Maria Sayed, Katie O’Hara, Caroline Sullivan, Courtney Hendrick, Elise Edmonson, Heather Cyr, Krissy Dolce, Kara Gonnerman

Our Sisters’ School AmeriCorps Volunteer Classroom Teachers
2011-2012

At Our Sisters’ School, eight hardworking AmeriCorps classroom teachers are overseen and assisted by four lead teachers, each with over 35 years’ experience as a professional educator. We have instituted a team-teaching model, so every grade has two teachers working with the girls throughout the course of the day. In addition, we are fortunate to have many experienced educators from the surrounding community who work as volunteer mentors and tutors to both the girl students and the teachers. A part-time visual arts teacher, drama, music and an arts coordinator (all of whom receive a small stipend) work closely with the classroom teachers to integrate the daily curriculum into the visual- and performance-arts programs. Guest artists further enhance the experience of the students.

OSS thanks our returning “crew” members for a wonderful 2010-2011 school year, and we welcome three new AmeriCorps teachers to the team!

Heather Cyr is a native of New Bedford and a graduate of NBHS in 2006. She received a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biological Sciences from the University of Rhode Island. She has an innate love for the ocean and the surrounding community. While she hopes to serve all of the girls well in any way possible, she will be teaching math & science to the 6^th grade and advanced math in 7^th grade.

Krissy Dolce is from New Milford, CT. She graduated from UConn in 2010 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Women’s Studies. Krissy served her university as a Women’s Studies librarian specialist, a Violence Against Women Prevention Program peer educator, and a feminist activist. Krissy is excited to return to OSS, and to continue teaching 7^th grade English and Social Studies.

Elise Edmonson is from Crystal Lake, Illinois. She graduated with a B.A. in history and a minor in education from Bates College in 2010. Elise played volleyball at Bates, is a member of the College Key, and loves to bake and cook.  She will be returning as the 7^th grade math and science teacher as well as teaching 6^th grade advanced math.

Kara Gonnerman is from Saint Louis, MO. She graduated from College of the Holy Cross in 2011 where she majored in History.  In college, Kara played field hockey and loves high ropes courses.  She was a summer camp counselor and loves being outdoors. She is excited for a new adventure at OSS. She will be teaching 8^th grade English and Social Studies.

Courtney Hendrick is from Newton, MA.  She went to Newton North High School and then to St. Lawrence University, from which she graduated in 2010. She has a B.A. in English with a focus on writing and a minor in Educational Studies. Courtney was a dual-sport athlete in school and loves to be active and outside.  She is extremely excited to begin teaching 5^th grade ELA and Social Studies this year at OSS! 

Katie OHara is from Norwell, MA. She went to Norwell High School and graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2011 where she majored in Sociology. Katie played lacrosse at Saint Anselm and is involved in many volunteer roles such as working at a Special Needs camp and volunteered at an elementary school in Manchester, NH. She also loves to be active. Katie is very excited to be the new 5th grade Math and Science teacher this year at OSS!

Maria Sayed is a first year teacher at OSS for 6th grade English/Language Arts and Social Studies. She is originally from Waterbury, Connecticut. Maria attended the University of Connecticut, where she was both a Research and Resident Assistant.  She graduated from UConn in 2010 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Women’s Studies.

Caroline Sullivan is from Norwell, MA. She graduated from Boston College in 2010 where she majored in biology and minored in studio art. In college, she worked at a homeless shelter that focused on aiding Hispanic families and volunteered as a Peer Health Exchange classroom teacher in Boston public schools. Caroline is very interested in environmental science and ceramics and enthusiastically returns to OSS as the 8th grade math and science and 7^th grade advanced math teacher this year.

145 Brownell Avenue,  New Bedford, MA 02740   Phone: 508.994.1255   Fax: 508.994.1355    info@oursistersschool.org