Meet Our Staff

"I've been passionate about childcare since I started working as a summer camp counselor at age 15. Since then I've directed camps, taught childrens swim lessons, and volunteered as a 1:1 mentor in the Binghamton NY public schools. 

I graduated from Hampshire College where I studied Education, Psychology, Sociology, and Childhood Studies. For my senior thesis, I developed a training program to help childcare providers navigate the dynamic nature of caring for young people through practical exercises and group discussion. I love working collaboratively with the staff at LES to make students feel safe and supported at school. I strive to understand each student's interests so that we can create "peak experiences" and moments of deep joy for them. I am passionate about creating child-centered spaces and supporting outdoor play!"

"Oliver is a recent graduate of UMass Amherst who still struggles with writing “about me” paragraphs! He holds a BA in Studio arts while being a recipient of multiple awards for his animated short, The Toad in the Hole, that was created during his senior year. He has experience working with children through Multi Arts, a summer camp where he has been a volunteer, teacher, and counselor.   

Oliver is kind, funny, and lighthearted. He enjoys working with kids, whether it be arts and crafts, theatre, or even Pokémon knowledge! At Leverett Elementary School, he started an “Improv Station” where kids can both create and perform short plays on stage every Wednesday. Oliver is always willing to draw things for kids and has perfected the art of dragons, alicorns, snow leopards, and haunted mansions- they have been his most common requests at LES!"

"I graduated from UMass Amherst, where I studied psychology with a Social Work & Social Welfare Certificate, and received a letter of specialization in developmental disabilities and human services. I am now pursuing a master's degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. 

I am passionate about creating a neurodiverse-affirming environment for all of my after school students. I am always ready to give piggyback rides, pretend to be a monster running around the playground chasing the kids, play basketball, soccer, or gaga ball with them, or spending time outside walking in the woods."

"I am currently a senior student studying psychology and education at UMass Amherst. I’m currently pursuing my accelerated masters degree in the elementary education program and look forward to becoming a teacher for grades 1-6 in just a few years! I love to get involved with the various elementary schools surrounding Amherst, and working at Leverett has been wonderful! My goal is to create an environment where each kid feels safe and comfortable in the program. Whether a student needs someone laugh with, provide comfort, or play a fun game- I’m always ready to jump right in!"

"Hi, I'm Jay! This is my second year working at Leverett Elementary's after-school program. I'm so excited to be back and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with the students here. I co-direct Rowe Camp & Conference center's Young People's Camp every summer, check it out if you're looking for good youth summer programs. In my past time I enjoy spending time outdoors and with friends. I am currently a graduate student at Simmons University working towards a Masters of Library and Information Sciences."

Sydney is a Leverett Elementary School Alumni (class of 2004) who has been working with youth since 2011. She holds a degree in Media Arts and Animation and when she is not working with children she can usually be found Tattooing at her private studio in Greenfield or playing video games.

She started by teaching Darkroom Photography to ARPS middle schoolers through the Youth Action Coalition during her college years and fell in love with Arts Education. She has also worked at PVPA assisting with Paideia Week and well as being a Substitute and Afterschool Teacher in Union 28 on and off since 2017. While Education is not her full time career, it is an intense passion of hers that she fights to carve out time in her schedule for.