Brenellys Acevedo | Operations Manager

Ms. Acevedo was born in Stoughton, MA but grew up between Boston and Brockton, MA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UMass Boston. Ms. Acevedo is a Match High School alumna. In her free time, she likes to travel and go shopping.

Christina Allison I Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Humanities

Ms. Allison earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Mass Communication with a minor in Writing from North Carolina Central University and her Master of Arts in Teaching English Language Arts for grades 5-9 from Relay Graduate School of Education. She has served as an educator and instructional leader in various charter school networks and has led Decriminalizing the Classroom Workshops with school leaders, teachers, and parents, which targeted ways to alleviate the school to prison pipeline and reshape the mindsets of all stakeholders.

Ms. Allison loves writing poetry, solving Rubik’s cubes, and coaching cheerleading.

Jonathan Anderson I Assistant Principal

Mr. Anderson was born in Boston and grew up in Milton, MA. He attended Alabama State University to study Criminal Justice for his undergraduate degree and Simmons College for his graduate degree in Education. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his family.

Eleni Asfaw I Science Teacher

Ms. Asfaw was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She moved to New York City with her family when she was 17. She attended New York University, where she received a degree in Mathematics. Her time in college as a tutor sparked her interest in education. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with her family and friends. 

David Ballou I English Teacher

Dominique Bastien | Director of Social Emotional Learning

Ms. Bastien grew up in Somerville, MA and graduated from Regis College with a BA in Psychology in 2009. She then went on to receive her Masters in Social Work in 2013 from Wheelock College. Prior to coming to Match, she worked as a school-based clinician for a non-profit organization, which is how she became involved with Match. Ms. Bastien also worked as a mobile crisis clinician, which made her desire to work with children with social and emotional disabilities in the school system flourish.

Molly Betterton I Speech-Language Pathologist

Ms. Betterton grew up in Venice, FL. She attended the University of Florida and received her B.S. in Health Science in 2017. She received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Emerson College in Boston. She has been with Match since 2022 and enjoys working with Match middle and high schoolers on their speech and language goals! In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out, and exploring Boston.

Jonathan Bronson I Language Acquisition Teacher

Mr. Bronson grew up in South Burlington, Vermont. He majored in Linguistics at The Ohio State University and later completed a master's in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at the University of Leicester. He has taught both children and adults in South Korea, Taiwan and Bolivia. Before coming to Match, he taught and worked as an Academic Coordinator at an Intensive English Program in Massachusetts. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family and traveling.

Molly Buckley I Associate Teacher

Ms. Buckley grew up in Massachusetts before moving to Washington, D.C. and attending George Washington University to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Throughout her college years she worked as a ropes course facilitator at a summer camp and developed her passion for working with children. She then moved to Boston to work as a nanny and a tutor for a year before joining Match.

Hannah Bush I 7th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. Bush grew up in Richmond, NH and attended the University of New Hampshire, where she earned a degree in Math Education. Prior to Match, she taught math for four years in Shanghai, China. She enjoys hiking, playing board games, and pretending to be a food critic.

Dayanara Caban I Inclusion Aide

Ms. Caban is from Boston and grew up in Dorchester. She is currently enrolled in Southern New Hampshire University and is studying Business. She enjoys being a part of a school that helps students learn and grow to their greatest potential. In her free time she likes to spend time with her family.

Simon Carruthers I Special Education Teacher

Cynthia Casiano I Inclusion Aide

Ms. Casiano is from Boston. She attended Bunker Hill and majored in General Studies. Before Match, she worked with infants and toddlers at Bright Horizons.

Andie Cook I Associate Teacher

Ms. Cook grew up in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her bachelor's degree in philosophy from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. She loves working with kids and is eager to teach math after having studied mostly humanities during undergrad. She is passionate about education and likes exploring nature, painting, and watching movies. 

Erica Correia I Building Based Educator

Ms. Correia was born and raised in Boston. She attended Penn Foster, where she earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education. She began her education journey working at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester as a tutor in the education department. She later branched out to A Child’s View where she began her career in Early Childhood Education. During her free time, Ms. Correia enjoys painting, listening to music, and watching action movies. 

Caleb Chavez I English Teacher

Mr. Chavez was born and raised in Houston, TX. He attended Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT and majored in History and Religion. He enjoys sharing knowledge and began working in education as a tutor. He likes cooking various cuisines, learning languages, and listening to podcasts.

LaQueena Davis I Building Based Educator

Mrs. Davis grew up in the Boston area. She is currently studying Early Education at Bristol Community College. She is excited to broaden her horizons at Match, with the opportunity to work with older children and to positively impact them. She has a background in early education, working with children from infancy to 5 years old, since 20217. Mrs. Davis loves to read, spend time with her family, and enjoy a good vacation in her spare time.

Jules DeVasto I English Teacher

Ms. DeVasto grew up in Brockton, MA and went to Bridgewater State University for their undergraduate program where they studied English. Ms. DeVasto has been in education for eight years beginning at a non-profit and then working in classrooms as an English teacher. They love poetry, yoga, and gardening. 

Nakisha Dourdan I Inclusion Aide

Ms. Dourdan is from Boston. She went to Salem State University and studied Accounting/Finance. She became interested in education through The Judge Rotenberg Center. In her free time, she loves writing poetry and listening to music.

Erin Dunn I 7th Grade ELA Teacher

Ms. Dunn grew up in Milford, CT and attended the University of Connecticut where she studied Political Science and Human Rights. After college, she worked for three years as a 5th and 6th grade ELA and History teacher in Holyoke, MA as a Teach for America Corp Member before coming to Match.

As a kid, Ms. Dunn dreamed of becoming an educator and creating a classroom in which students felt welcomed, inspired, and heard; she also hoped to one day write YA historical fiction novels. In her free time, she loves watching UConn Women's basketball and the WNBA, reading, going on walks, and spending time with her friends and family.

Kelsey Emmerson I Special Education Teacher

Ms. Emmerson grew up in Buffalo, NY. For undergrad, she attended SUNY Cortland College where she earned a degree in Inclusive Education. Before joining Match, she worked as a special education teacher. She loves skiing and snowboarding as well as traveling to new places.

Jada Evans I Social Worker

Louise Faitar I Associate Teacher

Ms. Faitar grew up just outside of Buffalo, NY before moving to the Boston area. She graduated from Boston College with majors in Neuroscience and English while also working as a tutor for English Language Learners. Ms. Faitar loves to write in her spare time and is the author of the fantasy novel, “The Evanescence of Fog.” When she is not reading or writing, Ms. Faitar enjoys listening to rock, heavy metal, and blues music.

Latrice Fefie I 8th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. Fefie is from New Orleans, LA where she attended Dillard University and studied Physics. She also attended Herzing University Business Administration for Healthcare Management and Project Management. She became interested in education because she wanted to be the change the community needed. She enjoys reading, gardening, and games.

Courtney Firle I Match Corps Director

Chris Fletcher I English Teacher

Mr. Fletcher is from Walpole, MA and attended the University of Rhode Island where he studied History, with minors in Education and Political Science. Prior to Match, Mr. Fletcher taught middle school ELA and Social Studies and coached football. Outside the classroom, he enjoys reading, writing, exercising, and exploring nature. 

Christos Floros I Inclusion aide

Mr. Floros grew up in Allston, MA and graduated with his Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Boston University. He is extremely passionate about social equity and the formation of community which drove him to Match Middle School. Mr. Floros has a love for cycling and has biked across the United States from Boston, MA to Portland, OR. In his free time he loves to bike around the city, play ping pong, and spend time with his family and friends. 

Eleanor Forrester I 8th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. Forrester is from from Oakland, CA. For undergrad, she attended Northeastern University where she majored in Math and Sociology. Prior to Match, she worked at Boston Beyond, supporting youth programming. In her free time, she loves to dance, be outdoors, craft, read, and explore.

Adam Garnett I Visual Arts Teacher

Mr. Garnett was born in Boston and grew up in Franklin, MA. He attended UMass Boston for both undergraduate studies (English major) and graduate school (Special Education Moderate Disabilities). Prior to Match, he worked in Harlem for nine years creating art spaces and thematic showcases. He enjoys poetry, music, art & culture.

Margaret Giles I 7th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. Giles grew up in Concord, MA. She attended Colby College for undergrad where she studied psychology and education. Prior to Match, she spent three years teaching 7th and 8th grade math in Oakland, CA. In her free time, she likes to run, hike, read, and play games.

Michael Gray I Inclusion Aide

Sherice Grant I Performing Arts Teacher

Ms. Grant is a Boston native, born and raised. She grew up in Mattapan and went to Emerson College for TV/Video Production. She’s been fortunate to teach dance, music, theater, and creative writing for many years. In her free time, Ms. Grant loves to read, play guitar, go on nature walks, listen to music, and dance.

Cherisse Hagood | Director Of Operations

Ms. Hagood lived in Boston all her life until she traveled to Rollins College in Florida where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and studied dance. Immediately after graduating, she returned home to serve as a Match Corps tutor. In her first year at Match, she fell in love with the students and the school environment, and so began her work on the middle school’s operations team.

Outside of work, Ms. Hagood enjoys dancing, trying to sing, going for walks, and reading.

Michael Hartrey I 8th Grade History Teacher

Mr. Hartrey grew up in Wakefield, MA and studied Political Science at Boston University. In 2022 he earned a graduate certificate in Education Policy at UMass Dartmouth. Mr. Hartrey joined Match as a Corps Member in 2020 and has since taught Computer Science and history. He enjoys many things related to pop culture and politics/history.

Naseem Haveliwala I Science Teacher

Ms. Haveliwala, a passionate science enthusiast, grew up in Queens, NY. With a graduate degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University, she brings a deep appreciation for science as it unravels the mysteries of the world. Her goal as a science teacher is to ignite curiosity and excitement in her students, helping them understand the 'whys' and 'hows' of the natural world.

Susan Hennessy I Special Education Teacher

Julia Hergenroeder I 6th Grade Math Teacher

Venessa hill I Special Education Teacher

Mrs. Hill was born in Jamaica but grew up in Boston. She attended Regis College where she studied Public Health. Prior to Match, she worked at an assisted living facility. In her free time she likes to travel and listen to music.

Erin Julian I Occupational Therapist

Ms. Julian grew up in Brimfield, MA. She went to Springfield College where she studied Psychology and Occupational Therapy. She likes to run, spend time with family and friends, and play with her dog.

Kimberly Lake | Director of Special Education

Ms. Lake grew up in North Providence, RI. She graduated from St. Michael's College in Colchester, VT with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Psychology and earned her M.Ed from Columbia University in New York City. Ms. Lake has been working in the field of education for over 20 years. Before moving into special education administration, she taught for nine years. In her free time, Ms. Lake enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, and hanging out with her family and friends.

Joanny Latouche I 7th Grade Special Education Teacher (MATH)

Ms. Latouche grew up in New York. She likes to do yoga, dance, and any outdoor activity.

Monica Leite I Inclusion Aide

Ms. Leite was born and raised in Dorchester, MA. She attended Urban College of Boston and earned an Associate’s Degree in Human Services Administration. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, being outdoors, and hanging out with friends and family.

Peter Locke I Building Based Educator

Mr. Locke is from Meredith, NH. Mr. Locke earned his BFA in Graphic Design from Colby Sawyer College. In his free time he likes to play dungeons & dragons and other role play games.

Christine Long I 7th GRADE hISTORY Teacher

Sandra Manassa I Language Acquisition Teacher

Ms. Manassa was raised in Boston. She graduated from Boston College with an undergraduate degree in Accounting. While she gained valuable experience in the financial services and audit industry for several years, her passion for education led her to further her studies at Lesley University, where she pursued a graduate degree in education. Ms. Manassa is deeply committed to fostering her students' social and emotional well-being, as well as their academic achievement, and she has a special interest in creating innovative mini-programs to support her students in these areas.

In her free time, Ms. Manassa enjoys action-packed films and has a diverse taste in music, ranging from R&B to country genres.

Ariana Martinez I Social Worker

Ms. Martinez was born and raised in Boston, MA. She graduated from Salem State University with a Bachelors and Masters in Social Work. In her free time she enjoys running, the beach and spending time with friends and family.

Nelson Martinez I inclusion Aide

Mr. Martinez is from Roxbury. He has worked with children for over 10 years and enjoys seeing their growth. In his free time he enjoys basketball/sports, family outings, and traveling.

Jaumal Moore | Dean of Students

Mr. Moore is a Boston native. He graduated from English High School in Jamaica Plain and studied Early Childhood education at Massbay Community College. He has worked in special education for more than a decade, including at a collaborative school where he was in charge of behavior management and transitional support. 

Mr. Moore also supports athletes with intellectual impairments as they prepare for the Special Olympics. He enjoys playing sports and meeting new people.

Sarah Mulcahy I English Teacher

Ms. Mulcahy grew up mostly in Western Mass, but also spent a few years in Ohio. She attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she double-majored in Legal Studies and English while working part-time as a substitute teacher. Ms. Mulcahy loves reading and enjoys spending time at the beach, going to Boston sports games, and is obsessed with dogs.

Ibraaheem Naazir I Dean of Students

Mr. Naazir is from Boston and grew up in the Roxbury/South End neighborhoods. He attended Westfield State College, RCC, and Harvard Extension as a Social Science Major. Prior getting into education, he was in the community as a veteran youth-worker. In his free time, he enjoys reading, music, sports, arts, travel, and cultural and philosophical learning.

Kelsey Nicholson I 6th Grade History Teacher

Ms. Nicholson is from Plymouth, MA. She attended the University of New Hampshire and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in History, Women's Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies. She likes to hike the White Mountains, read on the beach, and create new recipes.

Shedane Olukoga I 8th Grade Science Teacher

Ms. Olukoga was born and raised in Boston. She attended Regis College in Weston, MA where she studied Business Management and Economics. During her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family through exploration of the world around us.

Tiffanie Ortiz I Building Based Educator

Ms. Ortiz was born in Boston and grew up in the Dominican Republic. Upon her return to Boston at eight years old, she learned English and continued her education here in the states. Prior to Match, she worked in the dentistry field for over seven years and became a self-published author. In her free time, Ms. Ortiz enjoys traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.

Yuderka Ortiz I Front Office Manager

Ms. Ortiz was born in Dominican Republic and raised in New York City. She later moved to Boston. She received her Associates in Early Childhood Education from Urban College. Prior to Match, Ms. Ortiz worked with ABCD. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family.

Tamara Peeples-Mbengue I Dean of Students

Mrs. Peeples-Mbengue grew up in Dorchester and participated as a lifer in the Weston M.E.T.C.O. program. Upon graduation from Weston High School in 1992, she attended the University of Connecticut on a full athletic scholarship as a Women’s Track and Field Team member. After graduating with her B.A. in Sociology in the spring of 1997, she worked in various capacities around the Metro-Boston area and the surrounding suburbs specializing in Youth Development. As a lifelong learner, Ms. Peeples-Mbengue later earned her Master's in Education from Cambridge College.

In January 2020, Tamara was inducted into the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Hall of Fame. She is currently a Senior Instructor at The Roxbury Center For The Performing Arts, where she began her dance journey at age 3.

Carmen Perez I Lunch Assistant

David Robinson I Interim Principal

Mr. Robinson grew up in Merrimack, NH and attended college at Fitchburg State University where he studied Moderate Special Education and Elementary Education. He likes to play basketball and tennis, run, play board games, and watch television.

Keila Soto I School Counselor

Ms. Soto grew up in Boston. She attended Newbury College for undergrad in Psychology & Gender Studies, and Cambridge College for graduate studies in Mental Health Counseling. Prior to Match, she worked with youth and families as a mentor, IHT clinician, and other roles. She enjoys traveling, working on cars, and spending time with family.

Jane Stevenson I 6th Grade Math Teacher

Monica Stevenson I Special Education Teacher

Ms. Stevenson is from Norwood, MA and attended Tufts University where she earned her BA in Child Study. Prior to Match, she worked as a Behavior Technician in Walpole and Medfield. She enjoys spending time with her family in Boston and Cape Cod.

Michael Templeton I Physical Education/Health Teacher

Mr. Templeton grew up in Charlestown, NH. He attended Mount Ida College for undergrad and Southern New Hampshire University for his Masters in Athletic Directing. Prior to Match, he was a Youth Development director at the YMCA. He enjoys hiking, snowboarding, golf, bringing his dog to parks, and Boston sports.

Luke Webb I 8th Grade Special Education Teacher (ELA)

Mr. Webb grew up in Amherst, MA. He studied English literature at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. He likes to spend time outdoors hiking, swimming, and playing ultimate frisbee.

Jennifer Wentworth I Nurse

Ms. Wentworth is from and grew up in Boston. She studied history at UMass Amherst and nursing at Northeastern University. The majority of her work as a nurse has been in the hospital setting. Some of her hobbies are exploring major cities, hiking, reading, and watching or listening to comedy.

Cameron Winder I Day Porter

Mr. Winder grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Fenway High School and worked as an electrician before Match.

Anastasia Zander I Language Acquisition Teacher

Ms. Zander was born in Germany and grew up in Massachusetts. After majoring in Asian and Asian-American Studies at Binghamton University, she studied Korean in Seoul, worked in Belfast, and taught for several years in Japan before returning to Massachusetts to obtain a Master of Education from UMass, Boston.

Ms. Zander enjoys reading, listening to music, traveling, and learning new things.