Meet Your Teachers

Ms. Rebecca Howe teaches Grade 10 English, Creative Writing & Journalism. Located in room 229 in the high school, Ms. Howe's classroom invites students to develop their authentic voice as writers, critical thinking skills as readers and digital literacy skills as 21st century learners.  Ms. Howe is the NJHS & NHS adviser as well as serving as Regional State Coordinator. Ms. Howe is a graduate of Stonehill College and U. Mass Boston.

Mr. John Kinsman has studied English, Philosophy, and Education at Bridgewater State University.  He has been teaching for less than 10 years, but loves the language arts and the connections made with students.  His hobbies include music, nature, sports, food, and culture.  Mr. K has worked on a farm in the summer for the past 10 years, though in 2023 he was a Behavior Specialist at a YMCA summer camp.  He loves dogs, collecting vinyl records, and trying new foods. Additionally, he runs the Trading Card Game Club and Girls Varsity Basketball at AMHS. 

Ms. Kristina Nilsen teaches grade 11 American Literature college and honors level, grade 12 British Literature, and a Criminal Justice elective which is a one-semester course for grades 9-12. Her American and British Lit classes cover all types of literature including poetry, essays, short stories, and novels. The 11th-grade honors and 12th-grade classes write a research paper to prepare for college. Criminal Justice is a new course where there are discussions on topics ranging from what happens once a person is arrested through the trial to the laws surrounding evidence and police work. Ms. Nilsen's expectations are that students will work hard, participate in class and grow to be lifelong learners. 

Mr. Tim Clifford teaches High School Math to grades 9-12, you may have Mr. Clifford for Algebra 1, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, or AP Calculus. Mr. Clifford teaches in Room 303 next to Mrs. Perriello and Mr. Lochrie, the other high school math teachers here at AMHS. Mr. Clifford graduated from Whitman-Hanson Regional High School then went on to study Mathematics at Merrimack College and Bridgewater State University. Prior to joining the faculty here, Mr. Clifford worked as a math teacher in New Bedford, and Brockton, and has past experience as a college math tutor and lifeguard.

Mr. Peter Lochrie is a high school math teacher who teaches Algebra I, Geometry, and Honors Geometry, he also teaches the elective class Personal Finance. In addition to teaching high school math, Mr. Lochrie advises the Interact Club, and Set Building Club, and is the Senior Class Advisor. Mr. Lochrie started teaching in 2014 after leaving the corporate world. Mr. Lochrie has 3 kids, 2 cats, and a dog. He is originally from Illinois but has been living in New England since he was 21. When he’s not teaching he enjoys hiking and camping as well as geocaching. Mr. Lochrie enjoys teaching here at AMHS! 

Mrs. Jeanne Perriello, is a Math teacher who teaches Algebra 2 and Statistics. She graduated from Boston Latin School and then earned a B.A. in Mathematics from Boston College. Mrs P. worked for the U.S. Census Bureau doing statistical mapping until she got her M.A. in Teaching Secondary Mathematics at Simmons College. Before coming to teach at AMHS, she was a school volunteer in Boston and Cambridge Public Schools, worked as an Academic Support teacher for the METCO program, and taught Math at Brookline High School. AMHS is her favorite school!

Mr. Nicholas Buckley is a high school science teacher who teaches core Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology, and elective Anatomy and Physiology, and Biotechnology. Mr. Buckley has been teaching High School Biology for 12 years. He has taught at several schools including Mansfield and Boston Prep. He is originally from Massachusetts, yet he has lived for prolonged stints in both Tennessee and Nova Scotia. Outside of school, he loves to spend time with his wife and two kids. His hobbies include all types of gaming, as well as, reading science fiction or fantasy fiction books. He also enjoys watching movies and shows online.

Mr. Scott Hubeny teaches Physics at AMHS. His classroom is in room 236. He holds a Bachelors of Science as well as a Master's of Education from the University of Massachusetts- Boston. He is an alumni of the Boston Teacher Residency Program and a Wipro Science Fellow. Before coming to AMHS, Mr. Hubeny taught for 14 years as a physics teacher in Boston Public Schools at East Boston High School. Mr Hubeny enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, and also partakes in many hobbies such as writing, art, martials arts, and board sports. 

Mr. Thomas Speroni is a high school science teacher, who teaches chemistry and scientific exploration. Mr. Speroni has worked at Avon Middle High School for 13 years. Mr. Speroni graduated from Clark University, and before working here at Avon he worked in the chemistry industry for 27 years.

Mr. Matt Ferro has worked here at Avon Middle High School nearly 11 years. He teaches history and civics grades 7-9. He is currently the Junior Varsity baseball coach which begins in March. They are always looking for players for baseball and softball.

 Mr. Austin Maskell teaches U.S. History II, World History, and his new elective “History of the 20th Century” to grades 9-12 here at AMHS. In addition, he coaches the varsity boys soccer team with conviction and strength. He is a graduate of Bridgewater State University and is excited for what the future has in store in the classroom, as well as at home with his wife and his adorable yet chaotic dog, Beau. 

Mrs. Kerriann Whitworth teaches US History Part 1, World History Part 2, and history electives to grades 9-12 as well as plans international trips for those same grades. Her classes are in room 246. Mrs. Whitworth graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Bridgewater State College (now University), a Master's Degree in Education from Fitchburg State College (now University), and a CAGS in Educational Leadership and Management also from Fitchburg State College. She is an avid crafter, reader, and "cat lady" who is always looking for the next adventure.

Mrs. Ortolaza was born in Puerto Rico but raised in Massachusetts. She is a native Spanish speaker and is excited to return to AMHS. This is her 13th year teaching. Mrs. Ortolaza completed her Bachelor's Degree at Northeastern University in Psychology and minor in Sociology. She has also completed her Master's Degree from UMass Boston in Education.

Dr. Vander Kaaden teaches Spanish in room 209 for grades 9-12. She attended Bridgewater State University and American International College where she studied Spanish and Secondary Education. In 2024, Dr. VK graduated from Liberty University with her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Aside from teaching Spanish, she is also the Assistant Director of Pirouette Dance Academy in Fall River, MA. Dr. VK is trilingual, speaking fluent English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She has a passion for teaching and thoroughly enjoys educating students about language and culture!

Mrs. Diane Hill teaches Computer Science, Computer Applications, and College/Career/Life Readiness as well as overseeing the Edgenuity online courses, Senior Career Planning and Development, Yearbook, and Early College Courses.  She is Avon Middle High School liaison for School to Careers, Mass Hire, and the Early College program with Massasoit Community College, Bridgewater State University, and Middlesex Community College.  She graduated from Framingham State University with a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology.

Ms. Dolan is a Digital Literacy Teacher. She will be teaching both middle and high school students. She has been in education for 19 years. Ms. Dolan has worked in a vocational school setting, as well as a charter school. She started as a substitute teacher and has filled in for every classroom from automotive to English. (No, she cannot fix anyone's car, lol.) She has a Master's in Education and is licensed in both Business Education and Instructional Technology. But like everyone else, technology can drive her crazy when it is not working correctly, or as fast as we would like it to be. She tries to make her lessons fun and engaging, but more importantly, Ms. Dolan tries to give you the skills you need to be a lifelong learner and have you college and/or career ready (you know, the "real world" we teachers always refer to). Just an FYI: She raised a daughter, who is a Marine Biologist and she seems to be conquering the "real world" just fine.

Mrs. Thoa DiChiara teaches high school visual art classes like Metalsmithing, Drawing/ Painting, Fiber Arts, Art Portfolio, and also advises High School Art Club, she also teaches 8th Grade Art. Her classes are on the third floor mixed in with the math classes in room 308. She graduated with the Art Key Award at Bridgewater State University for her bachelors degree and also has her Masters degree from Rhode Island College. She enjoys exploring nature, traveling the world, being a foodie and going to concerts with her friends and family.

Mr. Riarco Ellis studied music at Florida A&M University and is currently a music teacher at AMHS. He has performed in jazz, spiritual, and classical settings for various musical groups as well as supporting non-profit arts organizations through educational instruction and performance.

Ms. Janine Neprud teaches band, chorus, and general music electives to grades 6-12, and is part of the team that runs the musical. Her classes are in Room 218, and you can meet her in that room before or after school as well. Ms. Neprud earned a Bachelor's of Music in Music Education degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and a Masters of Music in Flute Performance degree from UMASS Amherst. Before teaching at AMHS, Ms. Neprud taught elementary school music in Fall River.

Mrs. Amanda Pyne teaches Drama and English to grades 6-12, as well as advising Drama Club and Student Council. Her classes are held in the auditorium, and you can find her office on the stage. Mrs. Pyne graduated from AMHS, and then went on to Emerson College and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Prior to joining the faculty here, she worked in the Education Department at the Huntington Theatre Company.

Mr. Joseph Wood teaches Art classes 7-12. Some of his classes include Ceramics, Photography, Sculpture, and 7th Grade Art. Mr Wood is a graduate of Bridgewater State University with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts. Though new to teaching Art, Mr. Wood is no stranger to working in schools, he previously has worked in both Brockton and Norton schools as a Teaching Assistant and Long Term Substitute Teacher. In addition, Mr. Wood has spent many summers as a counselor at several camps in New England. Being an artist himself, Mr. Wood hopes he can share his creativity and love of Art with all students.

Mr. Ric Dockendorff teaches Physical Education to grades 8-12, as well as coaching the Girls Soccer Team. The Phys. Ed classes are held in the gymnasium and his office is there as well. Mr. Dockendorff graduated from Scituate High School, then went to Plymouth State University as well as Bridgewater State University, getting his Bachelor's degree as well as Coaching and Teaching Certifications. He received his Masters from Endicott College in Athletic Administration. Prior to teaching in Avon he coached at schools such as Cohasset, Scituate, Rockland and Abington. The Girls Soccer program is run during the fall after school at the Butler field, we begin in August and end in November.

Mr. Guy Enoch's primary teaching assignment is Health for grades 6, 7, 8, and high school (9th and 10th grade). Mr. Enoch graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from Bridgewater State College (now University) and a Master's Degree in Counseling from Boston University. This is his 23rd year of teaching experience. In addition, Mr. Enoch coaches soccer at Boston Latin School. He lives in Boston with his wife, daughter, and two cats.

Mr. Michael Hayes attended Avon Middle High School from 2004 to 2007, then went on to Florida A&M University from 2007 to 2011, and later studied at the University of Massachusetts Boston from 2012 to 2015. Since 2019, he has been the Boys Varsity Basketball Coach and teaches middle and high school gym classes. Mr. Hayes is also the Athletic Director. His office is located in the gym, and he also coaches the AAU program for varsity boys' basketball.