Ryan Plosker, M.S., CAGS, Ed.D Executive Director and Founder

Ryan is the Executive Director and founder of New England Academy. Throughout his career, Dr. Plosker has worked to bridge the gap between psychology and education to meet the needs of students—from his clinical work at Children’s Hospital in Boston to his later work as a public school psychologist, school director, and special education administrator. Dr. Plosker shares his educational and clinical insights, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level. He has a BS in psychology, am MS and CAGS in school psychology and completed his PhD coursework from Northeastern University before completing his doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Massachusetts.

Peggy Buscema, MSW, LICSW Dean of Admissions

Peggy has over twenty years of experience in the field of Social Work and has worked in a variety of settings. Beginning her career as a clinician at McLean-Franciscan Children’s Hospital, she moved into the field of education as Clinical Director and Program Director of Essex Academy. She is a licensed school adjustment counselor and supervisor as well as a Massachusetts licensed independent clinical social worker. Peggy received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Villanova and a master’s degree in social work from Simmons University.

Patti Bernheart, M.Ed., CAGS Head of School

Patti has been with New England Academy since 2009. She has over twenty years of experience working extensively in the field of school psychology and education within both the public and private school settings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a combined Master’s and CAGS in the area of School Psychology. She is a DESE licensed Special Education Administrator as well as School Psychologist – All Levels.

Jackie Thompson, MSW, LICSW Dean of Clinical Services

Jackie has been with New England Academy since 2012, first as a school social worker and now as the Dean of Clinical Services. Jackie received her master’s degree in clinical social work from Boston College, and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and health care administration from Stonehill College. She is licensed by the state of Massachusetts as a licensed independent clinical social worker and a school adjustment counselor. Jackie has over 15 years of clinical experience, and an expertise in child and adolescent mental health. Prior to joining the team at New England Academy, Jackie’s experience included working with children in the special education environment, outpatient mental health, and private practice setting.

Laureen LoGiudice, M.Ed. Dean of Educational Programming

Laureen has over twenty-five years of experience in public education in various positions in general and special education settings. She also served as a Special Education Team Chairperson for students with diverse needs in PreK-22 settings.  She most recently served as Assistant Director of Special Education for PreK-22 students in out of district placements working in collaboration with a diverse population of student, families, community stakeholders and over 20 public and private schools throughout the state. Laureen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State College and a Master of Education degree from Endicott College. She is a DESE licensed Special Education Administrator as well as a licensed Special Needs Teacher PreK-9.

Kate Hayes, MSW, LICSW Dean of Students

Kate received her master’s degree in clinical social work from Boston College, and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Trinity College. She is licensed by the state of Massachusetts as an independent clinical social worker. In her career, Kate has developed an expertise in working with children, adolescents, adults and families.

Katie Anderson, M.A. Director of College and Career Counseling

Katie has worked at New England Academy since 2006, and previously taught at a North Shore public high school. Katie taught middle school and high school English for 14 years before becoming the Director of Guidance. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from Fairfield University, and received a master’s degree in English from Salem State University. She is passionate about working with students to find their best post-secondary path. Katie is a licensed English teacher, special education teacher, and special education administrator.

Sarah Rouba, M.Ed. Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Sarah, a native Australian, obtained a degree in elementary education from Newcastle University, Australia, and a master’s degree in special education from Endicott College. Sarah has taught a variety of subjects both internationally and in the U.S for the past 18 years. Sarah has worked at NEA since 2008. Experienced in all levels, Sarah is a licensed elementary, special education teacher K-8 and 5-12, and has her special education administrative license.

Sarah Burgess, MSW, LICSW IEP Coordinator

Sarah has over twenty years of experience in the field of Clinical Social Work. She has worked in a variety of settings including schools, inpatient medical settings and inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities. Sarah has a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado and received her master’s degree in Social Work from Simmons College. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker in Massachusetts.

Dominick Vogus, MSW, LICSW Head of School

Dominick is a licensed independent clinical social worker, as well as a DESE licensed Special Education Administrator—All Levels. He received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Holy Cross and received a master’s degree in social work from Boston College. Before joining New England Academy, Dominick gained clinical experience by working with both children and adolescents in inpatient and residential treatment settings. He has been with New England Academy since 2017. Additionally, Dominick is currently working on his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.

Elyssa Gustin, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist

Elyssa is a licensed psychologist who earned her PsyD from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in childhood, adolescent, and family practice. Prior to joining NEA, Elyssa completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at The Trauma Center and Metrowest Behavioral Health Center. Her interests include the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with social/emotional and executive functioning difficulties.

Jacky Hart, M.S., CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist

Jacky completed her clinical training at MGH Institute of Health Professions where she received her master’s degree in speech language pathology. She is also a certified reading specialist and has worked in a variety of clinical and school settings. Jacky has over 10 years of experience and specializes in supporting students’ executive functioning, learning, and social pragmatic needs.

Erin Boardman M.A., LMHC, MT-BC School Counselor

Erin is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Massachusetts. She received her Master of Arts in expressive therapies, with a mental health counseling specialization from Lesley University in 2010. Erin is a board-certified music therapist and was a longstanding board member for the Massachusetts Music Therapy Alliance. She integrates music and creativity into the therapeutic process.

Amanda Riley, MSN, FNP-BC School Nurse

Amanda began her nursing career working at Massachusetts General Hospital, inpatient pediatrics, and as a pediatric clinical nursing instructor. After completing her nurse practitioner degree, Amanda worked in private practice before joining New England Academy. Amanda received her BS and master’s degree in nursing from Northeastern University and is a Massachusetts licensed registered nurse and family nurse practitioner

Katie Quinn, MSW, LICSW School Social Worker

Katie received her master’s degree in clinical social work from Simmons University. She is licensed by the state of Massachusetts as a licensed independent clinical social worker. Katie has been doing community-based social work for several years in the areas of in-home therapy, adoption, and program development with children, adolescents, adults, and families.

Lori McKechnie, M.A., LMHC, R-DMT School Counselor

Lori received her master’s degree in dance movement therapy and mental health counseling from Lesley University. Lori is licensed by the state of Massachusetts as a mental health counselor. She is also a registered dance movement therapist. Before joining New England Academy, Lori worked as an in-home therapist with children and families as well as a trauma response clinician, supporting communities and schools that experience traumatic events. Throughout her career, she has led dance/movement therapy clinical groups for children, adolescents, and adults.

Rachel Longenecker, M.S., LMHC, ATR School Counselor

Rachel received her master's degree in art therapy and mental health counseling from Springfield College. She is a licensed mental health counselor. Before joining New England Academy as an art therapist, she gained experience in a wide variety of settings that include community based in-home therapy, an outpatient center for adults with traumatic brain injury, a college counseling center, and the inpatient center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Rachel has an extensive background in research, and has explored the benefits of mindfulness, meditation and art in a therapy setting. She recently traveled to India to immerse herself in the culture where yoga originated and has completed her 200-hour teacher training to become a registered yoga teacher.

Cecelia Tuttle, MSW, LCSW School Social Worker

Cecelia received her master’s degree in clinical social work from Salem State University and has her bachelor’s degree in social work from Salem State. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Massachusetts. Cecelia previously worked in child welfare supporting families and individuals undergoing challenging life experiences. She has experience working in other special education settings with young adults on the autism spectrum prior to joining NEA.

Rebecca Snow, M.Ed, LMHC School Counselor

Rebecca is a Massachusetts Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Rebecca received her master’s degree in School Counseling from Boston University and her mental health counseling licensure from Salem State University. She has many years of experience working with children and adolescents in private practice and a variety of clinical settings.

Lauren Rushton, MSW, LCSW School Social Worker

Lauren is a recent graduate from Boston College’s Social Work Program. Lauren has spent the last few years working in a private special education school for students with social and emotional disabilities.

Jennifer Lansdon, MSW, LICSW School Social Worker

Jennifer received her master’s degree in clinical social work from California State University-Long Beach and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northeastern University. She is licensed by the states of Massachusetts and California as a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). Prior to joining New England Academy, Jennifer worked as a school-based clinician for a special education program in a public school. Jennifer has over 15 years of clinical experience, working with children in special education, and in inpatient and outpatient mental health.

Michelle Perna, MSW, LICSW School Social Worker

Michelle received her master’s degree in clinical social work from Simmons University and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Rhode Island. She is licensed by the state of Massachusetts as a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). Prior to joining New England Academy, Michelle worked as a trauma specialist in a public school setting. Michelle has over 10 years of clinical experience, working with children, adolescents, and young adults in a variety of settings including private practice, outpatient counseling, residential treatment, public schools, and a college university.

Jake Hill, MSW, LCSW School Social Worker

Jacob is a recent graduate from Salem State University’s School of Social Work. Prior to joining New England Academy, Jacob gained experience in a school setting, supporting students through their academic challenges. His last year was spent working within a middle school therapeutic program, providing school-based counseling to students with varying social and emotional needs. Jacob is passionate about the success of each student he works with and empowering them to reach their fullest potential.

Gus, Visiting Therapy Dog

Gus the therapy dog visits biweekly and is possibly our favorite "staff member". Students can sign up to spend time with Gus during their extra-curricular time.

Dan Vayda, MSW, LICSW

Dan received his bachelor’s degree from Washington College and his master’s degree in clinical social work from Boston University. Dan is licensed by the state of Massachusetts as a licensed independent clinical social worker. Dan brings years of clinical experience and leadership to New England Academy and has extensive experience working in schools and outpatient settings. Prior to joining New England Academy, Dan worked in both clinical and leadership roles maintaining a focus on child and family therapy.

Meghan Hardy, MSW, LCSW School Social Worker

Meghan is a recent graduate from Bridgewater State University's Social Work Program. She received her B.A. at Curry College with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Health and Wellness. Before joining New England Academy, she gained experience in a wide variety of settings including ABA therapy, Intensive Outpatient Therapy for adults with substance use dependencies, Outpatient Therapy and four years working in a therapeutic school, working alongside children and adolescents with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.

Alyssa Terp, MSW, LCSW School Social Worker

Alyssa received her bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Massachusetts. Before joining New England Academy, Alyssa gained clinical experience through her work at Boston Children's Hospital and South Shore Hospital. Alyssa also uses her own experience as a student-athlete to provide clinical services to high school and college age athletes in a private practice setting.

Zoe Shukis, MSW, LCSW School Social Worker

Zoe received her bachelor’s degree from Trinity College and her Master of Social Work from Boston College. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Massachusetts. Before joining New England Academy, she gained valuable experience working with children and adolescents in the psychiatric hospital system and the court system as a Victim-Witness advocate. Zoe was awarded the “Intern of the Year” award for her empathetic, person-centered, and professional work with children, adolescents, and their families.

Emily Damore, M.A., MT-BC

Emily received her bachelor's degree from Stonehill College and her Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in music therapy from Lesley University. Emily is a board-certified music therapist and has a passion for integrating music into the therapeutic process.

Meghan Garvin, MSW, LCSW

Meghan received her bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia. Before joining the team at NEA, Meghan gained valuable experience working with young people and their families, specializing in trauma-related therapies.

Amanda Benner, BSN, RN School Nurse

Amanda received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions and is a Massachusetts licensed registered nurse. Amanda has spent the past 10 years working in the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Emergency Department before joining New England Academy.

Caitlin Shea, MS., CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist

Caitlin completed her clinical training at Emerson College where she earned her master’s degree in speech language pathology. She has 19 years of experience and has worked in private sector, school and medical settings. She specializes in language, fluency, speech clarity and social pragmatic language with adolescents and adults.

Gracie Visiting Therapy Dog

Gracie is NEA’s visiting therapy dog and visits biweekly. She is a bundle of energy and was voted most likely to make you smile. Students can sign up to spend time with Gracie during their extra-curricular time.

Winnie Visiting Therapy Dog

Winnie graduated from therapy school with a PhD in Happiness. You can often find her snacking with students or napping in the hallway between classes. While she is only 6 years old, Winnie is an old soul and looks forward to break-time when she is sure to get a pet and maybe even a belly rub from a passing student.

Abigail Adams, M.Ed. College Writing and Tutorial

Abigail received her master’s degree in special education from Gordon College. She serves as co-advisor of the Student Council at New England Academy. Abigail taught French in public school prior to joining NEA and has over a decade of teaching experience. She is a licensed special education and French teacher.

Christine O’Hara, M.Ed. Writing/Tutorial

Christine began her teaching career working in large public schools as a middle school English and History teacher in Lawrence. Christine has a variety of teaching experiences working with diverse populations of students and families. Christine has a master’s degree in special education from Endicott College.

Wes Chittick, M.Ed. History

Wes received his master’s degree from Endicott College in special education, moderate disabilities. Wes completed his undergraduate degree at Gordon College where he majored in history and education. Outside of the classroom, Wes is the head boys’ lacrosse coach of Danvers high school. He also sponsors NEA’s Model United Nations club.

Stanley Eaton, MAT Science

Stanley is known as the “Science Master” as he has held his teaching license in almost every area of science including General Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Stanley taught for seven years in public schools before joining the NEA staff in 2006. He has a passion for teaching students with different learning styles. Stanley has a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and master’s degree in teaching from Marshall University. He is licensed in special education, biology, and general science.

Jonathan Griffiths, M.Ed. Mathematics

Jonathan is a graduate of Salve Regina University with a BA in elementary and special education and a MEd degree as a mathematics specialist. Prior to working at New England Academy, Jonathan taught special education at the elementary and middle school levels. Jonathan is a licensed special education and math specialist teacher.

Mike Lane, M.Ed. Mathematics

Mike is a graduate of Gordon College with a BA in secondary education and history, and a MEd in special education. Prior to working at New England Academy, Mike taught general special education and applied behavior analysis. His true passion is helping students to learn to use their strengths to succeed in any class or activity. Mike is a licensed special education teacher.

Kate Perry, M.S. English

Kate is a veteran public school special education teacher, having taught for years the Quincy public schools as a resource room teacher before joining NEA. Kate earned her master’s degree in education from the State University of New York and her bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Education from Hobart and William Smith College. She is a licensed general and special education teacher.

Thomas Walsh, M.Ed. Mathematics

Tom graduated from Trinity College with a double major in mathematics and religion. Tom graduated from Endicott College with a master’s degree in special education. He has worked with high school students for many years as a track and cross country coach. He is a licensed mathematics and special education teacher.

Adam Pieroni, MA, MAT English

Adam began his teaching career at New England Academy after completing his Master of Arts in English. Prior to entering the field of teaching, Adam was a copy editor, graphic designer and creative director. Adam earned a BA in English from Indiana University Bloomington and a Master of Arts in Teaching English/English Literature from Salem State University. He is a licensed English teacher.

Ian Richards, M.Ed. English

Ian graduated from Endicott College with a master’s degree in special education and has bachelor’s degree from Saint Michael’s College with a major in English and secondary education with a minor in creative writing. Ian served as a writing coach at Saint Michael’s and has received recognition for his non-fiction writings. He is a licensed English and special ed teacher.

John Gray, M.Ed. History

John has been teaching special education and history in the Boston Public Schools for the past 5-years. He has extensive special education teaching experience. John received his Masters in Education from University of Massachusetts, Boston and his undergraduate degree from Suffolk in History and Business. Additionally, he has led both Mock Trial and Model U.N.

Eric Benvin, MAT Science

Eric is an experienced science teacher with over 10-years of teaching Biology and Zoology. Eric has participated in the AMGEN Biotechnology experience at Harvard and brings advanced science techniques to the classroom. He is a proponent of hands-on activities that help enable students to apply what they are learning to the real world. Eric has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and master’s degree in teaching from University of Delaware. He is a licensed science teacher.

Haley Boudreau, B.A. Science

Haley is an experienced science and special education teacher with several years as an inclusion teacher, department chair, and curriculum lead. Her passion is making science accessible and fun for all students by incorporating projects and hands-on learning experiences. Haley completed her BA in Psychology from the University of New England and is completing her master’s degree in Leadership and Policy at Boston College.

Ray Crossman, M.Ed. History/Economics

Ray has his Master's in Education from LeMoyne College, N.Y. Ray came to NEA after 20+ years of teaching special education in public schools. He has taught at various grade levels and subject areas, including several years of social studies instruction. Since at NEA, Ray has worked as a high school tutorial teacher, using his expertise in working with students with executive functioning weaknesses, and he is now teaching high school economics and American history.

Paul Brennan, M. Ed. Mathematics

Paul received his bachelor's degree from Keele University (UK), and his Master of Education from Lesley University. Paul brings with him more than twenty years of teaching and special education experience and takes pride in his student-centered approach to teaching. Paul is a licensed special education and math specialist teacher.

John Gray, M. Ed. History

John received his bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University and his master’s in education from University of Massachusetts, Boston. Before joining the team at NEA, John taught special education and history in the Boston Public Schools. He has extensive special education teaching experience, and he has led both Mock Trial and Model U.N.

Judy Britton, M.S. English

Judy has taught a diverse range of students at the middle and high school levels in Georgia and Pennsylvania and is now happy to have this opportunity to teach at NEA in her home state of MA. She also has experience with curriculum writing, reading intervention, and gifted instruction. Judy has a sheer enthusiasm for literature and enjoys motivating her students to be active readers and lifelong learners.

Stephanie Cruz, B.S. Science

Stephanie received her bachelor’s degree in geosciences from Southern New Hampshire University. Before joining NEA, Stephanie gained valuable experience teaching science curriculum and special education at the middle and high school levels. Stephanie is passionate about using scientific reasoning to help students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Melody Aquaro, M.Ed. Tutorial Teacher

Melody is an experienced special education teacher who has taught in both public and private therapeutic school settings. In addition to teaching students of all education levels, Melody has experience working with adults with disabilities. Melody obtained a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Bay Path University, and a master’s degree in Social Emotional Learning from Endicott College. Outside of the classroom, Melody works as an Executive Function Coach, and a PRIDE Therapeutic Mentor.

Nicole Gambino, M.Ed. Tutorial & Executive Functioning Instruction

Nicole began her teaching career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Amman Jordan. She received her master's degree in special education at the University of Massachusetts.  Nicole gained a wide range of experience working in both public and private school settings as a teacher, and consultant. Nicole is passionate about helping students develop sound and repeatable study, time management, and organizational strategies. Nicole is a licensed special education teacher.

Shane Keene, M.A. History

Shane holds a BA in History from High Point University and an MA in History from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He taught middle school social studies in North Carolina public schools for eight years. After moving back to Massachusetts in the fall of 2023, Shane spent the 23-24 school year working within the special education department at a local high school.

Brian McCormack, B.A. History

Brian received his bachelor's degree in history from Brandeis University. Before joining NEA, Brian gained teaching experience in Waltham Public Schools. He is excited to work in special education and pursue further education. Brian is passionate about fostering creativity and enthusiasm through connections with students and a love for history.

Sarah Lane, M. Ed Science

Sarah received her bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and her Master of Education from Union Institute and University. Before joining the team at NEA, Sarah gained valuable experience teaching middle school students in a Montessori program. Sarah is a passionate educator dedicated to using experiential learning to engage her students in science education.

Rosa María Maloney, B.A. Spanish Teacher

Rosa María is an experienced Spanish teacher with 8 years of experience in both public and private school settings. Her maternal family is from Puerto Rico which has fueled her love of teaching Spanish. Her passion to bring the language and culture into the classroom can be seen through the use authentic resources and fun, hands-on learning experiences and projects. Rosa María completed her BA in Spanish from Middlebury College and is currently completing her master’s degree at Salem State.

Sarah Powell, M. Ed. English

Sarah received her bachelor’s degree from State University of New York, and her Master of Education from Pace University. Sarah is a passionate educator who has prior experience as a middle school English teacher in Queens, NY. Sarah is also passionate about dance and has experience teaching dance to middle and high school students.

Angeline Ratcliffe, M.A. Spanish

Angeline received her bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College, and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Simmons College. Angeline brings with her over 20 years of Spanish education. Angeline also has her Master of Education in Counseling from University of Massachusetts, Boston, and has previously worked as a therapist.

Bridget Gerhart, M.A. Math

Bridget received her bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Pennsylvania State University. Bridget has several years of experience teaching math to both middle school and high school students. Alongside teaching math, Bridget has a passion for yoga, and is a certified yoga instructor.

Susan Guerchon, M.Ed. Tutorial & Executive Functioning Instruction

Susan received her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and Master’s degree in Education from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Sue spent six early teaching years learning in the deaf culture, at Texas School for the Deaf, in Austin Texas. After many adventures and moves across the country, she has returned to her native home state of Massachusetts to continue the adventures. Sue brings years of teaching experience, mostly at the middle level, and is licensed in Massachusetts as a reading specialist, special educator, and English teacher. Sue believes that when provided with a caring and supportive environment, students will always rise to the highest of expectations.