Faculty and Staff
Hellenic American Academy’s vision is to provide a quality education where students achieve their maximum potential. We are very proud of our dedicated teaching professionals that are committed to teaching every child with care and compassion. The Academy’s educational foundation and licensed teaching faculty allows students to learn and grow in all academic areas, as well as in their individual skills and interests.
Meet Our Team
Jessica Beer
Kindergarten
Jessica joined the Hellenic American Academy in 2025 with over two decades of experience. She has worked with students in grades K-6, both in private and public schools. A graduate of Wheaton College she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Asian Studies and International Politics , a Master’s Degree in Education from American International College, and a teaching license with an SEI Endorsement. She also has many years of experience working ...Read More
Maria Booras
Greek
Maria has been a dedicated educator at the Hellenic American Academy for 27 years. She began her career in the preschool program, where she taught for three years, and has spent the past 25 years passionately teaching Greek Cultural Studies. Her curriculum includes instruction in the Greek language, history, traditional dancing, and the Greek Orthodox faith. Throughout the school year, Mrs. Booras engages her students through multiple le...Read More
Brittany Brodie
Fourth Grade
Brittany joined Hellenic American Academy in 2024. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English and Mathematics and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University. Brittany is passionate about refining style and sharing it through creative captions. Her dream was always to be a teacher to impact future generations. Now as a 4th grade teacher she is always excited to inspire students and spread the joy of ...Read More
Kayla Chan
PreK-4
Kayla joined the Hellenic American Academy staff in 2018. She is a graduate of Greater Lowell Technical High School in Tyngsboro, MA, where she earned her Early Childhood Education certification. Kayla also holds an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education from Middlesex Community College and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at the University of Lowell. With a lifelong passion for working with children, she ...Read More
Donna Cullen
Third Grade
Donna has been a dedicated educator in the Lowell Public School system for over two decades and joined Hellenic American Academy in 2020. She began her teaching career as a special education teacher at Greenhalge Elementary School, before moving on to the Brady Alternative School, Lowell High School, and the Wang Middle School. Throughout her career in Lowell, Donna has been fortunate to take part in numerous professional development opp...Read More
Christina Florez
PreK-4
Christina joined the Hellenic American Academy staff in 2021. A graduate of Lowell High School (2018), she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2022, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She plans to continue her studies by pursuing a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. With a deep passion for psychology and child development, Christina takes pride in her ability to connect with stude...Read More
Maria Florez
PreK-4
Maria has been a valued member of the Hellenic American Academy staff since 2020. She began her career as a preschool teacher’s aide in 2010 at Saint Louis Elementary in Lowell, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to her role. Mrs. Florez creates a preschool environment filled with creativity, joy, and kindness, specializing in arts and crafts. She guides her young students through their first school experiences with activities like w...Read More
Sofia Howes
PreK-3
Sofia is a dedicated educator and a proud graduate of Tyngsboro High School. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Lowell, she joined the Hellenic American Academy in 2018. Her passion for teaching has inspired her to pursue further education in the field, where she feels her true talents shine.Read More
Arman Howes-Dar
Fifth Grade
Arman joined Hellenic American Academy in 2025. He is an honors graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, where he earned an Associate’s degree in Data Analytics and Science, as well as a B.S. in Computer Science. Originally from Lowell, his main ambition has always been to make a positive impact on my community. From representing Greater Lowell Technical High School on leadership committees to competing in robotics competitions at ...Read More
Melanie Knight
School Nurse
Melanie graduated from Northern Essex Community College with her RN in 2019. She is very excited to be joining the Hellenic Academy. Both her mother and grandmother were school nurses and she is honored to be able to follow in their footsteps. She always hoped to be either a teacher or nurse, and is eager to get involved with children’s education and teaching them to stay healthy and safe. She comes to Hellenic from Melmark New Eng...Read More
Stephanie Laurin
PreK-3
Stephanie joined our staff in 2022. She is a resident of Lowell most of her life. She is also a member of the Holy Trinity Church. Stephanie is married with 2 children who are students at Hellenic American Academy. She enjoys teaching children and spending her summers in Maine.Read More
Caitlin McNamara
First Grade
Caitlin is proud to be part of the Hellenic American Academy community. Caitlin earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Worcester State University and is currently working toward her master’s degree. She’s been working with kids for most of her life, from substitute teaching in schools to running summer camps. She brings a positive, can-do attitude to the classroom and loves reminding her students that everyone ma...Read More
Pamela Murphy
Second Grade
Pamela is a proud alumna of the Hellenic American Academy, where she has many fond memories of the teachers and programs that shaped her early education. She has been a dedicated member of the HAA staff since 2000, serving in various roles as a second-grade teacher, fourth-grade teacher, and preschool teacher. She played a key role in the development of the Academy’s current Preschool program. Mrs. Murphy holds a degree in Human Developm...Read More
Patricia Robinson
Reading Specialist
Patty has been teaching reading since 1985. In addition to reading certification, she is Elementary and Second Language Learner certified. She finds great joy and satisfaction working with the students and staff at the Hellenic American Academy.Read More
Lesley Shahbazian
Office Administrator
Lesley is a dedicated and highly organized Office Administrator with over eighteen years of experience providing top-tier administrative support to executives and teams. For eight years, she was an integral part of a private high school, excelling in managing office operations, coordinating meetings, handling correspondence, and ensuring smooth daily workflows. Lesley takes pride in driving efficiency in all aspects of office management ...Read More