Our Team
Staff


Bachelor's Degree, University of Vermont; Master's Degree, Wheelock College. Trained at the May Center for Children in Chatham with significant autistic children; worked at the New England Center for Autism as a teacher, and teacher trainer prior to landing on Nantucket for the last 15 years of public school service.
"I am married with 2 girls and a dog and love living on Nantucket. I have been on the island for 15 years. During that time, I have always been a teacher but have also been a waitress, landscaper, bartender, babysitter, house cleaner, consultant, and trainer. But working with children and finding the best way they work has been a love of mine forever.
Teaching is an extremely rewarding profession that has given me the chance to work alongside therapists and specialist in many areas. I received my Bachelors degree from University of Vermont and my Master's degree from Wheelock College. I trained at the May Center for Children in Chatham with significant autistic children; I worked at the New England Center for Autism as a teacher, and teacher trainer prior to landing on Nantucket for the last 15 years of public school service. Currently, I am a lead teacher in the Pathways Preschool program and service an integrated classroom with kids with global needs as well as being a part of the OutReach and screening teams to help support our community. This gives the opportunity to identify and implement early intervention for kids who are at-risk or identified with a disability in our community and how to help support teachers, parents and children in their natural environment.
I am currently the Vice President of the STAR program and this is a title that I cherish. It gives me the opportunity to support our community in a very different way. STAR makes it possible for kids to access programs that they long to participate in but need the extra hand to stay involved. STAR is that hand. STARS accomplishments with its programming, community partnerships and camp are without a doubt making a difference in families lives as we continue to break barriers and make dreams come true.
I have been involved in great relationships with parents, therapists, and clinicians that have helped me build a knowledge base that I am always willing to share. Teaching has been a life long learning experience for me. I have several roles in my job: teacher, consultant, legal guide, counselor, negotiator, role model, family support and friend. I am always willing to learn from others and keep making strides towards quality educations, programming and lives for children." Hide Bio


Licensed & Board Certified Occupational Therapist, Acupuncturist, Chinese herbal consultant, Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist, and certified by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), and has over 14 years of medical experience. Graduating from both the University of New Hampshire (OT) and the New England School of Acupuncture cum laude, she has worked with all age groups in a variety of rehabilitative and holistic settings. Has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Biology and Allied Health at Merrimac College, providing lectures to nursing and athletic training students. Hide Bio





Board




"I am the parent of 3 terrific children, have been married for 12 1/2 years, am the treasurer of S.T.A.R. and the co-chair of the Special Needs Advisory Council on Nantucket. I received a B.S. in Management from Fitchburg State College, and was employed in a management capacity for the last 17 years before deciding to become a stay-at-home mom. I became involved with the S.T.A.R. program after receiving my son's diagnosis of Fragile X syndrome. The program provides children with special needs the opportunity to participate in activities and sports that otherwise might be too challenging. I am proud to be part of a board that makes a difference in the lives of so many wonderful families. I have seen first hand what the team of therapists, professionals, and volunteers can accomplish through their commitment, patience, and compassion. I think my son said it best after learning to skate: 'Mommy, I did a great job!'" Hide Bio



Bachelor's Degree, Cornell University 1980. Resident of Nantucket since 1988, parent of two boys with special needs; Partner in Nantucket Building Works Inc; Member of Nantucket Builders Association; Licensed General Contractor Hide Bio


Lou has lived in nantucket for 35 years, and is married with 3 children. She completed the master's program at Simmons college to become a pediatric nurse practitioner and in 2000 opened a pediatric practice called Children's Medical Associates with several colleages. She accepted an invitation to be on the STAR board because she believes "this organization has a very pure intention and provides a unique service to the community." Hide Bio





Directors


Bio coming soon! Hide Bio