South End Team

Head of School

B.S. Boston College (Geology & Environmental Science)
M.Ed. Arizona State (Secondary Education)
M.Ed. Reach Institute (Instructional Leadership)
clopez@thecroftschool.org

Cristina joined Croft in 2022. Cristina is passionate about building a neighborhood school that provides a joyful learning environment for students and a supportive community for parents- one where students can authentically learn from and actively take part in the neighborhood around them.

She began her career over 15 years ago teaching what she studied at Boston College and loves most: earth science. She enjoyed crafting lessons that helped students explore the natural world and prompt problem solving. Throughout her time in the classroom, she sought training and experience in teacher coaching, building school systems and culture, and leading teams. She was a school leader at public charter schools in San Jose, California and Boston, MA, where she supported the teams to achieve ambitious goals around school culture and achievement.

Outside of Croft, Cristina can be found leading her husband and three children on local and far-off adventures.

Assistant Head of School

B.A., Boston College
M.Ed., Boston College
cfisher@thecroftschool.org

Caroline joined Croft in 2024.

Caroline is excited to be a part of a collaborative and growing school community, including staff, students and families. Croft has the perfect balance of academic focus, student-centeredness, and social-emotional learning. She is enthusiastic to be a part of a school that values outdoor play and project-based learning.

After being a classroom teacher for nine years in New York City, Caroline became a school leader, supporting teachers with their instruction across a variety of grade levels and content for the past three years.

Caroline enjoys playing soccer, riding the peloton, watching sporting events and spending time with friends and family, especially her many nieces and nephews.

Director of Operations

Master of Education,
University of New Hampshire
vmartel@thecroftschool.org

Victoria joined Croft in 2023. What Victoria loves most about Croft is the community! Whether it's during arrival, a community meeting, or a more formal school event, she loves seeing everyone come together with full dedication and enthusiasm!

Before joining Croft, Victoria was the Director of Education at the Watertown Boys and Girls Club. Prior to that, she spent six years working in both a public school in New Hampshire and a private school in Boston. Additionally, she worked for over ten years at Camp Takodah, the camp where she grew up!

Outside of Croft, Victoria love spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys cooking, reading, and planning her next vacation!

Associate Teacher

Currently in grad school at Boston University getting a masters degree
and license in early childhood and special education
aoleck@thecroftschool.org

Anya joined Croft in 2023. Anya loves the emergent curriculum that each class partakes in at Croft! It's so fun watching the kids talk about things that interest them and then seeing how each class develops that idea into a study.

Before Croft, Anya worked at as a pre-school teacher at a private school in NYC. She has worked at the same all-girls day camp for 12 years and has worked at a science after-school program.

Anya's interests are running, hockey (go Bruins!), plants, and her dog.

Preschool Teacher

btucker@thecroftschool.org

Bailey joined Croft in 2023. She joined Croft South End because of Croft's commitment to emergent curriculum and the development of the student as a whole.

After graduating in 2015 with a degree in Sociology, Bailey moved to China where she worked with students from preschool age to second grade. After spending more than a year in China, Bailey moved to South Korea where she worked with students from preschool age to eighth grade. Bailey returned to the United States in 2020 and began working at early childhood centers around Boston.

In her free time, Bailey enjoys reading, traveling and trying out new recipes!

Kindergarten Associate Teacher

Bachelor of Science,
St. Lawrence University
bchanatry@thecroftschool.org

Betsy joined Croft in 2024. Croft is a great fit for Betsy due to its tight-knit community. Betsy grew up in a small town and went to a small university, therefore is excited to work at a school where she is able to build strong relationships with all of the students and staff!

Before coming to Croft, Betsy worked as a lead preschool teacher, teaching assistant in a special education summer program, and dance teacher!

Outside of Croft, Betsy is very passionate about music! She is the vocalist in a local band and loves to teach dance at her old studio when visiting her hometown.

Kindergarten Teacher

B.S., Elementary Education,
Montana State University
cklepp@thecroftschool.org

Carly joined Croft in 2024. Croft is student-centered and all about exploration! Carly loves exploring and learning new things just like her students.

She started her career teaching kindergarteners and first graders in Bozeman, Montana, then taught fourth and fifth grade science in New York City, and now calls Boston home.

Carly loves reading, paddle boarding, skiing, and pickleball.

Music Teacher

Bachelor of Music, Music Education- University of Delaware
Master of Music, Music Education- Gordon College
cmorgan@thecroftschool.org

Chrissy joined Croft in 2024. Chrissy is so excited to be part of this special, close knit community in her own neighborhood. She loves teaching early childhood and lower elementary and is also looking forward to seeing Croft grow in the coming years!

She taught K-5 elementary general music in the North Reading Public Schools for 12 years, where she also enjoyed directing the chorus and musical theater programs.

She lives in the South End with her husband and two young children. Chrissy enjoys singing with the Boston Choral Ensemble, dancing, skiing, reading, going to concerts and musicals, and traveling.

Associate Teacher

B.A., Boston College
csaporito@thecroftschool.org

Claire joined Croft in 2024. Claire is looking forward to working with others who share her passion for inspiring well-rounded young learners.

Before Croft, Claire worked in tech sales at a start-up in New York. Prior to that, she worked as a Nanny and Teaching Assistant in Los Angeles.

Outside of Croft, Claire enjoys exercising, reading, and baking.

Spanish Teacher

Bachelor Degree in Early Child Education,
Harvard Certificate in Children Rights theory and practice.
csantos@thecroftschool.org

Cristi joined Croft in 2022. Cristi feels that Croft is an exceptional place to work due to its stimulating environment for young learners, featuring innovative and individualized learning methods. Additionally, the school has a strong sense of community and focuses on building meaningful relationships with families, students, and staff members.

Born and raised in Colombia, Cristi relocated to Massachusetts six years ago to follow her passion for preschool education. She holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from UNAB University in Colombia and brings over eight years of experience working with children from diverse backgrounds. Cristi has a profound commitment to teaching and a keen interest in language acquisition. Over the past five years, she has contributed to institutions in Massachusetts that focus on language learning, including the NAAM, where she supported immigrants and refugees in adapting to and acquiring new languages. For the past three years, Cristi has served as the Spanish teacher at Croft, where she has made significant strides in fostering bilingualism and cultural understanding among her students.

In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, traveling and spending time outdoors in the nature with her dog.

Associate Teacher

Bachelor of Arts,
Rochester Institute of Technology
dkazarian@thecroftschool.org

David joined Croft in 2022. The South End is a tight-knit, diverse community that David has called home for over 20 years. He appreciates being apart of a school community that reflects this diversity.

David believes teaching at a school that focusses on a student-centered education makes learning so much more impactful. He loves collaborating with educators that are truly passionate, and that inspire him to grow.

Before coming to Croft, David worked as an Art Director in advertising.

He thrives on creativity, and encourages self expression through art.

In his free time, David enjoys exploring museums and art throughout Boston. He is an avid animal lover, and enjoys being active outdoors running, hiking and walking.

Educator Associate

B.A., Smith College
erodriguez@thecroftschool.org

Edweyza joined Croft in 2023. Edweyza works at Croft because its values resonate with her passion for education and building strong communities. She loves being part of a team that genuinely cares about creating an inclusive and supportive environment, where she can make a real impact while growing alongside dedicated colleagues.

Edweyza taught English in Spain at a secondary school (ages 11-18) and tutored young children through play based learning. She also worked at The United South End Settlements afterschool program.

Outside the classroom Edweyza enjoys salsa and bachata dancing, acting, and exploring new places.

Nurse

Bachelor of Science,
Northeastern University
echen@thecroftschool.org

Eileen joined Croft in 2024. She wanted to work in a pediatric environment and the Croft School provided that opportunity. She also grew up in the South End and currently lives in the neighborhood.

Before joining the Croft South End team, Eileen works in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Outside of Croft, Eileen enjoys reading, cooking/ baking, trying new restaurants and attending workout classes.

Preschool Teacher

Bachelor of Arts,
University of Massachusetts Amherst
eelmwood@thecroftschool.org

Emily joined Croft in 2024. Emily is so excited to begin working at Croft. In her application process, Emily learned that Croft is a school with a very strong community of families, and a dedicated team of teachers who are passionate about education and child development. Emily is honored to join such a supportive and caring team, and can't wait to meet all of the wonderful children and families that make Croft so uniquely strong!

Since her graduation from UMass in 2017, Emily has worked as a preschool teacher, children's theatre director, and vocal coach. She still directs 2 musicals per year for elementary school aged children.

Emily loves to sing, spend time with her friends and family, paint her nails, visit museums, and take care of Omelette, her very round cat.

Associate Teacher

Bachelor of Arts,
Mount Holyoke College
gdowney@thecroftschool.org

Gigi joined Croft in 2024. Gigi is drawn to the Croft School's mission of hands on, student-lead forms of education and the Croft school's commitments to diversity and to antiracist work. Gigi loves working one on one with kids and in small groups - something the Croft Schools excel at. With curiosity and community at the forefront of Croft's values, and an arsenal of experienced educators, Gigi is excited to contribute to the Croft school's mission.

After graduating in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College, Gigi found themself working as a barista and in Cambridge public schools as after school educator.

Gigi is a high level competitive Ultimate Frisbee athlete - they have competed on many nationally ranked club teams and played briefly on the under twenty four national team. When they are not playing frisbee, you can catch them doing arts and crafts, cooking, hiking and backpacking, and catching hermit crabs at the beach!

Art Teacher

Bachelor of Fine Arts,
Savannah College of Art and Design
jgutierrez@thecroftschool.org

Jenna joined Croft in 2024. Croft celebrates creativity and makes learning contagious. The student-centered mission and drive of Croft stands out from any other position Jenna has had — this is what gets her out of bed every morning.

Before coming to Croft, Jenna worked remotely as a Graphic Designer for Once Upon a Farm, the kids’ snack company. With a degree in illustration, she created animations, blog posts, and advertisements for the brand. Jenna also worked in the Education Department at the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine in Portland, Maine and in Cambridge Public School’s after school programs.

Jenna has recently learned how to crochet (and is almost done with her first blanket). She also just joined a kickball league with her friends. She is a reader and coffee-lover.

Assistant Teacher

Diploma or Certificate in Education,
Universidad del Magdalena
mrodriguez@thecroftschool.org

Mauricio joined Croft in 2024. Teaching is his passion.

Mauricio worked as a journalist in Colombia. Then he had the chance to work as a preschool teacher and earned a certificate as a professor. In the US, he was a manager in a Cafeteria.

Mauricio likes to read, meditate, travel, and watch shows and movies, and is a sports fan!

Science Teacher

MS Boston University,
BFA Rhode Island School of Design
kmudgal@thecroftschool.org

Karan joined Croft in 2024. Karan works at Croft because he believes in the mission of the school; a quality education should not be exclusive, and the composition of a school should be reflective of our community.

Before Croft, Karan worked as a designer, primarily designing software for space programs and the military. Outside of Croft, Karan is an engineer, a boatswain's mate in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, and is currently pursuing his PhD in Aerospace Sciences.

Karan loves to spend time with his wife and daughter; together they enjoy bike rides and playing music. Additionally, Karan enjoys reading science fiction, triathlon sports, flying planes, and scuba diving.

1st Grade Teacher

kiwanicki@thecroftschool.org

Kelsey joined Croft in 2024. She is thrilled to be the Founding Grade 1 Teacher and is passionate about primary school education, problem-based learning, and using Boston as our playground and school.

Kelsey taught six years in first through third grade in Connecticut and Massachusetts. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and Bachelors in Elementary Education.

In her free time, Kelsey loves reading, being outside, and being with her family.

Assistant Educator

Bachelor of Arts,
Providence College
khuang@thecroftschool.org

Kevin joined Croft in 2022. Croft was very welcoming and encouraging to Kevin on his path in education.

Before Croft, Kevin was working in insurance and camp counseling summer camps.

Outside of Croft Kevin loves listening to music, hanging out with friends, and rooting for the Celtics.

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Bachelor of Science, Tennessee State University
ksavannah@thecroftschool.org

Kiya joined Croft in 2023. Kiya is a dedicated pre-k teacher who has always had a passion for early childhood education. When she joined the Croft team in 2023, she was immediately drawn to the warm and nurturing environment that the organization offered. The focus on individualized learning and development, as well as the commitment to creating a strong sense of community, made Croft a perfect fit for her and her daughter, who is a current student at Croft. She values the opportunities for personal growth and development at Croft and is proud to be part of a team that is dedicated to their students' success.

Prior to coming to Croft, Kiya taught Pre-K and Preschool for 9 year at Ellis (located in the South End ).

Kiya's interests include spending quality time with her daughter and family and going on weekend adventures and yearly vacations.

Associate Teacher

Bachelor of Arts,
Wittenberg University
mgodfrey@thecroftschool.org

Maddie joined Croft in 2023. Maddie is thrilled to be a part of the Croft community, where she can contribute to the school's commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and family values. As a resident of the south end, she finds it particularly fulfilling to work with local students and families. Her previous experience at barre3 studio has come full circle, allowing her to bring her skills and passion to a new generation. Maddie is excited to grow professionally alongside her students, watching them learn and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Maddie brings a unique blend of skills and experience to her role, combining a background in community management and marketing with over 15 years of dedicated childcare experience. Her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds led her to transition into education at the end of 2023, a new chapter that coincided with her recent marriage. This convergence of personal and professional growth has energized her approach to teaching and community engagement.

Outside of her role at Croft, Maddie enjoys traveling to new destinations, ballroom dancing with her husband, and cherishing moments with her dog Emmy Lou.

Founding Associate Teacher

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology,
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
mbrennan@thecroftschool.org

Meghan joined Croft in 2022. Croft's emphasis on student-centeredness aligns perfectly with Meghan's belief that children learn best when lessons are connected to their interests. Teaching at Croft has proven to be a great fit for Meghan as the balance between academics and social-emotional learning is something both she and the organization highly value.

Before coming to Croft, Meghan worked as a full-time nanny. It was in this role where she discovered her love for working with children.

In her free time, Meghan enjoys reading, discovering new music, and eating at local restaurants with friends. She is currently working towards her master’s degree in early childhood education through Bay Path University.

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

B.A in ECE and Human services, Cambridge College
swhite@thecroftschool.org

Shamika joined Croft in 2023. She is drawn to Croft because of its commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaging learning environment for children. The school's focus on nurturing emotions, creativity and curiosity in kids resonates with her. The smaller size of the school allows her to build strong relationships with families, colleagues, and children, creating a close-knit community where she can thrive both professionally and personally. She also values the teamwork at Croft, where she can collaborate with fellow educators, share insights, and work together towards shared objectives.

With over 15 years of experience in the field of early education, she has gained experience in the Universal Pre-K (UPK) curriculum andTeaching Strategies Gold components.Her diverse background includes valuable experience working in the charter school system, providing insights into different educational approaches. Currently serving as a Pre-k lead teacher for about a year at Croft , she brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to create engaging and enriching learning experiences for young learners.

Her interests are traveling, watching movies, spending time with family/friends, and writing to relax and stay creative!

Kindergarten Teacher

Bachelors in Special Education and Elementary Education,
Calvin University of Michigan
thuisman@thecroftschool.org

Tommy joined Croft in 2024. Tommy is thrilled to be joining the diverse and student centered learning community at The Croft School. Involving students interests and appropriate developmental needs in the learning process is part of what drew Tommy to the Croft school. He is also excited to be working alongside a strong team of educators who will support him and strengthen his professional teaching skills.

Tommy started his career as a Spanish Immersion Kindergarten Teacher in Michigan at Grand Rapids Christian Schools. There he transitioned to working as an Inclusion Coordinator within the same school system. For the last two years Tommy has been back in the classroom as a Lead Kindergarten Teacher at Park Street School in Boston.

Outside of school, Tommy enjoys music, outdoor activities like running and surfing, and spending time with loved ones.