Staff

Icey Olmstead – Support Staff

Hello, I’m Icey! I’m excited to be joining the community here at MC2. I love learning and getting others excited to learn! I’m a huge history and film nerd and talk for hours about either. My biggest goal one day is to write and make historical fiction films and documentaries (and also horror movies) I love going on adventures and exploring new and different places especially ones with cool and unique history behind them. I look forward to learning more from others and also teaching them some cool and interesting things I know and get students to be excited to learn.

Derek Blunt – Advisor, Teacher (Math), International Exchange Director

Hello, I am very excited to be joining the MC² team. I graduated from Keene State College in 2015 where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in mathematics. I had previously completed the Foundations in Education program at the Concord Technology Regional Center. I have long had a passion for education anchored firmly in my beliefs that effective education is paramount to ensure a better global society. In my personal life I enjoy exploring and researching the broad world of mathematics as well as being outdoors whenever I can (hiking, camping, fishing etc..). I am also a big music nerd! Most of my free time is spent listening to music and searching for new artists to listen to and write about. I am always up for a good conversation about music, regardless of genre!

Elizabeth Cardine – Lead Teacher/Advisor/Internship Coordinator

I began my teaching career at the original Monadnock Community Connections (MC2) program from 2003-2010. It was a great fit for me coming out of college with a dual degree in Physics and Studio Art. I am a Keene native married to a Swanzey local and together we have three sons, two of whom decided to attend MC2 Charter School.

After teaching for many years I shifted my focus and took over our school’s internship program. I’m incredibly proud of all the work-based learning opportunities MC2 students enjoy. You may have seen me around town hosting the hilarious “Let it Slide” comedy fundraisers for MC2- if not, you should stop by!

Porschia Mason– Support Staff

I am new to MC2 as a Teachers Aide. I have enjoyed the great welcome I have received from all of you.  My sons grew up here and attended school  in the area. I worked for SAU 29 in Westmoreland. I enjoyed the many hats I wore there with the school. While working in Westmoreland, I became a volunteer Firefighter and an EMT while I worked at the school. I had moved away for my sons, to ensure they went to their colleges of choice, for in-state tuition.

On coming back to Keene, I was able to work once again as a substitute teacher for SAU 29. I found that as much as I enjoyed the younger kids, I found my niche at the high school. My biggest goal is to buy a kayak, for the summer months and cross country skis for the winter ones. I have done both over the years in the MidWest, and Northeast. I am looking forward to being a supportive aide and positive person for the students and all of you at MC2. 

Sarah Stout – Advisor and Teacher (English)

I grew up in Fitzwilliam on a dairy farm where I was able to explore my love for animals and stewardship over them. As a 4-H member for 12 years, I was able to cultivate skills in perseverance, character, and ownership. A passion of mine is teaching young people to find their passions and pursue them wholeheartedly. 

I received my teaching credentials at New England College in Henniker, NH. My degree is in Comparative Literature with a concentration in Secondary Education. Recently, I have earned a 200-hour yoga certification, as well as I have SEL (social emotional learning) certified. 

Chris O’Reilly – Executive Director/School Leader

I completed my undergraduate work at Keene State College and attended both Antioch University and Plymouth State University where I earned my graduate and post-graduate degrees.

In my former professional life, I was a small business owner, worked in the residential and commercial construction trades, and was a technician in the recreational motorsports industry. I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, kayaking, and cycling whenever I get the chance.

I look forward to continuing to serve the students and families in our community with an opportunity to engage in a student-centered learning environment that fits their individual needs.

Eric Snare – Support Staff

I have been involved with theatre since early childhood, and with improvisational theatre since joining ActingOut in 2000. With a BA in Improvisational Arts from Keene State College, I have taught both beginning and advanced improv skills for MoCo Arts’ Creative Arts at Keene Summer Camp and as a Staff Member. I have also served as an Americorps Volunteer. I have seen theatre transform both the students I teach and the communities I live in, time and again. It is this capacity for spurring positive change and growth that ultimately brings me to both the classroom and the stage, and that fuels my passion for teaching.

Jerry Kuhn – Maker Space Steward (Tech Ed)

Hi, I’ve been involved with MC² since its inception back in the ‘90’s when Alanis Morissette was still Ironic. I studied industrial arts, anthropology, and some music at RIC, and I got a Master’s degree at Dartmouth studying the alphabet. I spent 43 years at MRMHS as a Tech Ed teacher, and my wife, Bernadette, and I raised our five kids less than a mile from the current campus, one of whom works here now (can you guess?). When it came time to retire, I slid into a great gig where I get to work in a flexible environment while introducing the kids to some amazing new toys to get creative with. My interests would take up too much time to list here although most of them are related to making and communications. My favorite MC² habit is Creativity and Wonder.

Angeli Santiago – Support Staff

Hello! My name is Angeli Santiago, I am 23 years old, a mom to an amazing 8 month old baby boy and a dog mommy to a beautiful doggy. I am new to New Hampshire but loving it here. My hobby’s include drawing, and spending time with my family. I am currently enrolled at SNHU majoring in child psychology. I am excited to help your children grow and learn to be the best versions of themselves and to guide a pathway for success! 

Vickie Nason – Administrative Assistant

I am very happy to be part of this wonderful community.  I actually applied for this job on a whim, never expecting to ever work at a high school. I will have to say that this is the most interesting, fun and rewarding job I have ever had beside being a mom.  

I love how diverse this community is.  These kiddos are so interesting, unique and amazing!  I can’t wait to see where they will go and what they will do. They are destined for greatness.  I’m sure of it!  

I grew up and went to school in the area and have never left.  In my free time I like knitting, crocheting, cooking, reading, fishing, kayaking, learning how to garden, baking and hanging out with my husband, my 4 grown kids and my dog, Mookie.  I also enjoy a good pun or dad joke!

Charlotte Rogers – Advisor and Teacher (Math)

I grew up in Andover, MA, and went to high school at Worcester Academy. I have a Bachelor’s degree in math and a Master’s degree in special education. I received both degrees from Drew University. I have spent the last three years teaching in New Jersey and Philadelphia, PA. I am a firm believer in trauma-informed care and meeting students where they are. My parents valued hard work and education and they passed those values on to me. I have always wanted to be a math teacher and I am excited to make that a reality at MC² . I love art, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, and cats.

Jonathan Northrop – Advisor and Teacher (Humanities)

I started out at MC² as a parent and joined the staff as a teacher and advisor. I am a father of two daughters and have a background in both mental health counseling, with an MA in psychology, and Waldorf education, teaching at Waldorf high schools for fifteen years. 

I’m passionate about writing and reading, especially science fiction and fantasy. I have eclectic and diverse tastes, enjoying music, art, nature, sports, philosophy, and learning about the intricacies of human culture and history in general. My superpower is that I can find just about anything interesting. Oh, I’m also very enthusiastic about fountain pens and ink. 

I’m very happy to be a part of the MC² staff and enjoy the interesting and diverse student population and am honored to be part of their learning and development. 

Brenna Gallagher – Administrative Assistant

Hello!  I grew up in the Monadnock Region and as much as I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places, this community truly feels like home. I’m excited to be part of the Making Community Connections team where I know I will enjoy supporting students, families, and staff each day. Before joining MC2, I worked as an EMT, Emergency Department Technician, and still as a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor, all roles which have helped shape my calm, compassionate, and flexible approach to supporting others. After welcoming my son in September 2024, I felt drawn to the meaningful and community‑centered work found in education. Outside of school, I love baking – especially tending to my sourdough starter, affectionately known as “Ronald Yeastly”, spending time outdoors with my family during the sunshine months and enjoying music festivals and concerts while supporting the local music scene.