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 2013 Explo at Wellesley faculty and staff.

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.

Bre McKenna, a graduate of Bowdoin College, joined Explo in the summer of 2007 as a Day Dean at Explo at St. Mark's. Bre then took on the role of Dean of Students for the summers of 2008 and 2009. During the academic year, Bre was a Spanish teacher, the Director of Student Activities, and Freshmen Dean at Governor's Academy, a co-educational boarding school in Newbury, MA. In addition to her administrative responsibilities at Governor’s Academy, she also coached cross-country and winter track. In the Fall of 2011, Bre left Governor’s Academy to join Explo as a full-time Curriculum Department employee, where she has spent her time developing Explo’s unique Focus Programs. Bre is looking forward to joining the Explo at Wellesley program this summer as Dean of Students.

Matt Peal graduated from the University of Georgia in 2005 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 master’s degree in Organization and Leadership. Matt went on to teach in Palm Beach, Florida, and is now living in Rome, Georgia, where he teaches and coaches high school at the Darlington School. This will be Matt's ninth year with Explo at Wellesley and his fourth year as the Programming Office Director.

Gabriella Vannoni is returning to Explo at Wellesley for her sixth summer. Gabri graduated from Bates College in 2009 with a degree in biology and teacher education. While at Bates, she was an active volunteer in the Lewiston Public School system, student teaching at Lewiston High School as well as running their annual science fair. After graduating from Bates, Gabri spent a year teaching science at the American School in Milan, Italy. In 2010, she joined the faculty at Kent School in Kent, CT, teaching biology and chemistry as well as coaching girls' soccer and basketball. This fall, she will be joining the faculty at The Rivers School in Weston, MA. After three summers in the Explo Dean's Office, Gabri is returning this summer to serve as the Main Office Director.

Judy McDonald is eager to return to the Explo curriculum office as the Assistant Curriculum Director, Judy brings experience as an associate professor, experienced educator, and creative curriculum developer. This past year Judy was awarded North Carolina Outstanding Earth Science Educator for her innovative and engaging instructional methodologies that have reached many science educators throughout the state and nation. Her current research includes a comparative case study of science teachers’ content understanding and the implementation of inquiry strategies within the classroom. Recently, Judy has been recognized for her inclusive program called Girls Leading Girls in Science that promotes the exploration of STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) careers for underrepresented female populations. Currently, Judy is a science educator at Belmont Abbey College located near Charlotte, NC.

Adam Lavallee graduated from Hamilton College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in economics from Temple University. After graduating, Adam took a position as a math teacher, coach, and dormitory head at Holderness School, in New Hampshire. After two years at Holderness, Adam and his wife moved to the Philadelphia area, where he is a high school teacher and a coach at Episcopal Academy. This will be his first summer with Explo at Wellesley, but his fourth summer with Explo, having previously served as an Instructor and Curriculum Advisor at our Yale campus. Adam will return as an Assistant Dean.

Phil Drazewski graduated from the University of Michigan in 2009, where he was an athlete on the Men’s Rowing Team and a founding member of Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Phil worked as an English teacher in Taiwan before returning to graduate school at Illinois State University. Phil will be graduating in May with a dual master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational-Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology. In previous summers, Phil has worked at Explo at Wellesley as a mock trial instructor and as a Residence Director. This summer, Phil joins us as an Assistant Dean.

Amanda Friedman holds undergraduate degrees in English, education, and women's studies, and a Master in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut. While at UConn, she sang in a co-ed A Cappella group, A Minor, and participated in advocacy work regarding multicultural education, human rights, suicide prevention, sexual assault, and violence against women. Amanda went on to teach English at a Connecticut high school. She also served as the Assistant Program Coordinator for her district's international initiatives project, facilitating annual delegation exchanges, culture and language workshops, and a student ambassador program. Amanda previously joined Explo as a Curriculum Advisor and Assistant Dean at our Yale campus. This summer, she is excited to join Explo at Wellesley as an Assistant Dean.

Joel Alex is a graduate of Colby College where he received a BA in environmental and international studies. Building from four summers with Explo at St. Mark's, he taught ecology and sustainability at a Maine residential program and later worked developing geospatial technology curriculum for Maine's laptop learning initiative. He continues to provide technology training and curriculum support while also managing the expansion of Maine Trail Finder, a joint public health, tourism, and conservation initiative. He recently served as a national advisor to CISV, an international youth leadership organization, and currently serves on the Alumni Council of the Mitchell Institute whose mission is to increase higher education access in Maine. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the fiddle, contra dancing, and pursuing outdoor activities. He is excited to return to Explo this summer as the Director of Focus Programs at Wellesley.

Ross Bronfenbrenner brings his talents for baseball, acting, and history to Explo at Wellesley this summer. At Macalester College, Ross is a double major in history and educational studies and is a captain of the varsity baseball team. He performs with Fresh Concepts, Macalester's only improv comedy troupe and is an avid fan of all things comedy. When not on stage or on the field, Ross stays busy as a student worker and tour guide in the Macalester Admissions Office. Ross is excited to return to Explo as an instructor and Assembly Host.

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 Chair of the University Judiciary Committee and was an intern with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Currently, Michael is a middle school science teacher at Boston College High School, and coaches track and field. He also has spoken at state teacher conferences on the use of iPads and other educational technology in the classroom. His sixth summer at the program, Michael is excited to return to Explo as a Residence Director.

Stacey Reed hold a BA in environmental studies from Wellesley College and a master's degree in education from Boston University. Stacey has been teaching for seven years and is currently teaching seventh grade science at Wayland Middle School in Massachusetts, where her students frequently play video games and explore virtual worlds to learn about life science, from DNA to ecosystems. Stacey also travels to other schools to deliver technology professional development to teachers through EdTech Teacher. She has also presented her use of technology in the classroom at the Massachusetts Reading Association and MassCUE conferences. An Explo instructor while in college, Stacey is returning for her fourth summer as a Curriculum Advisor.

Kylie Cameron graduated from Hamilton College with a BA in philosophy. During college she worked as a residential advisor and pursued her love of travel while studying for a year in Paris, France. Kylie explored her passion for environmental education while working as an educator for the Massachusetts Audubon Society and is currently an assistant teacher in a Montessori School. Her passion for flight led her to earn a private pilot’s license. Kylie returns to Explo this summer as a residential director.

Abby Masters graduated from St. Olaf College with degrees in Dance and Social Studies Education. She was highly involved in St. Olaf's modern dance company where she performed in many faculty and resident company works, collaborated with peers, and choreographed her own pieces, one of which was selected to be presented at the American College Dance Festival in 2013. She worked in the Alumni Office on campus for three years, communicating closely with alumni and helping to plan large-scale alumni events. She has worked with students of all ages in public schools and at a Denver YMCA, teaching social studies, reading, and dance. Abby is excited to return to Explo this summer as a Main Office Manager and instructor.

Matt Schupp is from Sacramento, California. Matt attended CSU Chico from 2009-2012. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and the following year earned his Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. During his time at Chico State, Matt played for the Chico State Lacrosse Team in addition to coaching youth level lacrosse, ages U-11 to Varsity High School. Currently, Matt is substitute teaching in Chico Unified School District and coaching the Chico High Varsity Lacrosse team. He enjoys outdoor activities, including mountain biking, kayaking, and Frisbee.

Alexander Harper graduated from the University of West Florida with an undergraduate degree in natural science. He travels around the United States conducting wild bird surveys for various conservation groups, and avidly backpacks around Latin America and Asia armed with a camera and binoculars in search of wild animals and views of mountainous valleys. Alex is aspiring to enroll in graduate programs for conservation biology to pursue a life in service of environmental education and wildlife conservation. He is drawn to suburban New England once again for his sixth consecutive summer at Explo at Wellesley, where he will be the Day Director.

Cassie Haines is a junior at Connecticut College, where she studies human development and elementary education. She participates in Connecticut College's theater department, both onstage and off, and sings in the ConnChords, an all-female A Cappella group that has been a part of the college for the past 60 years. During the school year, Cassie enjoys employment with the college's catering company as a student supervisor and with Simply Enchanted as a Royal Attendant. Cassie enthusiastically returns to Explo for her third summer as an instructor.

Marisa McKently is a junior at Harvard College studying social and cognitive neuroscience and psychology. She has experience working in a vision science lab where she helped run and analyze fMRI brain scans. Ever since childhood, Marisa has been involved in dance and theater groups. She has a strong love for all things related to art and design. Marisa has spent the past two summers as an archery specialist and counselor at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which serves children with chronic and terminal illnesses. She is also very interested in education and spends many of her afternoons tutoring children in the Boston area. Marisa is excited to be joining the Explo faculty this summer 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 currently works as an actor and educator in Portland, Oregon. He returns to Explo this summer as the Senior Activities Coordinator.

Rosette Cirillo is a philosophy and medieval literature major at Bard College. When she is not translating dead languages and writing papers, she serves as her Student Government Association's Chair of Student Life and is the editor in chief of Bard's undergraduate philosophy journal, Qualia. Rosette also runs a philosophy club for junior high school students in a school district near Bard. Since 2011, she has been a judge for the Long Island High School Ethics Bowl. And in January 2012, she interned with educational organization, p4c Hawaii. An organization that is part of the philosophy for children movement, it promotes the creation of intellectually responsible communities in public schools from grades K through 12. She is the recipient of Bard's Hannah Arendt Award, which recognizes an individual who spreads appreciation for philosophy and the liberal arts in their community. Rosette is excited to return to Explo for her second summer as an instructor.

Maggie McGuire is a student at Hamilton College where she studies philosophy and psychology. She is the Co-Captain of Hamilton’s Mock Trial team, which competed in the 2012 National Championship last year. While at Hamilton, Maggie has worked as a tutor, helping other students improve their public speaking and oral presentation skills. Maggie is excited to share her love of travel, dance, and public speaking with Explo as an instructor this summer.

Alexis Arnold graduated from St. Olaf College this spring with a degree in biology. While at St. Olaf she was an avid writer and was a featured journalist for the student run newspaper, The Manitou Messenger. Last summer, she was able to work in a biomedical research lab looking for treatments and therapies for cholesterol and heart disease. In her free time, she loves to try new recipes to share with her family. She is thrilled to bring her love of science and passion for baking to Explo this summer.

Hannah Hall is a Sophomore at St. Olaf College majoring in political science and hispanic studies. Hannah is involved in ROG, Reaching our Goals, a mentoring program for middle school. A new lover of mock trial, she spends many weekends away on tournaments, enjoying a good case and argument. When she is not studying, volunteering or preparing for the next tournament, Hannah spends her time baking up a storm. Hannah is ecstatic to be joining Explo this summer as an instructor in the Explo Chef Focus Program.

Casey Howard is a senior the State University of New York at Geneseo where he majors in communication. After starting a non-profit at the age of 16 to promote the importance of poetry in his local community, Casey began working as a sous chef at a local restaurant with dreams of having his own one day. Today he serves on his college’s Student Association as the Director of Business Affairs, and sits on the Board of Directors for the North East Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls. Casey will be back this summer as an instructor.

Phillip Rodgers is a third year student at the University of Virginia majoring in government and minoring in drama. Since his first year at UVA he has been in 5 musicals ranging from the Rogers and Hammerstein classic, Carousel, to the edgy Tony Award-winning hit, Spring Awakening. The past two summers he remained in Charlottesville working in University of Virginia Admission office giving tours to prospective students. He also serves on the UVA Arts Board, whose major task is advancing arts awareness to the student population. While this will be his first summer at Explo, it is not his first time at a summer program. In high school, he spent three summers in the Blue Ridge Mountains at Boy Scout Camp Ottari. This summer, Phillip will be an instructor teaching acting and musical theater.

Crosby Newcomer-Falk was born and raised in New Jersey, first on a small farm and then later at the Jersey Shore. He attended New York University and graduated with a degree in Anthropology and Minor in Creative Writing. After graduating NYU in 2011, Crosby entered a year full-time volunteer service with City Year New York, an AmeriCorps program. He served as a teacher's assistant, tutor and role model to 3rd/4th graders in an underserved neighborhood in Brooklyn. Still dedicated to helping New York City's children, Crosby returned to City Year for another year of community service. In his second year with City Year, he acted as the Team Leader of the Civic Engagement. He lead a team of four through the vision and implementation of over forty corporate community service events. Crosby will be joining the Explo at Wellesley staff as an instructor.