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 Marando 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 a combined 20 years of experience in marketing and teaching in multiple avenues. 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 especially 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 excitement is shared by her students 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!

Deanne has a well rounded portfolio in education including having homeschooled her five children as well teaching in Christian schools. She has also enjoyed using her gifts as an English-as-a-Second-Language teacher, educational tutor, worship band member and pastor’s wife. Deanne and her family lived cross-culturally as missionaries in Kiev, Ukraine for 8 1/2 years. She has a passion for teaching and discipling kids and her enthusiasm in the classroom has been enjoyed by all her students since she joined our school in 2019. Whether they're exploring maps of ancient history, playing drums along to a scripture memory song, or working diligently on math facts, Mrs. Taylor's classroom is a joyful place to be! Mrs. Taylor's favorite thing about teaching at Grace Prep is fostering a sense of awe and wonder about God and the amazing world He has made. I also love the delightful children and their families who make up the Grace Prep community!

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.

Faith has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education/Special Education, is an ordained minister, and has served in university ministry for 20 years. She has developed curriculum for campus ministers in training, taught students and ministry staff on small group discipleship, leadership development, the study of scripture and cross-cultural ministry. Faith has been part of GPA since 2021, has 3 daughters who attend the school. She is passionate about seeing students grow in faith and learn to disciple others toward knowing God and loving His Kingdom. In addition to co-leading a student ministry group in the Fenway area of Boston with her husband, Mrs. Robinson teaches Literature to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes. She loves engaging in spiritual conversations, studying Church History and the global Church, reading biographies, books on theology, culture, and Scripture - our students are blessed by Mrs. Robinson's love of the written word

Before moving to Boston in Fall 2024, Patrick spent six years as a teacher and administrator at an all-boys school in Toledo, Ohio, where he led camps, trips, and retreats for the 7th and 8th grade students; taught; and coached basketball, football, and lacrosse. Patrick is a passionate teacher and follower of Jesus. He sees God moving and active in the lives of young people, and is excited to be a part of God’s work in their lives. The curiosity of young people inspires him and reminds him of the words of Jesus, “receive the Kingdom of God like a child” (Mark 10). He is looking forward to and grateful for the opportunity to be a teacher to the bright students of Grace Prep.

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 Biology 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. 

Kelly Bishop 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.

Amanda Holley  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.

Lacey attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Zoology. She moved to Boston in 2002 and worked in the biotech industry until meeting her husband at church and having their first child. They now have 2 elementary-aged children. Prior to coming to Grace Prep she worked part-time at a Christian preschool in Newton.  She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work in another Christian school that values instilling a love for God and His Word in its students. Mrs. Baron loves being a part of such a unique Christian community at GPA.

Courtney Hatheway is a devoted follower of Christ with over 20 years of experience working with children. Courtney brings deep faith, compassion, and dedication to her classroom. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Skidmore College and loves weaving language, storytelling, and creativity into her teaching. Courtney has served in children’s ministry since 2004 and currently leads the ministry at First Parish Congregational Church of Wakefield, where she and her husband are active members. They have four children, ages 15 to 24, who all worship together as a family.

Courtney’s teaching philosophy centers on empathy and curiosity, recognizing each child as a unique creation of God. She strives to create a safe, joyful classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and loved through the grace of Jesus.

Rachel Hoffman is a third generation teacher and a mom to two young boys. She completed her undergraduate studies in English and education at Gordon College and her Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language at Salem State University. Before having kids, she was a public school teacher in Lynn and Wakefield and the English Language Education coordinator at SEEM Collaborative. She more recently earned her PhD in Urban Education, Leadership, and Policy Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She is passionate about the power of education to bring justice to the world. She is also passionate about foster care and adoption, skiing, and loves a good cup of green tea. Mrs. Hoffman is new to Grace Prep this year and looking forward to teaching Math 1.

Michele Desroisers has a God-given passion for raising up the next generation to be strong followers of Jesus. She has worked with children in a variety of ministry settings as well as in both private and public schools, bringing a wealth of experience and a heart for faith-filled education.

Michele holds a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She and her husband have three children, two of whom will join Grace Prep in the fall of 2025.

Her favorite part of teaching is being part of each child’s learning journey—witnessing those joyful “aha” moments when understanding takes root. Michele is excited and grateful to be joining the Grace Prep team and to partner in helping students grow in both knowledge and faith.

Alexis is a bi-vocational church leader and teacher who brings a deep love of faith and learning to her classroom. She earned master’s degrees in Biblical Languages and Christian Ministries from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

In addition to teaching fourth and fifth grade at Grace Prep, Alexis serves as the Director of Ministries & Education at City on a Hill Somerville, where she previously led the children’s ministry. She delights in making complex subjects accessible and engaging for her students—especially those that reveal God’s Word, grace, and goodness.

Ms. Donnelly’s favorite part of teaching is seeing the world through her students’ eyes—through their thoughtful questions and curious discoveries—and helping them view it through the lens of God’s design and love.

Julie has served as the Youth Ministry Leader at First Parish Congregational Church in Wakefield for nearly seven years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern New Hampshire University and has taught high school creative writing, as well as worked with at-risk students in a therapeutic school setting.

Julie has a deep passion for reading, writing, and helping students grow in their faith by exploring the world God created. She is dedicated to supporting students as they overcome challenges and reach their full potential through Christ-centered learning.

In addition to leading youth ministry, Julie also teaches Sunday School at First Parish. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students grow excited about learning and apply their discoveries to their own interests and passions.