Staff Biographies
Thomas Reid,
Executive Director
Thomas is a musician, composer, and educator from Charlottesville, Virginia. He loves making all kinds of sounds, from electric guitar shrieks and squeals, synthesized beeps and boops, beatboxed boom-naps. His favorite thing is to make music with students, but he also loves comic books, video games, all things sci-fi, tacos, and jokes. Come chat about MIDI sequencing, loops and sampling, and anything else in the world of audio!
Vinny LaFrazia
Associate Director
I am thrilled to be at DEDP for my 30th year, each one of them a unique and exciting experience. I feel fortunate to be allowed to be a part of so many children’s lives. I will be forever thankful to all the families and coworkers - past, present and future, who have allowed me this incredible opportunity. In my other life I enjoy playing golf, cooking, and spending time with my wife and two children.
Preschool/Pre-K Team
Olivia Manzi
Preschool Group Leader
Preschool Classroom Coordinator
Olivia graduated from Drew University in 2014, after spending four years splitting her time between studying child development and experiencing it hands-on while working at the on-campus childcare center. She returned home to Massachusetts after graduating and has found herself surrounded by preschoolers ever since. She has worked in early education programs in Beverly, Cambridge and Jamaica Plain over the last ten years, and is excited to be a part of the DEDP community! In her free time, you’ll probably find her either at the library, a concert, or sampling her way through all the different flavors at an ice cream shop.
Jada Mitchell
Preschool Group Leader
Jada is a Boston native who has always had a love for being around children! She has been an early childhood educator for a year now and is excited to be a part of DEDP. Seeing children she works with make big or small milestones is one of the greatest gifts of her life. Seeing the impact she can make within children’s lives brings her so much joy and fulfillment. When she is not working she loves to read, travel and hang out with friends.
Etleva Gashi
Preschool Assistant Group Leader
Etleva has been a teacher for fifteen years starting at Preschool Experience in Newton Center, Sunshine Academy, and Tiny World in Brookline. There she helped children learn and experience new challenges that help build their confidence while they play. She values the importance of early literacy, art, and STEM activities. She has always loved children, baby sitting, and building relationships with kids. When she is not teaching she enjoys cooking and finding new recipes.
Kindergarten/Grade 1 Team
Alicia Ruth Jackson
Grade K Group Leader
K/1 Classroom Coordinator
Alicia Ruth is so excited to be back for another fun filled year at DEDP! She is originally from Montgomery, Alabama where she received a degree in Theatre Performance from Faulkner University. She has several years of experience in childcare and education including roles as camp counselor, workshop instructor and Theatre and Music Director for grades K-12. Outside of DEDP Alicia Ruth enjoys reading, singing and trying every seasonal treat from Trader Joe's.
Liz Young
Grade K Group Leader
Liz (They/She) is an artist and educator currently residing south of Boston. Their educational background stems from spaces such as New Art Center in Newton and Boston Children’s Museum. Outside of DEDP, you can find Liz exploring the Greater Boston Area, likely thrift shopping or hiking.
Mia Hardister
Grade K Assistant Group Leader
I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon and graduated from the University of Oregon this past June with my BA. I moved to Boston to obtain an MA in Philosophy from Boston College and am hoping to go on to get my PhD and teach philosophy at the university level. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to work with DEDP this year! I have 3 years of professional experience working with children in summer camp and daycare settings and find that it brings so much fulfillment and joy to my life. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing card games, knitting, and going for walks around the city.
Alicia LaPorta
Grade 1 Group Leader
I’m Alicia! Born and raised in Massachusetts and currently working on a certificate in human services. I have been working with children and youth since 2017 and have been involved in various programs that benefit in youth development through expressive arts and various forms of activism. When I am not at school or work, I’m at local art events supporting local artists as I also hone my numerous art forms including singing, dancing, spoken word, photography to name a few. Like the Gemini I am my interests are vast and various and I dibble dabble in plenty of new experiences! P.S my hair color changes around every month so be prepared!
Lawson Miller
Grade 1 Group Leader
Lawson is a 22-year-old Brookline native. He went to Brookline schools and also attended the Lincoln School Extended Day program. He loved extended day as a kid, and is excited to be back in that setting in an educator role. It’s his first year at DEDP, and he’s thrilled to be joining the team.
Hannah Slavin
Grade 1 Assistant Group Leader
Hannah is studying psychology with a minor in youth and community studies at Suffolk University. This is her second year at DEDP. She has many years of experience working with children of all ages. She is excited to be working at DEDP again! In her spare time she enjoys drawing/painting, as well as cooking and baking new recipes.
Grades 2/3 Team
Shantell Johnson
Grade 2 Group Leader
Grade 2/3 Classroom Coordinator
Hello! My name is Shantell. I am a Massachusetts native and have been an educator for 5 years now. This will be my third year at DEDP and I’m so excited for another fun year with our amazing kiddos. I am a passionate educator looking to spark creativity in the young minds of our future. My goal is to encourage students to be curious, innovative and independent by introducing them to diverse perspectives. When I’m not working alongside children I love dancing, going to the gym, cooking, traveling and exploring different cultures. My outlook on life is to be the change you want to see in the world and that’s how we make the world a better place!
Aaron Dias
Grade 2 Group Leader
Aaron is excited about joining the DEDP community and is looking forward to growing and even learning something from some of the activities and projects we do.
David Suranyi
Grade 2 Assistant Group Leader
Northeastern COOP
My name is David and I grew up in New York! I am currently in my fourth year at Northeastern University studying mathematics. I’ve had years of experience working with children either as a math tutor or camp counselor. I hope to nurture a strong sense of curiosity, creativity, and love with each student. In my spare time, I love to read, write poetry, write music, and lift weights.
Tiara Benton
Grade 3 Group Leader
My name is Tiara and I am currently in college studying communication sciences disorders. I recently moved here from Charleston, South Carolina where I was born and raised. I spent my first year in Boston working at a daycare center as well as being apart of the Driscoll Cafe staff. Childcare has always been an integral part of my life and I plan on dedicating the rest of my career to uplifting the youth. I am so lucky to be apart of DEDP team and work closely with the kids, Its a pleasure learning each of their strengths and unique personalities! When I’m not working, I enjoy watching films, writing poetry, doing yoga, antiquing, and researching random things that pique my interest!
Caitlin Stahl
Grade 3 Group Leader
Caitlin is excited to be returning to the DEDP staff this year. She took a small break over the last 2 years to get a degree in Scottish Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Scotland. She has a Masters in Scottish Linguistics from the University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor's Degree in Honours Linguistics from Concordia University in Canada. During her free time, she like to hang out with her friends and family, read books, write, and make quilt.
Alejandra Mejia
Grade 3 Assistant Group Leader
I am from Boston, born and raised. I have been working in childcare ever since I was in high-school and it’s something I have stuck with because of how much I enjoyed working in the field. I graduated from UMASS Boston with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and I am now currently studying at Northeastern University for another year. I love to travel, try new Mexican restaurants, and watch movies. I also have a great passion for cars. I am excited to be at DEDP and create memories with the kids!
Grades 4/5/6 Team
Amber Stahl
Grade 4 Group Leader
Grade 4/5/6 Classroom Coordinator
Amber is excited to be working at DEDP again. She has BA degrees in History and French from Wittenberg University and is currently working on a Master’s for teaching English. She has worked for 3 years as an English teacher in South Korea with Kindergarten and Elementary school students and has recently finished working for 2 years as a High School English Assistant in France. When not working or studying she likes to hang out with her family, friends, and cats. She enjoys reading, playing video games, watching films or tv shows, or even planning her next trip.
Shanell Johnson
Grade 4 Group Leader
I’m so excited to be joining the DEDP community! I am going to love working your children in supporting their growth and development so that they can create a brighter tomorrow with the tools that we (DEDP) provide them with. Everyday is going to be different working with the youth, and I look forward to embracing that. It’s a blessing to be able to teach the kids as well as learn from them in return. In my free time, I love to research topics that spark my interest, listen to music, go to the gym, and go on walks with my two dogs whenever I have the time so we can enjoy nature together. My motto is to embrace, love, live, and learn.
Spencer Benson
Grade 4 Assistant Group Leader
Liza Ulrich
Grade 5 Group Leader
Liza is beyond excited to be back at DEDP this school year with the fabulous 4/5/6 team! With a degree in art history and studio art, Liza has worked in many roles as an educator in Massachusetts since 2010. As an extra-curricular teacher, summer camp counselor, theatre educator, and costume designer, Liza is extremely passionate about making fun and critical connections between science, math and the arts within a STEAM curriculum for her students. At DEDP, Liza encourages these interdisciplinary studies with activities using sewing, design and the culinary arts. In her spare time some passions include: cooking and baking, yoga, astrology, trader joes and exploring the vast art scene within Boston!
Alex Taylor
Grade 5 Group Leader
Alex is super excited to be joining the DEDP community this year as a Group Leader! With an extensive musical background, he approaches childcare and education through a creative lens, working closely with students to develop social-emotional skills through artistic expression. Alex received a B.M. in Contemporary Writing & Production and an M.A. in Music Business from Berklee College of Music in Boston. Outside of teaching, he loves songwriting, singing, musical theatre, books, traveling, and his tuxedo cat, Simon.
Marie Coyle
Grade 5 Assistant Group Leader
Marie graduated from Nazareth College in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Community Youth Development, and is currently pursuing her master’s in Gender and Cultural Studies at Simmons University. She has eight years of experience working in childcare, most recently having spent the summer as an Assistant Director at 4-H Camp Bristol Hills in upstate New York. In her free time she enjoys reading, thrift shopping, and going to concerts.
Float Teachers and Substitutes
Bana Janeway
Float Teacher
My name is Bana and I have graduated from Boston University with a Psychology Degree. I am currently going back to school to get my Masters in School Counseling. I have had over 10+ years of working with children. This will be my 5th year coming into DEDP! During my spare time I like to spend time with my friends, read, make friendship bracelets, and hang out with my dog, but most of all getting Boba or making homemade boba tea!
Adrienne Keener
Float Teacher
Briana Johnson
Float Teacher
Nana Adwoa
Float Teacher
Thomas Perry
Float Teacher
Thomas is an enthusiastic uncle, proud older brother and son of first-generation migrants from the North Atlantic Islands. He enjoys studying New England Traditional String-band Music and Folk Art, and loves to sing and dance just as much as the next teacher. He has 5+ years experience working in Early Childhood Education and teaching music professionally. He hopes to share his love for Double Dutch (very simple but not easy) and American Fiddle music with his students.