Staff Bios | Grades 2-7

Staff Bios | Grades 2-7

EXPLO Online : 2-7 Faculty

David, Head of Programs (He/him/his)

David Torcoletti is the Head of EXPLO Online (2-7). David began his career almost forty years ago as a teacher at Northfield Mount Hermon School (NMH). David went on to become a dorm head, Dean of Students, and finally School Dean at NMH. David then moved east to Milton Academy, where he was the Dean of Students and taught photography. Nineteen years ago, David began running EXPLO Boston (or, back then, St. Mark’s). When not working, David enjoys taking care of his dog Rosie and is a passionate photographer, holding BFA and MFA degrees in Photography from Ohio University and Bard College.

Kristi , Director of Curriculum (She/her/hers)

Kristi brings almost two decades' worth of educational experience to EXPLO Online, including 14 summers on-campus working with EXPLO students in grades 2-7. Since beginning her own "school" for neighborhood toddlers in the basement of her family home at the age of 8 years old, Kristi has aspired to find innovative and entertaining ways for kids to have fun and learn something new. With her M.Ed from Harvard University and previous experience as a Montessori teacher and non-profit director, she loves nothing more than combining engaging activities, efficient systems, and meaningful human interactions. When she's not living vicariously through her students, you can probably find Kristi training for her next triathlon.

Elisabeth, Director of Teaching + Learning (She/her/hers)

Elisabeth is in her 4th year of working for EXPLO, after beginning in the Office of Student Life as a Residential Director, and now working full-time for our Junior and Intermediate programs, where she develops curriculum and programming and considers how to most effectively integrate technology into dynamic and joyful learning experiences. Her favorite part of EXPLO is watching the many "lightbulb moments" that occur, where students suddenly become more aware of their thinking processes, unique ideas, and possibilities for self-expression. Elisabeth holds a BA from St. Olaf College; in her free time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, aerial silks and acrobatics, making music, spending time in nature, and trying new things.

Maddie , Director of Student Programming (She/her/hers)

Maddie began working with EXPLO in the summer of 2015 as an Instructor, leading spy missions, dinosaur excavations, theatrical productions, and more. Her enthusiasm for building community led her to the Office of Student Programming, where she plans moments of wonder and opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones. Maddie graduated with a BA from St. Olaf College; outside of work, she performs in community theater productions, trains for triathlons, and competes in an archery dodgeball league.

Laura , Registrar (She/her/hers)

Laura is thrilled to join the EXPLO Online team in what will be her fourth EXPLO summer. In previous EXPLO summers, she was an Advisor, taught Hovercraft Physics and Chem Lab, and was the Assistant Main Office Director. Before joining the year-round EXPLO team as an Admission Officer, Laura taught English in Malaysia. When she's not at EXPLO, Laura likes hanging out with her dog Boots, named for his all white paws.

Caitlin , Instructor (She/her/hers)

Caitlin has worked with EXPLO extensively, both in summer roles with the offices of Teaching + Learning and Student Life and in EXPLO's year-round Admission Office. She is currently a middle school art teacher in Hermosa Beach, California and is pursuing a Master's degree in administration. Her favorite ice cream flavor is Ben and Jerry's Milk & Cookies (made in her home state of Vermont)!

Haskel , Instructor (He/him/his)

Haskel has previously worked as a Residence Director for EXPLO Boston but is excited to step into his role as an Instructor this summer! During the school year, he teaches choir and general music to students in a school district right outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prior to teaching, he graduated from the University of Minnesota and even got a chance to live in Germany for a year! Haskel’s hobbies include singing, exploring new places, traveling and adventuring, reading and consuming the news, playing soccer, and cooking. He’s excited to teach and connect with students again in this exciting, new way and is looking forward to meeting all of you!

Leah , Instructor (She/her/hers)

Leah's first fateful introduction to EXPLO was teaching Digital Photography and Swim Lessons. Since then, she has worked year-round in EXPLO’s Admission Office, has spent more summers teaching and advising, and continues to do some writing and curriculum development for EXPLO part-time. Leah got her Masters in Elementary Education and Creative Arts in Learning and has been teaching in the upper elementary grades for the past 4 years. In her life outside of school and EXPLO, she spends most of her time snuggling, running, and chasing squirrels with her one-year old amazing puppy named Megan.

Ivonne , Instructor (She/her/hers)

Ivonne is super excited to continue her summer work with EXPLO, where she will be teaching Business, Cryptography, and Casino Math. During the year, Ivonne teaches math at Brookline High School in Massachusetts. In the summertime you can find her fishing, boating, sailing, or soaking up some sun at the beach! She also loves practicing her French horn and playing all kinds of musical instruments.

Tori , Instructor (She/her/hers)

Tori could not be more excited to be a part of EXPLO as an Instructor again! Tori graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and teaches elementary theatre arts during the school year. Before finding her way into a more traditional classroom, Tori was a horseback riding instructor for 3 years and a kids' gymnastics coach for 5 years. When she is not having fun in the classroom, Tori likes to try new recipes, spend time with her family, and embark on a variety of artistic projects!

Bailey , Instructor (He/him/his)

Bailey is excited to teach again with EXPLO, having taught Sustainable Urban Planning, Lab Science, and Dissection and supervising a community of seventh-grade boys in the past. He is studying Early Childhood Education at SUNY Geneseo and has been teaching and working with kids for years. During his free time, Bailey likes to spend time outside exploring and going on walks with his dogs.

Daaé , Instructor (She/her/hers)

Daaé Ransom is ecstatic to be returning to EXPLO (2-7) for a second year, having previously taught Chemistry & Biology and Emergency Medicine Skills with EXPLO Boston. During the school year, Daaé volunteers at local elementary schools to teach environmental science.Though she has a great passion for health and science, she had previously spent four years teaching music theory for youth choirs. Daaé loves teaching and learning, but when she has free time she likes to do yoga and snuggle with her cat, Vivian.

Dylan , Instructor (He/him/his)

Dylan works year-round with EXPLO's Admission Office and has previously assisted with Boston's English Immersion Program. He's a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, a former Ocean Lifeguard, and the parent of a huge chocolate lab named "Duke." Outside of the classroom, you can find Dylan on the beach, trail, or couch re-watching Star Wars films.

Isaac , Instructor (He/him/his)

Isaac is so excited to be returning to EXPLO! In summers past, he has taught Teambuilding + Leadership Skills, Creativity Challenges, Creative Writing, Canoeing, and Kayaking, and he has also worked as an advisor (go Wind!) and the Pool and Waterfront Director at EXPLO Boston. Outside of EXPLO, Isaac is earning his elementary education license, and has worked in a number of classrooms and after school programs, as well as with transgender youth, an identity he also holds. Isaac's favorite season is summer, he collects weird dice, and he loves to swim in Lake Michigan.

Katrina , Instructor (She/her/hers)

In addition to working year-round in EXPLO’s Admission Office, Katrina has taught Creativity Challenges, Ball Run Engineering, and LittleBits Engineering with EXPLO Boston. She has also volunteered with students at a Children's Museum, and in a business development mentorship program. Katrina loves bugs, and is always trying to learn more about the insects that she encounters on a day-to-day basis.

Kayla , Instructor (She/her/hers)

Kayla has previously taught Candy Cooking and Wilderness Survival courses, along with the Cake Decorating elective, at EXPLO Boston. She is studying Early Childhood/Childhood Education at SUNY Geneseo, where she has dedicated her time studying how to promote learning and development. In her free time, Kayla enjoys traveling, cooking/baking, or enjoying the great outdoors.

Lara , Instructor (She/her/hers)

Lara is thrilled to continue co-teaching the Explorers with Mariah at EXPLO this summer! Lara is originally from Dallas, TX but attends graduate school in New York where she’s receiving her master’s degree in Elementary Education. Along with teaching through Americorps, Lara spent half a year interning at an international kindergarten in Rome, Italy! She loves pasta, yoga, and her kitty Winnie who you’ll definitely see in her background on zoom!

Mariah , Instructor (She/her/hers)

Mariah is so excited to be co-teaching the Explore, Discover, Wonder, and Imagine courses with Lara this summer! Previously, Mariah has taught the Explore and Focus Emergency Medicine courses with EXPLO Boston. She is currently pursuing a degree in elementary education and Spanish teaching. Mariah is from Wisconsin and loves swimming, roller blading, and baking fun desserts.

Nick , Instructor (He/him/his)

Nick is incredibly excited to begin this new EXPLO journey with all of the students and staff members! While at EXPLO, Nick has taught Spying and Surveillance (otherwise known as Buzzy's Laundromat Service), Government Simulation Challenges, the basketball workshop, Secret Service, and assisted in a couple more courses and workshops as well! He loves anything related to basketball and loves to joke around and talk about anything with anyone. During summertime, he loves hanging out with friends near water and around a campfire. He can barely contain his excitement about returning to EXPLO on this platform!