| Chris McCarthy, Principal of the REAL School | |
| Jody Dolley, Administrative Secretary | |
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Clinical Lead
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Susan joined the REAL School in 2012. She brings 20 years of extensive experience working with students and their families in multiple systems–juvenile justice, child welfare, and mental health. She has served as a teacher, community organizer, kayak instructor, and group facilitator, and she has recently published two teen-focused books–one about community gardening, and the other about innovation at school and work. Susan graduated from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, with her Master of Social Work. She loves working at the REAL School because of the laughter, tears, and learning that she shares with students and their families. When she is not on the island, she enjoys spending time with her own family, camping, gardening, swimming, reading poetry, and traveling. |
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Restorative Learning Specialist
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Sadie is excited to return to the REAL School as an Ed Tech for her second year. Her early passion for education and social work stemmed from volunteering as a mentor with Seeds of Independence in the Jumpstart program in 2011. Sadie discovered a knack for mentoring and assisted in the implementation of Navigate, a mentor program for at-risk youth at Freeport High School addressing school climate and peer support to increase attendance and graduation rates. During the fall semester of her senior undergraduate year, Sadie interned at a residential program in Antwerp for young girls from impoverished, marginalized communities. She provided consistent care and routine with activities of daily living- such as attending appointments, homework assistance, and cooking meals. Furthermore, she gained insight in pedagogical education as well as cultural values to create a foundation for parent/child reunification to occur. Sadie facilitated family visits and initiated activities to develop stronger family relations between the residential home and families. Through play and outdoor exploration, Sadie learned how to understand the needs of the young girls using a positive, nurturing approach. Sadie’s educational experience continued at the Veazie Community School as an assistant to the guidance counselor. She participated in 1:1 counseling sessions, group meetings and taught guidance lessons. This opportunity motivated her to learn about diversity, encourage student achievement and create a space of acceptance. In 2016, she graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. In her free time, Sadie enjoys outdoor adventures with her dog and spending time with family and friends. She is thrilled to be a part of the REAL School community because of the amazing students it serves and the positivity and support from staff. |
| Instructional Strategist and Dean of Students Sara Nichols  |
Sara joined the REAL school January 2017. She joins us with 20 years experience working with Maine’s youth in multiple capacities. Her journey began as a full time substitute teacher, coach, respite worker, continuing 12 more years as a support staff in Special Education at Greely Middle School and 5th grade teacher at Martel Elementary. Sara has completed a Masters in Education from USM and holds a Maine State Certification K-8 Special and General Education. Sara successfully strives to connect classroom academics with everyday science, math and literature that surround us. Every year presents an opportunity to develop new ideas to engage our students. Sara enjoys collaborating with co-workers and the community in order to create her experiential and differentiated classroom to support student success. |
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Instructional Staff |
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| Ryan Bullock | |
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Melissa first joined The REAL School in 2012 as an AmeriCorps volunteer and served in that capacity for three years before realizing her dream job and joining the staff as an Ed Tech III in 2015. Melissa’s prior experience includes seven years as a job coach for adults with developmental disabilities and seven years as a co-facilitator for support groups for children experiencing grief, as well as the delights and challenges of raising her own two teenagers. Melissa has a degree in Philosophy from Wheaton College and has completed some graduate work in education with a focus on at-risk populations. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys live music, gardening, and the ocean. |
| Sam Fletcher | |
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Melissa is looking forward to starting her second year working with the amazing students and staff at REAL school. Currently an Ed Tech III, she brings with her 26 years of social-service experience working with Maine families, community members and medical and mental health agencies throughout the Mid Coast Maine area. Melissa has her Associate’s degree in Business and Healthcare Management and her MHRT-C to further support those struggling with mental health issues. She also enjoys volunteering her time to support the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program in the Brunswick area and has networked with local community members and businesses to build community inclusive relationships to foster independence. Melissa realizes the importance of self-care and has many hobbies such as sculpting, disc golf, hiking and yoga. In her free time during the summer you are likely to find her tending to her gardens or lying on a beach. Melissa is excited about all the changes occurring at REAL this year and has much enthusiasm to share with the students to help support them with skill development and in achieving their academic and life goals. |
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Ted first began working with the REAL School as an AmeriCorps volunteer in 2012. After a year of working through the national service organization, he joined the REAL School staff as a Special Education teacher in the Academy program. He attended the University of Maine at Farmington and graduated with a BA in Secondary English Education in 2011. His passions and interests include literature, films, all kinds of music, and working with the young people who will be the future leaders and citizens of our country. While not at work, he spends his time at his home in Portland playing video games, enjoying delicious food, and recording and producing both electronic music and guitar. |
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Carrie joined REAL as an Ed Tech in January 2017. She holds a BFA in Art Ed, and is currently working towards an MA in Counseling, specializing in clinical mental health. Carrie has spent the majority of her time working for non-profits that focus on educating and supporting families in disadvantaged situations, such as state-run foster homes and the local YWCA, in her home state of Massachusetts. After moving to Maine in 2004, she worked as a program coordinator for Girls Inc, an organization that empowers women and girls, through outreach. After spending some time at home with her two children, Carrie became certified as a children’s yoga instructor, and began offering yoga classes to children and families in the greater Portland area. She has worked with dozens of schools, and both private and public organizations. Before starting at REAL she was a literacy tutor for kids with learning disabilities at a special education school in Cape Elizabeth. She feels at home in nature, and loves to trail run for exercise as well as peace of mind. Hiking, yoga, and exploring with her two kids are favorite past times, not to mention being creative in any possible setting or capacity. Carrie’s favorite thing about working at REAL is being able to work alongside the most dedicated, compassionate, and driven team, allowing her to offer the best abilities she has to her students. The culture perpetuated at REAL fosters deep admiration, acceptance, and care for one another—truly a gem! |
| Katie West | |
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Head Custodian |
