Meet The Leadership Team
Heidi T. Riccio, Ed.D., Superintendent-Director
Professional Experience
Dr. Heidi Riccio has been with Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School since July 2017, serving as one of the directors of career, technical, and agricultural education programs before her current position as Superintendent-Director. Dr. Riccio began her career in the hospitality industry as a sales manager for the Marriott Corporation.
In 1997, she started her career in vocational-technical education, teaching hospitality at Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS). Dr. Riccio advanced her career at GLTS, earning various leadership roles, including department chairperson, academy supervisor, and CTE Director. In 2013, she became the Principal/Director of Medford Vocational Technical High School. While there, Dr. Riccio opened nine new Chapter 74 programs and worked collaboratively with the comprehensive high school to bring rigorous academic courses to vocational school students. She is an adjunct professor at Fitchburg State University and an educational consultant.
Dr. Riccio sits on numerous boards, including the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, MassHire, North Shore Technology Council, Commonwealth Corporation, SkillsUSA, Massachusetts Partnership for Youth, Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, School Safety Advocacy Council, and is a member of the Life Science Consortium of the North Shore.
Personal
Heidi proudly grew up in Lawrence and resides in Salisbury, often called “Lawrence by the Sea.” She is married to Chris, also from Lawrence, and has three daughters: Ceili, Maggie, and Meaghan.
Education
Heidi attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, earning a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Sales. After earning her teaching certificate in 1997, she went on to earn a Master of Education from Fitchburg State University. She later attended Salem State University, graduating in 2010 with a CAGS in Educational Leadership. In 2012, Heidi participated in the National Institute for School Leadership with the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Wanting to develop and learn further, she earned a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University in 2015. In 2023, Dr. Riccio completed the LEADS program, which “fosters collaborative, trusting relationships across the multiple sectors to create systems-level change.” She fully believes in learning at all levels.
Shannon Donnelly, Assistant Superintendent/Principal
Shannon Donnelly brings 10 years of dedicated service to Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School and District. She has been part of the administrative team since the school’s inception in 2014. She served as Assistant Principal from 2014-2018, before assuming the role of Principal. In December 2024, she was appointed Assistant Superintendent/Principal, leveraging even further her extensive experience in education to support the school’s mission. Prior to becoming an administrator at Essex Tech, Ms. Donnelly honed her classroom skills as an educator for 15 years. Her deep understanding of the educational process and deeper learning, coupled with her strong leadership and administrative experience, uniquely positions her for success in this new and pivotal role in school and district leadership.
Ms. Donnelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master of Arts in Teaching Biology from Salem State University. In 2025, she will commence doctoral studies through the University of Massachusetts Lowell program in educational leadership. Beyond her Professional teaching license in Biology (9-12), Ms. Donnelly holds the Principal/Assistant Principal, the Vocational-Technical Principal/Assistant Principal, and the Vocational-Technical Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent licenses.
Micah Klayman, Director of Human Resources
Micah Klayman, the Director of Human Resources, joined the leadership team in 2023. He is responsible for working closely with all staff members regarding benefits administration, performance management, training and development, workplace safety, employee relations, career development, and more. Micah believes that relationships are paramount to effective and sustainable communication channels. As a result, he demonstrates honesty and transparency in all of his work.
His multidimensional professional journey is deeply rooted in labor relations, with distinct experiences on both union and management fronts.
He has overseen innovative data analytics systems in the HR field and negotiated countless agreements with both labor and management. His former roles notably include serving as the Director of Human Resources at Milford School District in New Hampshire, Labor Relations Specialist for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Staff Representative at AFT-NH.
Micah’s passion for the realm of human resources was influenced by his personal connection to public education, being the offspring of two former educators. His father’s active role in local union leadership further catalyzed his passion, leading him to academically and professionally delve into the field.
His educational accolades are a testament to his dedication. He holds an A.A. in General Studies from Quinsigamond Community College, a B.A. in Communication (Summa Cum Laude) from Worcester State University, and an M.S. in Labor Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and has undergone training by organizations including the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in the Leadership in Education program, with research interests including critical pedagogy, disability studies, and academic labor.
Marie Znamierowski, Director of Business Operations
Ms. Marie Znamierowski is the Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School District’s Director of Business Operations. In her role, Ms. Znamierowski manages the district budget and all financial and accounting operations, as well as the financial system for Essex North Shore. She has had this role since joining North Shore Regional Vocational School District more than 20 years ago. Prior to her Business Manager’s position, Ms. Znamierowski worked as an auditor and a staff accountant for six years in private industry.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Merrimack College, North Andover, MA, and holds a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary School Business Official License.
Bonnie Carr, Director of Workforce Development
Bonnie Carr is the Director of Workforce Development at Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School. She joined the Essex Tech team in 2018 and developed and branded the NightHawks Adult Education Program. Her career began in the financial sector as an analyst at Coopers & Lybrand and as a staff accountant for Beth Israel Hospital and the Wang/Boch Center. This led her to a path in Career and Technical Education in the Business Technology Program at Greater Lawrence Technical School. At GLTS, Bonnie became a Lead Teacher and Cooperative Education Coordinator. In 2009 she became the Cooperative Education Coordinator at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute.
Over the course of her career, Bonnie has established strategic partnerships with MassHire North Shore, North Shore Community College, Chambers of Commerce, Unions: Local 22 Laborers, Local 7 IronWorkers, Local 27 Carpenters, NS Workforce Skills Cabinet, Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium, GE Foundation, Essex County Community Foundation, MA Alliance for Vocational Education, North Shore Community Action Program, Pathways, Inc., Action, Inc., and multiple regional businesses. She has secured over $7.3M in grant funding for workforce training programs and equipment.
Bonnie holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Salem State University where she was a Pi Lambda Theta Honors Recipient and B.S. in Business Administration from Saint Michael’s College. She is a MAVA Leadership Academy Graduate and is a current Fellow of the LEADS Program.
Jill Sawyer, Executive Director of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education
Jill Sawyer, Executive Director, joined the Essex North Shore leadership team in 2018 as a Director of Career Technical & Agricultural Education. With her, she brought a widespread background in guidance and career technical education.
In her prior role at Medford Vocational Technical High School as the Associate Director/Assistant Principal, she assisted in all aspects of safety planning and created an in-house suspension model. Further, Jill assisted in opening 9 new Chapter 74 programs and increased PAC memberships for the CTAE programs. She was responsible for Perkins state reporting and improvement plans, assisted in the rewriting of the student handbook to improve progressive discipline for students, and also assisted in writing numerous competitive grants.
Most recently, Jill was responsible for all Cooperative Education in Medford and has an OSHA General Industry Train the Trainer certification.
Jill holds a Master of School Counseling from Suffolk University and completed the Principal Leadership Program through the Northeast Consortium for Staff Development.
Paul Crofts, Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Coordinator
Paul Crofts joins the leadership team as one of the school’s CTAE coordinators. Mr. Crofts is a dedicated and versatile educator who brings a unique blend of experience to his role. Originally hailing from the United Kingdom, Paul ventured to the US in 1992 and for fifteen years thrived as a self-employed artist and designer in New York City. However, in 2005, his insatiable curiosity took a turn toward the academic world, leading him to delve into anthropology and climate science. This wasn’t just a pursuit of knowledge; it marked the beginning of Paul’s foray into education, culminating in his transition to full-time teaching by 2012.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art from St Martin’s School of Art and a Master of Arts in Mesolithic Studies from The University of York. He is licensed as a CTE Supervisor/Director, CTE Environmental Science Teacher, and in Academic History, Biology, and Art. Furthermore, he is certified as a Servsafe Manager and a Heartsaver Instructor. Throughout his life, he has played various roles in teaching and training, but his tenure at a vocational school illuminated his true calling. Recognizing the profound impact of vocational education, he felt an unmistakable connection and a sense of belonging.
His professional journey has not gone unnoticed. He was honored with the Essex National Heritage Special Recognition Award, marking his significant contributions to the field. As the CTAE Coordinator, Paul envisions an expanded role of the department in the community. By leveraging agricultural and technical programs, he is determined to foster stronger bonds between families, partners, and the broader community. His unique trajectory, from the vibrant streets of NYC to the classrooms of vocational & agricultural education, stands as a testament to his adaptability, commitment, and vision for a more hands-on and community-centric educational system.
John Hardacre, Interim Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Coordinator
John Hardacre brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as the Interim CTAE Coordinator at Essex North Shore. Starting his tenure in July 2024, John is committed to enhancing the quality of education and ensuring the success of both students and teachers.
Previously, John served as the CTE Coordinator for the Construction Academy at Greater Lawrence Technical School. In that role, he oversaw the school’s house project in collaboration with the Andover Community Trust and played a pivotal role in launching the Robotics/Mechatronics, Horticultural, and Landscaping programs.
John was instrumental in adding a security/fire alarm component to the electrical program, and he worked diligently to integrate the latest technology into the HVAC and electrical programs, expanding opportunities for students.
John’s path to education began with a passion for the electrical trade and a love for teaching apprentices in the field. This inspired him to obtain his teaching license and embark on an 18-year teaching career, including six years as a lead teacher. After attending the MAVA Leadership Academy, John became the CTE Coordinator for the Construction Academy in 2019.
John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Education from Fitchburg State and a Supervisor/Director license. His certifications include the MAVA Leadership Academy, Master Electrician (Massachusetts and New Hampshire), Firelite Academy, and Generac Generator Technician.
A graduate of Greater Lawrence Tech, John also served in the U.S. Air Force before running his own electrical contracting business. He began his educational career at Whittier Vocational School and later taught at Greater Lawrence Tech for 12 years, including three years as a CTE Coordinator.
John’s primary goal as the Interim CTAE Coordinator is to support teachers in becoming exceptional educators, ensuring the success of all students at Essex North Shore.
Tony DiLuna, Ph.D., STEAM Academy Coordinator
Tony DiLuna joins the Essex North Shore Leadership Team bringing over 20 years of STEM education experience with him. After a stint as a senior scientist at Serono Reproductive Biology Institute (now EMD Serono), Tony started his career in education at Woburn Memorial High School where he served as a science teacher, coach, and Director of New Teacher Induction and Retention. He taught mainly biology, chemistry, and occasionally physics for 12 years before transitioning into an administrative role. Tony served the next nine years as the Curriculum Coordinator for STEM in Billerica Public Schools. There he oversaw curricula revisions that led to over 90% of Billerica students scoring proficient on MCAS in both math and Biology.
Committed to authentic assessments and project-based learning, Tony procured over $500K in competitive grants to introduce Project Lead The Way pathways in engineering, biomedical science, and computer science to Billerica Memorial High School. He oversaw the creation of a FIRST Robotics team, a Science and Engineering Fair, and a Lamelson MIT InvenTeam to name a few.
Over the past 17 years, Tony has been active at the state level through DESE. He served on the Biology and Chemistry Assessment Development Committees to create the MCAS in those subjects. He sat on the committees that revised the science standards in 2005 and 2015 and wrote model curriculum units for the new standards. He conducts monthly curriculum appeals for MCAS and serves as an alternate assessment reviewer.
Tony holds a B.S. in Biology and Religion from Bates College, an M.S. in Toxicology and Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Kentucky, a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Biology from Salem State University, and is wrapping up an Ed.D in Math and Science Education from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. In October of 2019, Tony was inducted into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame for Science Educators for his “extraordinary contributions to the advancement of education in the sciences over a long and distinguished career”.
Joel Spruance, Humanities Coordinator
Joel Spruance joined the Essex North Shore leadership team in July 2018 as the Grade 9 Assistant Principal & Admissions Coordinator. He then served as an Assistant Principal until 2024, where he played a crucial role in the administration and development of the school. Prior to his administrative roles, Joel developed and led Essex North Shore’s Teacher Induction Program, ensuring new educators were well-prepared and supported. Additionally, he served as a dedicated History and Social Sciences teacher, fostering a love for humanities in his students.
Throughout his tenure at Essex North Shore, Joel has been actively involved in the school community, coaching Boys Soccer, Boys Basketball, and Softball programs. His commitment to student development extends beyond the classroom and into the athletic fields, where he has positively influenced many young athletes.
Joel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master’s degree in Education from Gordon College. He is licensed as a Principal/Assistant Principal (9-12), Vocational Principal/Assistant Principal (9-12), and Supervisor/Director (9-12), reflecting his comprehensive expertise in educational leadership and vocational training.
As Humanities Coordinator, Joel’s goal is to enrich the Humanities Department by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of cultural and historical contexts among students. He aims to create an inclusive and dynamic curriculum that prepares students for both academic and personal success, encouraging them to become thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens.
Katherine Burnham, Director of Special Education
Katherine Burnham joined the Essex North Shore Leadership Team in July 2024, as the Director of Special Education. Before her current role, she served as the Director of Special Education at Greater Lawrence Technical School, the Director of Student Services for Dracut Public Schools, and held various positions, including Administrator, Team Chair, and Special Educator for Stoneham Public Schools. Katherine began her career as a Paraprofessional for Seem Collaborative and currently teaches in the Graduate Program at Framingham State University’s School of Education.
Katherine pursued her undergraduate degree at Fitchburg State University and obtained her Master’s degree in Special Education from Salem State University. She holds several licenses, including Special Education Administrator, Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, and Vocational Director of Special Education.
Raised on the North Shore in Gloucester and Rockport, Katherine comes from a family deeply rooted in education. Her parents were educators, and two of her three siblings have followed the same path. She enjoys road trips, traveling, and spending time with her husband, who is also an educational administrator, and her daughter, an Essex North Shore alum.
Katherine’s goal as Director of Special Education is to collaborate with all stakeholders to provide students with the opportunities to succeed independently. She is committed to ensuring students feel valued, nurtured, and equipped with the necessary skills to succeed.
Sandra Goldstein, Director of School Counseling & Admissions
Sandra Goldstein joined the District in 2014 as the freshman guidance and admissions counselor. The following year, Ms. Goldstein was appointed to Director of School Counseling. Ms. Goldstein brings a wealth of guidance and school counseling experience to the District.
Prior to joining Essex North Shore, Ms. Goldstein served as a school adjustment and guidance counselor for Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School. Ms. Goldstein also served as her previous District’s curriculum and testing coordinator.
Ms. Goldstein earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from Colby College and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Salem State University. Additionally, she holds several Massachusetts education certifications and licenses. Her professional memberships include the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA), Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) where she was a Leadership Academy I graduate in 2012, North Shore Guidance Directors Association (NSGDA), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
Joseph V. Marino, Director of Technology
Joseph Marino is joining the Essex North Shore Leadership Team as the Director of Technology. Prior to this role, Joseph has worked in the technology department since 2009 in several roles, most recently as the IT & Network Administrator. In his current role, Joseph manages all educational and information technology-related resources and operations. Joseph brings many years of educational technology experience and a true passion for career technical and vocational education to the team. He first started as a part-time computer technician in the Gloucester Public Schools as a high school freshman in 2007. In his junior year, he began placement in a cooperative education job at North Shore Technical High School as a Technology Intern. Through the years, he has worked his way up through the department from the Technology Intern position to his current position as the Director of Technology.
As a graduate of North Shore Technical School in 2011, Joseph was the recipient of the two most prestigious awards in Career Technical Education: The Outstanding Vocational Student Award and the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators Award. In 2014 he also was honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. Joseph also holds industry-recognized certifications including the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and WITS Wi-Fi Foundations. In addition, he is a G-Suite, Frontline Education, and JAMF Certified Administrator.
Joseph serves as the co-chair of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) Technology Director’s Group and as a member of the Massachusetts Educational Technology Administrators Association (METAA), and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN).
Ryan Monks, Director of Facilities, Farm, and Grounds
Mr. Ryan Monks, the Director of Facilities, Farm, and Grounds, brings over 15 years of professional experience to the Facilities, Farm, and Grounds Department. Prior to joining Essex North Shore Leadership Team in July of 2021, Mr. Monks was the Director of Buildings and Grounds for Salem Public Schools for 3 years and the Supervisor of Custodial and Maintenance for the City of Lynn for 4 years.
Ryan holds a Master of Science Degree in Facilities Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Project Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology. In addition, he is a licensed Massachusetts Construction Superior, a Certified Facilities Manager from the International Facilities Management Association, and a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official through the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General.
Mr. Monks aims to remove facility-related hurdles, allowing our staff and students to teach and learn at their full potential.
Adam Denio, Assistant Principal
Adam Denio joins the leadership team at Essex Tech as an Assistant Principal, a role he assumed in March 2024. Adam is a seasoned educator with a rich background in both teaching and administrative positions. He brings to Essex Tech a deep understanding of the educational landscape, having previously served as Assistant Principal, Math Teacher, and Special Education Teacher at Amesbury Middle School, as well as a Special Education Teacher at Kaumana Elementary in Hilo, Hawaii.
Born in Saratoga Springs, New York, Adam is the middle child among seven siblings. His family moved to Hampton, New Hampshire during his childhood, where he later graduated from Winnacunnet High School in 1998. Adam’s journey in education began at Keene State College, prompted by an inspiring volunteer experience in high school recommended by his guidance counselor. He graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Special Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and later earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership.
Adam’s early career took him to the Big Island of Hawaii, where he embraced the local culture and explored the Pacific region extensively. In 2006, he returned to New Hampshire, marrying his wife, Jessica, and starting a family that now includes two teenage children, Owen and Henry, and a beloved Cavapoo, Eloise. The Denio family shares a passion for sports, cooking, travel, and outdoor activities, which deeply enrich Adam’s personal life and professional insights.
Licensed in Mathematics (grades 5-8) and as a Principal/Assistant Principal for various educational levels, Adam is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and dynamic educational environment. His goal at Essex Tech is to ensure that every student meets the profile of a graduate, equipped to be collaborative, culturally proficient, entrepreneurial, kind, perseverant, and responsible adults.
Adam’s professional path and personal ethos are characterized by a commitment to community and lifelong learning. As Assistant Principal, he is determined to strengthen the connections within the school and the broader community to support a vibrant and supportive educational atmosphere.
Nicole Dresser, Assistant Principal
Nicole Dresser, Assistant Principal, joined the Essex North Shore Leadership Team as the Freshman Academy Supervisor in 2022. Prior to this position, Nicole was one of the Dental Assisting Instructors here at Essex North Shore. She is a team player who helped the Dental Assisting program blossom into what it is now by developing a consistent curriculum, helping students go out on Cooperative Education, teaching 11th graders, and co-teaching 9th and 10th graders. Nicole has also helped the Essex North Shore Community by being part of the New Teacher Academy where she showed incoming teachers ways to incorporate a variety of teaching strategies into their CTAE areas.
Nicole’s education is vast, having an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene, a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching. Her licenses and certifications include Dental Assisting Professional Vocational Teacher License, Vocational Technical Supervisor/Director License, Level 1 Certified in the Massachusetts General Hospital Collaborative Problem Solving, OSHA 10 Certified, and CPR Certified. She has over 20 years of experience in the dental field from being a Dental Assistant to a Hygienist, then a Dental Assisting Educator.
Sean Emberley, Assistant Principal
Sean Emberley, Assistant Principal, joined the Essex North Shore leadership team as Assistant Principal in 2021. Prior to this role, Sean worked as an administrator and faculty member in the Danvers and Lynn Public Schools. Sean brings many years of educational experience and a passion to inspire students to be the best version of themselves.
Sean grew up in Lynn and graduated from St. John’s Prep. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Communications from Assumption College, a master’s degree in Education in Counseling Psychology from Cambridge College, and a CAGS in Educational Leadership from UMass Lowell.
Mr. Emberley has been a presenter at the October 2019 MA DESE Leap (Leading Educational Access Project ) conference, a Presenter for Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc. conferences on restorative justice practices.
Amanda Girard, Assistant Principal
Amanda Girard joined the Essex North Shore leadership team in July 2024 as an Assistant Principal. Before this role, Amanda had a distinguished career in Georgetown, where she served in various capacities including Spanish teacher, Secondary Curriculum Coordinator, Middle School Coordinator, and District (PreK-12) Mentor Coordinator.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Ithaca College, with double minors in Italian and Speech Communication. She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Gordon College. She is licensed as a Principal/Assistant Principal (5-12), Supervisor/Director, and Spanish (5-12).
Amanda’s path to education was serendipitous. She accepted her first teaching position right after her undergraduate studies, despite not initially intending to pursue a career in education. Her bravery to step out of her comfort zone led her to a fulfilling 26-year career in public schools. Amanda has taught Spanish in a K-5 bilingual school and at the high school level. She particularly enjoyed her six years as a Mentor Program Coordinator, where she coached new teachers in developing their skills.
Outside of her professional life, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, a carpenter/contractor, and their two daughters. Her family also includes their dog, Suna. Amanda’s hobbies include attending her children’s events, doing projects with her husband, spending time with friends and family, playing golf and soccer, traveling, skiing, and reading.
Amanda is dedicated to fostering an inclusive educational environment that celebrates diversity, prioritizes equity, and ensures every student feels a genuine sense of belonging. She aims to use her bilingual skills to support families & students and to help all students develop perseverance and grit for their future endeavors and throughout their lives.
Lisa Berube, Assistant Director of Workforce Development
Lisa Berube, our Assistant Director of Workforce Development, joined the Essex North Shore Leadership Team in August of 2017. Prior to assuming this position, Ms. Berube began teaching Office & Business Technology at her alma mater, Greater Lawrence Technical School, in 1995. In 2008 she transitioned to the Career Counselor role, then in 2009, she became the school’s Cooperative Education Coordinator. From 2015 through 2017, Ms. Berube was the Cooperative Education Coordinator at Medford Vocational Technical High School.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Southern New Hampshire University and is a certified Cooperative Education Coordinator, Supervisor/Director, and Marketing and Business Technology Teacher through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Ms. Berube has been a life-long trainer of others regardless of the position she held, which ultimately led her to become an educator. Lisa strongly believes in the importance of learning-by-doing and aims to give as many students as possible the opportunity to learn while working in their cooperative education placement.
T.J. Baril Coordinator of Health Services, Wellness, and Athletics
T.J. Baril joined the Essex North Shore Leadership Team on October 1, 2024, as the Coordinator of Health Services, Wellness, and Athletics. Before his current role, T.J. served as a Wellness Teacher at Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School from 2021 to 2024, and at Amesbury Middle School from 2012 to 2021. He began his teaching career as an English and Public Speaking Teacher at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn, where he worked from 2000 to 2012. In addition to his teaching roles, T.J. has been a Varsity Baseball Coach for Masconomet Regional High School (2013–2024) and Swampscott High School (2006–2012). He is being inducted into the Massachusetts High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in January. Since 2010, he has also officiated men’s basketball games for both MIAA and NCAA.
A four-year baseball player at Saint Anselm College, T.J. has an extensive coaching background, with 18 years of experience as a head coach. His initial path to education was inspired by an opportunity to teach and coach immediately after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Saint Anselm College. Originally planning to pursue a career as a writer, he quickly found a passion for teaching and coaching and has never looked back.
T.J. furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Education from Plymouth State University and a Master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Endicott College. He holds a Professional License in Physical Education and an Initial License in Health & Family Consumer Sciences. Additionally, he is certified with a Level 2 Adventure Course Certification from High 5.
T.J. lives in Danvers with his wife and two daughters. He comes from a family of athletes, with his sister and two brothers all having played collegiate sports. He also directs a Strength & Conditioning Program for middle school, high school, and college athletes at Treehouse School of Fitness in Danvers.
T.J.’s goal as Coordinator of Health Services, Wellness, and Athletics is to help student-athletes and coaches at Essex North Shore realize their full potential. He is inspired by the pride and energy that the students bring to the school and believes that this enthusiasm can translate to success on every playing surface. T.J. is committed to ensuring that athletics are an integral part of the legacy of Essex North Shore, where students can excel both on and off the field.
Kathleen Russo, Manager of Transportation
Kathleen Russo, Manager of Transportation for the district, joined the Essex North Shore Leadership team in the fall of 2018. Prior to becoming the Transportation Manager, Kathy was the Transportation Dispatcher and school bus trainer for 12 years, and a School Bus Driver for the district prior to that. Ms. Russo is a Licensed Commercial Driver’s License Instructor, a Massachusetts Notary Public, and holds School Bus and Passenger endorsements. Kathy’s aim for the transportation department is to provide safe, reliable, and accessible transportation options for all our students to and from school.
Brian Shaw, Manager of Food Services
Brian Shaw is joining the Essex North Shore Leadership Team as the Manager of Food Services. Before joining the ENSATS Community, Brian most recently managed on-site and traveling Corporate Chefs. Prior to that, Mr. Shaw was a Sous Chef, Prep Cook, Line Cook, and Caterer. He has an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts and Sciences from Newbury College and is also ServSafe certified, Allergy Awareness certified, and Choke Safe certified.
Mr. Shaw credits his passion for Culinary and Hospitality to Minuteman Technical Vocational High School, of which he is a graduate. During his time there, he was given a Cooperative Education opportunity at the Sheraton Hotel in Lexington as a prep and line cook, which introduced him to the fast-paced field first-hand. From there, Brian found his real passion in corporate dining where he eventually led his own team of line cooks and prep cooks.
Brian is a resident of our local community, currently living in the Merrimack Valley with his two sons, wife, and dog. He is an avid sports fan that loves watching and coaching his sons in lacrosse.
Mr. Shaw’s goal as the Manager of Food Services is to grow the cafeteria to not only meet but exceed the dining needs of all the students at Essex North Shore. He will do this by leading his staff to do their best and give them everything they need to be successful, ultimately resulting in phenomenal meals for our students.
Luis A Sanchez Smith, Assistant Manager of Food Services
Luis A. Sanchez Smith is joining the Essex North Shore Food Service team as the Assistant Manager of Food Services. Before joining Essex Tech, Luis had worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. He worked his way up from a banquet server and bartender to Restaurant Supervisor; then he transitioned to the back of the house to become a cook, kitchen manager, and finally a Sous Chef. Most recently, Luis was Sous Chef at Yella Grille and Cook at Winchester Hospital.
Luis has an Associate Degree in Hospitality from UTESA in the Dominican Republic and is Servsafe certified. In his many years of food and hospitality experience, he has received an Award for 5 years of Exceptional Service at Marriott Hotels.
Luis was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to Massachusetts almost a decade ago. He is a family man who is married and has five daughters.
Mr. Sanchez Smith’s main goal as Assistant Manager of Food Services is to bring new and creative menu ideas for the students to enjoy.