Lead Teachers
Joni Amaral
Primary Teacher
508-228-0427 | jamaral@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.S. Elementary Education with an Interdisciplinary Major in the Arts, Framingham State University, Framingham, MA
M.Ed. Integrated Teaching Through the Arts, Lesley University, Boston, MA
Relevant Experience:
Sunbridge Foundations of Waldorf Education webinar
Sunbridge Institute Intensive, Approaching Grade 4
Responsive Classroom Training
Columbia University’s Teachers College Phonics Institute
Reader’s Workshop training
Brain Gym® Workshops and Courses
Social-emotional training through Open Circle and The MindUp Curriculum
Guided Professional Development Workshops for Teachers with a focus on Integrated Arts & Multiple Intelligences
Over the past 19 years, Joni has worked with children in preschool through grade five in Maine, Germany, Japan, and Massachusetts. Passionate about using the Arts to enhance and enrich educational experiences for diverse learning styles and abilities, she incorporates them regularly. She is thrilled to be working at NLS where educating the whole child – challenging the head, nurturing the heart, and using the hands- all with love and support, are at the center. “The atmosphere at the Lighthouse School is truly magical – warm, joyous, calm, and full of meaningful experiences.” -Joni She enjoys providing hands-on age-appropriate experiences and working at a school where project-based education is valued.
Joni moved to Nantucket in 2006. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their children. She also appreciates exploring nature, baking, reading, and creating art.
“By creating learning environments where creativity is part of human intelligence, where social skills are essential for learning, where dance, music and all the arts are integral to the identity of student, classroom, and school, we create an academic balance that is truly healthy – a balance based on the harmony of body, mind, spirit, and community. In such an environment, students can walk in beauty on their paths to being powerful human beings, active citizens, and responsible contributors to the ongoing creative unfolding of life on this planet.”
-Nick Page
(educator, composer, conductor, and author)
Linda Ballinger
Kinderclass Teacher
508-228-0427 | lballinger@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Alana Cullen
Small School Teacher
508-228-0427 | acullen@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.A. English Communications and Anthropology, Salve Regina University, Newport RI
Relevant Experience:
Responsive Classroom Training
Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Training
Sunbridge Institute Intensive
Alana Cullen graduated from Salve Regina University with a B.A. in English Communications and Anthropology. She has worked with children for over 20 years. Becoming a Nantucket Lighthouse School parent in 2013, Alana fell in love with the Lighthouse school community and philosophy of educating the whole child, while weaving arts and nature into everyday life and learning. Alana immensely enjoys teaching Small School, and you'll often hear her proclaim, "They're the most important years!" She aims to "do small things with great love." Alana and her husband, Marcus, enjoy biking and swimming with their two sons. In her free time, Alana enjoys yoga, gardening, and reading.
Jillian Fraker
Director of Upper Grades
508-228-0427 | jfraker@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.A. English, Trinity College, Hartford, CT
M.F.A. in Creative Writing, The New School, New York, NY
Institute for Multi-Sensory Education's, Intermediate IMSE Orton-Gillingham Training
Relevant Experience:
Responsive Classroom Training
Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading Institute
Columbia University’s Teachers College Graphic Novel Institute
Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Training
Jillian Fraker is a teacher, writer, and surfer. Jillian joined the team of educators at Nantucket Lighthouse School in 2019. She is drawn to the school's commitment to educating the whole child. Jillian is thrilled to weave curriculum into exciting hands-on projects that honor the beauty of nature and celebrate the joy of learning. Jillian was born and raised on Nantucket and returned to the island after finishing her master's degree in creative writing at The New School in New York City.
Allison Gayo
Small School Teacher
508-228-0427 | agayo@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.A. Psychology, Vassar College
Relevant Experience:
Responsive Classroom Training
Sunbridge Foundations of Waldorf Education
Teaching Assistant & Extended Day Teacher at NLS
Maria Mitchell Environmental Education Camp
Allison grew up in Northern New Jersey and studied at Vassar College, in the lush Hudson Valley of New York, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. At Vassar, Allison found her passion for the natural world while working at a local farm dedicated to community, education, and food justice.
After graduating in 2014, Allison traveled to Nantucket for the first time, to teach environmental education at the Maria Mitchell Association and quickly fell in love with the magic of the island community! She actually learned about the Lighthouse School through several of my campers singing the Morning Poem! As Allison learned more, she became enamored with the integrated curriculum and “head, heart, hand” philosophy.
Allison balances her passions for creative education, teaching at the Lighthouse School, and caring for plants at Surfing Hydrangea nursery in the summer. In her free time, Allison loves being outside- running and exploring the island’s endless beauty; or at home- reading, cooking, and creating art with friends.
Beth Gennaro
Small School Teacher
508-228-0427 | bgennaro@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.A. Classical Studies, Gettysburg College, PA M.A. Early Childhood Education, Fitchburg State University, MA Relevant Experience: Sunbridge Institute Training Responsive Classroom Training 15 years of experience in education Beth Gennaro graduated from Gettysburg College in 2000 with a degree in Classical Studies. She then went on to get her Master’s in Education from Fitchburg State University in 2010 along with her Massachusetts Teaching license in Early Childhood Education. She had worked in both Sudbury Public School Systems and Nantucket Public School Systems since 2001. Beth is a mother to 3 children, all of whom attended Nantucket Lighthouse School. It was when her oldest child first started at the Nantucket Lighthouse School in 2011 that Beth was introduced to the Lighthouse School philosophy and fell in love with the ‘head, hands and heart’ approach. She has joyously joined the Lighthouse educators as a Small School teacher and loves being a part of such an exceptional community. In her spare time, Beth enjoys exploring nature, gardening, and cooking while spending time with her children.
Jessica Grant
Small School Teacher
508-228-0427 | jgrant@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, Keene State College in New Hampshire
Master's in Special Education, Keene State College in New Hampshire
Amanda Torchia
Kinderclass Teacher
508-228-0427 | atorchia@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Early Childhood Education Certificate Amanda moved to Nantucket in 2007 and immediately fell in love with its natural beauty, unique sense of community, and peaceful atmosphere. These are some of the same attributes that have drawn her to NLS. During her time on Nantucket, Amanda has cared for many children and has taught in a variety of school settings, from Preschool through Kindergarten. She comes to us with over ten years of teaching experience, her Early Childhood Education Certificate, and Montessori Training. She loves to share her passions for art and music with children. In her free time, Amanda particularly enjoys embroidery, making music with friends, and going on bike rides with her daughter.
Montessori Training
Caitlin Tyler
Upper Primary Teacher
508-228-0427 | ctyler@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.A. East Asian History & Buddhist Studies, Lewis & Clark College Caitlin is a writer, teacher and mother. A native Nantucketer, she discovered her love for travel and cross-cultural connections early on and has lived and worked in Oregon, Italy, Kenya, Greece, Vietnam and Japan. She taught young children while in Kenya and college-aged students while in Vietnam. When she moved back to the island with her future husband in 2013, she was thrilled to take a job teaching 5th/6th grade at NLS. The school’s commitment to fostering empathy, emotional growth, and reverence for the innate wisdom of the child struck a deep chord. After taking time to have and raise her own children, Caitlin is honored to be returning to Lighthouse as the Upper Primary teacher. She loves to read, write, cook, and swim.
M.F.A. Poetry, Washington University, St. Louis
Molly Zegans
Primary Teacher
508-228-0427 | mzegans@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.A. Biology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR
Preschool Coursework, Fisher College, Boston, MA
Relevant Experience:
Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools Training
Boston Public Schools Behavioral Health Service Positive Behavior Management and Trauma Sensitivity Trainings
Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning & Expertise Sharing (BEETLES) Questions , Making Observations, and Nature Journaling Training
Wilderness First Responder Certification, NOLS
Molly grew up in New Hampshire and graduated from Lewis and Clark College with a Bachelor's in Biology. During her time at college, she worked as a trip leader for the Outdoor program, where she first discovered her passion for education. She explored this passion during her time at Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center, where she worked as a Naturalist and Preschool Teacher. Most recently, she worked as the Education Coordinator for the Maria Mitchell Association, where she met many wonderful Lighthouse School students and teachers through field trips and summer camp. Molly is thrilled to be joining the Lighthouse community, and to grow and learn alongside this wonderful team. Outside of school, Molly enjoys backpacking, knitting, biking, reading sci-fi novels, and attempting various overly ambitious crafting projects!
Assistant Teachers
Maggie Featherston
Teaching Assistant
Maggie is currently working on her Master's Degree in Elementary Education at Worcester State University and has been a summer resident on Nantucket for 23 years. Maggie joined Nantucket Lighthouse School in August 2020 and works as Teaching Assistant in our Pre-Kinder/Kinderclass and Extended Day Program.
Emmy Lambalot
Teaching Assistant
508-228-0427 | elambalot@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.S. Exercise Science, High Point University, North Carolina.
English as a Second Language Teacher, Surat Thani, Thailand
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga East + West, Ubud Bali
Spencer Worth
Teaching Assistant & Upper Grade Math
508-228-0427 | sworth@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.A. Communication, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT
Elementary Education Coursework, Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT
Spencer was born and raised on Nantucket and graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor's in Communication. He began his career working in marketing and public relations before moving back to Nantucket to pursue other interests. During this time, Spencer worked as a substitute teacher for the Nantucket Public Schools where he found a passion for the field of elementary education. He spent two years at Nantucket Intermediate School; first as a teaching assistant in the special education program followed by one year as the 4th grade teaching assistant. Spencer also led an enrichment cluster for improvisational acting and co-ran a basketball clinic for middle school students with the Nantucket Community School. He is currently working on his Master's in Elementary Education at Western Governors University. Spencer is thrilled to be joining Nantucket Lighthouse School as a Teaching Assistant with the 4th/5th grade.
Reading
Allison Johnson
Reading Specialist
508-228-0427 | ajohnson@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.A. Psychology, Chapman University, CA
M.A. Teaching, K-12, Chapman University, CA
Orton-Gillingham Reading Specialist
Allison Johnson graduated from Chapman University with a Masters of Arts in Teaching, K-12. After spending eight years in California as a Director of Teddy Bear Treehouse preschool, she moved to Nantucket to be closer to her family and her hometown of Yarmouth, MA. On island, Allison has taught kindergarten, first grade, and third grade. When her daughter attended the Lighthouse School for second grade, Allison discovered that she wanted to know more about the school. She saw first-hand the magic of LHS as her daughter became a more confident person and developed a love of learning through the caring and guidance of exceptional teachers.
Allison has always loved the remarkable growth that happens when children learn to read. Her own children’s learning challenges inspired her to further her education, acquiring the skills needed to teach dyslexic children. After completing training in Orton Gillingham, she was compelled to reach all students that needed a more specialized approach to learning how to read. In her spare time Allison enjoys being a lifelong learner, reading, traveling, as well as being in nature and walking through the State Forest with her three children, Curren, Avalon, and Bodie.
“It is my great pleasure to work with such talented teachers at Nantucket Lighthouse School as the Reading Specialist.”
Spanish & P.E. Teacher
T.J. Grant
Spanish & P.E. Teacher
508-228-0427 | tgrant@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
TJ grew up on Nantucket and has spent the past 15 years working with children of all ages. TJ spent 10 years at the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club as Program Director before moving on to Nantucket New School and Strong Wings, where he spent the past 5 years as P.E. Teacher, Director of After-School Programming, and Director of Nantucket New Camp. TJ draws his inspiration for teaching and empowering our island's youth from mentors he had growing up on island and most of all, his mother. TJ found his passion for teaching P.E. and Spanish from the time he spent volunteering abroad in Lima, Perú. In his free time, TJ enjoys any adventure he can find and share with his children.
Music
Nigel Goss
Music Teacher
508-228-0427 | ngoss@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.A. Music, Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, WA
Relevant Experience:
Faculty
Nantucket Community Music Center
Nantucket Lighthouse School
Music Director
Unitarian Universalist Church Nantucket
Nigel Goss has been enjoying a career as a musician and teacher on Nantucket Island since 2011. He has performed with local, national, and international musicians, led community ensembles, taught students of all ages, and is privileged to have the opportunity to share his love and experience of music and learning with students at Nantucket lighthouse school. He also enjoys sailing, swimming, poetry, carpentry projects, and spending time with his daughter Cecilia.
Social-Emotional & Health Education
Aileen
Social-Emotional & Health Education
Horticulture
Russell Morash
Russell Morash Chair in Childhood Horticulture
As creator, director and executive producer, Russell Morash is credited with introducing the “how-to” concept to public television through his many award-winning series including “The Victory Garden,” “The French Chef with Julia Child” and “This Old House,” among others. Russ serves as the Chair of our horticulture studies and as an advisor to our Director of Horticulture.
Russ and his wife Marian, author and founding chef of Nantucket’s Straight Wharf Restaurant, spend summers at their home in Shawkemo. There “he” grows and “she” cooks from a vast vegetable garden. Morash occasionally contributes columns in the Inquirer and Mirror on gardening as well as monthly items for the magazine “Nantucket Today.”
Caren Oberg
Director of Horticulture
508-228-0427 | coberg@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Syracuse University, Bachelor of Arts in Religion, June 1995
Experienced gardener with a strong connection and appreciation of nature and all living beings complimented by a wonderful kind and open relationship with teaching children.
Extended Day
Meg Glidden
Math Teacher & Extended Day Coordinator
508-228-0427 | mglidden@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
B.S. Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
E.M.T. Certification University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Relevant Experience:
Certified Childbirth Educator, Lamaze Method
Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids
Bootstrap Workshop: Using Python to teach Algebra via coding
Responsive Classroom Seminar
A.A.N. Pottery courses; Kiln available to fire student work.
CreateCodeLoad—creative coding via scratch.mit.edu
Sunbridge Foundations of Waldorf Education webinar
Sunbridge Institute
After college Meg moved to Nantucket and worked as an EMT, lab tech and Childbirth Educator. She taught Science at Nantucket Christian Academy. She homeschooled her six children in all subjects for over 20 years. She has an enormous garden and a passion for music, playing both guitar and flute. She loves teaching her students to write computer programs. Meg is thrilled to be working with your kids to discover the wonders of mathematics and the beauty of science. Her current favorite number, also a favorite of the ancient Chaldeans, is 360.
Carol Pillion
Extended Day Teacher
508-228-0427 | cpillion@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Degree in Business Administration, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI
Teacher's Certification | Cape Cod Community College, MA
With a degree in Business Administration from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, Carol worked for Pacific Bank and Nantucket Bank for twenty years. It was not until 2015, when she received her Teacher Certification from Cape Cod Community College in 2015, that she started working for Nantucket Public Schools, and most recently, Small Friends of Nantucket. In August of 2020, Carol joined Nantucket Lighthouse School as Extended Day Teacher.
Carol has two children and has lived on Nantucket for 32 years. She is active in the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and Petticoat Row Women in Business on Nantucket.
Administration
Barbara Zachary
Admissions Director & Event Manager
508-228-0427 | bzachary@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Diplom-Betriebswirt (FH) in Hospitality Management, IUBH University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management, Northern Arizona University
After graduating from the International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef –Bonn (Germany), Barbara completed a F&B Management Trainee Program at The Ritz Carlton Berlin. She then continued her career in Group & Event Management at The Regent Berlin before moving to Nantucket in 2010. Together with her husband Kyle and their daughter Claire they made Nantucket their home.
Barbara started working for Nantucket Lighthouse School in January of 2014 and has since then enjoyed being part of the school community in various capacities.
In her leisure time, Barbara enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and pursues her joy for photography.
