Syntiro Staff
Janice Brackett, Syntiro Finance Director
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After decades of providing direct services to young people, I realized that I am a passionate systems designer at heart, so I moved into management. I believe that all systems can be continuously improved or overhauled so they effectively serve human needs and improve lives. As Syntiro's Finance Director, I bridge the big-picture view (budgeting, planning, reporting, ensuring compliance with financial regulations) and a detailed view (to-the-penny, daily-balancing and reconciling) of the organization’s financial health. Fellow staff say I'm organized, calm, excellent at explaining things clearly, Queen of the spreadsheet, and consider the human factor when dealing with budgets and numbers.
Something you are proud of at Syntiro: I am most proud of the gains people make in their lives and communities as a result of the services we provide.
What do you like most about your role at Syntiro: I like that I feel empowered to do my best and most creative work.
[email protected]
After decades of providing direct services to young people, I realized that I am a passionate systems designer at heart, so I moved into management. I believe that all systems can be continuously improved or overhauled so they effectively serve human needs and improve lives. As Syntiro's Finance Director, I bridge the big-picture view (budgeting, planning, reporting, ensuring compliance with financial regulations) and a detailed view (to-the-penny, daily-balancing and reconciling) of the organization’s financial health. Fellow staff say I'm organized, calm, excellent at explaining things clearly, Queen of the spreadsheet, and consider the human factor when dealing with budgets and numbers.
Something you are proud of at Syntiro: I am most proud of the gains people make in their lives and communities as a result of the services we provide.
What do you like most about your role at Syntiro: I like that I feel empowered to do my best and most creative work.
Sue Caron, GEAR UP School Specialist
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I am a passionate and dedicated educator who has always had a deep belief in the power of education. With a genuine love for working with students, I have found my calling in helping young minds chart their path to success. I am genuinely excited about college and career planning, recognizing it as a pivotal phase in a person's life. I firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of personal and societal growth. My motivation stems from a genuine desire to provide assistance and support, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and pursue their dreams. After a long and fulfilling career in education, I am excited to shift my focus towards college and career preparation, continuing to make a difference in the lives of young learners. I am committed to making a lasting impact on the students of our great state and their communities, ensuring that education becomes a transformative force in their lives.
[email protected]
I am a passionate and dedicated educator who has always had a deep belief in the power of education. With a genuine love for working with students, I have found my calling in helping young minds chart their path to success. I am genuinely excited about college and career planning, recognizing it as a pivotal phase in a person's life. I firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of personal and societal growth. My motivation stems from a genuine desire to provide assistance and support, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and pursue their dreams. After a long and fulfilling career in education, I am excited to shift my focus towards college and career preparation, continuing to make a difference in the lives of young learners. I am committed to making a lasting impact on the students of our great state and their communities, ensuring that education becomes a transformative force in their lives.
Holly Chapdelaine, GEAR UP Data Manager
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I am a creative and innovative educator who helps to build bridges and find pathways. My belief is that there are many ways to get where we want to be in this world, but we must use what we have to get there and seek out what we need. I have been in education for 19 years and my interests are helping young people develop their own sense of self as they transition into the world with 21st century skills. I believe in forming solid partnerships between families, schools, and communities to ensure students are supported as they grow forward. Finally, as a life-long learner and first generation college student, I believe that it is essential for post-secondary opportunities to be accessible to all. I am thrilled to be a part of GEAR UP and I am committed to student success.
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I am a creative and innovative educator who helps to build bridges and find pathways. My belief is that there are many ways to get where we want to be in this world, but we must use what we have to get there and seek out what we need. I have been in education for 19 years and my interests are helping young people develop their own sense of self as they transition into the world with 21st century skills. I believe in forming solid partnerships between families, schools, and communities to ensure students are supported as they grow forward. Finally, as a life-long learner and first generation college student, I believe that it is essential for post-secondary opportunities to be accessible to all. I am thrilled to be a part of GEAR UP and I am committed to student success.
Cynthia Drake, GEAR UP Data Coordinator
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I am an avid outdoors person and biological researcher who now researches ways to help school districts create a culture of continuing education and career preparedness while students are in K-12 and beyond. I have extensive experience using databases, spreadsheets and other manners of informational accountability. I have a desire to improve the lives of todays’ children and improve lives in rural Maine; my work experiences in Maine public schools and raising a family in rural Maine myself motivated me to work with GEAR UP Maine. I am a creative problem solver and freedom of ideas while maintaining the structure to get the work done. In addition to hiking and cross country skiing, budgets, financial accountability, report writing and spreadsheets are things that I consider fun!
Something you are proud of at Syntiro: I am proud of the work that we do to assist rural, economically challenged communities in Maine. Our work with schools and students gives these communities and their children resources that they would otherwise not have access to.
What do you like most about your role at Syntiro? I am supported by my fellow staff members and feel insured by our mission. I have the freedom to creatively solve problems, and do work that is meaningful.
[email protected]
I am an avid outdoors person and biological researcher who now researches ways to help school districts create a culture of continuing education and career preparedness while students are in K-12 and beyond. I have extensive experience using databases, spreadsheets and other manners of informational accountability. I have a desire to improve the lives of todays’ children and improve lives in rural Maine; my work experiences in Maine public schools and raising a family in rural Maine myself motivated me to work with GEAR UP Maine. I am a creative problem solver and freedom of ideas while maintaining the structure to get the work done. In addition to hiking and cross country skiing, budgets, financial accountability, report writing and spreadsheets are things that I consider fun!
Something you are proud of at Syntiro: I am proud of the work that we do to assist rural, economically challenged communities in Maine. Our work with schools and students gives these communities and their children resources that they would otherwise not have access to.
What do you like most about your role at Syntiro? I am supported by my fellow staff members and feel insured by our mission. I have the freedom to creatively solve problems, and do work that is meaningful.
Jen Durgin, GEAR UP School Specialist
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While I don’t want to believe I’m old enough for it to be true, I have had the pleasure and privilege of working in Education for over 20 years, having worked with students in Pre-K, college, and every level in between. I enjoy getting to know students as individuals, understanding their unique strengths and needs, meeting them where they are at, and actively supporting them in getting to where they want to be. I believe it’s vital to never stop learning and growing, and that education should be a source of benefit and opportunity for everyone. I am excited to get students excited about post-secondary education.
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While I don’t want to believe I’m old enough for it to be true, I have had the pleasure and privilege of working in Education for over 20 years, having worked with students in Pre-K, college, and every level in between. I enjoy getting to know students as individuals, understanding their unique strengths and needs, meeting them where they are at, and actively supporting them in getting to where they want to be. I believe it’s vital to never stop learning and growing, and that education should be a source of benefit and opportunity for everyone. I am excited to get students excited about post-secondary education.
Noelle Federico, Syntiro Director of Operations
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As Director of Operations for Syntiro, I am passionate about working for an organization that is so committed to helping to improve access and opportunities for Mainers. At Syntiro, I am the Human Resources contact responsible for coordinating benefits, personnel files, mileage and expense reimbursements, and employee time tracking. I have close to 15 years experience working with GEAR UP grants both partnership and statewide. I work on special projects for the program such as travel logistics, creating and maintaining spreadsheets, as well as tracking staff and district information. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids.
Something you are proud of at Syntiro: I am proud to work with such an amazing team who is so dedicated to the work they do.
What do you like most about your role at Syntiro? I enjoy the variety of responsibilities in my role at Syntiro.
[email protected]
As Director of Operations for Syntiro, I am passionate about working for an organization that is so committed to helping to improve access and opportunities for Mainers. At Syntiro, I am the Human Resources contact responsible for coordinating benefits, personnel files, mileage and expense reimbursements, and employee time tracking. I have close to 15 years experience working with GEAR UP grants both partnership and statewide. I work on special projects for the program such as travel logistics, creating and maintaining spreadsheets, as well as tracking staff and district information. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids.
Something you are proud of at Syntiro: I am proud to work with such an amazing team who is so dedicated to the work they do.
What do you like most about your role at Syntiro? I enjoy the variety of responsibilities in my role at Syntiro.
Mary Freeman, GEAR UP Maine Director of Student Services
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I am a deeply dedicated educator who believes in improving the future for all learners and having a positive impact on the lives of others is something I greatly value. As the GEAR UP Maine Director of Student Services, it is my responsibility to lead the development and implementation of a college access and readiness program that works with 7-12 students, school personnel and faculty and staff at Institutions of Higher Education throughout Maine. From experience, building relationships is the cornerstone to an effective program and being detailed oriented, collaborative, innovative, and a creative problem solver are all traits which allow me to excel in relationship building.
Something you are proud of at Syntiro: I am proud of the dedication and commitment of our staff to provide services that benefit the future of Maine youth.
What do you like most about your role at Syntiro? I love the relationships I am able to build across the State of Maine through my role.
[email protected]
I am a deeply dedicated educator who believes in improving the future for all learners and having a positive impact on the lives of others is something I greatly value. As the GEAR UP Maine Director of Student Services, it is my responsibility to lead the development and implementation of a college access and readiness program that works with 7-12 students, school personnel and faculty and staff at Institutions of Higher Education throughout Maine. From experience, building relationships is the cornerstone to an effective program and being detailed oriented, collaborative, innovative, and a creative problem solver are all traits which allow me to excel in relationship building.
Something you are proud of at Syntiro: I am proud of the dedication and commitment of our staff to provide services that benefit the future of Maine youth.
What do you like most about your role at Syntiro? I love the relationships I am able to build across the State of Maine through my role.
Debbie Gilmer, Syntiro Executive Director/GEAR UP Project Director
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Deborah Gilmer is President of Syntiro and the GEAR UP Maine Project Director. She brings substantial experience with the State GEAR UP program: she served as Co-Director of the GU-ME 2005-2011 and as Student Services Coordinator and Transition Director in the GU-ME 2014-2022. She assumed the role of GEAR UP Director at the beginning of the year-long No Cost Extension in 2021 and serves as Project Director of the five-year US ED funded GU Supplemental Award studying the matriculation, persistence, and completion of the Class of 2020.
Ms. Gilmer has been a change agent her entire career; she has introduced innovative and emerging best practices to address inequity and social justice in the areas of community and school inclusion, positive behavior supports, improving education and employment for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and economically disadvantaged youth and adults including those with disabilities.
Gilmer has an extensive history of successfully securing, managing and administering state and federally funded grants including the US HHS Maternal & Child Health Bureau funded Healthy & Ready to Work National Resource Center and the Maine High School Equivalency Program for migrant and seasonal farmworkers funded by US ED. For ten years she served as Project Director for Employment for ME Workforce Development System, to certify, mentor and support employment professionals who assist students in transition and adults with disabilities to acquire and maintain employment funded by Maine DHHS and DOL.
Prior to joining the Syntiro team in 2004 (then the Maine Support Network) she served for twelve years as Associate Director and Acting Director (two years) of the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies where she directed multiple state and federally funded initiatives on inclusive education, school to work transition and employment.
Ms. Gilmer has been recognized in Maine and nationally for her advocacy and change efforts including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Disability Rights Maine.
She lives in Millinocket, loves traveling, National Parks and the great north woods.
[email protected]
Deborah Gilmer is President of Syntiro and the GEAR UP Maine Project Director. She brings substantial experience with the State GEAR UP program: she served as Co-Director of the GU-ME 2005-2011 and as Student Services Coordinator and Transition Director in the GU-ME 2014-2022. She assumed the role of GEAR UP Director at the beginning of the year-long No Cost Extension in 2021 and serves as Project Director of the five-year US ED funded GU Supplemental Award studying the matriculation, persistence, and completion of the Class of 2020.
Ms. Gilmer has been a change agent her entire career; she has introduced innovative and emerging best practices to address inequity and social justice in the areas of community and school inclusion, positive behavior supports, improving education and employment for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and economically disadvantaged youth and adults including those with disabilities.
Gilmer has an extensive history of successfully securing, managing and administering state and federally funded grants including the US HHS Maternal & Child Health Bureau funded Healthy & Ready to Work National Resource Center and the Maine High School Equivalency Program for migrant and seasonal farmworkers funded by US ED. For ten years she served as Project Director for Employment for ME Workforce Development System, to certify, mentor and support employment professionals who assist students in transition and adults with disabilities to acquire and maintain employment funded by Maine DHHS and DOL.
Prior to joining the Syntiro team in 2004 (then the Maine Support Network) she served for twelve years as Associate Director and Acting Director (two years) of the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies where she directed multiple state and federally funded initiatives on inclusive education, school to work transition and employment.
Ms. Gilmer has been recognized in Maine and nationally for her advocacy and change efforts including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Disability Rights Maine.
She lives in Millinocket, loves traveling, National Parks and the great north woods.
Kayla Hopkins, GEAR UP Communications Coordinator
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I am a dedicated communications professional with a deep passion for design, an unbreakable bond with my family, and an unshakable love for all things Maine. Over the years, I've fine-tuned my communication skills, expertly blending words and visuals to craft compelling narratives for GEAR UP Maine and Syntiro. Outside the professional arena, my heart belongs to my family, who inspire and support me, and the breathtaking landscapes of Maine, where I find solace and inspiration.
Something you are proud of at Syntiro: I am most proud of our devotion to helping Maine youth.
What do you like most about your role at Syntiro? I enjoy the opportunities for artistic liberty.
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I am a dedicated communications professional with a deep passion for design, an unbreakable bond with my family, and an unshakable love for all things Maine. Over the years, I've fine-tuned my communication skills, expertly blending words and visuals to craft compelling narratives for GEAR UP Maine and Syntiro. Outside the professional arena, my heart belongs to my family, who inspire and support me, and the breathtaking landscapes of Maine, where I find solace and inspiration.
Something you are proud of at Syntiro: I am most proud of our devotion to helping Maine youth.
What do you like most about your role at Syntiro? I enjoy the opportunities for artistic liberty.
Aubrie Howard, GEAR UP Family Engagement Coordinator
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For the past decade, I have worked as a community partner, outdoor educator, and school counselor across New England and Montana. Restorative practices ground my work as I build relationships, increase access and awareness of resources, and utilize creative problem-solving. I am a first-generation college student who grew up in Western Maine. I have a Bachelor's in Journalism, a minor in Peace and Reconciliation Studies from the University of Maine, and a Master's in Education with School Counselor licensure from Goddard College. In my free time, you will find me somewhere in the mountains, paddling on a river, or reading a good book. I am excited to support the work of GEAR UP by connecting and learning with families and communities across Maine to help their youth create meaningful and informed post-secondary pathways.
[email protected]
For the past decade, I have worked as a community partner, outdoor educator, and school counselor across New England and Montana. Restorative practices ground my work as I build relationships, increase access and awareness of resources, and utilize creative problem-solving. I am a first-generation college student who grew up in Western Maine. I have a Bachelor's in Journalism, a minor in Peace and Reconciliation Studies from the University of Maine, and a Master's in Education with School Counselor licensure from Goddard College. In my free time, you will find me somewhere in the mountains, paddling on a river, or reading a good book. I am excited to support the work of GEAR UP by connecting and learning with families and communities across Maine to help their youth create meaningful and informed post-secondary pathways.
Amber Hudson, Office Assistant
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After residing out of state for the last 12 years, I have found that Maine is where my heart lies. I appreciate everything that Maine has to offer, from the views and places to hike/camp, to the close knit community.
Before becoming a part of the Gear Up team, I worked in healthcare and still do so part time. I enjoy building solid relationships and connecting with others. This is partly why I’m so excited to be a part of Gear Up. My position here will be to help the staff in as many ways as possible and really watch this organization grow and thrive!
In my spare time you can find me somewhere outside, with a camera attached to me and music playing, dancing with my daughter.
[email protected]
After residing out of state for the last 12 years, I have found that Maine is where my heart lies. I appreciate everything that Maine has to offer, from the views and places to hike/camp, to the close knit community.
Before becoming a part of the Gear Up team, I worked in healthcare and still do so part time. I enjoy building solid relationships and connecting with others. This is partly why I’m so excited to be a part of Gear Up. My position here will be to help the staff in as many ways as possible and really watch this organization grow and thrive!
In my spare time you can find me somewhere outside, with a camera attached to me and music playing, dancing with my daughter.
Alastair Lawson, GEAR UP School Specialist
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Alastair brings more than a decade of nonprofit experience in youth development, program design, non-profit management, experiential education, and workforce development. His journey in the USA began in 2012 after moving from the UK, and since then, has been deeply rooted in Maine!
Previously, Alastair served as the Director of the Youth workforce program, Gateway to Opportunity, connecting high-school-aged young people with paid, work-based jobs at Maine-based businesses and nonprofits. His extensive experience in coalition building and youth-led organizing in Maine has been instrumental in shaping his approach to educational and youth development programming and has given him the opportunity to spend much of his career partnering with Maine organizations, nonprofits and public health programs to increase their impact alongside young people. Alastair is also a current Equity and Feedback Fellow with Evident change and feedback Labs. He is eager and excited to weave his past experiences and insights into the GEAR UP program!
[email protected]
Alastair brings more than a decade of nonprofit experience in youth development, program design, non-profit management, experiential education, and workforce development. His journey in the USA began in 2012 after moving from the UK, and since then, has been deeply rooted in Maine!
Previously, Alastair served as the Director of the Youth workforce program, Gateway to Opportunity, connecting high-school-aged young people with paid, work-based jobs at Maine-based businesses and nonprofits. His extensive experience in coalition building and youth-led organizing in Maine has been instrumental in shaping his approach to educational and youth development programming and has given him the opportunity to spend much of his career partnering with Maine organizations, nonprofits and public health programs to increase their impact alongside young people. Alastair is also a current Equity and Feedback Fellow with Evident change and feedback Labs. He is eager and excited to weave his past experiences and insights into the GEAR UP program!
Linda Nichols, GEAR UP School Specialist
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As a Maine native, I appreciate all this lovely state has to offer. My parents made the best decision to buy a camp on Moosehead Lake when I was a kid, and the adventures and memories of time spent there with my family of nine shaped me into the person I am today. Skating and snowshoeing are some winter outdoor activities I enjoy, and gardening, hiking, swimming, traveling, and boating on the ocean keep me happy in the summer months.
Professionally speaking, I am a recently retired art teacher of 25 years and thankful for the fun and creative times I had with students in my classroom which I strove to make a welcoming, safe, and nurturing environment for all. Building meaningful relationships with students is the most rewarding part of teaching - I am excited to continue this tradition with students I work with as a School Specialist with Syntiro through the GEAR UP grant!
I currently live in Washington, Maine, a few miles from the farm where my dad grew up. I have two grown daughters who are artsy and spirited and bring me much joy along with my furry grandbabies!
[email protected]
As a Maine native, I appreciate all this lovely state has to offer. My parents made the best decision to buy a camp on Moosehead Lake when I was a kid, and the adventures and memories of time spent there with my family of nine shaped me into the person I am today. Skating and snowshoeing are some winter outdoor activities I enjoy, and gardening, hiking, swimming, traveling, and boating on the ocean keep me happy in the summer months.
Professionally speaking, I am a recently retired art teacher of 25 years and thankful for the fun and creative times I had with students in my classroom which I strove to make a welcoming, safe, and nurturing environment for all. Building meaningful relationships with students is the most rewarding part of teaching - I am excited to continue this tradition with students I work with as a School Specialist with Syntiro through the GEAR UP grant!
I currently live in Washington, Maine, a few miles from the farm where my dad grew up. I have two grown daughters who are artsy and spirited and bring me much joy along with my furry grandbabies!
Stacey Rice, GEAR UP School Specialist
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Stacey grew up in rural Western Maine and, as a non-traditional and first-generation college graduate, deeply values the work done at Gear UP Maine and feels blessed to be part of it. Her career began in Patten, Maine as a teacher’s assistant in public
schools, where she worked in Special Education for several years. Stacey is passionate about supporting all of Maine's youth and adults, including those with disabilities. In her recent role as a Workforce Readiness Instructor at Fedcap, she taught economically disadvantaged students, particularly new Mainers, career development classes focusing on opportunities in the trades and healthcare. When she isn't helping students, she loves to instruct paint classes and has taught a creativity and mindfulness course at Colby College. Stacey has a genuine love for helping others find their passions and is excited to connect with students and school staff from across Maine.
[email protected]
Stacey grew up in rural Western Maine and, as a non-traditional and first-generation college graduate, deeply values the work done at Gear UP Maine and feels blessed to be part of it. Her career began in Patten, Maine as a teacher’s assistant in public
schools, where she worked in Special Education for several years. Stacey is passionate about supporting all of Maine's youth and adults, including those with disabilities. In her recent role as a Workforce Readiness Instructor at Fedcap, she taught economically disadvantaged students, particularly new Mainers, career development classes focusing on opportunities in the trades and healthcare. When she isn't helping students, she loves to instruct paint classes and has taught a creativity and mindfulness course at Colby College. Stacey has a genuine love for helping others find their passions and is excited to connect with students and school staff from across Maine.
Jordan Singh Vanderbeek, GEAR UP Project Specialist
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Jordan Singh VanderBeek (he/they) is an educator and digital media teaching artist with over a decade of classroom experience. Their teaching career began when they were in high school, serving as a Summer robotics coach as part of a GEAR UP grant at California State University Stanislaus. They are an alum of Spotify's 2022 SoundUP kids and family Podcast accelerator, created educational animated videos for the NYC DOE'S department of Family and Community Engagement (FACELAB), and have created interactive video installations for kids and families in Portland. Whether they’re teaching STEAM, songwriting, or fiction writing–they center their student’s emotional growth. They grew up in Modesto, California in a two-faith household–Sikhism on his mom’s side; San Francisco Giants’ baseball on his dad’s. Ask them for music recommendations, tips for running a good Dungeons and Dragons game, or recipes.
[email protected]
Jordan Singh VanderBeek (he/they) is an educator and digital media teaching artist with over a decade of classroom experience. Their teaching career began when they were in high school, serving as a Summer robotics coach as part of a GEAR UP grant at California State University Stanislaus. They are an alum of Spotify's 2022 SoundUP kids and family Podcast accelerator, created educational animated videos for the NYC DOE'S department of Family and Community Engagement (FACELAB), and have created interactive video installations for kids and families in Portland. Whether they’re teaching STEAM, songwriting, or fiction writing–they center their student’s emotional growth. They grew up in Modesto, California in a two-faith household–Sikhism on his mom’s side; San Francisco Giants’ baseball on his dad’s. Ask them for music recommendations, tips for running a good Dungeons and Dragons game, or recipes.
Joe Walter, GEAR UP Project Coordinator
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Joe Walter grew up in Brunswick and earned a BS in Biochemistry from USM. He worked on chemistry education research at UMO and used that background to support his 4 year career teaching high school chemistry and physics at Lincoln Academy. During that time he was involved in several statewide efforts of the RiSE Center at UMO to improve science teaching. Currently, Joe lives in Damariscotta with his family and hopes to continue supporting high quality educational opportunities for students in the state of Maine.
[email protected]
Joe Walter grew up in Brunswick and earned a BS in Biochemistry from USM. He worked on chemistry education research at UMO and used that background to support his 4 year career teaching high school chemistry and physics at Lincoln Academy. During that time he was involved in several statewide efforts of the RiSE Center at UMO to improve science teaching. Currently, Joe lives in Damariscotta with his family and hopes to continue supporting high quality educational opportunities for students in the state of Maine.
