Mrs.
Tammy
Gagnon
Meet The Teachers
Dr. Joann Spain
School Administrator
I have over 20 years of education experience, both in the classroom and in administration. I have a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education, B.A. in Education, Minor Biblical Studies & Cross-Cultural Communications, & M.A. in Christian School Education. My husband is the lead Pastor of Crossroads Church. I am originally from south of Miami and I love shoes!
Mrs. Leanne Parent
Assistant Principal
I live in Pelham with my husband, Dave, and two sons, Brendan and Joshua. We also have two dogs, Bayley and Kota. I worked at Crossroads Kindergarten and Preschool for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and then as Center Director. I am a graduate of Pelham High School. I have taken many courses in early childhood education and have my CDA in Preschool. In my free time, I love to hang out with my family, watch my children play hockey, read, and sit by the pond in the summer.
Mrs. Carley Fowler
K3
I originally taught art and library when the school first opened, but now I am teaching 3s (and love it!) I serve at my church, Crossroads Church, in the nursery and as a greeter. I love Jesus, drinking coffee, singing off-key, and running. At the moment, I am taking classes at Manchester Community College for Early Childhood Education. I’m married to my wonderful husband, Brian and we have three children. We also have a fluffy dog named Amy.
Miss Ashleigh Bunker
K3
I have worked with children of all ages for many years through teaching, serving at church, and summer programs. I love being a part of children discovering their excitement for learning. I’m currently working on my early childhood education degree through Arizona State online. I serve at my church, West Church in Haverhill, MA on the praise and worship team. I love Jesus, cooking, and spending time with my family. I enjoy a good book and spending as many sunny days as I can on the water!
Mrs. Mary Lacaillade
K4
I began working here at Crossroads in September of 2017 and have been working in the early childhood education field since 2001 in both teaching and administrative roles. I love being a teacher and I love working with four-year-olds! They are so inquisitive and excited about learning. It is amazing to see how much they progress over the school year and how much they are capable of. One of my favorite parts of teaching is sharing my love of books and reading with the kids. As Dr. Seuss said “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” I am also a big fan of classroom dance parties. I am a big believer that school and learning should be fun! I am married and have two children of my own named Adam and Sara. We also have 2 cats and some fish for pets. In my free time, I love reading and watching movies with my family.
Mrs. Andrea Lincoln
K4
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Mrs. Robin Smeltzer
K5
I have my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and am Massachusetts certified to teach Kindergarten through third grade. I have been teaching since 1993, mostly in Pre-K and Kindergarten and I was the Education Coordinator at a large childcare center in Chelmsford for 10 years. I attend Granite United church and I have been a part of their Children's Ministry for the past 14 years. I have been married for 26 years to a wonderful man and I have 2 lovely daughters. I am passionate about God, my family, the beach/summer, and teaching little people! Singing worship songs, sharing stories and lessons from the Bible, and providing quality care and education through fun and engaging lessons/activities are also what I am passionate about! I want my students to feel welcomed and loved!
Mrs. Patty Jeffreys
K5
I have been teaching in early childhood education since 2008 as a preschool teacher, resource teacher, and teacher’s aide. I live in Salem, NH with my husband and son. We currently attend Centerpoint Community Church. As a family, we love to travel to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. In my spare time, I like cooking, gardening, and reading. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Mrs. Sara Dancer
1st Grade
I graduated from Ohio State University in 1991 with a BS in Environmental Education. My husband and I moved here from New Jersey in July 2021, yet we have lived all over the United States. My husband and I worked in youth ministry for over 16 years and I have worked in children's ministry for over 20 years. I have started children's ministries in three churches where I was the sole children's church teacher. I have worked in children's choir and have taught Sunday School for children, youth, and adults. I love Jesus, writing skits, and eating chocolate and pizza.
Mrs. Kristin Torrisi
1st Grade
I have always had a passion for working with kids! I live in Londonderry with my husband and our two children. I attend Crossroads where I serve and help lead the Nursery Ministry. I studied at Southern New Hampshire University where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies with a concentration in Accounting as well as my Master’s Degree in Education Studies. Outside of school and church, I enjoy camping, doing crafts, and coaching gymnastics.
Mrs. Angel Jones
2nd Grade
I have a degree in Medical assisting from International Business College and am in the midst of my Christian Education degree from Louisiana Baptist University. I have my paraprofessional certificate and have held a CDA. I have taught grades K4 through fifth grade and have been teaching since 2006. I am a member of Crossroads Church where we are involved with the children’s ministry and student services. I am married to my husband Kevin and we have three children. I was raised in Indiana and have been blessed to relocate to New Hampshire. My hobbies are reading and playing board games with my family.
Mrs. Aime Pope
2nd Grade
My passion for working with children has led me down a variety of paths in the field of education beginning with a degree in both secondary and elementary education and English from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. My professional resume includes teaching positions at The Beverly School for the Deaf, Beverly High School, and Riverfield Country Day School. In 2009, I paused my professional career outside the home and opened "Mrs.Pope's Preschool", a licensed preschool I was able to run from home while my kids were little. My husband Alex and I and our 3 sons, Eddie, Henry, and Owen made the move to Pelham, NH in 2021 and we absolutely love it here! Aside from teaching, I love hiking, knitting, fitness, decorating cookies, and loads of other artsy hobbies! At Crossroads Church, I can sometimes be found pouring coffee and serving muffins in the cafe on Sunday mornings!
Mrs. Laurie Lavoie
3rd Grade
have a Bachelor's degree from Boston Baptist College and a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University. My experience working in special education for East Bridgewater Public Schools and teaching Enrichment for Lawrence Public Schools has given me a passion to reach and inspire all types of learners. I serve as Children's Program Director at The Well Community Church (Halifax, MA), where my husband is the lead pastor. I love Jesus, coffee, Disney, and hanging out with my husband Jeff and beautiful children, Emma and Wesley.
Mrs. Becky Altieri
4th Grade
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree at Ferris State University in Michigan, which is where I grew up. I have a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Counseling and I am an ACBC-certified Biblical counselor. I’ve been involved in student ministry for about 15 years, and I really enjoy working with young people. I’m grateful for the opportunities that both teaching and counseling give me to share the love of Christ. I have a wonderful husband, 2 grown daughters, 3 dogs, and a cat. I love being outdoors, riding my motorcycle, hiking, and camping. I also love opportunities to be creative, and oil painting is one of my favorite hobbies.
Mrs. Tammy Gagnon
4th Grade
My family and I are members of Crossroads Church where my husband of 26 years and I serve as greeters, and I lead a woman’s life group. We have lived in Pelham for all those years and have 4 grown children. I have served in children’s ministry throughout the years and as a Character Coach at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes summer camps in Kutztown, PA. I have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell and I enjoy spending time with family, camping, hiking, and most recently, quilting!
Mrs. Alyssa Dauer
5th Grade
This is my fourth year teaching fifth grade at CCS. Previously, I taught fifth grade in public school, and prior to that, I was an Assistant Speech Therapist in a school for children with Autism. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College and my Master’s degree in Special Education from Eastern Nazarene University. I also have a Speech-Language Assistants License and an Orton Gillingham dyslexia reading certification. My husband and I have two children. We are members of Crossroads Church where I serve in the nursery. I love crafting, shopping, and Disney.
Mrs. Krystal Cameron
5th Grade & Resource
I will be offering 1:1 educational, social, and emotional support services to elementary school students. I will also be teaching 5th grade math and science. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Policy Studies from Syracuse University and my Master's in Social Work from Salem State College. I have worked in outpatient counseling, residential treatment, and various school settings during my career.
My husband and I are active members at Londonderry Baptist Church, where my husband is a Deacon and I am the Missions Co-Chair and co-lead our Mini-Missionaries youth group. Youth leadership has been a passion that God has placed on my heart, along with being a mom and a wife. Our children, Emma, Troy, and Gavin, also attend Crossroads and have a genuine love of Jesus.
Mrs. Jessica Mullen
Middle School Science & History
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Mrs. Dianne Clark
Middle School Bible, Language Arts, Science
I am a teacher in the Middle School grades for Language Arts, Bible, and Science. I have been teaching in faith-based elementary education for 35 years. I love being able to share the love of Christ with students and educate them, academically, as well. When I am not involved in my classroom duties, I love to watch backyard birds and walk outside. I am an amateur garden/nature photographer. My photos often find their way to the face of my handmade "greeting" cards.
Mrs. Cindy Bennett
Middle & High School Math
My area of study is Math education. I have taught all levels of math. I have 13 children of my own, and only 3 still at home. We have enjoyed many different styles of Education. We are excited to serve and be a part of the Crossroads Christian School ministry. I love to watch kids’ soccer games and we love to ski as a family in the winter. Some of my favorite hobbies are knitting, making homemade bread, and teaching online.
Mrs. Becky Scanzani
Middle & High School Guidance, Science
I love the opportunity of getting to know all the students and helping them to succeed! I attended Liberty University where I obtained a Bachelors's in Religion, a Bachelors's in Psychology, and a Master's in Counseling. I live in Hudson with my husband and our two daughters, Everly and Sadie. I attend Crossroads Church where I serve in the Student Ministry and help lead the Nursery Ministry. I enjoy taking walks, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Riley Spain
High School English & History
I am married to Tim Spain and we have two redheaded children named Paxton and Auden. I currently attend Crossroads where I volunteer with the youth group at our Orange campus and volunteer in the children’s program at the Pelham location. I graduated with my intercultural studies degree from Baptist Bible College. Outside of school and church, I really enjoy reading, shopping, and playing soccer!
Mr. Tim Spain
High School Bible
I have my undergraduate degree from Baptist Bible College in Pastoral Studies. I am also the Student Pastor for the Crossroads Orange Campus. I have a beautiful wife, a chill son, and a sweet baby girl. I enjoy soccer, filmmaking, and surfing.
Miss Desiree Spain
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Ms. Diane Wright
Communications
Knowing every student learns and communicates at their own level, I strive to create an environment that will be both fun and challenging, helping students meet their fullest potential! My background consists of teaching public speaking and interviewing skills in a competitive environment through verbal, non-verbal, and psychological aspects. I also taught English at an international school in Mexico, progressing students to fluent communication. I love spending time with my children, Desiree and Nicholas, and my dog Mariner. I enjoy cooking, entertaining, and being athletically active. I believe my richness is from my faith, family, and friends.