Global Learning Charter Public School -- Teacher Biographies

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Instructional Team
				Derek Michael Derek Michael has been at GLCPS for five years and currently serves as our Literacy Specialist. Derek received his BA in history from Whitman College and his MA in Education from UCLA; he has been teaching for nine years. Derek is a member of ASCD as well as the International Reading Association. In addition, he is a member of the GLCPS Instructional Leadership Team.

				Linda Andrade Linda Andrade, long-time mathematics teacher at GLCPS, has assumed a one-year position as Mathematics Coach. Her role is to create benchmark assessments to assist teachers in using data to drive mathematics instruction, in particular, instruction that is appropriate to grade level and that is differentiated to meet all students' needs. Linda is a member of ASCD and NCTM.

				Hallie Larocque Hallie Larocque is our College Prep and Student Internship Coordinator and teaches electives at the high school level. She has been part of our GLCPS team for three years and has 8 years teaching and advisory experience. Hallie has her A.S. in computer science from Bristol Community College, her B.A. in business administration from Thomas Edison State College and is currently pursuing her Masters in School Administration at American International College. She is CPR, First Aid and AED certified, as well as holding her coaching certification from Providence Diocese.

				Dominique Branco Dominique Branco is in her third year at GLCPS. She received her BA from UMass Dartmouth, MS from Anna Maria College, and is currently working towards her MAT so she can obtain her professional license. Dominique currently holds a Massachusetts initial license in history grades 5 - 12. She is highly interested in working with English Language Learners and is qualified to administer the MELA-O. Dominique has a passion for history, culture, politics, and law and believes that diversity and understanding of others' backgrounds and experience are essential to the school community.

Grade 5
				Elizabeth Chouinard Elizabeth Chouinard has been one of our grade 5 humanities teachers for four years. She brings 27 years of teaching experience to GLCPS. Prior to joining the GLCPS team, Beth taught at Bishop Connolly High School, Saint James Saint John School, Fisher College and Bishop Stang High School. Beth received her BA from UMass Lowell. She is a fellow with the Buzzards Bay Writing Project which is a part of the National Writing Project. Beth enjoys singing and is an active thespian in New Bedford's Your Theatre.

				Wendy O'Gallagher Wendy O'Gallagher is in her third year as one of our grade 5 humanities teachers. Wendy received a BA in elementary education from Rhode Island College and a BA from Hofstra University in teacher speech and hearing handicapped. She went on to University of Connecticut to receive her MA in audiology. Wendy has participated in curriculum development for the RI Writing Project and the National Park Service as well as participating in the New Media Literacy pilot program through Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She enjoys writing and is the coordinator of the GLCPS school newspaper, the Global Gazette.

				Charlene Elias Charlene Elias is in her second year of teaching grade 5 mathematics and science at GLCPS and brings over ten years of teaching experience to GLCPS. Charlene completed her undergraduate education at Northeastern University and received her MA in Education at University of Phoenix.

				Polly Zajac Polly Zajac is one of our grade 5 mathematics and science teachers. She has been with GLCPS for five years and has been in the education field for 18 years. Polly received her BA in elementary education with a minor in Spanish from UMass Amherst and went on to receive her M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in literacy from Lesley University. She is on the board of the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance (SEEAL) and a curriculum consultant for the National Park Service. Polly enjoys music and performance as evidenced by her role as chorus manager of the New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus, as well as her co-coordinating GLCPS' Drama Club. She recently received first runner up for the 2009 Teacher of the Year Award from the Standard Times and Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.

Grade 6
				Ann Devine Ann Devine has been at GLCPS for two years as a grade 6 humanities teacher. She has 6 years of teaching experience. Ann received her BA in history from Bridgewater State College and is working towards her Masters in Education. She brings experience in curriculum mapping to GLCPS. An Advocate for the Federation for Children, Ann has also been involved as a vice president of a special education parent council and serves on the GLCPS Principal's School Council. In the winter season, Ann is the head coach for Coyle and Cassidy High School Varsity Swim Team.

				Ryan Lynch Ryan Lynch, one of our grade 6 humanities teachers, has been at GLCPS for three years. He received a BA in both history and philosophy from Rhode Island College. Ryan is currently pursuing his Masters in teaching at UMass Dartmouth. He recently received an honorable mention for the 2009 Teacher of the Year Award from the Standard Times and Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.

				Adam Branch Adam Branch has been with GLCPS for two years as a grade 6 mathematics and science teacher. Adam received his undergraduate degree in psychology at Rhode Island College and his teaching certification from UMass Dartmouth.

				Heather Lopes Heather Lopes is one of our grade 6 mathematics/science teachers. After a 14-year career as a computer analyst and programmer, Ms. Lopes decided to pursue teaching. We are happy to welcome her to the field! She has her BS in computer information systems from Bentley College and is currently working toward both her MBA and grade 5-8 teacher certification and licensure.

Grade 7
				Nichole Charbonneau Nichole Charbonneau is a grade 7 humanities teacher. Nichole received her BA in English Literature from Saint Michael's College and holds a Massachusetts educator's license. She also has an MA in children's literature and an MFA in creative writing from Simmons College. This is her first official year of teaching, though she has worked with middle and high school students through the GEAR UP program in New Bedford. Nichole enjoys running the Creative Writing Club after school. She belongs to the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment. Nichole is a contributing writer for the monthly local magazine, SoCo.

				Ned Hamilton Ned Hamilton is a grade 7 humanities teacher. Ned spent the past two years as a GLCPS intern, and we are pleased to have him aboard in his official teaching capacity this year. His BA from University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth is in English with a concentration in communications, writing and rhetoric. An active outdoorsman, Ned is also trained in outdoor education, such as ropes courses and wall climbing.

				Anne Malmquist Anne Malmquist teaches grade 7 and 8 humanities at GLCPS and has been on staff for 3 years. She has 13 years of teaching experience. Anne received her BA in English, BS in English education and M.Ed. in reading from Boston University. Anne enjoys facilitating teacher trainings and working with new teachers.

				Michael Clappi Michael Calppi has taught for nine years, two of which have been here at GLCPS. He is one of our grade 7 mathematics and science teachers. Michael received his BA in psychology from Saint Anselm College and moved on to Cambridge College to receive his Masters in Education. He also co-coaches the GLCPS sports club.

				Darlease Monteiro Darlease Monteiro is one of our grade 7 mathematics and science teachers. She has been at GLCPS for three years and has seven years of teaching experience from St. Anthony's school. Darlease received her BA from Temple University and her MA in education from Lesley University.

				Shalini Singh Shalini Singh is our grade 7-8 mathematics/science teacher. Shalini has nearly 15 years of teaching experience in Boston, Fall River and Lawrence. She completed her undergraduate studies in education with a minor in mathematics and computer science at Lesley University and holds her Massachusetts certification. She is working toward her Masters degree, having completed initial coursework from both Harvard and Northeastern Universities. Shalini looks forward to sharing her extensive experience with the Connected Math Program (CMP).

Grade 8
				Jessica Ross Jessica Ross is one of GLCPS' founding team members who has taught grade 8 humanities for seven years and currently also serves as Title I Director. Jessica graduated from Hunter College with degrees in both elementary education and history. Her passion for teaching was recognized in 2007 when she was voted Teacher of the Year by the Standard Times and Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts. Jessica has received her principal's licensure and is an active teacher presenter and facilitator at Harvard's Graduate School of Education Project Zero. She is on the education advisory committee of the Ocean Explorium in New Bedford and spends time as a teacher and facilitator for numerous partners involved in the New Bedford ECHO project.

				Hugh O'Mara Hugh O'Mara, a founding team member, has been with GLCPS for seven years. He teaches grade 8 mathematics and science. Hugh received his BA in economics and philosophy from Boston College and received his education certification from UMass Dartmouth. Additionally, he completed the Leadership for Learning principal licensure program at UMass Dartmouth. He is on the Educational Advisory Committee of the New Bedford Ocean Explorium and served as assistant instructor for marine science teachers at UMass Dartmouth.

High School
				M. Natalia Vieira M. Natalia Vieira is our high school Spanish teacher and has taught at GLCPS for four years. Natalia received her BA from UMass Dartmouth in humanities and social sciences. While working at St. Luke's Hospital, Natalia realized how beneficial it would be to learn Spanish in order to communicate with New Bedford's growing Hispanic community. She returned to UMass Dartmouth to earn her BA in Spanish. She belongs to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, and the Massachusetts Foreign Language Association. Natalia is excited about her latest curriculum development and implementation of a Heritage Spanish Speakers course here at GLCPS. She is also the coordinator for the GLCPS Community Service Club.

9th/10th Grade
				Cynthia Sigler Cynthia Sigler is in her 5th year of teaching and has been with GLCPS for three years. She is our history teacher for grades 9 and 10. Cynthia received her BA from Assumption College and is currently pursuing her Masters in teaching at UMass Dartmouth. She enjoys advising student extra-curriculur activities, particularly Student Council, which she has coordinated for the past three years.

				Monica Filgo Monica Filgo is our grade 9-10 English teacher. Monica comes to GLCPS by way of Louisiana, having received her BA from Louisiana State University in English with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in sociology. A first-year teacher, Monica is also currently pursuing her MA in teaching at Roger Williams University. She has a personal interest in working with English Language Learners.

				Andrew Merdinyan Andrew Merdinyan is our grade 9-10 mathematics teacher. After nine years of teaching mathematics ranging from algebra to AP Calculus in Connecticut public schools, Andrew was ready for a change. A member of the National Association of Teachers in Mathematicss, Andrew has experience developing mathematics curriculum. Andrew received his undergraduate degree in mathematics and secondary education from the University of Rhode Island and he is currently working towards his Masters degree. He also enjoys coaching indoor and outdoor track.

				Tracy Haswell Tracy Haswell, a founding team member, has been a science teacher at GLCPS for seven years. She brings 21 years of experience teaching and currently teaches high school science as well as AP Biology. Tracy designed and implemented the Mentoring Program at GLCPS as well as founding and coordinating our Community Garden. Tracy is the first GLCPS teacher to design Advanced Placement curriculum, which was approved by the College Board, enabling her to teach AP Biology. Tracy completed her undergraduate education at University of Rochester and received her MS in neuroscience from Boston University. She is a member of the National Association of Science Teachers and serves as a curriculum developer for Bioneers by the Bay. She is an experienced grant writer with last year's grants including the Community Garden/Seed to Table initiative and her "Green Skills for the 21st Century Program" which gave New Bedford students a chance to work on an organic farm during the summer. An experienced diversity consultant, Tracy ran a professional development program for GLCPS on multicultural diversity and teaches a workshop each year at UMAss Dartmouth's Teach SouthCoast program.

11th/12th Grade
				Heidi Eastman Heidi Eastman has over 15 years of teaching experience, four of which have been here at GLCPS as our high school history and French instructor. She received her BA in art history and French as well as her certificate in Western European Studies from UMass Amherst and her MA in French and political science from New York University. In addition, she has a French language diploma from the Institut d'Etudes Francaises at the Universite d'Aix-Marseille III and a diploma in French language and art from the Institut Brittannique, in Paris. In 1993, Heidi co-founded the French-American School of Rhode Island, a bilingual elementary school in Providence. During her time at FASRI, she both taught and served on the Board of Trustees as President. She is an Instructional Team Member representing social studies at GLCPS. Heidi enjoys traveling and gardening.

				Jon McDonnell Jon McDonnell is in his third year as a high school English teacher at GLCPS. He received his BA in English from Merrimack College. Jon is passionate about classical literature and early foundations of English literature and brings that expertise to his classes.

				Shukla Sengupta Shukla Sengupta has been teaching for 10 years. She is one of our high school mathematics teachers and has been at GLCPS for three years. Shukla received her undergraduate education and her Masters in statistics at B.H.U. in India, and her Masters in business from UMass Dartmouth. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

				Steven Vaitses Steven Vaitses has been teaching at GLCPS for five years as one of our high school science teachers. He received his BS in mechanical engineering and spent over 20 years in leadership, business management, engineering and IT. Steve is a chairperson on the board of deacons of Mattapoisett Congregational Church, a member of the board of trustees at the Community Boating Center of New Bedford, and an alternate member of the Mattapoisett zoning board of appeals. Steve is also a member of Tabor Academy's headmaster's council emeritus and is a sailing instructor at Community Boating Center of New Bedford.

Special Education
				Ashley Bouley Ashley Bouley is one of our special education teachers and has been at GLCPS for three years. She has five years of teaching experience. Ashley received her BA in special and elementary education from Salve Regina University. She went on to pursue her M.Ed. in school counseling at Bridgewater State College. Ashley is a member of the American Counselor Association. She enjoys field hockey and playing the saxophone and clarinet in her free time.

				Niki Enos Niki Enos is a special education teacher serving grades 5-8. Niki spent the past two years as a GLCPS intern and we are pleased she accepted a permanent post in our special education department this year. She received her BS in psychology from Bridgewater State College and her M.Ed. from Lesley University. Prior to coming to GLCPS, Niki worked for several years as an ABA/behavior therapist for young children with autism spectrum disorders.

				Carmen Gamboa Carmen Gamboa is in her third year at GLCPS as a special education paraprofessional. Carmen has over ten years of experience working with individuals with special needs. She is a member of the Student Support group and the GLCPS Security Team. Carmen enjoys arts and crafts, particularly scrapbooking and quilting. She is pleased that five of her grandchildren have attended GLCPS.

				Pamela Larocque Pamela Larocque is one of our special education paraprofessionals. A past GLCPS volunteer, Pam is excited to serve in her new capacity at GLCPS. Along with her paraprofessional certification, Pam has training in behavioral, occupational, physical as well as speech therapy. She is working toward her BA in K-8 special education.

				Amanda McDonnell Amanda McDonnell has recently joined the GLCPS team as a special education paraprofessional. Amanda received her BA at Utica College of Syracuse University in psychology, with a concentration in child-life studies. Amanda spent the beginning of this school year completing an internship at GLCPS and we are excited to have her as an official member of our staff.

Exploratories
				Nancy Brown Nancy Brown has been at GLCPS for four years as our performing arts teacher. She enjoys teaching music theory, chorus and musical drama among other things. She received her BA in music at Baruch College as well as her certification for early childhood Judaic studies at Hebrew College. Nancy is a pianist and enjoys co-directing the GLCPS Drama Club.

				Kimberly Dauplaise Kimberly Dauplaise is our Tang Soo Do instructor and, as a founding team member, has been at GLCPS for 7 years. A certified instructor through the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA), Kim has trained for 13 years and has taught for a total of 9 years. She is also a certified Center Judge under the World Tang Soo Do Association Championship Judging program. Kim was instrumental in establishing a competitive Tang Soo Do program here at GLCPS which competes regionally and nationally.

				Jon Vecchiarelli Jon Vecchiarelli is our visual arts teacher and has been at GLCPS for four years. Jon has seven years of teaching experience. He received his BFA from UMass Dartmouth in art education with a studio concentration in painting. Jon is a member of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and the National Educator of the Arts Collaborative (NEAC).

Medical/Health
				Barbara Connolly Barbara Connolly is the school nurse at GLCPS. She is a registered nurse with 40 years of nursing experience, 21 of those years spent in school nursing. One of our founding team members, she has been with GLCPS for 7 years. Barbara received her BSN at Carlow University and her MSN from UMass Dartmouth. She is a member of the Massachusetts School Nurse Organization (MSNO) and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN).

				Scott Borowicz Scott Borowicz is the GLCPS physical and health education teacher. A teacher for over 10 years, this is his third year at GLCPS. Scott received his BS in exercise science from Bridgewater State College and is certified as a personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise. He also serves as coach of the GLCPS cross country and basketball teams and is building our extracurricular athletic program.

Technology
				Sandra Chicca Sandra Chicca has 12 years of teaching experience. She has taught technology at GLCPS for three years. Sandra completed her undergraduate education at Bridgewater State College and went on to receive her MA from Framingham State. She is a member of Massachusetts Computer Using Educators (MassCUE).