Site Director, BASEC @ Chenery

Amanda Burke

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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!

Environmental Science Specialist, 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.

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

Caio Fernandes

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

Vacation Camp Director and Absence Management Specialist

Anna Hellyar