FACULTY & STAFF

Ryan is Head of School and a founding member at Windham Woods School. Windham Woods School, established in 2018, educates children with mild to moderate learning challenges who struggle to reach their true potential. Ryan has been an advocate for these students for over 25 years. It is Ryan’s belief that every child’s unique learning style should be respected and valued. At Windham Woods, he has helped create an engaging, vibrant school culture focused on positive skill development and access to meaningful learning opportunities. Prior to Windham Woods, Ryan held several positions including Teacher, Academic Mentor, Coach, Athletic Liaison, and Associate Director of Institutional Advancement. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at Emerson College and holds a Masters degree in Special Education from Simmons College.

Throughout his professional career, Ryan has worked with students of all ages to find success in school. Today, Ryan and an incredible team of educators at Windham Woods help students gain confidence so they can be positive and productive members in the world.

Contact information: rdejoy@windhamwoods.org

Matt has been involved in education for over 25 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and teaching experience to Windham Woods School. His teaching career began at Landmark School where he developed the critical skills needed to differentiate his instruction to match the learning style of each student. Matt taught middle school math for 13 years in both Rockport and Newburyport, MA. From his experience with a wide range of students, he has developed an acute awareness of the importance of recognizing and validating the contributions every child brings to the classroom. He has always maintained high expectations of his students, while appropriately providing the necessary support to help them achieve their individual goals. Matt completed his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Vermont and holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Simmons College. Matt is a founding member of Windham Woods School and was the Director of the Middle and Upper programs until 2023. He is the father of three amazing children.

Contact information: mtaffel@windhamwoods.org

Kristen is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in language and literacy disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Rutgers University and her Master of Science in Speech from Emerson College. Kristen brings 28 years of special education experience to her role as Director of Admission. Prior to joining Windham Woods School, Kristen was the Director of Clinical Operations at Architects For Learning, working directly with students as well as mentoring and training fellow SLPs and educators. Kristen’s background also includes leadership roles in both public and private schools where she helped to design, implement, and oversee language-based instruction. Both her keen ability to interpret standardized testing and expertise in understanding a broad range of learning profiles enhance her ability to work collaboratively with parents throughout the admission process. By getting to know students well through the admission process, Kristen thoughtfully evaluates whether Windham Woods School can provide the academic and social support they deserve.

Contact information: kmallett@windhamwoods.org

Christine has a Master’s Degree in Education, with a concentration in Educational Counseling and Special Education, as well as 25 years of experience in private school admission. She understands learning disabilities and learning challenges. Christine is expert at interpreting neuropsychological, achievement, and related testing, as part of an extensive admission process that will help determine whether Windham Woods School will meet the needs of a child. She also understands the challenges that parents experience. Christine is a founding member of Windham Woods School and is committed to an admission process that allows parents to confidently choose the right school for their child.

“I believe that each and every child has within them the potential to learn, and most importantly, to love their school experience.”

Contact information: cozahowski@windhamwoods.org

Kristen has dedicated her career to helping students recognize their strengths and strive to reach their full potential. She began her career at Landmark School where she forged trusting relationships with her students in intensive reading tutorials, sign language classes, and social studies courses. She pioneered the school’s first ever Volleyball program and was an active member of the residential life team. Kristen then spent several years teaching in language-based programs in both Georgetown and North Andover public schools. Throughout her career she has prioritized the need to build a strong rapport with her students, and she has shown them, time and again, that she will go the extra mile for them if they are willing to trust her, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. A nature enthusiast and a trail runner, Kristen has spent many years incorporating outdoor learning into her class lessons. She is an advocate for experiential learning opportunities, and believes that when teachers are able to make real life connections for students, they are providing invaluable lifelong lessons. Kristen loves greeting Windham Woods students with a smile each morning and is looking forward to growing and learning with students and their families for years to come.

Contact information: khavey-bergeron@windhamwoods.org

Peter brings over 26 years of experience in special education to Windham Woods School. Prior to joining us, he held key roles at Landmark Elementary Middle School, including Language Arts Department Head and Summer Program Director. Peter earned his undergraduate degree in Literature and History from Plymouth State University and his Masters Degree in Special Education from Simmons College in Boston. At Landmark School, he served as a reading tutor, classroom teacher, coach, department head, public school liaison, and summer program director. Peter is trained in the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) and Lindamood-Bell Phoneme Sequencing (LiPS) approaches. His instructional experience spans language arts, science, and 1:1 literacy tutorials. Throughout his career, Peter has presented at numerous national and international conferences and schools, focusing on enhancing written expression skills among students. His sessions offer valuable insights and practical strategies to educators, promoting effective approaches in teaching writing. Peter’s commitment to sharing best practices has greatly influenced the professional development of fellow educators and the academic growth of students. He is passionate about helping children understand themselves as learners and discovering their unique strengths. Peter has built strong connections with students and faculty, empowering them to achieve their full potential. Outside of his professional endeavors, Peter enjoys spending time with his wife Casey, who is a mathematics special educator, and their four wonderful children.

Contact information: pharris@windhamwoods.org

Dr. Andrea Meade brings 27 years of experience in the world of special education, including leadership, teaching, student support, and faculty training. She has spent much of her career as an Assistant Dean of Students and educator at Landmark High School in Beverly, MA.

Andrea has a strong ability to build relationships among school personnel, students and families. She is skilled at using research to guide practice to improve student outcomes and experiences. Andrea holds a master’s degree in special education and a doctorate in education, focused on leadership and learning. She is a team player, a critical thinker, and a problem solver. She understands the importance of clear and consistent communication to students, staff, and families.

Contact information: ameade@windhamwoods.org

Before joining Windham Woods School, Jeremy served as the Head of Brehm Preparatory School, which is a boarding school for students with learning differences in southern Illinois. Jeremy received his undergraduate degree in Literature, History, and Philosophy from Wesleyan University and began his career teaching French at Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie, NY, later becoming Dean of Students. He simultaneously completed the Klingenstein Center Private School Leadership Masters program at Columbia University Teachers College. After working as Director of Camp Dunnabeck at the Kildonan School, a boarding school in Amenia, NY for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, Jeremy became Associate Head of School. He was trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach and also taught science, robotics, and woodworking. He later served as the Assistant Principal at Green Chimneys Childrens’ Services in Brewster, NY, for students with learning difficulties, ASD, and social/emotional and behavioral challenges. In addition to his over 21 years of experience as an educator, Jeremy is a father to four wonderful children. His wife Melissa has worked as a wildlife teacher for students with learning differences and also teaches at WWS. Jeremy also holds a Masters from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in Design and Preservation of Historic Architecture. He enjoys woodworking, carpentry, automotive repair, and playing the five string banjo.

Contact information: jrobbins@windhamwoods.org

Sharon has over 30 years of experience in special education. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master of Special Education degree from Simmons College. Prior to joining Windham Woods, Sharon worked at Landmark School where she held a variety of positions including reading tutor, classroom teacher, academic advisor, reading supervisor, faculty trainer, testing coordinator, and public school liaison. Sharon is passionate about helping children understand who they are as learners and recognize their personal strengths. Throughout her career in education, she has been committed to developing a positive rapport with her students and empowering them to achieve success.

Contact information: smusto@windhamwoods.org