Faculty & Staff
Heather King
Head of School
Heather King has a B.A. in Elementary Education and an M.A. in English and has completed Doctoral level courses in Educational Leadership. Heather is currently the Head of School at Maine Arts Academy, having a passion for the arts. Heather has held several teaching roles that span from elementary grades, high school through college level. Her recent positions include dean of students, high school teacher, team Leader of online faculty at Southern New Hampshire University, English and Liberal Arts adjunct faculty at Southern New Hampshire University and adjunct faculty of English at Allegany College of Maryland and Purdue University. Heather has been an education keynote guest speaker for the state prison system in Pennsylvania, presented at writing workshops throughout the Northeast, and is a published author of Peace of Trash. Heather lives in Central Maine with her husband and her three grown children. She enjoys hiking, reading, writing, attending arts events, and spending time with her family. hking@maineartsacademy.org
Rachel Merrill
Principal
Rachel graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science and an unlimited tonnage United States Coast Guard Third Mate’s License. While in the Merchant Marine, she attained her USCG First Class Pilot’s License for Great Lakes Waters. She has been teaching and working with high school students for twelve years and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Secondary Education. Rachel lives in central Maine with her family. She enjoys renovating, developing, and managing real estate. Nurturing a lifelong love for sports, she also officiates high school soccer and basketball. rmerrill@maineartsacademy.org
Jasen Richardson
Chair of Academics, Department of English, Department of Film Studies
Mr. Richardson received his Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University, where he also minored in film studies and secondary education, his Master of Arts in English from Southern New Hampshire University, and his Master of Humanities in Film Studies from Tiffin University. He is licensed to teach 7-12 English in the state of Maine. He taught 8th grade English and directed the middle school drama department for seven years in Tennessee. He then began his career at Maine Arts Academy in 2018 and is currently teaching English 2, Introduction to Film Studies, Honors Film Genre and Theory, Film Production 1 and 2, and two college English courses (ENG 101 and 102W) through UMA. Mr. Richardson is also the Chair of Academics. He has an enormous love for Maine Arts Academy and is honored to be a part of helping advance the school's culture in a positive direction. Besides teaching, his other passions include his family (especially his sons, his daughter, and his fiancée), his friends, traveling, going to concerts, most music (especially The Grateful Dead and Ween), watching films, reading, and film and video production. jrichardson@maineartsacademy.org
Teresa Albert
Department of Transportation
Teresa comes to us as a new bus driver this year and is very excited to join Maine Arts Academy. During the school year, you may even see her substituting at MeAA. In her downtime, Teresa can be found enjoying the great outdoors. She spends her summers at Duck Puddle Campground in Nobleboro. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, four-wheeling, and just relaxing by the fire, taking in all that nature and the great state of Maine have to offer. She looks forward to seeing where her new adventure at MeAA takes her. talbert@maineartsacademy.org
Russ Cox
Department of Visual Arts
Russ Cox was raised by a pack of crazed hillbillies in the backwoods of Tennessee. Without much in the way of modern conveniences, like television or running water, he spent his time drawing, whittling, and throwing dirt clods at his cousins. With the bulk of his life spent in Pennsylvania, he met his wife; became a graphic designer; played in punk, alternative, and surf bands; had two kids; and started his own illustration studio, Smiling Otis Studio (named after one of their enormous cats). Russ creates his art using digital software, primarily Clip Studio, and other digital tools. He works in traditional mediums, often with a mixture of paper, pencil, pen & ink, gouache, and watercolor. Russ lives in Maine with his wife and three cats. rcox@maineartsacademy.org
Sonja Fraser
Fine Art Curator, Department of Visual Arts
Sonja Fraser has a blended career history in Art and Education and a lifetime as a professional artist. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and went on to manage the art studio for Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Mike Peters. From there, she owned and operated a trophy shop that made the Orange Bowl Trophy and other well-known sculptural awards. She has owned and operated her custom jewelry business (with a soft spot for silver clay and beadwork) for over 25 years. After various art teaching and higher education positions, Mrs. Fraser began the Visual Arts Department at MeAA as Director of Visual Arts. After a recent four-year stay in Arizona as an educator for a large animal rescue, she is returning to Maine and MeAA as the Fine Art Curator. She will facilitate studio courses and curate art shows for fine artists. In her free time, Mrs. Fraser enjoys gallery openings and community events, the outdoors of Maine, family time, creating art, and teaching the Animal Welfare program for Emerald City Pet Rescue. sfraser@maineartsacademy.org
Jason Graves
Department of Science, Department of Mathematics
Jason comes to Maine Arts Academy after spending over 25 years in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, primarily in Seattle, WA. There he worked primarily in the field of laboratory robotics and automation development in support of autoimmune disease research and a number of different cancer therapies. Jason is excited to now apply his years of experience combined with his passion for science and math to helping to educate the students at MeAA. Jason has a BS in Chemistry from Union College in Schenectady, NY and an MS in Chemistry from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. Jason and his wife recently settled in Maine after deciding to return to New England where they are both from (he from VT, she from NH). They are still searching for their "forever home" in the state of Maine along with their dog and two cats. They are also glad to be back close to Boston where they can go and watch the Red Sox and Celtics at home instead of among hordes of rival fans. jgraves@maineartsacademy.org
Amy Lawson
Department of Mathematic
Amy holds a BA from University of Maine, and a Masters of Public Administration from Midwestern State University. Amy is also a proud Maine Arts Mom. Her son graduated from the music program in 2023, and her daughter will be a member of the class of 2028. In addition to her classroom duties, Amy is launching The Art of Cycling summer program at Maine Arts, and oversees the Outdoor Adventure Club. She has spent the last 15 years of her career as a full time fitness coach, and the Owner & Operator of Kennebec Valley Coaching in Augusta. She has coached people of all ages in running, mountain biking, triathlon, and high adventure. Amy is a Registered Maine Guide, and has completed Ironman Lake Placid, The Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race, and will run the 2024 Boston Marathon. She is so happy to help the students at Maine Arts experience the outdoors and enjoy physical movement. alawson@maineartsacademy.org
Diane Manter
Office Manager
Ms. Manter has been with MeAA since Fall 2016. She has years of experience in the municipal and education fields, having worked for the Towns of Hamilton and Wenham, MA, and the Pentucket School District, MA., as well as having experience in banking and construction. She is a graduate of Dean College in Franklin MA with a degree in Business Administration. Diane started with MeAA at the Sidney campus where she had a strong relationship with the campus as her grandfather helped build many of the original practice buildings on the property for the New England Music Camp and her father helped paint the famed Bowl In the Pines amphitheater as a young man. Although raised in Massachusetts, she's spent a great deal of time on the lake and has family living locally, so she said that moving to Sidney and coming to work at MeAA was like coming home. She looks forward to the growth of MeAA that the moved to Augusta will allow. During her time off she enjoys spending time on the lake with her son, extended family, and friends. She is a strong supporter of the Children's Tumor Foundation, NF research and enjoys making belt buckles, riding horses, motorcycles and snowmobiles. dmanter@maineartsacademy.org
Jeff Mills
Department of Transportation
Jeff has had many different jobs over the years, most of them related to driving. He most recently retired from Coca-Cola after nearly 36 years of service, during which time he wore a few different hats, but mainly as a delivery driver. He also transported children to Sunday school and helped with transporting handicapped folks. He is looking forward to his new role as a bus driver for MeAA. Jeff and his wife Karen have two grown children and two grandchildren living in central Maine. When he and his wife aren't attending or helping out at church, they enjoy spending time with family and friends and Rufus, their 9-year-old poodle. jmills@maineartsacademy.org
Hannah Ranco
Department of Dance
hranco@maineartsacademy.org
Tina Spencer
Special Education Director
Although born in Connecticut, Mrs. Spencer was raised in Maine and graduated from Winslow High School. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Mrs. Spencer earned her bachelor's degree from Marywood University, located in Scranton, PA. She majored in elementary and special education; later she received her MS English teaching license. She taught special education in numerous settings, as well as 7th grade Language Arts as a general education teacher. Mrs. Spencer has been married for 34 years and has four grown children and three grandchildren. She enjoys many activities which include sewing, painting, camping, and traveling. tspencer@maineartsacademy.org
Casey Beaudoin
Department of Special Education
Casey lives with her husband, Rich, and dog, Piggy, in Augusta. They have two adult children with whom they love to spend time. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master’s in Education from the University of New England, Casey brings over 14 years of experience as an educator. She began her career as a Montessori teacher to enable her children to attend Damariscotta Montessori school through 8th grade. Additionally, she has spent nearly a decade as a bike mechanic at local bike shops, which helped her to assist with The Art of Biking Program at Maine Arts Academy this past summer and assisting with the mountain bike club and team. She is passionate about bicycling and outdoor education. Adding to her experience in outdoor education, Casey earned her registered Maine Guide certification to further her professional development and ability. Casey is extremely excited to help guide Maine Arts Academy student’s learning both, in and out of the classroom.
Kevin Cullen
Department of Social Studies
Kevin Cullen has had three three careers since his graduation from college in 1984 from the University of Nevada, Reno. After graduation, Kevin served as an engineer on a nuclear submarine in the US Navy. After his time in the Navy, Kevin worked as a PGA golf professional, mainly in California. During his many years as a golf professional Kevin won 39 professional tournaments. Recently Kevin was honored with Life Membership Status in the PGA. When Kevin moved with his family to Maine in 2002 he worked as a golf pro in the summer and began teaching full time during the school year. After a cancer diagnosis in 2004, Kevin stopped working as a golf professional and was exclusively a teacher and coach. In his 21 years as a teacher he has taught, Literature, US and World History, Geography, Civics, Psychology and Economics. In 2011 Kevin was named as the Maine US History and Civics teacher of the year by the Presidential Academy of History and Civics. In 2012 Kevin received his Masters Degree in education from Concordia University. For the last 10 years Kevin has worked full time as a principal and a full-time teacher. He is incredibly excited to begin working at the Maine Arts Academy, where he can bring his unique style of teaching and student engagement to this amazing school. kcullen@maineartsacademy.org
Travis Harden
Department of Visual Arts
Travis Harden is a University of Southern Maine graduate with a BFA in Theater Performance and a minor in Environmental Science. He is a self taught portrait photographer who has worked in the industry doing a variety of shoots for models, dancers, actors, couples, weddings and behind the scenes film photography. He also works in the film industry here in Maine and has experience filming advertisements, musicians and has worked on and created multiple award winning short films. In his limited free time he enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and skiing, spending time with his family, his cat Luna and creating his own projects with his friends. tharden@maineartsacademy.org
Jessica Kananis
Department of Transportation
jkananis@maineartsacademy.org
Stephen Legawiec
Department of Theater
In his 35 years as a director, Stephen Legawiec (le-gahv-yetz) has curated over 100 professional productions as well as directing over 75. He was artist-in-residence at Teatr Stary in Krakow, Poland and is a member of the International School of Theatre Anthropology. He founded Vermont’s White River Theatre Festival in 1988 and served as Artistic Director. During this time, he created the Invisible Theatre Project, which delved into the use of text as music and emotion, rather than as language. In 1997 he launched Ziggurat Theatre Ensemble to explore the relevance of myth and ritual to a contemporary audience, and for which he wrote and directed every play. Legawiec is the author of 35 plays, including the critically acclaimed Red Thread, which won the 2003 Garland Award for Los Angeles Production of the year. In addition, Legawiec has designed over 50 sets and composed over a dozen theatrical scores. Outside of the U.S., his work has most recently been seen in Trois-Rivieres, Canada, at the Season of Unusual Theatre. He is currently the Artistic Director of Camden Shakespeare Festival. slegawiec@maineartsacademy.org
Jay Medlock
Department of Transportation
jmedlock@maineartsacademy.org
Jenna Murray
Business Manager
Jenna obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Thomas College in 2020, and since has gained experience in working in finance and office management. Jenna lives in Rome with her husband, son and English Lab. When she's not working, she loves spending time with her family and friends, enjoying the outdoors. jmurray@maineartsacademy.org
Garrett Pooler
Food Services Director
Garrett recently obtained a bachelor's degree in Human Services from the University of Maine at Farmington and, after a short stint out of the kitchen, has decided to return to cooking. Previously working in multiple capacities, from dishwasher to kitchen manager at different locations, Garrett is excited to be back with Maine Arts Academy and hopes to work with the students to grow the food service program. Garrett was born and raised in Central Maine and now lives with his Fiancé and two larger than average cats, Artemis and Cowboy. Garrett enjoys cooking, golfing, working on his project cars, and spending time with family and friends
Rebecca Singer
Department of World Languages
Rebecca Singer attended the University of Maine at Augusta, where she continued to study the French she had learned in high school. She was active in the French Club, participating in many fun activities and events, including a trip to Quebec and an immersion program on the Maine coast. A certified English teacher, Rebecca has also worked as a Writing Tutor, Reading Tutor, Substitute Teacher, and Special Educational Technician. Last year, she was the Title 1 English Teacher at Maine Arts Academy. She is excited to be teaching French this year! Rebecca spent six years in the U.S. Navy, during which time she traveled extensively. She is on the board of directors for Gaslight Theater and co-directs the drama club at Hall-Dale High School. She is the President of Kennebec Valley Roller Derby and the lead singer of a local rock band. Rebecca is proudly supported and adored by her husband, 15-year-old son, and their three lovely cats. rsinger@maineartsacademy.org
Stacey Veilleux
Department of English
Stacey Veilleux received her Bachelor of Arts in English and World Literature from New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. It took a few years for her to discover her love of teaching but she eventually found it at MeAA. Stacey has been a part of the MeAA family since the school opened, her daughter being amongst the first group of students to attend in its inaugural year. Two years later, she became a member of the staff and has seen her role grow and change each year. She currently teaches Writing Lab and Transition Humanities in addition to being a part of the Special Ed team. Besides teaching, her interests include reading, writing, exploring nature, traveling, live music, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite travel destination is going to see her daughter, Maya, who is attending university in London, England.
Acadia Chartier
Student Support Coordinator
Acadia Chartier is responsible for managing the guidance office. Her keen eye for detail comes in handy when handling transcripts and schedules. With four years at MeAA, she takes joy in seeing the school flourish and students reach their goals. During her free time, she loves going to concerts, capturing memories through photography, and exploring the outdoors on hikes. achartier@maineartsacademy.org
Nicole Elliott
Department of Science
Nicole graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts with a double minor in secondary education and psychology. She have taught grades 7 through 12 across all types of science but is biased toward life science, particularly anatomy. When she doesn't have her teacher hat on, she is a mom to 3 very active boys and in her spare time she enjoys reading and crocheting. nelliott@maineartsacademy.org
James Giusti
Department of Mathematics
James Giusti, or Jim, is very excited to join the MeAA community as a math teacher. Jim considers himself a lifelong learner with degrees in history from SNHU, and he is working toward a Masters in Math Education. For the past six plus years, Jim has been working as a tutor specializing in test prep and teaching math to students from elementary school through college, including as a tutor at UMF for the past year. He also has experience working in the business world as a manager. Jim regularly uses that experience and knowledge to work with college students on accounting and other business courses. As the child of Cuban and Italian immigrant families, Jim believes that every child should have access to an excellent education. Jim hopes to bring his passion for learning to help students realize that math is neither scary, nor unimportant. Math is a vital component of everyday life, including, and especially, the arts. Growing up, Jim often spent school vacations working with his grandfather and father on construction projects. They taught him the importance of applied math with real world implications in ways that his teachers never could. Jim will also be hosting an after school math club, where students will be able to come for help with all things math. Stop by or reach out with questions or for help any time. Jim, his wife Leah, and their two cats (Lucy and Macaroon) are recent arrivals to Maine, making the state their forever home after growing up near Boston. They are both avid proponents of the arts, particularly music. Jim played in the percussion ensemble from middle school through high school, including marching band and concert band. Meanwhile, Leah was an excellent singer participating in the high school Madrigal group among others. Jim was also a member of the drama club and played the lead role in Macbeth, which was thankfully performed well before cell phones were ubiquitous. Finally, when possible, Jim and Leah love to travel. Their favorite places are Ireland, Norway and Italy, where they got married. jgiusti@maineartsacademy.org
Peter Herman
Department of Music
Peter Herman is a local musician who graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta music program under the direction of teachers such as Steve Grover, Richard Nelson, and Bob Thompson. Peter’s main instrument is guitar, however he plays and teaches many other instruments such as banjo, mandolin, piano, lap steel, voice, and trombone. Peter has played in recording sessions for several local Portland, Maine based songwriters such as Johnny Clay Shanks, Myles Bullen, and Cilla Bonnie, of which music has been released on all media platforms. Over the years Peter has shared the stage with many notable local and international acts such as Denny Breau, Brad Terry, George Garzone, Ben Street, and Joe Henry. Peter performs mostly locally now, but in years past has traveled across the country as well as Europe to perform with a variety of groups. pherman@maineartsacademy.org
Cory King
Operations Director
Cory King comes to Maine Arts Academy with over 20 years of experience in education. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University and also holds a Master Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Cory was a school administrator for 10 years and before that was a teacher at the State Prison in Pennsylvania. His experience lends itself to the operations director position because Mr. King grew up as a jack of all trades. He has building skills, mechanical skills and is trained in building Safety as an ALICE instructor. His expertise in education along with his hands-on trade skills has brought him to Maine Arts Academy. In his spare time, Cory is an outdoor enthusiast, a gardener, and loves to cook and make his own maple syrup. He has 3 grown children who he enjoys spending time with.
Parker Maes
Admissions Coordinator
Parker Maes is a creative visionary with a Bachelor’s degree in New Media from the University of Maine, complemented by dual minors in Graphic Design and Film. Throughout college, her work seamlessly blended the avant-garde with the everyday, reflecting a passion for visual storytelling and innovative design. Parker has experience scuba diving and researching invasive species in the lakes of Maine and has three years of administrative experience as well. She started her career at Bowdoin College and has returned to Maine Arts Academy. Parker is an alumni of Maine Arts Academy and graduated as class valedictorian. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog Frankie, spending time by the lake and exploring Maine. pmaes@maineartsacademy.org
RJ Miller
Department of Music
Long a fixture on the NYC and European jazz/experimental scenes, RJ has performed and recorded with artists like George Garzone, Ben Street, Bill McHenry, Eric Revis, Hugo Rasmussen, Meshell N'degeocello, Larry Grenadier, Jorge Rossy, and Aaron Parks to name a few. RJ's education has been primarily through private instruction from masters like Ornette Coleman, Frank Wess, Masabumi Kikuchi, Juini Booth, Reggie Workman, Billy Hart, Steve Grover, Jeff Williams and Jeff Hirshfield. He is best known for his work on albums like "Ben Entrada La Nit," "Alive in Japan," "Ronald's Rhythm," "RJ Miller Trio," "Plainville," If the Past Seems So Bright," "Memories of Days Gone By," "Intuition," "Sinker," "Wicca," "Dreams in Apartments," and "Horses." See more on R.J. below: https://www.speedwellprojects.com/rj-miller rmiller@maineartsacademy.org
Nicole Pantalone
Department of Special Education
Mrs. Pantalone’s academic background includes a B.S. in Mental Health and Human Services, with a minor in Addiction Studies. She interned at the Phoenix Academy, a school/ residential substance abuse treatment center for adolescents. After graduating, Nicole became a certified alcohol and drug counselor. She also has 15 years of experience working in special education at Windsor Elementary School. While working as a special education ed tech, Nicole continued her education to become a certified special education teacher. Being part of the MeAA team is an exciting new opportunity for her and she looks forward to working with high school students. Besides teaching, Nicole is very family-oriented. She enjoys spending time with her 5-year-old daughter, including taking walks together and trips to the library and beach. Most mornings, she starts her day with strength training or a workout. Nicole also enjoys reading for some downtime. In the future, she hopes to spend more time traveling to experience new places. npantalone@maineartsacademy.org
Robert Pycior
Department of Music
Robert Pycior has been performing and creating music for over 30 years, starting with the violin at age six and going on to tour internationally. As a teacher, Robert has provided private lessons in over 10 instruments. He was the Lead Teaching Artist and Operations Manager at ROCmusic (Rochester, NY). He also teaches at Snow Pond Community Arts (Sydney, ME). His compositions for film and TV have received Academy Award nominations, Peabody Awards, SXSW Audience Awards, Sundance Film Festival Grand Juries, and Emmy nominations. Robert graduated from the State University of New York at Purchase, Purchase, NY - BFA Major in Studio Composition. rpycior@maineartsacademy.org
Keenan Soule
Department of English
Keenan Soule is a recent Honors graduate from the University of Maine at Orono. He double majored in English (with a concentration in Creative Writing and Poetry) and Secondary Education(with a concentration in English Education). He is a lifelong Maine resident and lifelong learner who (surprise, surprise) loves reading and writing. Keenan teaches Creative Writing, English 1, English 4, and Reading. ksoule@maineartsacademy.org