Network Leadership
Kirk Walters
Principal Investigator
Bio:
Kirk is the Director of Math Education Research and Evaluation at WestEd and a former high school math teacher. His research broadly focuses on understanding ways to improve math teaching and learning. In his spare time, Kirk enjoys hanging out with his family, playing basketball and trail running with his dogs (often while listening to a podcast).
Toni Smith
Project Director
Bio:
Toni is a Principal Researcher at AIR. A former high school math teacher and university professor, Toni's current work focuses on mathematics instruction and teacher development. She loves taking her dogs on long walks, spending time with her family, playing her flute and cheering loudly for the Baltimore Ravens.
Zipporah Sanders
Project Manager
Bio:
Zipporah is a Research Associate at AIR. She provides project management support across all Better Math Teaching Network activities. In her spare time, Zipporah enjoys traveling and baking for her family and friends.
Melinda Griffin
Researcher
Bio:
Melinda is a Researcher at AIR focusing on STEM practices. She is invested in making mathematics accessible and engaging for high school students so that they see it as a part of their world. Along with being a math and science geek, Melinda loves cooking, gardening and traveling the world.
Victoria Lennon
Senior Communication Specialist
Bio:
Victoria is a Senior Communication Specialist at AIR. She is the Communications Lead for the Better Math Teaching Network. In her spare time, Victoria loves to cook, hang out with friends, ride horses, travel and wrangle her twin daughters.
High School Teachers
Our teachers are from across New England, spanning a variety of district and school contexts.
Michelle Allman
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Michelle teaches high school mathematics at Boston Day and Evening Academy in Roxbury, MA. She is interested in creating more opportunities for at-risk students to develop deep mathematical understanding through student-centered learning. When she’s not teaching, Michelle loves to spend time with her family, gardening, renovating, and relaxing at the beach.
Christina Balkaran
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Christina teaches math at the Henderson K–12 Inclusion School in Boston, MA. She is interested in teaching culturally relevant math tasks that are accessible to students of all abilities. In her spare time, Christina goes sailing.
Apolinario Barros
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Apolinario teaches Math One at Boston International High School in Boston, MA. He is interested in how students learning the English language use gestures to communicate and improve their understanding of math. Outside of school, Apolinario enjoys playing soccer.
Kaitlyn Bartlett
Member Since: 2018-19
Bio:
Kaitlyn teaches Algebra and Geometry at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, ME. She is committed to improving student engagement in her classes. She likes to play softball and enjoy the outdoors in her spare time.
Omar Benavides
Member Since: 2018-19
Bio:
Omar teaches Algebra I and II at Hope High School in Providence, RI. He is interested in homework club, sports, and technology. He likes to play sports and take part in other physical activities.
Lisa Biswas
Member Since: 2018-19
Bio:
Lisa teaches Algebra I at 360 High School in Providence, RI. She is interested in making video games with her students. She likes to go to Disney World in her spare time.
Donna Brink
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Donna teaches at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH. In addition to teaching Algebra, Donna is currently assisting her school in the transition to 1:1 technology. Outside of school, Donna enjoys spending time with her family.
William Burns
Member Since: 2018-19
Bio:
B.J. teaches Algebra I and Algebra II at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport, ME. He’s always looking for ways to make algebra more engaging and relevant. In his free time, he loves to cook, listen to music, and go on adventures with his wife and daughters.
David Cimato
Member Since: 2018-19
Bio:
David teaches math at Scarborough High School in Scarborough, ME. He likes to listen to students talk about math and explain how they reached their conclusions. In his free time, David likes to explore the nearby beaches and parks with his wife and two young children.
Tara Cloutier
Member Since: 2018-19
Bio:
Tara teaches Algebra 1 and Integrated Geometry at Bedford High School in Bedford, NH. She wants to use collaborative learning to increase student success. In her spare time, she likes to travel, hike, and be outdoors.
Kristy Corrow
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Kristy teaches math at Milton High School in Milton, VT. She is interested in having high student engagement and differentiating learning and instruction for all students. When she’s not teaching, Kristy likes to run, read, and sleep.
Sarah Dominick
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Sarah teaches Algebra I and Algebra II at Brewer High School in Brewer, ME. She is interested in making students feel comfortable and confident while engaging with math concepts. Sarah enjoys running as well as hanging out with and cooking for her family.
Amber Emmell
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Amber teaches Algebra I and Algebra II at Enosburg Falls Middle/High School in Enosburg, VT, as part of a 9th grade team. When she’s not teaching, Amber likes to swim and hike.
Kristen Gervasio
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Kristen teaches Pre-Calculus, Algebra II, and Algebra I at Narragansett High School in Narragansett, RI. Outside the classroom, she likes to spend time on the water.
Enkeleda Gjoni
Member Since: 2018-19
Bio:
Enkeleda teaches Algebra I at Boston International High School in Boston, MA. Enkeleda is interested in finding ways to teach Algebra I that address both procedural understanding and critical thinking. In her spare time, Enkeleda likes to travel with her family.
Lauren Hagadorn
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Lauren teaches Algebra I and Algebra II at Bedford High School in Bedford, NH. She is interested in helping struggling math students gain confidence and see math in new ways. In her spare time, Lauren likes to go hiking and spend time outdoors.
Amanda Hathaway
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Amanda teaches math at William J. Ostiguy High School, a small school for students with substance abuse issues, in Boston, MA. She is interested in student-led math discourse in the classroom. Outside of school, she enjoys practicing yoga and hiking.
Debbie Kowalczyk
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Debbie teaches mathematics at Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton, MA. She is interested in increasing student engagement in all levels of math classes. Debbie likes to read, hike, snowmobile, and cook for her family.
Heather MacDonald
Member Since: 2018-19
Bio:
Heather teaches math at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, VT. She is interested in increasing student engagement and motivation in the classroom. She likes to spend time with her family, including her young daughter and son.
Todd MacKenzie
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Todd teaches high school Geometry, Algebra, and Life-Skills Math at the Center for Technology in Essex, VT. He is interested in bringing student-centered learning to the classroom while enhancing comprehension. Todd enjoys time outdoors.
Benadette Manning
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Benadette teaches Algebra I, Geometry, a “Warrior-scholar” boys elective course, and a Robotics elective at Fenway High School in Boston, MA. She is interested in standards-based grading, project-based learning, and restorative justice. In her spare time, Benadette trains for and participates in sprint triathlons.
Monique Rousselle Maynard
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Monique teaches Algebra I, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus Honors at West Warwick High School in West Warwick, RI. She is interested in math graduation competencies. In her spare time, Monique likes to spend time with family and at home.
Julie McFarland
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Julie teaches Algebra I, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, ME. She is interested in improving school climate. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors.
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Bio:
Monika teaches math at O.H. Platt High School in Meriden, CT. She wants to make math more engaging to students. Outside of school, Monika enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and cooking.
Casey Nelson
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Casey teaches Algebra I at Charlestown High School in Boston, MA. She is interested in student-centered learning and helping all students feel that they can learn math at high levels. Casey likes to exercise, read, and travel.
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Patty teaches a senior math elective at Falmouth High School in Falmouth, ME. She is interested in mentoring new teachers. She thinks of herself as an educational disruptor (she started a new Entrepreneurship elective last year.) In her spare time, Patty hikes, knits, reads, and travels to visit her family in Indiana.
Michelle Page
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Michelle teaches Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus at Brattleboro Union High School in Brattleboro, VT. She is interested in collaborative learning and lesson studies in the mathematics classroom. In her spare time, she likes to act and direct plays and bake yummy treats.
Joshua Parker
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Joshua teaches mathematics at Colchester High School in Colchester, VT. Josh prides himself on his classroom environment and the relationships he builds with students through learning. He loves to golf and practice playing hockey.
Ellen Payne
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Ellen teaches Algebra I and Algebra II at Regional School Unit 19 in Newport, ME. She is interested in helping students explore mathematics and push themselves academically. She enjoys spending time with her family.
Melissa Pearlman
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Melissa teaches Algebra I, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus at Watertown High School in Watertown, MA. Melissa is interested improving her skills as a teacher researcher to continue to improve her practice. Melissa enjoys hiking, skiing, and biking.
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Bio:
Suzette teaches Algebra II, Algebra II Part A, and Technical Math at Brewer High School in Brewer, ME. She is interested in the flipped classroom model, student-centered learning, and improving her teaching practices. In her spare time, she likes spending time with her family, reading, watching movies, and sitting poolside.
Amanda Peterson
Member Since: 2018-19
Bio:
Amanda teaches math at Danbury High School in Danbury, CT. She is interested in increasing student engagement and supporting all learners. In her free time, Amanda likes boating, fishing, and traveling.
Pamela Rawson
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Pam teaches all flavors of mathematics and statistics at Baxter Academy for Technology and Science in Portland, ME. She enjoys getting her students to think and problem solve in ways they’ve never tried before. In her spare time, Pam enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and following the Red Sox and the Patriots.
Michael Refici
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Michael teaches Algebra at The Greene School in West Greenwich, RI, and is interested helping all students achieve success. In his free time, Michael enjoys music.
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Bio:
Allison teaches Algebra I at Windham High School in Windham, ME. She is the co-advisor for the volunteer-based club at school. In her spare time, she likes solving mysteries, going to concerts and shows, and seeing friends.
Kerri Rogers
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Kerri teaches Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II at The MET School in Providence, RI. She is interested in increasing equity in her classroom. Outside of school, Kerri likes to go hiking and kayaking.
Taylor Sabky
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Taylor teaches math for English learners at Boston International Newcomers Academy in Boston, MA. She loves to help students learn problem-solving skills. When she’s not teaching, Taylor likes to travel and spend time with her family.
Tara Sharkey
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Tara teaches math ranging from Algebra I to AP Calculus at Colchester High School in Colchester, VT. She strongly believes that all students can learn math and enjoys developing curriculum, instruction, and assessment that support this belief. In her free time, Tara can be found playing with her two young children, trail running, or hitting the ski slopes.
Gina Sheehan
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Gina loves teaching math at Dearborn STEM Academy in Dorchester, MA. She also has a love for traveling and has a goal of visiting all 50 U.S. states.
Julie St. Martin
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Julie teaches mathematics at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, VT. She is currently working on the challenge of meeting individual needs while maintaining class cohesion. Outside of school, Julie loves family time at the beach, on the ski hill, or in front of the TV watching sci-fi.
Elaine Thompson
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Elaine teaches Algebra I and Geometry at Hanover High School in Hanover, MA. She is incredibly interested in improving her teaching through the use of self-reflection and participation in a network improvement community. Elaine is a new mom to a little boy and also loves to coach dance and try new restaurants and recipes.
Heather Vonada
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Heather teaches Algebra I and Algebra II at Woodstock Union High School in Woodstock, VT. She is interested in creating a curriculum that is engaging to students and working with colleagues to build a strong math community at her school. In her spare time, she likes to travel, spend time with her children and husband, and read.
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Bio:
Lynn teaches Algebra and Honors Algebra II at Wahconah Regional High School and Math Blast for Grades 6–8 at Nessacus Regional Middle School in Central Berkshire Regional School District in Dalton, MA. She is interested in learning new ways to engage her students. She likes to go camping with her four wonderful kids.
Ben Winchell
Member Since: 2016-17
Bio:
Ben teaches Algebra I at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH. He is interested in promoting math talk and effective communication in his classes. Outside the classroom, Ben likes to coach soccer and play disc golf.
Yujuan Yun
Member Since: 2017-18
Bio:
Yujuan teaches Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry at the Boston Adult Technical Academy in Boston, MA. She is interested in student-centered teaching. In her spare time, she plays ping-pong.
Alumni
Colleen Ringquist, 2015-16
Michele Magnano, 2015-17
Leah Shinaberry, 2015-17
Gretchen Yock, 2015-17
Francis Pina, 2015-18
Cindy Cherico, 2016-17
Tracey Moulaison, 2016-17
Sierra Thibideau, 2016-17
Adam Damon, 2016-18
Catherine Hyde Emery, 2016-19
Carrie Adii, 2016-19
Jen Garay, 2017-18
Leslie Marquis, 2017-18
Joe Dzerkacz, 2017-19
Jeannette Aames, 2017-19
Laurie Lindsey, 2017-20
Joanne Pare, 2018-20
Partner Organizations
