Faculty & Staff Directory

List of 34 members.

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  Valeria Alonzo 

  Spanish Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 205
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  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 alum. 
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  Danielle Beale 

  Interim Head of School

  508-228-8569 ext. 201

  Bio

  Danielle Henry Beale 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. 
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  Forest Bell 

  Upper School History Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 217

  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, one of whom attend Nantucket New School.
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  Anne Broadus 

  Lower School Teaching and Learning Director

  Bio

  Anne spent 28 years as an elementary school educator and administrator at The Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, MD. During her time there, she was a homeroom teacher in grades 1 through 5, Lower School Math Coordinator, and, most recently, Lower School Assistant Director. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and a Master's degree in Teaching from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD. Her family has spent summers on Nantucket for many years and she and her husband, Toby, recently moved here year-round. They have two children, Tom and Meredith, who are both in college.
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  Matt Bulmer 

  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! Most recently, Matt 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. 
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  Mark Carapezza 

  Lower School Performing Arts Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 214

  Bio

  In 2005, Mark was appointed as the NNS Artist in Residency with the mission to infuse the newly inaugurated Louise F. Walker building with artistic inspiration. Ever since, he has been crafting diverse forms of art while embarking on global journeys to showcase his mesmerizing magic performances. In 2020, Mark joyfully reunited with the island and Nantucket New School, where he feels privileged to be part of a remarkable, compassionate, and devoted staff.
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  Lori Corry 

  Chief Operating Officer & Mindfulness 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 Chief Financial Officer, 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.
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  Jenny Gammill 

  Lower School Visual Arts Teacher

  Bio

  Jenny holds a degree in visual arts from Colorado College, a MAT from Manhattanville College and brings over 10 years of experience as a lower and middle school art teacher at her alma mater Greens Farms Academy in Westport, CT. She moved to Nantucket in 2017, with her husband Corey and two children, one of which attends Nantucket New School. Jenny spends her summers as the Assistant Director of Camp Walden in Denmark, Maine. When she isn’t teaching or spending time with her family, Jenny enjoys printmaking and being by the water, especially if it involves waterskiing. 
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  Stacey Edzwald 

  Upper School English Teacher

  Bio

  Stacey Edzwald moved to Nantucket in 2004 to begin her teaching career at Nantucket High School.  After 19 years at NHS, she is excited to join the NNS community.  Stacey grew up in western Massachusetts where she attended The Bement School and Stoneleigh-Burnham School.  She has a B.A in English from Mount Holyoke College and an M.Ed in Secondary Education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.  When she's not in the classroom, Stacey enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time at the beach with family and friends.
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  Heather Freeman 

  First Grade Teaching Assistant
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  Emily Gaskin 

  Third Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Originally from the coast of South Carolina, Emily began her teaching career in the Boston area. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Anthropology from Wake Forest University in North Carolina, Emily completed her teaching fellowship at the Learning Project in Boston and has most recently been teaching Upper Elementary at the Inly School in Scituate. Emily is looking forward to becoming a Nantucket resident and is hoping to spend time doing more of the things she loves - hiking, biking, baking, and reading - with her friends and family. 

   
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  Brenda Genthner 

  First Grade Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 210

  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.
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  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.
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  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. 
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  Katherine Holdgate 

  Pre-K Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 304

  Bio

  Katie Holdgate grew up on Nantucket, and has been working as a teacher at the New School since 2018. 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.
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  Gerry Holmes 

  Strong Wings After-School Director

  Bio

  Gerry Holmes grew up on Nantucket foraging the island's wild flora and making arrows out of local stone and wood. His passions for the outdoors and primitive skills led him to attend various outdoor living schools such as the Tracker School and Hawk Circle. He has a B.A. in Outdoor Education from Sterling College in Vermont and has been teaching outdoor skills at various summer camps and after school programs for over ten years now. His travels have led him to the high mountains of California, the tundra of Labrador and the islands of Alaska where he practiced and refined his craft. Gerry is excited to be working in the after school program this year at the New School and looks forward to connecting lots of kids with the excitement of the outdoors and the ancient skills of bushcraft. 
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  Tori Hope 

  Third Grade Teacher
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  Jane Lee 

  Student Services Director

  Bio

  Jane Lee, originally from Rhode Island, landed on Nantucket for the first time while a student at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. After graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Jane moved to the island full time, working as Executive Director of the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum, leaving that position to stay at home with her first child born in 2004. Jane has volunteered at local non-profits, including a Safe Place and Nantucket New School. Jane and her husband, Richard, are the proud parents of four boys, all having been Nantucket New Students since pre-k. Liam graduated in 2019, Ellis in 2022, Sam is a 2023 graduate and Thomas is in fifth grade. When not at home with her boys or in the main office of the New School, you can find Jane foil fencing or struggling to learn a foreign language.
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  Kimberly  Leibovitz 

  Kindergarten Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 211

  Bio

  In 2021, Kimmie became a part of the Nantucket New School community. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Anselm College and a Master's in early education from Lesley University. With a decade of experience as a kindergarten and pre-kindergarten teacher in Beverly, Massachusetts, Kimmie has honed her skills in education. Originally from Hamilton, Massachusetts, she, along with her bernedoodle companion "Bear," have loved their new chapter on Nantucket!
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  Matthew Liddle 

  Head of Upper School

  508-228-8569 ext. 212

  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).
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  Annie Lynch 

  Pre-K Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 305

  Bio

  In the fall of 2020, Annie Lynch became a valuable addition to the New School team, taking on the role of a preschool teacher. Originally from Holden, Massachusetts, she made Nantucket her home since 2018. Annie pursued her education at UMass Dartmouth, where she majored in sociology and minored in women and gender studies. Her passion for working with children has led her to nanny on the island for several summers and serve as a teacher's assistant at Children's House.
  
  

  Beyond her involvement in education, Annie has also contributed to the sports community. She provided assistance to the Nantucket High School girls lacrosse team during the previous season and has extensive experience coaching youth lacrosse off-island. In her leisure time, Annie enjoys being outdoors and loves watching and participating in various sports activities.
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  Olivia Magnusson 

  Upper School Science Teacher

  Bio

  Olivia Magnusson, originally from Groton, Massachusetts, pursued her education at Christopher Newport University, where she actively participated in the Women's Lacrosse team. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology, complemented by a minor in psychology, she exhibited her diverse interests and academic prowess.
  
  

  Previously a summer resident, Olivia now resides on Nantucket year-round alongside her husband, Drew. Apart from her work at NNS, she finds immense joy in exploring the island's trails with her family and dogs, embracing the scenic beauty of nature, running along various paths, seeking out the finest donuts on the island, and passionately supporting Boston sports.
  
  

  Olivia's charitable spirit shines through her involvement with the organization Girls on the Run, where she volunteers her time and energy to empower young girls. Moreover, her dedication to the cause culminated in her participation in the 2021 Boston Marathon, running to support and raise awareness for this noteworthy charity!
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  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.
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  Miguel Morocoima 

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  Clare OConnell 

  Strong Wings After-School Counselor

  Bio

  In the summer of 2021, Clare moved to Nantucket to work as a summer camp counselor for Strong Wings and is thrilled to be moving back to the Island to work for the New School and Strong Wings as an After-School Counselor. Clare graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in May 2023 with a BA in Environmental Studies and Sociology. Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, Clare loves to spend time outdoors, time with her family, meeting new people, knitting, and reading a good book. Clare is excited to bring her passion for learning, adventure, and creativity to the after-school program this year.
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  Kate Olson 

  Director of Community Engagement

  508-228-8569 ext. 302

  Bio

  Kate Olson's childhood was divided between New Jersey and summers on Nantucket, creating a special bond with the island. She pursued her education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, where she achieved a bachelor's degree in Critical Media & Cultural Studies, along with a minor in Studio Art.
  
  

  Since 2016, Kate has been an integral part of the Nantucket New School, contributing her skills and passion to the institution. In 2020, she assumed the role of Director of Community Engagement, further solidifying her commitment to the school and its community.
  
  

  Outside of her professional endeavors, Kate actively participates in various committees that aim to make a positive impact on the island's community. She is a dedicated member of both The Nantucket Swim Across America Committee and The Nantucket Boys & Girls Club - Summer Groove Committee.
  
  

  Kate's zest for life is evident in her hobbies and interests. She relishes traveling to explore new places, enjoys swimming, and finds solace in fishing. Above all, she cherishes the time spent with her beloved family and friends, making the most of the precious moments shared together!
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  Tim Psaradelis 

  Upper School Math Teacher

  Bio

  Timothy Psaradelis has been teaching mathematics to our Island students since 2005. A graduate of Nantucket High School, Tim earned a BS in Economics from Stonehill College in 2001 and from there spent the next 3 years traveling in Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe before moving to Boston to work as a Mutual Fund Accountant at State Street. This road led back home to Nantucket where Tim began working at Nantucket Public Schools. There he has taught grades 6-12 and coached football since 2009. He is currently the Head Coach of the Whaler Football Program. Tim is very excited and inspired to be a part of the NNS community. Tim and his wife Mara have three children, Gus, Willow, and Ryland. In addition to Given, their dog and keeper of their five chickens. A few of Tim's passions outside of school are surfing, meditation, and trying desperately to be a successful apiarist. 

   
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  Megan Solimeo 

  Head of Early School

  508-228-8569 ext. 304
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  Lisa Solomon 

  Head of Lower School/ Second Grade Teacher

  508-228-8569 ext. 206

  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.   
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  Janel Trivelas 

  Reading Specialist

  508-228-8569 ext. 213

  Bio

  After relocating from New York City, Janel Trivelas found her home on Nantucket. Her educational journey includes a Bachelor's of Arts in the Humanities and Elementary Education from Wheelock College in Boston, MA, as well as a Master's in Education for Curriculum and Instruction from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City.
  
  

  Before her move, Janel served as a dedicated classroom teacher in East Harlem, New York, where her passion for education flourished. Eventually, she transitioned into the role of an instructional coach, supporting other teachers in enhancing their reading and math instruction.
  
  

  In addition to her work at Nantucket New School, Janel runs her own successful consulting and tutoring business, a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field.
  
  

  When she finds some spare time amidst her busy schedule, you can likely spot Janel at the beach, enjoying precious moments with her family. While she may wish for a moment of tranquility with a good book in hand, her three children, Harrison, Eleanor, and Willa, who all attend Nantucket New School, keep her on her toes, cherishing every joy-filled moment together.
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  Andrew  Trott-Kielawa 

  Director of Operations

  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 

  Director of the Annual Fund, Health & Wellness Educator, & Strong Wings Director of Programs

  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 

  Founding Teacher