Faculty + Staff

Exceptional Mentors
Students and parents alike rave about EXPLO faculty. Each year we interview hundreds of people, looking for bright, dynamic, innovative, and engaging individuals to help us create the incredible learning environment you will find at EXPLO. 

Passionate Educators
Yet EXPLO staff possess more than just talent. As teachers, they exude a genuine interest in helping young people become open to all types of learning — a trait they themselves embody. Year in and year out, students and staff tell us how much they learn from working together.

Most of the faculty is comprised of exceptional college and graduate stduents. They're supported and supervised by experienced teachers, educational administrators, and professional practitioners.

Teachers Who Are Involved in All Aspects of Student Life
Our faculty — residential and day advisors, instructors, event MCs, discussion facilitators, and trip leaders — will engage you in myriad ways and encourage you to broaden your global point of view. It's not unusual for a staff member to teach developmental psychology in the morning, lead a West African drumming session in the afternoon, debate the merits of public versus private schools over dinner, star in a staff improv show in the evening, and serve as residential advisor for a living group of students at night. With a passion for teaching that goes beyond the classroom, our staff are exceptional guides for an EXPLO summer.
 

Head of Program

Elliot Targum
Elliot Targum began working for Exploration in 1997. Prior to becoming the Head of EXPLO at Wellesley, Elliot held many positions at Exploration, including Residence Director, Programming Director, and Dean of Day Students. Elliot was a founding teacher at a Boston charter school and taught math and science in the Cambridge, MA public school system. Elliot is known as an "idea factory" and one public school teaching colleague described him as "the most progressive teacher in the district." Elliot's interests and talents are broad. He was a math correlation specialist at Riverdeep, Inc., working on interactive mathematics software, and he worked with Games-To-Teach, a partnership between MIT and Microsoft's iCampus. In addition, he is the founder of EB Tutoring and juggles flaming torches during the summer at EXPLO. Elliot is a graduate of Haverford College and earned his M.Ed. at the Harvard Graduate School of Education where he concentrated in technology and education.

A Selection of Our Summer Staff

The following is a partial listing of our 2012 EXPLO at Wellesley faculty and staff.

Stacey Jones Lee graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in Sociology. She began her career as a Director for SCORE! Educational Centers, building specialized curriculum plans to provide enrichment and basic skills support for students. In 2004 she returned to Bowdoin College as Director of First Year Programs where she supported the First-Year class and several identity-based student groups. She is currently the Associate Dean for Students at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire, where she coordinates student clubs and counsels residential students. After working in both the Dean’s Office at the EXPLO at St. Marks Program and EXPLO at Wellesley Program, Stacey returns to EXPLO as the Dean of Students.

David Summergrad, a long time principal, teacher, and curriculum developer, brings deep wisdom and enthusiasm as he returns to his role as Curriculum Director of EXPLO at Wellesley. While principal of the John D. Runkle Elementary School, the school was named the top pre-k through eight school in Boston Magazine. Prior to serving as a principal, David was a house leader, curriculum leader, and technology curriculum specialist at Wayland Middle School. He has won numerous awards, including TEC’s “Distinguished Teacher Award”, the “Outstanding Contribution Award” from METCO, and various grants and travelships. David has run the New York City marathon numerous times and to date has raised $75,000 for METCO, a grant program funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts intended to expand educational opportunities and reduce racial isolation in communities around Massachusetts. Currently, David is the principal of North Pembroke Elementary in Pembroke, MA.

Matt Peal graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in history. After graduating, Matt took a position as a history teacher and coach at The O'Neal School, in North Carolina. After several years at O'Neal, Matt attended Columbia University, where he received a masters degree in Organization and Leadership. Matt currently teaches at a private school in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl where he lives with his wife and son. This will be his eighth summer with EXPLO at Wellesley, having previously served in the Programming and Dean's Offices. He returns this year as the Director of Programming.

Laura Stocke is a graduate of the University of Virginia where she received a BS in chemistry and a Maters of Teaching in Secondary Science Education. She has student taught and volunteered in the Charlottesville Public Schools, and worked at a children's museum in Charlottesville. While at UVA, Laura served on the board of directors at Madison House, a non-profit organization that works to send over 3,000 volunteers into the community each year. Currently Laura spends her free time volunteering for the Boys and Girls Club of Boston. Returning for her seventh summer, Laura will be the Focus Programs Director. She works year-round for EXPLO as the Assistant to the Head of EXPLO at Wellesley.

Kerry Cahill currently works for EXPLO year-round as an Admissions Officer and as the Financial Aid Coordinator. She received her bachelor's degree in anthropology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, with a double minor in history and environmental studies. Kerry has experience working for the Center for Teaching and Learning as an Anthropology Teaching Fellow. Along with her involvement in the America Reads literacy program and the local historical society, she served as a student athletic trainer and Coordinator of Geneva Heroes, a service and mentorship program for local middle and high school students. Kerry will return to EXPLO as the Main Office Director.

Kristina Young has spent nine summers with EXPLO at Wellesley. She has taught at schools across United States and is currently a teacher at a Bright Horizons Montessori school in Denver, Colorado. She holds a degree in psychology from Pomona College and is currently pursuing a masters degree in social work. Kristina is returning to EXPLO’s Deans Office this summer as an Assistant Dean.

Tessa Adzemovic attends the University of Michigan and is pursuing degrees in French and biochemistry. She has been a camp counselor at the international language camp CIFEL in Megeve, France, and the science camp Innoworks at the University of Michigan. She is currently a part of Salto Dance Company, the Division of Student Affairs Advisory Board, and volunteers at a local health clinic. This summer, Tessa will return to EXPLO as an Instructor.

Michael Chapman holds a BA in biology and MT in secondary science education from the University of Virginia. While in college Michael served as the Vice Chair for First Years of the University Judiciary Committee and was an intern with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the fields of fiber optics and educational technology. Currently, Michael is a middle school science teacher at Boston College High School. His fifth summer at the program, Michael returns to EXPLO as a Residence Director.

Liz Krane is a graduate of Harvard University with a degree in literature. Throughout her four years of college, she sang with the Radcliffe Choral Society, tap-danced with one of the college's dance companies, and worked on all aspects of theater production with the Harvard-Radcliffe Dramatic Club, the organization of which she served as President. She currently works at the Frankel Green Theatrical Management Company in New York City. Liz is excited to return for her fifth summer at the program as the Activities Coordinator in the Programming Office.

Simbarashe Musasa is a student at Macalester College, studying economics and international studies. He is an aspiring entrepreneur and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Macalester African Students Association. Prior to coming to Macalester College, he studied in Zimbabwe and then attended high school at the United World College in New Mexico. In 2007, he won the national best speaker award at the Zimbabwe Debate Championships. Simbarashe will be returning to the EXPLO faculty as an Instructor.

Jordan Steelman is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in political science. He is currently pursuing a master's degree at the University of Pittsburgh, where he studies international affairs with a focus on civil wars and civilian protection. In addition to his studies, Jordan helps to design curricular materials for Pittsburgh area teachers through a local non-profit. When not in the library, Jordan spends his spare time perched on top of his bike, training for upcoming cycling competitions. He is excited to return to EXPLO as a Residence Director.

Andrea Stewart is a Senior at the University of Rochester where she majors in biology. She was the valedictorian of her high school graduating class as well as the recipient for the Society of Women Engineers Science Award. She is a founding member of the Louvre Performance Ensemble and was an assistant dance teacher at Dance Express where she taught students ballet, jazz, and tap dancing. Andrea is returning to EXPLO this summer as a Residence Director.

Stacey Reed received her bachelor's degree in environmental studies and education from Wellesley College and is currently pursuing a master's degree in education at Boston University. Stacey teaches eighth grade math and science at Fuller Middle School in Framingham, Massachusetts, to predominately English language learners. Stacey is fascinated by the new role of technology in literacy within math and science and serves as Parliamentarian and New Literacies committee member for the Massachusetts Reading Association Board. An EXPLO instructor while in college, Stacey is returns to EXPLO’s Curriculum Department for her third summer as a Curriculum Advisor.

Debbie Menard graduated from University of the Sciences in Philadelphia with a BS in biology. After graduation, she worked with AmeriCorps NCCC - Pacific Region, where she tutored biology students in Woodland, CA, constructed homes for migrant workers in Mecca, CA, and helped rebuild homes in New Orleans, LA. She is currently pursuing a Masters in teaching at University of Virginia for secondary science in biology, where she serves as the Community Chair for Student Virginia Education Association and as Secretary for National Student Teachers Association. Debbie will be returning to EXPLO as an Instructor.

Josh Weinstein graduated from Florida State University with a BFA in acting. He started his career as a Graduate Counselor at FSU's London Study Centre, supervising and coordinating the residential and cultural activities of students studying abroad. While with FSU, Josh helped launch Theatre Academy London, a training program that connects theatre students to world-renowned actors, producers, and directors through coursework and workshops. Josh is currently working at the Portland Playhouse in Oregon. He returns to EXPLO this summer as a Main Events Coordinator.

Kristin Hanczor is a Senior at Bowdoin College majoring in Environmental Studies and Government. Kristin has played on Bowdoin’s varsity volleyball team during her time in college. This year, she was named NESCAC co-player of the year and served as captain of her team. Kristin brings to EXPLO a love of cooking and a passion for sustainability. She returns for her third summer working with students in the EXPLO Chef Program.

Michelle Dieringer is a graduate of Oregon State University (OSU) and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Simmons University. An avid dancer, Michelle was a member and coach of the OSU Elite Dance Team and has taught jazz and hip-hop at the Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis in Oregon. Throughout her time in college, she served as a volunteer through the OSU University Scholars Association and taught English to foreign exchange students. Michelle brings her experience as a physical therapy aid to EXPLO this summer and is excited to be working with students in EXPLO’s Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Focus Program.

Garrett McDonnell is a business administration major at the University of New Mexico. Throughout his time in college, Garrett has been heavily involved with Model UN, where he currently serves as a representative to the World Model UN for the University of New Mexico. As a National Hispanic Scholar, Garrett is not only talented in the classroom, but also on the field, where he plays on the UNM Ultimate Frisbee team. Garrett will be joining EXPLO this summer as an Instructor.

Ross Bronfenbrenner brings his talents for baseball, acting, and history to EXPLO at Wellesley this summer. While at Macalester College, Ross has played on the varsity baseball team and has served as the founder and director of the Marin Academy Improv Troupe. When not tutoring for Next Generation Scholars, Ross stays busy as a Macalester tour guide and a coach for a local middle school baseball team. Ross is excited to join EXPLO as an Instructor.

Caroline Wood studies at St. Olaf College, where she majors in studio art and history. A serious musician, Caroline has played the piano and viola for many years and is currently a member of the St. Olaf Philharmonic Orchestra. While at St. Olaf, she has also served as a mentor and viola teacher with PING, an organization that works with elementary and middle school students. Caroline will be joining the EXPLO faculty this summer as an Instructor.

Allan Venegas is a student at Macalester College where he studies political science and anthropology. As a first-degree taekwondo black belt, Allan spends much of his time teaching taekwondo classes to elementary and middle school students. He hails from Costa Rica and speaks Portuguese, Spanish and English, which has fueled his interest in Model UN at Macalester, where he holds the role of Chairman. Allan is thrilled to be joining the program this summer as an Instructor.

Jennifer Canelli is a senior at Connecticut College where she majors in Environmental Studies and will be receiving her teaching certification for elementary education. During her four years in college, Jennifer has been an active volunteer for the college’s Habitat for Humanity chapter. She is an avid dancer having competed nationally for 10 years. At Connecticut College, she has expanded her dance repertoire to include Korean Hip Hop and Bhangra dance.

Radley Glasser is a graduate of Bard College where he majored in Political Studies. While at Bard, Radley was a founding member of the Bard College Mock Trial team and served as the president of Bard’s Speech Union. For three years, Radley was captain of the Bard fencing team. He is nationally ranked in Epee. Currently, Radley is the student coordinator for the Debate Team at Bard where he serves as coach for new members. Radley will be back at EXPLO this summer as an Instructor.