Jon Decker

Jon is general counsel at Viken Detection. His daughter attends BASEC @ Chenery.

Prakriti Majumdar

Prakriti’s son attends BASEC @ Chenery.

Jess Krefting

Jess is the Secretary of the BASEC Board of Directors. Her son attends BASEC @ Green Meadow.

Emily Rando

Emily is a partner at PwC. Her son and daughter attend BASEC @ Green Meadow.

Laura Kane

Laura is an Assistant Professor at Worcester State University. Her son attends BASEC @ Chenery and her daughter attends BASEC @ Burbank.

Executive Director

Andrew Mountford

BASEC Founder, Andrew Mountford, has spent his career in out-of-school time education and non-profit leadership. He completed his undergraduate studies in politics, economics and law at Brandeis University and his Masters of Education from Lesley University.

Director of Impact

Annie Gladfelter

Annie G. is in her fifth year at BASEC. Before coming to BASEC, she taught for 5 years in the Cambridge Public Schools and worked in after school programming for over 10 years. Annie G. also has her M.Ed in Out-of-School Time Program Development and Improvement. Her work passions include science with kids and professional development.

Site Director, BASEC @ Chenery

Amanda Burke

Site Director, BASEC @ Burbank

Sarah Houtmeyers

Sarah has been with BASEC since 2010. She has a hand in all of BASEC’s programming and is a go-to for parents, students (and teachers!) for questions and correspondence. She moved from head of Operations to the Burbank Site Director in 2019!

Site Director, BASEC @ Fowler / Green Meadow

Michael Clark

Michael has previously worked with BASEC as an educator at BASEC @ Chenery and took over as site director for Maynard programs BASEC @ Fowler and BASEC @ Green Meadow in 2021. Michael enjoys working with kids to build strong positive relationships. He has previous experience working with youth in AmeriCorps NCCC and Amnesty International USA. Michael holds graduate degrees from Brandeis University’s Heller School of Social Policy and Management, an MBA in Social Impact and an MA in Sustainable International Development. He also earned a BA from the College of William & Mary.

Site Director, BASEC @ BMHS

Brandon Heisler

Brandon has been an educator for 14 years. He started his career in Special Education in the Brookline Public Schools, in the Pathways Program. While there, he started and grew an after school program for at-risk youth called Steps To Success. This is where he learned about the importance of after school programming and how integral it can be for development for all ages. He has been with BASEC for seven years and is dedicated to providing quality after school educational opportunities for high school aged youth.

Director of Student Programming, BASEC @ Burbank

Ellen McEllin

Ellen has been with BASEC and BBASP (its predecessor) since 1999. She is also a classroom aid in 3rd and 4th grade at the Burbank. Ellen is the main point of contact for BASEC @ Burbank Workshops and tutoring and begins her role as Director of Student Programming in 2019!

Operations Director

Viviana Sanchez

Viviana joined the BASEC team in 2019 after working 4 years at a Therapeutic Foster Care Agency. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and human development with a focus in psychology. Her passion for nonprofit work began after working for Jumpstart and AmeriCorps NCCC where she saw first hand how nonprofit organizations positively impact the lives of children and families involved. Viviana is excited for this new chapter at BASEC!

Assistant Director

Clare McGladrigan

Assistant Director, BASEC @ Chenery

Blake Stensland

Blake joined the BASEC team in 2019 as BASEC @ Chenery’s Family Engagement Specialist. She has more recently taken on the role of BASEC @ Chenery’s Assistant Director and is excited to bring quality curriculum programming to our out of school time program! Blake manages BASEC @ Chenery’s tutoring, workshops and music lessons.

If you have any questions about any of these offerings please feel free to reach out to Blake!

Visual Arts Specialist

Felisia Sainz

Felisia has been with BASEC since 2017. She got her BFA in Illustration at Massachusetts College of Arts and Design. Since college she has been working on her own artwork and comics, curating for gallery spaces, and doing freelance illustration.

Sports Specialist

Alex DeMaris

Alex joined the BASEC team in 2020 after completing the Boston Teacher Residency program and obtaining a Masters in Education from UMass Boston. He received a Bachelors in Human Development & Family Science from Oregon State and has always wanted to make a positive impact in children’s lives. Alex is thrilled to be a part of BASEC and the Belmont community.

Educator

Vana Keledjian

Vana, a Belmont native, has been with BASEC since 2018. She holds a bachelors degree in psychology and has over 15 years of experience in childcare. Vana also teaches art workshops.

Educator

Sam Taber

Since 2015, Sam has played the dual role as piano teacher and educator with BASEC. He is proud to be part of the arts team and contribute musically to the program throughout the school year, during vacation camp, and for special productions. Sam is a local freelance musician who plays regularly around New England. He has a B.A. in History from Boston University.

Educator

Vicky O’Regan

Vicky has been with BASEC since 2003. During the school day, she is the Reading Specialist at the Burbank School. Vicky is also one of our before school teachers.

Educator

Gaelen McGrail

Gaelen joined BASEC in 2018. His previous experience includes coaching, tutoring, and working as a classroom assistant. He attended UMass Boston, where he played on the basketball team.

Sports Specialist

James Burke

James has been the Sports Specialist for BASEC @ Chenery since 2010. He has a degree in Psychology from UMass Boston.

STEM Specialist

Trevor Donahue

Trevor, a Belmont Native, graduated from Hartwick in upstate NY with a B.A. in Sociology. Instrumental in founding the Branch program for BASEC, Trevor has been with BASEC since 2012.

Enrichment Specialist

Carter Eichenberg

Carter is in his third year with BASEC. He has a degree from UMass Amherst in Psychology. He leads our Model UN programming, Outing Club, as well as many other favorites!

Educator

Andrea Grant

Andrea, or Ms. Grant as the students call her, has been with BASEC and its predecessor since 2002. She has her graduate degree in Education from Cambridge College.

Educator

Elaine Arvantis

Elaine has been with BASEC since 2014. During the school day, she is a classroom aide at the Winn Brook School. Elaine is also one of our before school teachers.

Kindergarten Educator

Donna “Mrs.G” Goguen

Kindergarten Educator

Alba Gomez

Alba joined BASEC in 2021. She is a Former Excel Program Educator. Alba has over 18 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Age students of which she has throughout enjoyed. She is EEC accredited and attended Ellis University for classes in Early Childhood Growth and Development.

Enrichment Specialist

Fran Indelicato

Fran joined BASEC in 2021. She is proud to have worked for the Maynard EXCEL program for over 20 years prior to joing the BASEC team. Fran enjoys crafting, creating games and challenges, and helping kids shine!

Visual Arts Specialist

Kayla Sylvia

Kayla joined BASEC in 2021 as the Visual Arts Specialist for our Maynard programs at Green Meadow and Fowler. She received a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature with a specialized concentration in Museum Education from Smith College. Kayla has previously worked as a Children’s and Youth Services library assistant and has worked with various art museums. Kayla is a life long lover of art, and she looks forward to inspiring young minds and seeing their beautiful creations!

Performing Arts Specialist, BASEC @ Chenery

Nick Peladeau

Nick joined the BASEC Chenery team in 2021. They received their BFA in Art Education from MassArt and have prior experience working with middle and high school. They want to help create a safe space for all students that focuses on diversity, respect, acceptance, and growth!

Educator

Valerie Warren

Valerie joined BASEC in 2021 after previously working for EXCEL FASC Program as a third grade head teacher. Valerie holds a degree in Classical Arts from Rhode Island School of Design. Valerie has taken endless courses in Art History from Harvard University and many trainings in all forms of Art over her life. Valerie loves many mediums, living an Artist’s life that builds on various art experiences. She especially loves to see free flow art from children.

Educator

Josh Camara

Josh joined the BASEC @ Chenery team in 2021. He is from Cambridge and earned his Bachelors degree in journalism from Salem State University.

Educator

Andrew McLean

Andrew joined BASEC in 2021. He has degrees in sociology and teaching from Haverford College, UCLA and Tufts University. Having taught in middle and high schools, he is especially interested in supporting the growth and learning of the whole child. 

Operations Specialist, BASEC @ Chenery

Ashley Smith

Ashley joined the BASEC @ Chenery team in 2022. She graduated from the University of Rochester with a Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience and a Minor in Psychology. Ashley is eager to meet and connect with the students and families of the BASEC community throughout the school year.

Educator

Brandon Fink

Educator

Jaime Chernoch

Jaime has been working with BASEC since 2021. She got her MFA in poetry and education at UMass Boston. Jaime enjoys hearing about the individual interests of all the students at Chenery and encouraging them to try new things.

Student Engagement Specialist, BASEC @ Chenery

Erin Pelham

Educator, BASEC @ Chenery

Melissa Moran

Melissa, a Belmont Native, has been a part of the BASEC @ Chenery team since 2008 and is an important part of programming each and every day! She has held the position of head cook at Chenery Middle School for many years and has created strong relationships with many parents, students and staff alike. She looks forward to continuing to foster more relationships within the BASEC community!

Educator, BASEC @ Chenery

Sydney Padgett

Educator, BASEC @ Chenery

Mica Rich

Mica graduated with a BA in English and a minor in psychology in 2021. They have worked as a dance teacher and an academic tutor for many years. New to BASEC as of 2023, Mica is excited for the opportunity to engage students in new ways of learning and to create an environment where students feel safe to express themselves and to challenge themselves.

Educator

Vivian Chiang

Vivian joined the BASEC team in 2023 after completing a master’s degree in music from Boston University. As a musician, she has several years of experience in teaching and performing within the music industry and guiding students to succeed in music competitions. Her professional interests include early education and music performance.

Educator

Massimo Francucci

Educator

Chenda Kaplan

Chenda, a Belmont Native, joined BASEC in 2023. She graduated from Curry College with a B.A. in Sociology.

BASEC @ BMHS Assistant Director

Beck Govoni

Beck joined the BASEC team in 2023 as the Assistant Director for BASEC @ BMHS. Beck has spent the last four years working at the Cambridge YMCA after school as site coordinator. She holds a bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Gender Studies from Lesley University. Beck is currently pursuing her masters in Developmental Psychology. Beck hopes to create a safe and fun environment where all kids feel they belong.

Educator

Emma Kuper

Emma graduated from Holy Cross in 2018 with a degree in English. She loves all things creative, and has just moved from Los Angeles, where she was teaching art in an elementary school. She is excited to share her love of art, nature, and creativity with BASEC students, and to support students as they learn and grow!

STEM Specialist

Peter Liffers

Peter joined BASEC in July 2022 as the STEM Specialist for the Maynard programs at Fowler and Green Meadow. He has developed and run STEAM based programming, summer camps, and workshops with the Berkshire Museum and Boston Children’s Museum on topics ranging from bubbles to robotics! Peter holds a Masters in Public History from UMass Boston, focusing on the history of science and education outside of the classroom.

Educator

Betsy Poulson

Educator

Lois Cohen

Educator

Caio Fernandes

Danya Mavor

Danya Mavor

Danya joined the BASEC @ Chenery team in 2024. She received her B.A. in Studio Art from the University of Vermont and her M.Ed from Lesley University. Danya has been working in education since 2012 in public school districts, after school programs and summer camps. She is excited to build relationships with students and support their academic and personal goals.

Catherine Scire

Catherine Scire

Catherine (she/her) joined BASEC in 2024. She has a BA in Social Psychology from UMass Boston and a Masters of Science from Northeastern University. Catherine is excited to help foster a community among students and support them as they face new challenges in their lives.

Kelly Qi

Educator, BASEC @ Chenery

Ishita Shailesh

Ishita is from Bengaluru, India, and loves designing meaningful immersive learning experiences. She recently graduated from Harvard University with a Master’s of Education in Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology. She also holds a Bachelor’s of Design in Creative Education. She strongly believes that education should strive to be valuable and enjoyable for each and every learner. Ishita is excited to share her passion for nature, creativity, inclusivity, and mindfulness through facilitating hands-on experiential and sensory learning.

Educator, BASEC @ Chenery

Isabella Tofani

Bella is currently a full time student getting her bachelors in Human Services. Prior to working at BASEC she did a two year fellowship with CityYear Americorps, worked at after school programs and with Special Education. Bella loves working with school age kids because they remind her of the joy in life . Bella hopes to be the adult she needed for the kids she works with.

Educator, BASEC @ Chenery

Jairo Molina

STEM Specialist, BASEC @ Burbank

Ava Fleisher

Family Engagement Specialist, BASEC @ Burbank

Ani Aroyian

Ani joined the BASEC team in September 2024, bringing 2.5 years of experience from a non-profit summer camp. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Public Health, with a concentration in Program Creation and Evaluation. Eager to support BASEC’s mission of nurturing children’s growth through high-quality out-of-school programs, Ani’s passion for meeting children’s needs deepened during her graduate studies, where she focused on evaluating programs to better serve young populations. She is excited to bring her expertise to BASEC and begin this new chapter!

Kindergarten Specialist, BASEC @ Burbank

Jessica Bianco

Before School Educator, BASEC @ Burbank

Olivia Hardy

Educator, BASEC @ Burbank

Liz Williams

Performing Arts Specialist, BASEC @ Burbank

Maddie Speagle

Absence Management Specialist

Anna Hellyar

Educator, BASEC @ BMHS

Savannah Alexander

Educator, BASEC @ BMHS

Cameron Vanderwerf

Cameron joined the BASEC team in spring of 2024 as the Academic Support Teacher for BASEC @ BMHS. He holds a BA in English Language and Literature and an MFA in Creative Writing. He has worked as a writer, an editor, a college instructor, and an event coordinator, and he is excited to help students develop a wide array of academic and organizational skills.

Before School Educator, BASEC @ Burbank

Jackie Hardy

Jackie has been with BASEC since 2018. She is also a classroom aide at the Burbank School. She is one of our before school teachers and sometimes subs in the afternoons at after school.

Family Engagement Specialist, BASEC @ Green Meadow

Honor Williams

Educator, BASEC @ Green Meadow

Aura Santamaria Vigil

Educator, BASEC @ Green Meadow

Marina Colakovic