Our instructors are knowledgeable professionals experienced in their fields and in professional development. Collaborative Licensure staff are available to help walk you through the licensure process from start to finish.
Staff
Located at 97 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Telephone: 413-586-4900
Fax: 413-586-2878
General Information about Licensure, Advisement:
Penny Rhodes Ext. 135
Len Lubinsky Ext. 167
Course Registration/Payments:
Ann Paquette Ext. 140
Enrollment/Endorsement, Transcripts:
Beth Lizardo Ext. 143
Graduate Credit/Requests for Masters or CAGS applications:
Beverly Streeter Ext. 145
Practicum:
Rick Last Ext. 173
Moodle:
Support Desk Ext. 144
Faculty
Ronald J. Areglado is the principal of the Potowomut School in Warwick, Rhode Island. He has served as Associate Executive Director of Programs for the National Association of Elementary School Principals and as the Director of the Northwest Regional Education Center for the Massachusetts Department of Education. Ron was selected by Executive Educator magazine as one of North America’s Top 100 School Executives. He hold an Ed.D. degree from the University of Massachusetts.
Maria Athanassiou is recently retired from a career as an ESL teacher in the Cambridge (MA) Public Schools. She has taught courses for Lesley University, Boston State College, Northeastern University, and has conducted workshops for teachers in the Cambridge Public Schools and elsewhere. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth, she has an M.A. from Harvard University.
Martha Batten recently retired from her position as principal in the Lexington Public Schools. She has also served as a principal in the Arlington Public Schools. She served as a head of two well-known private day schools — the Atrium School in Watertown and the Smith College Campus School in Northampton. She taught in the Amherst and the Erving Public Schools in western Massachusetts. Martha has consulted widely and served as a lecturer at Smith College. She has a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and an M.Ed. from Smith College.
Mary Alice Berle is the elementary mathematics coordinator for the Berkshire Hills Regional School District. She directs the Math Solutions Project for the Southern Berkshire Educational Collaborative. Previously, she has worked for TERC as a Project Director and Curriculum Developer and for various organizations on environmental issues. A graduate of Harvard University, she also has an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Matthew Beyranevand teaches mathematics at the J.G. Pine Arts Magnet School in Lowell (MA) Public Schools. He has conducted professional development for the Lowell Public Schools and served as an adjunct instructor at Middlesex Community College. He has a B.S. from Ithaca College and a Master’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, where he is completing an Ed.D. program.
Margaret Boyko is the Chief Executive of Top Floor Learning, Inc., a professional development and consulting firm that focuses on English as a Second Language issues. She is recently retired from her position as Coordinator of MTEL Programs for the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Department of Continuing Education. Before coming to the United States, she owned a textile design business in Edinburgh, Scotland. She has a B.A. from Edinburgh College of Art and an M.Ed. from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.
Carol Bradley is the principal of the Berlin (MA) Memorial School. Previously she was an assistant principal and curriculum specialist in Shrewsbury (MA) Public Schools and a teacher in schools in Massachusetts and New Jersey. She has also been a newspaper reporter in Massachusetts and New Jersey. She is a graduate of Fordham University from which she also has an M.S.T.
Angela Burke
Nancy Cheevers is a National Board Certified English/language arts teacher and teacher mentor in Northampton (MA) Public Schools. She has presented workshops on writing, language, literacy, and assessment locally and nationally. She consults with school systems on literacy education. Special areas of interest include cross-content writing and application of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. She has a B.A. in English, a Master’s Degree in reading and writing education, and a Doctorate in language, literacy and culture from the University of Massachusetts. In February 2010, Nancy won the National Education Association Excellence in Teaching Award.
Sharon Clark is a Curriculum Instruction Specialist in the Lowell (MA) Public Schools. Formerly a music specialist in Massachusetts and Arizona, she has presented extensively in areas ranging from reading to collaboration among teachers and has published articles, primarily about the use of technology in schools. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, has an M.Ed. in creative arts from Fitchburg State College, and an Ed.D. in educational technology and distance education from Nova Southeastern University.
Ann Colligan is a Math Coach in the Leominster Public Schools. Formerly a teacher in public schools, parochial schools, and public charter schools in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Alabama, and Virginia, she has developed innovative math and science curricula, taught an anti-racism course, and presented at the METCO Directors’ Annual Conference. She is a graduate of Mary Baldwin College and has an M.Ed. from Fitchburg State College.
Ayanna Cooper is an English as a Second Language Site Director for the Boston Teacher Residency. She has taught in public schools in Georgia and at colleges and universities in Georgia, Massachusetts, and online. She has authored many articles on English as a Second Language, spoken at conferences and institutes, and has received many grants and awards. Ms. Cooper is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Boston. She has an M.Ed. from Lesley College, an Ed.S. from Piedmont College, and an Ed.D. from Walden University.
Cindy Diemand is a classroom teacher and mentor teacher, former literacy coordinator, and former special education teacher in the Southampton Public Schools. She has taught for Westfield State College, and served as an educational consultant for the Collaborative for Educational Services. Cindy is a graduate of Westfield State College and holds a Master’s Degree from Lesley University.
Damon Douglas is the Coordinator of Special Projects in Learning and Leadership at the Collaborative for Educational Services. Formerly the Curriculum Coordinator for a regional school district, his work at the Collaborative includes providing leadership for school district teams using data to understand their schools and serving as a facilitator for area Curriculum Directors’ Professional Learning Community. He is a graduate of Colby College, and he has an M.Ed. from the University of New Hampshire.
Les Edinson is a Support Facilitator for the Pioneer Valley District and School Assistance Center. Recently retired from the public schools, he is an experienced principal who has been successful in both urban and rural environments. Recently retired as principal of the Fitchburg Arts Academy in Fitchburg, MA, he has served as a principal in Springfield and Holyoke and in rural Franklin and Worcester Counties — all in Massachusetts. An experienced staff developer, he served in that role in the Cambridge (MA) Public Schools and has spoken on multicultural schools, performance-based assessment, restructuring rural schools, and on the least restrictive environment for special education children. A graduate of Antioch College, he has an M.Ed. from Salem State College.
Andy Foster teaches fourth and fifth grades at the Leeds Elementary School in Northampton. Previously he has taught elementary, middle, and high school typical and special needs students in separate and inclusive environments in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia. He consults regularly on behalf of the Collaborative for Educational Services, runs in marathons, has bicycled across the country, plays Ultimate Frisbee, and coaches children. He is a graduate of Hampshire College and has M.Ed.s from American International College and Westfield State College.
Diana Gondek has been an attorney in private practice specializing in educational law in the public sector in Massachusetts since 1975. She also served as an attorney for the Massachusetts Department of Education. An author, editor, speaker, and instructor about legal issues, she is a graduate of Duke University and has a J.D. from the Boston University School of Law.
Carol Gregory recently retired from her position as Assistant Superintendent of the Wellesley Public Schools. Prior to that, she was Director of Human Resources for the Lexington Public Schools and completed an administrative internship with the Hopedale Public Schools superintendent as part of the Collaborative licensure program. Before moving into central office positions, she served as principal at Northampton and Westwood, and as a teacher and House Master in Brookline. Carol has a B.A. and M.Ed. from Springfield College.
Martha Harrington, a long-time special education teacher and consultant to the Brookline (MA) Public Schools, has served as an instructor and educational consultant for the Collaborative for Educational Services and as an adjunct faculty member for Lesley University. Throughout her career, she has been responsible for training teachers and parents with a particular focus on special education. She holds a B.A. from Wheelock College and a M.Ed. from Lesley University.
Maureen Henry is a reading specialist for the Shrewsbury Public Schools. Previously, she has served as a classroom teacher in Massachusetts and Virginia. In Shrewsbury, she has served as a literacy coach and a frequent presenter for professional development. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Anna Maria College. Maureen Henry is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island. She holds an M.Ed. from Lesley University, where she was also trained in Reading Recovery.
Patricia Hogan-Cerasuolo teaches history and other social studies including AP Psychology at Minnechaug High School. Previously, she taught English and Social Sciences at Peck Middle School in Holyoke. She has a B.A., M.Ed., and CAGS from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.
Carol S. Holzberg is the technology coordinator for the Greenfield Public Schools. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Capella University. A nationally-known expert in educational computer software, she writes regularly for Technology & Learning, Technology Pathfinder for Teachers/Administrators, and MacHOME, and has been a contributing editor to Electronic Learning, Computer Buyer’s Guide, inCider/A+, Computer Monthly, and Apple IIGS Review. She has served for several years as a Screening Judge for EdPress’ Educational Technology Distinguished Achievement Awards and the Software Publishers Association’s Codie Award Program. She graduated from McGill University, has an M.A. from the University of Iowa, and a Ph.D. from Boston University.
Susan Juskalian recently retired from teaching math in the East Longmeadow Public Schools where she also served as Professional Development Coordinator and as a special educator. A recipient of the NELMS Spotlight Middle School Award, Susan has conducted workshops and seminars for schools and school districts throughout the Commonwealth. Susan has a B.S. from Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.
Rick Last is a Curriculum Implementation and Professional Development Trainer and Consultant for the Collaborative for Educational Services as well as the Practicum Coordinator for CES’s Licensure Programs. Immediately before coming to CES, he was selected to serve in the one-year Teacher in Residence position at Westfield State College. He has also served as the District Mentor for the Amherst Public Schools, and the Principal/Director of the Amherst Elementary MCAS Summer School Program. He has served as a teacher in the Amherst and Holyoke Public Schools. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he has an M.Ed. and a CAGS from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.
Barbara Lindsay is the Elementary Literacy Coordinator for the Westwood Public Schools. Previously, she was a reading specialist in Westwood and Framingham, where she also served as a classroom teacher. She has presented workshops on various aspects of literacy during her career. She is a graduate of SUNY at Geneseo and has an M.Ed. from Boston College.
Sara Lowe-Bouchard, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech pathologist and consultant with a particular expertise in assistive technology for the CCATT Center at the Collaborative for Educational Services and for Easter Seals. She is ASHA certified and has served as a clinical supervisor and as the Interim Director of the Center for Speech and Hearing at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, from which she also has an M.A.
Mary Jean Morgan is an early childhood coordinator and team chairperson for the Wareham Public Schools where she has previously served as a grant coordinator, Title I teacher, special education teacher, and a summer school director. Formerly a classroom teacher in Colorado and Connecticut, she has also served as an adjunct instructor at Bridgewater State College. Ms. Morgan has a B.S. from Salve Regina College, and an M.Ed. and a CAGS from Bridgewater State College.
Amy Powell Faeskorn is a trainer for the Center for English Language Education (CELE) of the Collaborative for Educational Services and a fellow of the Public Policy Institute at North Shore Community College. Previously she was a consultant and project leader at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and a trainer and project leader at the SIT Graduate Institute. She has taught at North Shore Community College, in the Boston Public Schools, in Morocco, and in Ecuador. She has a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and a Master’s Degree from the School for International Training.
Ken Pransky is a Curriculum and Instructional Consultant for the Center for English Language Education (CELE) at the Collaborative for Educational Services. Previously he taught English as a Second Language in the Amherst Public Schools where he has also been Acting Director of Elementary ESL. He has taught previously in Iran, Spain, and Mexico, served as a program director in Japan, and serves regularly as a teacher trainer for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. He is the author of Beneath the Surface: The Hidden Realities of Working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Young Learners (K – 6). Mr. Pransky has a B.A. from Antioch College and an M.A. from the School for International Training.
Jennifer Rickard is the lead special education teacher at the Floral Street School in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Formerly a classroom teacher and teacher-site coordinator, she came to education from the business world where she had worked in and managed sales for Merisel, Inc. A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, she completed a post baccalaureate certification program and an M.Ed. from Framingham State College.
Maureen Ross-Hickey is a literacy specialist in the Farmington, CT, Public Schools. She has been a reading specialist in Connecticut and Massachusetts since 1979. She has a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and was trained as a Reading Recovery Teacher Leader at Lesley University.
Sanford Roth is a Staff Development Trainer at the Collaborative for Educational Services. A veteran primary grades classroom and special education teacher, with additional training as both a Reading Recovery Teacher and as a literacy coordinator, Sandy has been doing intensive teacher training and other consulting work for CES in the area of literacy for more than ten years. He has a B.S.E. from the University of Michigan, an M.Ed., CAGS, and Ed.D. from the University of Massachusetts.
Richard Seelig is a retired math and science teacher. He taught math and science at the Springfield Academy for Excellence, an alternative school in the Springfield, MA Public Schools, integrated science at the Pioneer Valley Regional School in Northfield, MA, mathematics at the Palfrey Street School in Watertown, MA, and mathematics at the Malcolm Shabazz Memorial High School in the Madison, Wisconsin Public Schools. A graduate of Cornell University, he also holds an M.S. from the University of Michigan.
Christine Shea is the Data Specialist for the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative. While working on her doctorate at the Center for Educational Assessment at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, she was a research and evaluation manager for the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute. She has also served as principal and special education administrator for the Swift River School in New Salem, MA, and as assistant principal for the Walt Disney Magnet School in Chicago, IL. She holds a B.A. from Mt. Holyoke College and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Elizabeth Skelley is a special education teacher at Smith Vocational and Agricultural School. A winner of the Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Award, she has been an instructor of Universal Design for Learning. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and has an M.Ed. from Westfield State College.
Susan E. Smith is recently retired from her position a Facilitator/District Support Specialist and District Liaison for the Lowell Public Schools as well as the District Liaison to the Department of Education for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. A classroom teacher in the Lowell Public Schools for twenty-three years, she is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell and a course developer and instructor at Middlesex Community College. She has served as an acting principal and is a member of the district support team for all Lowell schools. She is part of the Lowell Public Schools Administrators Leadership NISL Program and has received training in inclusionary practices in Lowell. She has a B.A. and an M.Ed. from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, where she is continuing her graduate studies.
Janet Strauss is currently a faculty member for the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) and lead-facilitator in Massachusetts. Previously, as the Director of Leadership and School Initiatives at the Collaborative for Educational Services in Northampton, MA, Janet facilitated leadership and teacher workshops across Massachusetts and coached school leaders. As the Director of the South Amherst Campus for eight years, the Alternative High School of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, Janet lead the turn-around of a failing school, which continues to thrive. Janet was previously a school psychologist and Acting Assistant Special Education Director for the Amherst schools, as well as a consultant to the Collaborative for Educational Services since 1997. Responsibilities at CES included consultation as a psychologist to the severe special education population and an instructor of two courses for the licensure program for aspiring teachers and administrators. Ms. Strauss has a B.A. from Skidmore College, an M.Ed. from Smith College, and a CAGS from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.
Jennifer Traverso is the Title I Director and a Reading Specialist for the Shirley Public Schools. She has served as a consultant to school districts and the Massachusetts Department of Education; as an instructor and program supervisor for the Collaborative for Educational Services; and as a reading specialist, reading teacher, and classroom teacher in school districts in Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Fitchburg State College and has an M.Ed. in Reading from Endicott College.
Margaret Welch is a reading and curriculum specialist for the Shrewsbury Public Schools. For nearly two decades previously, she was a classroom teacher in Stockport and Derbyshire in the United Kingdom. In Shrewsbury, she has served as a literacy coach and a frequent presenter for professional development. Margaret Welch is a graduate of the University of Warwick, Coventry, UK. She holds a post-graduate certificate in Education from Avery Hill College, London, UK, and an M.Ed. from Framingham State College.
Sidney Worthen is a literacy specialist and reading recovery teacher in the Westwood Public Schools. Previously she taught in the Brookline Public Schools and at the Cambridge Friends School. She came to education after a career as an attorney — most recently with Goodwin, Proctor, and Hoar in Boston. She is a graduate of Brown University, and has a J.D. from the Hastings College of Law at the University of California and an M.Ed. from Lesley University.
Nicholas D. Young, Ph.D., Ed.D., is the Superintendent of the Hadley Public Schools. Previously, in the public schools, he has served as a teacher, counselor/psychologist, principal, and district level director. He has taught at the university level in Massachusetts and Tennessee. A member of the military and as a civilian, he has earned numerous awards including being named a Children’s Defense League Fellow as a National Emerging Leader in Education Advocacy and Policy. Nick has a doctorate in educational administration from Union Institute and University and a doctorate in educational psychology from American International College, from which he also holds a CAGS, an M.P.A., two M.Ed.s, and two M.A.s. He also has a CAGS from Westfield State College and an M.B.A. from Western New England College. His B.A. is from Austin Peay University.
Debbie Zacarian is the Director of the Center for English Language Education (CELE) at the Collaborative for Educational Services. For more than a decade, she was a clinical faculty member/lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst where she taught licensure courses in English Language Learning and Educational Administration. Dr. Zacarian was also the director of the Amherst Public Schools’ English Language Learners Program for more than 20 years. She served as an ESL certification reviewer and member of the Commissioner’s Bilingual Advisory Committee for the Massachusetts Department of Education and has provided educational consulting at the local, state, and national levels. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, she has an M.S. from American International College and an Ed.D. from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.