Meet Our Teachers!
Meet our team! We are lucky to have such skilled and compassionate educators at Ward After-School! They bring so much to our program and help make it a second home for students and teachers alike!
Program Director
Donna Marohn
Donna has been a part of After-School for 33 years! At After-School she loves reading to the kids, celebrating birthdays with the birthday box, and Friday station days. She is also an avid tennis player and loves watching Jeopardy.
Assistant Director & Head 4-5 Teacher
Lindsey Hopper
This is Lindsey's 6th year at Ward After-School. She loves planning field trips and special event days, community time, and Tuesday clubs. Outside of After-School, she teaches yoga and tends to her many houseplants.
Head K-1 Teacher
Hillary Irvine
Hillary is in her 9th year at After-School. She loves reading time, doing woodworking and cardboard activities, and anything art. When she's not at After-School, you can find her at her studio in Gloucester where she restores art, or in her garden plot in the Chestnut Hill Community Garden.
Head 2-3 Teacher
James Marohn
This is James's 31st year at After-School. He loves playing all the classic gym games: ultimate ball, coneball, kickball, floor hockey, and more! Outside of After-School, you can find him hosting trivia events and playing pickup basketball games.
Teacher
Camila Branstner
This is Camila's first year at Ward After-School. She loves teaching the kids Spanish and playing tennis on the courts. Outside of After-School, you'll find her working toward her Master's, reading, and cooking.
Teacher
Peyton Coel
Peyton is in her first year at After-School. At the program, Peyton leads the Model UN Club for 4th and 5th graders, and does seasonal crafts. In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping and taking walks along the Charles River.
Teacher
Orpha Germain
Orpha joined the Ward After-School team this year. She enjoys leading jewelry-making activities and arts and crafts. Outside of After-School, Orpha writes a blog and makes candles for her self-owned business.
Teacher
Bryce Harrisberger
Bryce is in his 5th year at After-School. He loves playing elimo with the kids, and showing off his dunking skills at recess. When he's not at After-School, Bryce spends time with his dog Evie and plays basketball.
Teacher
Liz Hartford
Liz is in her 11th year at After-School. She enjoys directing the two plays each Spring and playing dramatic games with the kids. When she's not working here, you can find her performing in a Shakespeare play or clowning for patients at Boston Children's Hospital.
Teacher
Katarina Izakovic
This is Katarina's 2nd year at After-School. She loves teaching sewing, talking with the kids, and getting to be part of an awesome staff. She is also an avid traveler, and loves taking hikes or going to the beach.
Teacher
Lacey Mickler
This is Lacey's 2nd year with us. At After-School, she enjoys leading dance club and teaching the kids how to crochet. On the weekends, you can find her playing with her cat Wendy or whipping up a delicious latte at her restaurant job.
Teacher
Jet Striar
This is Jet's first year at After-School. He loves leading his Star Wars club, talking to the kids about their common interests, and playing elimo. Outside of After-School, Jet enjoys podcasting, watching sports, and playing video games.
Teacher
Lyann Striar
Lyann is in her 5th year at After-School. Her favorite things to do with the kids are create comic books and play soccer. When she's not at After-School, you can find her lifting heavy weights at the gym, watching movies, and spending time with her cat Cisco.