Ms. Meehan's academic credentials include a Master's Degree in Education from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (2004), with a concentration in Administration. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Elms College (1991), earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education/History, with a minor in Philosophy. She currently holds two certifications for licensure from the state of Massachusetts in the areas of Secondary School Principal/Assistant Principal and Secondary School History/Education.
In addition to her work at Drury High School, Ms. Meehan's previous job experiences included teaching at St. Joseph's Central High School, Agawam High School and The Portsmouth Abbey School in Rhode Island.
Business, Computers, and Technology Faculty
Team Leader Mr. Keith Davis, has been teaching at Drury since 1985. In 1972 he earned an Associates degree in Math Science from Westchester Community College. In 1976 he earned a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Arts and became a certified Industrial Arts teacher for grades K-12. Since earning his Bachelors degree, he has completed advanced studies at Westfield State College and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. He is a certified Cisco Network Academy instructor, Prodesktop, and Solidworks instructor. Additionally he is certified in Foxboro instrumentation. After teaching at Mount Greylock Regional High school and in the Pittsfield school system, he worked for five years as a field Engineer for Beloit Corporation Jones Division as their national and International representative. He has two children. Mr. Davis is also a certified Tier 1 rock climbing guide, climbing director and challenge course director and a passionate climber.
Ms. Donna Hitchcock has been teaching at Drury since 2002. In 1992 she earned an AA in Visual Arts from Berkshire Community College. In 1996 she earned a Bachelors of Arts from MCLA in Interdisciplinary Studies and became a certified art teacher for grades 5-12. In 2000 she earned her Masters in Technology in Education, from Lesley University and was certified as an Instructional Technology Specialist. She is currently the school newspaper advisor and teaches a robotics after-school club for Sullivan Elementary School. She has three adult children and is a proud grandmother of one.
Mr. Norman Immerman has been teaching at Drury High School since 1985. He is currently teaching Engineering The Future and Computer Applications. He is a graduate of Adelphi University and has done advanced studies at California State University- Los Angeles, University of Lowell, Fitchburg State College, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. He has been certified as a Cisco Network Academy instructor. He has lived and been a teacher in Malaysia. He was a member of the standards committee for Technology Education in Massachusetts. Mr. Immerman is a member of the school Curriculum Committee and Student Handbook Committee. Mr. Immerman’s classes have participated in the annual Technology Education Association of Massachusetts Project Fairs and the West Point Bridgebuilder programs through the Civil Engineering Society of Boston.
Mr. Greg Mabey is new to Drury this year. His biography will be updated soon.
English Department Faculty
Mrs. Karen L. Bedard has been teaching at Drury since 1995. She graduated from Green Mountain College in Vermont. She majored in English with a concentration in Business Communications/Marketing. Mrs. Bedard obtained her Masters in Education from Cambridge College. She is the co-advisor of the Academic Decathlon Team. Mrs. Bedard enjoys writing poetry and swimming.
Mr. Timothy Callahan has been teaching at Drury High School since 1998. He comes to us from Hamilton College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in English, and Cambridge College, where he received a Masters degree in Education. He currently teaches Freshman Comprehensive English, Junior College Prep English, Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition, and American Cinema and Screenwriting. Mr. Callahan is the advisor to the Ultimate Frisbee club and the Student Council at Drury High School. In addition, Mr. Callahan acts as the Director of Education for Word Street, a non-profit writing center designed to help students and adults throughout Berkshire County. Mr. Callahan lives in Pittsfield with his wife and two children.
Mrs. Allison LaPort has been teaching at Drury since 2000. She has a bachelor's degree in English, a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, and is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Instructional Technology. Mrs. LaPort is co-advisor of the Academic Decathlon team. She is a member of the School Council and the Teachers Using Technology Team. Mrs. LaPort lives in North Adams with her husband and their 4 cats.
Ms. Maura Lightsey is new to Drury this year.
Mrs. Molly Meczywor has been teaching Freshmen English at Drury High School for 12 years. She grew up in Berkshire County and attended Wahconah Regional High School, graduating in 1992. She graduated from Siena College in 1996 with a degree in English and Education, and she received her Master's in Education in 1999 from Cambridge College. She is enthusiastic about using Service Learning in the classroom as a tool for teaching, and was the recipient of the "Points of Light" award from Governor Mitt Romney in 2004. Mrs. Meczywor is a member of the Teachers Using Technology Team, and is currently the advisor of several clubs: Yearbook, Senior Tribute and the Junior Class. In addition to advising, she is thrilled to be the Varsity Girls' Soccer Coach here at Drury. She lives locally with her husband, Michael, and their three kids. She is an avid Yankees fan, and, as many of her students know, her favorite player is Derek Jeter. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, scrapbooking, ice cream, and, most importantly, spending time with her children.
Team Leader Mr. Bob Scrivens has been an English teacher for over 30 years and has been the English Department Team Leader for over 10. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, and hopes that they could win at least one more bowl game before he dies. His Masters degree with a concentration in guidance came from MCLA. In the past, he has been advisor to the school newspaper and yearbook, and much further in the past was a soccer, golf, and debate coach. He's written two books on writing and many articles, mostly for The Transcript. He also heads up the department’s Senior English Festival and Junior Career Day. He likes writing, humor, the Red Sox, and science fiction, not necessarily in that order.
Ms. Paula Wojieck has been teaching at Drury since 2004. She is currently teaching English at the senior, junior and sophomore level. She is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and she is pursuing her Masters Degree from the same institution. Ms. Wojieck is also the junior varsity girl’s soccer coach, and she is a member of the School to Careers team.
Team Leader Mrs. Susan Chilson has been teaching at Drury High School since 1982. She comes to us from the University of Massachusetts where she majored in Spanish Literature and The School for International Training where she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish. She is the Team Leader for the Foreign Language Department. She is currently teaching Spanish I, IV and Advanced Spanish. She lives in North Adams with her husband. Her two daughters are Drury graduates living in Boston and New Haven, CT.
Ms. Caralee DeHerrara was born and raised in Colorado. Some days she still finds herself wishing she were back in Colorado enjoying 300 days of sunshine. When she was 15 her family moved to Massachusetts to be closer to her mother’s family. She graduated from Hoosac Valley High School and moved on to Bridgewater State College. During her last semester at Bridgewater State, she student taught in the 4th grade. She loved her experience and still misses her very first class. In May 2007 she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. In 2007, she became part of the Drury High School community teaching English as a Second Language. She feels she was born to teach and loves to inspire her students about school, life, friends, etc. She currently lives in Adams, MA and enjoys spending her time watching the Denver Broncos, listening to music in her car, running, traveling back to Colorado, spending time with her family and new baby niece, vacations and the beach. She looks forward to many more years of teaching, inspiring, and learning.
Mrs. Jean King has been teaching at Drury High School since 1982. She comes to Drury from the University of Maine where she majored in French. She spent the spring semester of her junior year in France. She is currently teaching all levels of French. She has two sons; both are Drury graduates and attend college. After many years of being an active advisor in several extra-curricular activities, Mrs. King spends time raising show rabbits with her husband.
Mr. Christopher Ramsden began teaching at Drury in 2006 but is not new to the teaching profession. He comes to us from California via the University of Utah where he majored in Spanish and minored in Japanese. He earned his Masters with honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara in Spanish and Hispanic Literature. He has taught at both the high school and college levels. Mr. Ramsden lives in North Adams with his wife and twin daughters.
Mrs. Jennifer Solak is part of the ELE Program
Mr. Whitney Suters has been teaching at Drury High School since 1994. He comes to Drury from the University of Massachusetts where he majored in Spanish. He has lived in Spain. He is currently teaching Spanish levels I, II and III. He has four children, two attend Sullivan, one attends Conte, and his oldest is a sophomore here. Mr. Suters is Drury's tennis coach and the Winter Assembly Advisor. He lives in North Adams with his wife and four children.
Ms. Ashlee White is part of the ELE program.
Math Department Faculty
Ms. Anne Andrews Graduated high school from Hoosick Falls Central High School in 2000. She attended the Community College of Vermont then transferred to MCLA. Ms. Andrews Received a B.A. in mathematics, and also completed the teachers licensure program for an intial certification to teach mathematics grades 8-12. Ms. Andrews completed her professional semester at Drury High School under Mr. Culver.
Mr. John Culver started teaching at Drury High School in 1992. He has a BA in Mathematics from NASC in 1973 and a Masters in the Art of Teaching with a concentration in mathematics, from American International College in 1981. Mr. Culver came to Drury after teaching in Pittsfield for 17 years. He has also taught at Westfield State College in the Continuing Ed. Division and have done research for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, NCTM.
Ms. Cheryl Furtek started teaching at Drury in 2006. She has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Merrimack College, in addition to a Masters in Computer Science from Union College and an MBA from Western New England College. She has completed course work at MCLA to teach Mathematics in grades 1-12. Ms. Furtek has worked for J.H. Maxymillian, Inc. and General Electric Ordance Systems.
Team Leader and Dean of Curriculum Pat Prenguber Mrs. Prenguber's bio will be posted soon!
Mrs. Judy Skeels has been teaching in North Adams since 1995. She has a degree in music from Wheaton College, Norton, Massachusetts, and in mathematics from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has done graduate work in mathematics education at Mt. Holyoke College, Aquinas College, and Grand Valley State College. She is interested in connections between art, music, and mathematics. She lives in New Hampshire with her wonderful husband and their dog. When she's not working or in her car Mrs. Skeels plays in a handbell choir, participates in a book group, and likes to travel, hike, and garden. She also loves to talk about her grown daughter whom she adores.
Science Department Faculty
Mr. Paul Allen Mr. Allen's bio will be posted soon!
Ms. Becky Cohen has been working at Drury since 2005. She graduated from MCLA in 2004 with a B.A. in Biology, concentrating in Genetics and Chemistry, and is beginning a Master's degree program at MCLA in the Spring of 2008. Ms. Cohen is the advisor to Drury SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and S.A.S.S.Y. (Students Against Secondhand Smoking in Youth), a member of Drury School Safety Team, Bullying Prevention Team and handbook committee, and is the 2007-2008 Social Secretary of NATA. Ms. Cohen lives locally with her fiancée and son, Noah.
Mrs. Jackie DeGiorgis has been a teacher with NAPS since 1993, and has been teaching at Drury since 1994. She currently teaches Biology, Zoology, and Anatomy and Physiology. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts where she earned a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Animal Science and Physiology. She earned her Masters of Education Degree at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Mrs. DeGiorgis is a founding member of Mill City Productions, a community theater group based in North Adams, and is a member of the Executive Board of Main Street Stage. She brings her love of performing and the theater to Drury where she acts as the faculty advisor and liason for the Drury Drama Team. Mrs. DeGiorgis is also a member of the school's Alternative Education Committee.
Mr. Kevin Hartmann is new to Drury this year. He was formally trained as a research biochemist at the University of Notre Dame, and has been actively engaged in science education as aclassroom teacher at the University and High School level for over twenty years.During his career in education Mr. Hartmann has served on the State of Connecticut Governor's Council on Teacher Assessment and the State of Connecticut's Research Group on Teacher Assessment. In 2006 the U.S. Government recognized his efforts in education,appointing him an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow.
As one of 13 educators selected from across the nation, Mr. Hartmann spent a year in Washington D.C. as a consultant in education policy for the U.S. Government. In this role he served on the Presidential Academic Competitiveness Council's K-12 Working Group, the Education Committee Evaluation Subgroup of the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Office of the President of the United States, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, and NASA's International Space Station National Laboratory Concept Development Team. Mr. Hartmann has presented the results of his work in this area at the National Science Teacher's Association regional conference in Hartford in 2005. He has also served as a brain based learning consultant for several Connecticut public schools and the Connecticut Teacher's Collaborative.
Mr. Steve Lewitt Mr. Lewitt's bio will be posted soon
Mrs. Beth Lyden-Fortier Mrs. Lyden-Fortier's bio will be posted soon
Ms. Tracy Melito (aka “TheMelit”) began teaching at Drury High School in the fall of 1995. She is highly qualified in Biology 9-12 and Earth Science 9-12. Currently she is teaching a course in Environmental Earth Science for ninth graders. She holds a Masters Degree in Secondary Education (from UMASS Amherst) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular Biology (from North Adams State College) with minors in Psychology and English Communication.
TheMelit serves on the School Safety Management Team, the Bullying Prevention Committee, and The Teachers Using Technology Team (TUTT).
Her classroom mission is to provide a safe and respectful learning environment so all students can achieve their best possible academic success and her course has been designed to encourage her student’s thoughtful consideration of modern day environmental issues as well as developing their scientific skills and critically thinking.
Team Leader Chris Wondoloski has been teaching in the North Adams Public School district since 1973. He is currently the Science Department Team Leader at Drury High School. He has a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Masters + 33 in Administration from North Adams State College (MCLA).
Social Studies Department Faculty
Mr. Patrick Boulger has been teaching at Drury High School since 1999. He is currently teaching United States History I and Sociology. He is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and is pursuing his Masters Degree. Mr. Boulger is also the junior varsity baseball coach, and member of the School Safety Management Team. Mr. Boulger’s Senior Sociology classes have proudly produced the “Senior Citizens Prom” for the last 11 years serving over 1,000 senior citizens in the community.
Mrs. Stephanie Kopala Mrs. Kopala is in her second year teaching at Drury High School. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts where she earned her bachelors degree in History and is currently perusing her Masters Degree. Mrs. Kopala is a member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta National History Honors Society, and Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society. She is currently teaching college preparatory World History II, Standard United States History I, and Honors United States History II. She has recently been awarded a grant by Hampshire Educational Collaborative to produce a Windows on the Web history project with her junior honors class. Along with teaching, Mrs. Kopala is active in service learning and is also the cheerleading advisor.
Mr. Justin Matys In the past Mr. Matys has worked with the handicapped, poured concrete, helped run a micro-brewery, thrown hay and run a tractor. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2004 with a BA in Peace Studies and will be beginning work on his masters. He spent last year at Palmer High School and is new to Drury this fall. He is currently teaching Modern World History and U.S. History I.
Ms. Donna Myers has been teaching at Drury High School since 1998. She is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts where she majored in history and later earned a Masters Degree in Education from Cambridge College. Currently Ms. Myers teaches Standard and Advanced Placement U.S. history I and II. Ms. Myers serves on the Curriculum Committee and as an assistant coach for the Academic Decathlon Team.
Ms. Krista Pinsonneault has been working at Drury High School since 2005, after completing her student teaching semester under the guidance of Mrs. Bonnie Rennell. She graduated with honors from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree in History. While at the University of Massachusetts, she was a proud member of the History Club and the National Honors Society of Collegiate Scholars. Ms. Pinsonneault has her Masters Degree in Secondary Education from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She is also an active participant in several committees, which include the Teachers Using Technology Team, and the Curriculum Committee, as well as the DHS newspaper. Ms. Pinsonneault has recently been awarded a grant from the Hampshire Education Collaborative to create a local Windows to History project with her students. This project will highlight industrialization and immigration in North Adams, which will be showcased on a student created website. She currently teaches College Preparatory World History, Honors United States History I, and Advanced Placement United States History I.
Mr. Brian Pious is a recent graduate from Gordon College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education. He loves to challenge the students to think differently and use history in their daily lives beyond the classroom. He looks forward to getting to know the staff, students, and parents that make up Drury High School. Mr. Pious is also new to the area and is looking forward to becoming involved in the North Adams community.
Team Leader Mrs. Bonnie Rennell is in her third decade of teaching social studies at Drury High School and serving her second year as Chair of the Social Studies Department. She is also a Drury alumnus. Mrs. Rennell earned both a Bachelor of Arts Degree magna cum laude in History and a Masters Degree magna cum laude in Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She is currently teaching Honors World History, Honors Senior Contemporary Issues and Standard Level U. S. History II. Mrs. Rennell also serves as advisor to the Sophomore Class and S.P.I.R.I.T. and serves on the Service Learning and School to Career Boards. She is a strong supporter of Service Learning as a way to promote civic engagement of students with their community. The Community Hunger Banquet sponsored by her senior honors class has become a tradition at Drury.She has been recognized as “Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year”, and is a recipient of the “Teaching for Democracy Award” and “The Massachusetts Service-Learning Teacher Leader Award”.
Special Education Department Faculty
Ms. Nancy Carpenter has been teaching at Drury High School since 1987. She comes to us with 14 years of experience from various venues in special education, adult education and human services. Ms Carpenter has held positions in both teaching and administration. She received her bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Boston College. She received her Masters, magna cum laude, in Moderate Special Needs from Boston College. Ms Carpenter is involved in many community activities. She recently began taking piano lessons and will perform in a recital in February, 2007. She lives in North Adams with her son, Edward and her daughter Jessica, both students at Drury High School. She currently teaches Basic Math and Study Skills within the Special Education Department.
Ms. Michelle Darling has been teaching at Drury High School since 1996. She was born, raised, and educated in North Adams. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Sociology with a minor in Education from North Adams State College and a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Special Education from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She resides in North Adams. She presently teaches Basic Science, Basic Social Studies, and Study Skills.
Ms. Katelyn Kirby is in her second year at Drury High School, but is not new to the teaching profession. She graduated from Franklin Pierce College where she majored in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Currently, she is working towards completing her Masters degree in Education with a concentration in Special Education from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Ms. Kirby has taught at a variety of educational levels. She is currently the Drury High School Junior Varsity Girl’s Basketball coach. Ms. Kirby is teaching Basic Science, Basic Math, and Study Skills.
Mrs. Tanya Nuvallie has joined the Drury High School Special Education Department for the second year. She comes to Drury High School from the BArT Charter School where she served as Student Service Coordinator, working with middle school and high school students. She also worked as Student Resource Coordinator for MacIntosh Middle School in Sarasota, Florida. She has earned her Associate’s and Bachelors degrees in Business Administration from Southern Vermont College. Mrs. Nuvallie is currently seeking a Masters degree in Education with a concentration in Special Education. She is teaching Basic English and Study Skills. She lives in North Adams with her husband and two daughters.
