After my initial employment at St. Peter's school, I changed my position to become the Special Educator for grades 5 through 8. As Special Educator for three years, I truly enjoyed working both inside the classrooms assisting the classroom teacher and outside the classroom with individual students or small groups.

Four years ago, I became Assistant Principal. As Assistant Principal, I am committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students. I also am committed to assisting the Principal in continuing to provide rigorous academic challenges within the St. Peter curriculum.
 
 

 
Mrs. Eileen Ioannilli (email): Hi, my name is Eileen Ioannilli and I am very excited about working for the St. Peter School community. I have lived in Brighton all my life (no, I am not saying how many years)! I live there with my husband and four children ranging in ages twenty-two to thirteen.

My recent work experience includes working at Our Lady of the Presentation Parish in Brighton as the parish secretary for five years. I also worked at St. Anthony Parish in Allston as the Administrative Assistant for two years. I have also worked at Fleet Bank and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Treasury Dept.

I look forward to a fulfilling, productive career supporting the administration, faculty, parents and student body here at St. Peter’s!

Mrs. Karen Trainor (email) A native of Cambridge, I graduated from Salem State College in 1974 with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education. After raising my three children, all of whom are products of a Saint Peter Catholic Education, I went back to work at Saint Peter School where I was named Director of Advancement in the late 1990's when an Advancement initiative was begun.

I am a member of the Board of the New England Association Catholic Development Officers, NEACDO and have ten years of experience in advancement . Two years ago, I received the Citizen of the Year award from the Cambridge Police because of my work with the youth of Cambridge, and in 2004, I was the recipient of The Rising Star Award from my colleagues of NEACDO.

The 2007-2008 year was a successful, advancement year for us and we reached our anticipated goal because of the continued generosity of parents,grandparents, parishioners, alumni, friends and faculty. I look forward to the 2008-2009 advancement year with much hope for continued success for our wonderful school.
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Faculty

Ms. Carol Kovac (email): I have been teaching at St. Peter School since 2002. I have my B.A. in Education and my M.A. in Teaching. I teach seventh and eighth grade language arts, literature, and United States history. It is an integrated curriculum in which the students learn and develop critical thinking skills to analyze the major events that have shaped our nation while reading novels and writing about those events. A very special part of our curriculum involves the eighth grade class to trip to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg. It is an amazing experience that I look forward to each school year. It truly brings history to life for our students!

Mr. Robert Gray (email): I received a B.S. from Boston College and a Masters Degree from Suffolk University and have taken post-baccalaureate classes at Bridgewater State College. For many years I worked for the Gillette Co. in Boston and I was also a ten year member of the Adjunct Faculty at Suffolk University. I am in my second year at St. Peter School. I live with my wife in Norwood, MA, and am the father of two grown sons.

The seventh grade class studies a wide breadth of subjects. I teach Mathematics and Religion. The Mathematics curriculum includes pre-algebra for advanced students and basic seventh grade math for on-track students. Both courses include the operations of math for whole numbers, integers, and fractions and decimals. In addition, the concepts of currency, measuring, equations, word problems, and geometry are studied.

Spanish is the foreign language studied by the seventh grade and Mr. David Hadly covers science which is taught in our state-of-the-art science lab. Ms. Carol Kovac, the eighth grade homeroom teacher, teaches literature, writing, grammar, and social studies to the seventh grade class. The goal of the language arts curriculum is to encourage students to think critically and to achieve oral and written fluency. Computer Science is taught in our Hoff Technology Center.

In summary, the seventh grade class enjoys a rich and full academic challenge supported by a Catholic-Christian atmosphere that stresses self-discipline and character development.

Ms. Jessica Durham (email): :I graduated from Salem State College with a B.S. in Sociology with a concentration in Child Development. I also had experience as teaching assistant in Statistics. While at school I worked in the Horace Mann School in many different elementary classroom settings. My background also includes experience at the Department of Social Services where I was an advocate for young girls.

I enjoyed my first two years teaching 3rd grade at St. Peter School and am very eager to start my third year here teaching grade 6. My philosophy is that a Catholic school experience adds an important element to a student’s development. I am a proud Catholic school graduate and feel that the relationships that I formed during my elementary school years with students, teachers, and administration were instrumental in my development as a student and as a person of faith. The 6th grade is an important year for deepening the students’ spirituality and faith. I look forward to a another great year of learning!

The sixth grade classroom is a very busy place! Our full schedule includes art, computer, library, physical education, and music. The students enjoy using the science lab with science teacher, Mr. David Hadly. In the science lab, the students have learned everything from how to use microscopes and lab materials properly, to how to grow real mold!

Mr. Mark Smith (email): Hello, my name is Mark Smith and I am the lucky guy that gets to teach the fifth grade here at St. Peter School. After 40 years on the planet, I finally have found my calling...teaching children. After working in film production for15 years I decided to make a career change and work with children. The change has done me good! As I pursue my Masters degree from Lesley University, I have the good fortune to be part of this wonderful institution. St. Peter School offers so much more than a great education, I feel it is our goal not only to educate but to instill and teach the core values that will benefit all the students who pass through this school for years to come. I like to think that students are constantly being challenged and engaged in my classroom, from working on a group project about world music and culture to participating in our latest literature circle. Students here at St. Peter will always be encouraged, treated with respect and challenged to be the best that they can be.

Ms. Claire Cussen (email): I come from Ireland, where for the seven years prior to joining the faculty at St. Peter School in 2000 I taught 3rd and 4th grades. I studied at University College Dublin where I received my B.A. in 1992 and a Higher Diploma in Education the following year.

The 4th graders at St. Peter enjoy learning through a wide variety of activities. We often integrate the subjects we study and actively learn with hands-on activities. In Language Arts we read all genres of books, create exciting book reports, practice writing in a variety of forms and more. Our study of science includes class labs and exciting projects. Social Studies highlights include developing map skills, studying Colonial America, enjoying field trips to historical sites in and around Boston, and learning about the 50 states. Each day as we learn more about these different subjects areas, we also strive to learn how to live as a Catholic Christian in our constantly changing society. The 4th grade is a very happening place to be.

Ms. Elizabeth Fleming (email) I graduated from Stonehill College in 2005 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and American Studies. I have had experience in varied classroom settings and am certified to teach grades one through six. I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in Literacy and Language from Framingham State College.

This is my fourth year at St. Peter's school, and I am looking forward to teaching third grade. I am so proud to be a part of the St. Peter family.

Ms. Kathryn Callahan (email): I graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2004 with a B.A. in English Writing and Education Studies. I have had experience working in various classroom settings in the Arlington and Brookline school systems. Most recently, I was a third and fourth grade Special Education teacher. My teaching certifications are for Grades 1 through 6 and Specialist Teacher of Reading (Grades K through 12).This is my first year teaching at St. Peter’s School. I am very excited to be apart of the St. Peter’s community. I am passionate about teaching, and I believe that it is my job to create a nurturing learning environment where every student is successful. I am looking to a great year in second grade!

A major highlight of Grade 2 comes in the Spring when the children receive their First Holy Communion. I look forward to another excellent and exciting year at St. Peter! Can't believe this is the start of year 3! Time flies.

Mrs. Tara Flaherty (email): I received a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood from Fitchburg State College in 2001.  In Fitchburg, I worked with elementary school students in an after school program which focused on literacy.  I have passed the Massachusetts Department of Education Teacher Certification Exam.  After student teaching in a pre-school classroom, I worked as a kindergarten teacher in the Lawrence Public Schools.  In March of 2004, I took over for a teacher in K2, and happily returned in September, 2005 to St. Peter. 

I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in Education at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. In Grade 1, I provide a balanced literacy program in a loving environment that encourages my students to be independent, respectful students.

Mrs. Susan Keating (email) This year, I will once again be the assistant teacher for the literacy program in the first grade working with Tara Flaherty. I will also assist with literacy in the second grade with Kathyrn Callahan and in the third grade with Liz Fleming.

In 1973, I graduated from Boston State College with a BS in Kindergarten-Primary Education and, within one week, I married my husband, Jack. I have spent the last 35 years teaching children in academic, recreational and religious settings, while raising our 3 children.

My first teaching positions were first grades in the public schools of Cambridge and Reading. While my children were young, I had numerous educational positions from head nursery school teacher, to substitute teacher, to CCD teacher, along with many volunteer positions that involved grammar school to high school age children.

After 11 years, at Montrose School, a girls’ independent day school in Medfield, I left my position as Director of Advising. My role was to supervise, develop and implement the character education curriculum working with faculty, parents and students. My other duties were administrator, advisor, theology teacher and facilities manager. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching, advising and working with the staff, students and families of Montrose School.

Returning to first grade last year was exciting as teaching first graders is challenging, rewarding and my first love. Watching the “light bulb” go on when a child understands a new concept makes the teaching profession so gratifying. Working with the second grade students will allow me to watch last years’ first graders progress academically and mature as learners.

My educational philosophy is to challenge students to reach their personal potentials through encouragement and engaging all their senses in the learning process.

Ms. Kim Prentiss (email):  Hi there! My name is Kim Prentiss, and this is my third year at St. Peter School. I am so excited to be working in the Kindergarten classroom and Afterschool at St. Peter School! I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, I moved to the wonderful state of Massachusetts….I wanted some cold weather! After working as a Nanny for boy/girl twin infants whom I love dearly, I was anxious to return to the classroom. Two years ago, I worked at Bowen Cooperative Nursery School as well as in the Afterschool program here.. In addition to teaching, I am currently working on my M.B.A from the University of Phoenix! It’s going to be a great year with a wonderful, K2 class!

Ms. Kerry Bonacci (email):

Mrs. Patti Westcott (email): ) Before coming to St. Peter School, I taught kindergarten in Lexington, Massachusetts. During that time, I served in a variety of roles including Assistant Director of the school.

I began my teaching at St. Peter in 1994, and have taught both the K-1 and K-2 programs. I’m so pleased to be able to contribute to St. Peter school from which I graduated and to St. Peter parish where I worship. I also feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity to work in a faith-filled community surrounded by dedicated administers and faculty.

I studied at the University of Massachusetts as well as Lesley University, and I earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am also certified by the Massachusetts Office for Children in Child Care and a member of the National Education Association of Young Children (NEAYC).

In K-1, we get to plant seeds and watch them grow. It all begins here -that’s what makes it so exciting! We strive to provide preschoolers with creative and educational opportunies where they can experience success in all areas of development in a fun, nurturing and Catholic environment.

Mrs. Kathy Smith (email):

Ms. Rebecca Maurano (email): Hi! I am the new special education teacher for students K-4! I am a recent graduate of Providence College, where I earned a BA in both elementary and special education. Throughout my time at PC, I was fortunate enough to have a variety of classroom experiences in placements all over Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I'm very excited to begin the school year and to get to know all of you at St. Peter! As a graduate of Catholic Schools, I am thrilled to be here and am looking forward to a great year!

Mrs. Nicole Putney (email): I have been at St. Peter since September 2002.  I attended Merrimack College and graduated with a B.A. in 2000. I am currently enrolled at Salem State College, pursuing a Masters degree in Middle School Education. I am really enjoying my time here at St. Peter School and I feel very blessed to be part of such a welcoming and caring community. I look forward to working with our middle school students and faculty.

Mr. David Hadly (email): I graduated from Boston College in 2000 with a degree in Theology and a minor in Education. While at B.C., I played trombone in the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band as well as B.C. bOp!, the top jazz ensemble at B.C. I also swam one year for B.C.’s swim team.

Originally from California, I moved back to Sacramento, where I taught for four years at Our Lady of the Presentation. At Presentation, I taught a variety of subjects: History (6th-8th), Literature (6th), Science (7th), Old and New Testament (7th), and Music (1st-4th). I planned and led our annual 8th grade weeklong trip to Yosemite National park. I also began and directed our Junior High Choir, which placed 1st in the Northern California Catholic Schools Choir Competition in 2004 and 2005. Our choir was picked to sing for Governor Schwarzenegger at the California Catholic Schools Rally at the Capital, and we were asked to sing a private concert for Bishop Weegan of Sacramento.

For the last ten years, I coached the Del Norte Dolphins Recreational swim team in Sacramento. The team had about 175 swimmers ranging in age from three to eighteen. We took 1st place in the NorCal Swim League in 2003, 2004, and last summer in 2005.

Since my family is scattered all over the world, I am an avid traveler. I have traveled to Nepal, Tibet, Southern China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and 34 of the 50 states. My favorite traveling moment was seeing Mt. Everest with my naked eye!

I am also an enthusaistic outdoorsman. I spend a few weeks every summer in Northwest Montana, where I thoroughly enjoy fly-fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and backpacking- especially in Glacier National Park.

I am very excited to be here at St. Peter’s for a fourth year! What a pleasant surprise is it to be at a school that is so ethnically diverse! I hope to enrich and challenge our student in the science lab, as well as to serve as a guide and mentor for them as they grow and mature.

Mrs. Shiela Gilligan (email): Sheila Gilligan, our new Computer Instructor and newer Art Teacher, is familiar to our school community as the mother of 6th grader, Olivia, as a substitute teacher, and as an active volunteer in our community. Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Gilligan moved to the Boston area to continue her education at Emmanuel College where she pursued her interest in Art, English and History. While she has taught in various settings, Ms. Gilligan’s professional work has been in illustrating. After a few years on the production side of publishing, working with editors and art directors, she eventually became an illustrator in both publishing and advertising. Publications featuring her work have included The Old Farmer’s Almanac and Nature Discovery Press, for whom she did Mammals of North America, a four-color poster displayed at the Smithsonian Museum. Ms. Gilligan has also illustrated educational materials for the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

She is currently preparing for her MTEL, the MA teachers’ licensure tests, at Lesley University. Ms. Gilligan lives in Somerville with her husband, John Corsetti, a real estate appraiser with The Appraisers Group in Belmont (who “kept his name when we got married”), her two children, Julia, a sophomore at Mt. Alvernia High School, and Olivia, and their pets, Homer, Kelly and Belle. Highlights of their travel adventures include a trip taken across America in 2002, a small trailer in tow and a delighted Homer with his head out the window. Three years ago they fulfilled a long held dream of swapping homes with a family in Ireland. “It took years to get up the nerve to hand over our home and our car to complete strangers. But we met a lovely family and it became a wonderful, learning experience for all of us,” Ms. Gilligan recounts. “For five weeks we used Bray, a seaside town just south of Dublin, as a home base while we explored the spectacular land of my grandparents.” More recently, on a solo adventure, she had the opportunity to return to Ireland and stay with a dear old friend at the motherhouse of the Medical Missionaries of Mary located in Drogheda. Ms. Gilligan is looking forward to her new adventure at the top of the north stairwell, exploring the information highway with the good students of St. Peter School.

Sr. Jane Roach, S.H.C.J. (email): Upon graduating from Rosemont College, in Rosemont, Pa., I entered the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. Subsequently, I received my Masters Degree in Administration from Loyola University in Los Angeles, Calif. I have spent my entire religious life involved in education, teaching in Pasadena, Calif., Portland, Oregon, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Zion, Illinois, as well as a year as an exchange teacher in Edgbaston (Birmingham), England . I have been principal in Mayfield School of the Holy Child in Pasadena, assistant principal in Holy Child High School in Portland, Oregon, and most recently served for twelve years as principal in a parish school in Zion, Illinois. Following that I applied for and was accepted in a year's sabbatical program in Cambridge at Weston Jesuit School of Theology. I  became librarian here at St. Peter School in 1998.  At present I am volunteering part-time and hope to stay for many years!

Ms. Andrea Gaudette (email): See Music

Mr. Thomas Bonacci (email): I am the Physical Education and Health teacher at St. Peter School. I am a graduate of Northeastern University, Boston Bouve College, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Health. I am also President and co-owner of All-Star Gymnastics Center, Inc. located in Chelmsford, MA. I have been teaching children for the past 30 years both in the public and private sector. I have two children who are both graduates of St. Peter School.

The Physical Education Curriculum is designed to help each student understand the need to maintain a healthy body in order to keep the level of participation in various sports and daily activities, and to develop a positive approach towards physical fitness.

I have enjoyed teaching at St. Peter School for the past 14 years. It is a pleasure to work with our Principal, Mrs. Mary Jo Keaney and the teachers and staff here.

Mrs. Sheila Gilligan (email): See Technology

Ms. Andrea Gaudette (email): Andrea Gaudette has been playing music professionally since age 14, when her first job carried the title “substitute organist” for her parish church. During high school, she spent two summers studying theory and composition at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 1990, she received her Bachelor’s Degree of Music with Academic Honors in Composition at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. She has been teaching piano, theory, composition, voice, choir, instrumental ensembles and creative arts to children in a variety of settings since 1988. Ms. Gaudette lives in Cambridge with her husband and 10-year-old daughter.

Mr. Dennis Kinlaw (email): I am looking forward to beginning my first year as a full-time teacher at St. Peter’s school teaching Spanish to grades four through eight. After entering into the St. Peter’s community nearly two years ago as an elective teacher for the student newspaper, I have continued to work in the Resource department as a tutor in both Math and Language Arts. I recently finished my own studies in American Literature and Language at Harvard University, and am excited to see the students’ progress in their own language studies at St.Peter’s.

Mrs. Stephanie Russell(email): .

Hello, my name is Stephanie Russell, and I am thrilled to be the After School Director at St. Peter. I feel as though St. Peter is a second home to me since I actually attended this wonderful learning institution as a child. Therefore, when I graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Boston in 2000, I was honored to accept my first teaching position here, the place that provided me with such a solid base both academically and spiritually.

I started out as a Resource Room Teacher and facilitated the upper grades in the areas of Language Arts. The following year I became the fifth grade teacher, a position I held for two and a half years before leaving to give birth to my son, Jake. I have been away from teaching since his birth in 2004, but have kept my feet wet through my work as a private tutor.

I am very excited to be back at St. Peter for a second year in this position. It is so wonderful to see both familiar and new faces. My goal for this program is to provide the children with a friendly, fun, safe, and creative atmosphere to flourish and grow with friends.