Faculty & Staff

Champ comes to Next with a desire to help and support the community. He is four years old and loves treats! He is very excited to start his journey with Next students and staff!

Rob earned a B.A. and M.Ed. in English from Plymouth State University. He started teaching English at Mount Prospect Academy in Plymouth, NH in 2004, and was an adjunct faculty member at Plymouth State University and Lakes Region Community College until 2012. He also worked in college admissions and worked as an Academic Counselor at UNH before coming to Next.

Rob enjoys being outdoors, preferably barefoot, and especially likes hiking and competing in obstacle course races. His favorite activity, however, is helping his dog chase squirrels. Rob believes that learning is an active process, that knowledge is an achievement, and that once people begin learning new things, they will never want to stop.

E-mail: raquilina@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Cassie earned a B.S. in Youth Development and Education with a minor in Psychology from Plymouth State University. She comes to Next with well-defined experiences working with youth and families throughout New Hampshire. Cassie is passionate about helping students reach their educational, professional, and personal goals- every person deserves the opportunity to be happy and successful in life wherever they would like to be.

In her free time, Cassie enjoys exploring all parts of nature, playing and coaching volleyball, volunteering, and spending time with family. Cassie is excited to be part of the community at Next and hopes to empower students so they are prepared for their next step.

E-mail: cbates@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Andy earned a B.S. in Management, a B.A. in Economics and a M. Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Keene State College. He began his career teaching mathematics at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School in 2001. In 2007, Andy moved to Walpole and worked in the Fall Mountain School District as a 7th and 8th grade math teacher. Two years later, he moved back to the area and back to Gilbert H. Hood, teaching 6th grade math. Andy ran cross-country and track & field at Keene State and enjoys running to this day.

E-mail: abengtson@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Michelle is a mother of 4, who moved to Derry in 1992, working as the head of mailing operations for Hadco where she worked for 11 years. She took several years off to pursue her career as a full time mom after the birth of her twins. In 2004, wanting to stay close to the children she worked in the Derry school system in the food service area. Her passion for children led her to working before and after care at EDMES where she is still employed. Realizing her passion to help children she embarked on a new endeavor with Next Charter School in 2018 as a paraprofessional. She has been volunteering with The Community Caregivers since 2009. She enjoys the outdoors, all sports and spending time with family.

E-mail: mcolgate@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Angie grew up in a small town in central Maine. She earned her BFA in Graphic Design and minors in Art History and Dance from Plymouth State University. Following graduation in 1999, she moved to Southwest Colorado where she worked in Durango as a graphic designer. She later moved to Washington state in 2001 where she worked as a before-and-after-school-care supervisor for the Sammamish, WA YMCA. In 2003, she moved back to New England and joined the North Andover School of Dance where she has been an instructor of tap, jazz and ballet for the past 11 years. Angie has also taught art classes to students of all ages out of her home in Atkinson, NH.

She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, reading, dancing, singing, camping, hiking, kayaking and spending time outdoors. Angie loves working with students to help develop their confidence and creativity within the visual and performing arts. She is excited to be a part of Next.

E-mail: agleckman@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Kristie is a mother of two grown boys and step-mom to three great kids, that have blessed her with four amazing grandkids. Before getting married and moving to Hampstead in 2018 she lived in Derry, graduating from Grinnell, Hood, and Pinkerton. She graduated Manchester Community College with an Associate in Early Childhood Education. Before starting at NEXT she worked at a local childcare center for 17 years. She has also worked with special needs preschool children. She looks forward to helping students become successful in both school and life after high school. 

In the summers you are likely to find her next to a swimming pool but not getting to enjoy it. She’ll be working on it for with her family owned pool business. Outside of work she enjoys camping, racing their Jeeps in the mud and on the obstacle course, working on cars with her husband, crafting, and sewing. An interesting fact is that some people call her a crazy chicken lady.

E-mail: khayward@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Kerry-Lynn earned a B.A. in Special Education from New England College. She was a Special Education teacher at Gilbert H. Hood from 2005-2008. She worked with students in 7th and 8th grade. Kerry-Lynn also enjoyed coaching field hockey at Gilbert H. Hood. After the birth of her twins, she decided to stay home and be a full-time mom.

In 2016-2018, Kerry-Lynn returned to Gilbert H. Hood as a teaching assistant in the 8th grade. In her free time, Kerry-Lynn enjoys skiing, biking, and spending time with family and friends. She is very excited to be a part of the Next community and support students along their journey to becoming confident and successful young adults.

E-mail: klaflamme@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Andrew grew up on the coasts of Virginia and North Carolina, earning a B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism from Radford University. Andrew served as an AmeriCorps intern working with the National Park Service before working as an Interpretive Park Ranger at parks such as Carlsbad Caverns and Yellowstone National Park. While working for the parks, he discovered his passion for environmental education and lifelong learning and decided to pursue his M.S. in Environmental Studies/Environmental Education from Antioch University New England in Keene, NH. 

Since graduating from Antioch, Andrew has worked for Mass Audubon as a teacher naturalist, Quarrybrook Outdoor Education Center as a science instructor, Windham Woods School as a middle school science teacher, and now here at Next as the life science teacher. Outside of teaching, he enjoys cycling, hiking, gardening, fantasy football, and hanging with his friends and family.

E-mail: amacblane@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Chris holds both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Education From Salem State University.  He is married and has two children (Emily and Zachary).  His wife (Heather) is also an educator.  Chris’ passion for education is shown by his dedication to the field of education.  He has two decades of experience inside of the classroom and out.  During the summer, Chris is a wilderness camp counselor.  He has 20 years of experience in the woods.  

What about when he is not at work?  Chris loves hiking with his dog Penny.  He enjoys skiing with his family and spending as much time outside as possible.  Chris joins the NEXT staff with exuberance.  He is excited to be part of this amazing team of educators.

E-mail: cmiller@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Mike earned his teaching degree at Plymouth State University.  He has a strong background in reading, writing, history, and geography.  He has been teaching for over 30 years; in fact, he started his career at Grinnell Elementary School in Derry, New Hampshire.  He is a proponent for students to be actively engaged in their learning and believes ALL students have the potential to be successful both as a learner and a productive citizen of the United States.  Mike stands by the “Four F’s:”  Family, faith, football, and food! In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four boys, attending sporting events, walking in the woods, visiting New England beaches, studying, and working in the yard.  He is eager to continue his teaching career at Next Charter School, where he builds a strong rapport with students. It is his goal to enable all students to be well rounded, educated citizens.

E-mail: mmiloro@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Jen graduated from Granite State College with an Associates in Early Childhood Education. She comes from a background of being a Lead Preschool Teacher, in a daycare setting. Jen has worked with infants all the way up to fourth grade in before and after school programs as well.  In her spare time she enjoys off-roading in her jeep, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family and friends. Jen believes we are always learning and can evolve with time. She is happy to be a part of the Next Community.

E-mail: jmusto@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Zachary joined Next as an AmeriCorps member during the second half of the 2019-2020 school year. He decided to remain at Next for another year and is looking forward to continuing working with the staff and students. Zach moved to New Hampshire from New Haven Connecticut where he attended Southern Connecticut State University pursuing a B.S. in Economics. While in school he worked as a bicycle messenger which left him with an infectious love of cycling. He is glad to have the opportunity to work in an educational environment and hopes to build good relationships with the students and staff.

E-mail: znunnink@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

AJ holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s Degree in Education from Shawnee State University. He began his teaching career at Lighthouse Community School in Cincinnati, where he was a special education teacher for years before becoming Assistant Principal. Upon moving to New Hampshire in 2018, AJ first  taught special education at Hudson Memorial School before moving to Broad Street Elementary School in Nashua.

Chris earned her B.A. in French from Saint Anselm College and her M.A. in Writing and Literature from Rivier University. Chris is a lifelong resident of Derry who attended St. Thomas Aquinas, Hood Junior High School, and Pinkerton Academy.

She began her teaching career in 1982 at Pelham High School where she was a long term substitute, then a French and English teacher. She also taught at Trinity High School in Manchester, Saint Anselm College, Rivier University, Haverhill High School in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Job Corps, and Timberlane Regional High School from where she retired in 2015. Since retiring from teaching, Chris has worked as a paraprofessional for Pinkerton Academy and Sanborn Regional School District.

Chris received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to education. She is currently at Next Charter School where she hopes to help students with their academics and to foster their dreams. Chris enjoys landscaping, arts and crafts, beach days, and precious time with her family, friends, and dogs.

E-mail: csmith@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Melissa has experience supporting families and individuals and with various abilities and
behavioral needs. After 8 years of busy, fast paced work she transitioned into special
education within the school system to allow her to continue her education and spend more
time with her bright little boy.
Melissa took some time to explore the mental health field. She has returned to Next bringing
knowledge and insight from her experience. She is a Certified Peer Support Professional and is
passionate about helping others achieve their goals, gaining autonomy and encouraging self-
advocacy.
She enjoys spending time with her son, going on road trips, being outdoors, camping and
cooking.
E-mail: mspaulding@nextcharterschool.org

Phone: 603-437-6398

Liz comes to Next with 8 years of experience working with youth in the community. She was employed as a Juvenile Probation and Parole Officer for the State of New Hampshire in the greater Derry area since 2005.

Liz obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social and Rehabilitation Services from Assumption College. After gaining much experience working with youth and families, Liz discovered a more concentrated area of need to assist students. Following her interests, Liz returned to school and completed her Master of Education Degree in Counseling in the spring of 2013 and became a certified school counselor.

Liz enjoys being outdoors and active. She has played organized sports for most of her life, including collegiate field hockey. Liz is often finding new hiking trails with her dog.

E-mail: everity@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Emily grew up on a small farm in upstate New York. After earning a B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University, she spent several years working on tall ships, where she taught everything from oceanography to maritime lore.

She eventually moved to New Hampshire to pursue a Masters’ degree in Environmental Studies at Antioch University New England and a science teaching certificate. She then spent three years teaching middle school science at Pelham Memorial School, where she also coached cross country and was the advisor to the hiking club, science club and winter running club.

Emily believes that kids who are active and engaged in their environment will grow up into adults who feel compelled to take care of it.

E-mail: ewhalen@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Allison moved to New Hampshire from Massachusetts in 2020 to focus on her education and follow her dream of becoming a teacher. Allison has years of experience working in special education and a passion for working with kids.  She is currently pursuing her associates in English with the ultimate goal of receiving her masters in education.

In her free time, Allison loves to read, write and hang out with her pets. She is extremely excited to begin her journey at Next! 

E-mail: awilkins@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398

Karen Woodes is a longtime resident of Derry.  She and her husband Gregg have 2 grown daughters and a cat named Red.  Her favorite thing to do is to spend time with her extended family. A perfect day for Karen is a day at the beach.

E-mail: kwoodes@nextcharterschool.org
Phone: 603-437-6398