Newfound Memorial Middle School Staff

MR. Lewis

principal

Mr. Lewis attended Oklahoma State University for an undergraduate degree, a BS in Biology Education. He also attended the University of New Hampshire where he earned a graduate degree M.Ed. in Education Administration and Supervision. In further pursuit of higher education, Mr. Lewis attended Southern New Hampshire University, where he is working toward a graduate certificate, CAGS.

Mr. Lewis taught science at both the middle school and high school grade levels. He has been an Assistant Principal and a Principal at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels.

Mr. Lewis is happily married to his wife Karin. They have two wonderful daughters who love all things Disney just as much as Mr. Lewis does. If you enter his office, keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys!

Mrs. Lewis

Assistant principal

I'm currently in my 17th year here at NMMS! I'm proud to be on a team with so much talent. Seeing these awesome students grow, overcome obstacles and achieve while they're with us is the best part of my job. Simply put...NMMS is the best!

I'm mom to two awesome boys, Griffin (17) and Alexander (9). My hobbies include hiking, gardening and watching my boys play sports.

I love the Red Sox (we have a cat named Benintendi) and all things Disney.

Mr. Frekot

Grade 8 Teacher

My name is Jason Frekot. I grew up outside of Chicago, and now I am a gigantic Chicago Cubs fan. I have two fabulous daughters and an amazing wife who is the most creative person I know. I love woodworking, reading, and being outside any chance I get. Lastly, I came to New Hampshire by chance; my wife and I picked it out on a map and moved here. We both love this state. We couldn't imagine being anywhere else!

MIss Vittner

Grade 7 Teacher

I love being a middle school teacher! When I am not at school, I enjoy being with friends and family. I also enjoy spending time at home with my cats and practicing new baking techniques.

Ms. Paterson

LIbrary Media Specialist

Ms. Paterson, NMMS's ICT/Library Media Specialist, is in her 20th year with Newfound. Before working in the library she taught middle school Computers classes and worked in and led the District's Technology department for several years. Ms. Paterson was born and raised in New Jersey, went to college at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania where she studied Speech Communications, and after moving to New Hampshire attended then Plymouth State College earning her Master's of Education. Aside from helping others find books that interest them and helping folks use technology more effectively, Ms. Paterson enjoys her hobby of nature photography in her spare time.

Mrs. Joyce

Art Teacher

Mrs. Joyce has been an art teacher for NMMS for more than three decades. She loves all things Disney! She is also an avid runner.

Here's a quote from Mrs. Joyce, "It's about family, humanity, endurance, and reaching out together no matter the challenge."

MRs. Langill

Paraprofessional

I have been a paraprofessional for sixteen years at the Newfound Area School District. I have been at NMMS for twelve years. My favorite subject is Social Studies. I went to the Hallmark Institute of Photography for become a Professional Photographer. I still hope to start my own business someday. I enjoy camping, reading and spending time with my family. My favorite food is Chinese food. I cannot wait to get back to work and see everyone soon!

Mr. Hill

Grade 6 Teacher

I started at NMMS in 2000 as a soccer coach and substitute teacher while pursuing my degree at Plymouth State College. After completing my student teaching at NMMS in the spring of 2003, I began my career teaching 7th grade social studies. I have taught several subjects and fulfilled many roles over the years, but teaching science has become my true calling. Each summer, I look forward to traveling across the American southwest with my wife Mickala. I have always been heavily involved in sports and I am proud to serve as the head coach of the NRHS boy's soccer team. When I'm not at school, I'm either bass fishing from my canoe, or hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Mrs. Taylor

Grade 6 tEACHER

I have known I have wanted to teach since my 7th grade Social Studies teacher, Mr. Marasca, tasked me to take on the role of teacher for a week, educating my peers about African geography. Since then, my experience with teenagers has been full of laughter and fun, making me love my job every day!

Before I began teaching here at NMMS, I went to school at Southern NH University (GO PENMEN!) and worked in a public library in Goffstown, NH--the town I grew up in. This is my fourth year at NMMS and I am currently working towards my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern NH University.

Even though I am not from the Newfound area, I love it, the kids, and the teachers. I do many things here at Newfound and below are a few pictures to illustrate them. I love being involved in the school community and helping students reach success through all of these different avenues!

Mr. Foss

Grade 7 teacher

Stephen Foss teaches children. The circumference of his head is 22 inches. He has fostered eight children, adopted one, and will eagerly answer any questions you have about foster care. Stephen's biggest fear is being casually eaten by a blue whale. His biggest dream is reading two books at exactly the same time. For more information, please call Stephen's wife and she will locate him for you.

Miss Bergholm

"Except for a brief stint on the moon, I've lived in the Lakes Region my whole life. I love to travel and my favorite vacation destination is Narnia. I have a pet hippogriff whom I love very much and whose name is Ronald."

Miss Spencer

Grade 8 teacher

After attending PSU for my undergraduate degree, I lived in Hogsmeade for a few years where I honed my magical teaching craft. I relocated back to the Lakes Region and assumed my new post at NMMS. I love to go on quests in the great outdoors, hang out with dogs, and definitely did NOT cry within the first 10 minutes of the move Onward!

mrs. Pierson

school nurse

This is Mrs. Pierson’s 6th year at Newfound Memorial Middle School as our School Nurse. She came to us from Chester, NH where she held the position of School Nurse at a K-8 grade school for 13 years. Prior to School Nursing, she worked for 15 years at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH where she practiced cardiac medical/surgical nursing. She and her husband Jeff have 2 awesome children, Christopher (30) and Megan (28). When not at school, Mrs. Pierson enjoys hiking, snow shoeing, gym classes, reading a good book, and going on long walks with her husband Jeff.

Mr. Maxner

Tech Ed Teacher

When he's not building picnic tables or dog houses, Mr. Maxner can be found sunning himself on the beach in Florida with his wife Sherri.

Mrs. Irving

Food Services

Hello kiddos and parents!

I have worked at NMMS since 2014. I was supposed to be a substitute. On my first day on the job, I got asked if I wanted to stay, and I’ve been loving it ever since! I’m mom to a very talented artist daughter, who is in her last year at the Middle School. I’m also mom to a 21 year old son, who works hard every day as a respected Lineman. They are my greatest achievements in life, and mean everything to me.

When I’m not at work enjoying all your little faces and company, you can always find me at home. I have a wonderful, hard working husband, and two amazing dogs, who are both mamas boys. An 8 month old Dachshund and a 9 year old Shorkie. I love hiking our property with them and exploring the land.

I truly have enjoyed all the friendships I have made with the staff and kiddos of NMMS, and love seeing you all grow in the 3 years you are here. We all miss you when you move on, and are proud to be a part of your childhood.

Mr. Donahue

Special Education teacher

This was my 36th opening day as an educator. I have been teaching Special Education Math for 34 years. I also served as the Assistant Principal at NRHS for 2 years. I have been at NMMS for 21 years.

I have been a volunteer for a number of nonprofit youth sports for 38 years. I coached high school Varsity Football for 32 years at Plymouth Regional High School. In those 32 years, I coached in over 600 high school football games and established a record with 191 wins as a Head JV Coach. I was enshrined in the NH Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2008..

I am the proud father of two successful young men and the grandfather of two beautiful young girls. I am as equally proud of my coaching career as I am of my teaching career and the students I have reached, as well as those who reached me. Currently, I am enjoying finding my golf game one more time!

Alyssa Keegan

guidance

I got my Bachelor's Degree in Education and Sociology at the University of MA Amherst. I worked as a teacher for a couple of years before returning to school to get my Masters Degree in Social Work. I worked in Massachusetts as a Mental Health Counselor and a School Social Worker before moving back to NH. There were no School Social Workers in NH at the time so I got certified as a School Counselor. This is my 7th year at NMMS and I couldn't ask for a better team to work with! I love being able to help support our students through one of the most challenging times of development!

Mr Branscombe

Music Teacher

Mr. Branscombe has been teaching music since 2016 after graduating from the University of New Hampshire. He has performed with the UNH Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, participated in the Mayo County International Choral Festival in Ireland, and spent a semester of studies at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France. Currently, he performs with Concord Chorale and the New Hampshire Master Chorale. Outside of school he is an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, and spends his summers working at Camp Carpenter.

Mr. Marandos paraprofessional

I am in my second year as a 1:1 paraprofessional at NMMS, and I love it. I was born and raised in Nashua. I attended UNH. Then, on a whim, I moved to the west coast and spent the next 18 years in Seattle, Washington, where I met my wife and adopted our 2 boys. Both of my boys have special needs, so I became an ABA therapist and became very active in the Autism community. We moved to Bristol from Washington 4 years ago. After a brief stint at the local Hannaford, I became a member of the NMMS family. I love spending time with my family, reading about history, watching movies, and living up to my dog's expectations.

Hannah Kingsbury health educator

Growing up, I never wanted to be a teacher; I always wanted to work in business. At the end of my first year at PSU, I changed my major to health education.

I was always meant to be a wellness teacher (14 years going strong at NMMS). I feel fortunate to discuss all things wellness every day with middle school students.

One of my favorite quotes to analyze and discuss with this age group is, “You aren’t wealthy until you have something money can’t buy” by Garth Brooks.

Then, I need to explain to 90% of students who Garth Brooks is!

Haley Dennis

Physical Education

My name is Haley Dennis. This is my first year teaching. I graduated from Plymouth State University last May!

I grew up in Rhode Island, but as soon as I came to NH, I never looked back. I have a twin sister who lives 30 minutes from me and two really cute cats.

When I’m not teaching or coaching, I am usually running, fishing, or watching the New York Giants/Yankees game.

jill o'rourke

special educator

Ms. O'Rourke is a Special Education Teacher at NMMS! She is in her 16th year of teaching.

She earned her Bachelor's Degree at Rivier College (now known as Rivier University) and is a NH certified teacher for elementary education and general special education.

She loves cows and listening to music. She also enjoys baking and making things for colleagues.

"I love working with the students and staff at NMMS!" "Go Bears!"