We are the bridge between our schools and the community

Kevin is an attorney with Ament Klauer LLP in Falmouth. He earned his B.A. in political science from University of New Hampshire and his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. He is married to Meghan Klauer and they are parents of three sons and a daughter. Kevin is a past board member of Falmouth Historical Society and Cape Cod Center for Women. Kevin says his favorite teacher was J. Michael Parker, who taught him AP History in his junior year.

Liz is a Producer/Announcer for WCAI, local NPR, Cape Coast and Islands and a producer for community television. Liz earned her B.A. from Stonehill College and her master’s in journalism from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Liz and her husband have two children in Falmouth schools. She is active in the Mullen-Hall Elementary PTO, volunteers for several school programs and events including Arts Alive and the Outdoor Learning committee. She coaches rec soccer. Liz served on the board for Falmouth STEM Boosters, West Falmouth Preschool (recording secretary), and was a juror for the Woods Hole Film Festival.

Chris is a Falmouth native and owner of Chris Mathews Carpentry and Property Maintenance. As both a parent and alumni of Falmouth Public Schools, his mission has always been to give back to the community. Chris has volunteered within the school system for years, reviving and maintaining the high school field hockey and lacrosse fields, providing DJ services at numerous school events, and serving as president of the East Falmouth Elementary School PTO for three consecutive years. Chris received a VIPS Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award in 2017. Chris remains involved in the district by volunteering on school field trips, in the classroom, and at school events.

​Elena works in Personnel Operations and Brand Curation for Lawrence-Lynch Corp., where she is a third-generation member of the family business. Her responsibilities range from recruitment, scheduling, special projects, events, employee appreciation and professional development to social media, marketing and community engagement. Elena grew up in Barnstable but has strong ties to Falmouth: her mother’s family planted roots in East Falmouth a couple of centuries ago, coming from the Cape Verde islands to work as farmers; her father’s family established the asphalt and paving business in Falmouth in the 1970s. Elena graduated from Temple University with a degree in strategic communications. She began volunteering with the VIPS Pathways program in 2022 and fell in love with the kids. She says she has a deep appreciation for the fact that although the program is optional, the kids still show up. She says Elena is passionate about making our community a place where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Elena is also a member of Cape Cod Young Professionals, and serves on the board of Love Live Local, a non-profit dedicated to community and political advocacy on behalf of local businesses to the Cape.

Kristian is Vice President of Longfellow Design Build. He has a B.S. in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. He was born and raised in Falmouth and is married to Stephanie Andrade. He has three daughters who all attend Falmouth Public Schools. Kristian’s favorite teacher was Mr. Kelleher who he had for 8th grade history. He credits Mr. Von Hentschel, his industrial arts teacher at FHS, for motivating and encouraging him, and going ‘above and beyond’ for his students. Kristian received the 2019 Prism Award for Most Valuable Team Member for a builder or remodeler.

Destiny is a 5th grade classroom teacher at Morse Pond, where her aunt (Gina Andrade) taught for many years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UVM. She serves on the district equity committee and is Barre certified. An alum of Falmouth Public Schools, Destiny says her favorite teacher was Mr. Duchemin who taught U.S. History. At college, her favorite classes were in poetry taught by Major Jackson. One of Destiny’s favorite things about Falmouth is the variety of nature it offers year-round. She says that her teachers helped her develop her writing skills and credits their understanding and creativity that “connected her to curriculum in a different and deeper way.” As a teacher, Destiny says “I have seen how much the mentor program supports my students and how much they light up when the VIPS volunteers come in!”

Megan is a private practice attorney in Falmouth. She earned her B.S. from Wellesley College, her Ed.M. from Harvard University, and her J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Prior to practicing law, Megan was an educator, after-school program coordinator, and special needs advocate. Megan worked as a student support counselor in Boston Public Schools, collaborating with Mass General Hospital and Harvard University to promote positive development and implement intervention services for low-income students and their families. Megan is married with a college bound senior and a soon to be first grader. Megan is a member of the Falmouth Select Board and previous member of Falmouth Finance Committee. In addition to VIPS, Megan is a member of the Falmouth Academy Board of Trustees and the Portuguese American Association of Falmouth. Megan’s favorite teacher was Otis Porter who taught 7th grade history at Lawrence School.

Paul is a retired administrator and consultant with over 35 years of experience in the field of education. He has served as a teacher, high school principal and superintendent of schools. Additionally, Paul has presented at multiple state and national conferences and is the past president of the Massachusetts School Administrators Association and the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation and is currently a member of both organizations. He was also named Massachusetts State Principal of the Year. Paul continues to mentor new principals and evaluate schools in New England through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. When Paul and his wife Pat moved to North Falmouth upon retirement, he became involved in volunteer activities in the Falmouth school district with the College Mentoring Program. He also enjoys leading tours as a docent at WHOI both in person and via Zoom. He has two children and two grandchildren who especially enjoy Old Silver Beach.

Terri grew up in Falmouth and after graduating from Lawrence High School, she attended UMass where she received both a B.A. and M.Ed. in French and Education. After college, she moved to Germany and was hired to work for Rosenthal China Company. She enjoyed living in Europe but she missed Falmouth and returned and married her high school sweetheart. Terri went on to teach French and German in Falmouth Public Schools. Upon retirement from the FEA, she taught for ten more years at a local Catholic High School. Terri can’t imagine not being involved with education, so she is currently a member of the Falmouth School Committee. She is also a Town Meeting Member in Falmouth.

Tanielle is an assistant BSA (Bank Secrecy Act) Officer for Martha’s Vineyard Bank. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from Cambridge College. Tanielle is a Certified BSA and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Professional. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Tanielle has a son who attends North Falmouth Elementary School. She was raised in a family of educators, chefs, and business entrepreneurs. Tanielle has always been passionate about sharing her knowledge and giving back through mentorship and teaching. That passion, she says, led her to volunteer with VIPS where she “helps students understand core financial concepts and career readiness.” Her expertise in banking and business contributes to her strong foundation in financial literacy, compliance, and organizational leadership. Tanielle says she has a “deep appreciation for the power of language and public speaking” and loves to use her voice to “confidently engage with diverse audiences, and to connect, inspire and educate others.”

Akku is the owner of Jack in the Beanstalk. He is married to Denisha Patel; they have a daughter Anya, who is at Lawrence School, and an Australian labradoodle named Peanut. Akku has lived in Falmouth since 2003 when he purchased the Main Street 711. He says he fell in love with the town when he first visited in 2002 and enjoys the “tight knit community where a lot of people help each other out.” Akku is a member of the Falmouth Rod & Gun Club where he also serves as security chair, and the Masonic Lodge. Akku received the Retailers Initiative Award from 711. He attended NJCU for computer science and is certified in both MCSE and UNIX admin. His favorite teacher was Mrs. Hennessey at Dickinson High School in Jersey City, NJ.

Amanda is a school adjustment counselor at Lawrence School. She earned her B.S. and her M.S. in social work from Bridgewater State University. She is an assistant coach for Unified Basketball through Special Olympics, the lead coach for Girls Basketball at Lawrence, and the Lawrence School Hope Squad advisor. Amanda is the youngest of five siblings. She is a Falmouth native and is now raising her daughter here. She enjoys traveling with her daughter, as well as spending time with friends and family.