Our Team

Patti has 36 years of teaching experience at both the middle and high school levels. She introduced the AP Language and Composition course to Kennedy High School in Waterbury, Connecticut. Patti served for the past five years as the Director of English Services for Project Opening Doors, the former Connecticut National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) affiliate. Patti holds a M.A. for Equivalency in Education from Fairfield University and B.A. degrees in English and Education from the College of White Plains (now Pace University).

Anna is a Consultant, working with the field-based engagement teams. Prior to joining Mass Insight, she spent two years working as a business analyst with Public Consulting Group, a Boston-based government consulting firm. She previously held internships conducting analysis and research with Lee & Associates Management Consulting and Clayton Capital Partners. Anna graduated from Boston University’s Questrom Business School of Business in May 2013 with a B.S. in business administration and a concentration in operations and technology management.

Before joining Mass Insight, Jenna was Director of Teacher Leadership Development for Teach For America Twin Cities, where she successfully coached teachers to accelerate academic gains and pioneered an innovative PLC model to accelerate teacher growth. She previously was a biology teacher at a high-poverty school in North Carolina, leading her students to achieve a 100% pass rate on the state ECA and the third-highest mean scores in the state for all schools. Jenna graduated from Bethel University. 

Wes oversees the day-to-day management and coordination of the College Success Program Management Team. Wes also is responsible for the development and management of program systems key to the successful implementation of the AP Program and other multiple focus areas. He joined Mass Insight in 2008 as a Project Coordinator working on various initiatives, and also served as the program lead for the Advanced Cyber Security Center (ACSC) and the School Turnaround Group's State Development Network. Wes holds a B.A. in Psychology and Political Science from Boston University.

Carla enjoys bringing her STEM industry background into education, working with and supporting students and teachers to gain computer science (CS) content knowledge and promote participation in the AP CS program. She began her career as a computer programmer and software engineer for IBM Corporation, then entered education as a teacher, math department chair, and STEM Curriculum Coordinator. Carla's experiences in teaching mathematics encompass all courses at all levels in the span from grades 7 to 12, including AP Calculus AB & BC, and AP Statistics. She was the mathematics department chair for both Taconic High School and Pittsfield High School and Mass Insight Math Lead Teacher for the Berkshires Cluster. In 2011, as a STEM Curriculum Coordinator, Carla helped usher the new Common Core State Standards into Pittsfield Public Schools (PPS). At this time, she also managed and administered the Federal Race To The Top grant for PPS. From 2016-2018, Carla was an active member of the grade 10 MCAS 2.0 Assessment Development Team for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Carla holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from the UMASS College of Mathematics Amherst. She also earned a M.S. degree in Education, with a concentration in Administration, from the MCLA Leadership Academy. (Mass College of Liberal Arts). Carla has also enjoys being a dance teacher for more than 20 years in Pittsfield, MA.

Prior to joining Mass Insight, Kathy managed Excel Academy Charter Schools’ data infrastructure and Ed tech platforms to support academic excellence by sculpting data strategy, improving team members’ access to key data, and driving district analysis and evaluation. She previously worked with Teach For America alumni in her home state of New Jersey transforming data into information and insight into strategy. A student of the Newark district, Kathy is excited to help schools, districts and states close the opportunity gap. She graduated from Seton Hall University in 2011 with a M.A. in Diplomacy & International Relations. Kathy is an alum of Education Pioneers & Latinos for Education.

Amanda is a Consultant on Mass Insight’s School Improvement team, where she works at the district and school level to support strategic planning, professional development, and instructional improvement systems. Previously, Amanda was the principal at an elementary school in Minneapolis, MN. Prior to that role, she taught various grades including kindergarten, second, and middle school science. Amanda earned a B.S. in Brain, Behavior and Cognitive Science from the University of Michigan.

Eldrin Deas is a Consultant on Mass Insight's School Improvement Team, working with leaders to develop and advance visionary, practical ideas to dramatically improve K-12 education. He previously taught high school math in DeKalb County, Georgia and developed state math assessments at American Institutes for Research in Washington, D.C. While serving as Analyst for District Supervision and Support at the Connecticut State Department of Education, he led the development and analysis of turnaround initiatives in priority school districts across the state. Eldrin holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Morehouse College, an M.S. in Social Foundations of Education from Georgia State University, and a Ph.D. in Education; Culture, Curriculum, and Change from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Michael previously worked as a jewelry designer and personal stylist in New York City. Michael used his strong background with design and logistics to support the College Success Program with teacher trainings, data management and analysis, and systems development. Michael holds a B.A. in psychology from the New School for Social Research.

Prior to joining Mass Insight's School Improvement Team, Katie was the Senior Managing Director of Teach for America Mississippi Delta, where she managed multiple teams specializing in teacher recruitment, certification program, curriculum design, leadership values development, diversity and inclusion training, and new teacher training and ongoing professional development models. Throughout her tenure with Teach for America, she worked with over fifty different rural and urban Delta districts. She started her work in education in rural Helena, Arkansas and has experience teaching kindergarten and art education. She graduated from Furman University with a B.A. in Art and Art History.

Before joining Mass Insight, Nicolas was a former collegiate athlete, held 5 years of retail experience, managed an investment portfolio of over $500,000 in financial securities, and interned as a Consulting Assistant focused on equipment valuations at Vista Consulting Group. Nick is a Bookkeeper/Operations Assistant in the Finance and Accounting Department of Mass Insight. In May of 2018, he graduated from Colby-Sawyer College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a concentration in Accounting/Finance.

Sally is an experienced English teacher, with more than 30 years of teaching experience at both the high school and college levels. She introduced the AP Language and Composition course to Marshfield High School and has served as the district representative to the Academic Assembly of the College Board. Sally started her time at Mass Insight as Director of English Services, a position she still holds in addition to her work as Director of the AP STEM and English program. In these capacities, Sally supports high school administrators and educators to increase AP program enrollment and qualifying exam scores. Sally is also a Visiting Instructor of Education at Wheaton College. Sally holds a B.A. and an M.A. in English Teaching from Merrimack College and the University of Massachusetts Boston, respectively. She completed her post graduate studies in Educational Leadership at Bridgewater State College.

Nora returned to Mass Insight after working in the Providence Public School District as Human Resources Manager.  In that role, she focused on employee and labor relations, management training and coaching, and strategic planning.  Prior to her time in Providence, she worked at Mass Insight, primarily supporting engagements in Providence and in Evansville, IN, with a focus on supporting districts with central office reorganization, performance management initiatives, and school improvement planning and implementation.  Before coming to Mass Insight, she worked in guidance and college counseling in New York and New Jersey, served as an admissions officer in the Philadelphia suburbs, and taught high school English in Delaware.  She holds an AB in English from Harvard College, and master’s degrees in School and Mental Health Counseling and Statistics, Measurement, Assessment and Research Technologies from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education.

Rob manages a number of academic projects and currently oversees Mass Insight’s work in Evansville, Indiana. At Mass Insight, Rob’s work at the district level has included diagnostics, strategic planning, academic strategy, performance measurement, and leadership coaching for principal supervisors. With Partnership Zones and member schools, Rob has led Strategic Readiness Assessments (SRAs), school improvement planning, leadership coaching for principals, and created performance measurement systems. Previously, Rob worked with TNTP’s Baltimore City Teaching Residency program, where he provided Common Core content training, coached pre-K to 12 teachers and trained coaches. As an independent consultant, Rob designed curriculum and assessment, led professional development through seminars and coaching for district and charter leaders at both the school and systems levels, internationally and domestically. Rob started his education career in a high-performing/high-poverty school in North Carolina where he taught, founded an AP program, coached varsity baseball, and served as a department chair. Rob earned a B.A. in Anthropology from Macalester College. 

Samantha is a Project Coordinator on Mass Insight’s External Affairs team, where she manages Mass Insight's social media, blog, website, and legislative outreach. Prior to joining Mass Insight as an intern, she managed social media for several small businesses. Samantha also taught middle school Democracy and Advocacy through Generation Citizen. Samantha holds a B.F.A. from Emerson College.

Nardos oversees the Finance and Accounting operations at Mass Insight. She brings 20 years of experience working in both the private and public sector. Prior to joining Mass insight, she held a tax manager position at State Street Corporation. Nardos graduated summa cum laude with a B.S in Management Information Systems from UMASS Boston and earned a Master of Science in Finance from Brandeis University.

Katherine manages all aspects of Human Resources including policies and procedures, employee evaluation, talent acquisition and training, and benefits. She has been employed as an HR generalist for the past 11 years in a variety of industries. She received a B.S. in Management from Keene State College. 

Hilary previously served as the Senior Project Manager at BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life), a Boston nonprofit after spending time in the classroom as an elementary teacher. Prior to teaching, Hilary worked on the development and evaluation of education and youth workforce development initiatives for less advantaged youth with MDRC, Jobs for the Future and the Commonwealth Corporation. Hilary holds a M.P.A. from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, a M.A. in Education from Salem State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Colgate University.

Mimi has been a teacher for more 25 years. She taught AP Statistics for 15 years at New Bedford High School and has been a reader of the AP Statistics exam for 11 years. She also been a Saturday Study Session presenter for three years. She has a B.S. in math from the UMass Amherst, as well as many additional credits and experience in mentoring teachers.

Sue has worked in both urban and suburban settings, and in practice, policy and research, during her nearly 30-year career. She most recently served as Superintendent of Schools in Providence, R.I., where she is credited with increasing student achievement and opportunity. Most notably, she improved graduation rates as well as reading proficiency scores for Grades 4 and 11, particularly among English Language Learners.

Sue was a champion for Providence students. To enhance their college and career readiness, she and her team increased Advanced Placement, Career and Technical Education, and dual credit offerings in all high schools, as well as established partnerships with institutions of higher education. Sue also collaborated with the Providence School Board and Providence Teachers’ Union to develop board policy and teacher contract language supporting increased school autonomy.

Sue previously served as Superintendent of Schools in Portsmouth, R.I., Chief of Staff for Providence Schools and Assistant Commissioner for the Rhode Island Department of Education. She started her career at Brown University working for the Coalition of Essential Schools and the Annenberg Institute for School Reform, as well as serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Taubman Center for Public Policy.

Sue is the author of The Role of State Departments of Education in Complex School Reform (Teachers College Press, 1997). She holds a B.A. in Economics and a M.A. in Teaching Social Studies from Brown University, and a M.P.P. and Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard University.

Paul has worked in education for the past 20 years.  He spent 14 years at Northampton High School where he taught AP Calculus and served as chair of the Math Department.  His last 6 years have been in Springfield where he taught in the classroom, coached and mentored teachers both as an Instructional Leadership Specialist and an Assistant Principal.   He has been with the program since 2007 and has worked as a classroom teacher, Lead Teacher, Designated Administrator, and as a presenter for Saturday sessions.   Paul holds a BA and M Ed both from Westfield State University.

Stephen supports the College Success Program and other focus areas. Before joining Mass Insight, Stephen was a research intern for Verité. Stephen holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, concentrating in economic development and international relations.

Margery Piercey is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant. Margery has spent twenty-seven years of her career in public accounting providing audit and advisory services to a diverse portfolio of public and private-company clients and not-for-profit organizations. She held many leadership roles in public accountant, most recently serving as Partner-in-Charge of a National firm’s Boston office and a member of that firm’s Executive Committee through a transitional period, leading the integration of its suburban and Boston office teams, including leading office growth and team development initiatives. Her tenure in public accounting also includes having served as leader of the Commercial Industry Audit Practice and the Family Business Service Team for a large regional firm. She spent eight years with PricewaterhouseCoopers. During a six-year hiatus from public accounting, Margery worked in the industry responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and cash management with a global public manufacturing company and in the start-up environment. Margery has lent her experience as a financial expert and business leader as an advisor and Board Member to a variety of organizations, including the Association of International Professional Accountants (formerly, the memberships of the American Institute of CPAs).  She is a past Board Chair of both the Massachusetts Society of CPA and the United Way of Tri-County. Margery served for eight years on the Board of Mass Insight Education & Research during which term she chaired both the Finance & Audit and Governance & Nominating Committees.  Margery is an active member of the Accounting Department Advisory Council of UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management.

Sam has spent his career in the nonprofit field, specializing in both funding and program development. His primary areas of professional focus are educational equity and organizational partnership building. He is currently on the board of directors for the DREAM Program, an organization that provides mentoring opportunities to students living in affordable housing communities. He received his bachelor’s degree from New York University, and he is currently pursuing an M.B.A. from UMass Amherst.

Leslie supports AP teachers in the classroom, helping to strengthen teaching practices and develop ways to improve student success. Initially trained as a wildlife biologist, she worked on state and federal projects throughout the United States. Leslie has a broad range of management and conservation experience in habitat, heavy metal contaminant, and population assessments. A change in life circumstances led her to public education where she has been engaging students in the life sciences for 16 years. She has taught earth science, stream ecology, chemistry, biology, and AP biology. Leslie holds a B.A. in Biology with a concentration in Zoology from California State University in Sacramento and a M.S. in Wildlife Management from the University of Maine, Orono.

Carol provides advanced administrative support for Mass Insight's President and CEO, and manages event planning and special projects across the organization. Prior to joining Mass Insight in 2009, Carol was a corporate event planner for more than 25 years.

John is an accomplished leader in expanding educational and economic opportunity in Massachusetts with more than 20 years of experience working with government, nonprofit and public policy organizations. Prior to joining Mass Insight, John worked with charter management organizations on strategies for expansion in underserved communities and with Empower Schools on their strategic expansion in Massachusetts. He served as the executive vice president to the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth (MassINC) where he led the organization’s groundbreaking Gateway Cities research and policy initiative and the New Skills for a New Economy Campaign, MassINC’s workforce development research and advocacy program. Prior to joining MassINC, John directed a regional planning and economic development partnership in Boston’s high-tech Metrowest region. He also served as chief of staff to the House majority whip and research director to the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Education, Arts and Humanities, where he played a key staff role in the development, passage, and implementation of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993. John also has worked in higher education, coordinating programs for first generation college students and adult students returning to college to complete their degrees. He began his career as a teacher in an alternative high school working with out-of-school youth in Chicago and Boston. Trained in education and public policy, John has degrees from Northeastern University and Loyola University of Chicago.

Before joining Mass Insight, Julie taught 7th and 8th grade mathematics in Illinois, 8th grade mathematics in Georgia, and 4th-6th grade mathematics in Sweden, and also held leadership positions in both Georgia and Sweden. While attending graduate school at the University of Iowa, she worked for Iowa Testing Programs as a research assistant for four years and presented at numerous American Educational Research Association and University Council of Educational Administration conferences. Julie holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Illinois State University and an M.A. in Educational Measurement and Statistics, an Ed.S. in School Curriculum and Assessment Policy, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies from the University of Iowa.

Larry leads Mass Insight’s State Development Network and supports strategic planning efforts in Partnership Zones. Larry served as Strategy and Planning Officer for the Chicago Public Schools from 2003-2008 with responsibility for developing, managing and communicating the district improvement strategy. Since 2008 he has been an independent consultant helping clients in education and workforce development to develop and implement strategies for change. From 2010 to 2012 Larry co-chaired the Illinois committee charged with developing new teacher and principal evaluation systems. He also has served as vice chancellor for administrative services of the City Colleges of Chicago. He began his career as a high school English teacher and tennis coach. Larry has a M.P.A. from the Harvard Kennedy School, a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.

Andrea leads large consulting projects across the country including Boston Public Schools (Boston, MA), Aurora Public Schools (Aurora, CO), and the Texas Education Agency (Austin, TX). Andrea has also led various school improvement initiatives in Providence, RI, Portland, ME, and Accomack, VA; and district diagnostic strategic planning work in Lexington, KY and Portland, ME. In each engagement, Andrea collaborates with school, district, and state clients to design and implement academic and organizational strategy to strengthen school and district performance. Prior to joining Mass Insight, Andrea worked with TNTP to design and improve teacher recruitment, selection, development, and evaluation strategies across the country. Andrea also managed TNTP’s new teacher training and support program with Chicago Public Schools. Andrea also taught bilingual 4th grade in Austin, Texas. Originally from Bolivia, Andrea received a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.