Faculty & Staff Milestones

1/2/2024

Each January, we gather to honor our colleagues for their long-term service to the School. This year, we celebrated the milestone anniversaries of 17 Brimmer faculty and staff. We hope you enjoy learning more about some of the talented, dedicated, and dynamic individuals who help make Brimmer such a special place.

FORTY YEAR MILESTONE

Sharin Russell – Director of Annual Giving

Sharin came to Brimmer as a fourth-grade teacher. She and her partner Brian were a “dream team.” They collaborated with one another so the children would have the best possible experience. After many years in the classroom, Sharin agreed to be the interim Lower School Head, which launched her into administrative work. She later transitioned to the daily year-round work of raising money as she began her work in the Development office, where she continues as Director of Annual Giving to this day.

Director of Development Elizabeth Smith shared these thoughts about Sharin’s many strengths: “Sharin makes everyone feel as if they are the only person in the room when she is connecting – whether parents, trustees, alumni, students, or colleagues. She has that special relational magic that connects the community to Brimmer, which is incredibly important in advancing the School.”

Sharin has taken the Annual Fund to a whole new level. She went from raising roughly $400,000 in 2012 to now over $1.1M several years in a row in addition to placing other demands on our donors, including two campaigns. Sharin has a strength in recruiting and managing 30+ parent and alumni volunteers to help reach our goals. She also never forgets that our most important asset is our faculty and staff, and she takes care of us each month with her Bagels and Jeans Day.

Sharin knows nearly all our parents and most of our living alumni. She knows generations of Trustees, and her institutional knowledge is impossible to match. She pitches in on countless events each year, volunteers for trips, and when we need a course covered, Sharin takes it on and does an exceptional job.

Head of School Judy Guild says, “while the tasks are important and the work accomplished is vital for our School, it’s the character of a person that makes them rise above the rest. I am sure we all agree when I say Sharin is that person. She is fair, kind, compassionate, and intelligent. She stands by her convictions and takes the high road at every turn. She is a wonderful colleague, and we all feel so lucky to work with her.

For your commitment of 40 years to our school, and for your friendship to all, we thank you very, very much.”

THIRTY-FIVE YEAR MILESTONE

Bill Jacob – Creative Arts Department Chair, MS/US Drama Teacher

When a faculty has dedicated 35 years of service to our School, it is rather interesting to look back at the history of three decades of employment.

Bill Jacob came to Brimmer in 1989 as a Lower School drama teacher and ended up also teaching grade 7 Spanish and Upper School history – a common pattern for teachers in independent schools 30 years ago. Children in the Lower School went to drama class just to be with Mr. J, someone who made them laugh, have fun, be creative and silly, and to take risks.

Along the way, Bill decided to try his hand at the Middle and Upper School curriculum and grade levels, and since then he has put on dozens of plays and musicals. Many of his earlier work involved writing the plays with the students, and more recently we have enjoyed watching his performances from serious plays to spirited musicals. His behind-the-scenes work with sound, lights, and the technical side of productions leaves us shuddering to think about the day he decides to hang up this gig.

Bill’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing about our work with Sumner School in Roslindale, offering students in the public school an enriching arts experience. He also began our first Diploma Program, CAP. In addition, he works to bring the drama techniques he uses here to other educators from Emerson College and spreads the love for theater to others throughout the community. He also ensures that our space is available to the greater Boston area arts programs, such as Voices, so that artists with tight budgets can work.

A life-long learner and educator, Bill’s several advanced degrees from theater to writing to independent school leadership have provided him with flexibility and adaptability in the classroom. As the Chair of the Creative Arts department, he has supervised and mentored many young professionals and has worked side by side with highly experienced ones. He has curated teams of professionals to help our students have the best artistic experience we can offer.

Head of School Judy Guild says, “I can always count on some fun with Bill around. If you have never seen him as our auctioneer at the annual event, you have surely missed him at his best. And while I know he does not wish to be known for his wonderful departing faculty songs, I long for him to do that for me when my curtain closes! I thank you, Bill, for 30 years of commitment to our School and students.”

THIRTY YEAR MILESTONE

Diana Scharrer – MS/US French Teacher

Diana has been a fully committed teacher for 30 years, one who has carried French into countless households through the fine instruction of over a thousand students. Head of School Judy Guild remarks, “When I did a little research on Diana’s 30 years, I did the math and calculated the number of students she has impacted to be well over a thousand. Additionally, I have not once heard a negative word from a parent or student about Diana. As a colleague, I have enjoyed talking with Diana about our New York family members, watching her balance dual-fisted coffee cups in the early morning, admired her commitment to the perfect lunchtime meal, and have been fascinated by her choice in footwear. To have worked alongside such a dedicated professional has been my true privilege, and I hope Diana will enjoy many more years with us as our beloved French teacher.”

Assistant Head of School Carl Vallely said, “Diana has everything we want in a teacher – she is a dynamic, thought provoking, challenging with a supportive tone, and fun teacher who the students enjoy being in class with each day. Diana is also a highly dedicated advisor who spends one-on-one time consistently and is fully dedicated to each student she advises. She has served as a mentor to other faculty new to the School, has led the Senior Project Program (enticing the students to submit forms using endearing pictures of cute animals), has chaperoned many proms, dances, and events, taken students on Winterim trips, and cheers our students on at athletic events and at their performances.”

FIFTEEN YEAR MILESTONE

Rachel Wolf Heyman – Lower School Drama Teacher

Head of Lower School Kimberly Formisano said, “When I met Rachel during my on-campus interview, I realized quickly that she was far more than just a Lower School drama teacher. She posed thought-provoking questions about navigating positions of power in conversations, revealing her deep commitment to social justice and advocacy for the underrepresented.”

An extraordinary drama teacher, Rachel is also an essential collaborator on the Creative Arts team. She adeptly advocates for her program (beware of scheduling a field trip on Drama and Music day!) and showcases her talent in performances. Rachel excels at amplifying even the quietest voices, giving them volume on the stage. We have grown to love the Core Values play and are thoroughly impressed by the Grades 4/5 musical, including last year’s Press Start! Equally impressive is her collaboration with Geraldine and the production of the French play.

Despite COVID challenges, Rachel ensured the show went on, holding classes under tents, reimagining the Fall Community Performance, and navigating the complexities of recording versus live streaming, asynchronous versus synchronous. She transformed challenges into opportunities and provided our students with the milestones they had eagerly anticipated. The French Plays and The Grade 5 Memories Presentation at Closing Ceremony, and the unforgettable Grade 4-5 performance, 'Super Happy Awesome News,' were all brought to life under her guidance.

Rachel takes on much more – SEED leader, Faculty Advisor for Diversity Lunch Bunch, Pride Parade Organizer, and thought partner for the PK Food Truck Fest, among other roles. Bringing mindfulness to Share, faculty meetings, and moments requiring deep breaths, Rachel's caring nature extends beyond School. A lover of music festivals and family time, Rachel's dedication to the Brimmer community, especially its people, including her two children, is commendable.

Thank you, Rachel, for your unwavering dedication to your students and the School for the past 15 years. We appreciate the myriad ways you have devoted your heart and soul to the Brimmer community.

TEN YEAR MILESTONES

Cassie Abodeely - Director of Summer & Auxiliary Programs

Having attended Amherst College and Fordham law school, Cassie spent 10 years as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx. Looking for a new start, and having been a camp kid her entire life, Cassie joined Brimmer as the Summer Camp Director in 2013. Since then, Cassie has been the architect of countless summers filled with laughter, friendship, fun, and growth. Cassie loves the campers, and they love her.

It is not easy to get a summer camp up and running. As the rest of us are winding down and looking forward to the summer, Cassie is revving up. It truly is like running a small school for 8 weeks, and Cassie handles her responsibilities with ease. Head of School Judy Guild remarked on how continually impressed she is on Cassie’s extraordinary ability to hire and onboard an excellent, diverse camp staff and that she gives teenagers, both from Brimmer and elsewhere, an amazing summer work experience under her tutelage.

Cassie also oversees our auxiliary programming, working to find alternative streams of revenue for the School, oversees our Extended Day and AP Programs, teaches a set of electives in the Upper School, serves on the Administrative Team, helped run the CRT, and has a distinct laugh that always makes us smile. I hope that the summers here at Brimmer continue to be filled with the same enthusiasm, creativity, and boundless energy that Cassie has brought to us for the last ten years.

Mirna Goldberger – MS/US Spanish Teacher

A walk through the hallways of Chase may reveal a delightful scent or music that gets your body moving. If you follow your nose or ear, you will likely be led to Mirna Goldberger’s classroom where you may discover students learning to Salsa or making quesadillas as part of a fiesta.

Mirna takes her craft as a teacher very seriously and dedicates countless hours to her preparation. It would be hard to beat her into the building in the morning as she is known for arriving as early as 6:30 am to prepare for the day ahead. Her classes certainly include important lessons about grammar, but she also embeds in them art history lessons, information on society, and getting a taste of culture through her courses.

Mirna’s work does not just live in the classroom. She worked hard to create Brimmer’s exchange program with her alma mater Northlands. Through this work, a small group of Brimmer students can spend 3 weeks living with a host family in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Brimmer students also host exchange students, and our student body gets the opportunity to learn from those that visit our School.

Her commitment to students can also be remembered through Winterim trips, such as last year’s travel to Puerto Rico, and her coaching of Field Hockey.

Jessica Christian – Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

For those of you who are newer to Brimmer, you may not know that Jessica spent her first seven years working in the Admissions Office.

Jessica’s role at Brimmer has changed greatly over the last five years. She transitioned to her present role as Director of DEIB (perhaps the most challenging job at an independent school) during the 2020-2021 school year and has done an amazing job moving Brimmer along in this critical work. The first full time DEIB employee in the School’s history, she has designed and organized countless programs for faculty, staff, parents, and students including but not limited to training, affinity groups, voices assemblies, and professional development. Head of School Judy Guild shared that her addition to the Administrative Team was one of the best decisions she has made. Jessica was also instrumental in creating a Board level DEIB committee which will have lasting impact. While the work is never done, we would not be close to where we are today without her dedication, professionalism, and resolve.

Director of Enrollment Brian Beale says, “Jessica, thank you for all you do for our community every day. You are our moral compass, an ear for all, and often a much-needed shoulder. On a personal note, I am so grateful to have you as my colleague and more importantly my friend. You challenge me to be a better Admissions professional and person and for that I am so appreciative. Congratulations on your ten years at Brimmer.”

FIVE YEAR MILESTONES

Lisa Summergrad – Director of College Counseling

A mashup of Superwoman, Hermione Granger, and Lucy Van Pelt, Lisa can proudly wear the “S” on her college counselor superhero outfit. She leaps tall college application orders in a single bound, is faster than a speeding, electronic transcript request, and is more powerful than a trans-Pacific private counselor.

Like Hermione, Lisa performs magic daily for her students, providing insights on colleges, writing outstanding recommendations, and listening intently to their hopes and dreams. She could get Voldemort into RISD—and counsel him into a gap year to gain some maturity.

Like Lucy, Lisa is a confident, strong, and positive advisor who could help Charlie Brown write a great essay—maybe one about living in the shadow of your dog—and get him into his second-choice college—Good Grief, he’s Charlie Brown!

Annually, Lisa hosts college reps, MCs college counseling events, reads student essay drafts, organizes and proctors standardized tests, reads Admissions folders, and meets with fired up, fired down (if that is a thing), on fire, want-to-fire-you, and you-light-my-fire parents and provides super-powered, magical advice to all. Fact: Lisa has helped 180+ Brimmer seniors gain 1000+ college acceptances and enroll in 100 different colleges. Entering our universe 5-years ago, Lisa has opened up new worlds for our students.

Parker Curtis – Middle School History Teacher

Head of Middle School Carl Vallely said, “I distinctly remember interviewing Parker at the Carney Boston Forum. We had the potential opening for a Middle School history teacher, and from that first conversation, I knew I wanted Parker on the Middle School team. When the opening became available, we immediately brought him to campus and quickly offered him the position. Parker gave one of the strongest demo lessons I have seen, and that dedication to the practice of teaching and learning and curriculum development that was demonstrated on that day has been seen in the Almy Wing daily for the last 5 years.

Several years ago, Parker redesigned the 7th grade history curriculum to explore the themes of democracy, civics, justice and injustice, race and racism, identity, and activism through a series of case studies from American history. In addition, he guides our students through the study of the fragility of democracy, by examining the fall of the Weimar Republic, the rise of the Nazi party, and the Holocaust in 8th grade. Parker approaches these important and sensitive topics with care and thoughtfulness. Parker is also an incredibly kind person. He is always willing to help or lend a hand when needed and can find humor in the situations that arise with Middle Schoolers. Since he began at Brimmer, we have seen Parker get engaged, married, and become the father of two, and it has been a pleasure to be a part of his journey. Congratulations Parker on five years at Brimmer.”

Domenic Messina – Business Office
Dom originally joined the Brimmer community part-time in the Business Office. When he later started working full-time, he worked closely with the Board, Administrative Team, and with Head of School Judy Guild who reports that he was a remarkable colleague during a difficult time.

CFO Julian Hickman states, “Since I joined Brimmer in the Spring of 2020, Dom has been my savior. He often gets stuck with the heavy-duty accounting and the dirty work, but he handles it with incredible skill and professionalism. When I was busy swabbing noses during COVID, Dom was reconciling bank accounts. When Nia went on leave Dom stepped in and handled payroll flawlessly. Dom’s experience and skill are great, but what makes him special is his heart and personality. Dom makes strong personal connections with people, and he remembers these encounters even if he hasn’t seen the person in months. When he is in the office, he fills the day with fabulous stories about his family, trips to Italy, or volunteering for his local community. Congratulations on 5 years Dom, I am not sure I would still be standing without you.”

Joanna Mesa - Kitchen Assistant

Joanna has been a part of our kitchen team full-time for the past 5 years. She has many jobs that help us be successful each day. She makes all the salad dressings, she has made hundreds upon thousands of sunbutter and jelly sandwiches, and she helps in all aspects of the kitchen. Director of Food Services Craig Roman said, “Joanna, I appreciate your willingness to assist and learn in all ways possible and I am sure you get sick of me calling your name to help me with something, but what I won’t get sick of is you calling me 'Boss!’ You always have a positive attitude, and it is great to see you interact with the Lower and Middle School students when you serve them lunch. Thank you for your 5 years of service to the Brimmer community.” CFO Julian Hickman added, “Congratulations on 5 years Joanna! You are a pleasure to work with, you bring such an aura of positivity to work each day. Joanna’s son and my daughter are about the same age, and I look forward to sharing stories about temper tantrums, germs, and birthday party ideas! Thank you for everything you do!”

Melany Ferrimy – Catering Manager, Kitchen Assistant

Breakfast for 20 on Monday, Administrative Team meeting at 9 am on Tuesday, two more breakfasts on Wednesday, dinner for 150 on Thursday, and dinner for the School play on Friday. This is just a little of what Melany does for us in the kitchen. Along with handling all the catering events and special requests, Melany makes the soup each day, helps all around the kitchen, serves lunch, washes dishes, and does it all with a smile. Director of Food Services Craig Roman said, “Melany - not only are you the glue that holds the whole kitchen together and makes us the great team that we are, but I am also honored to call you my friend. I wanted to thank you especially for dealing with my craziness and all the things I have asked of you. Thank you for your 5 years of service to the Brimmer community.” CFO Julian Hickman added, “Congratulations on 5 years Melany! Melany is incredibly hard-working and very talented at what she does. Many times in our Events meetings, the discussion around food is essentially Melany saying, 'I got it’ and we all know to trust it! Thank you for everything you do.”

Caroline Scheibe – Lower School Music Teacher

Caroline's passion for music is evident to all who observe a class or witness her lead a performance on stage. She is an extraordinary teacher whose love for music knows no bounds. Caroline is not only a musician extraordinaire but also a calm and steady force in our School community. Not many individuals can stay poised when a student falls from the bleacher during a concert, but Caroline did. She remains unflappable even with students who do their best to push boundaries.

What sets Caroline apart is her commitment to making music accessible to all. From innovative Informances to bringing the tradition of singing "Ring in the New Year," she has woven a musical tapestry that embraces everyone. Even in the face of challenges posed by COVID (during her first year!), Caroline was a beacon of creativity. She provided masks for singing and playing instruments and designed engaging events like the Fall Community Webinar and Zoom Recital. Her collaborative spirit is always evident when working with the other members of the Creative Arts team.

Head of Lower School Kimberly Formisano says, “Caroline, I am incredibly grateful for all that you bring to the music program, the Lower School, and the greater Brimmer community. Thank you for five incredible years of service to Brimmer and May.”

Jaime Lin – Lower School PE Teacher

Although Jaime is most often seen leading a PE class or coaching a team to a win, she is also responsible for work that isn’t as visible to those who aren’t aware. In addition to being a PE teacher and coach, she is also someone who enriches our School community through her connections to kids and care for the Health and Wellness curriculum. Collaborating with Ina and others, they integrated a Health and Wellness curriculum into the PE program, nurturing both body and mind.

As the Gator Games (AKA Field Day) organizer, Jaime ensures that Field Day happens no matter what gets in the way - unbearable heat, torrential rain, or a massive tent on the field doesn't discourage her. The one year that it was canceled, Jaime scheduled it for the following September! Jaime is an excellent resource for cooperative games that teach children teamwork and camaraderie. But it doesn't stop there – Jaime's talents extend to being a DJ extraordinaire; she creates a range of movement-inspiring playlists for Pre-K PE classes and varsity sports practices alike. And a little-known fact about Jaime: she is a collector of onesies which are regularly seen on PJ Day (and might be worn next week for the upcoming LS PJ day!).

Liz O’Leary – Grade 1 Teacher

Liz is not just an educator; she embodies passion in teaching, always looking out for the best interests of each student under her care. If you are ever here late, you'll see the lights on in Liz’s classroom. She spends hours preparing and thinking about the lessons she teaches, wanting to ensure that each student's needs are met. Liz knows her students, always going the extra mile to make a call home to a family or reaching out to a colleague for a clarifying question.

Liz is a consummate learner, perpetually seeking ways to enhance her teaching methods and staying abreast of educational innovations. She is always looking for ways to integrate curriculum and create hands-on experiences for her students. Additionally, this year, she sought to stretch herself further and joined the inaugural SEED group, demonstrating her desire to advocate for her students, ensuring that every voice is heard and every need is met.

Beyond the classroom, Liz is a loyal friend and a fabulous photographer, capturing the essence of our school community with her keen eye. As we celebrate Liz's five years at Brimmer, let us recognize and applaud her unwavering dedication, her passion for education, and the positive impact she has had on students.

Stephanie Golas – Lower School Librarian

Stephanie has dedicated five years to shaping the literary landscape of our LS community. Stephanie is not just a librarian; she is a true book lover, a DEIB leader, and a maker of learning opportunities.

In the face of the pandemic, Stephanie's dedication to ensuring students had books to read shone brightly. The library found a temporary home in Head of School Judy Guild's office, and Stephanie took charge, vetting books as they went into storage and orchestrating a triumphant return. In the past two years, she has reimagined the library space, weaving in child-friendly furniture, cozy rugs, and a plethora of new books, turning it into a haven for young minds.

Stephanie's passion for innovation was recognized with the 2022 Innovation Grant, a testament to her commitment to enhancing the learning experience for our students. As a partner, she continuously seeks ways to connect students with high-interest books, fostering a love for reading that extends beyond the library walls. Stephanie effortlessly chooses just the right book to match the activity and shares a love for building that enthusiastically engages students.

Let us celebrate Stephanie's five years at Brimmer, applauding her creativity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to fostering a love for learning in our youngest minds.

Angela Park – Grade 5 Teacher

Today, we celebrate Angela, our exceptional fifth-grade teacher, marking five years of dedicated service at Brimmer. Angela embodies the spirit of DEIB, giving voice to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in her classroom and beyond. Her journey at Brimmer has been marked by remarkable qualities that set her apart. Angela is not just a teacher; she is a risk-taker. Her transition from Grade 2 to Grade 5 exemplifies her unwavering willingness to learn and grow, providing an enriching experience for her students. Incredibly organized, Angela's thoughtful approach ensures that every lesson resonates with her students, fostering a deep connection to the curriculum.

During her first weeks as a fifth-grade teacher, she created a unique leadership opportunity (aka “job”) which the fifth graders had to apply for and qualify for the position they were assigned. I am confident her fifth grade colleague would agree that Angela is a pleasure to work with and appreciates her efforts towards making the fifth-grade program the best it can be.

Beyond the classroom, she brings her passion for Boston's culinary delights, making her not just an educator but also a Boston foodie. Not only does she bake delicious treats for us, but she takes us on an international gastronomic journey through her Instagram account.

Angela, thank you for your five years of service, your commitment to education, your boldness in taking risks, and your dedication to creating a vibrant and inclusive learning community.

Faculty & Staff Milestones

Brimmer and May School