The School Committee welcomed new administrators at their first meeting of the 2017-2018 School Year on Thursday, September 14. New administrators, left to right: Keith Lezama, Suzanne Vinnes, Lisa Richardson, Casey Ngo-Miller, Jeanette Lindor, Meg Maccini, Tanya Alvarado, Gus Travassos, Lynisha Samuel, Nadine Ekstrom, Lesley Ryan Miller.
On August 29th and 30th, we welcomed over 90 new educators and interns to our Brookline community. Orientation introduced the district’s priorities and standards for educational equity, instruction, collaboration, and professional responsibility. Our new educator’s dedication, thoughtfulness, and excitement were clearly evident and we are excited for the upcoming school year. The district is also welcoming a number of new school-based and central office administrators to the PSB team. We also have some colleagues who are now in new roles. Click here to see short bios of the administrators who are new to our team and in new roles.
Principals:
Alyson Hart, Principal, Lawrence
Genteen Jean-Michel, Principal, Runkle
Lesley Ryan-Miller, Interim Principal, Pierce
Suzie Talukdar, Interim Principal, Driscoll
Administrators:
Tanya Alvarado, K-8 Curriculum Coordinator for World Language
Nadine Ekstrom, Interim Senior Director of Teaching and Learning
Keith Lezama, Interim METCO Director
Meg Maccini, Senior Director of Programs
Casey Ngo-Miller, PreK-8 Co-Director of Special Education
Lisa Richardson, Director of Human Resources
Lynisha Samuel, Transportation Coordinator
Jim Stoddard, Vice Principal, Pierce
Lisa Richardson, Director of Human Resources
Lisa Richardson joins us as our new Director of Human resources for the Public Schools of Brookline. As a human resources leader, Ms. Richardson brings over fifteen years of experience in guiding and implementing key initiatives that improve business performance. She has worked in the areas of strategic leadership, organizational development, HR compliance, talent management, compensation benefits, and union negotiations and labor relations.
Most recently. Ms. Richardson was the Chief Human Resources Officer at Mount Ida College, Previously she served as the Vice President of Human Resources at Cardinal Cushing Centers, Inc., the Vice President of Human Resources and Affirmative Action at Massasoit Community College, the Director of Human Resources at Middletown City Schools, and as an HR Business Partner at Antioch University. Originally from Ohio, LIsa earned a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Central Michigan University, and holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.
Casey Ngo-Miller
Casey Ngo-Miller is our new Co-Director of Special Education for Grades Pre-K to 8. Ms. Ngo-Miller joins Brookline from the UP Education Network, where she served as the Director of Special Education. Prior to that, she was the Director of Special Education of the Early Learning Center and Elementary School for the Community Day Charter Public School, an Administrative Intern with the Director of Special Education at Framingham Public Schools, the School Psychologist and Team Chair for Fort Lee High School in New Jersey, and the Program Coordinator and Residential Teacher at the May Institute for Neuro-Rehabilitation.
Ms. Ngo-Miller brings a wealth of experience to Brookline, along with a Master of Education in School Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Tufts University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Brandeis University. Ms. Ngo-Miller holds a Professional License for Special Education Administrator, an Initial License for School Psychologist, and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
Lesley Ryan Miller, Interim Principal, Pierce
Lesley Ryan Miller is the Interim Principal of the John Pierce School for the 2017-2018 school year. Ms. Ryan Miller was Brookline’s Senior Director of Teaching and Learning last year and has over twenty years of experience in education. Prior to joining the Public Schools of Brookline, Ms. Ryan Miller served as a kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade teacher. Following her 11 years as an early education teacher, she served as a New Teacher Mentor, Director of Teacher Development and Advancement, and Director of School Supports for the Boston Public Schools.
Since joining the Public Schools of Brookline in 2016, Ms. Ryan Miller has been instrumental in the district’s work to build a strong collaborative culture. Brookline educators and administrators who have worked with her over the last year have witnessed, firsthand, her exceptional collaboration and leadership skills. Ms. Ryan Miller holds a Master’s Degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Boston University.
Allyson Hart, Principal, Lawrence
Allyson Hart joins the Brookline team as principal of the Amos A. Lawrence School. Ms. Hart brings over 17 years of experience in supporting students, families, and educators. She began her career in education as a middle school English teacher and has been an Assistant Principal in both Stoughton and Boston Public Schools, most recently serving at the Blackstone Innovation School.
Ms. Hart has led the implementation of school-wide social-emotional programs, and has coordinated and facilitated professional development opportunities addressing cultural competency, social-emotional wellness and mental health. Ms. Hart also has experience in school operations and teacher support and evaluation. She has facilitated all aspects of student interventions, and has created comprehensive social, emotional, and behavioral support and intervention plans for students. Ms. Hart holds a Master’s of Education in Counselor Education.
Genteen Jean-Michel, Principal, Runkle
Genteen Jean-Michel is the new principal of the John D. Runkle School beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. Ms. Jean-Michel is an instructional and curriculum leader who has deep experience with literacy, early childhood education, and specialized instructional programs for students with disabilities. She served as an elementary school principal in Boston for ten years at the John D. Philbrick Elementary School, the Mattahunt Elementary School and the Lee Academy Pilot School.
Prior to her tenure as principal, Ms. Jean-Michel served as an elementary school teacher across several grades. While in Boston, Ms. Jean-Michel distinguished herself as a collaborative leader, working closely with teachers, parents, and community stakeholders to create and support energetic, dynamic, and engaging learning communities. Ms. Jean-Michel holds a Masters Degree in Administration Education from the University of Massachusetts Boston, as well as an Administration and Elementary Education certification.
Suzie Talukdar, Interim Principal, Driscoll
Dr. Sujan “Suzie” Talukdar is the Interim Principal of the Michael Driscoll School for the 2017-2018 school year. Dr. Talukdar has 20 years of experience supporting students, families, and educators in the public school, university, and nonprofit sectors. Since August of 2006, Dr. Talukdar has served as Brookline’s K-12 Director of the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) Program.
Throughout her career in education, Dr. Talukdar has used her passion and expertise in cultural proficiency, anti-racism, and educational equity to address academic and opportunity gaps. Dr. Talukdar began her career in education as a grade 6 social studies teacher at the F.A. Day Middle School in Newton. Following her work in Newton, Dr. Talukdar served as the Director of the Intercultural Center at Brandeis University. Dr. Talukdar has also spent 17 years as a graduate-level course instructor and consultant for the EDCO Collaborative in Bedford, and the last 2 years as a consultant and instructor for the Leadership Licensure Program for Teachers21 in Wellesley, a program designed for aspiring principals.
Dr. Talukdar earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Brandeis University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Boston University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration from Boston College.
Jim Stoddard, Vice Principal, Pierce
Jim Stoddard is now the Pierce School Vice Principal. Mr. Stoddard served as the Interim Principal for the Runkle School for two years after being Vice Principal there for seven years. Prior to serving at Runkle, Mr. Stoddard was a 7th and 8th grade math teacher at Baker School for ten years. Mr. Stoddard’s 17 years as an educator have been marked by his strong commitment to supporting families and his devotion to high quality instruction. Mr. Stoddard holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership, a Master of Education in Middle School Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Nadine Ekstrom, Interim Senior Director of Teaching and Learning
Nadine Ekstrom is the new Interim Senior Director of Teaching and Learning. Ms. Ekstrom comes to Brookline from a Superintendent position at Berlin-Boylston Public Schools, serving two towns and three districts. She also brings experience as an Adjunct Professor, a Director of Student Services, and a Director of Special education and Student Services.
As superintendent in Berlin-Boylston, Ms. Ekstrom used a collaborative approach to launch K-12 STEM programming, design and implement a unified literacy curriculum, and establish an innovative Global Studies Program. Prior to working in Berlin Boylston, she was the Director of Special Education and Student Services at the Gil-Montague Regional School District. Ms. Ekstrom is currently working towards a Doctorate of Education in School Leadership and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Research and Evaluation, and holds a Certified Advanced Graduate Studies degree in Educational Leadership in Management, a Master of Arts in Special Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts/Elementary Education.
Ms. Ekstrom community involvement includes serving on the educational advisory committees at Assumption College and Worcester State University, the Berlin Economic Development Committee, and the DESE Civics Task Force. She enjoys international travel and has visited Poland, Finland, and Germany to study their education systems.
Meg Maccini, Senior Director of Programs
Meg Maccini is the new Senior Director of Programs for the Office of Teaching and Learning. Ms. Maccini brings to Brookline a wealth of knowledge and experience in the education field, perhaps most notably her doctoral research on education anthropology and race, class, and culture in school. Among other personal and professional attributes, her focus on equity and equitable outcomes for all students makes her well-suited for her new role in Brookline.
Ms. Maccini joins the Public Schools of Brookline with an extensive educational background, and a demonstrated commitment to providing successful, facilitative, and collaborative leadership in instruction, school operations and design. Over the last ten years, Ms. Maccini has led a consulting practice focused on in improving educational outcomes for vulnerable populations of students through strengthening programs, curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for teachers. In this capacity, he has worked with schools, school districts, and community organizations across the country. Prior to her consulting work, Ms. Maccini was the Head of School and Program Director for the Boston Day and Evening Academy, a Horace Mann Charter School of the Boston Public Schools. Prior to becoming an administrator, she was a high school history and humanities teacher in Boston and New York.
In addition to being a doctoral candidate in Education Anthropology, Ms. Maccini holds a CAGS in Educational Leadership, a Master in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts and Anthropology and American Studies.
Keith Lezama, Interim METCO Director
Dr. Keith Lezama is now the Interim Director of Brookline’s METCO Program for the 2017-2018 school year. Dr. Lezama has worked for the Public Schools of Brookline since 2006 and has served as the Coordinator of METCO at Brookline High School since 2008. Prior to becoming Brookline High School’s METCO Coordinator, Dr. Lezama was a paraprofessional at BHS. Dr. Lezama is well known in the BHS community for providing tremendous support to students academically and socially while also challenging them to take and succeed in higher level courses. He has been a strong collaborator with high school staff and leadership to help students achieve academic excellence.
Dr. Lezama is a graduate of Brookline High School and of the METCO program. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in education from Emmanuel College and a Master’s Degree in educational leadership from Simmons. He received his Doctor of Education in K-12 educational leadership from Northeastern University. Dr. Lezama is also a liaison to Emmanuel College’s Department of Education in the area of multicultural education and recently completed his tenured role as an advisor to The College Board’s national conference on diversity.
Tanya Alvarado, K-8 Curriculum Coordinator for World Languages
Tanya Alvarado is the new K-8 World Language Curriculum Coordinator for the Office of Teaching and Learning. She has spent the last twelve years as a Spanish teacher in the Public Schools of Brookline, fostering Spanish learning at Brookline High School, the Lincoln School, and most recently, the Baker School. Ms. Alvarado is currently a member of the PSB Middle School Curriculum Team, and formerly served on the K-5 Curriculum Summer Team, the Heritage Speaker Support Team, and as a Professional Development Facilitator.
In addition to co-developing Spanish curriculum for the district, Ms. Alvarado brings a deep knowledge of pedagogy, curriculum, and Brookline’s language program. She holds a B.A. in English from Pine Manor College, a M.A. in Hispanic Studies from Boston College, as well as numerous continuing education enrollments, licenses, and memberships.
Lynisha Samuel, Transportation Coordinator
Lynisha Samuel is the new Transportation Coordinator, bringing to Brookline experience in team leadership, organizational planning, risk assessment, record and database management, among other attributes that position her well for this role. Mrs. Samuel previously served as the Referral Coordinator for the Vascular Surgery Department at Boston Medical Center, as an Office Manager for South Florida Wellness & Clinical Research Institute, LLC, as a Program Coordinator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – EOHHS Virtual Gateway Operations, and as Health/Safety Coordinator for the Gillette Company in Boston. Mrs. Samuel has over ten years of experience in the operations field, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Should you have questions regarding transportation, Lynisha can be reached at 617-730-2452, or at lynisha_samual@psbma.org