community, full of spirit and imagination. He enjoys working here because it allows him to share the message of the magic of nature. Outside of teaching, he spends his time camping, practicing primitive living skills, gardening and foraging. Stephen is also a certified Permaculture Designer.

Catherine holds a B.A. in Art & Art History from Kenyon College, and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Lesley University. She has been an Art21 Educator since 2012, a program based on the belief that the art and ideas of contemporary visual artists are powerful models for creative and critical thinking across different subject areas and disciplines. Prior to joining Oak Meadow in 2002, Catherine worked as an art teacher at Prescott School in Groton, MA, was a 3rd grade teacher at Dedham Country Day School, and worked in Advertising and Design for nine years prior to graduate school. She enjoys watching Oak Meadow students’ curiosity take them in unexpected directions and seeing their confidence grow with their experiences. Her two children, Oren and Ethan, both attended Oak Meadow and graduated in 2011 and 2013. Outside of teaching, Catherine enjoys making her own art, reading, cooking, gardening, hiking and traveling. She has been to 19 MLB stadiums!

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.”

With practical experience in Martial Arts, Yoga, and Fitness, Matthew brings a rich and diverse background in physical fitness to Oak Meadow. Since 1995, he has been an instructor at his own studio in Acton, MA., teaching everything from martial arts and fitness classes to yoga and circus arts. Additionally, he has pursued growth in his field participating in various workshops throughout the United States over the years. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys hiking mountains, cycling on rail trails, gardening, photography and painting. Matthew is the youngest person in over a century and first multiracial person ever elected to the Select Board in the rural town of Princeton, Massachusetts and has been a member from 2019-2022. Matthew is well-credentialed having earned a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Political Science and a minor in History from UMass Lowell in addition to an executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology!

Beatriz holds a B.A. in Communication with a Minor in Foreign Languages from University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Prior to joining Oak Meadow in 2010 as a Spanish Teacher, she has worked as a translator and interpreter. She also worked in marketing for USAID in Bolivia, the tool cutting and pharmaceutical industries in Germany and taught Spanish at Milton Academy. Beatriz is a member of Oak Meadow’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force and served on the COVID-19 Task Force. She enjoys working at Oak Meadow because “it feels like a family, learning and growing together in a real, holistic child-centered way.” Beatriz’ son, Nicolas, attended Oak Meadow from 2012-2016. Outside of teaching, Beatriz enjoys woodworking, ceramics, travelling, working out, reading and spending time with friends and family. She speaks five languages and has lived in four countries. A thief once stole her wallet on a bus, but she jumped off the bus, ran after him, and caught him!

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.