The Weekly Update #4

Hi Everyone, my name is Allison Barbary. I am excited to join Brown as a Reading Specialist this year. I am coming from 20 years in Framingham Public Schools as an Elementary Teacher and most recently a Literacy Coach. Some of my favorite things include reading great books, running (I am hoping to run another Half Marathon this Fall), baking, watching a lot of soccer (both of my kids play club and town soccer), Taylor Swift, and spending time with my family in Ocean Park Maine. I am so excited to meet all of you and work together this year.

My name is Kristen Blake. I have been teaching for 30 years. I grew up in Natick and attended Brown School for seven years, kindergarten through 6th grade. I am excited to be back at Brown for my 8th year!

I'm super excited to be a part of the Brown team this year. The kids can call me Dr. CH, but I will probably answer to anything :-). I have a 2.5 year old son, 2 mini golden doodles, and a husband who plays the trumpet. I love to read, play games and spend time with my family. I'm a big fan of Star Trek and Earl Grey tea. Looking forward to getting to know this great community as we collaborate together this year!

I have been in education for 14 years and joined Brown School 2 years ago as the Librarian. Most recently, I taught First Grade at Brown and am excited to join the K team this year!

I grew up in Natick and still live here. I began teaching in Natick 32 years ago at Johnson School. I have four children ages 19-28. This summer I went to Italy for the first time with my husband Matt to celebrate our 30th anniversary.

We are fortunate to have Ms. Gilbert join us from Johnson School this school year.

Hi, my name is Judy Goss and I am excited to be coming to Brown . I am married and I have two children. I love to read!

My name is Sara Hodes and I will be one of the English Language learner teachers. I am originally from Maryland but came to Boston for college. (go Boston University terriers!!) I have been able to work in schools in Needham and Newton the past two years but I look forward to joining Natick and Brown! I love the summer and visiting my family at Rehobeth beach but I am also so excited to start the school year!

My name is Samantha "Sam" Kennedy. I was born and raised in Natick and I am very excited to be back in this community as a BCBA! I attended St. Anselm College for my bachelor's degree, Framingham State University and Simmons University for my masters degrees. I am entering my 7th year in education and have been a general education teacher, special educator for inclusion classrooms, and a special educator for a specialized program serving students with a variety of high needs. Outside of school I provide home ABA services for individuals to increase their independence as well as coach JV Girls Soccer for Wayland High School!

I live in Hopkinton with my five kids, two dogs and one bunny. My two oldest kids are heading to college this fall. When I'm not driving my kids to a million activities, I love to read, play golf and ski. I'm super crafty and I collect children's books. I'm addicted to pressure washing around the house and I am an avid gardener. Owning a cow, learning to play the piano and traveling to Paris are all things on my bucket list.

Hi, I am Kevin Pritchard and I’m very excited to be joining the team at Brown this year. Originally from New Jersey, I currently live in Stoughton with my wife, Melissa, sons Owen and Cole, and our dog, Omar. I enjoy going to Costco, watching football, and solving puzzles. Looking forward to working with and learning from you all!

This is my 16h year with the Natick School System! I have worked as a paraprofessional at Ben-Hem and Johnson and I am excited to be starting the new school year at Brown. I am a mom to 3 sons and an adorable little cockapoo named Zoe. My husband and I spend our free time on the Cape, enjoying the beach, boating, and playing cribbage. I also love to read and I start each day tackling the NY Times word games.

My name is Robin Slattery and I have worked for NPS for over 25 years! Most recently I was the Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Johnson School for 21 years!

I have 3 grown children, Shannon, Lainey and Michael! All three of my children went to Brown School, Kennedy and the High School! Brown school will always hold a special place in my heart! My whole world is my 5 grandchildren Jameson 8, Scarlett 6 , Camille 3 weeks, Rogan 4, and Olive 2!

I’m very excited to be back at Brown School part time supporting the families, students, staff, and Dr. Erica Cole Harms our new interim principal! Looking forward to seeing you on campus soon.

My name is Heidi Sullivan and I am a resident of Natick, where my husband Mark & I raised 3 children (all NPS alum). I have been proudly working for Natick Public Schools for 7 years, first as a paraprofessional and most recently as a substitute teacher. I enjoy visits to Cape Cod, reading and long walks with my adorable dog, Harwich!!