Faculty & Staff Directory

Dierdre McGuire has been a III FORM (5th grade) teacher since 2021. With 32 years of experience in elementary and special education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to teaching students from Kindergarten through eighth grade. She earned an M.S. from Western Connecticut State University in Education with a concentration in Reading and a B.S. from Salve Regina University with a double major in Elementary and Special Education. She holds a State of Connecticut Professional Certification in PreK through grade 3 and Grades 4 through 8.  
 
Certified in the Orton-Gillingham approach, Dierdre specializes in using multisensory techniques to support students in the classroom. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and milestones in literacy development. She enjoys creating lesson plans that are hands-on and cater to students’ individual needs. Whether working on foundational skills or advanced techniques, Dierdre is committed to guiding students toward academic excellence while building self-confidence. She aims to instill a lifelong love for learning and ensure her students reach their fullest potential.

Christina McKeon is a dedicated educator in the Learning Skills Program at Rumsey. She brings a wealth of experience from her diverse teaching background. A proud graduate of Friends Academy, Mrs. McKeon holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning from National University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Mrs. McKeon has a rich classroom teaching history. She taught 6th-grade English at Spring View Middle School and East Woods School, as well as History and Creative Writing. At Chase Collegiate, she expanded her expertise by teaching English, public speaking, and Learning Strategies. In addition to her academic roles, she is the published author of the children’s book “You Are Not A Monkey.”
Christina lives in Watertown, with her husband Matthew, daughter Charlotte ’28, and their dog Holly.

Patrice Montana has dedicated 26 years to the Rumsey Hall Health Center and consistently demonstrates her versatility, compassion, and commitment. Patrice works as a team player in multiple roles on campus as the Health Center’s Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant, Student Driver, and Dorm Parent. Patrice consistently goes above and beyond while willingly taking on extra responsibilities, always ensuring that Rumsey students feel safe, supported, and cared for. She resides on campus with her husband Mark, her grandson Cayden, and their four beloved miniature dogs.

Lucas Nelson, a graduate of Macalester College, is a faculty member in the Math Department. With a major in Statistics and a minor in Spanish, Lucas was a teaching assistant and captain of the club hockey team. A marathon runner and enthusiastic community member, Lucas coaches soccer and takes an active role on campus.

Gena Newman manages the School Store and is a Billing Office Assistant who joined Rumsey in 2015. She earned a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Bentley University. Before joining the Rumsey community, she worked as a software programmer at companies such as Ames Department Stores, Filene’s Basement, AutoZone International, and Diageo. She enjoys combining experience in a retail setting with a software background.
Ms. Newman enjoys spending time with her family, including two children who attended Rumsey from kindergarten through 9th grade. Together, they travel, hike, do puzzles, and play cards.

Mack O’Shea joined the Rumsey Hall teaching staff in 2023 as an Art Teacher and Hockey Coach. A Rumsey alum, Mack holds a B.S. in Sports Management with a Minor in Art. Returning to the school that instilled in him the values of effort and community, he is excited to now guide students through similar formative experiences. He takes pride in seeing Rumsey’s growth while maintaining its core pillars of Honesty, Kindness, and Respect, which continue to drive student success.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing hockey and golf, getting to Cape Cod and going on the boat, and spending time with friends and family. O’Shea’s sister is also a Rumsey graduate from the Class of 2010.

Susan Paciello is a dedicated member of the Business Office team with nearly two decades of experience in payroll, benefits, and insurance administration. She holds a B.A. Degree in Business Administration from Utica College of Syracuse University. Since joining Rumsey Hall School in 2018, she has played an essential role in supporting faculty and staff while ensuring smooth and accurate operations behind the scenes. Known for her attention to detail and commitment to excellence, Susan takes pride in helping the school community thrive.
Outside of work, she enjoys glamping adventures in her RV with her husband, relaxing trips to the beach, and cheering on Liverpool FC, her favorite soccer team.

Christian Papadellis, a boarding school graduate, joined the Rumsey faculty in 2023 following a fellowship at Groton School. He teaches English, serves as a dorm parent, and coaches football, fitness, and crew. Before his education career, Christian worked in publishing and journalism in Boston and Manhattan. He holds a B.A. in English from Colby College and an M.A. in English Literature and American Literature from Boston University

When not teaching or coaching, Christian can be found in the gym training for an upcoming triathlon or at the piano attempting to master a tune from the Great American Songbook. An avid reader, writer, and competitive athlete, Christian’s favorite part of teaching is sharing his passion for storytelling and commitment to fitness with the next generation.

Ben Pastor is a veteran independent school advancement officer, who in recent years has run the Advancement programs at Branson School, in Ross, CA, as well as at The Community School of Naples, in FL.
Ben began his advancement career at the Taft School, in Watertown, CT from where he is also an alumnus. He served on the Major Gifts team, was an Assistant Director of Development, and he and his wife Ledlie (Rumsey Class of 1992) ran multiple dorms on campus.
After Taft, Ben graduated from Hamilton College, in Clinton, NY. Ben and his family are deeply connected to Rumsey, with his daughters being third-generation Rumsey students.

Nicole Pease, MS, ATC, LAT, serves as Rumsey Hall’s Athletic Trainer and teaches both Biology and Life Science. She holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Movement Science with a concentration in Athletic Training from Westfield State College. Nicole is a certified athletic trainer with credentials from the National Athletic Training Association Board of Certification (NATABOC). Additionally, she is certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED, and has volunteered as medical staff for the Boston Marathon.

Outside of her professional expertise, Nicole is a passionate runner, and enjoys hiking and cooking. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), combining her love of fitness with a holistic approach to wellness. She lives on campus with her husband and two daughters.