My name is Jennifer Archer, and I am in my third year teaching special education at Steps Middle & High School.

My name is Alysha Armstrong, but our students call me Miss Alysha. This is my 6th school year at STEPS school. I am a certified school social worker as well as a licensed clinical social worker. My favorite part of the school day is building relationships with our students and seeing them be successful. At home, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my husband and 3 children and travel.

My name is Maria Flores, and I teach English/Language Arts and Spanish.  This is my third year at Steps Middle & High School. I have been teaching for over 10 years in both Connecticut and Puerto Rico. She grew up in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao with a BA in English Secondary Level Education. Ms. Flores continued her education by completing her MBA from the Metropolitan University and her Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of New England. I love spending time with my family and friends.

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.   

Hi, my name is Kim Gioia.  This is my first year as a school counselor at Steps MIddle & High School.

My name is Felicia Hedgemond, and I am in my second year as a school counselor at Steps Middle & High School.

My name is Christine MacDonald, and I am a P.E., Health and Special Education Teacher. I have taught for over 10 years and am so excited to be workng at Steps Middle and High School. You can find me in the classroom that I share with Ms. Flores or downstairs in the gym! What I love most about working with our students is helping them explore what ways they enjoy staying active and providing them with the knowledge they need to lead healthy lifestyles. When I am not working at STEPS I enjoy spending time with my family, coaching soccer, practicing yoga and reading.

My name is Ana McKenna, and this is my first year as SMHS's science teacher. I earned my masters degree in Natural Sciences from CCSU and a sixth year certificate from UNE. Before joining the STEPS team, I taught science for another regional district for eight years. I am looking forward to a smaller school setting where I can give more direct attention to students and foster a curiosity for science! 

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family; my husband, 8 year old daughter and my son who was just born in July 2023, and my two dogs. I also enjoy reading, gaming and crafting in my free time.

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.

My name is Michael Nazzaro, and I teach Social Studies and special education classes here at STEPS. I recently earned a master's degree in Special Education, and in my free time I enjoy reading about historical topics and visiting historical sites.  

My name is Felicia and I am a Senior Board Certified Behavior Analyst with EdAdvance.  I love working with our students and watching them become the best versions of themselves.  When I am not working I enjoy reading, crafting, and spending time outside.  I love animals and I have a boxer, mini dachshund and three kitties. 

My name is Donna Perreault, and I am a Special Education teacher. I have been in education for over 30 years in special education and administration. I always look forward to a new start each year and watching the growth our students make throughout the school year. When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, gardening, visiting my adult children and traveling with my husband.

My name is Chelsea Powell, though most of our students call me Miss Chelsea. This will be my 5th year at SMHS. I am one of the school’s certified social workers and a licensed master’s level social worker. I am currently working towards becoming a licensed clinical social worker, and hope to do so within the next 2 years.

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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.

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When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son and being outdoors!

My name is Jason Roberts, and this will be my second year teaching Social Studies at Steps Middle & High School. At Steps, I have been given an opportunity to teach subjects that I am interested in and passionate about. Steps is a unique place where, because of smaller class sizes, you are able to engage with students on  a more personal level. For me, Steps is about making connections, and I consider myself fortunate that I am afforded the opportunity to do that everyday. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with  my wife and two children.

My name is Erica Washington.  I am a Senior Board Certified Behavior Analyst here at SMHS. I joined the staff here last school year after working in public schools, as a behavior therapist and then analyst, for the past 20 years.  My favorite part about working with our students is getting to know them and finding different things that motivate them to reach and realize their full potential.  When I am not working I love spending time with my family, friends, 3 rescue dogs and cat.