Andrew McNamar has experienced education from the PK-3 level to the high school level and in both private and public settings. He has served  as a 7-12 English Teacher, a Literacy Coach, and an Academic Dean. Andrew brings an expertise in working with students using Restorative Practices, as well as an expertise in evaluating and writing curriculum.

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He lives in Ellington, enjoying the #lakelife with his family. He has enjoyed coaching his daughter Tate's basketball teams and his son Calvin's baseball teams.

Hi! My name is Kate McBride and  I am a special education teacher here at STEPS. I have worked in this field for over 15 years. When not helping my students become the best individuals they can be both academically and socially, I am a wife and mother. In my spare time, I love to do crafts and spend time with my family.

Mr. Young has been in the field of special education for the last 6 years - 5 with Torrington Public Schools and 1 with High Roads School of Wallingford. He has a Bachelors of Science in Education and is currently working towards his Masters in Special Education at the University of Hartford. Seeing the small successes and building those relationships with his students is very important to him. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family and coaching the Forbes Flyers Jump rope team.

Hello! I’m Amanda Garcia and I’m a Special Education Teacher. I teach Science and electives, for example, Sign Language and Computer Applications. When I’m not working, I like to watch football, spend time with my wife and dogs, and play volleyball.

Hi, my name is Brian Frazee, and I teach English here at Steps.  My favorite part of our program is working with the same students year after year—being a part of their lives and watching them evolve from kids into young adults. I love teaching them, playing basketball or catch with them, hearing their stories, sharing my own stories, and eventually--after a lot of hard work on their part--sending them off into the world as graduates, as adults.   

Hello, my name is Michael Nazzaro and I teach Social Studies here at STEPS. My courses include Middle School Social Studies, U.S. History, and Civics. I am currently pursing a master's degree in Special Education,  and in my free time I enjoy reading about historical topics and visiting historical sites.  

Hi everyone! My name is Felicia and I am a Senior Board Certified Behavior Analyst with EdAdvance. I love working at Steps with our students! When I am not working I enjoy readings, crafting and spending time outside! I love my animals; I have two cats, a dog and a tortoise! 

My name is Donna Perreault and I am a Special Education teacher. This is my third year with EdAdvance. I have been teaching for over 25 years and look forward to a new start each year. When I am away from school, I enjoy reading, gardening, visiting my adult children and traveling with my husband. I am looking forward to helping our students find their strengths.

Hello! My name is Alysha Armstrong but our students call me Miss Alysha. This is my 3rd year at STEPS school. I am a certified school social worker and a licensed master's level social worker. I am currently studying to take my licensed clinical social work exam. My favorite part of the school day is listening to our students' stories and seeing them be successful. At home, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my 2 kids and enjoy the outdoors! 

My name is Chelsea Loughlin, though most of our students call me Miss Chelsea. I am one of the school’s two certified social workers. I grew up here in Connecticut, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from CCSU. I then went on to earn my Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University in New York.

Prior to joining STEPS, I worked as a child welfare social worker for approximately six years. I came to STEPS looking to have more daily interaction with the youth I work with. I love the fact that our school is so small, making it feel like we are all family! I enjoy seeing our students grow and mature, learning how to navigate their way through middle/high school.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my fur babies, reading, and staying active.

Hello! My name is Jackie Tracy and although this is my first year working at Steps, I have been a School Counselor for 8 years. As a counselor, I strongly believe in empowering my students and providing them with the skills they will need in order to succeed in life. I also believe that as a team; educators, administrators and parents can help guide adolescents in becoming productive caring individuals in their environment.

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When I’m not working I like to spend time with my 2 young kids, my husband and our dog Troy. We love to get outdoors as much as possible. I wish everyone a safe and successful school year and I look forward to getting to know each and every one of my students.