Hey everyone! I'm Romeu, or Mr. Romeu if you prefer something a bit more formal. I'm super excited to be joining the Sturgis family!
I'm a Brazilian teacher who's been living the American dream for the past two years, teaching around Central Mass. Now, I'm stoked to be part of the Sturgis community!
I'll be splitting my time between math and the Multi Language Department. I've been teaching math and English to non-native speakers for about 14 years, working in both public and private schools in Brazil and international schools. I even taught the Middle Years Program at an international school. My family and I moved to the US to chase new adventures and for me to get my master's degree.
I'm absolutely thrilled to be teaching at an IB school! As a fun fact, I have a YouTube channel with over 250 videos about math, science, and English. I also have TikTok and Instagram where I post some funny math and English parody songs. And if you're into geeky stuff, I've got a Twitch channel where I play chess, talk about science and math, play RTS games, and even speedrun some classic games like Super Mario World.
I can't wait to dive into math with all of you and maybe even bond over some anime during lunch. Let's make this year awesome!
Thanks for having me, Sturgis!
Hello all. I am looking forward to returning to the Sturgis community, this time as a teacher! After graduating from one of the first few classes at West campus, I am returning to teach Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies at East with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and work experience across the environmental sector. I have spent time as a crew member and educator at sea in the south central pacific onboard a sailing research vessel as well as crewing other tallships in New England. Locally, I have managed a small oyster farm in Barnstable Harbor for a number of years, and still teach classes in regenerative agriculture and mushroom cultivation with a local Permaculture Education non-profit, Resilient Roots. I completed a Permaculture Design Certification myself this past summer. I also have experience in land conservation and open space preservation working with groups across Cape Cod. I am excited to bring my experience, local knowledge and excitement about the environment to the classroom.
In my free time, I am an overly ambitious gardener and edible mushroom grower. I enjoy growing and preserving food, and if I am not in the garden I’m playing, foraging or working on the water if the winds and tides allow. I love writing, printmaking and painting, and have just recently gotten into natural dying. I am passionate about growing local community and using science knowledge to foster more awe for the world around us.
Hello everyone! My name is Jackie Trask and I am very excited to be joining the Sturgis team this year, teaching Integrated Math 9 and Algebra 1 at Sturgis West!
I recently graduated from UMass Amherst where I studied Math and Education, and was also a student teacher of 9th/10th grade Math at Northampton High School. My favorite thing about teaching Math is guiding students to the “aha” moments, and helping them build the skills and confidence to achieve those moments on their own!
Outside of school, I love dance, sports, music, going on adventures, eating yummy food, and watching movies and sunsets. I also enjoy being outdoors/on the water, and spending time with my friends, family, and animals (including my 3 dogs and my cat).
I am so excited to meet my students for this upcoming year, and to become a part of the Sturgis community!
My name is Sebastián Rieckehoff-Strong and this will be my first year teaching. I will be teaching Spanish 2 this year at Sturgis East. I am originally from Puerto Rico, which is where I learned Spanish. I lived there for 12 years before moving to Falmouth. I'm a Sturgis alum. I graduated from Sturgis West and then from UMass Amherst where I studied Math with a concentration in teaching. While in college, I also worked at the Student Collections and University Archives. Outside of school, I like reading, hiking and playing board and video games.
Hi! I'm excited to join the Sturgis community as a special education teaching assistant. I recently graduated from UMass Amherst with degrees in Biology and German. During college, I was the captain of the Dressage Equestrian team, and horses will always hold a special place in my heart. I've had the pleasure of working with students in various capacities, but one of my favorite experiences has been volunteering at Emerald Hollow Therapeutic Riding Center, where I get to share my love of horses with students. In my free time, I enjoy creating pottery on the wheel, hiking the mountains of New England, and starting a good book. I also have an adorable cat named Lulu, who takes up the majority of my camera roll.
My name is Lauren and I am thrilled to be joining the Sturgis team for this upcoming school year at East. I will be teaching 9th and 11th grade English. Some of my earliest memories include playing "school" in my basement where I was without a doubt always the teacher and my younger sister was always my student. Since then I have pursued that dream by getting a degree in Adolescent Education from SUNY New Paltz in 2022, and a Masters in Art of Teaching from Brandeis University in 2023. I taught for one year outside of Boston before moving to the Cape to be with my long term partner. Moving to the Cape has been a grand adventure and I am loving all of the beach and nature time up in Wellfleet. Outside of the classroom you can find me hiking, trying new recipes, taking yoga classes and of course-- reading on the beach! I am tremendously looking forward to connecting with colleagues who are passionate about making a difference. Cheers to the 2024-25 school year!
Hello Sturgis community!
I’m Nosim Zacharia, from Arusha, Tanzania. My educational journey began after graduating from Sinon Teachers College. I started out working in early childhood education at The Learning Space and later gained experience working with students with special needs and the IB curriculum at International School Moshi.
In 2015 I moved to Cape Cod and continued to follow my passion for supporting students with special needs. At Barnstable Intermediate School, I provided one-on-one support, and at Barnstable High School, I worked in the New England Center for Children’s special education program.
When not in the classroom, I enjoy the beauty of Cape Cod through trail running with my dog. I have three amazing daughters and coincidentally my husband was in the first graduating class of Sturgis Charter School in 2002.
I am honored to be able to join this community and continue to learn and grow professionally and personally.
Hello Sturgis Community! My name is Devin Helmke and I am thrilled to join Sturgis West this year as a Biology and Physics teacher. I recently have moved to the Cape with my wife and daughters in order to be closer to family after living and teaching science in Southern New Hampshire for the past 7 years. I have also coached track and field, advised robotics teams, and started gaming clubs at the different schools at which I have taught. Outside of teaching, I enjoy ultimate frisbee, disc golf, and board games. I can't wait to begin at Sturgis and look forward to the school year!
Hi everyone! My name is Madison Curtis or “Miss C” and I am excited to join the history department at Sturgis East. I will be teaching 10th grade US History and 11th grade IB World History. I will also be coaching the Sturgis East JV girls soccer team.
I grew up in Connecticut and spent many childhood summers on Cape Cod. My dad was also a history teacher for 30 years which inspired me to learn more, travel and appreciate other cultures. This passion led me to study abroad at the University of St Andrews in Scotland for my undergraduate degree where I majored in Modern History and Art History. During my time at St Andrews I also played on the women’s football (soccer) team and helped lead them to win the Scottish National Championship in 2022. After returning from Scotland, I worked in Connecticut as a middle school special education paraprofessional for one year then moved to Cambridge, MA to pursue my Masters degree at Harvard. While studying, I also student taught 10th grade US History at Somerville High School.
When I’m not teaching, you can find me spending time outdoors hiking, surfing, skiing, biking or skateboarding.
I am thrilled to join the Sturgis family and look forward to a great year!
Hello! I look forward to joining the Sturgis community as the Intervention Counselor for both the East and West campuses. After completing my undergraduate degree in psychology at UMass Boston, I began working in local schools within the special education setting. I then shifted to the human service and non-profit sector and have served varying populations from youth to senior citizens for the past 11 years. My number one goal throughout my career has always been to help people understand their strengths and use them on their path toward success.
I was born and raised here on the Cape and am a Sturgis alum, graduating with the second class ever in 2003. I always knew that Sturgis was and still is an exceptional place. I am both thrilled and honored now to be a part of the amazing faculty and staff. While not working, you can find me spending time with my family outdoors, rain or shine! We are a nature-loving family and enjoy our days on the beaches or exploring the many mountains within the Northeast. Other favorite hobbies include cooking, gardening, and squeezing in visits to our favorite libraries.
Hello everyone!
I am thrilled to be joining the Sturgis community in what will be my first experience working in a school system. I am local to the area as I grew up and went to high school in Barnstable. In May of 2023 I graduated from Endicott College with a Bachelor's degree in sport management, and I have been fortunate to work in sports with different companies like New England Flag Football League, Danvers Indoor Sports, Teamworks, and right at home with the Barnstable Recreation Department. I also have not been willing to leave the Cape during the Summer time and have spent the past few years working at the beach as a supervisor!
I am an avid Patriots and football fan and make it a point to go to summer training camp and a game every year. I also enjoy cooking, playing sports, relaxing at the beach, and hiking through the beautiful White Mountains in New Hampshire!
I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn and grow with you all!
Hello to the Sturgis community! I am Terese Dashuta the new school nurse for Sturgis East. I grew up in Sandwich and after graduating from St. Anselm College I started my nursing career in San Diego. I have been a registered nurse for almost 20 years with most of my time in emergency nursing.
Last year I had a great experience as the part time nurse at my daughters school and it brought me to my new role here at Sturgis.
My goal is to get to know every student at East. I will care for the students with understanding and openness and be there to support everyone with their health and wellness. I am very excited to start this new chapter.
In my free time I take care of my two young girls, Genevieve and Josephine and our cat Birch. My husband Jeff and I love to host friends in the summer and we spend much of our time at the beach. We enjoy visiting my sister and parents in vermont and NH throughout the year. I love to travel anywhere!
I am grateful to be joining Sturgis and I look forward to being your nurse.
Hi, everyone! After 15 years teaching abroad in Chile and Singapore, I am excited to return to Cape Cod and join Sturgis for my 23rd year of teaching English.
We had a busy summer moving back to the Cape and getting ready to start our next chapter here. My husband George will also be teaching at Sturgis, and our three young boys will be attending school in Sandwich. Outside of teaching, I enjoy traveling, doing Pilates, reading, solving puzzles, and spending time outdoors.
I am looking forward to a great year here!
I'm very excited to be joining Sturgis this year and working in Special Education at the East campus. For the past 10 years, my family and I have been in Singapore where I worked at Singapore American School. We loved our time overseas but are looking forward to spending more time with family and friends and experiencing seasons again!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family: my wife Alissa, and our three boys. I also enjoy time outside at the beach, cooking, listening to and playing music, and watching and playing various sports. I'm looking forward to being part of the Sturgis community and continuing to learn from all the amazing educators here.
I have been a health and wellness coach for the past 26 years guiding clients to make positive lifestyle changes. Helping people set and meet goals with regard to increasing physical activity, managing stress and developing healthier eating habits is a passion of mine.
During Covid, I was shocked by the need for my type of role at the high school level. I began seeing students in their homes as a way to get them outside and moving. I am looking forward to extending my knowledge into the classroom.
I am happy to be switching roles here at Sturgis. I have been Sturgis Board of Trustees' Chair for the past three years and have stepped down to take the role as Sturgis' new Finance Director.
I hold a bachelor's degree in Accounting and a master's degree in Taxation. My work experience has been in starting businesses and working in corporate taxation. When I am not working, I am either studying, researching, taking care of my family or sleeping. I am happily married and quite proud to be a parent to three Sturgis' alums, Sarah '20, Deborah '23, and Isaac '24.
Hi everyone! My name is Tina and I am beyond thrilled to be joining Sturgis West as inclusion support. I tutored and worked as a supplemental instructor at Cape Cod Community College for the last couple of years and am excited to start my journey at Sturgis. I was born and raised in Quebec and did some travelling in my early twenties. I moved to British Columbia then England and then did some backpacking in Central America. I had been visiting the Cape for years before I decided to make the official move here. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, fishing, and reading. I look forward to meeting all of you!