Faculty & Staff Directory

List of 31 members.

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  Todd Eveleth 

  Head of School

  508-228-8569 ext. 202

  Bio

  Todd Eveleth joined the Nantucket New School on July 1, 2018 after spending 17 years working at the Fessenden school where he held a variety of positions including Dean of Students and Upper School Division Head. Todd also coached Varsity football, hockey, and golf. Todd received his BA in English at the University of New Hampshire and his MS in Journalism from Syracuse University. Todd and his wife Karen have family in Southern Maine and they enjoy traveling there with their son Tobey and daughter Bailey. Todd enjoys golfing, fishing, and cooking.  
• 

  Zhaney Avramova 

  Lower School Assistant Teacher

  508-228-8569

  Bio

  Zhaneta Avramova moved to Nantucket in 2011 from Bulgaria. In Bulgaria she has a degree in Early Childhood Education.  She has been working in education on Nantucket as an assistant teacher and substitute teacher since 2015. Last year she joined Nantucket New School as a student counselor at the after school program. She is currently working or her degree in Early Childhood Education at Queency College. 

  Her passion to educate children doesn’t stop here. In 2016 she joined the Bulgarian Education Center on Nantucket as a teacher for 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. At the Bulgarian Education Centre Zhaneta is an ambassador for the Bulgarian culture and traditions. 

  In her free time she enjoys practicing yoga and snowboarding. 
• 

  Tracy Bakalar 

  Development/Business Assistant

  508-228-8569 ext. 308

  Bio

  Tracy Bakalar, a native of Brookline, MA, started working summers on Nantucket in 1985 after graduating from The MacDuffie School, and moved here year-round in 1989 after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Family and Community Services from Syracuse University.  Following many years in the restaurant industry, and a few years in newspaper production at The Nantucket Beacon, she spent 17 years of her professional career at the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, serving 11 years as the Executive Director.  In 2013 Tracy joined the NNS/SW administrative team. Tracy and her partner Josh are proud parents of their daughter Dory, an NNS student since 2012. 
• 

  Danielle Beale 

  Assistant to the Head of School

  508-228-8569 ext. 201

  Bio

  Danielle Henry Beale recently moved to Nantucket from Nevis, West Indies, and has been working in education and non-profits for 14 years, most recently as a marketing contractor for AISNE, the Association of Independent Schools in New England. She attended Northfield Mount Hermon School, and has a bachelor's in journalism from UMass Amherst and a master's in corporate communication from CUNY Baruch College. She enjoys hiking with her husband, Garison, and two sons, Parker and Pierson, who attend Nantucket New School. 
• 

  Forest Bell 

  Upper School History Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 215

  Bio

  Forest Bell moved to Nantucket Island in 2005 to practice law. After a brief stint as an island attorney, Forest decided to pursue a career in education. He has been an on-island teacher since 2010. Forest holds a bachelor’s in political science and history from the University of North Carolina, a juris doctorate and a master’s of studies in environmental law from Vermont Law School, and a master’s of education from Fitchburg State University. He enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with his three children, two of whom attend Nantucket New School.
• 

  Leslie Brannigan 

  Upper School Assistant Teacher

  508-228-8569
• 

  Nicole Buckley 

  Upper School Assistant Teacher

  508-228-8569

  Bio

  Nicole Buckley has lived on and off Nantucket since 2010. She graduated from Scituate High School and has her bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and History from Saint Michael's College. She is currently the general manager at Sandbar at Jetties Beach and has previously worked in schools in both Nantucket, Colorado, and England. She enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and being outdoors in any capacity.
• 

  Matt Bulmer 

  Assistant PE Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 307

  Bio

  Matt began his first year at the New School in 2020. He absolutely loves the atmosphere, kids, parents and staff! Hired to teach PE with TJ as the children are now getting double the PE time! Matt is working his third year teaching children and fifth year coaching youth sports. Most recently, Matt has worked at the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club as the Assistant Athletics Director. He grew up on Nantucket until 9th grade when his family made the move to Simsbury, Connecticut where he attended high school. Matt then went south and attended Stevenson University in Maryland where he played Lacrosse and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Communication. He enjoys walks around the Island and beaches with his dog and playing and teaching the sports he loves. 
• 

  Mark Carapezza 

  Art Teacher

  508-228-8569

  Bio

  Mark was hired in '05 as the NNS Artist in Residency to “inspire and instill an artistic feel” to the newly opened Louise F. Walker building. Since then Mark has created various forms of art while traveling the world performing magic. Viewing limitations as one of the many sparks for creativity, Mark is excited to help the kids express themselves throughout this challenging and historic school year. He is honored to be back within the NNS community and among such a talented, caring, and dedicated staff.
• 

  Lori Corry 

  Business Manager & Mindfullness Instructor

  508-228-8569 ext. 301

  Bio

  Lori graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a B.A. in Theater. After spending time working in theater and film production in New York city, Lori moved to Nantucket. She has been working at the Nantucket New School since 2003 and Strong Wings since 2009. In addition to her position as business manager, Lori has received training in mindfulness programs MindUP, Learning To BREATHE and Mindful Education. Lori enjoys spending time with her son, a NNS graduate, creative writing and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.
• 

  Brenda Genthner 

  First Grade Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 206

  Bio

  Brenda Genthner has her bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Fitchburg State College and has been an elementary school teacher for over twenty-five years. She has worked at the Nantucket New School since 2008 and previously worked as a Children’s Program Coordinator at Nantucket Community School.  When she is not teaching she manages and organizes the bookkeeping for an independent, small family business.  She has three daughters, two of which attended Nantucket New School. She enjoys going for walks with her friends, traveling and spending time with her family, and fishing on the Nantucket waters with her husband Marc.
• 

  Chris Getoor 

  Strong Wings Executive Director

  508-228-8569 ext. 303

  Bio

  Chris began working at Strong Wings as Director of Programs in 2008. He took on his current role as Executive Director in 2016. Chris earned his B.S. in History with a secondary education minor from St. Joseph’s College in 2000. Prior to Strong Wings, Chris held several teaching positions including teaching Spanish and Ecology at the Nantucket New School. 
  
  

  An avid surfer, outdoorsman, hunter and adventure enthusiast, he holds CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard, Advanced Skills and Standards for Challenge Course Professionals certifications and is a licensed CPR and AED instructor. He has a true passion for working with children, using adventure programming as a therapeutic avenue and sharing his love for nature and adventure with people of all ages.
• 

  TJ Grant 

  Strong Wings Educator & PE

  508-228-8569 ext. 307

  Bio

  T.J. has been working with children of all ages on Nantucket for 15 years.  He began in 2016 as our Phys. Ed Teacher, teaching Pre-K-8.  T.J. is also our Director of Auxiliary Programming for the School and runs Extended Day, one of our two afterschool programs we offer.  T.J.'s favorite part of his job is coordinating Field Day with the 8th Grade.
• 

  Alicia Graziadei 

  Head of Upper School/ Upper School English Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 207

  Bio

  Alicia Graziadei is the Upper School Head and English instructor at Nantucket New School.  She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University and a master’s degree in education from Northeastern University.  Alicia’s love of literature and journalism sparked her desire to create Nantucket New School’s student newspaper, The New School News.  She has two sons, Emmett and Owen, who both attend NNS.   
• 

  Naomi Harnishfeger 

  Pre-K Teacher

  508.228.8569 ext. 305

  Bio

  Naomi Harnishfeger is a mother of 5 with 2 of her children currently attending NNS and 2 alumni of NNS. Naomi is a native of Nantucket and has been teaching at the New School since 2009. She holds an AS degree in early education and an AS in Heath sciences from CCCC.  During her down time, Naomi enjoys being with her family, cooking, traveling and and volunteering her time coaching all levels of cheer/ dance. 
• 

  Alyson Herrick 

  Kindergarten Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 204

  Bio

  Alyson Herrick has taught in the Early School at Nantucket New School since 2011.  She graduated from Northeastern University with a dual bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Tyler and their two children Tyler Jr., and Hazel, who both attend the New School. 
• 

  Katherine Holdgate 

  Pre-K Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 304

  Bio

  Katie Holdgate grew up on Nantucket, and has been working as a kindergarten teacher here at the New School since 2018, she has recently transitioned into the preschool team and excited about this new opportunity. She received her B.A. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. In her free time she enjoys traveling, walking on the beach with her dog and going to dinner with friends.
• 

  Grace Jensen 

  Assistant Fourth Grade Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 216

  Bio

  After graduating from university in Canada, Grace returned home to Nantucket in 2019. While she has only been teaching at the Nantucket New School for the past two years, Grace's history with the school goes back to the first grade when she enrolled as a student. As a graduate, and, now, staff member, Grace embodies the school's mission to want to inspire her students to be curious, creative, kind, and find joy in learning. Grace holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. An enthusiastic supporter of outdoor and experiential education, Grace has also held leadership positions at various summer camps, including Strong Wings Adventure School. In her spare time, Grace enjoys practicing yoga, baking biscotti, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the island with her dogs, Sunshine and Gordon. 
• 

  Katie Johnson 

  Third Grade Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 217

  Bio

  Katie Johnson grew up in New York. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, she moved to California where she taught for 3 years. Katie then returned to NYC to get her Master's degree in elementary education from Teachers College at Columbia. She taught 3rd and 4th grades at a public elementary school in the NYC for another 3 years before having her first son, Henry. She has since been raising Henry (2nd grade) and Bennett (K) and spending time with her family doing the things they they love: traveling, hiking, reading Harry Potter, and going to the beach (a lot more these days!) just to name a few. Katie is so excited to get back into the classroom at the Nantucket New School!
• 

  Susan Lenane 

  Upper School Math Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 208

  Bio

  Having taught mathematics for many years at Eaglebook School, Governor's Academy, The Fenn School and Maret School, Susan joined The Nantucket New School in 2019. She and her husband love the island’s close community and their extended families have a long history living on and visiting Nantucket. In her spare time, Susan enjoys growing her own vegetables, baking and preserving food and exploring new places. 

   
• 

  Matthew Liddle 

  Upper School Science Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 214

  Bio

  Matthew Liddle has been teaching science to Nantucket Island students since his graduation from Plattsburgh State University, in 1989. With a Bachelor of Science degree, and a teaching certificate, Matt joined the Nantucket Public Schools for a tenure lasting 18 years before he found his home within the Nantucket New School community in 2008. Matt and his wife, Nina, have a wonderful daughter, Maggie ‘19, a golden retriever (Rufus) and a big cat (Louis).
• 

  Laura Moore 

  Fourth Grade Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 216

  Bio

  Laura is originally from Connecticut and moved to the island after college. She graduated from Clark University, where she majored in English with a concentration in women’s studies. She completed additional coursework in English at Trinity College after graduation. Laura has been a teacher at NNS since 2010 and is also the president of Nantucket Party People, Inc., a seasonal event rental business she owns with her husband, TJ. Laura loves reading, traveling, and spending time on the beach with TJ and their three children, Anna, Marco, and Quinn. Her favorite thing about teaching fourth grade is watching her students become independent, critical thinkers. She knows that this can best take place in an environment where asking questions, taking risks, and making and learning from mistakes is lauded. Differing opinions and approaches to problem solving are celebrated in her room, where lively discussion is common. She is never surprised on the many occasions when her students begin to look at situations in ways she had not considered; to the contrary, she knows that in these instances her classroom is energized and that her students are truly engaged.
• 

  Miguel Morocoima 

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  Kate Olson 

  Director of Community Engagement

  508-228-8569 ext. 302

  Bio

  Kate Olson grew up in New Jersey and spent her summers on Nantucket with her family. She attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida with a bachelor's degree in Critical Media & Cultural Studies with a minor in Studio Art. Kate has worked at the Nantucket New School since 2016 as the Assistant to the Head of School. Most recently, she accepted a new position as Director of Community Engagement. Kate lives on the island with her longtime boyfriend. Together they enjoy traveling, swimming, fishing, and spending time with family & friends! Kate has also spent time coaching the Dolphins swim team and she deeply cares about her fundraising efforts for Swim Across America.
• 

  Leigh Olson 

  Assistant Kindergarten Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 204

  Bio

  Leigh Olson grew up in New Jersey and has spent the summers on Nantucket with her family since she was three years old. Leigh holds a BFA from Salve Regina University with a concentration in Illustration and Painting. Her work has been featured in the BOSS Show at the Dorrance Hamilton Gallery in Newport, RI, exhibited in Kings Lens and Friends Gallery in Newport RI, and sells prints of her work through ACK4170 on Nantucket, MA. In addition to her passion for the arts, Leigh also enjoys working with children. She has worked as a camp counselor at Strong Wings Adventure Camp since 2018 and previously as a Nantucket Beach Lifeguard. Leigh most recently moved to Nantucket full time and is pursuing her passion by working as an Assistant Kindergarten teacher. In Leigh's spare time she enjoys getting creative by painting and drawing, exploring the beautiful trails of Nantucket, and spending time with her boyfriend, family, and friends.  

   

   

   

   

   
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  Megan Solimeo 

  Head of Early School

  508-228-8569 ext. 304
• 

  Lisa Solomon 

  Head of Lower School/ Second Grade Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 205

  Bio

  Lisa has taught general education and art for over 35 years.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in business and marketing from the University of Colorado, Boulder, a Bachelor of Arts in education and studio art from Hunter College, New York, and a Master of Arts in education and studio art from New York University's Steinhardt School of Education.  Her teaching philosophy reflects a balance between social-emotional growth, academic learning, and creativity.  Within a cooperative, nurturing, student-centered environment, she believes it is important to set high, attainable goals for all students, helping them build critical thinking skills and make connections between their experiences and the world beyond.  During her nearly two decades living on-island, Lisa served as office manager for a realty asset management firm.  Lisa is a licensed real estate broker.  She draws on her education and work experience in her current positions as Head of the Lower School at NNS and second grade teacher.  When she is not in the classroom, you may find her with family and friends making jelly from the island's bounty of concord grapes or beach plums, or shucking and enjoying freshly caught scallops or clams from an afternoon out on the water.   
• 

  Janel Trivelas 

  Reading Specialist

  (508) 228-8569 ext. 209

  Bio

  Janel Trivelas recently moved to Nantucket from New York City.  She holds a Bachelor's of Arts in the Humanities and Elementary Education from Wheelock College in Boston, MA and a Master's in Education for Curriculum and Instruction from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City.  She was a classroom teacher in East Harlem, New York before becoming an instructional coach for teachers in reading and math.  She owns her own consulting and tutoring business which keeps her busy when she is not teaching at Nantucket New School. In her free time she can be found at the beach with her family, wishing she had a good book in hand but almost always chasing after one of her three children, Harrison, Eleanor, or Willa, who all attend Nantucket New School.  
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  Andrew  Trott-Kielawa 

  Strong Wings Assistant Director of Programs/ Assistant to Business Office/ COVID Officer

  508-228-8569 ext. 306

  Bio

  Andrew "TK" started his journey with the organization in 2011 when he worked seasonally as a group leader for Strong Wings. Years later; after graduating from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst, he returned to take a year round position as the Assistant Director of Programs at Strong Wings. 

   

  TK is an avid surfer, shellfisherman and an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for working with children. He loves helping them experience the island's beauty through outdoor education.  

  
  TK holds certifications from the American Red Cross in lifeguarding, first aid, and is a water safety instructor. He has undergone training from Project Adventure in teaching social and emotional learning through adventure activities and team building exercises which are currently being implemented in the Strong Wings curriculum. 
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  Claire Winship 

  Strong Wings Director/ Wellness Teacher/ Director of the Annual Fund

  508-228-8569 ext. 306

  Bio

  After graduating from Warren Wilson College with a B.A in Environmental Studies, Claire returned home to Nantucket and to Strong Wings in 2011 to work as a group leader. Claire accepted a year-round position with the New School and Strong Wings in 2012. She wears many different hats at both organizations. She is the Director of Programs of Strong Wings Adventure School and at NNS she teaches the Health and Wellness class to our Upper School students and is the Director of the Annual Fund. 
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  Linda Zola 

  Founder of NNS/ Reading