Get to know your PA Counselor!

Kristy Butler graduated from Endicott College with a degree in Education then earned a B.S. in Social Work from UNH. She worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor and Program Director for a residential treatment facility, then as an Admissions Counselor for patients in need of inpatient mental health and chemical dependency treatment. After having children, Kristy recognized the need for childcare, preschool and full day kindergarten in her hometown, so together with her mom, opened a childcare center that served 70 children each day. Although she loved teaching kindergarten, she knew she wanted to combine her two career paths and got her M.Ed. in School Counseling in 2011. She became the Alternative Program Counselor at Pinkerton in 2013 and now serves as the Director of School Counseling. In her free time, Kristy likes to travel, take Zumba classes, spending time with her family and cheering on the Patriots!

Shawn Kennedy joined the Pinkerton Academy Counseling Staff in 2015. Shawn received a B.S. in Secondary Education, a B.A. in History, and a M.Ed in School Counseling from Keene State College. A former Lancer, Shawn can usually be seen at the Mack Plaque Pep Rally sporting Londonderry High gear. He enjoys cooking, reading, and yelling at his television during most New England sporting events.

Jess Tuttle received a B.A. in Psychology from Bryant University, where she was a member of the three year undefeated volleyball team. She then joined the Army National Guard and served six years as a Military Police Officer. During this time she earned her M.Ed in School Counseling from Central Connecticut State University, got married, had kids, and was hired at Pinkerton in 2014. A graduate from Timberlane High School and local resident, you can find her helping the Astros volleyball team during their season or at the Zoo after work, where she is training for her next tough mudder.

Christine Rogers began working at Pinkerton Academy in 2014. Christine has earned a B.S in Business Administration from Merrimack College as well as an M.Ed in School Counseling from the University of New Hampshire. Before becoming a School Counselor, Christine worked as an accountant for 5 years. Christine really enjoys working with high school students on their college and career planning and finding the right fit for them. Currently Christine co-runs the Transfer Mentor Group which helps students transferring into Pinkerton transition smoothly into our large school. When not working Christine enjoys hiking, camping and spending time with her family.

Dave Fischer’s varied educational experience has included the positions of high school English teacher, middle school Counselor. high school Assistant Principal and Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent of Schools in both New York and Massachusetts. After retirement, he continued to demonstrate his interest and passion for working with students by serving as a substitute teacher at Pinkerton Academy. On May 1st, 2017, Dave was excited to come out of semi-retirement to accept the position of 504 Assistant. Dave enjoys cooking, traveling with his wife, Sue, and spending time with his five grandchildren. He also enjoys watching all sports, but his three favorite teams are the Duke Blue Devils, the Buffalo Bills and the Lady Astros! In the coming year, Dave is looking forward to working closely with the 504 team, the counseling department, and the Pinkerton Staff to ensure student success.

Kara Gagnon joined the Pinkerton Academy counseling team in 2014. Kara has earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire and a M.Ed in School Counseling from Rivier University. Before becoming a counselor Kara worked as a compliance analyst at a financial firm and an insurance agent at a family owned agency. Kara greatly enjoys working with high school students and encouraging them to strive for their personal best. Kara co-advises the transfer mentor group which is designed to aid the smooth transition for our transfer students. In her spare time Kara enjoys spending time with her family, reading and spending time outdoors.

Rebecca Nazzaro joined the Pinkerton Academy counseling team in 2015 after having earned an M.Ed in School Counseling from Rivier University. Prior to becoming an educator, Rebecca received a B.A. in International Relations from Dickinson College and worked in international finance for a Boston investment firm. This work allowed her the opportunity to travel throughout Europe visiting amazing cities, such as Moscow, Budapest, Stockholm and Zurich…..settling back down in her native NH, Rebecca enjoys working with students to explore their strengths and interests to best plan for life after high school.

John Chappell earned his B.A in Sociology from the University of New Hampshire and an M.Ed in School Counseling from Notre Dame College. He began his career in College Admissions for 6 years prior to his 24 year tenure at Pinkerton. His passion is in college advising and helping students navigate their education. John currently works with freshman in the Freshman Academy. While John is a proud graduate of Manchester Central High School and a local resident, Pinkerton has become a “family affair” with his spouse teaching English at Pinkerton and having his two children graduate from PA. John enjoys UNH hockey, travel and landscaping.

Marisa Mannarini has been a member of the Pinkerton Academy community since 2008. Marisa holds a B.A. in English Literature with a concentration in Child Welfare & Family Services and an M.Ed in General Special Education K-12. Although Marisa is new to the School Counseling Department, she was previously employed as a Special Education Case Coordinator from 2012 until recently taking on her new role as PACE Counselor. Marisa is eager to take on her new role within the School Counseling Department and is passionate about helping students create their own unique future career and educational paths. Marisa is an avid New Hampshire hiker and enjoys spending as much time outdoors as she can. Marisa loves DIY, practicing yoga, spending time with family and working on home renovation projects with her husband.

Kaitlin Burkhardt has been a member of the Pinkerton Academy School Counseling Department since 2012. She earned her B.A. in Psychology at Fairfield University and her M.Ed in School Counseling at Rivier University. She is currently pursuing her CAGS in Educational Leadership through Plymouth State University. She enjoys supporting her students while encouraging them to reach their full potential and helping them to build a strong foundation for their future. She has a great appreciation for music and enjoys attending concerts, playing tennis, and spending time with her family and friends.

Geeta Prabhakar started her career in School Counseling at Pinkerton in 2003. She has a Masters degree in Social Work from Boston University. She worked as a Social Worker for several years working with the severely mentally ill in an inpatient setting. She added to her education by getting certified as a School Counselor from Rivier College. She currently works as a Counselor in the Freshman Academy, helping students to transition to high school. She has many interests that she avidly pursues in her free time. She loves fines arts, any creative endeavour and travelling. She also has a passion and knowledge for whole person wellness, which she uses to teach students to live a balanced life.

Bruce Brooks graduated from Springfield College with a B.S. in Human Services and went on to graduate with a M.E.d. in School Counseling. He enjoys rooting for the New England Sports teams, hiking, discovering new places, and bowling. Bruce likes to use positivity, humor, and strengths based approaches to help students.

Jen Theroux earned her B.A. in English from the University of New Hampshire, an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from New England College, and an MSW from Boston University. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of New Hampshire. For several years, Jen worked in the academic support department at New England College. During the summers, she taught writing to high school graduates from Thailand at Brewster Academy. More recently, Jen has worked at a community mental health agency practicing brief outpatient psychotherapy and conducting emergency psychiatric assessment. She is excited to begin her first year as a school social worker at Pinkerton Academy. In her free time, Jen loves being with her family, cooking, going to the ocean or lake, hiking, and reading.

Julie Donovan joined Pinkerton as a School Counselor in 2009, and in 2018 began transitioned to working as the Pinkerton Academy Prevention Specialist. She has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Salem State College, a Master’s degree in Community Psychology from Springfield College and a certification in School Counseling from Rivier. Her experience includes ten years in Corrections as a Counselor as well as a Probation/Parole Officer, and six years in Community Mental Health. Currently Julie trains all new faculty in Suicide Prevention, hosts Red Ribbon Week and the Seat Belt Challenge. Her passion is student safety and assisting students transition successfully from high school. Julie enjoys spending time with her adorable and fresh grandson! She also enjoys Zombie movies!

Jen Hamilton is a former graduate of Pinkerton Academy, who attended Hofstra University in NY where she earned her B.A. in Social Science, with a concentration in psychology. She returned to NH and began a career in human services, working with youth and their families in NH for 20 years. Jen also attended UNH Manchester and earned her M.Ed. in School Counseling, as she knew she wanted to make the leap from human services to education. Jen joined the Pinkerton Academy counseling team through the Special Education Department in 2014, as the school Counselor in the PASSES Program. She is looking forward to taking on a new role as the 504 Coordinator at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year, and she is passionate about advocating for students with disabilities. When Jen is not busy working in the Home of the Astros, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, making jewelry, traveling (and planning traveling), swimming (pool, ocean, lake, she doesn’t discriminate) and lots of laughing.

George Monahan joined the Pinkerton Academy community in 2002 and currently serves as the 504 Facilitator. In addition to holding four teaching and administrative endorsements from the State of New Hampshire, George is a graduate of Bridgton Academy in Maine and received a B.A. from Saint Michael’s College and a M.Ed. from Salem State. A former member of the US Naval Reserves, George’s previous experience includes working with students with disabilities at the middle school and secondary levels as a Special Education Case Coordinator and an LEA. George also worked as an academic/transfer advisor at the college level. He coached the UNH Sailing Team, as well as directed public and private sailing programs in the region. A fan of Boston sports and culture, George’s passions also include spending time with family and friends, traveling, boating, swimming and winter skiing. He believes that student success relies on a fostering a positive environment that meets the needs of our constituents; thereby, requiring us to be open-minded, flexible, and willing to seek opportunities for improvement.

Gina Brown has been working in the counseling department as the Assistant Concussion Management Team Leader for the past two years. She is a certified health professional who takes great pride in her work to help and assist students who need learning accommodations while recovering from a concussion. She is a caring and committed professional who will do whatever is necessary to help and support the students who are assigned to her care. Her office is known as the “Chalk Talk “ room and it has earned an enviable reputation as a positive and inviting place for students with concussions. In fact, Pinkerton’s concussion management program has served as a model for neighboring schools that need to deliver similar services. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, entertaining and spending time with her family and friends.