Katie is in her 7th year as the Executive Director at AASP. She grew up in Waban, is an Angier/Brown/Newton North alumna, and a graduate of Bennington College where she studied microbiology. She previously worked at the Cabot After School Program (CASP) in Newtonville for 8 years, and currently serves on the Board of Directors as co-President of the Newton After School Association. Katie is a proud dog-mom to two crazy pups, a mediocre but enthusiastic fisherwoman, and renowned coach of the third best roller derby team in Massachusetts.

As Assistant Director and K-1 Coordinator, Brad’s excited to give the newest kids entering in our program a warm welcome. He received his BA in Early Education and Care in Inclusive Settings from UMass Boston, graduating at the top of his class and receiving an award of Academic Excellence. He also holds a degree in music production and has previously studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University. One of his favorite activities to do with the children is read books, to promote literacy skills and bond over a good story. Brad goes above and beyond as commissioner of the AASP hockey league, which our whole community gets involved with.

Lexus is entering her fourth year at AASP after previously working at the Mason-Rice After School Program in Newton Center. The K-1 students always keep her on her toes, never knowing what they will do or say next!  Lexus lives life to the fullest, and loves sharing her hobbies and passions with the K-1s. She is pursuing her dream of visiting 10 countries.  Her favorite foods are pasta and chicken nuggets and in her free time she loves to paint.

Usha is excited to return for her 3rd year at AASP. Previously, Usha worked in the financial industry for over twenty years. Usha loves spending time with children and enjoys working at AASP as the next chapter in her career. She also works as an Substitute Teacher and lunchroom aide at Angier during the school day. She loves to travel and enjoys walking in her free time.

Aiti is a Venezuelan-American poet and artist with a 13-year musical theatre background. They formerly worked as an after-school poetry teacher in their home state of Florida and they are a firm believer that children are more interesting than all of us! They love to paint and write music in their spare time, but ultimately think life is best spent relaxing in nature. They are so excited to get to know all of the K-1’s this school year and maybe teach them a little Spanish along the way! 

Meet Simon! He is beyond excited to be working with the K-1 group this year. He is passionate about mindfulness and compassion and hopes to offer the kiddos some strategies in this realm. When he isn’t working with the kids at Angier, Simon is walking, hiking, cooking, singing, and gardening. Simon is passionate about social justice and also volunteers with Progressive Massachusetts in his free time. He’s devoted to making the world a more empathetic, equitable place for all.

Meet Melanie! She’s now taking on her 7th year at AASP, and her 3rd year as coordinator for the 2nd and 3rd grade group! Melanie has been the director of AASP’s annual musical since her first year here in 2017, and she believes theater is a powerful educational tool for social and emotional growth. Outside of Angier, Melanie sings in the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, works on the board of Nightingale Vocal Ensemble, and teaches music and drama in Boston Public Schools through various arts outreach programs. Melanie is a proud mom of gerbils Squirrel and Mouse, and a big fan of Disney and silly puns!

Cyndy is entering her 3rd year at AASP. She attended the University of Connecticut and brings her positive energy and enthusiasm to ASAP. She says that it is “so refreshing to see the world through a child’s eyes.” She is so excited to be working in the 2/3 group again this year! Cyndy enjoys  fashion,cooking, gardening, and taking her dog on long walks in any kind of weather.

Katie is starting her 2nd year working with AASP and is looking forward to getting to know the 2/3 group! In her free time Katie is an illustrator who loves to make all kinds of drawings and crafts. She’s been able to share this love for art by teaching Studio Art classes for kids at the Museum of Fine Arts on weekends. Katie can often be found playing games with friends or searching for the tastiest teas in Boston!

Jah’ray is returning for his second stint on the 2/3 team this year after after previously working with the 2/3s in the fall of 21-22 school year and the 4/5 team in the spring of 23. He previously worked at the Goldfish Swim school and Mason-Rice After School Program.

John first met Katie when he was a student at the Cabot After School Program. He loved his after school experience, and has since worked with children at the YMCA and Camp Chikami. He is now graduate of Newton North High School and an Teacher on the 2/3 team for his third year at AASP.

Natalia is here for her first year at AASP! She is really looking forward to meeting all the kids and working with the 2-3 group. She is in her last year as student studying psychology at Boston University, and hopes to work in child counseling in her future. In her free time she loves hiking, reading, sketching, drinking tea, and exploring new places around Massachusetts.

Jon is returning for his 14th year with AASP and his 3rd as Coordinator for the 4th-5th grade team. He went to MIT, where he worked towards a degree in engineering, and brings some of that analytical thinking and problem solving to the program. He considers himself a “Jon of All Trades” and can often be found drawing with the kids, engaging their imaginations through board games, organizing impromptu sports on the field, or joking around sharing his love of puns. Jon hopes to visit London and Japan to see the cherry blossoms some day!

Ahmad is returning for his 8th year with AASP. He attended Berklee College of Music majoring in Music Education. Back home in Piscataway NJ, Ahmad taught music and lead small groups in various programs. Ahmad brings tons of energy and positivity to the AASP family, often engaging the children’s silliness. Ahmad also works at Angier as a Teacher Aide.

As a former student and substitute teacher in the Newton Public School System, Hannah is excited to start their first year in the Angier After School Program. They graduated from the University of Massachusetts of Lowell with a degree in Psychology and has worked in education and public health since 2019. Hannah enjoys having fun and engaging with students while helping to develop resilience, empathy, and self-awareness. Hannah’s dream is to have a little farm. Mostly goats and bees! Outside of work they enjoy watercolor, live music, and meditation.

Ryan is returning for his third year at AASP and his first as a “floater,” which means he’ll work with all three programs this year. He went to Newton schools K-12. He has years of childcare experience, including teaching Sunday school, and is looking forward to connecting with the kids and new staff.