AIM Teachers PreK-8

The A.I.M Program (Adapt / Include / Motivate) is specially designed for students on the autism spectrum and who require a sub-separate setting. Currently, we have 7 multi-graded classrooms for the AIM program in grades 1 - 8. AIM students are included in general education classes based on the individual needs of the student. 

Megan Brown 

Special Education Teacher 

Autism Specialist Gr. 6-8

she/her/hers: I am a proud Boston University graduate. Taught at Somerville Extended School Year this summer and loved it! Previously taught in Wellesley and Winchester Public Schools. I love reading, chihuahua parenting, trying new vegan/vegetarian restaurants.

Back to School Night Information

Kristen Buccelli

Special Education Teacher 

Autism Specialist Gr. 2-3

This is my first year as a classroom teacher! Previously, I was a paraprofessional in the AIM program working with students in grades K - 2 for 4 years at the Winter Hill! I have received a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and initial licenses in both Early Childhood Education and Special Education. In the classroom I enjoy arts & crafts, sensory, and cooking activities!

Ms. DiPaolo

Special Education Teacher 

Autism Specialist

Hi I’m Ms. DiPaolo! Welcome! I have been teaching in Somerville for the past 4 years and previously taught in a residential program and in Arizona! I have two cats named Gigi and Cali! They love to make an appearance whenever they can to say hello to all of our friends! Some things I love to do outside of teaching little minds is cuddling with my fur babies, playing ice hockey, ski, and watching movies!

Class Dojo

neisenhaure@k12.somerville.ma.us 

Google Voice: 617-468-6438

Nicole Herbst

Special Education Teacher 

Autism Specialist Gr. 1

Pronouns (she, her, hers). AIM Teacher Grade 1. This is my second year at Winter Hill. Before working at Somerville, I worked in an integrated preschool in Melrose and did Home Services for families. When I am not at work I like to be outside. I enjoy snowboarding, mountain biking, and spending time at my family cottage in York Beach Maine.

ClassDojo

Kglynn2@k12.somerville.ma.us 

Google Number 617-682-9505

Keveny Landry

Special Education Teacher 

Autism Specialist

My name is Keveny Landry, I am a Special Education Teacher and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst in the AIM program at the Winter Hill Community Innovation School. Previously, I was a teacher at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA. I received my Bachelors degree from Assumption University, my Masters degree from Curry College, and my degree from UMASS Boston from the BCBA program. In my free time, I enjoy spending time hiking with dog Paisley, snowboarding and eating pizza.

kmargulis@k12.somerville.ma.us

 call/text (617) 863-7005 

Kate Margulis

AIM Speech Language Pathologist

Hi! My name is Ms. Kate (she/her/hers). I am so excited to be back for my second year as a Speech Language Pathologist in the AIM program! Prior to working in Somerville, I worked at a special education school with middle school students in Baltimore, MD. I love watching my students learn to advocate for themselves, interact with their friends, and grow throughout the school year. When I'm not at school, I love to bake, read, go on walks, and play the violin. 

Brittany McEwen

Special Education Teacher 

Autism Specialist Gr. 1

My name is Ms. M and I am so excited to be joining WHICS this year! I am from Florida and I love to explore nature and spend time outside. I love to travel and experience new places and people. I graduated from Florida State University in 2014 with my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Exceptional Student Education. This is my 8th year teaching and I'm stoked to be a Wildcat this year!  she/her/hers

kbliss@k12.somerville.ma.us

Google Voice 802-318-4688 

Keegan Bliss

Special Education Teacher 

Autism Specialist

First year at WHCIS as a building sub and then a lead teacher in the AIM program. he/him. Born and raised in Southern VT and attended UVM for both my Bachelors in Physical Education and my Masters in Special Education. I have been teaching in schools, summer programs/ camps, and afterschool programs since high school. My hobbies include playing rugby, exercising, skiing/hiking, and watching sports, movies, or Survivor.  

Amanda Singleton

Special Education Teacher 

Autism Specialist

Hi I'm Ms. Singleton (she/her/hers)! This is my fourth year teaching in the AIM program and this year I teach grades 5-8.  I have a Master's degree from Lesley University in Moderate Disabilities and Elementary Education, as well as my ESL license. I was born on Cape Cod, and I love the beach and being outside! When I am not working I am usually reading, exploring the city, or visiting my family!


Back to School Night Information 

Mel Callahan

AIM Paraprofessional

First year AIM paraprofession at WHCIS. Any pronouns. Formerly Crossing Guard, Lunch Attendant, and Utility Aide at WSNS. Hobbies: diy making, sewing, urban foraging.

Madison King-Giannino

Paraprofessional

Madison works in Ms. Buccelli's classroom. This is her first year in SPS. Prior to coming to Somerville Madison worked as a paraprofessional in Medford early ed. She enjoys singing, traveling and going into nature. (she/her/hers)

Lori Shea

Paraprofessional

Kashima Riley

AIM Grade 1 Paraprofessional

This is my first year here at the Winterhill as a paraprofessional.  Before coming to the Winterhill, I worked for the YMCA of Greater Boston for ten years as a Site Director at numerous schools in Boston.  I have a bachelor's in psychology, and I'm currently pursuing my master's in Adolescent and Child Development. In my free time, I love to read and hang out with my niece and nephew and add to my vast collection of sneakers.  Super excited to be a Wildcat! Pronouns: she/her 

Kerry R.

Coming Soon 

Sean McKenna

Paraprofessional

I have been a Paraprofessional in the AIM Program since the Fall of 2018! I also enjoy making music and collecting vinyl.

Ms. H

Paraprofessional

My name is Alina Haddleton, but feel free to call me Ms. H. It’s my 2nd year teaching at WHCIS. Last year I had the pleasure of working with kindergarteners, which was so much fun. This year I work with 3-5th graders and I like it very much!

Ms. Lia Triarhou

Paraprofessional

I have been working as a Paraprofessional in Somerville for the last 5 years. I was born in Greece, love spending time with my kids and family,  enjoy being by the ocean, and I like soccer. I like to play backgammon, and go on long walks.

Joanne T. 

Becca Julian

AIM Program BCBA

Hello! My name is Becca Julian, I am a BCBA in the AIM program. I started my career in special education as a special ed teacher. After teaching for 10 years I decided to pursue a degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and became a BCBA. I have worked in a number of settings including a severe sub-separate school (with 2 years spent living in the Middle East), public school, and a special education collaborative. I love to travel, exercise and spend time with my family, friends, and my two cats Ginny and Albus!

Melissa Starr

AIM Program BCBA

Hi! I'm Ms. Starr one of the BCBA's  for the AIM program. I received my undergraduate degree in English Literature from Western New England University. I have a Master's in Education as well as Applied Behavior Analysis. I enjoy running, going to beach, and spending time with my family. I love being a part of the Wildcat family!

lwalley@k12.somerville.ma.us 

phone/text: (617) 564-1454

Laura Walley

AIM Program Director

Hi, I am a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)/Autism Specialist in the AIM program at Winter Hill and the Capuano Early Childhood Center. I received my undergraduate degree from Assumption University in Worcester, MA and my graduate degree from Simmons University in Boston. I am dedicated to helping my students learn life and self-advocacy skills, as well as independence. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, exploring with my rescue dog Nellie, going to the beach, and traveling. I am proud to be part of the wildcat family!