The Gorham Times, Gorham, Maine's Community Newspaper

School News Editor

The Gorham School Department has approved the hiring of the following staff to its schools for the start of the 2017-18 school year.

Mary Ellen Blodgett is a one-year 4/5 social studies teacher at Gorham High School (GHS), created by Amy Smith moving from 5/5 to 3/5 and Shauna Dunn moving from 5/5 to 2/5. She received a B.S. in secondary education from University of Maine at Orono (UMO).

Trisha Cherry is a guidance counselor at GHS, replacing Kim Bedrosian. She received a A.A. in liberal arts from the University of Southern Maine (USM), a B.S. in leadership and organizational studies from USM, and a M.S. in counseling from USM.

Christina Cifelli is an assistant principal at GHS, replacing Kim Slipp who retired. She received a B.A. in sociology from Bates College and a M.S. in counselor education from USM.

Brianna DiDonato is teaching special education at Gorham Middle School (GMS) and GHS, replacing Meghan Holden. She has a B.A. in liberal arts from USM and a M.S. in science in teaching and learning from USM.

Rachel Dunbar is a guidance counselor K-5 in a new position at the K-5 level. She received a B.S. in rehabilitation services from University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) and a M.Ed. in counselor education from UMO.

Benjamin Ely is a math/social studies teacher at GMS, replacing Adam Parvanta who went to GHS as a technology integrator. He received a B.A. in history from University of Vermont, a M.S. in business administration from USM, and a M.Ed. – ETEP from USM.

Erin Eppler is a grade 2 teacher at Village Elementary, replacing Anna Rudolf who retired. She received a B.S. in elementary education from Northern Arizona University and a M.Ed. in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Jaimie Frailey is a grade 4 teacher at Village, replacing Gigi McAllister who is moving to take the literacy/math lead teacher position vacated by Mary Patterson. She received a B.A. in psychology from Denison University and a M.Ed. – ETEP from USM.

Brian Garrity is a 4/5 English teacher at GHS, replacing Jason Simpson. He received a B.A. in English from West Chester University and M.Ed. – ETEP from USM.

Lori Gurney is a grade 2 teacher in a new position at Narragansett Elementary. She received her B.A. in elementary education from University of Central Florida.

Bei Ju is a 3/5 Mandarin teacher in a new position at GHS. She received a B.A. in engineering from University of Shanghai, a M.Ed. in engineering from Shizuoka University, and a teacher insurance program from Ohio State University.

Patricia Kaczmarek is a 1/5 art teacher in a new position at Great Falls Elementary. She received an A.A. in liberal arts from University of Mass at Amherst and a B.A. in art education from USM.

Delainey Kein is a grade 1 teacher in a new position at Great Falls. She received a B.S. in elementary education at UMF.

Diana Phillips is a grade 1 teacher at Village Elementary, replacing Karen Carlson who retired. She received her B.A. in human development from Connecticut College.

Kristina Pontibriand is a 1/2 occupational therapist in a new position in the district. She received a B.A in recreation and leisure studies from USM and a M.Ed in occupational therapy from USM.

Brandon Poulin is a grade 3 teacher at Village, replacing Kathy Delahunte (who is on a 1 year unpaid leave). He received a B.S. in elementary education from UMF and a M.Ed. in educational technology from Lesley University.

Brooke Proulx is a social worker 4-8 at GMS, replacing Cynthia Grover who went to GHS. She received a B.A. in sociology from Saint Anslem College and a M.Ed in social work from Boston College.

Kaitlin Richwalder is a special education teacher in a new position at Great Falls. She received her B.A. in history from Elmira College and a M.S. in childhood and special education from the College of Saint Rose.

Sara Sinnett is a grade 1 teacher in a new position at Great Falls. She received a B.A. in music education from UMO and a M.Ed. – ETEP from USM.

Rachel Webster is a grade 2 teacher in a new position at Narragansettt. She received a B.S. in elementary education from UMO.