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Staff Q & A

Staff Q & A
Posted on 10/24/2025

We’re incredibly proud of our amazing staff across the district, many of whom work behind the scenes without the recognition they deserve. This year, we’re changing that! Each week, we’ll be shining a spotlight on one of our dedicated team members. Learn more about our staff and their vital roles in supporting our schools.

 

What is your role for the 2025-26 school year?  

I am a high school math teacher, cross-country coach, and co-advisor to the math honor society and the math league. 

What initially drew you to your current position, and what continues to inspire you in your work? 

I had been teaching for 11 years before Windham High School opened.  I had recently moved to the community just as the high school was opening.  I was excited about the opportunity to help shape the culture, programs, and traditions of a brand new school.  What continues to inspire me are the students.  Their dedication, resilience, and strong work ethic impress me every day. Watching them push themselves to grow and succeed motivates me to bring my best to the classroom and to keep finding ways to support their learning and development.  

What message or advice would you like to share with students and their families as they begin the new year?

I would love for students and families to embrace the journey ahead with a positive attitude.  Remember, success is not about the grades - it's about effort, perseverance, and being willing to take risks and learn from challenges.

What is one interesting or fun fact about yourself?  

Fun fact - I have taught in 3 different states and I've run 9 marathons!


gerstein

What is your role for the 2025-26 school year? 

I am the Secretary at Windham Middle School. 

What initially drew you to your current position, and what continues to inspire you in your work?

I was looking to start working full-time after being a SAHM/working part-time, and this fit perfectly. My daughter was a student here when I started, so working the same schedule as her made it very easy to slide back into the workforce. I had run the book fair the year before, had great interactions with the staff and students, and thought it was a good place to work. What inspires me every day is the kids. I love that every day is different, you never know what is going to happen, and it is great to watch them test their wings while they are here. 

What message or advice would you like to share with students and their families as they begin the new year? 

Middle School is a time of growth and change; embrace every minute of it! 

What is one interesting or fun fact about yourself? 

I have hiked a dormant volcano, visited an active volcano, and swam with manta rays! 

Chopelas image with WCS Logo

 

What is your role for the 2025-26 school year?

I am a 6th-grade math teacher.

What initially drew you to your current position, and what continues to inspire you in your work? 

I have always known I wanted to become a teacher, though I was initially unsure which age group I wanted to work with. During one of my practicums, I was placed in a 6th-grade classroom, and I immediately connected with the students and the curriculum. I remained in that classroom for the rest of the year, and it became clear to me that 6th grade was the right fit for my teaching career.

My journey with math has been a personal one. As a student, I struggled with the subject and often found it challenging. However, during college, I had an exceptional math professor who helped me reframe my struggles as a strength. They encouraged me to use my experiences to better support students who may also find math difficult. Through that perspective, I not only developed a love for teaching math but also for doing math itself. I now strive to help students build a more positive and confident relationship with the subject.

What message or advice would you like to share with students and their families as they begin the new year? 

The advice I would offer to both students and families is this: you are capable of doing hard things. Challenges are a natural part of learning, and with persistence, a positive mindset, and by actively using the resources available to you, success is always within reach.

What is one interesting or fun fact about yourself? 

A fun fact about me is that I am getting married next June!


 

Dinga

What will be your role for the 2025-26 school year?

I am a 4th grade teacher at GBS


What initially drew you to your current position, and what continues to inspire you in your work? 

What initially drew me to my current position was my experience as a long-term substitute in 4th grade. I love the curriculum we teach as well as the team connection we have created! What continues to inspire me every day is seeing those light bulb moments in my students. I strive to make sure every student knows they can be successful in their own way. Not every student has the same path to success, but I want to help each of them get there in any way I can.


What message or advice would you like to share with students and their families as they begin the new year? 

As we start the new year, I want to remind students and families to believe in their own path. Every step forward counts, even if it looks different from others. Hold yourself accountable, work hard, don't be afraid to ask for help and be kind to yourself! 


What is one interesting or fun fact about yourself? 

One fun fact about myself is I love to explore the outdoors! I am trying to travel to all 63 US National Parks! So far I have been to 11. Only 52 more to go! 


 

amir photo

 

What will be your role for the 2025-26 school year?

 

I’ll continue serving as the Systems Administrator for the Windham School District, overseeing the deployment, management, and support of Apple devices across our schools. 

 

My focus this year is on streamlining workflows and ensuring our technology runs smoothly so teachers and students can focus on learning, not troubleshooting.

 

What initially drew you to your current position, and what continues to inspire you in your work? 

 

I’ve always been fascinated by how Apple technology can simplify complex systems and empower people to do their best work. What continues to inspire me is seeing how the right tools can make a real difference, whether it’s helping a teacher integrate iPads into the classroom or supporting a student who’s just discovering what technology can help them create.

 

What message or advice would you like to share with students and their families as they begin the new year? 

 

Embrace curiosity! Technology is constantly evolving, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn something new. Don’t be afraid to explore, ask questions, and make mistakes; it’s all part of growth.

 

What is one interesting or fun fact about yourself? 

 

Believe it or not, I’m also a pitmaster! I love cooking in general, but there’s something special about the art of slow-cooked meats and sharing those meals with friends and family. It takes time and patience, but I always say barbecue is a true labor of love.


Curry Headshot

What will your role be for the 2025–26 school year?

I will be teaching 8th-grade mathematics, coaching volleyball and golf, and serving as the Ski Club coordinator. In past years, I have also coached baseball and basketball, experiences that continue to shape my approach to coaching and mentoring students.

What initially drew you to your current position, and what continues to inspire you in your work?

I have always loved helping others realize what they are capable of. Early in my career, I had the privilege of learning from some incredible mentors, especially Mrs. Doughty, who is now at the high school, who taught me how to guide students through challenges and instill in them the importance of perseverance. I am also fortunate to have the support of my principal, Mrs. Morrow, and assistant principal, Mr. Gratton, who continually encourage me to grow as an educator and leader. That combination of mentorship and support continues to inspire my work every day.

What message or advice would you like to share with students and their families as they begin the new year?

Take risks, welcome constructive feedback, and never be afraid to ask for help. Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones and learn from the process.

What is one interesting or fun fact about yourself?

Sports are a big part of my life. I coached a baseball team that won three championships in a row and a volleyball team that has won back-to-back championships the past two years.

 

budette image with logo

 

What will be your role for the 2025-26 school year?

I serve as the Library Media Specialist and grade 5 STEAM Teacher at Center School.


What initially drew you to your current position, and what continues to inspire you in your work?

I have always enjoyed working with information, with students, and with hands-on science and engineering activities. When a library position opened up in Windham 19 years ago, I was excited to return to my hometown to work where education and literacy are well-supported. I am inspired by seeing readers get excited about good books, as well as seeing students become independent thinkers and users of information. I also enjoy seeing students’ creativity expressed through their STEAM projects.


What message or advice would you like to share with students and their families as they begin the new year? 

If you’re having trouble finding reading material that you enjoy, I suggest trying out a variety of formats, genres, and authors. Maybe you’ll prefer audiobooks or ebooks (found on our Sora platform or Nesmith Library’s Libby), nonfiction, graphic novels, or magazines. I encourage parents to help their children in the selection process, finding books that match their values and interests. Links to our library catalog, Sora, and research databases can be found at my Schoology page. We have a multitude of great reading choices!


What is one interesting or fun fact about yourself? 

I played trumpet in the Center School band as a student, but now I prefer to play the guitar or piano.


 

Staff QA graphic_Pellerin

What is your role for the 2025-26 school year? 

I am the Digital Literacy Teacher at Golden Brook School.


What aspects of this new role are you most looking forward to? 

What I am most excited about is working with students of all ages and utilizing AI to enhance my teaching. 


What originally drew you to your current position, and what continues to inspire you in your work? 

I have always had a passion for technology. I love problem-solving and troubleshooting as well as learning all the new and exciting things technology has to offer. This year, AI has become a significant initiative for the district, and I am excited to be part of the team helping students and staff navigate this new adventure. 


What message or advice would you like to share with students and their families as they begin the new year? 

Have fun, try new things, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Life is all about making mistakes and learning from them.  


What is one interesting or fun fact about yourself? 

When I was in college, I studied abroad in Australia and was almost eaten by a tiger shark.


Phil Image

What is your role for the 2025-26 school year?

I recently joined the Windham School District as the newly appointed School Marshal. My primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of the school campus, in partnership with the School Resource Officers and the district. Mr. O'Loughlin is a retired Windham police officer and has previously served as a School Resource Officer for the district.

What aspects of this new role are you most looking forward to?

I look forward to working alongside staff, students, and families to promote a secure and caring school community.

What originally drew you to your current position, and what continues to inspire you in your work?

I enjoyed being the School Resource Officer so much that when I got the chance to return to the District as a School Marshal, I jumped at the opportunity. I really enjoyed collaborating with the Windham team to help 

build a safe and welcoming environment where students can focus on learning.

What message or advice would you like to share with students and their families as they begin the new year?

I'm excited to be back in the schools and collaborating with this wonderful community! I look forward to building and deepening connections with students, faculty, and families.