Head of School

Emily Miller
Head of School
508-228-0427 Ext. 1011 | emiller@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreCertificate in Early Education Leadership, Harvard Graduate School of Education
M.A. Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy Specialization, Lesley University
B.A. Sociology, Boston University
Orton Gillingham Certification, A/OGA
Teacher Certification: Massachusetts, Grades 1 - 6 and New Jersey, Grades K - 8
Since moving to the island at the age of five, Emily has called Nantucket home for most of her life and career. She first worked with the Nantucket Lighthouse School community in 2007, when she assisted the School with its development efforts. Since that time, Emily has had a long career as both an educator and administrator, both at the Nantucket Lighthouse School and off island. She is a passionate school leader with a demonstrated commitment to professional growth, particularly in the areas of teacher and child development, pedagogy, social emotional learning, literacy, organizational development, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles.
Over the past thirty years, Emily has served in a variety of roles in schools. She has had the unique experience of teaching children in all grades from preschool through eighth grade while also fulfilling the roles of head of school, board member, director of development, division head, learning specialist, support services coordinator, and parent of independent school children. While varied, she has enjoyed every one of these positions, each offering a new perspective and broadening her understanding of the dynamic and complex nature of schools.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I rejoin the Nantucket Lighthouse School community. Having worked in public and independent schools, both on and off the island, I have been fortunate enough to learn from a variety of experts in the field of education. I am excited to bring those experiences, as well as my certification in Orton Gillingham reading instruction and early education leadership through Harvard Graduate School of Education back to Nantucket Lighthouse School.
Having previously served as the School’s Head of School for seven years and lived on the island for most of my life, I feel an enduring connection to the Nantucket Lighthouse School, as well as the broader Nantucket community. What I have long admired about Nantucket Lighthouse School is its unfaltering commitment to developmental, whole child education and its ability to curate a learning environment that is simultaneously intentional and rigorous and beautiful and nurturing. Through an integrated, project-based curriculum, students are guided to delve deeply into their classroom studies, while also participating in weekly field trips and horticulture classes that allow them to form authentic connections with the natural world and their island community. Nantucket Lighthouse School students are the future stewards of our island, and of our precious Earth.”
Lead Teachers

Alana Cullen
Head of Small School
508-228-0427 Ext. 1017 | acullen@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreB.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.

Maggie Featherston
Small School Teacher
508-228-0427 Ext. 1018 | mfeatherston@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreB.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, James Madison University
Maggie has always been passionate about helping children to be their best selves. From a young age, she began volunteering at Giant Steps School for Autistic Children in Westport, Connecticut, serving as a one-on-one aid to children, ages 5 to 18, after school. This formative experience inspired Maggie to become a teacher. While spending her childhood summers on Nantucket, Maggie worked for local camps, including ACKventure Camp for five years, and as a soccer coach at Nantucket Soccer Academy.
Maggie graduated from James Madison University in 2018 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and a focus on education. In 2020, Maggie moved to Nantucket full-time and was honored to join the Nantucket Lighthouse School community, beginning as a Kinderclass and Small School teaching assistant before becoming a lead Small School teacher.
“Nantucket Lighthouse School is truly a one-of-a-kind school. It has completely changed my way of thinking when it comes to teaching and learning. The school’s philosophy and mission have taught me more about myself than I ever imagined! We are a family, and my colleagues are people that I can go to for anything and everything. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing school and community.”

Jessica Grant
Small School Teacher
508-228-0427 Ext. 1019 | jgrant@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
M.Ed. Special Education, Keene State College
B.A. Early Childhood Education, Keene State College
Jessica is a compassionate educator with ten years of teaching experience. She received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and her master’s degree in special education from Keene State College in New Hampshire. Jessica continues to pursue professional development opportunities, most recently receiving Waldorf early childhood education certification from Sunbridge Institute.
Prior to joining Nantucket Lighthouse School in 2021, Jessica was the lead pre-kindergarten teacher at Happy Child Preschool in Newton, MA, for seven years. In addition to her classroom duties, Jessica directed the annual school play and was an active member of the Happy Child Preschool’s accreditation team.
With her background in special education, Jessica is devoted to creating an inclusive and safe classroom environment. She strives to provide all her Small School students with individualized support to ensure their emotional, developmental, and academic well-being. Jessica feels fortunate to be a part of the Nantucket Lighthouse School community.
“When I first walked through Nantucket Lighthouse School, I was in awe of the warmth in the classrooms, the dedication of the teachers, and the magical wonder of the students. As a Small School teacher, I get to watch young students flourish because of our play-based approach, thoughtful art projects, and respect for the world around us. Every day I feel fortunate to be a part of the Nantucket Lighthouse School community.”

Emma Graham
Kinderclass Teacher
508-228-0427 Ext. 1021 | egraham@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreB.S Journalism, Suffolk University
Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Fisher College
Emma was born and raised on Nantucket and is grateful to relive the magic of an island childhood through her students’ eyes. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University, Emma obtained Early Childhood Education Certification from Fisher College and earned her Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certification from International TEFL Academy.
Emma enthusiastically joined Nantucket Lighthouse School in 2020, serving as a teaching assistant before becoming the Kinderclass teacher in 2022. Emma fosters a classroom environment where children love coming to school and are excited to learn. As a teacher, Emma strives to ensure that her students arrive at and leave school with smiles. Emma appreciates working at a school that allows her to share her passions for reading, baking, and the natural world.
“I love working at Nantucket Lighthouse School because of the supportive and collaborative community of faculty, teachers, and families. I appreciate that Nantucket Lighthouse School educates the whole child and is guided by the principle to provide every individual with what they need to learn and grow.”

Amanda Torchia
1st Grade Teacher
508-228-0427 Ext. 1020 | atorchia@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
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Director & Early Childhood Education certifications, ECC American Montessori Society certification, Northeast Montessori Institute Amanda relocated to Nantucket 16 years ago from Annapolis, Maryland where she worked as a music teacher and a sailing instructor. Since then she has obtained a Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Director Certification from the EEC and American Montessori Society Certification from the Northeast Montessori Institute. While on Nantucket, she has worked as a lead teacher at the Montessori Children’s House and Small Friends and held positions as a nanny for several island families. “The Lighthouse School is the only school on Nantucket I have felt meets the needs of myself as a teacher and my daughter as a learner. I am able to share so many of my passions with my students through our integrated curriculum - like handwork, pottery, and music - while simultaneously watching their academic skills flourish. I wish I had been able to attend a school like this as a child, and I am so grateful to have my daughter be nurtured in this type of learning environment.”

Maggie Christakos
2nd Grade Teacher
508.228.0427 Ext. 1014 | mchristakos@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreM.Ed. Human Development and Psychology, Harvard University
B.A. Psychology & Spanish, Colgate University
Maggie is an inclusive and affirming educator with a strength-based approach that empowers and engages her students. Maggie began her teaching career in Myanmar in 2015 at the International Buddhist Education Center. She has traveled, studied, volunteered, and worked in over twenty countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Maggie enthusiastically joined the Nantucket Lighthouse School community in 2021. As an educator, she strives to see individuals as they are, not as others expect them to be.
After graduating magna cum laude from Colgate University, Maggie earned a master’s degree in human development and psychology from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. During her time at Harvard, Maggie conducted research exploring contextual factors shaping adolescents’ ethnic-racial development. Additionally, Maggie has worked as a research assistant at the University of Colorado’s Clinical Research for Evidence-based Services and Training Lab, studying scalable and sustainable methods to promote self-esteem, compassion, leadership, and access for female-identifying adolescents.
Maggie holds Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification and is a certified yoga instructor, life coach, and Reiki Master. Maggie continues to pursue professional development opportunities, completing training at Sunbridge Institute, Responsive Classroom, Calming Kids Youth Yoga & Mindfulness, and Art Therapy Studio Methods.
“To me, Nantucket Lighthouse School- its community and its campus- is a place imbued with natural magic. It is a caring laboratory priming students to learn learning, to enjoy enjoyment, and to discover discovery. It is a time and place of transformation, recognizing what we all are and what we will be. It is a school where I am proud to be both a teacher and to remain a student.”

CJ Stephens
3rd Grade Teacher & Extended Day Coordinator
508.228.0427 Ext. 1024 | cjstephens@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MorePh.D. in Visual Art (In Progress), Institute for Doctoral Studies in Visual Arts
M.F.A. Vermont College of Fine Art
B.F.A. Montserrat College of Art
Nantucket Lighthouse School was delighted to welcome CJ as the third-grade teacher in 2022.
CJ is an artist-philosopher, educator, and researcher who has 28 years of teaching experience. CJ spent many years in the New York public school system teaching learners from a variety of backgrounds. In addition, she has worked as an audio/visual librarian, a teaching assistant at the Institute for Doctoral Studies in Visual Arts, and spent ten years as an art teacher at a Montessori school in New Hampshire.
In addition to earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine art, CJ is a Ph.D. candidate at the Institute for Doctoral Studies in Visual Arts. Her dissertation is entitled “For the Love of Nonsense: Toward an Ontology of the Non-Narrative.” Her essay, “A Psychological Journey into Otherness,” was published in the book Risk Change: Between Mobility Control and Social Transformation (2020).
CJ has three grown children and two amazing dogs.
"I love Nantucket Lighthouse School because with “head, heart, and hands” at the core of this community, our potential together grows and strengthens each day."

Caitlin Tyler
4th/5th Grade Teacher
508-228-0427 | ctyler@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
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M.F.A. Poetry, Washington University B.A. East Asian History, Lewis & Clark College Caitlin is a dedicated educator, writer, and mother born and raised on Nantucket. With a passion for travel and cross-cultural connections, Caitlin has lived and worked in Washington state, Italy, Kenya, Greece, and Vietnam. She began her teaching career in 2005, tutoring young children in Kenya, before moving to Vietnam to teach college-age students. Upon returning to the island in 2013, she was thrilled to accept a position teaching the oldest students at Nantucket Lighthouse School. Caitlin holds a bachelor’s degree from Lewis & Clark College in Oregon and a master’s degree in poetry from Washington University in St. Louis. She continues to pursue professional development opportunities, completing intensive trainings at the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature School and the Sunbridge Institute. “I am honored to be able to teach at and send my own children to Nantucket Lighthouse School. The school’s commitment to fostering empathy and emotional growth while respecting the innate wisdom of children strikes a deep chord with me.”
Horticulture
Click here to learn more about Russell Morash, Chair in Childhood Horticulture

Caren Oberg
Director of Horticulture
508-228-0427 | coberg@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreDirector of Horticulture
B.A. Religion, Syracuse University
Caren has been a fixture at Nantucket Lighthouse School since its early days at the Hooper Farm Road campus. As children, flowers, and freedom are her favorite things, Nantucket Lighthouse School has been the ideal environment for Caren to carry out her passions. Caren has served a variety of roles at the school, including parent, after-school gardening teacher, substitute teacher, Events Coordinator, and currently, the Director of Horticulture. Caren loves being part of the Nantucket Lighthouse School family.
Caren has owned a beautiful gardening business on Nantucket since 2000 and spent five years working with children as a teacher assistant at Exploration Station. She is a loving and devoted mother of two children, Emmae (19) and Axel (14), who both attended Nantucket Lighthouse School.
“I love working at Nantucket Lighthouse School because it is one of the happiest places on earth! All the teachers and staff are so kind and thoughtful. The children are the sweetest! Every one of them contains their own special magic and light that everyone recognizes and appreciates. Because the school is so small, the children and staff have the freedom to move about the day in a way that is positive for everyone. I love being at Nantucket Lighthouse School with my whole heart. I'm so grateful that a school like this exists for our community.”

Gary Pillion
Horticulture Teaching Assistant
508-228-0427
Show MoreB.S. Management and Sustainability, Western New England University
Gary was born and raised on Nantucket. After graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in management and sustainability from Western New England University, Gary backpacked throughout Western Europe and traveled 6,500 miles across the United States. He landed in Seattle, WA for a couple of years working at an organic fair-trade chocolate factory, Theo Chocolate, before returning to the island.
Gary has served as the Office and Development Coordinator at Egan Maritime Institute, the Program and Communications Manager at Nantucket Community Sailing, and as an adult ESL teacher at Nantucket Community School.
Gary joined the Nantucket Lighthouse School community in 2021 as the assistant horticulture teacher. He is thrilled to be sharing his passion for sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and mindfulness with Lighthouse students. In addition to his role at Nantucket Lighthouse School, Gary works at ACK Island Harvest, building gardens and edible landscape designs.
"I love working at the Nantucket Lighthouse School because of how well-rounded and back to the roots the curriculum feels. The staff and students are all such a gift to spend time growing with and learning from one another."
Music

Nigel Goss
Music Teacher
508-228-0427 | ngoss@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreB.A. Music, Cornish College of the Arts
Certification in Classical Piano, Royal Conservatory of Music
Nigel was born and raised on Nantucket. He began his teaching career by volunteering at Seattle Music Partners during college, offering lessons and ensemble classes to elementary schools in Seattle, Washington. After graduating from Cornish College of the Arts in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in jazz bass performance, Nigel began teaching private lessons and group classes at Nantucket Community Music Center. Nigel first became involved with Nantucket Lighthouse School as a parent. He began offering handbell lessons to the oldest students in 2016 and became the lead music teacher in 2019.
Nigel has been an active professional musician for almost 20 years. Currently, he plays many public and private shows on Nantucket with a variety of jazz and classical ensembles, as well as pop and rock bands. Nigel recently earned a Level 7 Certificate in classical piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada. In addition to his role at Nantucket Lighthouse School, Nigel teaches private and group music classes at Nantucket Community Music Center and serves as the Music Director at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
“I love the Nantucket Lighthouse School for its community, its mission and philosophy, the amazing colleagues, and of course, the wonderful students. My goal is to give my students a solid foundation of music skills and the confidence that they can play, sing, or enjoy music in whatever way they choose.”
Camp Director & P.E. Teacher

T.J. Grant
Camp Director & P.E. Teacher
508-228-0427 Ext. 1025 | tgrant@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show More
TJ was raised on Nantucket and has nearly twenty years of experience working with children of all ages. After volunteering abroad in Lima, Peru, where he learned to speak Spanish, TJ moved back to the island to begin his career in education. TJ served as the Program Director at Nantucket Boys & Girls Club for ten years. For the next five years, he worked in a variety of roles at Nantucket New School and Strong Wings, including P.E. teacher, Director of After School Programming, and Director of Nantucket New Camp. TJ enthusiastically joined the Nantucket Lighthouse School community in 2021. In addition to teaching P.E., he has been instrumental in founding Camp Lighthouse, a play-based, project-based summer program that serves children ages 4 to 12. TJ’s engaging and empowering approach to educating children is inspired by his mentors growing up on the island and, most of all, his mother. TJ’s daughter, Summer, is a student at Nantucket Lighthouse School. “I love working at Nantucket Lighthouse School because every student is seen for the person they are and embraced for it.”
Reading Specialist

Allison Johnson
Reading Specialist
508-228-0427 | ajohnson@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreM.A. Teaching (K-12), Chapman University
B.A. Psychology, Chapman University
Orton-Gillingham Reading Specialist
Allison graduated from Chapman University with a master’s degree in teaching (K-12). After spending eight years in California as 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.
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 to teach dyslexic children. After completing training in Orton Gillingham, she was compelled to reach all students that needed a more specialized reading approach. In her spare time, Allison enjoys being a lifelong learner, reading, traveling, 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. When my daughter attended Nantucket Lighthouse School, I saw firsthand the magic of the school. She grew into a more confident person and developed a love of learning through the caring and guidance of exceptional teachers.”
Teaching Assistants

Linda Ballinger
Teaching Assistant & Culture and Traditions Mentor
508-228-0427
Show More
Linda attended Franklin Pierce College and Bennington College before moving to Nantucket in 1980, where she apprenticed under Andy Oates, her uncle and co-owner of the Nantucket Looms. While there, Linda was trained as a weaver, designing custom wall fabrics, upholstery fabrics, blankets, shawls, and table linens. Her career at the Looms lasted 19 years before she retired as head weaver. Linda has always had a love for learning and adventure. One of her many travels took her to San Miguel, Mexico, where she enrolled in a two-month-long ceramic program, not knowing a word of Spanish. On another adventure, Linda traveled to New Zealand with her bike and camping gear and cycled alone through the north and south islands for a month. Each adventure provided Linda with the opportunity for greater self-knowledge. After becoming a mother, Linda became interested in early childhood education. She was fascinated watching the way her young daughter explored the world around her. When her daughter was interested in summer camp, Linda accompanied her by signing up as a camp counselor. Lo and behold, she found a new calling. Her lifetime love of teaching children was kindled, and she soon began another adventure, this time as a teacher. Linda joined Nantucket Lighthouse School in 2017 and has been an invaluable member of the school community ever since. She has held a variety of roles at Nantucket Lighthouse School, including small school teacher, kinderclass teacher, second-grade teacher, teaching assistant, and culture and traditions mentor. “Working at Nantucket Lighthouse School brings me so much pleasure. I love the beauty of the campus, the involvement of the parents, the closeness of the faculty, but above all, I love seeing the eager smiles on the faces of the children as they come to school each day.”

Anya Mogensen
Teaching Assistant
508-228-0427
Show More
Born and raised on Nantucket, Anya attended Nantucket Lighthouse School from kinderclass through the eighth grade. Anya worked as a teaching assistant at Exploration Station’s after-school program during her teenage years. After graduating from Nantucket High School, Anya moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where she spent two years as a teaching assistant at a Reggio Amelia-based preschool. Anya has worked as a camp counselor at Seafari Girls during the summers. Anya happily rejoined the Nantucket Lighthouse School community in 2022 as a teaching assistant in small school and kinderclass. “My love for Nantucket Lighthouse School stems from childhood. The experience of teaching within the same walls I learned about the world in is a feeling unmatched.”
Extended Day

Meg Glidden
Math Teacher & Extended Day Teacher
508-228-0427 | mglidden@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreB.S. Microbiology, University of Massachusetts
E.M.T. Certification, University of Massachusetts
Meg moved to Nantucket after earning her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Amherst. With a passion for mathematics and science, Meg has been an EMT, lab tech, childbirth educator, and science teacher at Nantucket Christian Academy. Additionally, Meg homeschooled her six children in all subjects for over 20 years.
Meg continues to pursue extensive professional development, including courses in Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids, Bootstrap Workshop: Using Python to Teach Algebra Via Coding, CreateCodeLoad, Responsive Classroom, and Sunbridge Institute’s Foundations of Waldorf Education. Meg loves teaching students to write computer programs. She is an avid gardener who plays guitar and the flute.
“I am thrilled to be working with students at Nantucket Lighthouse School to discover the wonders of mathematics and the beauty of science.”

Carol Pillion
Extended Day Teacher
508-228-0427 | cpillion@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreB.S. Business Administration, Bryant University
Early Childhood Teacher Certification, Cape Cod Community College
Carol has lived on Nantucket for the past 35 years. After graduating cum laude from Bryant University, Carol worked in insurance, banking, and as a paralegal. After beginning her teaching career in special education at Nantucket Elementary School in 2000, Carol found her true calling. She went on to earn her teaching certification from Cape Cod Community College and became an EEC-certified infant and toddler teacher.
Carol spent six years teaching preschool at Small Friends on Nantucket, where she created and implemented curricula, participated in fundraising efforts, and lovingly maintained the school garden.
With enthusiasm, Carol joined Nantucket Lighthouse School in 2020 to teach Extended Day and assist in classrooms. Outside of teaching, Carol is an active member of the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and the Petticoat Row Women in Business. Carol has two grown children, Samantha and Gary.
“It is such a joy to come to Nantucket Lighthouse School each day and witness the children’s smiling faces and genuine enthusiasm for learning.”
Administration

Alicia Lynn
Office Manager
508-228-0427 Ext. 1010 | alynn@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreA.A. Communications, Dean College
Alicia has been an invaluable Nantucket Lighthouse School community member since she stepped into the role of Office Manager in 2017. Previously, Alicia was the manager of In the Pink for twelve years. While she enjoyed over a decade in retail selling everyone’s favorite Lilly Pulitzer products, Alicia longed for a stronger connection to Nantucket’s year-round community. She was immediately drawn to the warm, positive, and supportive environment at Nantucket Lighthouse School.
As Office Manager, Alicia plays a crucial role in ensuring the school’s efficiency, organization, and communication. Now that she gladly retired as the Covid Officer, she is able to fully devote her time to helping Nantucket Lighthouse School families, students, and faculty with any and all of their needs.
“From the moment I stepped into Nantucket Lighthouse School, I fell in love with its strong sense of community. The children are treated with the utmost care and respect, and it is an honor to contribute to the positivity that is palpable here every day.”

Julia Maury
School Counselor & Director of Admissions
508-228-0427 Ext. 1022 | jmaury@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreM.A. School Counseling, New York University
B.A. American Studies, Columbia University
Julia was born and raised on Nantucket and is a passionate educator with over a decade of experience advocating for island children. She first joined Nantucket Lighthouse School in 2010, where she taught for seven years. In addition, Julia has been a teacher at the Montessori Children’s House and worked in the counseling department at Nantucket Elementary School.
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, Julia obtained lead teacher certification from the ECC and American Montessori Society certification from Northeast Montessori Institute. She earned her master’s in school counseling from NYU, where she gained experience in individual and group counseling, cross-cultural counseling, and the informal and formal assessment of children and adolescents in schools. Her experience with strength-based, solution-focused strategies and interventions helps support the social, emotional, and academic development of all Nantucket Lighthouse School students.
"When I became a parent, I knew Nantucket Lighthouse School would be the ideal environment for my own children to develop character, critical thinking, and an intrinsic love of learning. I am delighted to step into the position of Director of Admissions to introduce new families to Nantucket Lighthouse School’s engaging, joyful community.
I am also honored to collaborate with children, families, and teachers as the school counselor. It is a privilege to be a part of a school community that profoundly values the well-being of the whole child."

Cayla Prichard
Director of Development & Math Curriculum Coordinator
508-228-0427 Ext. 1013 | cprichard@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreM.Ed. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Texas at Arlington
B.S. Human Environmental Sciences & Art History, University of Alabama
Cayla has almost a decade of experience as an elementary and intermediate school teacher and math interventionist, specialist, and coach in Texas and on Nantucket. Prior to moving to Nantucket, Cayla's involvement with The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas led to her becoming a member of the inaugural class of March Tocqueville Fellows; a social innovation experience designed to engage young professionals in fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy. Her nonprofit work has primarily been focused on educational equity.
Since graduating from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science, Cayla obtained an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington. She has engaged in extensive professional development in curriculum writing; nonprofit success and community engagement; data-driven pedagogy; responsive classroom; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
"As a parent to a Small Schooler, I have seen firsthand the impact of Nantucket Lighthouse School's whole-child approach and the student-centered learning that takes place every day. I am thrilled and honored to share the mission, vision, and philosophy of Nantucket Lighthouse School with the greater community as Director of Development."

Jess Torres
Events & Marketing Manager
508-228-0427 Ext. 1015 | jtorres@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreB.A. Graphic Design, Mount Ida College
Jess was born and raised on Nantucket and has over ten years of experience as a seasoned graphic and website designer. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Mount Ida College, Jess founded Salt Air Designs. Since 2014, Salt Air Designs has been a leading island website company offering comprehensive services to help local businesses stand out in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Through her company, Jess has established herself as an island expert in branding, print design, and web design. Additionally, Jess has been a long-term substitute teacher at Nantucket Public Schools and an office manager for a construction company with projects across Cape Cod and the Islands.
“As someone who is passionate about creating effective and beautiful designs, I appreciate how beauty and intention are incorporated into all aspects of a Nantucket Lighthouse School education.”

AdaRuth Waig
Business Manager
508-228-0427 Ext. 1012 | awaig@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Show MoreAdaRuth has over 15 years of experience working for businesses and law firms, ensuring efficient interoffice communications and customer relations. Her strengths include legal and financial research, persuasive and technical writing, and maintaining and organizing comprehensive online and physical filing systems.
AdaRuth joined the Nantucket Lighthouse School community in 2021 as the Business Manager. She is proud to continue her family’s legacy in education, as her grandfather and great-grandmother were both teachers on the island. AdaRuth’s ability to communicate complicated facts into comprehensive information has made her an invaluable addition to Nantucket Lighthouse School’s administrative team.
AdaRuth attended the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, and continues to pursue professional development opportunities, completing coursework on using data to understand the housing needs of vulnerable families and American Sign Language.
"When I started working at Nantucket Lighthouse School, I was heartened to bear witness to the remarkable work this community does. This beautiful place has created an environment where children become capable, confident, and secure learners who advance with compassion and integrity."