Faculty and Staff Directory

Faculty & Staff Department Directory

Department

Last Name

Rafael Salazar

Buildings and Grounds Staff
Diana Scharrer

Middle & Upper School French Teacher, 12th Grade Project Director

617-278-2387

Dickinson College - B.A.
University of North Carolina - M.A.

Bio

Diana’s teaching philosophy is guided by the belief that learning a new language and increasing one’s general cultural competency are essential parts of being a global citizen. In addition to teaching Middle and Upper School French, she directs the 12th Grade Project, a program where Brimmer 12th graders spend their final month of school doing internships or independent studies.

Although Diana has previously been a part-time teacher in schools in her home state of New York, she has been teaching here at Brimmer for more than 20 years. Over the course of her tenure, she has accompanied students on various trips to Europe and Canada. Diana particularly appreciates the fact that the faculty, staff, and student body at Brimmer are not just English-speaking Americans; the population at School is international, multicultural, and multilingual. She loves that the Brimmer community is deeply invested in their students and their development into well-rounded, well-educated, engaged, and compassionate thinkers and global citizens.

Outside of work, Diana enjoys art, music, food, and travel.
Caroline Scheibe

Lower School Music, Choral and Band

617-264-1432

Oberlin College and Conservatory - B.A., M.A.

Bio

In the music classroom, Caroline aims to guide students toward becoming tuneful, beautiful, and artful human beings. Her utmost hope is that students will leave her classes with a joyful appreciation for music-making in all its forms, and that they will seek out musical experiences in their adult lives. Caroline is certified in Feierabend’s First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfege methodologies, and has completed Orff-Schulwerk Level 1 training. She also holds a Massachusetts Initial Music Education License.

Caroline comes from a musical family, in which singing is an important part of family gatherings. She studied Music and had vocal training at Oberlin College, where she also completed her Masters in Music Teaching. Caroline now performs regularly with the Seraphim Singers, a semi-professional choir based in Brookline.

When she is not making music, Caroline enjoys trying out new recipes and spending time with her pet rabbits, Ramona and Amber. In the summer months she enjoys traveling to new places and spending time with family.
Namrata Schmottlach

PK-5 Teaching Assistant

Padma Kanya - B.A.
Tribhuvan University - M.A.

Bio

Namrata Schmottlach is a PK-5 Teaching Assistant at Brimmer. Mrs. Schmottlach holds a B.A at Padma Kanya Multiple Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal and a M.A. at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. Most recently, she was a Preschool Teacher at Blue Horizons at MIT Stata Childcare Center, Cambridge, MA.
Tom Schmottlach

Buildings and Grounds Staff

University of New Hampshire - M.S., B.S.
Humboldt State University - K-8 Teaching Credential

Bio

Tom graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MS in Oceanography. After working a few years in Monterey, CA, as an engineering desk jockey behind a computer screen, he realized there had to be more to life. As a volunteer feeding show diver and docent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, mountaineering and rock climbing instructor for the Colorado Outward Bound School, and outdoor educator for several outdoor schools, Tom decided to get his teaching credential at Humboldt State University and enter the classroom. He spent the next 25 years teaching grade 5 to high school math and science in the private school sector as well as overseas in Kathmandu, Nepal, where he met his wife. His philosophy has always been the students learn best from hands-on education. He joined Brimmer and May in 2018 as a grade 5 math/science teacher. In 2020, he decided to leave teaching but not Brimmer and May, and joined the maintenance team where his engineering capabilities and hands-on learning have benefited the department.
Mark Sehnert

Advancement Associate

617-278-2373

Davidson College - B.A.

Bio

Mark joined the Brimmer community in 2021, first as the Administrative Assistant in our Lower School before moving into the Development Office in 2022. He received his bachelor’s degree in German from Davidson College in 2015, although he admits his language skills at present are “ein bisschen eingerostet.”

Education has long been a calling in Mark’s family. His grandfather, grandmother, great aunts, great uncle, aunts, uncle, cousins, mother, and sister have all had roles as faculty or staff at schools, colleges, and universities. He believes strongly that trying one’s best to help others is the easiest way to make a difference—a simple act of kindness goes a long way!

Outside of work, Mark enjoys watching Jeopardy!, video and board games, skiing the East, and showering his cat with love and affection.
Justin Sellar

Assistant Athletic Director

Wheaton College - B.A.
Southern New Hampshire University - M.S.

Bio

Justin joined the Brimmer community in the Fall of 2024 as Assistant Athletics Director after six years at St. George’s School in Middletown, RI. At St. George’s he served as Associate Director of Athletics, Head Baseball Coach, and Dorm Head.

Justin holds a Master of Science Degree in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University. A 2017 graduate of Wheaton College (MA), he was a two-year member of the school’s baseball team and majored in Economics. His collegiate career began at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL.

Originally from Middletown, RI, Justin attended Middletown High School where he played four years of football, basketball and baseball.

In addition to his work at Brimmer, Justin is a coach for Garciaparra Baseball Group (GBG) Northeast and an instructor at RBI Baseball Academy in Foxboro, MA. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Elyse Seltzer

Director MS/US Library, Supervisor of PK-12 Library Program, DEIB Curriculum Liaison

617-278-2312

Wheaton College - B.A.
Simmons University - Masters in Library & Information Science

Bio

Elyse joins Brimmer with over a decade of experience in working in independent school libraries. In addition to serving as the Director of the Middle and Upper School Library, Elyse will also be a DEI curriculum liaison for grades PK-12. As an anti-racist educator Elyse believes it is essential to provide literature and resources where students see agency that can empower them in their every day lives.

Her ever present curiosity helps her model for her students how to ask the right questions and think critically. This plus the empathy that comes from reading with windows, mirrors, and sliding doors allows for 21st century learners that will graduate prepared for whatever the future brings.

For Elyse the job of librarian is that of a creative problem solver. She loves helping students and colleagues find what they need to answer their questions. Elyse enjoys collaborating on research projects, digital citizenship, information literacy, social justice curriculum, or any inquiry based unit. Find Mrs. Seltzer for help with research, citations, presentations, and finding a great book.

Elyse is a member of the Greater Boston Cooperative Library Association, Massachusetts Library System, Massachusetts School Library Association, Elementary Independent School Librarians, and the American Library Association. In addition to her work at Brimmer, Elyse is a PhD candidate in Urban Education, Leadership, and Policy Studies at UMass Boston.
Jamie Semel

Director of Extended Day

Brandeis University - B.A.

Bio

Jamie is thrilled to join the Brimmer community as the new Director of Extended Day. She comes from Mass Audubon where she spent 5 years at the Boston Nature Center as a Teacher Naturalist and Camp Director, connecting children with nature and science learning and expanding the nature center’s community engagement efforts. She has spent time teaching in Extended Day at Runkle School, as well as teaching in other nature-based programs at the Natick Community Organic Farm and at the Maria Mitchell Association’s Summer Discovery Camp on Nantucket.

Originally from a family of teachers in Los Angeles, Jamie studied Theater Arts and Environmental Studies at Brandeis University and has been building community in Boston ever since. As a local theater artist, Jamie is a frequent collaborator with the Boston-based fringe company, imaginary beasts, and has toured with New Rep’s former educational theater program, the Classic Repertory Company, making classical texts accessible for all through performance and collaborative workshops.

Jamie is passionate about out of school time as an opportunity for students to foster diverse interests and develop a stronger sense of self through exploration, connection, and challenge. Outside of work, she loves to craft, read, explore nature, go birdwatching, and enjoy local performances of all kinds.
Peter Slaski

Middle & Upper School Mathematics Teacher

Plymouth State University - B.S., M.Ed.

Bio

Peter believes that math, like many things in life, may come naturally to some, but with adequate training and practice everyone can find success. Prior to joining the Brimmer team in 2011, Peter spent time teaching in Taiwan and Germany, bringing international experience and global perspective to his classroom at Brimmer.

A native of Long Island, N.Y., Peter is an avid sports fan and has completed four Boston Marathons, raising close to $30,000 for Dana-Farber Cancer Center. While at Plymouth State College, he was twice named captain of the varsity lacrosse team and was their sole representative in the NEILA East-West game.
Elizabeth Smith

Director of Development

617-739-5289

Amherst College - B.A.

Bio

Elizabeth was introduced to independent schooling at an early age as both of her parents were independent school educators. Before joining the Brimmer team in 2011, she was the director of annual giving and a campaign strategist at a junior boarding school west of Boston. Prior to that, she worked in advertising and marketing for 15 years as an account director at several Boston communications firms.

At Brimmer, Elizabeth uses her marketing, strategic, and relationship skills to achieve meaningful goals to advance the mission of the School. She has helped lead Brimmer through two strategic plans and completed a Capital Campaign in 2017 over goal that resulted in the Hastings Center Addition to and a Faculty Innovation Endowment. Under her leadership, the endowment has increased threefold and she has also worked with her department to more than double the Annual Fund over the past 10 years.

Elizabeth is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the National Association of Independent Schools, the Association of Independent Schools in New England, and Women in Development. She has been the class agent for her Amherst College class for 25 years, and served as the reunion chair for her 10th and 25th reunions at Amherst.

When she is not at Brimmer, Elizabeth enjoys reading with her book club, walking her dog, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Eric Smith

Buildings and Grounds Staff

Curry College - B.A.

Bio

A Brimmer alum of the Class of 1999, Eric joined the Maintenance Department in 2012 with a wide range of experience. Most recently, he co-owned a car detail business and led a snowplow business
Kenley Smith

Upper School English Teacher

Union College - B.A.
Middlebury College Breadloaf School of English - M.A.

Bio

Kenley approaches teaching with the attitude that learning doesn’t stop at the end of class and therefore strives to support students in developing skills that help them find pleasure in new ideas and challenges throughout their lives. Kenley’s greatest enjoyment as a teacher is helping her students find joy in the world and to lead lives of intention and exploration.

Kenley is a member of the Humanities Department, and teaches American Literature, Senior English, and AP English Literature. She has taught sixth-grade through college English, as well as ESL, drama, and history. Kenley received her first teaching job while she was hiking the Appalachian Trail. Prior to joining Brimmer in 2015, Kenley taught in upstate New York, St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Miami, and London. In addition, Kenley worked on the Obama campaign in Florida in 2012.

Kenley holds a certificate from Massachusetts to teach high school English and has completed the Phillips Exeter Harkness training program. She is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. Outside of work, Kenley enjoys traveling, hiking, and visiting museums and art galleries.
Sarah Smith

School Receptionist & Administrative Assistant to Head of LS

Amherst College - B.A.

Bio

Born and raised in the Boston area, Sarah comes from a family of educators and caretakers. After graduating with her B.A. in Sociology and Spanish from Amherst College, she never officially planned on becoming a teacher. But a series of fortunate events led her to the classroom and she never looked back! Sarah interned for a year at The Learning Project Elementary School in Back Bay and then spent the last 6 years teaching second grade at The Park School in Brookline, MA. Through it all, she fell in love with the world of education. Sarah's first priority is always to listen and connect with students in order to make them feel seen, heard, safe, and valued. Only from that space of trust can learning, growth, and true joy occur!

As she joins the Brimmer community, Sarah is excited to bring her love of education to a new role outside of the classroom. She is a storyteller, puzzler, justice-seeker, and musician, and she is eager to share all these parts of herself with students, families, and colleagues. Sarah is also a self-identified organization enthusiast and lover of systems - skills that she hopes will be put to good use as the Lower School Administrative Assistant.

Outside of school, you might find Sarah cooking an elaborate meal, taking a ballet class, singing with her choir, or playing a board game with friends. She is thrilled to become a member of the Brimmer community!
Larry Stahley

Athletic Trainer, Grade 6-12 Teaching Assistant

Bio

Growing up in Haverhill and Groveland, Mass., Larry played many different sports, including high school baseball, golf, and track. His interest in sports from an early age is what drew him to pursue a career in athletics and healthcare.

Before joining the Brimmer team in 2015, Larry worked and completed clinical/co-op rotations as an athletic trainer at Harvard, Northeastern, UMass Boston, Curry College, and Stoughton High School. What he enjoys most about being at Brimmer is the opportunity to work with a diverse and enthusiastic group of student-athletes.

Larry is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts (ATOM). In his spare time, he volunteers with Athletic Trainers Against Cancer and continues to stay active, playing as much golf and basketball as he can.
Bradley Starr

Upper School English and ELS Teacher, Director of the Writing Center

Tufts University - B.A.
Columbia University - M.A.
Boston University - M.A.

Bio

Bradley Starr strives to make his English class a place where students feel supported to grow as thinkers, take intellectual risks, and dive deeply into the material at hand. He believes that reading deeply, writing effectively, and thinking critically are lifelong skills, and he loves discussing great books and reviewing drafts of papers with his students. As a former Brimmer student from a family that has long been a part of the school community, it has been a wonderful experience for Bradley to pursue his passion for teaching in the place where his journey in education began.

Bradley joined the Brimmer community in the Fall of 2021 after teaching for ten years at independent schools in the Greater Boston Area, New York City, and Connecticut. He holds a bachelors degree from Tufts University and two masters degrees, one in Teaching Secondary School English from Columbia’s Teachers College and a second in English Literature from Boston University.

Outside of school, Bradley likes watching and playing sports, walking his dog, riding his bike, and spending time with his wife and their extended family.
Christian Stratter

Business Office Associate

617-278-2325

Gordon College - B.S.

Bio

Christian began his career at Brimmer and May after graduating from Gordon College, where he double majored in Business Administration and Sports Management and played lacrosse. His first position was the Head Coach of the JV Boys Basketball team. From there, his role continued to grow in the Brimmer community. Today he works in our business office as a Business Office Associate and is the assistant coach for the Boys V1 Basketball team as well as the Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Lacrosse team.

Born and raised in Brighton, MA, Christian attended Arlington Catholic High School where he played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Before starting his full-time position at Brimmer, Christian was a Program Manager at MetroLacrosse, a local nonprofit organization. Christian enjoys coaching AAU basketball and spending time with family, friends, and his dog, Kodak.
Zoë Stublarec

Upper School Science Teacher

Connecticut College - B.A.

Bio

Zoë received her B.A in Behavioral Neuroscience from Connecticut College. During her undergraduate years, she was a four year member of the women’s soccer team, a two-year captain, an active member of the college’s Women in STEM program, and a member of the National Honor Society in Neuroscience (Nu Rho Psi).

Before joining the Brimmer community, Zoë taught 10th grade chemistry at a public charter school in New Haven, Connecticut. As a woman of color, Zoë is especially impassioned to increase both interest and accessibility of STEM for students of color and neurodivergent learners. Zoë believes that ALL learners are capable of being successful in STEM, and she is intent on sharing her energy and her knowledge to help students recognize their full potential.

Outside of work, Zoë loves to travel. Whether it be the lively city of Bogota, Colombia, or the remote island of Tobago, she loves to learn about and experience new cultures.
Elizabeth Suga

Executive Assistant to the Head of School

Boston University - B.S.

Bio

After several fulfilling years working as a general studies elementary School teacher at an independent school in Brookline and then in Special Education in the Newton and Needham public schools, Elizabeth switched careers and started her work as an administrator. She worked as the Education Coordinator at a synagogue in Wayland, the Executive Assistant to the Clergy at a synagogue in Brookline, and as the Executive Assistant to the Head of School at an independent school in Dedham. She particularly loves being an administrator in a school setting where she feels right at home.

Elizabeth grew up on the west coast of Florida, spending her summers on the north shore of Massachusetts. She eventually ended up at Boston University, graduating with a BS in Elementary Education. She has lived in Newton for the past 21 years, bringing her daughters up in the same hometown that was her mother’s!

Elizabeth loves visiting her older daughter, Samantha, who lives in LA, and her mother in Florida who still lives in the house where Elizabeth grew up, and spending time with her younger daughter, Grace who fortunately lives right in Boston. She spends time in the evenings or on weekends working and volunteering for Family Connections™ which is a free course that provides education, skills training, and support for people who are supporting a sufferer of Borderline Personality Disorder/Emotion Dysregulation. She is an animal lover, an avid reader, and loves to spend time with family and friends. Elizabeth is very happy and honored to be a member of the Brimmer and May community!
Lisa Summergrad

Director of College Counseling

617-278-2326

Haverford College - B.A.
Harvard Graduate School of Education - M.Ed.

Bio

As the child of educators, Lisa has always made her home in schools. She attended Haverford College, where she received her degree in English with a concentration in creative writing, but found her way into working in education soon after.

As Brimmer’s Associate Director of College Counseling/Director of Career Readiness since 2019, Lisa guides juniors and seniors through the college exploration and application process. She loves putting her creative writing degree to good use helping students develop and hone their college essays. She is excited about working amongst a close-knit and nurturing school community, with a strong focus on students as individuals and independent learners.

She started her career at the Exploration School, where she assisted in running academic summer enrichment programs. Her experience hiring and mentoring college students led her to pursue her M.Ed in Higher Education Administration at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Lisa spent the next six years at Wellesley College working in admissions, where she specialized in alumnae volunteers, international recruitment, and student employees.

When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys step-aerobics, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and relaxing in front of a well-crafted TV series.
Janet Sweezey

Grade 2 Teacher

Smith College - B.A.
Lesley University - M.Ed.

Bio

Janet believes that all children can succeed in positive, nurturing environments. In her classroom, she strives to fully encourage each student’s individual strengths and creative natures.

Before coming to Brimmer in 2003, Janet taught in Berkeley, Calif., Lebanon, N.H., and overseas at the American School of Asuncion, Paraguay. With an interest in global education, she has attended workshops and a summer institute at Primary Source, as well as participated in a study/travel tour through China. Janet enjoys teaching in the collaborative atmosphere in the Lower School.

Janet is a Boston Literacy Volunteer. When she is not at work, she enjoys an active lifestyle through cycling, running, and practicing yoga.
Stan Szwartz

MS/US Math Specialist

Boston University - B.S.
Salem State College - MAT

Bio

Growing up in New York, Stan loved going to school. He played a lot of sports, and enjoyed hanging out with friends who he still stays in touch with today. Stan particularly loved Art class and Math class because of the teachers who entertained and inspired him every day. Stan decided on Boston University to study Economics, where he received a BS degree and then went into the advertising and marketing fields working at an advertising agency and then for IBM Microelectronics.

After college, Stan moved to Salem where he lived for the next 20 years, restoring an old Federal style farmhouse and raising a son who is now in college. During his years in Salem, Stan was involved in many philanthropic projects in the Salem community, including a four-year term as President of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem. During this time, Stan completed a Masters Degree in Mathematics and Education at Salem State College, and taught in both private and public schools around the North Shore.

When his son decided on attending high school in Boston, the family moved into the city. Stan came to teach at Brimmer in 2017 and has enjoyed everything that the school has to offer. He believes that there is an unequalled advantage to teaching and learning in a close-knit community and working among the highest level of teachers.

When Stan is not at Brimmer, he enjoys golf, wandering around Boston, working out, going to restaurants, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends.

Faculty and Staff

Faculty & Staff Department Directory

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