Support Staff

My name is Karen Burroughs. I am starting my 24th year as a Paraprofessional in the SAU 9 District. I have worked at CES, PT, JF, KMS, and KHS. 

I have been married for 38 years. We  have 3 adult children, and 1 beautiful almost 1yr old grandson. As you can see in my picture, I have 2 Jorkies (yorkie/jack russell), and we have a tuxedo cat. My family moved here in 1976 to open the Cinnamon Tree Restaurant. I enjoy reading and doing crafts, and most of all spending time with my family and pets.

 I graduated from Kennett High School, and completed my Bachelor of Science degree at Granite State College - Self Designed - Special Needs Services and an A. A. in General Studies Speech Language Assistant Concentration.

I really enjoy working with non-verbal students and assisting them in finding ways to communicate with their peers.

Hi! My name is Ashley and I am Pine Tree Elementary and Kennett Jr./Sr. High School Alumna. I left Conway to attend college, which led me on a journey to Chester, NH; Ballyvaughan, Ireland and finally to Columbus, Ohio where I graduated with my MFA in Photography.

After graduation I taught Introduction to Photography and History of Photography as an adjunct instructor in Columbus, Ohio. In 2013 I moved to England and began my greatest adventure yet, becoming a mother to my son Pace. When Pace was entering kindergarten we moved back to the U.S. and Pace became a Pine Tree Panda

 in my footsteps.

I love learning, being creative, and exploring nature. Being at Mountainside as a paraprofessional allows me to share my passions and help others find their own strengths. Working in the classroom has always been my happy place, both as a student and an educator. I am looking forward to sharing my love of learning with our Mountainside community!

My name is Leah Kelsch and I am a 1:1 Health and Education Aide at Mountainside Intermediate School. I have worked in the Conway School District for eight years  and my favorite grade is whichever grade I am in that year! I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saint Michael's College in Political Science with a minor in History. I love recess, field trips, and reading groups. 

My husband and I have three glorious children and live in Center Conway. We have a cat, a dog, a bunny, and two hermit crabs. My favorite things to do include spending time with my family, drinking coffee, and reading. To quote Whitney Houston, "I believe the children are our future, Teach them well and let them lead the way." 

Hi!  My name is Mr. Livingston but everyone calls me Mr. L.  I’ve worked here for 15 years, and love what I do.  I’ve enjoyed working in all of the different grade levels, with lots of different staff and students.  I also coach cross country and track and field at 

Kennett High School. 

I attended Conway Elementary School, Kennett Middle School, and Kennett High School.  I graduated from the 

University of New Hampshire.  

I live in Conway with my awesome family and love getting outside for any kind of adventure!

Hello! My name is Meredith MacDonald and I am thrilled to be starting my 24th year as a paraprofessional in the Conway School District! I spent the past 23 years at John Fuller, and I can't wait to begin a new adventure at Mountainside Intermediate School! I have been assigned to every grade level, K-6, during my time here, and have loved them all. My favorite subjects are math and science and I love exploring these and more with students. For over two decades I have had the honor and pleasure of greeting students and families outside during drop off and pick up each day and I look forward to seeing everyone once again this year! 

I grew up in Massachusetts, but was very lucky to spend summers, weekends and winter vacations here. I learned to ski at Cranmore, and spent my summer days at the North Conway Community Center. My family moved here permanently when I was in the eighth grade, and I attended Kennett Middle School and High School. After leaving to attend school in Boston and Rhode Island, I returned to the valley and have been here ever since.

I am married and have a grown son and daughter-in-law. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, reading, gardening and spending time with my friends and family.

Hi! My name is Annie Protzmann, and this is my third year working in education and my first year at MIS and as a 1:1 paraeducator in 5th grade! I am currently getting my master’s degree and licensure in Special Education online at New England College. I am so excited to be working in the MWV and with such a wonderful and fun group of kiddos! I feel very lucky to have found a career as 

fulfilling as teaching.

I grew up in Amherst, NH, went to college at Syracuse University, and graduated with a degree in marketing. I lived in New York City for 3 years as a financial planner at Macy’s. After 7 years away from New Hampshire, I moved back to the Granite State in 2021!

I found my way to Conway after thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2022 and the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023! I found my passion for education and teaching in between these two journeys! I love spending time in the mountains hiking, trail running, marathon running, skiing, reading, and cooking in my free time!

Hello! I’m Mr. Rockett, I am currently starting my 8th year in the district. I was a substitute at John Fuller for 7 years before starting this year at Mountainside! I am certified in ECE and ECE special education. I love working with children and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I love watching the students grow as learners from the beginning to the end of the year. 

I have lived here in the Mount Washington Valley for 25 years.  I attended JBES and then Kennett High School. Following high school I attended Plymouth State University and received my 

Bachelor's Degree.

 I really enjoy bass fishing as well as running in my free time. I love to do fishing tournaments and running races. During the winter I love

 to ski and go ice fishing.

Hello! My name is Kara Shellhamer and this is my second year as a Paraprofessional in the Conway School District. I attended Conway Elementary School as a student so I am very excited to be back in the building! I’m looking forward to being here for this first year as we build Mountainside Intermediate School together.

I graduated from Kennett High School and then took a gap year to travel with the performance and community service group “Up With People”. It was a truly amazing experience! I then attended Syracuse University where I studied abroad for a semester in Madrid, Spain and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish.

In 2005 I left to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. It was on this trek that I met my now husband of 17 years, Troy. We lived in Troy’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky for 14 years until moving back to Conway in 2019.

We have two beloved children and Golden Retrievers. As a family we enjoy skiing, mountain biking, swimming, hiking, board games, and travel, to name a few! I love singing, theater, and hanging out with friends and family. I also play ice hockey!

I have really enjoyed my journey in education so far, and look forward to meeting so many new kids this year. I love making connections with students and navigating their ever-expanding world with them.

Hello! I'm Sarah Tatarczuk.  I have been a paraprofessional at CES for the last 10 years, working at every grade level K-6. I'm excited to start a new adventure at Mountainside Intermediate! 

I love helping kids develop their strengths and discover new ones and I'm passionate about helping others explore their creativity. A pop of color can brighten anyone's day!

I am originally from Ireland and travel home whenever I get the chance. I am married with a son and daughter in college. I love art, audiobooks, podcasts, time at the ocean and trips to the city.

Hello, my name is Nishi. I am working as a paraprofessional in Mountainside Intermediate school. This is my second year as a paraprofessional in the same building. I worked with every grade throughout the year and I loved that. My favorite subjects are 

Math and Science.

I grew up in India and I was a Biology teacher over there. I have a Master's degree in Botany and Bachelor's in Education. 

We moved to Conway in 2021 and we loved this place. I love to explore new places. I got married in 2007 and I have two kids. One is in high school and the other is in the same building.