darling@r10tech.org

Jason Darling is the dedicated Pre-Apprenticeship and Technical English instructor at Region 10 Technical High School.  Jason holds dual roles, teaching both the Pre-Apprenticeship program and Technical English, where he integrates real-world skills into the curriculum. Jason’s background includes coaching football at Morse High School, demonstrating his commitment to mentorship and student development both in and out of the classroom. He had the opportunity to be a guest flyer with the Blue Angels, which highlights his adventurous spirit and dedication to providing diverse experiences for his students. In the Pre-Apprenticeship program, Jason ensures that students gain valuable on-the-job experience, while also attending academic classes to bolster their theoretical knowledge. His approach is hands-on and engaging, preparing students to transition smoothly into the workforce. His technical English classes focus on essential skills such as professional writing, career exploration, financial literacy, and Accuplacer preparation, ensuring that students are well-equipped for both college and career paths.

mockler@r10tech.org

Christopher Mockler, originally from Orrington and now residing in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, holds a degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Political Science from the University of Maine, Orono, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Orleans. With experience spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels across mainstream, behavioral, and special education programs, Chris most recently worked at Freeport Middle and High Schools in Behavioral and Life Skills programs. Passionate about supporting student success, Chris is excited to join Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) at Region 10 Technical High School, a program dedicated to helping students develop career skills and secure job opportunities. In his personal life, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors—sailing, boating, swimming, and snowboarding—and playing sports like football and basketball. A musician at heart, he plays both guitar and piano. He cherishes time with his wife, Kathy, their daughter Eve, their son Christian, and their American Bobtail cat, Milo, and looks forward to fostering strong connections with both students and instructors.

mccloy@r10tech.org

Gretchen McCloy is the Aspire ELO Coordinator at Region 10 Technical High School, helping students explore careers through meaningful, real-world Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs). She brings extensive experience in ELO programming and workforce development from her previous role as Director of Community Partnerships for South Portland Schools. A former middle school counselor, Gretchen is passionate about helping young people begin exploring careers and discovering opportunities that connect their interests with their futures.  Gretchen holds a B.A. in Psychology from Boston College and an M.A. in Counseling from Lesley University. A natural bridge builder, she enjoys developing partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organizations and was a founding member of the Maine C3 Community Coordinators Collaborative. Her work reflects the Aspire program’s mission of “Cultivating the Workforce of Tomorrow ~ Together.”  Outside of Region 10, Gretchen enjoys camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, skiing, traveling, and other outdoor adventures with her family. She is also an adult Scout leader and can often be found running the trails with her rescue pup, Lilly.

blake@r10tech.org

Meg Blake is the dedicated Early Childhood Education instructor at Region 10 Technical High School. With 25 years of experience as a preschool teacher, Meg holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Education. She is passionate about the value of early childhood education, emphasizing how crucial these formative years are for children’s development. Meg’s teaching philosophy revolves around hands-on learning and fostering a nurturing environment. Her program allows students to gain practical experience by working three days a week in the Community Preschool program, which serves children aged 3-5 from the surrounding community. This program follows the Maine Learning and Developmental Standards and helps students understand the importance of play in early childhood learning. In addition to her teaching, Meg enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in outdoor activities such as gardening and hiking. She often brings her love of nature into the classroom to create a rich, engaging learning experience for her students.

wade.boudreau@r10tech.org

Wade Boudreau is the Building Trades instructor at Region 10 Technical High School. He has a lifelong passion for building, which started in childhood with his twin brother, Ward. Together, they progressed from constructing blanket forts to tree forts, and eventually to fine woodworking, including barns, houses, furniture, cabinetry, and even boats. One notable project was a stool design that caught the attention of Andrew Wyeth’s nephew, who ordered 60 of them as holiday gifts. Wade graduated from the University of Southern Maine, where he honed his skills and knowledge in construction and woodworking. He enjoys sharing his extensive experience and love for building with his students. Wade focuses on practical, hands-on learning, both in the shop and on community job sites. His dedication to teaching goes beyond the classroom, as he is also an avid outdoorsman who loves marathon running and fishing with his brother. Wade’s enthusiasm and energy are infectious, inspiring students to embrace the art and science of building.

palmer@r10tech.org

Jean Palmer-Smith is the Creative Digital Media instructor at Region 10 Technical High School and was named Maine CTE Teacher of the Year for 2022/23. She grew up in Maine and holds a degree in English Literature from St. Lawrence University and the University of Stirling in Scotland. Jean also earned a second degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale and a master’s degree in Strategic Communications specializing in New Media. With over 20 years of experience as a Graphic and Web Designer, Jean brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her teaching. She has previously taught in both public schools and at Palm Beach State University where she was recognized with the “I Make A Difference Teacher of Excellence” award. During her time in Boca Raton, Jean created a travel club that took over 250 students and parents to 46 countries, enriching their educational experience with global exposure. Additionally, Jean leads the school’s marketing, overseeing the creation of the website, digital flip books, social media content, and school videos, demonstrating her multifaceted expertise and commitment to the school community.

keleher@r10tech.org

Michelle Keleher is the school nurse at Region 10 Technical High School, bringing a unique combination of experience in both education and healthcare to her role. A graduate of Mt. Ararat High School, Michelle began her career in education, working as a teacher in special education and literacy. She earned a Master of Science in Education before pursuing a career in nursing, giving her a strong understanding of both the educational and health needs of students. Michelle later graduated from the Maine College of Health Professions with an Associate Degree in Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. Her nursing experience includes working in maternity care, a physician’s office, home health, and as a nurse manager in a nursing home. This varied background has allowed her to work with individuals and families across many different ages, needs, and stages of life. Outside of school, Michelle is a beekeeper and enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, and being outdoors. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children.

mfield@r10tech.org

Marianne Field, a native of Topsham and Mt. Ararat High School graduate, has been an invaluable asset to Region 10 Technical High School. After earning her nursing degree from Pensacola Christian College, Marianne began her career on the Medical-Surgical floor at Regional Hospital (now Mid-Coast Hospital) in Brunswick. Her extensive experience includes serving as a volunteer camp nurse at Camp Good News and providing compassionate care on the long-term care floor at the Senior Health Center in Brunswick.  At Region 10, Marianne plays a crucial role in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, where she mentors students and supports them as they complete their clinical hours at the Senior Health Center. Her guidance and dedication are instrumental in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals, making her an invaluable part of our school community. Outside of her professional commitments, Marianne enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, and baking, reflecting her love for both quiet moments and the natural world.

chase@r10tech.org

Rachel Eramo is the dedicated EMT instructor at Region 10 Technical High School, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for emergency services to her role. A 2018 Brunswick High School and Region 10 graduate, Rachel excelled academically and was named Student of the Year. She earned her AAS in Fire Science in 2020 and her AAS in Paramedicine in 2022 from SMCC. Rachel holds an EMS I/C teaching license and is a Nationally Registered Paramedic. She has been with Bowdoinham Fire/Rescue since 2017 and was promoted to EMS Chief in 2023. Rachel also gained valuable experience with Topsham Fire/Rescue through SMCC’s Live-In program. Her career includes working as a CNA at Horizons Senior Living and Rehab and various roles at SMCC’s EMS department. A dedicated volunteer, Rachel was recognized by the Girl Scouts of Maine with the 2019 Volunteer of Excellence award. She is committed to providing hands-on, real-world training to her students, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in emergency services.

higgins@r10tech.org

Cory Higgins is the Welding instructor at Region 10 Technical High School. He brings extensive industry experience and practical knowledge to his students. Before joining Region 10, Cory graduated from Region 10 Welding program, Washington County Community College and BIW’s welding program. He worked at both BIW and R.A. Webber and Son. Cory is committed to ensuring students graduate with certifications sought after by employers, such as the American Welding Society (AWS) Welding Certification.  Thus, the Metal Fabrication & Welding program at Region 10 offers students a comprehensive education in various welding techniques, including Oxyacetylene Cutting, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Pulse MIG, Flux-core Welding, and Arc Gouging and Cutting. His curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue successful careers as welders, metal fabricators, welding inspectors, and more. Cory’s dedication to his students and passion for the welding trade make him an invaluable asset to Region 10 Technical High School.

despres@r10tech.org

Drawing on over 25 years of IT and professional services experience, Scott Despres is dedicated to preparing Region 10 students for success in the growing field of cybersecurity. His career includes leadership as Director of Professional Services at Logically, where he guided engineers in delivering secure IT solutions nationwide, as well as extensive work as a Professional Services Engineer, Network Engineer, and IT Consultant focused on network infrastructure, systems integration, and security. Scott began teaching at Somerset Career & Technical Center, where he helped students prepare for certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, and Cisco CCENT, and he continues to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maine and certifications including CompTIA A+, Network+, and MOD-TAP Copper/Fiber Cabling, along with previous Cisco, Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard credentials. Dedicated to mentoring, Scott creates an engaging learning environment where students gain the technical expertise, confidence, and problem-solving skills needed for success in cybersecurity and beyond.

harris@r10tech.org

Cynthia Harris brings decades of experience in engineering and architectural design education to her role as the Engineering & Architectural Design Instructor. She was named Teacher of the Year by the Maine Composite Alliance in 2014 and holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in STEM from California University of Pennsylvania. A certified Autodesk Instructor, she has also been featured in an Autodesk white paper on program collaboration. Cynthia’s diverse credentials include training in technical boat design from the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology and ongoing studies in landscape design through the New York Institute of Art & Design. Over the years, she has taught high school, adult education, community college, and industry training courses in CAD, 3D modeling, and technical design. Outside of the classroom, Cynthia enjoys flower gardening, quilting, cross-stitching, weaving, stained glass, and creating items in her laser engraving shop. She shares her home with her two dogs, Addie Mae and Sierra.

ward.boudreau@r10tech.org

Ward Boudreau is the Foundations of Technology instructor at Region 10 Technical High School. He graduated from the University of Southern Maine and has diverse interests, including motorcycle building, painting, and running marathons with his twin brother, Wade, who also works at Region 10. Ward’s passion for woodworking is evident in the numerous projects he has completed with his brother, ranging from fine furniture to cabinetry. His dedication to teaching is inspired by the many great role models and teachers he had, who not only taught him technical skills but also life lessons. Ward aims to provide the same comprehensive and inspiring education to his students, encouraging them to explore their potential and develop a wide range of skills. He emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience. Ward’s approach to education is holistic, focusing not just on technical skills but also on personal development. He believes in fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can thrive. His enthusiasm for teaching and his extensive background in various trades make him an invaluable asset to Region 10 Technical High School.

sheehan@r10tech.org

Kyle Sheehan is the Electrical Technology instructor at Region 10 Technical High School, bringing a wealth of expertise and a strong educational background to his role. A graduate of Lisbon High School, Kyle furthered his education at Lewiston Regional Technical Center, where he completed the Electricity Program. He then specialized in Residential and Commercial Electricity at Washington County Community College. With an impressive career in the electrical field, Kyle has held positions as an Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Electrician with L&B Electrical Co. He also served as an Electrical Inspector for the City of Lewiston, ensuring safety and compliance in electrical installations. Currently, he is the owner and Master Electrician at Sheehan Electric LLC, where he continues to demonstrate his expertise and commitment to excellence in the electrical industry.  At Region 10 Technical High School, Kyle brings his extensive real-world experience to the classroom, providing students with hands-on learning and practical knowledge essential for success in the electrical field.

gargiulo@r10tech.org

Gabe Gargiulo is the Automotive Technology instructor at Region 10 Technical High School. Gabe’s fascination with mechanics began at a young age, taking apart his mother’s egg timer to understand how it worked. This early curiosity led him to pursue a degree in automotive technology at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), where he graduated with honors, Phi Theta Kappa, and won gold medals at SkillsUSA competitions. Gabe’s professional journey includes becoming an ASE master technician and working in the performance industry with Hennessey Performance, where he trained on record-breaking cars. His career then brought him back to Maine to start a family, and he became a Chrysler master technician. Gabe discovered his passion for teaching while working with work-study students at Chrysler, which eventually led him back to Region 10, where his automotive interests first began. In his free time, Gabe enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, camping, and fishing. He even builds custom fishing rods, showcasing his continuous passion for hands-on projects.

dean@r10tech.org

Chef Tim Dean combines his passion for cooking with his love for teaching. When he is not working with students, Chef Tim runs a successful catering business in downtown Portland called Timothy’s Finest. His extensive culinary experience includes serving as a personal chef for the actress Glenn Close, showcasing his ability to create exquisite dishes for high-profile clients. Chef Tim’s dedication to culinary arts extends beyond the kitchen. He is also a personal trainer, helping people achieve their health goals through balanced diet and exercise.  In his Culinary Arts program at Region 10, Chef Tim emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to gain practical skills in a professional kitchen setting. The program covers all aspects of culinary arts, from sanitation and hygiene to menu planning and event management. Students also have opportunities to participate in competitions, such as SkillsUSA, which helps them develop their skills and gain recognition in the industry. Chef Tim is committed to nurturing the next generation of chefs, instilling in them the same passion for cooking that has driven his own successful career.

sheppard@r10tech.org

Joe Sheppard is the Social Studies instructor at Region 10 Technical High School. A native of northern Maine, Joe earned his degree in History from Skidmore College in upstate New York. Before transitioning to education, he worked in the legal field, where he developed a keen understanding of the importance of history and civics. Joe’s love for travel and adventure plays a significant role in his teaching. Whether skiing, cycling, or hiking in Acadia National Park, he brings a sense of exploration and curiosity to the classroom. He encourages his students to see history, geography, economics, and civics not just as academic subjects, but as keys to understanding the world around them and their place in it. When he’s not teaching, Joe enjoys playing guitar, cooking, and spending time with his family. His passion for history and his adventurous spirit create a dynamic learning environment that inspires his students to engage with social studies in meaningful ways.

novak@r10tech.org

Jonathan Novak is the Outdoor Power Equipment instructor at Region 10 Technical High School and a proud graduate of the very program he now teaches. While attending Region 10, Jonathan studied Outdoor Power Equipment and Pre-Apprenticeship, experiences that helped launch his career in the trades. He began working at Chad Little Outdoor Power Equipment, gaining hands-on experience with equipment setup, diagnostics, repair, and maintenance. His career later expanded into the marine industry at Casco Bay Yacht and shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works, where he worked as a shipfitter specializing in fabrication, welding, blueprint interpretation, and precision fitting. Most recently, Jonathan served as a Senior Service Advisor at Mountainside Powersports, working with snowmobiles, ATVs, side-by-sides, motorcycles, and marine equipment. Returning to Region 10 brings Jonathan’s career full circle. He is excited to share his technical knowledge and real-world industry experience with students while helping them develop the skills, work ethic, and confidence needed for successful careers in the trades. Outside of the classroom, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and values his strong connection to the local community.

mgiroux@r10tech.org

Mary Giroux is the General Trades instructor at Region 10 Technical High School. With many years of experience in education, Mary brings a wealth of practical knowledge and a hands-on approach to her teaching. She graduated from the automotive program at Region 10 in 1992 and then from the Ford Asset Program at Central Maine Community College in 1994.  Mary has a diverse background, having owned, operated, and maintained rental properties for the past thirty years. Her extensive experience in various trades makes her a perfect fit for the General Trades program, where students learn carpentry skills, auto detailing, landscaping, home improvement, cooking, and retail skills. In her free time, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, buying estate jewelry, hiking, carpentry, reading, visiting the ocean, and sitting by a campfire. Her passion for fixing, making, and building things translates into a rich, engaging learning experience for her students.

boccanfuso@r10tech.org

sboccanfuso@r10tech.org

Suzanne Boccanfuso brings a diverse background in education, coaching, safety, and emergency services to Region 10 Technical High School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education from the University of Maine and has spent much of her career teaching, mentoring, and helping others build confidence through hands-on learning. Suzanne worked as a Lifeguard Instructor and Aquatics Specialist at the Bath Area Family YMCA, where she provided safety-focused instruction emphasizing technique, discipline, skill development, and emergency preparedness. Previously, she spent nearly seven years as Head Swim Coach at the YMCA of Southern Maine, developing training programs, mentoring coaches, and creating a supportive team environment. Earlier in her career, Suzanne worked with students in the Anchorage School District, supporting individualized learning needs and encouraging problem-solving and collaboration. Suzanne also spent eight years as an EMT and MEDEVAC Dispatcher at Alaska Regional Hospital, coordinating emergency responses in a demanding, fast-paced environment. Across these varied roles, she has developed a teaching approach grounded in safety, accountability, practical learning, and helping students gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

tuite@r10tech.org

Leah Tuite is an Educational Technician at Region 10 Technical High School, bringing a diverse background in education and student support to her role. Her experience spans a wide range of learning environments and age groups, from supporting middle school students in special education and general education classrooms to teaching writing courses at the university level. She has also worked with graduate students completing thesis and capstone projects at a global online university, giving her experience supporting learners with very different needs, abilities, and educational goals. At Region 10, Leah draws on this varied background when working with students, providing support, encouragement, and guidance as they navigate both academic and technical learning. Her broad educational experience helps her connect with students and meet them where they are as learners. Outside of school, Leah enjoys kayaking, boating, and exploring the farther reaches of Maine with her family when they are “uptah camp.” At home, she stays busy with her husband, three children, and a menagerie of pets. She also volunteers at her local humane society and makes time for at least one challenging crossword puzzle every day.