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Staff & Faculty

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Catherine O'Leary

Executive Director

Catherine graduated from Boston College in 2003 with a BA in English and again in 2008 with M.Ed. Prior to arriving at CCLCS, she taught 7th grade Language Arts in Brookline at the Dexter and Southfield Schools, as well as 5th grade in the Newton Public Schools. Catherine joined the CCLCS community as the 6th grade language arts teacher and served in that position for six years. More recently, she has earned her M. Ed. in school administration from Simmons College and made the shift from the classroom to administration in 2013. She resides in Harwich with her husband and two kids.

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Elizabeth Woelflein

Associate Director

Beth is a graduate of Villanova University where she earned her BS in Business Administration, and then later graduated from Manhattanville College with Masters Degrees in Education and Special Education. She worked as a teacher and an administrator in several high schools in Middlesex County for more than ten years and, in that time, earned her M.Ed in Education Administration through the MSAA LLP. Beth is thrilled to be a part of the CCLCS Team and to work with the staff and the students and their families to fulfill the mission that “celebrates learning as a lifelong pleasure.” Beth and her husband, Bob, are proud and grateful parents of two daughters.

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Cheri Amaru

Wilson Reading

Cheri Amaru earned a BA in Elementary Education from Wheaton College, IL in 1998 and a M.Ed in Reading and Language from UMass Lowell in 2016.  She has been a certified Wilson Reading Teacher for over 20 years, which she primarily teaches at CCLCS.  Cheri and her husband Jason enjoy living in Orleans and have three sons. 

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Brian Bates

6th Science

Brian earned a BS from the University of Colorado, Boulder. This is his 21st year at the Lighthouse Charter School teaching science. He is an active tennis, paddle tennis player, and golfer who also likes to ski in the winter. He resides in Orleans with his wife and twins.

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Challis Crema

Speech and Language Therapist

Intervention

Challis earned her Master’s in Speech Pathology from Plattsburgh State University in 2001. She has continued her education in the field of reading instruction and enjoys the energy and spirit of working with middle school students to help develop their language and literacy skills. Challis lives in Brewster with her husband, Chris, daughter, Molly, and dog, Adi.

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Kristin Berner

Special Education

Intervention

Kristen is a licensed Mental Health counselor who moved to Cape Cod from Florida where she worked as a school-based counselor. She earned her bachelor's degree from Stetson University, and a master’s in science from Nova Southeastern University. She spent 14 years working as a children's therapist and has since found her way to CCLCS. Kristen brings a lot of creative approaches and ideas for working with students. She is always up for an adventure, and in her spare times she enjoys boating, beaching, and hanging out with her husband Kegan and her son Chase!

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Michele Gallucci

Business Manager

Michele joined CCLCS as Business Manager in 2023. Previously, Michele lived in New York and worked for many years as a corporate finance professional in both healthcare companies and startups where she focused on strategy and new business development. She earned her MBA in Finance at the Wharton School of Business and holds a BA in Economics and Spanish from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Michele loves finance and is thrilled to bring her skills and knowledge to CCLCS. Originally from Massachusetts, Michele now resides on Cape Cod with her husband and two daughters.

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Susanna Graham-Pye

7th Language Arts

Susanna has been at CCLCS for over a decade. She enjoys, immeasurably, her work here. A graduate of Smith College, she has an MFA in creative writing from Goddard College. She lives in South Orleans with her husband, children, and hound dogs. She loves sharing the amazing journey that is middle school with her colleagues and the fantabulous charter kids.

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Arianna Booras

8th Language Arts

Ari graduated from UMass Dartmouth with a bachelor’s in psychology. After graduating, Ari continued coaching gymnastics and began a master’s program in Special Education at Bridgewater State. In Ari’s free time she enjoys going to the beach, working out, and spending time with family.

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Micaela has been teaching both high school and middle school visual art classes since 2008. She received a BA in Painting with a minor in Anthropology, which inspired her to pursue a BS and a Master's in Art Education, all while attending Rhode Island College. Following her graduate studies, she implemented an advanced sculpture program at Norton High School where she taught for 11 years. Until 2024, Micaela taught at Barnstable High School augmenting the art program with a new 8th grade 3D design course. She is thrilled to be joining the collaborative community of CCLCS! She lives on Cape with her husband Geoff and their 4 daughters.

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Aaron Crowell

7th Science

After seventeen years of teaching high school biology and middle school life science at Cape Cod Academy and three years of teaching biology at Sturgis Charter School, Aaron came to CCLCS to teach his favorite age group, seventh grade. Upon graduating from Colby College, he headed down south to work in the Medical Microbiology Department at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. His time in the microbiology lab as a TA inspired a long career in the classroom. He is a veteran AP and IB teacher as well as a middle school teacher. He enjoys most anything that involves being outside.

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Gary Clarke

Special Education, Instructional Assistant

Gary pursued his Master of Arts, Teaching at Manhattanville College (Purchase, NY) before moving to the Cape in 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, and a Massachusetts Educator License in Middle School Math/Science. Before becoming a teacher, he worked as a mechanical design engineer for 15+ years. He also spent several years as a stay-at-home Dad raising two daughters.

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Mark Girardin

Music - Choral

Mark joined CCLCS in 2015. Mark has taught Music to grades pre-K-12, started the music and drama departments of St. Matthew School in Cranston, RI, St Pius X School in S. Yarmouth, and Saint John Paul II in Hyannis. Mark is a graduate of the Crane School of Music, SUNY POTSDAM. He also participated in the Saratoga Potsdam Choral Institute at Skidmore College, singing with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Liberty Weekend Chorus.

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Zukhra Graham

Special Education Instructional Assistant

Zukhra is a Nauset Regional High School graduate and also a former student at CCLCS. She is currently taking a break from college and working here at the school as a special education assistant, she hopes to pursue a career in this field. In her free time she likes to take walks, workout, create art, and spend time with friends and family.

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Annie Haven

7th Math

Annie is a perpetual learner who resides in Harwich with her husband, two daughters, dogs, chickens, and hamsters. She earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University. Annie holds state certifications for all subjects’ grades 1-6 as well as in math/science grades 5-8. She earned her level 1 certificate for International Baccalaureate math and was the 2014 Barnstable County Science Educator of the Year. Most recently, she became an EVERFI certified STEM teacher and is active in the local STEM community. She is the secretary to the board of the Massachusetts Association of Science teachers and loves presenting at conferences.

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Señora “Achay,” as Sandra is known to her students, learned her Spanish by buying a one-way ticket to Madrid, Spain and staying there until she had mastered the language. While there, she decided to get a master’s degree in Spanish Language and Civilization through New York University’s Master’s Program in Madrid. Señora H. is an “accidental” Spanish teacher, having earned her BA in English from Holy Cross College, and having studied French for ten years. She considers it a very happy accident, indeed. Prior to teaching at CCLCS, Señora H. taught Spanish at Cape Cod Tech, and English in Spain. In her spare time she volunteers as a World Music deejay at WOMR in Provincetown.

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Jennifer Hyora-Williams

Director of Student Services

Jen joined CCLCS in 2005 and believes deeply in its mission.  After many 

years as both 6th grade Special Education Teacher and Special Education Coordinator, she now serves as full time Director of Student Services. Jen received her BS in Early Childhood Education from Colby-Sawyer College, M.Ed. in Special Education from Framingham State College, and C.A.G.S. in School Administration from American International College. She previously taught at Harwich Elementary School and the Laurel School in Brewster.

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Brittany Hutton

Special Education, Instructional Assistant

Britany graduate from Nauset in 2004, Bachelors from Saint Michael's College 2008 with a BA in Journalism and Communications 2nd year at CCLCS as a Learning Assistant to 8th grade from Brewster, lives with her daughter and husband. When not teaching I love the beach and being with my family. 

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Dave Houghton

Special Education, Instructional Assistant

David graduated from UMASS Amherst with a BS in Childhood Behavior and Development in 2016. David moved from Western Massachusetts where he was a Special Education teacher and Instructional Assistant for 4 years at Cutchins Program for Children & Families as well as Center School in Holyoke, Massachusetts. David has been living in Brewster for the last three years and has worked at CapeAbilities as a Vocational Specialist and Individual Case Manager.  He is excited to be a part of a positive school environment as an Instructional Assistant with the CCLCS Team. On Cape, David enjoys time with his wife and family, playing music and having long walks with his two dogs, Little Ricky the wonder pug and Sweet Boy Rudy.

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Ryan Johnson

Physical Education

Ryan is a 2023 graduate of Liberty University in Virginia where he earned a BS degree in physical education and health. His time spent traveling doing sports camps in other countries is what led him to pursue a career in physical education. Ryan spends his free time fishing, working out, hiking, golfing and doing photography. He lives in South Dennis.

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Denneen Joseph

6th Langauge Arts

Denneen received a BA in History from UMass Dartmouth. She was born and raised on Cape Cod and is excited to be part of the CCLCS community. She lives in Chatham with her husband and their two sons. In her free time, Denneen loves to spend time reading, cooking, gardening, fishing and watching her sons play sports.

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Hannah Kast

Adminstrative Assistant
Admissions

Hannah received a BA in International Studies and Psychology from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Prior to joining the staff at CCLCS Hannah worked in 7th and 8th grade at Edmunds Middle School in Vermont while completing her Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle School Curriculum at the University of Vermont. She graduated again in 2017 with a M.Ed. in Education Administration from the Massachusetts School Administrator's LLP program & Endicott College, and is licensed in Middle School Humanities and School Administration. After 12 years teaching English and Social Studies at CCLCS, Hannah shifted to the front office, where she also coordinates the school’s admissions & seminar programs. Outside of school, she is also a certified yoga instructor and figure skating coach.

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Laura Kelemen

8th Math

Laura received her BA in English from Boston College and her Master’s in Public Health from Yale University. Prior to working in education and raising her three kids, she worked as a Senior Planner in two of the largest hospitals in CT. Before joining CCLCS, she worked in Ridgefield, CT’s intensive special education department (in their middle school). Laura enjoys spending time with her kids and extended family in Chatham, playing tennis, and taking walks on the beach with her mini bulldog, Luca.

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Mary Marvullo

School Psychologist

Mary obtained her BS in Education from Lesley University and her MA in Psychology from Adelphi University. She is a certified School Psychologist and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Mary has extensive experience working with children and adults with multiple disabilities. When Mrs. Marvullo is not in school, she enjoys practicing yoga, spending time with her family, reading, and going to the beach.

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Kate graduated with a bachelor’s in nursing from Northeastern University more than 30 years ago and has enjoyed working with children ever since. She lives in Brewster with her husband and three noisy dogs. In Kate's limited free time she enjoys gardening, the beach and all things having to do with New England Sports Teams!

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Caroline Metz

7th Spanish

Caroline’s passion for the Spanish language and various cultures has been lifelong having studied the language for 12+ years. Through travel and various immersion opportunities, Caroline further developed her command and appreciation of the language. Caroline earned her BS in Operations Management and Logistics and is on her way to pursuing a Master's degree in Education.

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Ken Merrill

Technology Coordinator

Ken earned a BA in English from UMASS Dartmouth and has worked on the Cape in various technology related positions from Job Training Employment Corp in Hyannis, Harwich Middle School in Harwich, and most recently at The Riverview School in Sandwich, MA. Ken earned his license to teach technology from Lesley University in Boston and most recently attended training at Rediker Software to get up to speed with what Cape Cod Lighthouse uses. Ken is an avid surfer and skier and he and his wife Marie have two grown sons Kyle and Colin.

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Katie Motta

Special Education, Instructional Assistant

Katie is a graduate of Mass Art in Boston and has taken several classes studying special education at Lesley University. She has worked at a neighboring school district for six years trying to help students reach their full potential. She loves being around young people and feels inspired by their unique view of the world. In Katie’s free time she likes to spend time with her daughter Stella and enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Cod.

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Andrew Novak

8th Science

Andrew holds his BS in Biology from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Andy has been teaching and tutoring in Mathematics and Science since 2007 and has worked at CCLCS in varying capacities since 2009. This year, he teaches 8th grade Science and Mathematics. He is certified in High School Biology and Middle School Mathematics, loves running, hiking, birding, chess, and meeting or exceeding the energy demands of his son. He lives in Dennis with his wife Elizabeth, and son, Hayden.

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Elizabeth Novak

Social Worker

Liz has taught at CCLCS since 2004. She received her BA in Mathematics from Mount Holyoke College and is also an alumna of Cape Cod Community College. In addition to her mathematics teaching, Liz has had extensive experience with outdoor and experiential education and will graduate with her Masters in Social Work in spring 2024.

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Paul Niles

Education Foundation

Paul is one of the founding teachers at CCLCS. Paul was lured to CCLCS from teaching science at a small school in Western Mass. He has a BA in French from the College of the Holy Cross, a BS in zoology from UMass/Amherst and an M.Ed. from UMass/Amherst. He lives in Brewster with his wife. He spends his spare time playing sports and enjoying nature.

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Emily Nowack

8th Civics/Social Studies

Emily is a CCLCS alum who is excited to be back as the 8th grade Social Studies/Civics teacher- one of her all-time favorite classes when she was a student at CCLCS. Emily received degrees in English and Secondary Education from Wheaton College (MA), as well as minors in Psychology and Studio Art. Emily lives in Dennis with her fiancé and three pets- a dog, a tortoise, and a hare.

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Allison Noyes

Occupational Therapist

Allison is a CCLCS graduate who joined the CCLCS team in 2019. She earned her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University. After completing school, Allison returned to Brewster where she resides with her two white german shepherds, Miles and Minnow. For fun she loves to spend time with her family, cook, travel and go to the beach all year long.

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Carrie joined CCLCS in 2005 and has taught 6th, 7th & 8th grade Math and Art, currently provides Academic support across the curriculum and is our Field Hockey Coach. Carrie holds her primary Bachelor of Art Education from Mt. Holyoke College, a secondary certification through Smith College and a Master of Art Education through UMass-Dartmouth. Her master's thesis focused on how drawing can enhance student focus and engagement in the classroom. When not at school, Carrie is at home in Dennis with her family  running Shark Shark Tuna Fishing Charters.

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Seth Roberts

7th Social Studies

Seth Roberts is a 2006 graduate of Westfield State College where he studied History.  While joining CCLCS in the 23-24 academic year, Seth has more than 15 years of teaching experience from New York City, Southbridge and Springfield, MA.  When not at school, Seth is also a baseball umpire and soccer coach.  He can often be found walking, hiking, and hanging around with his two dogs.

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Karen Scichilone

Education Foundation/ Liaison for Parent Bus

Karen has been part of CCLCS since its birth. All four of her children attended the Charter School. Karen holds an Associates in Accounting from CCCC and a BS in Psychology, Minor in Math and Education from UMass Dartmouth. She is certified in Middle School Math and Social Studies. Karen loves to travel and read in her off time. She lives in Yarmouth with her husband Ray, occasionally a few children and grandchildren and two golden retrievers.

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Elizabeth Schultze

Music - Strings

Elizabeth is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory. Liz was a cellist in the Bergen (Norway) Philharmonic, and a freelance musician in Stockholm, Sweden before settling on the Cape in 1991 and is a member of the Cape Symphony and Quartett Giocosa. Liz teaches private students at home and at the Cape Conservatory in Barnstable. She lives with fellow Schultze-Ericsson Cello Duo member Bo and is mom to cellists Sam and Annika. An avid cyclist, Liz can be found biking the Cape in all seasons.

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Andrew "Crash" Sims

Office Manager/Athletic Director

Crash came to CCLCS after directing the Monomoy Day Camp at the Cape Cod Sea Camps for more than 25 years. He lives in Brewster with his wife and 2 daughters who are all connected to CCLCS. In addition to working with children, he is passionate about the Pan Mass Challenge, and the Minnesota Vikings.

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Christin Sims

8th Special Education

Christin studied elementary and special education at Boston University, graduating with a B.S. in Special Education.  After teaching at the elementary level for several years, she moved to the Cape and returned to school to pursue a Master’s degree in Special Education from Bridgewater State University. During her studies at Bridgewater, she first encountered life at CCLCS as a long-term substitute in grade 7.  After graduating, she returned to the world of elementary education for several years but made her way back to CCLCS in the fall of 2019 in the role of 8th Grade Learning Specialist. Outside of school, Christin enjoys spending time with friends and family, arts and crafts, going for walks, and enjoying the beauty of nature on Cape Cod.

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Josh returns for his 20th year at CCLCS, and his fourth in his current role of 6th Grade Exploration teacher. Before moving to Explorations, he spent 14 years as the sixth-grade math teacher. A graduate of Nauset Regional Schools, Mr. Stewart studied American History and Studio Art at the Univ. of Vermont and earned a M.Ed. in Middle School Education from Lesley College. When not teaching, he spends his free time in or on the water, cheering on the Red Sox, and exploring Cape Cod. He lives in Orleans with his wife, their two children, and “Murray the Dog.”

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Steven St. Martin

6th Special Education

Steve graduated from Assumption College with a Bachelor’s of Arts in History and Education, and a master’s degree of Special Education from Salem State University. After retiring from playing professional basketball and teaching and coaching on the other side of the bridge, the Native Bostonian now lives on the Cape with his wife and two sons. An avid nutritionist, he enjoys training basketball players, working out, and the beach. 

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Dana Strakele

7th Special Education

Dana graduated from Westfield State College with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Liberal Studies. After graduating, Dana worked with younger children before making the switch to middle school. After a few years at CCLCS Dana decided to go back to school. She graduated from Northeastern University in the fall of 2011 with a master's degree in Special Education. Dana lives in Orleans with her husband, two children, and two cats.

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Kathryn Wilkinson

6th Social Studies

Kathryn has taught at CCLCS since 2004. Previously, Kathryn taught fifth grade at an international school in Guatemala. She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont, and a master’s in education from Lesley University. When not teaching, Kathryn enjoys traveling, gardening, hanging out with her two kids, and taking walks around the Cape with her dogs.

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