FHS Welcomes New Staff in 2011-12!
Rosanne Achin, Biology
Rosanne Achin will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of the
science department this year. Ms. Achin graduated cum laude from the College of
the Holy Cross with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology. Additionally, Ms.
Achin holds Masters of Science Degrees in Natural Resources Science from the
University of Rhode Island and in Science Teaching from Syracuse University.
Prior to joining Franklin High School, Ms. Achin’s professional experiences
include teaching science at the high school, undergraduate and graduate level. In
addition, Ms. Achin has been employed by research and industrial laboratories and
is the author of a peer reviewed scientific paper that resulted from her research.
Outside of teaching, Ms. Achin enjoys spending time with her family, helping her
children discover new wonders in a vernal pond near their home, gardening, art, hiking, and caring for her
animals. Ms. Achin will be teaching Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. We are excited to welcome
Ms. Achin to our faculty.
Bryan Bechtel, Social Studies
Bryan Bechtel will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of the
social studies department this year. Bechtel is a 2004 graduate of Providence
College with a B.A. in History. Additionally, Bechtel holds an M.A. in American
History from Providence College. Prior to joining Franklin High School, Bechtel’s
professional experiences include being a substitute teacher, paraprofessional in the
Dedham Public School District, and an Account Executive at Sports Radio WEEI.
Outside of teaching, Bechtel enjoys teaching Sunday School and small groups at
church and volunteering in the community. Upon joining FHS, Bechtel wanted
colleagues, students and families to know that he is thrilled to contribute to Franklin
High’s covenant to foster academic and interpersonal excellence among members of
the school community. Bechtel will be teaching U.S. History I. We are excited to
welcome Bryan Bechtel to our faculty.
Ann Butler, Biology
Ann Butler will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of the science department this
year. Ms. Butler is a 1987 graduate of Smith College with a B.A. in Biological Sciences. Additionally,
Ms. Butler holds an M.Ed in Technology in Education from Harvard University. Prior to joining Franklin
High School, Ms Butler's professional experiences include laboratory research, educational media
production, and teaching at the high school and college level. Outside of teaching, Ms. Butler enjoys
cross-country skiing and hiking with her family. Ms. Butler will be teaching Advanced Placement
Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. We are excited to welcome Ms. Butler to our faculty.
Laurie Canarri, Special Education
Allyn Copp, Physics
Allyn Copp will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of the
science department this year. Mr. Copp is a graduate of Yale (’78) with a B.A. in
Geology & Geophysics. Additionally, Mr. Copp holds a Master of Education degree
from Lesley University. Prior to joining Franklin High School, Mr. Copp’s
professional experiences include 15 years as a geologist, environmental engineer
and businessman and 15 years of teaching science and mathematics in a variety of
public and private schools in New England and Ecuador. Outside of teaching, Mr.
Copp enjoys spending time with his wife, Mary, a documentary filmmaker and his
three almost grown (a permanent condition:-) children. Mr. Copp will be teaching
Physics CP and AP Physics B. We are excited to welcome Mr. Copp to our faculty.
Elisa Demas, Foreign Language (Spanish)
Elisa Demas will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of the
foreign language department this year. Elisa is a graduate of California State
University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development, with
concentration in Adolescence Studies. Elisa also holds a Master’s Degree with a
CPCU designation from Golden Gate University at San Francisco. Elisa's prior
professional experience includes teaching at the elementary, middle school and
high school levels. Outside of teaching, Elisa enjoys spending time with family
and friends, traveling, and scuba diving.
Quotation:
Sow an act, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap
a destiny.
~George Dana Boardman
Andrea Devlin, Psychologist
Andrea Devlin will be joining the Franklin High School faculty this year.
Andrea is a 2010 graduate of Rhode Island College with a CAGS in school
psychology. Additionally, Andrea holds a BA in history/political science
from Whitworth College and an MPP from the Kennedy School of
Government, Harvard University. Prior to joining Franklin High School,
Andrea's professional experience includes the Ahern Middle School in
Foxborough. Outside of teaching, Andrea enjoys spending time with her
family, geocaching, hiking, and reading. We are excited to welcome
Andrea to our faculty.
Jennifer Dohm, Director of Foreign Languages
Jennifer Dohm will return to Franklin High School as the Foreign
Language Department Director. Jennifer is a 1994 graduate of the College
of the Holy Cross, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics.
Additionally, Jennifer holds a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Latin
and Classical Humanities from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Prior to joining Franklin High School, Jennifer taught Latin at Annie
Sullivan Middle School in Franklin, and at Marlborough High School.
Outside of teaching, Jennifer enjoys reading and baking, as well as singing
and acting in Gilbert and Sullivan productions with the Sudbury
Savoyards. Jennifer also enjoys spending time with her family, including
her 3-year-old daughter Lily.
Greg Elsden, Physics
Greg Elsden will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of the
science department this year. Mr. Elsden is a 1991 graduate of UMass Amherst with a
B.S. in Environmental Science. Additionally, he has completed 80% of an M.S. degree
in Chemistry from Northeastern University. Prior to joining Franklin High School, Mr.
Elsden's professional experiences include teaching positions at Hudson and Quincy
high schools. Before his career change to teaching, he worked for life science
technology companies such as QIAGEN and Perkin Elmer, and he spent seven years as
a chemist with the environmental engineering company, Camp Dresser and McKee.
Outside of teaching, Mr. Elsden enjoys DIY projects (he built a deck this past
summer), music (guitar, voice), canoeing, and of course valuable time with his family.
Upon joining FHS, Mr. Elsden wanted colleagues, students and families to know that
he is very enthusiastic about joining the Franklin community. Mr. Elsden will be
teaching physics and chemistry for the 2011-2012 school year. We are excited to welcome Mr. Elsden to
our faculty.
Kathy Fausnacht, B House Office
Kathy Fausnacht will be joining the Franklin High School staff as a member of the Franklin High School
B House department this year. Kathy is a 1982 graduate of Lebanon Valley College with a B.S. in
Accounting and Business Administration. Prior to joining Franklin High School, Kathy's professional
experiences include Accountant for Hershey Chocolate Company and Office Manager for Arthur Vigeant
CPA. Outside of teaching, Kathy enjoys biking, scrapbooking and family time with her husband Ken and
kids Katelyn and Tyler who also happen to be Franklin High School graduates. Upon joining FHS, Kathy
wanted colleagues, students and families to know that she fell in love with working with the FHS students
and staff during her short tenure in the spring of 2011 and can't wait to resume those duties and
relationships. We are excited to welcome Kathy to our faculty.
Hallie Gilbert, Special Education
Hallie Gilbert will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of
the Special Education department this year. Hallie is a graduate of Hamilton
College with a Master’s degree from JFKU in Museum Studies and is
completing a Masters of Special Education at Northeastern University. Prior to
joining Franklin High School, Hallie's professional experiences include
working in the Brookline Public Schools, as Director of Exhibitions at The Old
State House Museum and developing interactive science and history exhibits
for museums across the country. Outside of teaching, Hallie enjoys hiking,
photography and travelling and has just returned from a trip to Scotland. Upon
joining FHS, Hallie wanted colleagues, students and families to know how
much she is looking forward to joining the Franklin community. Hallie will be teaching Special
Education. We are excited to welcome Hallie to our faculty.
Jonathan Hanlon, Special Education
Jonathan Hanlon will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of
the Special Education department this year. Mr. Hanlon is a 2003 graduate of The
University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Additionally,
Mr. Hanlon holds a Master of Education from American International College.
Prior to joining Franklin High School, Mr. Hanlon taught special education
courses at The Clifford School at Longview Farm. Outside of teaching, Mr.
Hanlon enjoys antique audio restoration, motorcycle repair & maintenance, and
playing music. Upon joining FHS, Mr. Hanlon wanted colleagues, students and
families to know that he is "thrilled to be a part of Franklin's academic
community." Mr. Hanlon will be teaching courses in English 2 & 3 and U.S.
History I. We are excited to welcome Mr. Hanlon to our faculty.
Chrystal Hoe, Foreign Language (French)
Chrystal (Tate) Hoe will be returning to Franklin High School as a member
of the Foreign Language department this year. Chrystal is a 2003 graduate
of Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts in French and a Bachelor of
Science in Education. Additionally, Chrystal holds a Masters degree in
French from Kent State University. Prior to joining Franklin High School,
Chrystal's professional experiences include teaching French levels 1-5 AP,
coaching diving and cheerleading, advising Student Council, and serving as
a member of the NHS committee at her previous school. Outside of
teaching, Chrystal enjoys traveling with her husband, whom she recently
married in July, and her 2 dogs. Chrystal will be teaching French I CP and
French II Honors. We are excited to welcome Mrs. Hoe to our faculty.
Jane Hogan, Director of Art
Jane Hogan will be assuming a new role within the Franklin High School
faculty as K-12 Art Director and Franklin Arts Academy (FAA) Director
starting this year. Jane is a graduate of Smith College with a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Mathematics. Additionally, Jane holds a Masters of Business
Administration in Finance and Marketing from University of Chicago and
Masters in Art Education from Framingham State University. Prior to
joining Franklin High School, Jane’s professional experiences include 20
years of senior financial leadership positions in the high-tech and paperproducts industries, mostly recently as the Vice President of Finance for
Hewlett Packard’s Global Services Division. Outside of teaching, Jane
enjoys spending time with family (husband, John; daughter, Maura; son,
Patrick), non-profit volunteering, creating artwork, hiking, and reading.
Upon assuming her new role at FHS, Jane wanted colleagues, students and
families “not to take life’s challenges too rigidly. Explore, invent, change, experiment, have fun, and
change again.” Jane will be teaching Creative Literacy and the FAA Senior Arts Seminar next year. We
are excited to welcome Jane to her new role within our faculty.
Stephanie Jackson, Math
Stephanie Jackson will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of
the Math department this year. Stephanie is a 2011 graduate of College of the Holy
Cross with a Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics. Outside of teaching, Stephanie
enjoys spending time on the Cape and playing field hockey and lacrosse. Upon
joining FHS, Stephanie wanted colleagues, students and families to know that she is
excited to begin her career as a teacher at Franklin High School and looking forward
to meeting everyone. Stephanie will be teaching Pre-Calculus Honors and Calculus
CP. We are excited to welcome Stephanie to our faculty.
Christopher Kertyzak, Physics
Chris Kertyzak will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member
of the science department this year. Mr. Kertyzak is a 2008 graduate of the
University of Massachusetts, Lowell, with a B.S. in Physics. Additionally, Mr.
Kertyzak is in the process of completing his Master’s Degree in Technology in
Education from Lesley University. Prior to joining Franklin High School, Mr.
Kertyzak taught all levels of Physics to 11th and 12th graders for 3 years at
Swampscott High School. Outside of teaching, Mr. Kertyzak enjoys playing
the piano and guitar, writing music, playing sports, and spending time with his
family and friends. Upon joining FHS, Mr. Kertyzak wanted colleagues,
students and families to know that he will be fully dedicated to sharing his
enthusiasm for physics with his students while providing them with an
education that will be interesting and exciting for all. We are excited to
welcome Mr. Kertyzak to our faculty.
Danielle LaPlante, Art
Danielle LaPlante will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of the art department this
year. Danielle is a 2003 graduate of Columbia University with a Master of Fine Arts degree.
Additionally, Danielle holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Massachusetts College of Art. Prior to
joining Franklin High School, Danielle's professional experiences include teaching at the Jersey City
Museum, Stonehill College and Bridgewater State University as art instructor. Outside of teaching,
Danielle is a working and showing artist. Danielle will be teaching Introduction to Art, Painting and
Printmaking and Portfolio. We are excited to welcome Danielle LaPlante to our faculty.
Shelly Laquinta
Shelly Williams Laquinta will be joining the Franklin High School
faculty as a member of the special education department this year. Ms.
Laquinta completed the Regis College MAT initial licensure in teaching
students with moderate disabilities program in May 2011. She also holds
a Bachelors degree in English earned at Regis College in 1993. Prior to
joining Franklin High School, Shelly has spent the past nine years raising
her two daughters, completing her MAT coursework and volunteering on
the board at her daughters' school and serving as a local Girl Scout leader
in Providence, RI. Before becoming a mom, Ms. Laquinta had twelve
successful years in corporate marketing roles. She decided that upon
reentering the workforce she wanted to make a difference in the lives of
young students each day and chose to pursue a career in special
education. Shelly loves the beach and reading and enjoys taking walks in her neighborhood and hiking.
Upon joining Franklin High School Shelly wanted colleagues, students and families to know how lucky
she feels to be working with the families, students and faculty at Franklin High School. She says that,
"she is not looking to be a millionaire, nor does she want to help a company make millions. She wants to
wake up every day knowing that she will have the chance to make a difference in the life of a student and
wants to go to bed at night knowing that she was reliable, dependable and did her best to use her skills
and talents to help her students, their families and her colleagues." Shelly will be working with eleventh
grade students, helping them accomplish their work in English Language Arts courses. We are excited to
welcome Shelly to our faculty.
Brenda Caira Lewis
Brenda (Caira) Lewis will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a
member of the Guidance Department this year. Brenda is a 2011 graduate of
UMass Boston with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. Additionally,
Brenda holds a degree in Social Work from Regis College. Prior to joining
Franklin High School, Brenda's professional experiences include working in
student career development, which includes working in higher education.
Outside of teaching, Brenda enjoys spending time with family, walking and
reading. Upon joining FHS, Brenda wanted colleagues, students and families
to know that one of her favorite quotes is "Faith is taking the first step, even
when you don't see the whole staircase" by Martin Luther King, Jr. Brenda
will be a guidance counselor at the high school. We are excited to welcome
Brenda to our faculty.
Nancy Manske, Special Education
Nancy Manske will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of
the Special Education department this year. Nancy is a 1990 graduate of Westfield
State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Additionally,
Nancy holds a Masters degree in Education from Lesley University. Prior to
joining Franklin High School, Nancy's professional experiences include
instructional and administrative roles in a private special education setting.
Outside of teaching, Nancy enjoys reading, paper crafts, baking and spending time
with her family. Nancy will be teaching the substantially separate class. We are
excited to welcome Nancy to our faculty.
Allison Michaud, Special Education
Alli Michaud will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of the
Special Education department this year. Alli is a 2009 graduate of Providence
College with a Bachelor's degree in Biology/Education. Additionally, Alli holds a
Master's degree in Special Education from Providence College. Prior to joining
Franklin High School, Alli's professional experiences include working in the
Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership Office at Providence College
where she was a clubs and organizations advisor. Outside of teaching, Alli enjoys
spending time with friends and family, photography, reading and attending college
basketball games. Alli will be teaching Geometry \ and Concepts in Algebra and
Geometry. We are excited to welcome Alli Michaud to our faculty.
Kate Paglia, English
Kate Paglia will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of
the English department this year. Kate is a 2001 graduate of Brown
University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Additionally, Kate
holds a Master of Education in English from Lesley University. Prior to
joining Franklin High School, Kate worked in the textbook publishing
industry for ten years; most recently, Kate was the Acquisitions Editor for
Developmental Reading at Pearson Education. Outside of teaching, Kate
enjoys running for Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society, participating in a monthly book group with friends, and
spending time with her family. Upon joining FHS, Kate wanted colleagues,
students and families to know that she is "looking forward to joining the
Franklin High School community this fall and getting to know everyone
throughout the upcoming school year.” Kate will be teaching 10th grade Honors and College Preparatory
English. We are excited to welcome Kate to our faculty.
Courtney Reilly, Math
Courtney Reilly will be RE-joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of the Mathematics
department this year. Courtney is a (2000) graduate of University of Delaware with a BA in Secondary
Mathematics Education. Additionally, Courtney holds a Master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics
Education from the Western Governors University. Prior to joining Franklin High School this year,
Courtney's professional experiences include teaching Mathematics at FHS for 5 years and working as the
Math Curriculum Enhancement Teacher at two of Franklins Elementary schools for two years. Courtney
will be teaching Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. We are excited to welcome Courtney to our faculty.
Christopher Riccio, Administrative Liaison
Chris Riccio joins the Franklin High School staff this year as an administrative
liaison in the B-house office. Chris is an FHS graduate and member of the class
of 2005. He went on to study Business Administration at UMass Dartmouth,
Dean College, and Merrimack College. A former FHS and collegiate athlete,
Chris will enter his second year here as an assistant coach in both football and
baseball. Upon joining the faculty of his high school Alma Mater, Chris would
like colleagues, students, and families to know he is dedicated and excited for the
opportunity to make a difference. We too, at FHS, are equally excited and look
forward to welcoming Chris back as a new employee in our administration.
Sigrid Miranda Rivera, Foreign Language (Spanish)
Sigrid D. Miranda Rivera will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member
of the Foreign Language department this year. Sigrid Miranda is a 1994 graduate of
University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and a major in Foreign
Languages. Prior to joining Franklin High School, Mrs. Miranda’s professional
experiences include King High School (International Baccalaureate program), Sunlake
and Wiregrass Ranch High Schools in Florida, and Annie Sullivan Middle School in
Franklin, MA. Outside of teaching, Sigrid enjoys traveling with her family, playing
tennis, and playing the piano. Upon joining FHS, Mrs. Miranda wanted colleagues,
students and families to know:
“The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third
memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others.”
~Solomon Ibn Gabriol
Mrs. Miranda will be teaching Spanish I and AP Spanish IV-V. We are excited to welcome Sigrid D.
Miranda Rivera to our faculty.
William Roskopf, English
Will Roskopf will be joining the Franklin High School faculty
as a member of the English department this year. Will is a
2004 graduate of Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in
Film and Television. Additionally, Will holds a Master of Arts
in Teaching from Simmons College. Prior to joining Franklin
High School, Will’s professional experiences included lighting
and grip work for film and television projects in New York
City and marketing work for a construction management firm
in Buffalo, NY. Outside of teaching, Will enjoys reading,
writing, sketching, singing, playing the saxophone, swimming,
watching movies and plays, eating just about any kind of food,
and unwinding over a glass of wine with his wife. Upon joining FHS, Will wanted colleagues, students,
and families to know that he is thrilled to finally begin what he hopes will be a long career in education.
This year, he will be teaching four sections of 11th grade English and one section of 12th grade Humanities
within the Franklin Arts Academy. We are excited to welcome Will Roskopf to our faculty.
Michael Sansoni, Music & Chorus
Michael Sansoni will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member of
the music department this year. Michael is a 2011 graduate of Yale University
with a Master of Music in Choral Conducting. Additionally, Michael holds a
Master's in Voice Performance from Yale and a Bachelor's of Music in Voice
Performance and Music Education from Oberlin Conservatory. Outside of
teaching, Michael enjoys studying languages and expanding his music collection,
which ranges from sixties French pop to indie to classical. Michael will be
teaching Chorus, Select Chorus, Pop Idol, and Intro to Music Theory this year at
FHS. We are excited to welcome Michael to our faculty.
Jodie Walsh, Guidance Counselor
Jodie Walsh will be moving from the special education department to the guidance department. Jodie has
served as an EA at FHS for the previous two and half years. Additionally, she filled in for Ms. McElroy
from January- June of 2010, during Ms. McElroy’s prior maternity leave. Jodie has a BA in Psychology
from Clark University and an M.Ed in Counseling and Psychological Services from Springfield College.
Prior to joining the staff at FHS, Jodie served as a guidance counselor at Bishop Connolly High School.
Outside of teaching. Jodie enjoys cycling and watching her sons play football, basketball, and baseball.
Rosanne Walsh, Art
Rosanne Walsh will be joining the Franklin High School faculty as a member
of the Art department this year. Rosanne is a 1987 graduate of the Rhode
Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Film/Video &
Animation. Additionally, Rosanne holds a Masters of Education Degree in
Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University. Prior to joining Franklin
High School, Rosanne's professional experiences include being an Associate
Producer at Eastfilms in Providence RI, a Program Coordinator for Time
Warner and recipient of several grants for animation programs she taught in
the Providence School System. Most recently, she has spent 13 years teaching
Art at Remington Middle School and is a founding member of the Franklin
Arts Academy. Outside of teaching, Rosanne enjoys working on her mixed
media collages and paintings, spending time with her dog, Millie, and
attending community theater plays and musicals, especially Franklin High School productions. She
earned her certification to teach yoga in May and looks forward to beginning teaching classes at Franklin
Yoga and Wellness very soon. Her most fulfilling role is as a supporter of the artistic and musical
aspirations of her daughter, Greta, a costume designer living in New York, and son, Aaron, a senior at
FHS and member of the band Lights Over Norway. Upon joining FHS, Rosanne wanted colleagues,
students and families to know that: "Art is not just a subject I teach, but a philosophy I live, believing that
we are all, each of us, designers of this world." We are excited to welcome Rosanne to our faculty.
Kristy Yankee, SDLP Coordinator
Kristy Yankee returns to the Franklin High School faculty as the Coordinator
of Senior Project and the Self Directed Learning Program. Kristy is a 2001
graduate of The University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in
Secondary Education. Along with administrative licensure, Kristy holds a
Master of Education Degree in School Counseling from Providence College.
Prior to assuming her new role, Kristy served as the K-12 Director of Foreign
Languages for Franklin Public Schools. Outside of teaching, she enjoys
spending time with family, gastronomy, music, traveling, and various aspects
of design. Kristy and her husband, Scott, welcomed their first child, Bryce,
into their family on April 8, 2011. We are excited to welcome Kristy into her
new position at Franklin High School.