Emergence Academy Staff

Amanda Gauthier,  Executive Principal

Amanda Gauthier was born and raised in Chicopee, Massachusetts. She graduated from UMass Amherst. She started teaching in Phoenix, Arizona in 2011 and has worked in schools ever since. She helped to found Rise Academy in Springfield and is excited to move into the role of Principal of Emergence Academy. She loves cooking, reading, her son RJ, and her two dogs, Lexi & Monroe. She just obtained her doctorate in Leading & Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University.

c: (413) 885-5355

Misael Ramos, Principal

Misael Ramos has been a math teacher in Springfield, Massachusetts for his entire professional career. He is particularly invested in ELL academics and bilingual education, which were key components that shaped his own educational path as a student and ELL. He works also as a math coach to assist other teachers in their lesson plans and teaching craft, specifically with dual language learning. As an educator during this pandemic, he is dedicated to investigating best practices for dealing with any learning loss that has occurred. 

c: (413) 455-0011

Emily Burdick, Acting Assistant Principal

Emily Burdick was born in Awasa, Ethiopia. She grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts and attended Springfield Public Schools. She earned her bachelor's degree and then her master’s degree from Wheelock College in Boston, Ma where she studied Elementary Education, Human Development, and International Teaching and Global Studies. She spent a year living and teaching in Athens, Greece but loves teaching in Springfield. She is excited to work this year as an assistant principal to support new teachers and still have time to read with students. In her free time, Emily likes to walk her dog, Pepper, read many books, and travel. 

c: (413) 218-2353

Manal al luhaibi, Math Teacher

Manal al luhaibi was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq. She got her Bachelors  in Mechanical Engineering from University of Technology in Iraq. She arrived to United States in 2010. She become a citizen in 2015. She got her Master’s degree in Education/Secondary School from Elms College, Chicopee, MA. she worked as an engineer, a math teacher, a math tutor, and as an interpreter.

She is an  experienced bilingual Arabic volunteer specialized in providing support services for the refugee community.

c: (413) 234-5511

Morgan Stone, Special Education Teacher

Morgan Stone was born and raised in Springfield, MA. After working and traveling in the hospitality industry, she found her way back to Springfield where she began her career in education as a long-term substitute in the Springfield Public School District’s Social Emotional and Behavioral Support Program (SEBS). For the next 6 years she would go on to teach math for the SEBS program at Rebecca Johnson, John F. Kennedy Middle School, Van Sickle Academy, and Rise Academy. She is elated to now join Emergence Academy where she will be able to support her students while building on their strengths.

c: (413) 505-3218 

Adnan Mujagić, Math Teacher

Adnan Mujagić was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina and moved to the United States with his family when he was 11. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Diplomatic Academy of Vienna in Austria. Adnan fell in love with teaching middle school math Arkansas in 2013 and has taught ever since. Some of his favorite things are playing frisbee, long hikes with his dog Mila, hanging out with his cats Roger and Fin, listening to music, and eating bread.

c: (630) 538-9859 

Mike County, ESL Science Teacher

Mike County was born in Arlington, MA, and received his BA in English from Suffolk University. For the past decade he has worked with SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) students in Worcester, MA, teaching ESL, History, and AVID. Previously Mike travelled as a professional musician and lived in Portland, OR, Los Angeles, CA,  Dorchester and Gloucester, MA. He likes being with family, meditation, and breaking the silence with music.

c: (413) 370-2612 

Tonya Shippy, Student and Culture Specialist

Tonya Shippy was born and raised in Springfield, MA.  After working for a correctional facility and D.C.F she decided she wanted a job that would allow her to help children. Her mission at Emergence Academy is to contribute to our culture filled environment and celebrate everyone for who they are and where they come from. Tonya also assists our students in getting to and from school because every student deserves an education no matter the circumstances.

Marie Rohracher, ESL Teacher

Marie Rohrbacher was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Virginia. She’s earned a bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Education for Bilingual/ESL/Multicultural Studies. After teaching in Tokushima, Japan, Marie moved to Massachusetts to devote her professional career to teaching. In the past 8 years, Marie has taught English language to a wide variety of students and is loving the opportunity to continue here at Emergence Academy! Her favorite things to do are hiking all around New England, learning from her students, and traveling anywhere & everywhere.

c: (540) 877-5004 

Amy Park, School Culture Coordinator

Amy Park was born and raised in New Jersey. She earned her bachelor's degree in Sport Management at the University of New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut, and then went on to earn her master's degree in College Student Affairs at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As the Student Culture Coordinator, Amy is excited to follow her passion in building a deeper sense of community at Emergence, by supporting students (and staff!) in being the best version of themselves and bringing out each individual's authentic and unique selves to better the school, local, and global community! Amy also enjoys all sports (challenge her in basketball or soccer!), trying new foods and restaurants, and watching movies. 

Rubi Reyes, Early College Coordinator

I was born and raised in San Juan Puerto Rico. Upon moving to Springfield, MA in 2014, I decided to fight for my dreams and focus on my education. It was not easy at all, but I knew that education would be the key that would open many doors for me. First generation graduated with a bachelor's degree in Public Health and Sociology. I have always liked the environment of schools, being able to help students and empower them to something greater is my passion. I know how challenging it can be to learn a new language and that is why I am delighted to join the emergency team, to support each student. Something I like to do is sing (even if I don't have a pretty voice), watch movies, rewatch my favorite tv shows and travel. 

Jerrymar Torres, ESL Teacher

Jerrymar Torres was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut. She recently graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Sciences. She has had the opportunity to work with children of all age groups and looks forward to joining the Emergence community and supporting the students. Her favorite things to do include: baking, travelling, trying new foods, and attending concerts. 

c: (413) 505-3218 

Nasly Sanchez, Theater & Arts Teacher

I am Nasly Sanchez, I was born in Cali, Colombia "The world capital of Salsa” and cradle of the “Creación Colectiva” theatrical method. I am a proud heir to the above. I love to dance salsa and I am a  graduate of the Universidad del Valle with a degree in Dramatic Art. I grew up as a stage artist at the Teatro La Máscara in Cali, where I was in charge for 8 years of the training and stage direction of the Laboratory for Theater Creation and Feminist Thought. I have worked as an actress, director, playwright and also as a teacher, an activity that has allowed me to participate in wonderful theatrical processes with vulnerable populations, women, children and adolescents.

c: 413 459 0772

Julian Miguez, Technology Teacher

Julian Miguez was Born in Colombia, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Humanities and Languages from the Universidad Libre de Colombia, and his Master's degree in Secondary Education from the University of Alabama. He did an Internship in a public school in Seattle, WA as a Spanish Teacher Assistant in 2016-2017. He has been working as a Technology and English teacher for the last 5 years. He is into sports, he loves playing soccer and tennis and he likes hanging out with friends and his family.  

Aidan Bardos, ELA/ELL Teacher

Mx. Aidan Bardos is excited to be a part of the Emergence Academy community as an ESOL Teacher with years of experience teaching both English as a New Language and English literature. Aidan grew up in small-town New Hampshire and most recently lived and taught in upstate New York. Aidan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American Studies and Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Wesleyan University. When they are not teaching, you can find them gardening, making art, or studying languages.

c: ‪(413) 264-6747‬ 

Rahme Eldada, Math Teacher & Counselor

Rahme Eldada was born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Lebanon. Rahme moved to the United States in October 2000 when she was 13. She got her bachelor’s in applied mathematics from Westfield State University. She has earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from American International College. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Education in mental health counseling. Rahme has been teaching for 12 years. She was a Crisis Counselor and Clinical Specialist for three years. She focuses on making students feel mentally and emotionally safe in her classroom. She is bilingual in Arabic. Some of her favorite things to do are cooking and baking. She loves coffee, chocolate, and listening to music.

c: 413-348-1343

Ramkrishna Kandel, Biology Teacher

I was born and raised in Nepal. I completed my Master's degree in genetics from Michigan State University. I received my PhD in biology from the University of Florida. My first foray into teaching was immediately after I graduated from high school; I taught an elementary school science for a year. It was really an intellectually rewarding moment as well as the spark that ignited my interest in teaching. I believe young minds, if guided carefully, can become the aquifers that supply the steady intellectual workforce to our society. It is, however, incumbent upon educators to goad and replenish these aquifers with seminal ideas and initiatives. 

I love running and exercising, if and when I am free from reading books (which runs the gamut from psychology to philosophy to evolutionary biology) and the tedium of omphaloskpesis.

Glenn Yarnell, ESL Teacher

Glenn grew up in Easthampton and has lived in Springfield for most of his adult life. He holds a Bachelor's in English and a Master's in Education from UMass/Amherst and is currently pursuing an Ed.S in ESL at Bay Path University. 

Glenn has taught English to adults for many years in community and higher ed. settings and is super excited to be teaching ELA at Emergence. 

When he is not teaching you will find Glenn running, taking photos, or trying to teach himself a song on the ukulele. 

c: 413-342-1416

Michael Cherry, ELA Teacher

Michael Cherry was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and just recently moved to Springfield, MA this year. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT and earned a masters degree in the art of teaching at Relay Graduate School of Education. Michael enjoys traveling and listening to R&B and/or Hip Hop as well as trying out a new cooking recipe whenever he discovers something new on Tik Tok. He is also a foodie and open to trying new experiences. Michael's teaching background started in elementary school for seven years and he is excited to transfer his elementary skills to a middle school setting! 

Veronica Moore, ELA Teacher

Veronica Moore is an 11th grade ELA teacher at Emergence Academy. Before that she was an 11th grade ELA teacher at the High School of Commerce. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism both from the University of Massachusetts Amherst as well as her Master's Degree in Teaching and Curriculum with a Certificate in Equity and Democracy. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, knitting and making ceramics. She is very proud to have travelled to 23 countries and counting.

c: (413) 351-6021

Samantha Rivera-Pirir, Science Teacher

Samantha is Guatemalan and was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She is a first-generation college graduate who recently graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Education. She recently moved to Springfield after being accepted into Teach for America. She is soon to start her master's program in Teaching and Curriculum by taking classes through Boston University. She loves to dance and, in her undergrad, she was the choreographer for an annual multicultural performance. On her free time, you'll find her painting a new project, exploring new places, or hanging out with friends. She is an avid concert goer and will attend any of her favorite artists' concert whenever she can! 

Steven Marles, ESL Teacher

Steven Marles was born and raised in Colombia. He earned his Bachelor's in English from the University of Tolima and, recently, his Master's in Evaluation and Assurance of the Quality of Education from the University of Externado, both in Colombia. He participated in an Exchange program at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in South Korea. He has taught the English Language from very young learners to University students in Colombia, and now he will be teaching ELA to our students at Emergence Academy. He enjoys reading, traveling with his wife, and riding motorcycles. 

Sebastian Hersey,

Sebastian Hersey was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and moved to the United States when he was 18 to go to college. He studied History and French at UMass Amherst, and joined Teach for America after graduating in 2024. He enjoys traveling and learning as much as possible about different countries, cultures, and languages. In his free time, Sebastian likes cooking, listening to music, and reading/writing as much as he can, especially about Haiti. 

Celia Graef

Celia is originally from Pennsylvania and attended Penn State University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education along with minors in Entomology, Biology, and International Agriculture. Throughout her degree, Celia was an educator at an environmental center in PA, Penn State's Entomology Museum, and an urban farm in Colorado. After graduating, Celia lived in Ghana for a year teaching Agriculture and establishing a school farm before coming to Emergence Academy in 2025 to teach 10th grade Environmental Science. Celia loves to spend her free time outdoors: hiking, climbing, gardening, and skiing. She also loves to cook, sew, and learn new instruments.

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Timothy Tyler, Post Secondary Senior Analyst

A Springfield, MA native and proud HBCU graduate of Virginia State University with a bachelor's degree in mass communications, Mr. Tyler brings over five years of experience in education and a dynamic background in radio and music marketing. Now serving as the Post Secondary Senior Analyst at Emergence Academy, Mr. Tyler combines creativity, passion, and purpose to guide students on their journey beyond high school—helping them achieve their goals and turn their dreams into reality.

Outside of work, Tim is an avid fan of sports (Lakers and Patriots), music, movies, and traveling interests that keep him inspired and connected to the world around him.

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Katherine Vaillancourt

Katherine Vaillancourt was born and raised in Chicopee, MA.  She earned her Bachelor's Degree at Westfield State College and her Master's Degree from Fitchburg State College.

c: 413-264-6745 

Adrian Toledo

Adrián Toledo is a Massachusetts native with a corporate background. 

Yaneth Rodriguez, 

Yaneth Rodriguez, I was born and raised in Colombia. I earned my bachelor´s degree in Natural Sciences and Environmental Education from the University of Tolima. I am currently studying for my Master of Arts in Teaching English at UNAD Florida. 

I have taught biology and chemistry in high and middle school since 2013, and I have taught high school and middle school biology and chemistry since 2013, with a variety of students with whom I have built beautiful memories. 

Passionate about science and love teaching. 

I believe that education is the right way to improve the world and I hope to discover with the students "that nobody loves what they don't know". and we have a whole world to know.  

I also enjoy the time with my lovely family, writing stories for my kids, reading and traveling.  

Blessed to be at Emergency Academy, where I will give my best every day to support my school. 

Hector Reyes, 

Hector M. Reyes was born in Philadelphia, PA but moved to Puerto Rico where he had lived mostly in the central mountainous chain of the main Island. He has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an English major and later completed a master's degree in teaching English as Second Language. Mr. Reyes has over 3 decades of teaching experience from Elementary to University coursework. He loves to spend time with his family, particularly with his grandchildren. Caution: He loves coffee and will most likely take your offer. 

c: 413-264-6745 

Karla Vazquez

Karla Vazquez was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She completed her bachelor's degree in Adapted Physical Education at the University of Puerto Rico. After graduation, she moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, and began her educational career in Holyoke Public Schools. She earned her master's degree in Educational Administration in 2022 at Fitchburg State University, and has been teaching Physical Education for over 8 years. Karla enjoys spending time with family, going for hikes, running, and playing tennis.

c: 413-264-6745 

Elya Lerner

Elya Lerner is an 11th grade ELA teacher at Emergence Academy. They have a Bachelor’s Degree in History & Spanish and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Clark University. While at Clark, they student-taught US History at Claremont Academy in Worcester, Massachusetts. They love to read, learn languages, cook and bake, and spend time outside. 

c:  508 322 1254