Elementary School Teacher & Math Consultant

Sara created Simple Steps Teaching in 2019 to help bring confidence-building and child-centered academic support to families in our community after years as a classroom teacher.

With degrees in Psychology (B.A.) & Education (M.Ed.), and teaching certification in the state of Massachusetts, Sara has found great joy in serving both the academic and social/emotional needs of children in our program.

Middle & High School Math Teacher

Paul is favorite of our students in middle and high school grades. Known for his ability to display math in an engaging and approachable way, Paul is an expert in Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Algebra I, Algebra II and Trigonometry. Before many years as a teacher in the high school classroom, Paul worked as a company officer at Mass Maritime Academy and was a tactical helicopter pilot and fixed wing flight instructor in the Marine Corps.

Executive Functioning Coach & Head College Advisor

With more than twenty years as an educator, Michele brings a highly credentialed experience to Simple Steps leading College Preparation & Consulting.

With leadership tenure from universities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire & Florida, Michele boasts experience in admissions, academic advising, counseling & disability services, athletics, international services and Title IX compliance. She currently serves as a high school guidance & college counselor, advocating for early college and dual enrollment.

High School Math & Science Teacher

With over ten years of teaching experience as a high school math teacher, Shawn offers his expertise in Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and Physics up to the AP level. Shawn believes that all students can find success in math with the proper growth mindset and support. Shawn enjoys making the connections between math concepts and real-world applications. Shawn’s philosophy of demonstrating compassion, patience, and understanding in education fully supports the students journey to success.

Shawn has a B.A. in Mathematics, with a minor in Actuarial Science, Sheltered English Immersion endorsement, and an M.A in Educational Leadership and Administration. Outside of the classroom, Shawn enjoys spending time outdoors with his kids exploring new hiking or biking trails.

Elementary & Special Education Teacher

Patti-Jo specializes in delivering tailored one-on-one services to support children in elementary grades. She holds a BA and MEd in Elementary & Special Education respectively, along with Advanced Graduate Certificates and trainings in literacy and the Wilson reading program.

With years of classroom experience as a certified first grade teacher, Patti-Jo brings a wealth of diverse and fun strategies for literacy-based intervention & remediation, and a passion in helping all students develop positive self-esteem and love for learning.

Executive Functioning Coach & Special Education Liaison

Lorin is a certified Special Education Teacher who works with high school transitions and social/emotional learners. She is focused on the development of executive functioning skills of her students and empowering them to develop their full potential. She is passionate about her students and understands the different learning styles of all.

She holds an M.Ed. from Bridgewater State University and a teaching certification in the state of Massachusetts. Before being in the classroom, she was an accountant and analyst in the commercial real estate industry.

Middle School ELA Teacher

Janine has a lifelong love and passion for writing. After years in the classroom teaching middle school English, in 2015 Janine joined Northeastern University as a staff writing specialist, where she continues to help students advance and refine their writing skill. Janine offers a great variety of writing workshops and support at Simple Steps, including persuasive, expository and descriptive writing!

Middle School Teacher

Roberta LOVES working with our middle schoolers and helping them succeed. After 43 years as a middle school Learning Specialist, Roberta brings deep knowledge and ability to uniquely connect with students across curricula!

Roberta has a BA in English & Education from SUNY at Buffalo and a MA in Special Education from Northeastern Univ.

She greatly enjoys teaching math and firmly believes that “solving math problems is excellent exercise for the brain”

Middle & High School Math Teacher

Meet our math guru, Steve! Specializing in middle and high school math, Steve joins us with +30 years of experience making math accessible to students across learning styles, and dual master’s degrees in Mathematics & Deaf Education.

Steve has taught at the collegiate level as well, further helping him to support young learners for a successful math career.

Beyond deep experience in algebra and other advanced math Steve has helped many children prepare for standardize testing including the SATs and MCAS.

Steve is a lover of dogs, music, faith and family!.

Elementary Teacher

Deb has enjoyed working with children for as long as she can remember. Teaching is undoubtedly one of her life-long passions. She has been in education since 1990 and has taught grades 2, 3, 4, and 6 as well as GATE (Gifted and Talented Education). Educating and developing the “whole” child (socially, emotionally, as well as academically) is the cornerstone to her success as an educator.

Deb has a BA in Elementary Education from Boston College, a M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University and a CAGS (Certificate of Graduate Studies) as a Reading Specialist from American International College.

Counselor & Life Coach

Kate has worked in education for over twenty years, initially as an elementary teacher, then as a counselor for middle and high school. She has a bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education from Providence College and a Master's degree in School Counseling/Psychology from Boston College. Kate absolutely loves supporting kids on their academic journey.

If you have a kiddo who needs some life coaching / organizational help, let us know!

Elementary Teacher

Rachel has 13 years of experience teaching at the Elementary level with a primary focus in Math and Science. She loves engaging and hands-on learning that allows all children to feel successful. Rachel has a passion for teaching math using endless strategies and tools to help students understand the meaning of a problem. Incorporating technology is one of Rachel’s goals to allow students to experience math in different ways! With her tool box of games and hands-on activities, Rachel is able to help students love math. Rachel has a BA in Elementary Education from Assumption College, a M.Ed in Special Education from Lesley University.

High School Science Teacher

For 33 years Jim taught fostered learning and a love of science, both in the high school classroom and as a Science curriculum Chairman for students in grades 6-12. In addition to tutoring, Jim also works as an educator at Bridgewater State University’s Center for the Advancement of STEM education, and in a variety of capacities for the Mass. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education related to the state’s standardized assessment, the MCAS.

Jim’s dedication to educating young people spans an incredible tenure and has been recognized by as the Massachusetts Science Teachers Association Science Teacher of the Year in 2022, and as a member of the Massachusetts Science Educator’s Hall of fame, where he also served as president for five years.

Jim has and incredible ability to connect both core and abstract concepts into applicable and memorable application, and a great sense of humor that is loved by his students.

High School Math Teacher

Stacie joins Simple Steps with a rich background in teaching mathematics to students in grades 9-12. She holds a Bachelor's in secondary mathematics education & Master's Instructional Technology from USF.

Stacie brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to helping students excel in their mathematical pursuits, with an instructional repertoire over a wide spectrum of subjects, including Algebra, Geometry and a special focus on AP Statistics.

Stacie's educational philosophy revolves around cultivating students into adept problem solvers and resilient learners. She firmly believes in empowering her students with the skills to tackle mathematical challenges with confidence and perseverance.

Special Ed. Advocate & Consultant

Mary brings a wealth of experience to Simple Steps as a licensed clinical social worker and certified Special Education Administrator. Mary’s work in special education spans three decades and was preceded by an M.Ed. in Counseling from Bridgewater State University and a Master’s in Social Work from Boston College.

She has served as both an Assistant Director of Special Education and Director of the Early Learning Center in her district, helping to bring positive impact avd change to hundreds of families during her tenure. She has a tremendous expertise in Special Education Law and accommodation plans such as Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504s, but nothing brings her more joy than helping a student find the support they need to be successful.

Elementary school teacher

Lee has an expansive and well-tenured set of experiences that make her an amazing member of our Simple Steps elementary support team. With 24 years in education, Lee has enjoyed time teaching 1st, 2nd and 5th grade classes as well as focused services in Special Education and Reading Recovery. She’s exceptionally strong in providing her students diverse methods to access their education across strengths and needs. With a goal of the developmental and academic needs of children, Lee blends traditional research based instruction with experiential and multimodal approaches of presenting material so that all children gain understanding. By including games, visuals, concrete tactile experiences, she provides the student with lessons that instruct and create memories.

Lee holds a BA in English and a M.Ed in Elementary Education.

Elementary Math Specialist

Deb brings a great deal of experience and passion to our lower elementary programs, with more than 15 years as a classroom teacher and nearly ten as a Math Specialist for learners through grade six. She loves the hands-on application of math, utilizing varied manipulatives to fortify skills foundations and strengthen critical thinking.

Believing in a growth mindset and a mission to uncover the math brain that we’re each born with, Deb’s is incredible at making the struggle fun and productive and helping to better math minded understanding.

Deb holds multiple degrees and certification in mathematics, including a Masters from Simmons University, a Math Specialist License (MA) and as a Developing Mathematical Ideas facilitator.

Early Elementary Teacher

With over 25 years teaching experience across elementary grades, Michelle brings deep expertise to our younger learners across reading, writing and math!

Michelle holds a Bachelor’s from the Univ. of New Hampshire in Early Childhood Education & Family Studies, a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Bridgewater State and a Sheltered English Immersion endorsement.

Her passion though, lies in the science of reading and she works to incorporate multimodal learning to engage student senses. Manipulatives, games and technology are wonderful tools for education that help Michelle develop a love of learning among her students.

Middle & High School Math Teacher

Liz joins Simple Steps with nearly a decade of classroom teaching experience and experience across many levels of math. Helping students feel successful in their studies and gain confidence in math is Liz’s passion as an educator. At the core of her work, she believes that empowering students to believe in themselves is essential to success. Liz takes great care to familiarize herself with each individual student’s skills and gaps, bringing unique and extensive experience working with neurodivergent students, she's able to prepare and bridge the challenging to the next level on their journey.

Liz specializes in maths across the learning spectrum from late elementary, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 and Geometry. In addition her background in mathematics, Liz is a fine artist who received degrees from Bridgewater State University and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Middle & High School Math Teacher

Rola is a highly experienced and dedicated math teacher with an impressive 23 years of teaching under her belt. She holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in teaching high school math, showcasing her deep expertise and commitment to education. Rola is particularly confident in Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus, and her proficiency in these areas is evident in her teaching approach.

A bilingual educator, Rola speaks both English and Arabic, which enriches her ability to connect with a diverse range of students. Outside the classroom, she is passionate about reading and delights in exploring new culinary experiences, making the most of her free time. Her love for these activities reflects her vibrant and curious personality, adding a unique dimension to her role as an educator.

High School Math Teacher

Renia joins Simple Steps Teaching with over 10 years of experience in teaching high school and middle school mathematics. She earned a Mathematics Degree from Siena College with a minor in Education, and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany.

Renia is a dedicated classroom teacher who is passionate about ensuring students have a strong and solid foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills across mathematics, especially Algebra and Calculus.

Renia enjoys building a rapport with each of her students, and seeks to understand how they learn most effectively. This approach allows Renia to meet students where they are, building off their current knowledge in order to propel them academically.

Spanish Tutor & Coach

Chastelyn has a true passion for working with children of all ages in helping build confidence and mastery with the Spanish language! As a bi-lingual native of Puerto Rico, Chastelyn is fluent both Spanish and English, and able to help learners navigate between formal language and colloquial use as they navigate academic curriculum and day-to-day use of the language.

Following collegiate studies from American International College, Chastelyn founded and still operates an enrichment program merging her passions for education and athletic coaching.

College Advisor - Performing Arts Specialist

A passionate advocate for the arts, Danielle brings +20 years of teaching experience in dance & theater. She has danced and acted in Boston and New York, founded an award-winning performing arts program, written dance and theater curriculums, and is a master teacher in dance and theater.

Danielle has extensive experience in admissions offices, elementary schools, and performing arts programs. Currently, she is a curriculum designer at UMass Dartmouth and an adjunct professor in dance and theater at Bridgewater State University.

Danielle has a B.A. in Communications and Educational Theater, with a minor in Dance from Regis College, a M.A. degree in Dance and Dance Education from New York University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education from Regis College.

Educational Consultant & Advocate

Rachel brings great passion for family-centered support to Simple Steps Teaching. With more than fifteen years of teaching experience across elementary and secondary teaching levels, Rachel now specializes in Special Education support for families who can benefit from additional academic support (IEPs, 504s, etc.). Working to coach and educate families, Rachel helps to connect child learning style, needs and goals with supports and resources that can be furnished by schools to help foster better academic outcomes.

Rachel holds a Master’s degree in education, and is certified both as a classroom teacher and as a Special Education Administrator.

She’s versed in education from a parent, educator, and administrator perspective and aspires to share my knowledge and guide families on their educational journey.

Elementary Teacher

Mary is a seasoned educator who is deeply passionate about little learner journeys. Her credentials include a Bachelor’s in elementary ed. and Master’s in special education ed. from Boston University, as well as advanced studies (CAGS) in Educational Supervision from UNH.

Throughout her career, Mary has made a significant impact at various educational levels, from preschool to middle school, in both regular and special education settings. Her unique background in special education equips her with the ability to harness a child's strengths to facilitate learning while honing specific skills.

She particularly relishes working with preschoolers, kindergartners, and early elementary students, where the foundational skills of education are formed.

Early Elementary Teacher

Erica joins Simple Steps with an incredible range of early elementary classroom experience as a teacher, where her experience reflected great passion for engaging, mentoring and inspiring growth in young learners. Holding Master’s and Undergraduate degrees in Education and Sociology, she is additionally credentialed with training in Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) and Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) programs.

With the goal of drawing out “childhood superpowers” in all learners, Erica’s joy comes in connecting with learners through exploration of real-life learning aligned to their interests and strengths.

Outside of the classroom, Erica is involved in the arts and loves photography. She proudly serves as a member of her district’s Technology Review Committee, working to build digital responsibility in today’s students.

Elementary Teacher & Spanish Tutor

Susie joins us with over 10 years of teaching experience working with a variety of students with different needs. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and in Spanish, and a Master's degree in Special Education.

Susie engages students in a way that best supports their individual learning styles and needs. As an avid reader herself and a problem solver, she enjoys working with students across all subject areas. She is passionate about connecting with her students to understand their goals on find success with a love for learning.

Middle School Writing & ELA Teacher

Devon brings more than twenty year of teaching experieace and passion to middle school teaching. As a teacher of English & Language Arts, Devon works to build a direct and trusting rapport with each of her students, helping each to see themselves as unique readers and writers.

Devon holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education with focus in Classroom Technology. She holds multiple Massachusetts teaching certificates in English, Digital Literacy and Computer Science!

Devon is excited to work with students and families who need to build confidence in reading, writing and language arts. With her experience and knowledge, she is eager to help learners of all skills and background develop and grow as critical thinkers.

College Advisor & Executive Functioning Coach

Alicia brings experience and dedication to Simple Steps, serving as an educator for more than two decades through many aspects of the learning journey in higher education and secondaro settings.

Alicia is experienced both as an Assistant Registrar at Northeastern University and as a local district School Counselor. Her passion lies in helping students and families navigate the college application process, providing guidance on organizational strategies to meet deadlines and alleviate stress as well as offering support in applying for post-secondary plans. For more than 15 years Alicia haW also seried as Scholarship Coordinator at her school,

In addition to College Admissions, Alicia excels in helping high school students get organized, prioritize, and learn strategies to excel in their classes.

Elementary Teacher

As an experienced elementary educator, Ellen realizes the importance of guiding the whole child - socially, emotionally and intellectually. Her goal is always to teach and nurture as she helps each child reach his/her potential. Even after over 35 years teaching in elementary grades from preschool to 5th grade, Ellen still finds joy whenever she sees a child’s eyes light up as he/she grasps a new concept.

Ellen has a BA in Elementary Education from Clemson University and vast experience through teaching across various grades in multiple states. She believes that it is important to have solid foundational skills in reading, creative writing, and math, but always looks to incorporate her love of science, social studies, and technology.

Elementary Reading, Writing & Comprehension

My name is Noelle and I have been teaching elementary grades 2 and 3 for the last 20 years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in English along with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University. I have always had a sincere passion for teaching, specifically in the subjects of reading and writing for grades K-3. I have expertise in a language approach that combines all aspects of reading including phonics, fluency, comprehension, and response to literature in order to create a holistic reading experience for elementary students.

I enjoy watching the growth that can happen with one on one tutoring where the student is able to demonstrate their learning each session and is proud of their successes. I am able to integrate technology into the lessons that are being taught to make each session fun and educational for the student, along with meeting the learning objective that is set for that day. I will use a combination of fluency passages based on the students’ reading levels, and grade level phonics lessons, and a wide range of genres of literature that will enhance reading comprehension of the grade-level text. I will track the students’ progress through informal assessments in order to show the growth that will occur after each session. I have experience with special education students, English language learners, as well as the general education population and I feel confident in my ability to help students become fluent readers and prepare them for their future educational learning journey.