Faculty and Staff
Art Department
Brett Abigaña
Dr. Brett Abigaña, Choral and Chamber Ensemble Instructor. Brett holds a Master of Music Composition from The Juilliard School, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts Composition from Boston University. E-mail Mr. Abigaña
Liz Cellucci
Mrs. Liz Cellucci, Visual Arts Instructor. Liz received a BFA in Painting from UMass Dartmouth and has pursued graduate course work in Graphic Design and Art Education at Massachusetts College of Art and the University of Connecticut. Prior to teaching, Liz was a designer and art director working in advertising and television. She enjoys spending her summers at an international yoga and meditation retreat site, where she works with children and teens in visual art and theater production. She participates annually in educational conferences, presenting art workshops for children. E-mail Ms. Cellucci
Bill Gardiner
Mr. Bill Gardiner, Drama Instructor. Bill has been acting professionally in the Boston Area for over twenty years. He has performed with the Actor’s Shakespeare Project, The Stoneham Theatre, the Publick Theatre; Boston Theatre Works, North Shore Music Theatre, American Stage Festival, Boston Playwright’s, and the Gloucester Stage Co. Mr. Gardiner also toured New England with many educational companies including; City Stage Company, Boston Arts Group, Loon and Heron Theatre and Tempest Productions. His Industrial film credits include Boston Herald, Dunkin Donuts, Allmerica Insurance, Franco-American and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. For over six years Mr. Gardiner was part of the Science Theatre Company at Boston’s Museum of Science, performing in Science related plays and writing and performing both in-house and traveling demonstrations. He has taught acting at the Actor’s Workshop, the Young Company of the Publick Theatre, American Stage Festival, and for the past three years at the Summer Theatre Institute of BU. He graduated from Boston University. He is currently pursuing his MFA in Theatre Education from Boston University after graduating summa cum laude with a BFA in Theatre Arts. E-mail Mr. Gardiner
Classics Department
Laurie Glenn
Ms. Laurie Glenn, Latin and Ancient Greek Instructor. Laurie began teaching at BUA in 2005. She has taught all levels of Latin and Greek at the Academy. She has developed a method for teaching Latin based exclusively on authentic Latin texts and also incorporates as many “real” texts in the Greek courses as possible. Laurie received her B. A. from Boston University with a major concentration in Ancient Greek and Latin and a minor in Italian, and her M. A. in Classical Studies. She has taken courses at the Università di Padova in Italy, and has studied under Reginald Foster, one of the Pope’s Latin secretaries, in Rome. She has attended the spoken Latin conventicula at the University of Kentucky. Laurie is currently researching religion in Tacitus and speeches in the Iliad and Odyssey. Her research interests also include the reception and translation of Classical texts, Italian Renaissance studies, ancient philosophy, and epic style. E-mail Ms. Glenn
Kristin Jewell
Dr. Kristin Jewell, Latin and Ancient Greek Instructor. Kristin graduated magna cum laude from the College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in Classics. She went on to earn an M.A. and Ph.D. in Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where she focused her research on Euripidean tragedy. As a teaching fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, she taught Latin courses as well as a freshman writing seminar based on classical and modern rhetoric. Before arriving at the Academy, Kristin also taught in the Classics department at Dickinson College, and was a member of both the English and Foreign Language departments at the Loomis Chaffee School. E-mail Dr. Jewell
English Department
Philip Gambone
Mr. Philip Gambone, Classical Themes in Literature Instructor. A graduate of Harvard University (A.B. in English, magna cum laude) and the Episcopal Divinity School (M.A. in theology, with honors), Phil taught for 26 years at the Park School in Brookline prior to his appointment at BUA. He is a published writer with three books and many articles and essays to his credit. Phil has taught writing at the University of Massachusetts, Boston College, and in the freshman writing program at Harvard. Currently, he teaches one evening a week in the creative and expository writing program at Harvard Extension School. He has twice been awarded Distinguished Teaching Citations by Harvard. In 1996, he taught in Beijing under the auspices of School Year Abroad, an experience that led to his passion for Asian literature and art. E-mail Mr. Gambone
Gordon Harvey
Dr. Gordon Harvey, English Instructor and Writing Center Advisor. Gordon received a M.A. in Comparative Literature from the University of Alberta, specializing in modern French and American poetry, and a Ph.D. in English from Stanford University, where he studied classical and Renaissance poetry, poetics, and rhetoric and edited the journal Sequoia. For twenty years, Dr. Harvey was Associate Director of the Expository Writing Program at Harvard, where he developed a pedagogy now widely used in freshman writing, created and taught Harvard’s exposition course for upperclassmen, “Style and Styles in Prose, ” and served as resident dean in Leverett House. He later created and directed the Program in Graduate Writing and Writing Pedagogy for the graduate school. Dr. Harvey’s Writing with Sources and “Elements of the Essay” are widely used in colleges and universities, and he has published a number of articles on literature, criticism, and writing pedagogy.
E-mail Dr. Harvey
Lauren Proll
Dr. Lauren Proll, English and American Literature Instructor. In addition to teaching literature, Lauren advises MUSE, the Academy’s literary magazine. Before coming to BUA, Dr. Proll chaired the English Department at Gann Academy, in Waltham. She also taught for three years at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where she directed the writing program, and at Indiana University, where she won three teaching awards. She holds a B.A. in English (summa cum laude) from The College of New Jersey, as well as an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from Indiana University. Her primary area of scholarship is British Modernism; her doctoral dissertation examined the political implications of the Edwardian family saga and focused particularly on D. H. Lawrence’s The Rainbow. She has presented scholarly papers on D. H. Lawrence at meetings of the International D. H. Lawrence Society in Taos, New Mexico, in 1998, and in Kyoto, Japan, in 2003. Email Dr. Proll
History Department
Olive Brown
Ms. Olive Brown, Adjunct Ancient History Instructor. Olive received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Harvard University. For the past 10 years, Olive has brought her passion for teaching history to sixth-ninth grade students at Fontbonne Academy in Milton, and to homeschool students for whom she developed curriculum focusing on History, Geography, and Art History. She also plays the violin as part of the Quincy Orchestra. E-mail Ms. Brown
James Davis
Dr. James Davis, European History and Existentialism Instructor. Jim received his B.A. in political science from Beloit College, graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa and earned an M.A. in philosophy at State University of New York at Albany. Jim received his Ph.D in philosophy at Boston University, after research on the Aristotelian and ancient Greek views of science, psychology, and theories of reality. He has taught at Boston University’s College of Liberal Arts and the Metropolitan College and Merrimack College. During the summer, he teaches logic and philosophy in John Hopkins’ Center for Talented Youth program. Jim is a member of the American Association of Philosophy Teachers, and has presented a paper on pedagogue at their biannual conference. He has won the Boston University Rallis Memorial Award for excellence in humanities research, was a finalist for the Metcalf Award for Excellence in teaching at Boston University, and was honored with the University of Chicago’s award for excellence in high school teaching. E-mail Dr. Davis
Sarah Dawson
Dr. Sarah Dawson, Ancient History Instructor. Sarah received a Bachelor of Arts in Classics and French from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Following that, Sarah received her Masters in Classics and her Ph.D in Archeology and the Ancient World, both from Brown University. She has also studied at the Université de Provence, Aix-Marseille in France. Sarah is fluent in French, Latin, and Ancient Greek. Her interests include Late Antiquity, Lucretius, classic films, and handicrafts of all types. Having previously worked at the Groton school teaching Latin, Sarah brings a deep understanding of the classical tradition to the History classroom. E-mail Dr. Dawson
Richard Horn
Dr. Richard Horn, American History Instructor. He has also served as the Academy’s Director of Studies and Director of Governance. He received his A.B. in history from Harvard University, his M.A.L.S. in social sciences from Dartmouth College, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in history from Princeton University. Rich taught at the Rivers School in Weston and The Brooks School in North Andover, and has lectured in the department of history at Princeton and at The College of New Jersey. In addition to publishing several articles on history, Rich is preparing his dissertation, an intellectual biography of the American philosopher Sidney Hook, for publication. His areas of special interest are 19th and 20th century American history, social thought in Europe and America during that same period, the history of evolutionary theory, and philosophy, particularly American Pragmatism. E-mail Dr. Horn
Peter Reed
Mr. Peter Reed, Medieval History Instructor. Peter received a Bachelor of Arts in Medieval Studies and a Masters in Religious Studies, both from the University of Iowa. Following that, Peter received a Masters in History and his Ph.D in Medieval History from Yale University. Having previously worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Iowa, and as fellow at Yale University’s Divinity School, Peter brings great teaching experience to the History classroom. Peter will be a member of the BU Academy faculty while Jim Davis is on sabbatical. E-mail Mr. Reed
Mathematics Department
Clement Ampadu
Mr. Clement Ampadu, Adjunct Mathematics Instructor. Clement received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Ghana and a Masters in Economics from the University of Western Ontario. Clement has taught Mathematics and Statistics for over 20 years, and most recently taught at the Academy of Pacific Rim Charter School and Newton Country Day School. In his most recent teaching position, Clement also served as Chair of the Mathematics Department. E-mail Mr. Ampadu
Katie Byers
Ms. Katie Byers, Mathematics Instructor. Katie received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Smith College and a Post-Baccalaureate in Mathematics from UMass Boston. Katie has extensive teaching experience from other area independent schools including Gann Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy. E-mail Ms. Byers
Nick Dent
Mr. Nick Dent, Mathematics Instructor. A graduate of Oberlin College with a B.S. in Physics, Mr. Dent previously taught math and physics at Sacramento Country Day in Sacramento, California. In addition to teaching Math, Mr. Dent advises the Robotics team, leads the Math Club and the Science Olympiads, and coaches Ultimate Frisbee. E-mail Mr. Dent
Srdjan Divac
Mr. Srdjan Divac, Mathematics Instructor. He studied Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at Harvard as an undergraduate, and Mathematics as a graduate student, at Harvard, Tufts, and Boston University. He has also taught mathematics at Harvard, Tufts and BU, and has received numerous teaching awards. He continues to teach math in the Math for Teaching ALM program and the Summer School at Harvard. When not teaching, he enjoys, among other things, Andean flutes, tennis, and vacations. E-mail Mr. Divac
Science Department
Gary Garber
Mr. Gary Garber, Physics Instructor. In addition to teaching Physics, Gary oversees Academy students who intern in science and engineering labs at Boston University, coordinates the senior thesis program, and is the head coach of the Robotics Team. Gary attended The Loomis Chaffee School, earned his B.S. with a double major in physics and astronomy from Haverford College, and received his M.A. in physics from Boston University. His graduate school research concentrated on biological applications of optics in the B.U. Photonics Center. Gary taught physics and mathematics at the Germantown Friends School in Pennsylvania. Gary is an active member of the American Association of Physics Teachers, and has given physics and astronomy presentations and workshops around the country. He wrote three chapters of a physical science book, which was published in the fall of 2002. His hobbies include jogging, astronomy, and model electric trains. E-mail Mr. Garber
Madeline Hickman
Ms. Madeline Hickman (’07), Physics Teaching Fellow. After graduating from BU Academy in 2007, Madeline attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. While at MIT, Madeline worked in various capacities teaching and interning locally and internationally with mechanical systems design projects. Most notably, Madeline co-founded the Practical Energy Network (PEN), which promotes local innovation through hands-on, project-based education across the globe. E-mail Ms. Hickman
Nina Kishore
Ms. Nina Kishore, STEM Science Seminar Instructor. Nina received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Vassar College and went on to receive her Masters of Public Administration from Colombia University and Masters of Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. Currently, Nina is pursuing her Masters in Medical Science from Boston University’s School of Medicine. Previously, Nina worked as the Director of Health Education at Preventative Medicine Associates, where she designed a health education curriculum for high school students. E-mail Ms. Kishore
Rosemary White
Dr. Rosemary White, Chemistry Teacher. Rosemary received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Vanderbilt University. She was a Postdoctoral Faculty Fellow/Lecturer for two years at Boston University before she joined the Academy. Rosemary also has extensive teaching experience as an undergraduate and a doctoral candidate. She has authored many research articles that have been published in various scholarly science journals. In addition to teaching Chemistry, Rosemary is the head coach of the Academy’s Science Team. E-mail Dr. White
Administration & Staff
James S. Berkman
Mr. James S. Berkman, Head of School. Jim received his A.B. (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) in History & Literature at Harvard College, his M.Phil. in early modern European History at Oxford University, and his J.D. (cum laude) at Harvard Law School. After practicing law for a couple of years, Jim taught English and has been an independent school administrator since 1984. He has worked at Germantown Friends School, Germantown Academy, Friends Academy, as well as Abington Friends School, and most recently he served as the Head of School at Hawken School in Cleveland, Ohio. Jim’s literary interests include Henry James, Mark Twain, science fiction, and Romantic poetry. He also enjoys art and rowing. E-mail Mr. Berkman
Emily Bentinck-Smith
Emily Bentinck-Smith, School Counselor. Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hobart and William Smith and then continued on to receive her Masters in School Counseling from Boston University. Prior to her role as School Counselor, Emily’s work as the Academy’s Assistant School Counselor has given her a strong understanding of the Academy community. E-mail Ms. Bentinck-Smith
Paige Brewster
Ms. Paige Brewster, Director of Admission and Financial Aid. Paige comes to the Academy with six years of experience in Boston’s non-profit sector. Before joining our staff, she worked at MetroLacrosse, a character-based lacrosse program for Boston youth, and at The Steppingstone Foundation, an academic preparation and placement program for Boston school children. She received her B.S. in Business Administration from Bucknell University in 2001. E-mail Ms. Brewster
Michelle M. Cannon
Mrs. Michelle M. Cannon, Assistant Head of School. After receiving her A.B. from Harvard University in Classics, Michelle taught Latin, Greek, and Ancient History at Commonwealth School, and Latin at Boston Latin School (her alma mater). While at Commonwealth, she also served as Director of Admission. Prior to coming to BUA, Michelle started-up and directed an out-of-school ninth grade academic preparation and high school placement program for Boston school children at The Steppingstone Foundation. E-mail Ms. Cannon
William (Bill) Castell
Mr. Bill Castell, Technology Coordinator. Bill received his B.A. from Oberlin College in Studio Art and Art History, and his Ed.M. from Harvard Graduate School of Education in Technology and Education. Bill comes to the Academy after six years working as a Technology Coordinator at the Buckingham Browne & Nichols School. E-mail Mr. Castell
J.T. Duck
Mr. J.T. Duck, Director of College Counseling. In addition to acting as Director of College Counseling, J.T. also oversees the Academy Press. J.T. most recently had been the Associate Director of Admission at Brandeis University, and also worked in college admissions at Haverford College, where he graduated with a B.A. degree in Comparative Literature. E-mail Mr. Duck
Ellen Rhodes-Evans
Ms. Ellen Rhodes-Evans, Assistant Director of College Counseling. Ellen received her B.A. in Psychology from Bates College and her M.Ed. in Policy, Planning and Higher Education Administration from Boston University. Prior to joining the Academy in 2001, Ellen was the Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Boston University, where she assisted with freshman selection and managed the transfer admissions process. E-mail Ms. Rhodes-Evans
Rita Freda
Ms. Rita Freda, Administrative Coordinator. Rita received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Massachusetts. Prior to joining the Academy, Rita worked in the Military Science Department at Boston University, where she assisted with budget management, accounts payable and receivable, and office operations. E-mail Ms. Freda
John Friborg
Mr. John Friborg, Director of Advancement. John has served in many capacities at several independent schools, including Governors Academy, New Canaan Country School, and The Thacher School. He comes to BUA from his most recent position as the Head of Fox River Country Day School in Illinois. For many years he helped run a successful capital campaign at The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston. A graduate of Williams College (B.A. in History), he also holds graduate degrees from the University of New Hampshire (M.A. in History) and the Harvard Graduate School of Education (Ed.M. in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy). E-mail Mr. Friborg
Maureen O’Hara Hurley
Ms. Maureen Hurley, Director of Summer Programs and Coordinator of Student Life and Advising. Maureen worked for many years at Boston University, and more recently at the British Schools of America and TERI College Access. She holds a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and a Master of Urban Affairs degree from Boston University’s Metropolitan College. E-mail Ms. Hurley
Alyssa Reisman
Ms. Alyssa Reisman, Administrative Manager. Alyssa received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Union College. Prior to joining the Academy, Alyssa worked at Boston University as a Compensation Analyst in Human Resources, where she has received extensive training in the Boston University systems. E-mail Ms. Reisman
David Stone
Mr. David Stone, Director of Athletics, Alumni Relations, and Governance. Dave received his B.S. in Physical Education from Ithaca College and his M.A. in Human Movement from Boston University. His primary focus is on exposing students to athletic activities that promote good health and that can be enjoyed throughout life. Dave has been at BU Academy from the school’s inception. E-mail Mr. Stone
Katey Sullivan
Ms. Katey Sullivan (’03), Assistant Director of Admission and Advancement. Katey graduated from Boston University Academy in 2003, and from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2007. Katey served as the Academy’s Financial Manager for her first three years before being promoted to her current position in the spring of 2010. She brings to her position a thorough understanding of BUA’s culture and community, and is interested in pursuing further studies in Business Management at Boston University. E-mail Ms. Sullivan
Nicole White
Ms. Nicole White, Admission and Advancement Coordinator. Nicole is a graduate of Bryant University with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and Minors in marketing and political science. Most recently, Nicole worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay as a development assistant. She has experience working with print communication and has managed a variety of events and projects in fundraising and development. E-mail Ms.White
