Cara Bergantino, Music Teacher Leave of Absence Coverage
Cara Bergantino has taught music for over a decade in the Greater Boston area. A strings teaching specialist, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in viola performance from New York University, and a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration from Boston University. She has taught music in the Belmont Public Schools and Newton Public Schools, and conducts the Newton All-City Orchestra. She also teaches private lessons at Beaver Country Day School and The Conservatory At Highlands. Cara currently performs with the Brookline Symphony Orchestra as a violist, and spends the summers at Camp Encore/Coda in Sweden, Maine, as Camp Director & Owner, where she is also a member of the music faculty. Cara is an alum of Creative Arts At Park and is excited to work with the students this year!
Jordan Burnham-Bialik, Drama Teacher Sabbatical Coverage
Jordan Burnham-Bialik joins the Upper Division Drama Department to temporarily fill the position of Ms. Kyra Fries while she takes her sabbatical. Jordan is committed to maintaining a vibrant and inclusive drama department. Jordan is passionate about supporting young individuals in exploring new ideas, developing critical thinking skills, and contributing fully to their communities as active citizens. Prior to this appointment, Jordan has taught at Shady Hill School, the French Woods Festival for the Performing Arts, and as a teaching artist in the Boston Public Schools. Jordan holds a Master of Arts in Theatre Education from Emerson College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Jordan is certified by the State of Massachusetts to teach Theatre at all levels of Pre-K-12 development.
Karl Dreyer, Upper Division Science Teacher
Growing up in northern Illinois, Karl fell in love with exploring nature. He has fond memories of being outside, listening to the sounds of the forest, observing tadpole development, feeling the bark from different trees, and collecting rocks on road trips to national parks. Karl earned both his undergrad and graduate degrees from the University of New Mexico in science education specializing in Earth and Planetary sciences. With over 20 years teaching experience, he has taught middle through high school in New Mexico, Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts. He loves to learn and is always finding ways to make science education more engaging and relevant. When Karl is not teaching, he enjoys reading nerdy books about science, being outside (running, biking, paddleboarding), and he considers himself an expert in dad jokes. “I am excited about working at Park and sharing my passion for science!”
Eleanor Finn, Lower Division Permanent Substitute
Eleanor graduated from High Point University in North Carolina. Following her passion and love of children and learning, she began her career at a Montessori school in her hometown of Cincinnati. In 2023, she moved to Boston and loved the city and surroundings. She has 5+ years of teaching experience before coming to Park and believes every child is unique. Her passion is to bring out the natural curiosity and nurturing a love of learning that all children have: “Each child has something special that they can bring to the classroom and to other students.” In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball, skiing, and exploring New England. She loves spending time with family and friends, and being with her dog Tilly.
Deb Henry, Learning Specialist – Academic Support
Debbie Henry is delighted to return to Park as a part time Learning Specialist in the Academic Support department. Debbie first joined Park’s Academic Support team in 1995 and served as Director of Academic Support from September 2014 through June 2023. Prior to her tenure at Park, Debbie was Head of Learning Support for Grades 5-12 at Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Debbie earned a B.A. degree from Boston University and an MA in Reading and Learning Disabilities from New York University. Outside of Park, Debbie enjoys reading, gardening, going for long walks, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends. Debbie looks forward to a year of learning alongside her students and colleagues and to reconnecting with the Park community.
Dan Herman, Upper Division Permanent Substitute
Dan Herman, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, brings a unique blend of legal experience and educational expertise to his role as Upper Division Permanent Sub. His academic journey includes an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Kansas (2009), a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law (2012) with a special focus on civil rights and constitutional litigation, and a Master’s in Secondary Education from Lesley University (2020). He has taught social studies to grades 6-9 and was most recently teaching 6th grade civics and American history at Milton Academy. His passion for community service extends beyond the classroom, and alongside his wife, he has raised over $250,000 for cancer research via the Pan-Mass Challenge. He is also a devoted father to his two children, ages 3 & 6. Outside the school, he’s an avid Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan and a BBQ enthusiast.
Jennifer Kuchta, World Languages – Spanish Teacher
After teaching Spanish and German for 17 years at Boston Latin, Jen Kuchta joins the World Language team at Park as a Spanish teacher. After completing her language studies at BC, where she also played D1 softball, Jen went to Tufts University where she received her degree in Education. Her love of languages and sports led her to the classroom. Jen enjoys helping students gain confidence in dealing with the unknown by trying out a new language, as she encourages them to take risks to build strong interpersonal skills. She has 3 children and loves to travel
Annie Maness, School Counselor
Annie Maness joins Park School as the new full-time School Counselor. She graduated from Northeastern University, where she earned her MS/CAGS degree in School Psychology and her National Certification for School Psychology (NCSP). After graduating in 2019, she worked as a School Psychologist at a school in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley while her husband attended the Tuck School of Business. Most recently, she worked at a school in Silicon Valley both as a School Psychologist and as the Lead for the English Learner Department (EL). Annie grew up in New York City and speaks fluent Korean. During her free time, she enjoys listening to K-pop, cooking new recipes, and staying active.
James Manyuru, Upper Division Head
Jimmy majored in Political Science at Middlebury College, earned an M.A. in Teaching History at Manhattanville College, and an M.Ed. in Organizational Leadership at the Klingenstein Center, Teachers College, Columbia University. He returns to the independent school world after a two-year sabbatical, during which he broadened his strategic management skills as Customer Success Manager at Forrester Research in Cambridge. Jimmy brings 15 years of independent school experience at Brunswick School, Greenwich, CT, Waynflete School, Portland, ME, The Fenn School in Concord, and most recently, at Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill. As a former history teacher, Jimmy understands the day-to-day experiences of teachers and has a vision for academic excellence in middle school and high school settings. As a DEIB leader at Fenn and Beaver, Jimmy brought a thoughtful, intellectual, and pragmatic approach to creating and sustaining belonging. And, as a class dean, associate director of student life, and director of student life and equity, he has designed and led SEL programming for students and supported educators in delivering those programs.
Born and raised in Kenya, Jimmy came to the United States to attend college and fell in love with the New England area, which he now considers his second home. Baking is a creative outlet for him and watching baking shows with his wife, Megan, a fellow independent school math educator, is good entertainment. Jimmy’s two daughters, Bailey (7) and Isla (3.5), keep him grounded as they continually try (and try again) to teach him their latest gymnastics and tap moves.
Lauren Moorehouse, Permanent Per Diem School Nurse
Lauren joins Park as a substitute/per diem nurse. Originally from Lynn, Massachusetts, she completed her BSN at UMass Boston in 2022 and has been working in both the adult and pediatric sides of Salem hospital’s emergency department since then. She realized her love for pediatrics in the ER, which led her to Park. She is excited to meet the students and staff and become a part of the Park community. When she is not working, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her pets (3 cats, 1 dog).
Casner Parfait, Grade 5 Humanities Teacher
Casner is entering his eighth year as a middle school ELA/Humanities teacher, having taught in Randolph, Brockton, and Cambridge. In addition to his classroom experience, he has worked at various Boston-based educational nonprofits, where he held roles in educational leadership positions.
Casner holds a BA in English (with a minor in Education) from Bridgewater State and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Management from Fitchburg State. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to podcasts, and taking uninterrupted afternoon naps.
Casner is excited to return to the classroom as a 5th Grade Humanities Teacher at Park, where he looks forward to cultivating safe spaces for students and amplifying their voices.
Anndrew Reinfeld, Director of Student Support
Anndrew is thrilled to join the Park School community this fall, bringing eight years of experience in education. He began his journey teaching English as a foreign language in Shijiazhuang, China, before moving to the Boston area. Here he earned his Master’s degree in Education and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in School Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He has served as a school counselor, adjustment counselor, education researcher, and has led therapeutic improv comedy classes for teens on the autism spectrum. Outside of work, he enjoys foraging through the woods with his dog, Duke, cooking, and indulging in fantasy novels. P.S. Wondering about the extra ‘n’ in his name? It’s not a typo! Please ask him about it; he considers it a built-in conversation starter!
Jen Viana, Athletic Director
Jen joins Park School as the Director of Athletics. She arrives from Cushing Academy, where she served as the Director of Athletics and Afternoon Activities since 2018. Jen earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from Bentley University, where she also played Division II softball. After graduating, she spent seventeen years as the Head Softball Coach at Lesley University, leading the team to numerous postseason and NCAA appearances. In 2011, Jen was named NECC Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Hamden High School Hall of Fame. She also holds a Master of Arts degree from Lesley University, where she held various roles in athletic administration, including recruitment, compliance, and Director of Athletics. An active member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, Jen received the Quality Program Award for Cushing Academy’s athletics program and serves as the Vice President of District III on the NEPSAC Executive Board. Jen is passionate about promoting student development through education-based athletic programs, emphasizing their growth and achievements both individually and within a team setting.
Christopher P. Vivier, Instructor of Woodworking (Sabbatical Coverage)
Christopher received his BS in Fine Arts from Skidmore College with concentrations in sculpture and photography. After college he began his teaching career at the high school level. Following nearly a decade at Brewster Academy, he transitioned to teaching middle grades at The Pike School where he was captivated by the energy, enthusiasm and curiosity of young artists. Working with students in the middle grades was clearly where he was meant to be. During that time, he also began a return to his own three-dimensional work and a deepening study of furniture making. This work has since become the focus of his creative practice. After twenty four years in the classroom as a generalist, teaching numerous art forms, he is very excited for the opportunity to focus on his teaching and share the passion for woodworking with the students at Park! “Through our work together, I’m looking forward to inspiring and empowering them to continue push their abilities and creativity to new heights.“
Aaron Williams, Makerspace Educator
Aaron is thrilled to join The Park School’s Maker Space this year. With over 20 years of experience working in professional maker spaces within architecture firms in the Boston area, Aaron is eager to collaborate with both students and faculty on innovative and exciting projects. His passion lies in blending technology, art, and science to create immersive learning experiences. Aaron aims to infuse this enthusiasm into his work at Park, inspiring both teachers and students alike. Outside the classroom, Aaron is an avid puzzle and board game enthusiast who enjoys sharing these interests with his family and friends . He warmly invites everyone to visit the Maker Space and see what we are working on.
Diana “DZ” Zito, Upper Division Math Teacher
Diana, who goes by DZ, is returning to the classroom this fall after spending nine years in teacher placement and recruitment at Carney Sandoe. Before that, she taught middle school math, coached, and lived in the dorm at Fay School from 2005-2015. DZ holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Boston University in Mathematics Education. Outside of the classroom, DZ enjoys being outdoors, playing and umpiring softball, and spending time with family and friends.
Feature Image
Left to Right – Standing – Annie Maness, School Counselor, Anndrew Reinfeld, Director of Student Support, Diana Zito, Upper Division Math, Jordan Burnham-Bialik, Drama, Kayla Sansone, PreK Teaching Assistant, James Manyuru, Upper Division Head
Left to Right – Seated – Aaron Williams, MakerSpace Educator, Karl Dreyer, Upper Division Science, Jen Kuchta, Language, Casner Parfait, Grade 5 Humanities, Dan Herman, Upper Division Permanent Sub, Jen Viana, Athletic Director
Not pictured – Eleanor Finn, Lower Division Permanent Substitute & Christopher Vivier, Woodworking
