PARK STREET SCHOOL - Key Persons
My name is Amanda Hart and I joined the Park Street School community in August 2016 as the Admissions Associate. I love introducing new families to our incredible school! I attended Christian schools most of my life, so understand why character, truth, and excellence are foundational values of Park Street School's education. I love being on a great team of faculty and administrators working to fulfill our school's mission! I taught English as a Second Language for four years prior to moving into the administrative side of education. Before coming to Park Street School, I was working as the Registrar & Administrative Manager at an international school in Boston. I am originally from Wisconsin-a state full of cheese, funny pronunciation, and Packers fans. I studied psychology and social work at Wisconsin Lutheran College and worked in the field of child welfare after graduation. I later decided to obtain a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and lived in China for a few years. After leaving China, I continued the adventure of life by moving to Massachusetts, without knowing anyone or having ever visited. I've been blessed with a large group of friends and am involved in a great church, the Antioch Community Church in Waltham, MA. These things make living here full of purpose and joy. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, catching up with my family, traveling on short-term mission trips around the world, and discovering the beauty of New England.
Job Titles:
- Director of Elementary School
Hi! My name is Becky Bailey and I am the Director of the Elementary School at Park Street School. I believe that what happens in the early years of school can set the tone for a child's whole educational experience, which is why I particularly enjoy the elementary grades. I like to help build strong foundations in children, which just like in buildings, gives them something to build upon later in life. My years of teaching in a variety of educational settings have not only increased my love of teaching, but helped to make me a more flexible and adaptable educator. Since getting my teaching certificate in special education from Illinois State University, I have had significant experience teaching a wide range of ages and abilities. Prior to coming to Park Street School, I was an educational administrator, allowing me to mentor and supervise teachers, develop curriculum, and oversee the academic support of students. An essential component of that support involved including, whenever possible, a student's family and their community as part of their educational team. Besides being a teacher, God has given me the privilege of being the mother of a wonderful daughter named Anna, who is currently a Junior in college. We live in Boston with our cats, Charlie and Timothy, and enjoy reading books, going to cello concerts, exploring interesting restaurants, and visiting Maine.
Job Titles:
- Business Office Associate
Hi! My name is Debby Milhous. I started working in the Business Office of Park Street School in June of 2010 and feel so blessed to be part of the Park Street School family. I am excited to be working here because I see how the teachers and staff engage the children in meaningful learning. I appreciate being part of that mission. Please feel free to call or stop by the office if you have any questions during the school year! I graduated from Bethel College (now University) in St. Paul, MN with an Education and Psychology double major. After teaching kindergarten for two years, we moved to MA where I completed a Master Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. In 1995, my husband and I became missionaries to Japanese language speakers in the Boston area. We started the Boston Japanese Christian Church in Somerville and hold services and meetings every week in Japanese! I have two daughters who fill up my spare time! I like to read, watch movies with my family, and bake with my daughters. My husband and I enjoy unfamiliar foods, so we love to find new ethnic restaurants.
Job Titles:
- Education Technology Specialist
Hello! My name is Esmirna Ortiz and I am the new Education Technology Specialist at Park Street School. I have been blessed to be the winner of multiple international music competitions, including three Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Awards, the Michel Camilo Scholarship Competition, the Berklee Writing & Composition Scholarship, and the Boston Foundation Award of 2021. I am the first Dominican woman to become a professional audio engineer. My background includes a degree in Music Production and Audio Engineering from Berklee College of Music, a bachelor's in Music Education and Theory, a Professional Diploma in Piano Performance, a Technical Certificate in Digital Electronics and Microcomputers, and, a Certificate in Computers. For many years, I have worked as a GRAMMY Production Assistant and as a Latin GRAMMY Foundation Ambassador. Since 2016, I have served as Front-of-House Engineer, pianist, and Children's Choir Director at church. My passion is to contribute to the expansion of the knowledge of the Word of God through music and technological innovation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Staff and Faculty Team
- Chairman and President of Park Street School, Inc
Job Titles:
- Director of Park Street School Preschool
My name is Jenny Felida Exilhomme. I have been working with families and teaching children for many years. I love working with children because I truly believe that if they are raised with a solid foundation in all developmental areas of their lives-spiritual, educational, physical, emotional, and social-they will have all the necessary skills needed to fulfill their purpose on earth. Working at Park Street School has been an exciting chapter in my career and life. As a team, we work diligently to serve and support young lives. I love and appreciate the relationships I am building with students, parents, and staff. I graduated from UMass Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education and from Wheelock College with a Master of Science Degree in Leadership and Policy in Early Childhood Education. After college, I worked for Associated Early Care and Education as an Assistant Director for four years. Then, I worked at Jubilee Academy, an educational program of Jubilee Christian Church, for six years as the Program Director/Lead Teacher. I was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. When I was 10 years old, I moved to Boston, MA with my family. I am the youngest of five, the wife of a wonderful man, and the mother of two amazing boys. One graduated from Park Street School and is currently enrolled at BC High and the other is at Park Street School's Elementary campus. I love to spend time with my loved ones, watching movies, cooking, decorating, cleaning, and organizing spaces. My second passion is skin care. I am a licensed esthetician and freelance make-up artist.
Job Titles:
- Elementary School Administrative Coordinator
Hello! My name is Jill Zina. Most days you will find me in my favorite place-the front desk of Park Street School's Elementary campus. I consider it a special blessing to have joined the Park Street School community in January 2013. I really enjoy sharing my days with the fabulous families here. It has given me great joy over the years to watch the children study, play, and grow into self-confident and conscious young adults who will certainly be among our greatest future leaders. If you get a chance, please drop by and say, "Hi!" I am originally from Buffalo, NY but have been living in beautiful Boston for over half of my life now! I fell in love Boston while visiting one spring and made the decision to move here. I met my wonderful Lebanese husband here and we now live in Roslindale with our four daughters and son.
In the Spring of 2013, Park Street School/Park Street Kids honored our first President and Chairman of the Board, John Zvara, as he stepped down to become our first Emeritus President. A man of faith, determination and a love for numbers, John Zvara was honored as the driving force behind Park Street School/Park Street Kids' development and growth.
Job Titles:
- Trustee and Vice - Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Hello, my name is Kara Bishop and I am blessed to serve as the Development Associate at Park Street School. I am originally from Virginia and most of my family still lives there. I graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science degree in history. Prior to coming to Park Street School, I worked with both the preschool and after school programs at Veritas School in Richmond, VA. I moved to Boston in 2019 and have loved living here and look forward to exploring the city more this next year. I am so happy to be a part of this school and community!
My name is Kara Clark and I serve as Business Manager here at Park Street School. I welcome any questions regarding tuition, financial aid, or any other finance matters you may have. I am a graduate of Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA, with a B.S. in Accounting. I am originally from New York (Let's go Mets!), spent some time living outside Chicago, and arrived in Boston in 2001. In my spare time, I enjoy time outdoors, especially in the Adirondack mountains, and being with my family, friends, and my dog.
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
Hi! I'm Kim Twitchell and I love stories. I love to read them, tell them, take pictures that show them, and most of all, I love to hear stories about our students. Much of what I do at Park Street School is to tell others the story about our school and students. In addition to communications, I also coordinate chapel at Park Street School. I look forward to telling this year's chapter of the Park Street School story! I grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. My dad was a pastor and my mom an artist. I studied magazine journalism and English at Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communication and Arts and Sciences. While at Syracuse University, I got involved in the Christian group, Campus Crusade for Christ. After graduating, I served on its staff for 11 years, nine of which I spent in Dallas, Texas with Josh McDowell, a traveling speaker, and author. In addition to directing his writing department, I had the privilege of traveling to Russia with him to bring humanitarian aid to families and children in need. I moved back to Boston, where I worked for two years on special projects with the chaplain for the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. Since then, I completed a Master of Arts in Religion degree at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. I love spending time with my family, trying new recipes, traveling, reading books, writing stories, working on cross stitch, photography and gardening.
My name is Laura Perkins and I am so blessed to have been involved in the school since its beginning as one of the "founding mothers." We have recently moved to Durham, NC and I am supporting PSS with Admissions, Enrollment, Testing, and Middle School placement - it is my delight!! I am from Ohio and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Education from Lafayette College in Easton, PA. I have taught at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels both in a regular classroom, as well as in the science lab. I am married to Kris who is currently the Co-Pastor at Triangle Grace Church in Durham, NC. We have four children: Amanda (graduate of Park Street School, Boston Trinity Academy, and Bowdoin College), Isaiah (graduate of Park Street School, Boston Trinity Academy, and currently attending Skidmore College), Josiah (graduate of Park Street School and Boston Trinity Academy, currently attending Springfield College), and Tabitha (currently missing her friends at Park Street School but thriving at the Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill). We will always relish the gift of their Park Street School education. Besides having fun with my family, I love to read and jog whenever I can fit it in!
My name is Lorna Spence I am the Director of Admissions for Park Street School. My career in Admissions has spanned over 20 years. I have worked in Admissions for schools that serve students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. I love guiding families as they walk through the Admissions process. I have a Master's degree in Private School Leadership from Columbia University, a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Development from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Education from Wesleyan University. I am originally from New Orleans, and I love Creole food. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, taking walks, and spending time with my family. I have three children. My older two children are married, and they each have two little girls whom I adore. My youngest daughter is a sophomore in college.
Job Titles:
- Trustee and Clerk of the Board of Trustees
Hello! My name is Mr. Daniel Urizar, and I am excited to join Park Street School after spending almost 15 years in the Environmental Services department at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). I am originally from Guatemala and moved to Providence, Rhode Island in 1988 before moving to Massachusetts in 2008. I attended Central Florida University and studied communications and computer systems. I am inspired to help others succeed! I am passionate about serving others regardless of their race, color, and place of origin. It has been my privilege, in addition to working in environmental services, to serve the Latino community. As a board member of the Committee for Latino Initiatives (CLI), I have been responsible for "Be Fit for Latinos," a program designed to promote a healthier lifestyle in the Latin community. While at MGH, I was given the MGH Trustee's Award in 2014, the YMCA Achiever Award in 2017, as well as the Ernesto Gonzales Award in 2018 for Outstanding Service to the Latino Community. Most recently, I had the opportunity to be part of CONEXION 2019, a mentorship program dedicated to advancing Latino leadership. I also served as part of the Diversity and Inclusion efforts on Initiatives at MGH. Since 2013, I have been a coach for teens for the West Roxbury Parkway Soccer League. In addition to soccer, I have had the privilege to be a mentor for teens and direct a musical band. Based on my 8-year-old son's dream of wanting to play music with his dad (after watching him play piano in the band at church), I created the Harvest Ministries of New England Youth Worship Team in 2017. The band now has 15 youth members ranging in age from 10-18, including my own son and daughter. That's only the beginning! I hope to open a music academy for children and teenagers, introducing them to a love and passion for art!
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant to the Elementary School Director, Grade 5 / 6 Design Learning, Bible, and Media Technology
My name is Nate Boyer and I'm the Administrative Assistant to the Elementary School Director and Grade 5/6 Design Learning, Bible, and Media Technology instructor. I believe that each child deserves a quality educational foundation that is designed to help them succeed. I enjoy problem-solving and implementing systems that help educators and students thrive within their learning experiences. My years of attending an Independent Christian Middle and Elementary School as a child have personally connected me to the mission of working at an elementary school. I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to Boston to continue my education. I graduated from Gordon College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During my time at Gordon, I was a part of the Gordon Men's Soccer Team and helped create the organization "Dear Neighbor" which hosts speaking engagements that seek to promote racial reconciliation and encourage the sharing of unique perspectives. I now reside in Dorchester and am a volunteer leader at Young Life Dorchester. In my free time, I enjoy skateboarding and playing soccer.
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the Head of School
Hello! My name is Peg Bonnice. I am excited to join Park Street School as the Assistant to the Head of School. I have worked in several Boston schools in a variety of roles including as a math specialist and assistant to a principal. For the past seven years, I worked in a small independent school as a combined first/second-grade teacher. I love integrating arts with curriculum-based projects to create hands-on learning. I am excited to work with Tracy and the administration and faculty to provide a high-quality, Christian education to our students. Originally from Indiana, I received my BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. After graduation, I moved with my husband to Boston and have lived in Dorchester for over 35 years. We have three children and three grandchildren that live in the local area. During the raising of my children, I spent time volunteering in classrooms and in homeschooling for a short time, ultimately realizing my passion for helping children learn. I went to UMass-Boston and obtained my master's degree in Education in 2005 and began teaching in BPS and independent Boston-based schools. My husband and I attend Lion of Judah, where we teach discipleship classes and are part of the Leadership Team and Welcome Team. In my spare time, I enjoy knitting, quilting, reading, and learning about insects. I also love to travel and hike, especially in the Adirondacks.
Job Titles:
- Trustee and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Preschool Administrative Coordinator
Jambo! Hello! My name is Susan Maina and I am happy to serve at Park Street School as the Administrative Coordinator at the Preschool. I joined the Park Street School family in September 2008 and embrace the experience with joy and great enthusiasm. I was born and grew up in Kenya, to which I normally return once a year to visit my family.I came to the U.S. in 1995 for further studies in education and psychology and acquired a degree in Psychology with a concentration in Education. Prior to joining the Park Street School community, I worked in the Boston area as a classroom teacher for seven years. Outside of work, I serve on the Welcome Team in my church. I also assist a group of special needs friends who live in a group home. It gives me great pleasure to be a part of their experience and share in their joy and excitement once they hit a milestone. Asante! Thank you!
Experience our vibrant Elementary and Preschool campuses in the heart of Boston
In the fall of 2000, I was blessed to have the opportunity to help a talented and dedicated Board of Directors start Park Street Kids, which grew into our elementary school, Park Street School. Currently, I am the Head of Schools for Park Street School. Prior to coming to Park Street Kids, I spent 12 years at Parkside Christian Academy, located in Jamaica Plain, teaching first and second grade, directing the summer camp and after school program, and serving as the early childhood director. I also spent seven years working with the high school youth group at Park Street Church. Working with children never grows old-each child is uniquely created by God, always growing and changing. I consider it an honor to work alongside families to help each child reach his or her potential. I am committed to seeing that our schools provide a challenging, hands-on curriculum that lays a strong foundation of knowledge, instills a love for learning, and develops character in each of our students. I grew up in a small coastal town in Massachusetts, which I love to visit, especially in the summer. I received a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Nazarene College in both elementary and early childhood education and later pursued my Master's degree from Wheelock College in early childhood and childhood development, with a focus on administration. When I am not at school, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, participating in outdoor activities such as skiing, tennis, and boating, and spending time with family and friends.