Faculty and Staff : Harborlight Montessori School

Faculty and Staff

Susan Egan, R.N., M.Ed., L.M.F.T., L.M.H.C
Co-Founder and Head of School
National Center for Montessori Education-New England (NCME-NE)
Founder and Executive Director of NCME-NE

Quincy College/Quincy Hospital School of Nursing
Registered Nurse
New England Montessori Teacher Education Center
Preprimary Certification
Antioch University Graduate School
Early Childhood/Elementary Education
Salem State College Graduate School
Counseling Psychology

Susan Egan co-founded Harborlight Montessori School in 1973 and has tirelessly and steadfastly devoted the past thirty-five years to its growth, development, and success. She has dedicated her life to the success of Harborlight’s students in order to graduate responsible and productive citizens of the world. Susan serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. In addition to a variety of community services and activities, Susan is past president and present advisory board member of Symphony By the Sea. She enjoys spending time with family (two sons, three step-daughters, and ten grandchildren), traveling, classical music, art, and photography.

Jed Dickman, B.A.
Director of Finance and Technology
Harborlight School Bus Driver

Syracuse University
Economics/Management

Jed was one of 27 children that attended the first academic year at Harborlight (1973/1974) and, as Susan Egan’s oldest son, it was for Jed that the school was originally founded. Jed graduated from the first class and moved on to an accomplished educational career before returning to Harborlight as Director of Finance. During his 18 year tenure at the school, Jed has been actively involved with the development and construction of Harborlight into the school it is today. Jed serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. Jed’s additional areas of expertise include technology and school planning. He enjoys sailing, biking, kayaking and spending time with his wife, son and daughter (Harborlight students).

Bill McDonough
Director of Construction
Harborlight School Bus Driver

Wentworth Institute of Technology
Civil Engineering
Licensed Construction Supervisor

After twenty-two years of service for the U.S. Geological Survey and ten years in construction management and real estate development, Bill came to work full-time at Harborlight just in time to meet all the demands of this ever growing school. Susan has often been heard to say, “I dream it and Bill builds it!” It is thanks to Bill that much of the Harborlight dream has become a reality. While sometimes the students refer to him as “our bus driver,” we all know that he is much, much more! Bill enjoys spending time with family, model trains, boating, and traveling.

Peter Dickman, B.A., E.M.T.
Director of Buildings and Grounds
Director of Safety & Security
Harborlight School Bus Driver

Franklin Pierce College
Environmental Science & Anthropology
Licensed Construction Supervisor

Susan Egan’s youngest son and Harborlight alumnus, Peter has worked at the School since he was young. Susan founded the Elementary Program just in time for Peter to enroll. He has fully participated in Harborlight’s many construction projects and has helped Bill build most of the classroom furniture at Harborlight. Peter is a certified law enforcement officer, fire fighter, sailing instructor, Outward Bound instructor, and whitewater rafting guide. He enjoys all outdoor activities and spending time with his wife Kate (a Harborlight elementary head teacher) and three sons, who attend Harborlight.

Jennifer Sargent, B.A.
Director of Development & Parent Relations

George Washington University
Art History and French

In her third year at Harborlight, Jennifer brings years of development and communication experience from Kingsley Montessori School in Boston and professional experience in the area of business and publishing. Jennifer enjoys gardening, fly fishing, reading, cooking, and fine arts. She is married with two sons and two dogs.

Elizabeth Stone, B.A., M.Ed. Director of Infant/Toddler Program
National Center for Montessori Education - New England Coordinator & Instructor Infant/Toddler Program

Franklin and Marshall College
Child Psychology
Cambridge College Graduate School
Education
Center for Montessori Teacher Education-New York
Infant/Toddler Certification

Beth joined Harborlight in 1998. She directs both Harborlight’s and the NCME-NE’s Infant and Toddler Programs. She shares her love of music by teaching music to the toddlers. She earned a master’s degree in education and has attended countless seminars over the years. She also leads educational seminars and has her own scholastic work published! She enjoys sailing, reading, and spending time with her two daughters and grandson.

Rachel McAlpine, B.S., M.Ed.
Director of Admission
Director of Early Childhood Education
National Center for Montessori Education - New England - Administrative Director

Salem State College
Early Childhood Education
Salem State Graduate School
Educational Leadership
Center for Montessori Teacher Education-New York

Rachel joined Harborlight in 1995 as a toddler teacher and was quicklypromoted to Director of the Infant/Toddler Program. She is the Director of Early Childhood Program and the Director of Admission. Rachel is also the Administrative Director of the National Center for Montessori Education-New England. Rachel oversees all accreditations and licensing and for Harborlight and NCME-NE. She enjoys spending time with her family. Her two sons and daughter are Harborlight students.

Elisa Pitkin, B.A., M.Ed.
Director of Elementary & Middle School
National Center for Montessori Education-New England Instructor of Art

Gordon College - Early Childhood Education
Gordon College Graduate School Education
National Center for Montessori Education
Pre-primary Certification
St. Nicholas Montessori Center- London
Elementary Teacher Certification 6-9

Elisa joined the faculty in 1997. With an undergraduate and graduate degree in education and three Montessori certifications ranging from ages 2.9-12, Elisa is the perfect member of the administrative team to be Director of Elementary and Middle School Program. Under her guidance, the elementary and middle school program achieves a high level of excellence. Elisa enjoys photography and her family. Her two sons are both Harborlight students.

Debra Holloran
Administrative Assistant to the Head of School

Endicott College
Early Childhood Education

Deb joined the Harborlight staff in August 2004, after working as an administrative assistant at Shore Country Day School for thirteen years. She also worked in business as a human resource/payroll manager for several years. We are happy to have Deb assisting with human resources at Harborlight. Deb loves working with the Harborlight school community. She enjoys traveling with her husband, and spending time with her family - especially her two grandsons.

Stephanie Duncan, B.A.
Administrative Assistant to the Director of Finance

Gordon College
Liberal Arts

Stephanie joined the Harborlight staff in 2001. She was an assistant teacher in the Early Childhood Program for four years before joining the office staff and becoming the administrative assistant to the director of finance. Stephanie enjoys singing, reading, and traveling.

Valery Egan Madore
Administrative Assistant to the Director of Admission
Receptionist

Southeastern Massachusetts University
Liberal Arts
Center for Montessori Teacher Education
Early Childhood Education

As Susan Egan’s niece, Valery began working at Harborlight in 1984 and has been an integral part of the community for more than two decades. Valery enjoyed time teaching in the classroom before becoming a fixture in the front office. Families enjoy returning to Harborlight year after year and being greeted with her positive, upbeat attitude every day. Valery’s son is now in high school after being a student for eleven years at Harborlight. Valery enjoys playing piano, creating arts and crafts, and spending time with her husband and son.

Kerrie Spinney, A.S., B.S.
Head Teacher - Infant 1

North Shore Community College
Infant/Toddler Education
Framingham State College
Early Childhood Education
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Infant/Toddler Certification

Kerrie joined the Harborlight team in 1991. She spent one year working with the toddlers and two years in a preschool classroom. The remainder of her years at Harborlight have been spent nurturing the infants. It is extremely comforting for the parents who entrust her with their babies to know that Kerrie has spent so many years dedicated to both Harborlight and the Infant Program. In her free time Kerrie enjoys reading, watching sports, and spending time with her two daughters (Harborlight alumnae).

Gail Estes
Head Teacher - Infant 1 & 2

North Shore Community College
Early Childhood Education

Gail joined the Harborlight team in 1991. Gail began as an assistant teacher in the Early Childhood Program and then moved to the front office for many years before making the transition to the Infant Program where she helps to care for and nurture the babies. In her free time, Gail enjoys photography, camping and spending time with her two daughters (both Harborlight alumnae).

Cheryl Romano, A.S.
Teacher - Infant 1 & 2

North Shore Community College
Early Childhood Education

Cheryl joined the Harborlight community in 1991. The children adore her as much as the staff enjoys her! As a very loving and experienced teacher, Cheryl is an important member of the infant/toddler faculty. Outside of Harborlight, Cheryl enjoys yoga, golf, and interior design. Cheryl is married and has a son and daughter.

Christine McDonough
Head Teacher - Toddler 1

University of Southern Maine
Liberal Arts
North Shore Community College
Early Childhood Education
Salem State College
Psychology
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Infant/Toddler Certification

Chris joined the Harborlight faculty in 1998 and has been teaching in the Infant/Toddler Program ever since. She became head teacher of toddler one after earning her infant/toddler Montessori teacher education certification. Chris has a total of seventeen years of experience workingwith infants and toddlers. Chris enjoys reading, sports and spending time with her son who is a sophomore in college.

Nancy Safier, B.A.
Teacher - Toddler 1

University of Connecticut
Biology
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Infant/Toddler Intern
New England School of Photography Certification

Nancy joined the Harborlight faculty in 2001. Nancy believes that a love and respect for children is ultimately the most important thing and what bonds each and every staff member at the School. Nancy has a peaceful manner with the children and adults that is admired by all. Her interests outside of Harborlight include photography, travel, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Jane Alvord, B.A.
Head Teacher - Toddler 2

St. Thomas University
Early Childhood Education
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Infant/Toddler Certification

Jane joined the Harborlight faculty in 1995 after five years of prior teaching experience. She became a head teacher after completing the National Center for Montessori Education - New England’s Infant/Toddler Teacher Education Program. When not at Harborlight, Jane enjoys downhill skiing, water skiing, tennis, swimming, and reading.

Elaine Hildebrand
Teacher - Toddler 2

Wheelock College
Early Childhood Education & Child Care and Development

Elaine joined the Harborlight faculty in 2005 after seventeen years of experience working with young children, four of which were spent working in an integrated preschool classroom. Elaine is recently married, loves movies, music, reading, traveling, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Cheryl Corneau, A.S.
Head Teacher - Toddler 3

North Shore Community College
Early Childhood Education
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Infant/Toddler Certification

Cheryl originally joined the Harborlight faculty in 1991 spending five years teaching and directing the Infant/Toddler Program. Moving to Arizona in 1996, Cheryl taught in two different Montessori schools along with working as a massage therapist. In 2002 Cheryl returned to both Massachusetts and Harborlight. When not inspiring toddlers, Cheryl enjoys photography, music, cooking, and traveling.

Paula Chapman, A.S.
Teacher - Toddler 3

St. Aldate’s College
Bournemouth & Poole College
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Infant/Toddler Certification

Paula joined the Harborlight faculty in 2003 and began teaching in the Infant/Toddler Program while earning her Montessori teacher education certification. Paula was born and raised in Zimbabwe and also lived in and attended college in the United Kingdom. Paula enjoys bringing herlife experience to the classroom to add diversity to the children’s lives. Paula is married with one son who is a Harborlight student.

Adrienne Delcolle, B.S.
Head Teacher - Infant 2

University of Connecticut
Early Childhood Education
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Infant/Toddler Certification

Adrienne joined the Harborlight faculty in 2003 after earning a bachelor’s degree in human development & family studies. She worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers while earning her degree. Adrienne also earned her infant/toddler certification at the National Center for Montessori Education - New England Program while she was working as an assistant teacher at Harborlight. When away from School, Adrienne enjoys football, soccer, kayaking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing, and mountain biking.

Cynthia Perreault, B.A., B.S.
Head Teacher - Early Childhood Education 1

Gordon College
Business Administration
Gordon College
Recreation and Leisure Studies
National Center for Montessori Education- New England
Early Childhood Certification

Cindy joined the Harborlight faculty in 2005. Prior to working at the School, Cindy spent a decade working in business. Five of those years were spent running and operating her own ceramic shop. A natural with children, Cindy enrolled in Harborlight’s National Center for Montessori Education - New England’s Early Childhood Teacher Education Program. Outside of Harborlight, Cindy enjoys all sports, especially soccer and basketball.

Jackie Ward, B.S
Teacher - Early Childhood Education 1

Elmira College
Human Services & Early Childhood
George Mason University
Education
National Center for Montessori Education- New England
Montessori Intern

Jackie joins the Harborlight team this year with twenty years of experience working with children in a variety of school settings such as Head Start, private schools, and corporate child care. She is enrolled in NCME-NE and is interning as a Montessori teacher this year. Jackie enjoys hiking, camping, boating, skiing, tennis and kayaking with her family and friends. Her two daughters, are Harborlight alumnae.

Sandra Lee, B.S., M.S., Ph. D.
Head Teacher - Early Childhood Education 2
National Center for Montessori Education-New England - Instructor of Math

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Curriculum & Instruction Early Childhood Education
Soochow University
Chinese Literature
Midwest Montessori Teacher Center
Early Childhood Certification

Sandra joined the Harborlight faculty in 2002 after being a parent at Harborlight for several years. Sandra’s experience includes the Montessori Children’s House in Taiwan and as an instructor at the Chinese Montessori Foundation also located in Taiwan. Sandra remains a part of that faculty and returns to China every summer to teach a Montessori teacher education program. Sandra received a Taiwan Book Award in 1994 and has had two works published in Taiwan. Her interests are in children’s literature, language, and reading development, along with bilingual education. Sandra is married with two children. Her son attends the Harborlight program and her daughter is an alumni

Sara Macedo
Teacher - Early Childhood Education 2

Salem State
Sociology & Instruction Early Childhood Education
Massachusetts Educators License

Sara joined the Infant & Toddler Program at Harborlight in 200. Sara took a year off to complete her education and to volunteer teach in multi-cultural and second language classrooms. Sara returned to Harborlight September 2009 to work in the Early Childhood 2 Program. Sara's quiet and reassuring mannerisms make her a welcome addtion to our school.

Holly Greene-Alto, A.A.
Head Teacher - Early Childhood Education 3

Wheelock College
Early Childhood Education
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Early Childhood Certification

Holly joined the Harborlight faculty in 1999 after graduating from Harborlight’s National Center for Montessori Education-New England. She has diverse personal interests that she shares with her students such as nature, hiking, quilting, gardening, photography, reading, and history. Holly is married with five children, the youngest a Harborlight alumnus.

Marisa Petrillo, B.A.
Teacher - Early Childhood Education 3

Salem State College
Early Childhood Education
National Center for Montessori Education - New England
Intern

Marisa joined the Harborlight team in 2008-2009 with three years experience teaching in the Arlington Children’s Center. She was also an assistant teacher in the Odyssey Day School in Wakefield. Marisa is very involved in the sport of running. She has won silver medals in the 2005 Bay State Games and is currently a member of the Boston North Track Club.

Caroline Curley, B.S.
Head Teacher - Early Childhood Education 4

Salem State College
Business Education
Northeast Montessori Institute
Early Childhood Certification

Caroline has been a member of Harborlight’s early childhood faculty since 1993. In addition to earning an early childhood Montessori certification, Caroline is certified to teach grades 5-12. Prior to beginning her long career at Harborlight, Caroline taught at the junior and senior high school levels in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. When not teaching, Caroline enjoys outdoor activities.

Pamela Kelley, B.A., M.Ed.
Teacher - Early Childhood Education 4

University of Washington
Linguistics
Northeast Montessori Institute
Early Childhood Certification
Endicott College
Montessori Focus

Pam served Harborlight as a substitute teacher during the 2007-2008 school year where she worked in the preschool and infant toddler classrooms and had the opportunity to get to know the faculty and students. Pam earned her Montessori early childhood certificate from Northeast Montessori Institute and was recently awarded a master’s degree in education from Endicott College. She and her husband live in Beverly and are the parents of three sons.

Melissa Kausel Harrington, B.S.
Head Teacher - Early Childhood Education 5

University of Massachusetts
Education & Sociology
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Early Childhood Certification
Gordon College
Master Degree Candidate

Melissa joined the Harborlight faculty in 2005 after finishing college and working part-time at the YMCA in Beverly. She is currently enrolled at Gordon College working towards a master’s degree in education. When not with the children, she enjoys skiing, boating, camping, scrap-booking and fixing up her home with her new husband.

Betsy Evans, B.S.
Teacher - Early Childhood Education 5

Fitchburg State College
Communications/Media
National Center for Montessori Education - New EnglandIntern

Betsy joined the Harborlight team after teaching eleven years as a head teacher at the Weaver-Dairy Community Pre-School in North Carolina. She also worked as a toddler head teacher in Austin, Texas for two years. Betsy moved to Ipswich with her daughter, a Harborlight student, last summer, is married and expecting her second child in late September. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, running, mountain biking, cooking, and camping.

Jamie Oakley, B.A., M.Ed.
Head Teacher - Early Childhood Education 6

Endicott College
Psychology & Early Childhood Education
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Early Childhood Certification
Gordon College Graduate School

Jamie joined the Harborlight faculty in 2002 after becoming enamored by the Montessori philosophy. Jamie’s previous teaching experience was in a traditional early childhood setting. She earned an early childhood certification from the National Center for Montessori Education - New England and later a master’s degree in education. After many years of studying piano, Jamie has been able to incorporate note reading and keyboard playing into her classroom curriculum. Jamie's daughter, Emma, is in Harborlight's Infant/Toddler Program.

Meg Portnof, B.A.
Teacher - Early Childhood Education 6

State University of New York, Cortland
Sociology
Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington
Pre-Primary Certificate
Montessori Institute of America
Early Childhood Certification

Meg joined the Harborlight faculty in 2001, after having her children enrolled at the school for several years. Prior to teaching at Harborlight, Meg taught at several Montessori schools in the state of Washington. She also worked in the children’s room of a book store. Meg brings many interests into the classroom to share with the children. Meg’s youngest son presently attends Harborlight and her oldest son who is in high school, is a Harborlight alumnus.

Sarah Goodale-O'Brien, MEd.
Head Teacher - Lower Elementary 1

Boston College, Lynch School of Education
University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth
American Montessori Society Elementary Certification
Seacoast Montessori Elementary Training Certifcation

We are very excited to have Sarah join the Harborlight team this year. Sarah comes with a great love for children and many years of Montessori teaching experience. She taught at both Kingsley Montessori and Pincushion Montessori School. Sarah is thrilled being a new mom. Her young son, George is enrolled in the Infant Program. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys playing piano, guitar, painting and photography.

Marie Andrews, B.A., M.Ed.
Teacher - Lower Elementary 1

University of Massachusetts
Political Science
Harvard University Extension Program
History
Lesley University
Elementary Education

Marie joined the Harborlight faculty in 2004. Prior to Harborlight, Marie worked for 6 years in the public school system as a substitute teacher, librarian, and computer teacher. Before working in the educational field, Marie worked as an internal marketing engineer and as an intelligence officer in the United States Air Force. In both capacities she traveled extensively and experienced many other cultures. Marie teaches Elementary 1 in the mornings and in the library in the afternoons. Marie enjoys making jewelry in her spare time. She is married with one daughter, a Harborlight alumna.

Nichole Schrafft, B.A., M.Ed.
Head Teacher - Lower Elementary 2

Lynchburg College
English
National Center for Montessori Education - New England
Early Childhood Certification
Seacoast Center
Elementary Montessori Certification
Cambridge College Graduate School
Education

Nichole joined the Harborlight faculty in 1994 and taught in the Early Childhood Program for nine years before moving to the Elementary Program. She has also taught language and cultural subjects for the National Center for Montessori Education-New England. Outside of Harborlight, Nichole has traveled to Africa, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Everglades to focus on ecotourism and animal conservation. Nichole enjoys bringing those experiences into the classroom. Nichole enjoys photography as both hobby and a second career and has had photos published along with her first book, A Field Guide to Fenway Park. Her son Thatcher is a student at Harborlight and welcomes his new brother Finley.

Rachael Bettencourt DeStefano, B.A.
Teacher - Lower Elementary 2

Salem State College
Elementary Education/Sociology

Rachael earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Salem State College this past May and has been a long-term substitute teacher in the Danvers school system. Rachael is an experienced reading and phonics tutor. She volunteered this summer in an after school program with the Danvers Recreation Department. Rachael enjoys reading, crafts, scrap-booking, and spending time with her toddler niece. She and her husband are avid Boston Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics fans.

Hiromi Sudachi, B.A., M.Ed.
Teacher - Lower Elementary 2

Boston College
Early Childhood
Tokyo Kasei University
English
Newcastle University
Linguistics

Hiromi joined the Infant/Toddler Program last year along with her daughter, Lina, who is now a student in the Early Childhood Program. This year, Hiro joins Rachael DeStefano in LE-2 while Nichole Schrafft is on maternity leave. Hiromi has taught children in a variety of settings. She has worked as an assistant teacher in the Brookline Early Education Program and trained parents and students in a home program for children with P.D.D. and Autism.

Beth Sieminski, B.S., M.Ed
Head Teacher - Lower Elementary 3

St. Leo University
Management and Marketing
Salem State College
Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Masters Degree Candidate
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Early Childhood Education
Seacoast Center

Beth joined the Harborlight faculty in 1997. She enrolled in the National Center for Montessori Education-New England Early Childhood program to gain knowledge of the work that preschool aged children complete. She then earned Montessori elementary teacher certification. She recently earned her master’s degree in reading at Salem State College. Prior to beginning at Harborlight, she worked in the public school system for nine years. Outside of Harborlight, Beth enjoys gardening and going for walks. She is married and has one daughter, a graduate of the Harborlight Class of 2006.

Samantha Kalman, B.A., M.Ed.
Teacher - Lower Elementary 3

University of New Hampshire
English
Lesley College
Education

Samantha joins the Harborlight Montessori team after an accomplished teaching career at Masconomet Regional High School where she taught English to students in grades 7-12 while serving as the Chair of the English Department. After a stay at home to raise her family, Samantha was excited to return to teaching. Both of her daughters currently attend the School.

Liam Dolan, B.A., H.Dip.Ed., M.A.
Head Teacher - Upper Elementary 1

University College, Ireland
History, Geography, Literature
Trinity College
Education
Salem State College
History

Liam joined the Harborlight faculty in 2000 after many years of teaching experience in Ireland and as a professor of history at Salem State College. Liam first taught in Harborlight’s Lower Elementary Program, then the Middle School, and currently teaches in Upper Elementary Program. Knowledge of the materials and curriculum at all levels gives Liam a thorough understanding of the scope and sequence that integrates each program. Liam enjoys traveling to Ireland to spend time with extended family. He is married and enjoys teaching with his daughter, Niamh.

Amy Synenki, B.S.
Teacher - Upper Elementary 1

Springfield College
American Studies & Elementary Education
Seacoast Center
Montessori Elementary Teacher Education Program
Plymouth State College
Master’s Degree Candidate

This is Amy’s third year at Harborlight. She graduated from Springfield College with a degree in elementary education. She is currently working towards her master’s degree in education. Amy enjoys playing soccer and running. She played two years of soccer in college and has competed and is training for both half and full marathons around New England.

Niamh Dolan, B.S., M.Phil.
Head Teacher - Upper Elementary 2

Salem State College
Psychology
Trinity College, Ireland
Philosophy
Center for Montessori Education
Lower Elementary Certification
Seacoast Center
Upper Elementary Certification

Niamh joined the Harborlight faculty in 2003. Although coming from an unrelated field, Niamh quickly enrolled in and completed two different Montessori Teacher Education Programs for ages 6-9 and 9-12. Niamh brings an interesting assortment of talents to her classroom with a background in medieval Irish history and psychology and a personal interest in American history, especially in the New England area. Niamh volunteers at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead and is currently the interim site curator while also participating in colonial reenactments.

Kate Dickman, B.A.
Head Teacher - Upper Elementary 3

Gordon College
History
National Center for Montessori Education-New England
Early Childhood Education
Seacoast Center
Elementary Montessori Certification

Kate joined the Harborlight faculty in 1997 as a teacher in the Toddler Program. After enrolling in the National Center for Montessori Education-New England, Kate taught in the Early Childhood Program and the Elementary Program. Kate is a head teacher in the Upper Elementary program this year. She graduated from the Seacoast Center for Montessori Teacher Education earning her Elementary Montessori Certification. Outside of Harborlight, Kate enjoys camping with her husband and their three sons, who are Harborlight students.

Tracy Wood, B.A. M.Ed.
Language Arts Teacher - Middle School

University of Rochester
English and Philosophy
Cambridge College
Education

Tracy joined the Harborlight faculty in 2003. Prior to Harborlight, Tracy taught 8th grade language arts and history in public schools in both Massachusetts and California. Before becoming a teacher, Tracy served as a Captain in Marine Corps. Tracy enjoys yoga and watching Pee Wee hockey games. Tracy is married with three children, two sons who presently attend Harborlight and a daughter who is a Harborlight alumna.

Jackson Tingle, B.A.
Social Studies Teacher - Middle School

University of New Hampshire
English
Salem State College
Masters in English Candidate

Jackson will continue working in the Upper Elementary Program in the mornings and teach Social World in the middle school in the afternoons. Jackson is currently working towards his masters degree at Salem State College and will be certified in English and history grades 5 to 8. He taught English in a local public school. Jackson is an active member of the Danvers Alarm List Company (Revolutionary War Reenactments). During the summer months, Jackson works as an assistant director of the Science and Nature Adventure for Kids at Endicott Park in Danvers. He currently lives in Salem with his wife, new baby daughter, and two guinea pigs.

Tim Creamer, B.S.
Science, Math, Physical Education Teacher - Middle School

St. Lawerence University
University of Rhode Island Graduate School

Tim joined the Harborlight faculty in 2006. Prior to coming to Harborlight, Tim taught science in the Lynnfield Public Schools for five years. He also directs the Summer Nature Camp Program run by the Danvers Recreational Department. Tim coaches high school baseball and soccer after school and enjoys hiking with his wife and three sons. Tim's three sons are students at Harborlight. T.J. and Jake are in the Early Childhood program and Andrew is in the Elementary program.

Dan Lord, B.A. , M.F.A.
Art Teacher Kindergarten - Middle School
Athletic Coach, Chess Coach

Tufts University
Art Education and Child Development

Dan joined the Harborlight faculty in 2004 as the Elementary and Middle School art teacher. Under his guidance, the Harborlight Scholars remain undefeated in interscholastic chess tournaments with all of the surrounding independent schools. Dan became the proud father of a baby daughter last summer with his wife, Kim (Harborlight’s Physical Education Teacher). Outside of Harborlight, Dan’s interests are in architecture, cats, and cars.

Kimberly Lord, B.S., M.Ed.
Physical Education Teacher
Early Childhood, Elementary & Middle School
Athletic Coach

Endicott College
Interior Architecture
Salem State College
Elementary Education

Kim joined the Harborlight faculty in 2004. Her undergraduate degree is in architecture and her master’s degree is in elementary education. Kim is a certified children’s yoga instructor, a certified water safety and swim instructor, and a certified Project Adventure instructor. Her wide range of knowledge, skills, and areas of expertise bring a great deal to Harborlight’s Physical Education Program. She currently is working toward a second master’s degree in physical education. Her interests include spending time with her daughter, sailing, book clubs, cats, and vegetarianism. Kim and Dan’s daughter, Auraylia, is in the Harborlight’s Infant/Toddler program.

Marcela Laverde, B.S.
Spanish Teacher - Early Childhood, Elementary & Middle School

Rosario University, Colombia
Occupational Therapy
Certifications
Total Physical Response & Storytelling
Spanish Education Certification

Marcela joined the Harborlight faculty in 2002. She previously worked in Colombia for eight years as an occupational therapist. Her native language is Spanish and she is pleased to combine her love of working with children with her love of the Spanish language and the countries that speak it. Marcela earned certification in Total Physical Response and storytelling methods to learn the best method for teaching Spanish to children. She and her family travel often to Spanish speaking countries which has enriched Harborlight’s Spanish curriculum immensely. Her youngest son attends Harborlight.

Heidi Mefford Rombola, B.A., M.Ed.
Music and Drama Teacher
National Center for Montessori Education New England - Coordinator & Instructor Early Childhood Program

University of California at Davis
Theatre Arts
National Center for Montessori Education-Los Angeles
Preprimary Education
Cambridge College
Masters in Education

Heidi has been a member of the Harborlight faculty since 1996. She taught at several Montessori schools in California prior to working at Harborlight. Heidi is also an instructor for the National Center for Montessori Education-New England’s Early Childhood Education Program. She instructs and mentors emerging Montessori teachers. Heidi enjoys singing, reading, and her family. Her two daughters are Montessori graduates.

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