The Gorham School Department has approved the hiring of the following staff to its schools for the start of the 2017-18 school year.
Mary Ellen Blodgett is a one-year 4/5 social studies teacher at Gorham High School (GHS), created by Amy Smith moving from 5/5 to 3/5 and Shauna Dunn moving from 5/5 to 2/5. She received a B.S. in secondary education from University of Maine at Orono (UMO).
Trisha Cherry is a guidance counselor at GHS, replacing Kim Bedrosian. She received a A.A. in liberal arts from the University of Southern Maine (USM), a B.S. in leadership and organizational studies from USM, and a M.S. in counseling from USM.
Christina Cifelli is an assistant principal at GHS, replacing Kim Slipp who retired. She received a B.A. in sociology from Bates College and a M.S. in counselor education from USM.
Brianna DiDonato is teaching special education at Gorham Middle School (GMS) and GHS, replacing Meghan Holden. She has a B.A. in liberal arts from USM and a M.S. in science in teaching and learning from USM.
Rachel Dunbar is a guidance counselor K-5 in a new position at the K-5 level. She received a B.S. in rehabilitation services from University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) and a M.Ed. in counselor education from UMO.
Benjamin Ely is a math/social studies teacher at GMS, replacing Adam Parvanta who went to GHS as a technology integrator. He received a B.A. in history from University of Vermont, a M.S. in business administration from USM, and a M.Ed. – ETEP from USM.
Erin Eppler is a grade 2 teacher at Village Elementary, replacing Anna Rudolf who retired. She received a B.S. in elementary education from Northern Arizona University and a M.Ed. in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.
Jaimie Frailey is a grade 4 teacher at Village, replacing Gigi McAllister who is moving to take the literacy/math lead teacher position vacated by Mary Patterson. She received a B.A. in psychology from Denison University and a M.Ed. – ETEP from USM.
Brian Garrity is a 4/5 English teacher at GHS, replacing Jason Simpson. He received a B.A. in English from West Chester University and M.Ed. – ETEP from USM.
Lori Gurney is a grade 2 teacher in a new position at Narragansett Elementary. She received her B.A. in elementary education from University of Central Florida.
Bei Ju is a 3/5 Mandarin teacher in a new position at GHS. She received a B.A. in engineering from University of Shanghai, a M.Ed. in engineering from Shizuoka University, and a teacher insurance program from Ohio State University.
Patricia Kaczmarek is a 1/5 art teacher in a new position at Great Falls Elementary. She received an A.A. in liberal arts from University of Mass at Amherst and a B.A. in art education from USM.
Delainey Kein is a grade 1 teacher in a new position at Great Falls. She received a B.S. in elementary education at UMF.
Diana Phillips is a grade 1 teacher at Village Elementary, replacing Karen Carlson who retired. She received her B.A. in human development from Connecticut College.
Kristina Pontibriand is a 1/2 occupational therapist in a new position in the district. She received a B.A in recreation and leisure studies from USM and a M.Ed in occupational therapy from USM.
Brandon Poulin is a grade 3 teacher at Village, replacing Kathy Delahunte (who is on a 1 year unpaid leave). He received a B.S. in elementary education from UMF and a M.Ed. in educational technology from Lesley University.
Brooke Proulx is a social worker 4-8 at GMS, replacing Cynthia Grover who went to GHS. She received a B.A. in sociology from Saint Anslem College and a M.Ed in social work from Boston College.
Kaitlin Richwalder is a special education teacher in a new position at Great Falls. She received her B.A. in history from Elmira College and a M.S. in childhood and special education from the College of Saint Rose.
Sara Sinnett is a grade 1 teacher in a new position at Great Falls. She received a B.A. in music education from UMO and a M.Ed. – ETEP from USM.
Rachel Webster is a grade 2 teacher in a new position at Narragansettt. She received a B.S. in elementary education from UMO.