Teaching Staff
Monique Simard
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Mrs. Simard earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Special Education from Rivier University. She came to The Birches Academy in 2013. She was Mrs. Cox’s teaching assistant for two years and has been the Kindergarten teacher since we opened the grade in 2016. Before coming to Birches she was a Kindergarten-based learning, STEAM opportunities, and sensory play for her little learners. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her two young daughters, creating sensory bins, reading, and shopping at Target! She comes to us from Hudson, NH.
Lindsey Angelis
Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
Ms. Angelis went to Salem State University and majored in Elementary Education and Psychology and got her Medical Assisting certification from Lincoln Tech. Prior to coming to the Birches, she worked in special education for years as a para and Registered Behavior Tech. She loves spending time with her family, especially her two children, Noah and Lexi, and all her nieces and nephews, spending the summers at their campground in Old Orchard, and watching her kids play all the sports they love. Mrs. Angelis lives in Salem with her husband, kids, dog, and two guinea pigs.
Kelly LeBlond
Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
Mrs. LeBlond initially joined the professional ranks after spending several years as a volunteer. With her ability to wear many hats, Mrs. LeBlond has collaborated effectively in various classrooms, demonstrating her adaptability and passion for education. Mrs. LeBlond's professional background includes a bachelor's degree in english, complemented by a minor in art, allowing her to bring a unique perspective to her teaching practice. Beyond her classroom responsibilities, Mrs. LeBlond leads the 419 staff events and morale committee, playing an important role in fostering a cohesive and uplifting staff culture. Mrs. LeBlond lives in Windham, NH with her husband, daughter and two French Bulldogs, Frank and Beans.
Rebecca Dineen
Grade1/2 Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Dineen has been volunteering in The Birches Academy community since the schools opening in 2012, and joined our staff in 2015. She received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Salem State University in Massachusetts, and has completed graduate level coursework focused on learning disabilities at Rivier College in Nashua. Her previous classroom experience at the Abundant Life Christian School in Wilmington, MA solidified her love and passion for teaching. She has lived in New Hampshire for the past 10 years with her husband and two boys. They enjoy spending time as a family, whether skiing, hiking, or rooting for the boys in youth sports.
Jessica Comrie
Grade 3 Teaching Assistant
Mrs.Comrie is new to the Birches’ team. As mother of four, she has immersed herself in education throughout the years. She had the privilege of being a home educator, soccer coach, and tutor. Mrs.Comrie also spent the past couple of years running a local microschool. This venture gave her the desire to learn and grow with the amazing staff at the Birches. Outside of the classroom she can be found cooking, watching sports, or enjoying a local concert.
Kathleen Cox
Grade 1/2 Lead Teacher
Ms. Cox has been at The Birches Academy since its opening year in 2012, coming to us from Derry, NH. She has lots of experience in preschool, Head Start, grades K-2, and was a Title I reading tutor at Pollard Elementary in Plaistow. In addition to her M. Ed. in Early Childhood Development and experience with literacy and math curriculums, Ms. Cox has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mass College of Art and is insanely creative. She also teaches courses at Nashua Community College in Foundations of Early Childhood Education and Emergent Literacy.
Jessica Grover
Grade 1/2 Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Grover has been involved with The Birches Academy since 2017 as a parent volunteer and joined as a staff member in 2022. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and has worked with youth in various settings over the last 14 years. She loves spending time with her family, spending the summers at the beach, and her favorite season falls with all things pumpkin spice. Mrs. Grover lives in Salem with her husband, three daughters, and two kitties.
Natalie Cassady
Grade 1/2 Lead Teacher
Ms. Cassady joined Birches Academy for her first year in 2023. She received her Early Childhood Education degree from Rivier University. She attributes her love of working with children to living at summer camps with her family. In her free time, Ms. Cassady enjoys reading and playing board games with her family and friends turning family game night into an unofficial club they named “Things are Getting Dicey.”
Dan Themeles
Grade 3 Teaching Assistant
Mr. Themeles joined the team at the Birches Academy in 2024. For the previous ten years he and his wife owned a cafe where they organized and hosted local farm and art markets. He is also the proud father of a Birches Academy student.
Peyton Deastlov
Grade 1/2 Teaching Assistant
Miss Deastlov joined the Birches Academy in 2024. She is working on her undergraduate degree in Art Therapy at Seton Hill University with the intention of earning a master's degree in the same subject. Miss D lives in Hampstead and enjoys painting, listening to music, and going on long walks while listening to music.
Jen Madden
Grade 3 Lead Teacher
Mrs. Madden is a dedicated educator whose passion lies in project-based learning and STEAM education. With a firm belief in preparing students for the technologically advanced real world, she strives to instill the necessary skills for success. Known for her creativity and room transformations, she fosters an innovative and engaging learning environment and believes in the importance of encouraging problem solving and critical thinking skills. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Madden finds joy in spending time with her husband, son, and three Australian Shepherd dogs (Thor, Finn, and Apollo). She has a Master's degree in education and is currently pursuing a second Master's degree in Learning Experience Design and Education Technology, while also working on her LETRS certification to promote foundational literacy.
Bethany St. Aubin
Grade 3 Lead Teacher
Mrs. St. Aubin earned her bachelors in Theater with a focus on youth drama and using the arts in education from the University of New Hampshire. She stayed at UNH to complete her masters in Elementary Education. Mrs. St. Aubin worked with a variety of grade levels as a Title 1 math teacher, a preschool and kindergarten teacher at a private school, and a 3rd and 4th grade teacher several years at Pelham Elementary School. Outside of school she spends time with her three boys, husband and two dogs (Trooper and Luna). When she has a moment to herself, you can find her curled up with a book and a cup of tea or outside hiking or biking through the woods.
Heather Black-Ward
Grade 4/5 Lead Teacher
Mrs. Black-Ward has been at The Birches Academy since 2013. She lives in North Andover, MA but originates from Maine. She graduated from the University of Maine with her B. A. degree and has been teaching ever since. She has taught the majority of her years in multiage classrooms in K-2 and 3-5. After being a classroom teacher for several years, she was an RTI teacher for math and reading in Windham, NH. She is so happy to be back in the classroom! One of Mrs. Black-Ward’s passions is writing – especially poetry. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and reading children’s books (they are the best books around!)
Jessica Kubarek
Grade 4/5 Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Kubarek joined The Birches Academy in September 2021. She grew up in Methuen, MA where she also previously worked as a substitute and a paraprofessional in the Methuen Public Schools. She is currently studying to get her BA in Early Childhood Education at Granite State College. In her spare time, Mrs. Kubarek enjoys hiking, kayaking, and being at the beach with her husband, children, and dog, Bagel. She loves reading in her down time.
Alison Lemoyne
Grade 4/5 Teaching Assistant
Ms. Lemoyne received her bachelors in 2017 with Early Childhood Education from Southern New Hampshire University. After graduating she spent time as a classroom assistant in many classrooms, grades K-3. Now she is currently working on getting her masters in Child Developmental Psychology and will graduate in August 2022. She has lived in NH her whole life, and hopes to someday venture somewhere new before settling down. Family and friends are very important to her! In her free time she loves spending time with the ones she loves, being outdoors, doing things like hiking and snowboarding, as well as going to the lake, shopping, karate and traveling.
Amy Kavalauskas
Grade 4/5 Lead Teacher
Mrs. Kavalauskas joined The Birches Academy in 2021. She received her B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education from Kansas State University. Her previous classroom experience has been mainly in special education settings at elementary, middle and high school levels. She is a New Hampshire native, but lived in Kansas for almost 20 years, moved to the west coast after college and finally made her way “home” again in 2004. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, playing cards, going to camp and listening to live music whenever she gets the chance.
Miranda Berube
Middle School English Teacher
Ms. Berube joined The Birches Academy in 2023. She earned a BA in English with a minor in Education from the University of New Hampshire. She’s tutored students in reading, and French, taught a creative writing class and worked as a special education paraprofessional. She lives in Pelham with her husband and two children and enjoy playing volleyball, running, and kayaking wherever she can.
Amanda Cullen
Middle School Teaching Assistant
Ms. Cullen joined Birches Academy in 2024. She received her B.F.A. in Art Therapy from Endicott College in spring of 2023. She is currently obtaining her M.S. in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. She has worked various roles in both the psychology and fine arts field in previous years, which introduced her to a passion of helping children make art. She is now transitioning into a teaching assistant role in the art room along with various other classrooms within the school. In her free time she enjoys making pottery, watercoloring painting, collaging, spending time outside, reading and attending kickboxing classes.
Erin Balfe
Middle School Social Studies Teacher & Associate Principal
Mrs. Balfe has been at The Birches Academy since its opening year in 2012. She came to us from UNH where her undergrad degree was in Theater Education and her M.Ed. was in Elementary Education. She is our Middle School Social Studies and Government teacher, as well as a Google expert! Mrs. Balfe currently lives in Nashua with her husband Matt and their three cats. Mrs. Balfe enjoys going to the beach, reading, hiking, and anything Disney!
Catherine Hill
Middle School Math Teacher
Mrs. Hill has recently joined The Birches after having taught in Massachusetts for 23 years. She worked in the middle school environment for the entire time, first in Life Skills then as a 7th grade math teacher. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband. She has three grown children and one granddaughter. Most of her free time is spent with family, especially her granddaughter.
Kristin Sellitto
Middle School Science Teacher
Mrs. Sellitto began volunteering at The Birches Academy in 2015 and joined the staff in 2017. She comes to us with a diverse background. After receiving her B.S. in Biology from UMASS Amherst and her M.S. in Biotechnology from Worcester State College, she pursued a career in the pharmaceutical development industry. After having children, she took on the role as business administrator and owner of a family Landscaping and Property Maintenance business. She began working with preschool children in 2016 and is excited to continue her work with children here at The Birches Academy. She lives in Salem, with her husband and four children, and loves going to the beach and camping!
Allison Baldonado
STEAM Integration Coach & Teacher
Mrs. Baldonado first joined The Birches Academy in 2016 while completing her B.A. in Elementary Education. For the past four years, she has been a dedicated 4/5 lead teacher, nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. She believes in a hands-on approach to learning, providing her students with real-world experiences through STEAM and project-based integration. With the completion of her M.A. in Technology Integration, she transitioned into the role of STEAM Integration Coach. She'll collaborate closely with our staff, empowering them to infuse STEAM principles into their curriculum. she serves as a bridge, connecting the realms of traditional learning with the dynamic world of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
Ryan Miller-Melancon
Middle School Teaching Assistant & Social Studies Teacher
"Mr. M" joined the The Birches Academy in 2022. He holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences and is currently working toward his Bachelor's in English and Literature at Southern New Hampshire University, with the intent to complete his Master's in Education. He lives in Nashua with his wife and their two pets. He enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and practicing martial arts.
Alysa Mulligan
RTI Teacher
Mrs. Mulligan has been at The Birches Academy since its opening year in 2012. She spent 10 years as one of our Grade 1/2 Lead Teachers before becoming our Reading Interventionist in 2022. Previously she had been a kindergarten and first grade teacher at schools in Massachusetts. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Endicott College in Beverly, MA and a Masters in Education from American International College, which has a program strong in literacy. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.
Andrew Jones
Music Teacher
Mr. Jones has been teaching at Birches Academy since fall 2020. He also teachers at Gordon College in Wenham, MA. He’s a musician and educator based on Boston’s North Shore, holding undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Drum Set Performance from the Berklee College of Music and a graduate degree in Music Education from Gordon College. He also runs a thriving private teaching studio from his home in Beverly, MA.
Before coming to Birches he was the the Music Director, contributing author, editor and musical arranger for the House of Blues’s Boston Music Forward Foundation’s “Blues Schoolhouse” which focuses on the history of American Music from its African roots to the modern day. He’s been with the show for 12 years, and it’s been seen by approximately 5,000 students in the Boston area annually at the House of Blues Boston. He’s performed with national artists such as Esperanza Spalding, Ronnie Spector, La La Brooks (of The Crystals), Charles Neville and local artist such as Peter Gammons Hot Stove Allstars, in venues such as Fenway Park (opening for J Geils & Aerosmith), Symphony Hall Boston, The Blue Note NYC, House of Blues Boston and New Orleans, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center and the Hatch Shell in Boston.
Christine Moser
Chorus Teacher
Mrs. Moser is a local musician and teacher who lives in Windham with her husband, two kids, and dog. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Boston University and a Master of Music Education from Gordon College. She taught elementary and middle school music and chorus in Belmont Public Schools (MA) from 2008-2016. Since then, she has been a stay-at-home mom and a freelance performer and educator, teaching private voice and piano lessons, hosting baby/toddler/preschool music sessions, and singing with several bands. She is currently the lead vocalist for the band Finding Molly, who can often be found performing at Tuscan Village right here in Salem, NH. Mrs. Moser loves all things music, but she has a particular passion for teaching people of every age and ability to sing. When she's not making music, Mrs. Moser loves traveling with her family, finding waterfalls in the woods, helping her husband build a treehouse, playing any and all games and sports with her kids, and trying (unsuccessfully) to teach her dog to fetch.
Kelly Hawkes
Art Teacher
Mrs. Hawkes came to The Birches Academy in 2014. She lives in from Atkinson, NH with her husband, two boys and dog Tuka. Mrs. Hawkes’ love of art started at a very young age. She remembers getting in trouble for coloring on her babysitters house, and thinking she was only trying to make it more beautiful. Mrs. Hawkes has BA in art education from Colby-Sawyer College and an MA in creative arts from Fitchburg State. She is always finding some artistic project to work on like painting pet portraits, or hand painting dresser knobs for her “Hawkes Hollow” ETSY shop. Mrs. Hawkes has over 18 years’ experience teaching art and could not imagine loving another profession more.
Diana Andrews
RTI Teacher - Part Time
Mrs. Andrews may be a familiar face to some because she spent the 2023-2024 school year working as an IEP service provider for students at Birches. Now, she is very excited to join the wonderful Birches staff as an RTI teacher. She is a Massachusetts native who spent over 30 years living and working in Maryland. There, she taught special education for several years, before becoming a classroom teacher. Over the years, she has worked with students of all ages, with the majority of time spent in the primary grades. She is a certified Reading Specialist, and has received additional intensive training in reading from the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Educators and Practitioners, and is an Associate member of the Academy. Mrs. Andrews has two adult daughters who both relocated to the Boston area. In 2023, Mrs. Andrews and her husband decided to return to New England to be closer to their children and extended family. Now, they live in Londonderry NH. Mrs. Andrews loves reading, running, riding her bike, doing anything outdoors, and spending lots of time with her family.
Pamela St. Germain
Art Teaching Assistant
Mrs. St. Germain has been involved with The Birches Academy since 2018 as a parent volunteer and joined as a staff member in 2021. She has a degree in Special Education, which she earned in her home country of Costa Rica. Before moving to the United States in 2011, she spent five years working in a bilingual school in administration and teaching. She also spent a year working as a nanny in Massachusetts and New York. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and helping others. She lives in Derry with her husband and her two boys.
Melissa Barowski
Grade 1/2 Lead Teacher
Mrs. Barowski graduated from Keene State College. She completed her M.A. in education and B.A. in studio arts. Before joining Birches Academy, Mrs. Barowski taught first grade in Milford, Nh and Vernon, Vt. In her free time, she enjoys taking walks with her husband and two dogs (Fig and Mocha). Her favorite art mediums include spinning clay on the pottery wheel and painting with acrylics!
Rae Tardif
Spanish Teacher
Señora Tardif joined the Birches Academy in 2022. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Masters of Education from UNH. She has been teaching all levels and grades of Spanish for over 20 years. She is also a teacher educator and university supervisor for the Education department at Rivier University. She loves to travel to Spanish speaking countries with her husband and 2 daughters. She also enjoys hiking with her dog and going to the beaches in Maine.
Connor Murphy
Floating Teacher Assistant
Mr. Murphy is a New Hampshire native who has lived in Conway, Hampton Beach and Atkinson. He graduated from UNH with a BS in Computer Science and Economics minor.
Mr. Murphy enjoys weightlifting, golfing, skiing, playing cards, and pickleball. He’s a winner of a pepper eating contest, avid fan of all Boston sports, and was voted best uncle by his niece!
Mr. Murphy wears many hats at Birches, where he supports in all subjects. He has a knack for Math, coding/steam and tricky word puzzles.
Join the cribbage club with him and Mr. Smith every Tuesday afternoon, 3:10 pm to 4 pm. Suggestions open for other boardgames as well.
Harmony Defruscio
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Mrs. DeFruscio received her education in Child Development and Early Childhood Education from Hesser College and Granite State College. Over the past 19 years, she has held various roles in the field of early childhood education, including Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and Center Director. Believing that children learn best through a multi-sensory approach, Mrs. DeFruscio is dedicated to creating engaging and explorative learning experiences. Outside of teaching, she cherishes time with family, friends, and her boyfriend. She enjoys exploring new places, camping, and spending time by the ocean. Mrs. DeFruscio also loves hiking and going on reptile and amphibian hunts with her 9-year-old child and 11-year-old granddaughter.
Stewart Pruslin
Physical Education/Health Teacher
Mr. Pruslin lives with his wife, high school son, and two cats in Wilmington, MA. He has been a teacher, coach, and counselor for over 30 years. He enjoys playing basketball & softball and coaching youth sports, especially his son’s baseball, basketball, and flag football teams. He creates, plays, and records music and now performs with his son. Some fun facts about Mr. Pruslin are that he had a minor league basketball tryout, he’s been to every major league baseball stadium since 1989, he sang the National Anthem at a minor league baseball game, and he’s bionic (with an artificial hip)!
Jaime McGrath
Teacher Assistant/Aftercare Coordinator
Ms. Mick earned her Associates Degree in Elementary Education at Northern Essex Community College in 2020. Within the past 5 years, she has held various roles in the field of Early and Elementary Education, Special Education, and Before and After Site Director. Outside of teaching, she cherishes her time by broadening her knowledge within the Aesthetic Beauty Industry, and spending time with her family and friends.
Lisa Kelloway
Substitute Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Kelloway joined The Birches Academy in 2021 as a volunteer and school photographer. Two years later, she became a substitute teaching assistant and continues to jumps in where and when needed. Prior to joining the Birches team, she held positions within the consumer goods and services industries. She has also held roles working with the youth in church and outdoor settings.
She has a BS in Marketing Management with a minor in Professional Studies from Syracuse University. She also went to Boston College where she earned an MBA in Marketing. In addition, while at Boston College, she completed the Leadership for Change program and holds a certificate in Leadership and Organizational Change.
In addition to being a dance mom, Mrs. Kelloway loves the outdoors and camping with her family.
Amy Mannino
Substitute Teacher Assistant
Ben Henson
Middle School Teaching Assistant
Mr. Henson joined Birches Academy in 2024. He received his BFA in Painting from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in the spring of 2024. Mr. H currently resides in Londonderry, and enjoys spending his time painting, reading, and playing hockey.
