Kim Guodace

Math - East 

Hello Sturgis community! My name is Kim Guodace and I'm excited to be moving back to the USA after 22 years of life as a global nomad.  I grew up on the east coast and did my mathematics degree at the University of Connecticut and my Masters of Education at the University of Kentucky.  Shortly after completing my education I decided to combine my love of teaching with my love of travel.  I've worked in international schools in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.  For the past 12 years, I've been a summer resident of Cape Cod and I'm excited to move here full time.

My favorite thing to do in my free time is still traveling.  I've only been to about 80 countries so there are still plenty of places to explore!  In addition to planning travel for myself and others, I also enjoy all sorts of puzzles, hiking, live theatre, cooking and as a lifelong learner -  I'm constantly trying to learn new things.  

I look forward to being a part of the Sturgis community and sharing my passion for mathematics!

Byron Szymeczko

Math - West

My name is Byron Szymeczko, but you can call me Ko (or Mr.Ko if you wish to be formal). I originate from Australia, but have lived all over the world; Saudi Arabia, England, Canada, San Francisco, and now Sandwich. I completed my bachelor degree at the University of Wollongong (look it up, it's real) in Health & Physical Education, with a plan to be a PE teacher. However, over the 15 years of my teaching experience, I have taught all grade levels across Australia, England, & the US, including subject areas of PE, Science, Business, & Mathematics (which will be my role at Sturgis West).

I recently arrived from Franklin High School where I taught primarily Geometry & Algebra courses for the past 8 years. I have an awesome wife who runs the Cape Cod Maritime Museum (check it out if you haven't already), and a son who is about to start kindergarten (we will see how he goes). In my spare time, I like to complete house projects (90% of the way), and love watching Chelsea play in the English Premier League. I am looking forward to starting at Sturgis West where I can meet so many new faces and support learning!

Brandon Simmons

Inclusion Support- West 

Hello there! My name is Brandon, and I love dancing and theater. I hail from Connecticut but honed my skills in the Big Apple, New York City. I feel fortunate to have been able to work for Royal Caribbean as a dancer, Dance Captain, and aerial artist. Some of my highlights include performing with Jennifer Hudson and dancing on the stage at Radio City. During the pandemic, I pursued a degree and got a BA in psychology. I started working as an inclusion support provider at Sturgis West towards the end of last school year. Cape Cod is now home, where I love spending time with my two furry friends, Hamilton and McKinley, and enjoying the great outdoors. I enjoy cooking, dining out, and gardening when I'm not dancing or working. My partner, Dan, and I have been together for eight years, and the phrase "Dust yourself off and try again" inspires me."

Suzanne Caruso

English - West

After a few years of living on the Cape, I am so happy to land at Sturgis and get to know this unique school community I've heard so much about. I've spent most of my career teaching in the Boston area, but I've traveled to places as far as Namibia and Indonesia to teach and learn alongside my students. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow at Sturgis. This year I'll be teaching 9th and 11th grade English courses at Sturgis West. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading books at the beach, going for walks, practicing yoga and meditation, and working on simply being present in the day to day of life.

Tonja Weimer

Biology - East 

Hi! After seven years of teaching abroad and in Northern Mass, I am happy to return to Sturgis (and the Cape) full time for my 23rd year of teaching. I am a Miami U. of Ohio alumni with my Bachelors in Science Education and earned my Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of Cincinnati. Previously, I was at Sturgis West for its first five inaugural years teaching a variety of science courses.  This time time around, I will be teaching at the East Campus IB HL Biology, IB SL Chemistry, and 9th grade biology.  

Some interests and hobbies are fostering and helping dogs find forever homes, traveling, being outside in nature, and most recently trying to perfect sourdough baking. In addition, I am the director of the Cape Cod Womens’ Soccer League. Pictured with me is my husband, who I met while teaching in Colombia, and my two dogs Benny and Bella, both “foster fails.”

Jacqueline Redmond

Administrative Assistant Special Education Department 

Hi everyone! My name is Jackie Redmond and I am thrilled to be joining the Sturgis team! I grew up on Long Island, but have spent the last 16 years living in Clovis, California with my husband and two children. I worked for our school district in the Central Valley for 5 years, first as a paraprofessional, then as a Job Developer, where I facilitated the placement of students with disabilities into a work experience program. I loved my job, but we decided to venture back east to be closer to our families. We made the cross-country drive in June and now live in Mashpee. We are enjoying exploring our new surroundings, including many of the beautiful beaches, restaurants and golf courses.

In my spare time, I love to restore, refinish and upcycle furniture that might otherwise end up in a landfill. I also enjoy cooking, camping, hiking and watching my son play hockey. 

I am excited to be joining the Sturgis family and I can’t wait to see what the new school year brings!

Stephanie Robinson

Biology - East

I am so excited to join the Sturgis team this school year, teaching grade 9 Biology at Sturgis East! I recently graduated from Boston College (go eags!), where I studied Biology and French. At BC, I spent several years in a zebrafish research lab, studying the way bones grow and take shape. Other scientific interests include marine sciences, and climate ecology. Beyond the school walls, I love to spend time outdoors climbing, sailing, or running; and really enjoy baking and all sorts of crafting. I am looking forward to a fun year with all my new students!

Megan Hudson

Inclusion Support - West

I started working at Sturgis East last March and am joining the West team this year. My training and experience as a Doctor of Chiropractic in the field of Functional Neurology brings an approach to childhood development that is uniquely supportive to each student with whom I have the opportunity to work. My experience in elementary special ed, camp counseling, middle and high school coaching, corporate training and supplemental education services reveals a deep need to have FUN at work which fortunately happens when I work with kids.  I moved to West Harwich in 2019 from Western Mass with my partner Talitha and 2 dogs and have enjoyed event bartending from Cotuit to Provincetown, slicing onions at the Knack in Hyannis, and working in our yard near Bells Neck Conservation area. 

Tina Allen

Biology - West

My name is Tina Allen and I’m very excited to join the Sturgis West Campus. I am originally from Sweden, but my lifelong passion for traveling and exploring new cultures eventually led me to Cape Cod in June 2020. My experience as an educator has given me a myriad of professional and personal opportunities in different school systems, both in Sweden and the United States. I have been teaching math and natural sciences (mainly biology) to middle and high school students for more than a decade and a half, and feel privileged to have worked with a diverse range of students from many different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. I strive to make students feel welcomed, comfortable and curious, and to challenge them as critical thinkers in the fields of Natural Sciences. Here at Sturgis, I look forward to embracing a new community, and supporting the IB-mission while teaching 9th grade Biology and IB Biology SL1 for 11th graders. 

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family. Although we are a busy blended family with four teens and a range of activities taking up most of our spare time, I do try to spend time outdoors as much as possible, hiking, skiing or reading a book in the fresh air. Family conversations tend to be somewhat teacher-oriented, since both my partner and I work in education. We love to explore new places, meet new people, and play games while our cat, Zlatan, climbs all over us!

I am honored to call Sturgis my new professional home, and look forward to a successful and interesting academic school year with the students and colleagues!

Krista Lucich

Multilingual Department - East

Krista is a English Language Development teacher at Sturgis East. Prior to coming to Sturgis, Krista has worked in local schools as a English and History teacher, additionally serving as a String Ensemble Director and Human Rights Club Advisor. A lifelong musician, she’s had a wedding music business since 2010 and her own instrumental music teaching studio. In college she studied English Language and Literature and later completed a Master of Arts in Teaching English. Currently, she is finishing up a Master of Arts in Global Leadership. Her husband and two kids love to have fun and go on outdoor adventures together.