Faculty — Okemo Mountain School | Ludlow, Vermont

Len Beman

Len Beman

English & History

Len comes to Okemo Mountain School with over twenty years teaching experience in History, Social Studies and Computer Science. In his first year at OMS, he’ll be teaching History and English Language Arts. In addition to teaching, Len mentored students taking part in NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge and ran a summer STEM program for students transitioning from middle to high school. In support of colleagues, Len has conducted educational technology professional development opportunities and mentored teachers integrating technology into their classrooms. Len holds teaching certifications in Vermont and Connecticut.

Outside of the classroom Len enjoys tinkering with all things mechanical, following where his curiosity takes him, hiking, camping and cycling.

- University of Hartford, M.Ed. Secondary Education

- Central Connecticut State University, US History/Political Science

Claire IsherwoodJanuary 19, 2024Arts & Humanities

Jonny Bassett

Jonny Bassett

English & History

Jonny was born & raised in Rutland, VT. Growing up he excelled in football & hockey. After graduating from SUNY-Cortland in 2013, he endeavored on a successful business career in New York. Jonny returned to Vermont after COVID & now serves as a Personal Trainer & Small-Business Owner in the region. This is his first season teaching English/Social Studies here at OMS.

- SUNY-Cortland, BA Communications & Media Production

Claire IsherwoodJanuary 12, 2024Arts & Humanities

Erin Drumm

Erin Drumm

Science

Erin was born and raised in Rhode Island where she grew up spending lots of time outdoors.

She attended school in Worcester, Massachusetts where she double majored in Environmental Science and Foreign Languages. Upon graduation, she has worked in the government sector as a biological science technician, and in the public sector as a highschool physics teacher. She recently moved to Vermont and now lives in West Rutland. Outside of work, Erin enjoys being outdoors, traveling, spending time with friends, and attending concerts.

- Assumption University: Bachelor of Arts: Environmental Science and Bachelor of Arts: Foreign Languages

Claire IsherwoodNovember 6, 2023Math & Science

Cameron Washburn

Cameron Washburn

Spanish

Cameron grew up in New Jersey in a Cuban household, learning Spanish and English side by side. When he was young, he developed a love for snow sports and attended OMS. Shortly there after, he moved to Vermont. He now lives in Mount Holly with his dogs, cat, and chickens.

The 2023/24 season will be Cameron’s third year working with OMS. When he’s not teaching or coaching, he can be found attending concerts, hiking, or spending time in New York City.

Claire IsherwoodNovember 5, 2023Arts & Humanities

Patricia Schwartz

Patricia Schwartz

Math

Tricia has divided her time teaching math and science and working as a materials engineer. Although she has spent 10+ years teaching middle and high school students, her last position was as a Senior Research Engineer at Northeastern University. Tricia left that position to move to Vermont and build a house with her husband Jay. Now Tricia spends her days learning how to frame walls, install siding and apply joint compound. When not working on the house, Tricia works in her gardens and sings barbershop with two choruses.

- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Bachelors in Materials Engineering

- Northeastern University: Masters in Mechanical Engineering

Claire IsherwoodOctober 30, 2023Math & Science

Ray Chapin

Ray Chapin

English & History

A lifelong Vermont resident, Ray has taught English Language Arts for 23 years. He is also a community theater director, architectural draftsman, and grandfather. Ray currently lives in Townshend and has two adult sons who also live in Vermont. When he’s not teaching, Ray enjoys cooking, fly fishing, listening to music, and traveling with his wife, Jennifer.

- Northern Vermont University: Master of Education

- Northern Vermont University: Bachelor of Arts, English Literature

Claire IsherwoodOctober 30, 2023Arts & Humanities

Kathy Humora

Kathy Humora

Science

Kathy grew up in Massachusetts and has lived in Maryland, New York, and New Jersey across the years. She worked as a clinical chemist at the beginning of her career. Having a strong passion and curiosity for science, a desire for exploration and discovery, and a love of working with children, she moved from the science laboratory to the science classroom and took on the role of middle school science teacher focusing on science content, science process, and science connections. Kathy has worked mainly with students in grades five through eight, but also has experienced the pleasure of teaching science to toddlers and preschoolers.

Kathy moved to Ludlow, Vermont with her husband, Michael, their dog, James, and their cat, Nora, in the fall of 2022. Kathy and Michael have been enjoying their Vermont adventure, their many home renovation projects, and their visits with family, most especially their three grandchildren. Currently, Kathy is pursuing her interest in drawing and aiming to write a children's mystery filled with real world science connections.

- Suffolk University, Bachelor of Science: Clinical Chemistry

- Syracuse University, Master of Science: Science Education

Claire IsherwoodOctober 25, 2023Math & Science

Claire Needell Hollander

Claire Needell Hollander

English & History

Claire has taught English Language Arts for over twenty years, both in New York City and as a tutor in Westchester County. She is an essayist, young adult fiction writer and poet. She has three adult daughters and currently lives in Manchester, VT. In the warmer months, she enjoys spending time outdoors in her garden and on foraging walks. She has been skiing in Vermont since the early seventies.

- Brown University: MFA, Creative Writing

- NYU: Master’s of Secondary Education

- University of Colorado: BA, English and Creative Writing

Claire IsherwoodOctober 25, 2023Arts & Humanities

Carol Roe

Carol Roe

English & History

Carol has lectured at Suffolk School of Law and conferences for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She’s been a sole practitioner of immigration law for over 7 years. She is a previous OMS parent and has lived in Ludlow semi-permanently for 6 years. Carol is an ultrarunner who also loves skiing and cooking vegan food.

- Susquehanna University, Bachelor of Art: Political Science

- Temple University School of Law, Juris Doctor

Claire IsherwoodOctober 24, 2023Arts & Humanities

Toby Milne

Toby Milne

Math
Math Department Head

Mr. Milne has been teaching math for more than four decades in both public and private schools. His goal is to help students find their way in Maths through innovative teaching and an inclusive environment. When not teaching classes or mentoring teachers, he herds cats, designs websites, and enjoys medieval reenactments.

“Mathematics is endlessly fascinating. There are things we notice and things we question, there are insights we discover and insights we stumble over. Most important of all, there is beauty. Beauty in the patterns, beauty in the simplicity and beauty in the questions.”

- Norwich University, Bachelor of Science: Mechanical Engineering, Tau Beta Pi

Claire IsherwoodSeptember 27, 2023Math & Science

Michael Bond

Michael Bond

Math & Science

Michael Bond brings his excitement for math and problem solving to his third year at OMS. He began his career working for engineering companies primarily in the energy industry. Prior to joining OMS, Mike served the needs of families in Denver, Colorado teaching 8th grade math. While teaching he completed a concurrent teaching program to become a licensed teacher in Colorado and now holds a Vermont teaching license for secondary mathematics.

Mike lives in Halifax, Vermont with his partner Nina and two boys, Dominic and Bear. When not at work, you might find Michael enjoying most forms of motorsport (particularly WRC), hiking in the forest, watching his kids play team sports, or possibly fishing. He also loves to spend some quiet time at home with his family.

- University of Colorado/Boulder, Bachelor of Science: Mechanical Engineering

- University of Colorado / Denver: ASPIRE teaching program

Ashley BillingsNovember 8, 2021Math & Science

Sabrina Easton

Sabrina Easton

History & English
History Department Head

Sabrina grew up ski racing in the mountains of New York, but Vermont has become her new home. She graduated from Castleton University in 2018 with a BS in Secondary Education and History, and has acquired her teaching license for the state of Vermont. Sabrina was a part of Castleton University’s Alpine Ski Team for all four years of college, and coached for a high school ski team this past year in New York, where she gained experience substitute teaching as well. Sabrina will also be the assistant U14 coach at OMS this winter season.

Outside of the classroom she enjoys hiking, reading, skiing (of course), and petting dogs.

- Castleton University, Bachelor of Science: Secondary Education and History

Ashley BillingsNovember 6, 2019Arts & Humanities

Caroline Fehre

Caroline Fehre

Spanish

Caroline is originally from New Jersey and received her B.A. in Spanish from the University of Alabama in 2008. She has studied in both Salamanca and Madrid. In 2014 she moved to Vermont and now lives in Bridgewater with her fiance, Bob, and their two young sons, Eddie and David.

- University of Alabama: Bachelor of Arts: Spanish

Ashley BillingsOctober 18, 2018Arts & Humanities

Mariel Meringolo

Mariel Meringolo

Head of School

Mariel has been a member of the OMS staff since 2004. She has served in the following roles at OMS: mathematics department head, development coordinator, special programs coordinator, and admissions assistant. She currently coaches the U10s at Okemo Mountain. Mariel loves winter sports and travel. She lives in Ludlow, VT with her husband, Mike.

- Brandeis University: Bachelor of Arts: Economics

Contact Mariel
mmeringolo@okemomountainschool.org
802-228-1513

KatieNovember 2, 2017Administrative

Ashley Belcher

Ashley Belcher

Dean of Academics
Assistant to the Head of School
Admissions & Alumni Engagement Coordinator

Ashley was born and raised right here in Ludlow, Vermont. She started ski racing for Okemo Mountain at the young age of 6 years old and attended OMS for a few years throughout middle school. During college she worked as a substitute teacher and Varsity Softball Coach, which lead her to pursuing her Master's Degree in Elementary Education. She also holds a teaching license in the states of Vermont and New Hampshire.

Ashley lives in Rockingham with her husband, daughter, and fur babies (2 dogs & cat). She spends most of her free time going for motorcycle rides, traveling, hiking with her dogs, fishing and water skiing on Lake Rescue, and skiing Okemo in the winter.

- Castleton University: Bachelor of Arts: Sports Administration
- Franklin Pierce University: Master of Elementary Education

Contact Ashley
abelcher@okemomountainschool.org

KatieNovember 1, 2017Administrative

Leslie Cassano

Leslie Cassano

Registrar & Academic Assistant

After graduating with a Master’s degree, Leslie concentrated on Alternative education, working at The East Hill School in Andover, Vermont, and The Mount Ascutney School in Brownsville, Vermont. She spent two summers as co-director at the Killington Music Festival for young musicians. Leslie took part in developing an interactive web site, hosted through Harvard University, bringing “live” Antarctic research into the classroom. She has written curriculum in a variety of subject areas, which has been approved by the Vermont Department of Education, and implemented in the classroom. In 2006, she began teaching at OMS, before accepting her Administration position as Dean of Academics in 2011. Leslie loves to run, snowboard, cross country ski, and surf.

- Rosemont College: Bachelor of Science: Sociology
- St. Joseph’s Academy: Master of Education

Contact Leslie
lcassano@okemomountainschool.org
802-228-1510

KatieOctober 17, 2017Administrative

Kate Foster

Kate Foster

Development Coordinator

Kate spent one year at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and two years at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in oncology clinical research. She specialized in project management of clinical trials in lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and bone marrow transplant. Kate taught science and math at OMS and started as the Assistant Dean of Academics in 2012. Her hobbies include hiking, yoga, horse-back riding, and skiing. She currently lives in Weston, VT with her husband, Ryan.

- University of Vermont: Bachelor of Arts: Biology
- Yale University: Masters of Public Health

Contact Kate
kfoster@okemomountainschool.org
(802) 228 -1112

KatieOctober 17, 2017Administrative

Maura Cornish

Maura Cornish

Art

After 30 years of teaching in New York, Maura brings her many talents to us. She is certified in teaching braille and sign language and has used the arts as a way of communication. Maura also has trained countless guiding eye dogs. Maura lives in Ludlow for the winter with her husband, Pete, and they reside in Carmel, NY in the summer.

-College of New Rochelle, Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, Masters of Special Education

-Dominican College, Teacher of the Visually Impaired

KatieOctober 15, 2017Arts & Humanities

Wendy Hayward

Wendy Hayward

History & English
College Guidance Coordinator

Wendy Hayward started at OMS in 2015. Wendy has served as the Associate Director of Education, Head of School, and served on the admissions staff at Southern Vermont College. She has been an independent educational consultant since 1980. Wendy lives in Chester and is also a landscape artist, writer and traveler.

- University of Denver: Bachelor of Arts: Social Sciences
- Northern Illinois University: Masters in Education: Secondary Ed, Special Ed, Administration
- University of Geneva: Certificate in French
- Penobscot Language School: TESOL/TEFL certificates

KatieOctober 14, 2017Arts & Humanities

John Rushing

John Rushing

English
English Department Head

John has taught at OMS since 2012. He previously taught English at the Long Trail School; spent twenty-five years as a professional writer in the fields of fiction, journalism and communications; and has been a tutor since 2007. John is married to the author, Ellen Stimson and lives in Dorset. He and Ellen are avid readers, amateur artists; home cooks and travelers with a particular love of France. John is a snowboarder and soccer player who loves spending time with his three adult children and the family dogs; living in VT; and working alongside the dedicated and joyous student-athletes at OMS.

- lllinois State University: BS Political Science

KatieOctober 11, 2017Arts & Humanities