Meet Our Staff
Head of School
Mrs. Brandy Houle
Mrs. Brandy Houle is proud to serve the students and faculty of Saint Mary Academy! Mrs. Houle graduated from SNHU with a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership and Curriculum Instruction with Principal Certification. She enjoys time with her husband and three children, reading, traveling, and shopping for bargains.
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Tara Costello
I have worked at Saint Mary Academy since 2010 in many capacities. I began as an after school teacher, became a Pre-K Aide, then worked with the Development team. I have enjoyed the many roles I have held at SMA as it has given me a wonderful perspective on different aspects of how the school functions.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters. Our favorite thing to do together is travel, especially to Disney World!
Director of Business Operations
Mrs. Mary McKernan
Mary McKernan has been at Saint Mary Academy for 30+ years. She has held a certification in Physical Education Grades K-12 and in Elementary Education, Grades K-8. In her free time she enjoys traveling, the beach, and spending time with family.
Pre-K 4 Teacher
Mrs. Gina Gaughan
My Name is Gina Gaughan and I graduated from UNH in 1992 with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. I worked at the UNH Child Study and Development Center for about seven years before I resigned to start my family. I have three children that all went to SMA from Pre-K through Eighth grade. I fell in love with the school, the teachers, and the community. It was the best decision my husband and I ever made for our children. The best thing about working at SMA is the incredible teachers/friends I get to work with every day. Our community is unique and one full of support, respect, understanding and love. Love for each other, the children we teach and most of all our love for God. Some of my favorite things to do are watching my kids hockey games, singing, going to the beach, and reading.
Junior High Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Christopher Schipp
Born in New Jersey and raised in Georgia, I attended Georgia State University and have a bachelor’s degree in History and a masters degree in Education. My favorite hobbies are music, movies and photography. One of the best things about working at St Mary Academy is the comradery among the staff and how involved students, parents and the community are in helping the school achieve its mission.
Junior High Math & Science Teacher
Mrs. Shirley Gould
After growing up in Central Florida, I am still adjusting to the winters here in New Hampshire ! I earned degrees from both Stetson University and Northwestern University. My husband and I have 3 adult children - all of whom attended SMA. Some of my favorite things are spending time with my family and friends, going to our lake house, kayaking, animals, and teaching at St. Mary Academy !
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Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Jennifer Sprague
My name is Jennifer Sprague and I am kindergarten teacher here at Saint Mary Academy. I attended Lesley University where I graduated with a bachelors of science in Social Sciences/Psychology and Early Childhood Education. I have sixteen years teaching experience plus eleven additional years of volunteering in the Dover community. I have an incredible husband and three amazing children who are the light of my life. When I am not spending time with my family and friends you will find me running on the trails or in the mountains, traveling, reading, or following the many endeavors and sports of my children. My favorite thing about teaching at SMA are the children and community where we strive to practice kindness, compassion, and living in the likeness of God.
First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Allison Forte
Originally from Lynnfield Massachusetts, Allison resides near Dover, NH with her husband of 20 years and her two teenage boys. Allison graduated from Salem State University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020 with a Masters Degree in Education. Also, a licensed Dyslexia Practitioner Level One, Allison loves to talk about literacy! Her hobbies include reading, horseback riding, and walking her two dogs Minnie and Martin. Allison’s favorite part of being a teacher and working at SMA is sharing her faith with her “school kids”.
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Music, Art and Theater Teacher
Mrs. Beth Schartner
Mrs. Schartner became part of the SMA family about 10 years ago. First as a parent volunteer, and eventually become a teacher. She has now been working at SMA for over 6 years. Today, she serves as the Art, Music, and Theater Director at Saint Mary Academy and feels so blessed to be able to work with the talented and amazing students, families, and staff at SMA.
Middle School Science and Literature Teacher
Mrs. Elle Palmer
I graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with my bachelors degree in Biotechnology in 2016. Summer of 2022 brought us to Dover, NH and Saint Mary Academy, and I’ve found my second home here working in the library and as a classroom aid. I love my time talking about books with students and getting everyone excited to read!
Favorite activities: watercolor painting and drawing with my two daughters, hiking and rollerblading
Aide/Aftercare
Mrs. Karen Finnigan
I got my start in the education field at Westbrook College where I majored in ECE. When my two children were both attending SMA, I became a substitute teacher for 8 years, until I started the three year old program in the fall of 2010.
When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with family and friends. My favorite activities are vacationing and traveling to new places, being near the ocean and going on nature walks to enjoy all of God’s handiwork.
The best thing about teaching at SMA is connecting with students and getting to know families by having many siblings over the course of my career. My favorite thing about working here is being able to share our Catholic faith with students, families and colleagues. An extra bonus is working with such wonderful women in our little building.
Third Grade Teacher
Mrs. Jennifer Van Heynigen
Mrs. Van Heynigen (Mrs. V) is excited to join our SMA squad as an experienced Catholic educator from St. Mary's Parish School in Westfield, Massachusetts! A fun fact about Mrs. V: she was born in Madrid, Spain!
Middle School English Teacher
Miss Sarah Childress
Miss Childress is currently working on her Master's Degree in Psychology and before joining SMA, worked as a Behavior Specialist at H.O.P.E. in Dover, New Hampshire. Miss Childress loves to read, write, and travel.
