cotting forward
TRANSCRIPT
2020 will be remembered as an unforgettable time in history, a global pandemic, racial reckoning, economic uncertainty, and unanticipated challenges for schools. We are grateful to our extraordinary faculty, staff, and community members, who have persevered during a
public health emergency this year. Our success story is the transcendent and incredible spirit of the Cotting
community! We have become experts in implementing our highly specialized school program and support
services during a global pandemic. We are proud of the unrelenting spirit and determination of the entire
Cotting community.
This year we learned to meet goals in new and different ways. Classrooms were remote for a brief period
of time before our safe, supported return to school. Traditions and celebrations took new forms. A parade
of Cotting vans and vehicles took to the roads of Massachusetts for the 2020 graduation celebration. The
car parade drove to the homes of each member of the class of 2020 for a unique outdoor celebration with
parents, staff, and neighbors cheering. Our Admissions team offered virtual tours and opened up a new online
platform of Cotting Conversations and the Advancement Department held its first ever Virtual Trivia Night
Fundraiser. Many long-standing traditions that have served us well were put on hold or adapted in ways that
were more fitting and creative than we could have imagined.
Cotting is a leader in special education. We provide options that break down barriers to learning for
students between the ages of 3 and 22. Through our day school, HOPEhouse, and Cotting Consulting, we
demonstrate responsive support for students. Even through the pandemic forces of remote learning (for a
period of time) we remained nimble and responsive, safely returning to in-person options for our students
and their families, as quickly as possible. Through technology, partnerships with parents and school districts,
and our spirit to go above and beyond, we have supported students in reaching their highest potential even
during the most challenging times.
Thanks to you, the Campaign for Cotting School, our first in 30 years, has raised more than ten million
dollars. Our dream to build Cotting’s new Campus Center is a reality. As I, David Manzo, look forward
to retirement in September 2021, I am proud of where Cotting stands today with its expanded facilities,
technological advancements, a successful transition to our new leader, Bridget Irish, and our commitment to
excellence. Cotting’s future is bright!
Rooted in our values and our 128-year history, we are proud of the ways Cotting adapts and evolves, always
anticipating the needs of our students. We are grateful for your ongoing support and commitment to Cotting
School. Thank you for being a part of our community.
David Manzo
President
Michael Durkin, Chair
Board of Trustees
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 3
campus vaccine clinic to our typical and complex communication
demands. And yet, we found time to engage in exciting strategic
planning discussions to define short- and long- term initiatives to
move Cotting FORWARD in the most thoughtful way.
While we will not soon forget the challenges we faced as a school
community this year, we can unequivocally confirm that the
Cotting community transcends physical space. This community’s
commitment to each other, and to excellence in special education,
make me honored to be selected as the next President of Cotting
School. Throughout my fifteen years at Cotting I have developed
a profound respect and admiration for our faculty and staff;
their dedication and skill is both inspiring and humbling. I am
grateful for the continued leadership, guidance, and engagement
of our Board of Trustees. I am moved by the tenacity and positive
attitude of our students. I am enthusiastic about what lies ahead
and am ever grateful for the support of our greater community of
Falcon supporters and friends.
Bridget Irish
Vice President &
Chief Operating Officer
When remote school became a reality for the safety of students and staff all over the world, Cotting School, HOPEhouse, and Cotting Consulting adapted
quickly to reunite with students in new ways. Whether online
or in person as soon as we believed it was safe to do so, we
continuously delivered the highest level of service possible. Our
focus on our relationships with students drove our commitment
to schedules filled with class activities, lessons, one-on-one and
small group sessions with teachers and therapists, social time,
movement breaks, and more – we continued to educate and
engage our complex learners and to offer specialized resources
to the broader special education community.
We worked closely with our partners at the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education and the Massachusetts
Association of Approved Private Special Education Schools. With
their support and guidance, we led the way back to safe and
productive in-person learning and we were proud of the callout
from our State’s Governor that we were setting high standards
and achieving success in serving students and families through
one of the most challenging times in the field of education.
More than ever, this was a year of collaboration. Faculty members
leaned on and learned from each other. We worked closely with
families, our medical and therapy teams, as well as health and
safety experts. We layered on attestation forms and virus contact
tracing, the capacity for on campus rapid testing, and a full
For seventeen years David Manzo has served as only the 6th President of Cotting School
since its founding in 1893. Cotting School has the great fortune that for fifteen of those
years, Dave and Bridget, his successor, have worked in close collaboration on many key
leadership accomplishments which include:
• Curriculum, therapeutic and educational
services improvements through nearly
two decades, most notably in the area of
educational technology.
• A Cotting Consulting team established
to provide technical assistance to
teachers and direct care to students in
more than 30 school districts.
• HOPEhouse, a transitional 5-day
boarding program on the campus of
Cotting School, opened its doors to
serve young adults with special needs.
• Major initiatives which have
established the Dorothy Pace Assistive
Technology Center, Connelly Field, the
Burr Fitness Center and a successful
$10 million dollar Capital Campaign
which will result in a 25,000 square
foot campus center scheduled to open
in August 2021.
Thank you for your dedication to Cotting
School, Dave! We wish you the best.
4 | COTTING SCHOOL
Often heard on campus, the phrase “The Cotting Way”
speaks to the sense of community promoted not only
by highly specialized curricula and program offerings,
but also through experiences that stretch the boundaries
of a typical school experience.
Always growing and evolving,
Cotting's Curriculum of Services
include Cotting’s Day Program for
students 3-22, HOPEhouse boarding
options for young adults ages 17-22, and
support for students of all ages in school
districts throughout Massachusetts through
Cotting Consulting.
Cotting staff and students exemplify The Cotting Way. Individualized
learning and unique experiences that thrive at Cotting drive each
student’s education. Students and staff use a wide range of strategies
and tools to overcome barriers to learning and connect with one another.
Dedicated to creating superior, highly specialized programs that
simultaneously allow individualized learning and unique experience that
differentiate the Cotting School experience.
At Cotting many educators, therapists,
medical professionals and administrators
demonstrate dedication and commitment
that are consistently at the highest level of
excellence. Every so often a staff member
becomes a larger than life hero in the lives
of students, families, and their colleagues.
For more than two decades Ms.
Birmingham has exemplified The Cotting Way; she is the picture
beside the definition. Known by students and her colleagues
as Ms. B, Ginny, or Coach Birmingham. Ms. Birmingham's
skill and leadership have been consistently enhanced by her
gentle presence and wonderful sense of humor.
Whether you are present in a Cotting classroom,
witness a therapy session, visit HOPEhouse, join
a parent group, attend any Cotting event, or
converse with a member of Cotting’s leadership
team, we know you experience The Cotting Way.
THE COTTING WAY
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 5
During a time in which we were spending so much time at home
and reliant on our families, Cotting families were invited to campus
for distanced outdoor family photo sessions to document this
period. Students enjoyed unmasking with their families, who shared
thoughts about what it is about Cotting that helps them or their
student move forward.
WELCOME TO COTTING WHERE CONNECTION TRANSCENDS...
"Every morning Savina has what she calls her 'morning routine.' Each thing she does requires total assistance; making her bed, getting dressed and having breakfast. She looks forward to this each morning and feels a sense of accomplishment. As she leaves the house in her chair, one of the questions she always asks me is, 'I wonder what I will do in school today?!'"
– Althea and John, Savina’s Parents
"Robert’s academic skills have grown a tremendous amount, especially time management, money, math and reading. His comprehension has made an enormous improvement!"
– Kate & Robert, Robert’s Parents
6 | COTTING SCHOOL
"Benjamin entered Cotting with hesitancy, which quickly dissipated in the warm embrace of this nurturing school. Teachers and therapists handed him the seeds of hope and encouragement, helping him grow through successive achievements."
– Gloria, Ben’s Mother
"Before coming to Cotting, Shane had such a protective shell that was really hard to crack. Here he finally feels safe to be himself; he’s supported and he knows it. We are thinking about his goals and his future as a young adult in so many positive ways."
– Anne and Scott, Shane’s Parents
"My proudest moment at Cotting was being elected Senior Class President. I feel truly confident in myself now, knowing this was something I was able to accomplish."
– Ben, Class of 2021, Senior Class President
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 7
"As parents we are thankful for the assistive technology and the adapted curriculum, but of equal importance to us, Cotting provides Lilly with multiple opportunities and a supportive community to explore her interests, develop friendships and try new things —all things needed to move forward towards a true sense of self."
– Alison & Roger, Lilly’s Parents
"HOPEhouse has helped Nico move forward in ways that we couldn’t even envision beforehand. His own goal of living independently has been supported so skillfully by the HOPEhouse staff."
– Biliana, Nico's Mom
8 | COTTING SCHOOL
"Cotting has helped Sienna flourish not just academically but socially. Since Sienna’s first day we have felt a sense of belonging and acceptance like no other place. Being a member of the cheer team has given her a great confidence boost."
– Gina, Sienna’s Mother
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 9
COTTING FORWARD THROUGH PANDEMIC TIMES
CONNECTED CLASSROOMSWhen many students were unsure of
when they would see their classmates
again, teaching teams at Cotting
committed to immediate remote
connections through classrooms where
students found hope for sustaining
and improving upon the skills they
are building and friendships they are
fostering. Cotting students were also
quickly offered the option to return to
a safe, in-person learning environment
with new systems and protocols in place.
MEANINGFUL WORK Vocational teams were involved in
immediate outreach to students and
their families at home as they explored
the many jobs available in home
environments and continued creative
collaboration with community partners
to reimagine ways to stay connected.
THERAPY AND MEDICALThe most “hands-on” aspects of the
work we do with students was a
particular challenge in a remote school
phase. Nevertheless, team Cotting
mobilized! Every therapist and clinician
made it happen when students were in
need of service and implemented safe
ways to treat students in-person upon
their return.
From the moment news of the global pandemic set in, the Cotting team responded quickly and creatively to provide full and flexible plans for remote, hybrid or in-person learning. The goal: to support our students and their families to the best of our ability.
10 | COTTING SCHOOL
HOPEHOUSE CURRICULUMYoung adults boarding at HOPEhouse
quickly put their daily living skills to
work and proved to themselves just how
critical their curriculum is to reaching
their goals. Quarantining together as
a residential community has been an
empowering experience.
REMOTE SUPPORTConsulting clinicians flexed their
creativity to implement everything from
new remote assessment kits to online
training modules for students and
professionals in districts across the state.
TECHNOLOGY TEAMCotting's use of technology has been
pivitol in helping us break barriers
to learning for our students. This
year proved that more than ever and
our tremendous tech team supplied
constant support for students, staff,
and families.
“In March of 2020 there was a lot that I was concerned for and uncertain about. Instantly
hearing from Cotting School that classrooms would continue to meet in a virtual format
was comforting, but I didn’t know how it would work. I will never forget the feeling of hope
I experienced when my son Mark logged in for his first remote class. It was as if all of the
tension in his body was released when he saw his teacher and classmates on the screen. His
experience remainded positive, even throughout remote learning, but we were both over-
joyed when he could return to school for in-person learning and therapies again.”
– Thanese, Mark’s Mother
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 11
THANK YOU, PARENTSMuch of our students' success involves the engagement and dedication of
parents and caregivers who have always played an important role in their
child’s education here. Their role became paramount during this school
year. The high level of integrated multidisciplinary teamwork that
existed prior to social distancing proved more valuable than ever.
Cotting parents offer their experience, ideas, expertise, and
time to support our learning community in countless ways
throughout the year. We offer tremendous thanks to parents
who volunteer to participate in the Cotting PTO, the
Parent Advisory Council, the PAC Transition Committee
and the Government Affairs Committee.
UNIQUE COMMUNITY BUILDING: A SIGN OF THE TIMES Bonded by an interest in sewing and a socially distanced creative activity, a
mix of parents, staff, faculty and friends sewed over 80 masks on Cotting falcon
fabric. These limited edition masks have shown yet another way for the Cotting
community to shine.
12 | COTTING SCHOOL
INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS FORWARDCotting School’s community-based volunteer work experience program, shifted this year for the health and safety of our students, staff, and community members. Meeting virtually, connections between
our school and surrounding community
groups and organizations remain strong.
Our students are as empowered as ever
to view themselves as workers and as
vital members of the greater community
outside of their home and school through
Cotting’s “Project Bridges” program.
A list of our longstanding Project Bridges
AccesSport America
Affiliate member, Association of Independent Schools of
New England
Best Buddies of Massachusetts
Boston College
Boston Medical Center
Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences
Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and
Human Development
Children’s Hospital Boston
Children’s League of Massachusetts
Emerson College Clinical Training Program
Ignatian Volunteer Corps
Massachusetts Association of 766-Approved Private Schools
Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers
Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology
Massachusetts Special Olympics
National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
New England Healing Sports Association (NEHSA)
New England College of Optometry
Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences
Regis College
Salem State College
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Waypoint Adventure
AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
MEDICAL AND SENIOR ADVISORS
employer partners is listed on our
website at www.cotting.org/programs/
curriculum/transition-services/. This
year, several partner employers who have
regularly set aside time for our virtual
connections:
• Cambridge Public Library
• Drumlin Farm, Lincoln
• Hayden Recreation Center, Lexington
• Lexington Community Center
• Lexington Montessori School
• Radio Perkins at Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown
• Watertown Public Library
John Beach
Julie Bickel, M.D.
Walter M. Cabot
Nancy Carlson, O.D.
John Emans, M.D.
Andrew Feinberg, Esq.
Laurie Glader, M.D.
Paul Goodof
Susan M. Halby
Elizabeth Harstad, M.D.
Richard Hay
Bayard Henry
Lynda G. Kabbash, M.D. D.
Harry C. Webster, M.D.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 13
Art
Basketball
Best Buddies
Board Games & Puzzles
Challenger Little League Baseball
Cheerleading
Chess Club
Chorus
Circle of Friends
Dance Club
Dances
Drama Club
Horseback Riding at Love Lane Stables
iPad Club
Jewelry Making
Miniature Golf
Photography
Prom
Senior trip
Ski Trip
Soccer
Special Olympics Track and Field
Teambuilding
Tennis
Workout Club
PROGRAMS, SPORTS, FAMILY AND ALUMNI EVENTSCotting programming includes a highly specialized continuum of educational,
therapeutic, and support services to ensure that students and their families become
part of a “comprehensive classroom”, with extended learning opportunities offering
something for everyone who wants to participate.
After school offerings change periodically, but typically include:
14 | COTTING SCHOOL
FORWARD....ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCONThe Cotting Alumni community comes
together in more creative ways each year with
a variety of special events.
Our alumni have enjoyed connecting regularly in
virtual (and in person) meet-ups, as well as sharing
updates through the LinkUs Alumni Newsletter and
Alumni Facebook groups.
On what would have been graduation day for
the class of 2020, Cotting staff organized a
rolling rally to seven cities and towns in
Massachusetts, making personal, outdoor,
social distanced visits to the homes of
each graduate.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 15
BOARD OF TRUSTEESOFFICERSMichael Durkin, Chair; CEO, United Way of MA Bay and Merrimack Valley (retired)
David W. Manzo, M.Ed., President, Cotting School
Alexander Thorndike, Treasurer; President, Choate Investment Advisors
Lori Campana, CFA; Secretary; Partner,Monument Group
TRUSTEESJulie Bennett, DVM, DACVS
Henry W. Clark, Esq.,Brown-Smith
Timothy J. Connelly,Brown Brothers Harriman (retired)
John F. Drake, Managing Director, Accenture
Patrick Downes, Psy.D, Home Base/MGH
Richard E. Keeley, Dean, Boston College Carroll School of Management (retired)
Katherine Martien, M.D., Director, TRANSCEND, MGH
Makeeba McCreary, Ph.D., Chief of Learning and Community Engagement, Museum of Fine Arts
Charles S. Morrison II, Fidelity Investments (retired)
Stuart A. Randle, CEO, Ivenix (retired)
Joan I. Thorndike,
Brookline, MA
TRUSTEES EMERITIDavid Cushing, CFA, Chairman Emeritus Braintree, MA (retired)
Charles T. Haydock, CFA - not picturedTreasurer Emeritus Welch & Forbes (retired)
Raymond L. Killian, Jr. - not pictured Chairman EmeritusInvestment Technology Group, Inc. (retired)
D. Eliot Klein,Vice President, TD Bank
David S. Lee - not pictured Senior Vice Chairman; (retired)
Anne P. Ogilby, Esq. - not picturedChairman EmeritaRopes & Gray
16 | COTTING SCHOOL
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, please accept my sincere
gratitude for supporting Cotting School, and thank you for
your continued confidence in our mission.
As a Board, we remain in awe of Cotting faculty and staff as they
quickly embraced new technologies and teaching platforms.
Overnight our staff shifted to a virtual learning model - they
showed flexibility, creativity, and innovation as they worked to
remain connected to our students.
Upon reopening, the faculty and staff also adopted new
safety protocols aimed at reducing risks and creating a safer
community environment. These new protocols called for
personal and professional sacrifices both on and off campus, and
we are deeply grateful to the Cotting team for their commitment
to the health and wellbeing of our school community members.
Each year we carefully review our financial resources in an effort to
grow and support our programs and services with an eye toward
sustainability. In FY 2020 we budgeted carefully and planned not
only for program development and day-to-day operations that
enable our students to flourish, but also for the longer term needs of
Cotting School including pandemic-related expenses.
Your generosity supports our mission in tremendous ways and
impacts the lives and minds of all our students. Thank you for
giving back to Cotting School. We are immensely grateful for
your continued support.
Alexander L. Thorndike
Treasurer
Board of Trustees
HONORED LEADERS REMEMBERED
TREASURER’S REPORT
Fundraising27.2%
Other Income2.5%
Tuition70.3%
During this past year, Cotting lost two
longtime friends and advocates, H.
Phelps Edwards, Jr. and John Lowell
Thorndike. Both were members of the
board and trustees emeriti; Phelps from
1965-2019 (54 years) and John from 1973-
2020 (47 years.)
Phelps followed his father in serving on
Cotting’s Board. After 43 years in the
insurance business as president of James
T. Phelps & Co., Inc. and senior vice
president of Deland Gibson Insurance
Associates, Phelps and his wife, Caroline
“Kippy,” relocated to Florida. Despite
the distance, he remained interested
in the School, maintaining contact and
continuing to support its mission. His
final gift was the highest honor anyone
can give a school, a bequest, which we
allocated to the new Campus Center.
As a grandson of Cotting co-founder, Dr.
Augustus Thorndike, John Thorndike
learned about the school as a child.
Family tradition of service to the
community mattered to John, and in the
1970’s, John became a trustee; he followed
Charles Cotting
as the School’s
Treasurer. Nothing
pleased John more
than when two
of his nephews,
Charlie Haydock
and Alexander
Thorndike,
succeeded him as Treasurer and
continued his family’s involvement in the
School’s important work.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 17
COTTING’S GROWING REACH FORWARDCotting’s Day School and HOPEhouse, its residential boarding program, together serve students from 65 cities and towns in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.
Abington
Acton/Boxborough
Andover
Arlington*
Avon
Ayer/Shirley
Bedford
Belmont
Beverly
Billerica
Blackstone
Boston
Braintree*
Brookline
Burlington
Cambridge*
Canton*
Chelmsford
Concord
Danvers
Dedham
Everett
Fitchburg
Framingham
Franklin
Hamilton/Wenham
Hopedale
Hopkinton
King Philip Reg.
Lexington*
Lincoln/Sudbury
Lowell
Lynn
Lynnfield
Manchester/Essex
Marshfield
Merrimack, NH
Masconomet
Methuen
Milford
Natick
Nauset
Needham
Newton
N. Andover*
N. Reading
Peabody
Reading
Salem, MA
Salem, NH
Scituate
Somerville
Sudbury
Swampscott*
Tewksbury
Walpole
Waltham
Watertown*
Wellesley
Westford
Weston
Westwood*
Weymouth
Wilmington
Winchester
Windham, NH
Woburn
Cotting Consulting, an Outreach Program of Cotting School, provides solutions for Students and professionals in their school environments across the state of Massachusetts by offering the following services:
Student evaluations and remote assessments: Assistive
Technology, AAC, Communication and Occupational
Therapy
Professional Development for general and special educators
Direct student instruction
Program consultation
Individual case consultation
Equipment rental
Embedded staff services
Program evaluation
Cotting Consultants currently serve students and professionals in the following places:
COTTING CONSULTANTS HAVE SERVED STUDENTS IN 40 DISTRICTS, CHARTER SCHOOLS, AND COLLABORATIVES OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.
Acton-Boxborough Public Schools
Acton Public Schools
Assabet Valley Regional
Carlisle Public Schools
CABBI Worcester
Dedham Public
Dover-Sherborn Public Schools
Foxborough Public Schools
Franklin Public Schools
Haverhill Public Schools
Hopeful Journeys
Leominster Public Schools
Lincoln Public Schools
Mansfield Public Schools
Marlborough Public Schools
Melrose Public Schools
Milford Public School
North Middlesex Regional
Saugus Public Schools
Shrewsbury Public Schools
Sudbury Public Schools
Tewksbury Public Schools
Wakefield Public Schools
Walpole Public Schools
*HOPEhouse Program
18 | COTTING SCHOOL
COTTING SCHOOL STAFF
Senior Administrative TeamAnn Buckley, M.Ed.Curriculum Specialist; Director,Middle School
Lindsay Casavant, B.A.Marketing Director
Sejal Costa, M.Ed.Director of Post-Secondary Pathways
Bridget Irish, M.B.A., S.P.H.R.Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Krista Macari, M.S., CCC-SLPChief Academic Officer
David W. Manzo, M.Ed.President/Executive Director
Jeanine Meredith, M.Ed.Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Michael Pembroke, M.B.A.Chief Financial Officer
Elizabeth Campbell Peters, M.A.Director of Advancement
Elizabeth Fay Russell, M.A., C.A.G.S.Director of Admissions
Leah Thibodeau, M.Ed., C.A.G.S.Director of Special Education
Pamela Varrin, Ph.D.Family Support Coordinator
Karen Waddill, M.A. CCC-SLP ATPDirector of Student Services and Cotting Consulting
Business, Administration and Advancement OfficesJeanine Bergeron, B.S.Staff Accountant
Paul Chiozzi, M.A., M.B.A.Director of Annual Giving
Kim Choi, B.S.Senior Accountant
Ann Dubé, A.S.Executive Assistant
Abigail Farquharson, B.A.Outreach and Events Coordinator
Althea Ioakimidis, B.A., P.H.R.Human Resources Manager
Andie Mitchell, B.S.Front Desk Coordinator
Keysha PowellSpecial Education Office Assistant
Omni Raimo, B.S.Advancement and Outreach Coordinator
Rachael Sciola, B.A.Office of Student Services Coordinator
FacultyElizabeth Abel, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
Amanda Arnst, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
Ruth J. Berg, M.Ed.Remedial Specialist
Paulette Binder, B.A.Pre-Vocational Instructor
Erika Cain, B.A.Classroom Teacher
Alada Caughey, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
Hannah Cruz, B.S.Classroom Teacher
Daniel J. Cuddy, B.S.Adaptive Physical Education Instructor
Mary Curtin, M.Ed.Remedial Specialist
Nicole Girard, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
Sarah Hassett, B.S.Cotting Fellow; Classroom Teacher
Bill Ironfield, B.A.Performing Arts Instructor
Mychaela Kelly, B.A.,Cotting Fellow; Classroom Teacher
(Continued on next page)
Thanks to the incredible group of individuals listed below for their dedication and creativity during this memorable school year.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 19
Andrew Lindblad, M.Ed.Science Teacher
Melissa Maimone, B.A.Classroom Teacher
Adrienne Manson, M.Ed.HOPEhouse Teacher (H)
Catherine Mayo, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
Charlotte Maskin, M.Ed.Alternative Assessment Coordinator
John Meredith, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
Abigail Mingle, M.Ed.Vocational Teacher
Robert Mitropoulos, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
George Moran, M.Ed.Pre-Vocational Services, Senior Class Advisor
Katherine Norregaard, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
Megan Paull, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
William Phelan, M.Ed.Industrial Arts Instructor
Lauren Piscopo, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
Alysha Robinson, B.A.Vocational Teacher, Cotting School Fellow
Michelle Russell, B.S.Classroom Teacher
Megan Schofield, M.Ed.Classroom Teacher
Lynn Stoller, M.S., OTR/LOccupational Therapist/Pre-Vocational Services
James R. Tanner, B.A.Director of Pre-Vocational Services
Michael Teuber, M.Ed., C.A.G.S.Director of Transition Services
Zöe C. ThibodeauProgram Director, HOPEhouse (H)
Rosanne E. Trolan, B.F.A.Fine Arts Teacher
Kathryn VanSteenbergen, B.S.Classroom Teacher, Cotting School Fellow
Occupational and Physical TherapyVirginia M. Birmingham, M.A., P.T., ATPCharles H. Taylor Chair of Physical Therapy
Amy Houghton, B.S., OTR/L,C/NTD, ATPOccupational Therapy Team Leader;Feeding Team Leader; Assistive Technology
Michela Bodinaku, PT, DPTPhysical Therapist
Paige Buguki, PT, DPTPhysical Therapist
Kellan Carrig, PT, DPT, C/NTDPhysical Therapist (H)
Eleanor Coffin, OTD, OTR/LOccupational Therapist
Barbara DeLuca, M.S., P.T., M.Ed., ATPPhysical Therapist (H)
Cynthia Furbish, B.S., P.T.Physical Therapist
Audra Hamilton, M.S., OTR/L, ATPOccupational Therapist; Feeding Team
Ann Hodson, B.S., OTR/L, RYTOccupational Therapist
Greta Mangini, M.S., OTR/LOccupational Therapist
Holly McGovern B.S., OTR/LOccupational Therapist
Deidra Rooney, MPT, DPTPhysical Therapist
Kelly Rozowsky, M.S., OTR/LOccupational Therapist (H)
Beth Singer, B.S., OTR/LOccupational Therapist
Communication TherapyStephanie Soule, M.S., CCC-SLP, ATPWilliam O. Taylor Chair ofCommunication Therapy (H)
Jillian Landry, M.S., CCC-SLPCommunication Therapist
Caitrin Plante, M.S., CCC-SLPCommunication Therapist
Jane Perera, M.S., CCC-SLP, ATPCommunication Therapist
Christine Rivera, M.S., CCC-SLPCommunication Therapist
Katherine Simmons, M.S., CCC-SLP, ATPCommunication Therapist
Medical and Other Clinical Support ServicesMichele Passanisi, R.N.Director of Nursing (H)
Amy Vraibel, R.N.Associate Medical Team Leader
Chrislene Athis, M.A.
Maria DeMeo, R.N.
Cheryl Donnellan, R.N.
Valerie Grams, R.N.
Elizabeth Harstad, M.D.Medical Director
Devin Johnson, B.A.
Rebecca Klappenbach, R.N.
Maria Kritsineli, D.M.D.Director of Tufts Dental Clinic
Alexis MalkinDirector of Semark Vision Clinic
Jessica Marcassoli, R.N.
Courtney Martinello, C.N.A. (H)
Julie McLaughlin, R.N.
Margaret McGowen, R.N.
Elaine Morris, R.N.
Helene Pinches, M.D.Medical Fellow
Alina Puma, R.N.
Arielle Spullen, M.D.Medical Fellow
Kathleen Tyrer, M.Ed., LMHC, LMFT, LRCGuidance/Therapist (H)
Rachel Vorkink, M.A., C.A.G.S., NCSPPsychologist/Therapist
Jenna Wilson, R.N.
Cotting ConsultingAllison Conelias, M.Ed.Consulting Educator
Leila Denna, M.S., CCC-SLPConsulting Therapist
Tara Espiritu, M.S., OTR/LConsulting Therapist
Melissa Mulvey, M.S., CCC-SLP, ATP, C.A.G.S.Sr. Consulting Therapist
Timothy Richmond, M.S., OTR/LConsulting Therapist & Outreach Coordinator
Suzanne Schiabone, M.S., CCC-SLPConsulting Therapist
Alicia Zeh-Dean, M.S., OTR/LConsulting Therapist
20 | COTTING SCHOOL
Technology CenterPatricia V. Salmonson, B.S., ATPDirector of Technology
Robbie Giroux, BSIT, ACMTIT Systems Engineer
Shannon Kerr, M.S., CCC-SLP, ATPAssistive Technology Specialist
Program Assistants and Job CoachesMarcie GaronTeam Leader
Seth Adelmann, B.A.
Susan Atkins, M.Ed.
Erin Cadwallader, B.S.
Nicole Chaput, B.A.
Brook Cole
Sydney Cooke, B.S.
Susan Cunningham (H)
William DeAngelis, M.Ed.
Emily DiFarnco, M.Ed.
Daniel Donnelly, B.A.
Michael Dunne, B.A. (H)
Meghan Eastman
Julie Eaton
Jessica Garceau, C.N.A. (H)
O’Neil Gaudet, B.S.
Jennifer Gaudette, B.A. (H)
Caitlin Gibbons, B.S.
Pia Haapanen-Banzy, B.A.
Leia Herlihy, B.A.
Zachary Herring, B.A.
Jennifer Hodgdon, B.A.
Kathleen Kelly, A.A. (H)
Judith Langlais
David Largenton, B.A.
Michaela LeBlanc, B.A.
Johanna Lewis, B.A.
Zachary Lynch
Shea McDonough, B.A.
Vanessa Medeiros
Kevin Mahoney
Ron Nix
Mary Beth Rogers, M.Ed.
Katherine Perakis, B.S.
Judith Pollins
Alexandra Ramos
Edward Reed
Stan Rogers (H)
Eileen Roper
Megan Russo, B.S.
Alpona Saha
Connie Sousa
Madeline St. Julien
Katie Steadman
Brendan Stock
Emmanuel Tazifor, A.S. (H)
Roger Tazifor (H)
Kasey Walz, B.A.
Food ServicesFatima SousaDirector of Food Service
Maria Bizarria
Courtney Constantino
Liz Medeiros
Physical Plant and MaintenanceDavid Peduto, B.S.Director of Facilities
John Fallon
Charles Sirois, B.S
(H) = HOPEhouse Staff
The pandemic did not give us the
opportunity to host a party to properly
celebrate the careers of seven staff
members who gave long and meritorious
service to Cotting School. Together
they averaged more than 30+ years of
extraordinary care to a generation of
students. Join us in recognizing:
Paulette Binder (34 years)
Ann Buckley (19 years)
Ann Hodson (26 years)
Krista Macari (22 years)
George Moran (33 years)
Lynn Stoller (36 years)
Jim Tanner (45 years)
2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 21
THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS DEDICATED TO:The members of our community who have
been on the front lines, behind the scenes, in
classrooms, spreading cheer, holding faith,
keeping students’ lives on track, keeping hearts
and hopes in place, chasing dreams, grieving
loss, giving back, staying home, returning
to school, always ready to begin again, with
Cotting School at the center.
Early ChildhoodAges 3-6
Lower SchoolAges 6-11
Middle SchoolAges 11-14
Upper SchoolAges 14-18
COTTING'S YEAR-ROUND CONTINUUM OF SERVICES
SHARE IN OUR EXCITEMENT FOR COTTING SCHOOL. If you have questions about the students we serve or our
individualized curriculum approach, please call or schedule
a visit at any time. We’d love to help you learn more about
the continuum of services offered by Cotting.
781-862-7323 or www.cotting.org
COTTING'S YEAR-ROUND CONTINUUM OF SERVICES
CapstoneAges 18-22
HOPEhouse Ages 17-22
Cotting Consulting in public school districts
Special Interest Events
COTTING.ORG