Meet our STAFF

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Jenna Wertheimer is the mother of five children, whose educational journeys have spanned from high school to college and beyond. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire, with minors in Political Science, Philosophy, and Education.

Jenna started her career in education as a public school teacher and began homeschooling her children in 2002. Over the years, she has experienced a variety of educational models—public, private, and homeschool—but has been especially drawn to the University-Model® for its unique approach to partnering with families.

Since joining Grace Prep in 2014, Jenna has served the school in many capacities, including as a parent, teacher, and administrator. She now serves as Head of School.

Mrs. Wertheimer's favorite thing about Grace Prep is is the opportunity to pray with students during moments of conflict—seeking godly resolutions and witnessing grace and forgiveness in action. She considers it a profound privilege to watch God work in the hearts and lives of the students.

Pam has been a part of Grace Prep since 2017. She has enjoyed many roles at the school over the years and came on board as Assistant Head of School in 2024. She has a bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and has years of experience in marketing and teaching. She serves in ministry at Charles River Church Boston where her husband pastors. Prior to her current role at GPA, Mrs. Marando served as a director for Charles River Church's Children's Ministry for a decade. At Grace Prep, Mrs. Marando continues to serve in her call to support families in their desire to educate and disciple their children.

Mrs. Marando's favorite thing about Grace Prep is

building a culture of friendship that spans all the grades. She loves watching kids of all ages form positive relationships through activities like Reading Buddies, House team events, Chapel, and recess!

Judi Reid has been a classroom teacher for 40 years, a literacy coach and has held several leadership roles as an educator.  She has her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education/Special Education and her Master's in Educational Administration from Wheelock College.  Her family leads The Light of the World Empowerment Center in Dorchester.   Her husband is the pastor and she and her adult children also serve the congregation.   As a school teacher, Mrs. Reid believes that she is charged with living out her faith daily so that her light might shine before men so that they might see Christ through her.  As a leader in her congregation, she also feels called upon to be an example for Christ. She believes that it is her duty to love, nurture, teach, and instill Christian values in everyone with whom she interacts.  Any Kindergarten parent will agree, it's easy to see the fruit of this from the joyful songs and bible truths the children share each time they return home!

Mrs. Reid's favorite things about teaching Kindergarten are

seeing the joy, hearing the laughter, watching the children blossom as they observe and explore God's marvelous creation!

Lara Kastelein began teaching first grade at Grace Prep in 2022. Prior to GPA, Mrs. Kastelein taught in a variety of settings for over two decades including special-ed classrooms, after school programs, tutoring for children on the spectrum and Sunday School. Mrs. Kastelein is a parent to three daughters, two of whom are GPA students.  She is passionate about teaching and espcially loves watching the immense growth that takes place in first graders throughout the school year.

Mrs. Kastelein also has a passion for science and its clear to see that her excitment is shared by her studnets as they study God's great creation together.

Mrs. Kastelein's favorite thing about teaching at Grace Prep is being able to to inspire children with a curiosity in learning - both academically and spiritually!

Yvette loves working with children and has been involved in education for over fifteen years. She has taught children from 1st to 5th grade, as an elementary class teacher, substitute teacher and as a specialist French teacher. She has taken part in voluntary work with churches and Christian charities in both the UK and in several countries across Africa, helping young people to grow in their faith and have fun in the process. She received her BA in History and Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Warwick, England. 

Yvette moved with her husband and two children from England to America in 2022 and began teaching with Grace Prep in 2023. 

Mrs. Enejo's favorite thing about teaching at Grace Prep is 

reminding young people how they are uniquely created by our Father God and helping them to understand that they all have individual strengths and learning styles. She loves to help children unlock their learning potential and to see them thrive in doing so.

Jennifer O'Riorden is a mom of 3 who is passionate about science and education. She is a part-time faculty member at Suffolk University and also a Health Physicist at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center.  Mrs. O'Riorden joined GPA in 2024 as both a teaching parent and classroom teacher. She instructs our Middle School class in Math and Physics as well as leads all other grades in STEM Clubs each Monday. 

Mrs. O'Riorden is a talented and passionate scientist and educator who brings creativity and excitement into the classroom, and encourages students to engage with the material they're learning in new and fresh ways. 

Welcome to Grace Prep Mrs. O'Riorden!

Kelly is an ordained pastor and teacher. She graduated from Boston University with a degree in biology, then went on to receive her MDiv from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. She has worked in vocational ministry for nearly two decades and has co-taught her three children through Grace Prep for the past seven years. Kelly is passionate about helping people love scripture and theology and finds joy in a well-crafted story or sermon. She writes for several websites and magazines exploring issues of faith and culture. Kelly is passionate about learning, teaching, and teaching kids to love learning! Kelly is the Associate Pastor at Newton Covenant Church and loves to engage her students at Grace Prep through a Christ-centered worldview as she teaches History, Bible, and Literature.

Mrs. Bishop's favorite thing about teaching at GPA is...

seeing students get excited about what they are learning!

Amanda has the privilege of participating in the Grace Prep community as both a parent and a teacher. The arts have been an integral part of Amanda's life for as long as she can remember; from piano lessons to art club to marching band and musical theatre, she has enjoyed a variety of experiences along the way! Amanda holds a Masters in music and has taught classroom music and private music instruction. She has served on staff as the music director at Christ the King Presbyterian Church, where she has attended for almost 16 years. Amanda loves revealing connections between the arts and other areas of study and life. In 2023 Mrs. Holley also became the Spiritual Education Coordinator and oversees our Chapel and scripture curriculum. 

Mrs. Holley's favorite thing about teaching the arts is

 helping kids (and adults!) see the beauty and creativity of God and the things he has made, and then giving them the tools to respond and express themselves in beautiful, creative ways.

Nicole Croak has a background in Pediatric Occupational Therapy and a deep passion for helping children thrive. She is the founder of the REACH Program, which supports families with children from birth to age three. Nicole also owned and operated Cobblestones, a resource designed to help families navigate developmental questions and build meaningful social connections. 

Nicole joined the Grace Prep Academy team in 2022 and has been a treasured asset ever since. She uses her expertise to support both students and teachers, serving as an advisor in areas such as classroom strategies, peer relationships, social connections and differentiated instruction. Her insight and care make a lasting impact on the school community.