Support Team

Alex Freeman (School Psychologist) has worked the entirety of his school psychology career at Haley. Alex was born and raised in Virginia, and previously taught special education in Charlotte, North Carolina through the Teach for America program. Alex enjoys travel, reading memoirs and making art.

Kristina Donovan , Haley Pilot School nurse, has been a nurse for over twenty years and has been employed at the Haley for over 10 years. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Kristina is passionate about her career as a nurse and has an array of nurse experience. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

Mrs. Yackel is a Haley veteran who has worked as an elementary teacher, a math coach, an interventionist and is currently a member of the Academic Support Team. She loves working with the amazing staff and students at the Haley and looks forward to another year of learning together.

Seema is a literacy specialist who enjoys working alongside the students and teachers at the Haley.

Laura Brody Young has been a proud member of the Haley staff since 1996. She has had the joy of trying on many hats and has been able to enjoy the learning and growing that takes place all around the school.

My name is Anthony Graham, I am the new Family Liaison at the Haley Pilot School. I’m a proud product of Boston Public Schools.One of my passions is being able to connect with families and having the opportunity to serve them with a level of excellence. As your Family Liaison, my goal is to ensure equity is maintained throughout our school community

I'm excited to return to the Haley Pilot School. I hope that my work at the Haley this year will be inspired by the time I spent working this summer with our affiliate, the non-profit Community Boat Building. I invite parents and community members to share any ideas you might have to make Boat Building a more interdisciplinary activity!

Mrs. Spitz is Teacher of the Visually Impaired who works in several schools in BPS. She graduated from Boston College with degrees in elementary education and education of the visually impaired. She loves teaching students and collaborating with families and staff. Mrs. Spitz lives in Roslindale with her family and two cats.

Hello - My name is Lisa Cummings-Knight and I am one of the Haley’s School Counselors. I am a Boston College Graduate with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. The Haley is a great school and we have an amazing counseling team - pop in and say hello!

Katherine Thiboutot, aka Miss Kate is so grateful to be working at the Haley Pilot School. Miss Kate lives at home with her husband John, daughters Maggie and Emma and Cookie her lil pup. Miss Kate loves watching sports, reading and watching her daughters dance. Miss Kate went to speech therapy as a child AND LOVED IT!

My name is Maria Cabrera and I am the School Social Worker at the Haley Pilot School. I been a social worker in Boston for more than 20 years and love working with kids and families. When I am not at the school I love spending time with my 3 kids.

Marci Goldowsky (Speech-Language Pathologist): Marci has been working within BPS since 1999 and at the Haley since 2014. She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from UMASS Amherst, and her masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Ohio State University. Marci is passionate about supporting students to achieve their potential for language and academic skills. She enjoys spending time with her two children, her dog, Bella, and her family. Marci enjoys traveling, cooking, and going shopping.

I began my physical therapy career in the hospital setting and outpatient clinics, but working with kids is what I most enjoy. When I’m not in school, I’m enjoying time outdoors with my 4 kids and new puppy.

Ms. Cirasuolo has taught middle school in Boston for many years after moving here from New Jersey. When school isn't in session, Ms. Cirasuolo is usually exploring Boston with her husband and their young boys or visiting her family in the glorious Garden State. She feels fortunate to be part of the Haley community that values diverse learners and meeting their needs through the co-teaching model.

Born and raised in Boston. Graduated from Newbury College. When she is not working, Mrs. Mates is watching sports, listening to music and spending time with husband and kids.

Ruth Aubourg is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a licensed Applied Behavior Analyst.

Her career in this discipline started in 2007. She continues to serve students with challenging behaviors focusing on both classroom management procedures and direct behavior intervention techniques using positive reinforcement strategies. In her spare time, Ruth enjoys traveling and playing tennis.

Melitsa Williams is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. She attended Suffolk University then transferred to Georgia State University where she completed her undergraduate degree. She is passionate about students achieving their highest potential in academia. When she is not working, Melitsa loves to travel the world, enjoys trying new foods, experiencing new cultures and most importantly, spending time with family.