Elementary School Faculty & Staff

Lilith Bazarbachian, Office Manager

Lilith (Լիլիթ) Bazarbachian was born and raised in the Greater Boston area. She graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. from UMass Boston in Sociology and Psychology, with a minor in Communications. During her college years, she co-founded the Armenian Students Association. Before taking on the role of Office Manager at St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School, she gained valuable experience working for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Revenue for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Actively engaged in the Armenian community, Lilith has chaired both Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Young Professionals and the AGBU New England District, in addition to singing in various Armenian choirs since her youth. Lilith is married and the proud mother of three boys. Her interests include spending time with family and friends, cooking, trying different culinary creations, singing, traveling, and exploring art.

Ardemis Megerdichian, Grades 1-5 Armenian Teacher

Ardemis Megerdichian was born in Aleppo, Syria. She attended Aleppo's Zavarian Elementary School, Karen Jeppe High School, and studied in the Faculty of Philology at Yerevan State University. Sometimes she says jokingly, "I've been going to school from 3 years old till now", because after graduating she immediately started teaching at Aleppo's National Gulbenkian School, then at Aleppo's Sahagian School, after which she taught at Kaloustian High School (Cairo, Egypt). Since 1999, she holds a teaching position at Boston's St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School, as an Armenian language and history teacher. Teaching the young generation of students is not just a job for Ardemis, it is her life's mission. Ardemis has been commended by the Armenian Minister of Diaspora, in honor of her dedication to her Armenian school teaching.

Michele Arthur, M.Ed., K-5 Computer Teacher/ Gr. 2 T-Assistant

Michelle Arthur was born, raised, and still resides in South Boston. She and her husband, Jay, have three children: Julie, Lynne, and Gregory. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from Bentley University and worked as an accountant before having her children. In 2000, she earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Lesley University and is certified to teach Preschool through grade 6. Michelle has taught Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 2nd grade at St. Brigid’s School in South Boston. She has also worked in the Boston Public Schools as a reading intervention teacher and as a Kindergarten and grade 1 paraprofessional. Before coming to St. Stephen’s in 2013, she was the computer/technology teacher for grades K-8 at St. John the Evangelist School in Canton for 3 years and the Pre-K teacher for 1 year.

Catherine Izzo, M.Ed., Reading Specialist

Catherine Izzo holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education. In 2016 she received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Reading and holds state certification in Elementary Education (grades 1 to 6) and Reading (PreK to grade 12). Mrs. Izzo taught for over 25 years at Armenian Sisters’ Academy in Lexington and the past four years was a reading interventionist in the Woburn Public Schools at the elementary level. She lives in Watertown and enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, reading, and going to Cape Cod.

Jade Tang, Gr. 1 Teacher

Jade Tang grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. She has been an employee of SSAES since 2020. Ms. Tang completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Developmental Psychology at Boston University in 2019. For her full practicum, Ms. Tang was placed in a 2nd grade classroom at Heath Elementary School. Ms. Tang also has a Masters Degree in Integrated Elementary and Special Education from Boston University. As part of her program requirement, Ms. Tang completed her student internship at Driscoll Elementary School in a 1st grade classroom and at a Learning Center (K-2). In her spare time, Ms. Tang enjoys cooking, hiking, knitting, and playing volleyball. She also loves to travel! Ms. Tang has been to Spain, Portugal, Canada, and Hong Kong. For her entire life, Jade always wanted to become a teacher and is thrilled to be living her dream and teaching children at SSAES.

Kelly Marini, Teacher Assistant to First Grade

Kelly Marini is a lifelong resident of Watertown. Kelly has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Regis College. Kelly is a Teacher Assistant at SSAES with five years of experience working alongside with the lead teacher. Kelly assists with implementing instructional plans and activities; assumes the role of lead teacher in instances of absence. She supports development of students’ social emotional skills and the development of individualized behavior plans. Kelly is inspired daily by her husband and their three children. In her free time, Kelly enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her family and relaxing on the beach.

Lauren da Silva, Gr. 2 Teacher

Lauren da Silva grew up in Needham, Massachusetts and is still connected to the community serving as the Summer Recreation Supervisor, overseeing Needham's Community summer camps. In 2018, Lauren graduated from Framingham State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. In 2021, Lauren graduated from Framingham's Master's program earning a Master's Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Literacy and Language. In the spring of 2023, Ms. da Silva also obtained a Reading Specialist license. In her free time, Lauren is an avid reader and writer. She loves to spend time with her friends and family, as well as her beloved cats.

Lily Grudichak, Teacher's Assistant to Second Grade

Lily Grudichak grew up in Orange County, California, and moved to Massachusetts in 2023. Lily graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2023. While at UCSB, Lily was a research and teaching assistant for Scitrek and worked for the Goleta Unified School District as an after school assistant. She was also on the UCSB Women's Rowing team. In her free time, Lily enjoys backpacking, baking, snowboarding, and attending sporting events. She is thankful for the opportunity to work with parents and colleagues to shape students who desire to pursue both virtue and academic excellence here at SSAES!

Theresa Gould, 3rd Grade Teacher

Theresa Gould was born and raised in Worcester. She has always lived in central Massachusetts, but has moved to a quieter town west of Worcester. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Worcester State University. Soon after receiving her Bachelor's Degree, she decided to return to school to earn her teaching license. She graduated from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA with a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. After 15 years of teaching third and fourth grade in the Northbridge Public School District, she enrolled in an educational leadership program at Worcester State University. After graduating with a second Masters in Educational Leadership, she worked for three years as an elementary school administrator and in those three years she worked as an assistant principal and a principal.  After three years of administration, she decided to return to the classroom and again continued to work with third and fourth graders. She is excited to be a part of our school community.

Reynolds Comita, Kindergarten Teacher

Reynolds Comita grew up in Texas and moved to Massachusetts in 2016. Reynolds graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Boston University in 2020. She went on to complete her student teaching at the Pierce School in Brookline, Massachusetts. Later, Reynolds completed her Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. For her MA teaching requirement, Reynolds completed her teaching placement at Reingold Elementary in Fitchburg, MA. In her free time, Reynolds enjoys traveling, cooking, trying new foods, and attending sporting events. Since kindergarten, Reynolds always wanted to be a teacher and is thrilled to fulfill that dream everyday with us here at SSAES!

Alik Arzoumanian, Kindergarten Armenian Teacher

Alik Arzoumanian was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, in a family of educators.In 1998, Alik completed her Master of Science from the American University of Beirut in Water and Soil Sciences. She moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2000 and graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2004 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Illustration. From 2001 to 2009, she served as the SSAES Art Teacher, and during the years 2014-2017, she taught afterschool art classes at the preschool. Alik became the Armenian Kindergarten Teacher’s assistant in 2017 and has held the position of Armenian Kindergarten teacher since 2018. In addition to her teaching role, Alik is a children’s book author and illustrator, creating picture books in Western Armenian.

Erin Mouradian, Teacher Assistant to Kindergarten

Erin Mouradian grew up in the Greater Boston Area. Erin graduated from Clark University in the spring of 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Genocide Studies. After graduating, Erin spent 6 months volunteering in Gyumri, Armenia with Birthright Armenia (Դեպի հայք) where she taught young learners English; it was this special time spent in Armenia where Erin fell in love with the idea of teaching. In her free time, Erin likes to surf, shoot film on her 120mm camera, and explore music. Erin is very excited to connect with & help educate the bright learners of Saint Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School!

Cheryl (Yeretsgin) Baljian, Instructor Support

Cheryl Baljian completed her bachelors at Maria College in elementary education and holds a Master's degree in elementary education with a concentration in reading from Worcester State University. She has furthered her education by taking post-graduate courses and attending many workshops throughout her career. Cheryl taught at a private elementary school in Worcester, moving on to work at a school for the deaf in Framingham. After moving to Springfield, Cheryl was the director of a private preschool before entering the public schools where she substituted and then taught in the third and fourth grades. Mrs. Baljian, wife of Der Antranig Baljian, moved to the Boston area and taught third and fourth grades in the public schools of Watertown and Winchester until retiring in 2014. At St.Stephen's, Mrs. Baljian taught the fourth grade for one year and currently serves as a mentor teacher and instructional support person, delighted to do so. In addition to her role as Yeretsgin at St. Stephen's Church, she is a member of the Ladies' Guild, the church choir, and the JRAK staff as well as a member of the ARS. Mrs. Baljian enjoys knitting, choral singing, being with her six grandchildren, listening to books, interacting with people, and being at the seaside whenever possible.  

Maro Arakelian, N-5 Music Teacher

Maro Arakelian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts from the University of Tehran, as well as a post-graduate certificate in graphic design with an emphasis on Armenian ornaments from the Yerevan Institute of Fine Arts. She received her musical education at the Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia, with a major in piano performance. Maro has 15 years of experience in private piano instruction and has taught courses on Armenian music history at the Adult Education Program of the Armenian Prelacy in Tehran, Iran. After settling in the United States, Maro completed a certificate program in pedagogy at Longy School of Music / Bard College in Cambridge, MA, and is a certified Kindermusik (early childhood music education) instructor. In 2004, Maro developed the “Tap & Clap” and “Manoug & Me” program and since 2016, she has served as the Music Teacher for K-5 students at SSAES. Aside from her musical instruction and talents, Maro serves as our Assistant Treasurer.

Jason Dawson, 4/5th Co-Teacher

Jason Dawson was born and raised in Coventry, England. Before pursuing a career in teaching, he sought experience outside of the school system and worked for the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense for 3 years. After completing his university degree, he began teaching in the UK in September 1996. Mr. Dawson taught the equivalent of Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 4th grade. In 2002, Jason participated in a one-year teacher exchange program with a 3rd-grade teacher from Reno, Nevada. In 2006, he relocated to the US and taught at the British International School of Boston, covering the equivalent of 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade for 17 years. In 2020, Jason became an American citizen and is now thrilled to join SSAES. He looks forward to working with the children to help them develop in their next stages of learning.

Elaine Joyce, 5th Grade Teacher

Elaine Joyce grew up and lived in Quincy, Massachusetts for many years. She is a current resident of South Boston.  She is a proud mum of two sons. Brian is a PhD, Environmental and Civil  Engineer, working in Boston. David is a Spanish teacher at Boston College High School. Elaine is a  magna  cum laude graduate of Boston College with a  degree in English and Speech  Communication.  She  worked for many years at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as a Marketing Manager. After years at home with her kids, she earned a Master of Elementary Education at Curry College and began a second career. She was a middle school teacher at St. Peter Academy in South Boston. Later, she worked as an English Language Arts interventionist in the town of Weymouth at the Maria  Chapman Middle School. In Hull, at the Lillian Jacobs Elementary School, she worked with grades 3-5  to achieve district goals and support students. Elaine joined SSAES in 2016 as a Teacher Assistant, assisting grades 2,3 and 5.  In the 2022-2023 school year, Elaine was the full time grade 4 teacher. Elaine enjoys reading, cooking and taking walks with her Shi Tsu, Pippa

Richard Samaria M.Ed., K-5 Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Samaria (Mr. S.) has received his Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Physical Education from Northeastern University. He has taught Physical Education in the Belmont Public Schools for 44 years (1967-2011) and at St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School since 2011. In addition to teaching physical education, Mr. S coached middle school basketball at Chenery Middle School and Special Olympics in Belmont for 37 years. He has also directed many after school and evening basketball programs for 45 years. He is a member of the Hall of Fame Massachusetts Special Olympics and has been the Teacher of the Year in 1990-1991, in the Belmont Public Schools.

Sami Martasian - K-5 Art Teacher

Sami Martasian is an interdisciplinary artist and educator. Working at several independent schools and art centers in Massachusetts for the last nine years, she strives to engage students in projects that serve to practice communication, self expression, and creative connection to other academic subjects. Sami graduated from the Art Institute of Boston (now Lesley School of Art and Design) with an interdisciplinary studio art major and double minors in art history and illustration. As a freelance artist, Sami has worked with independent publishers, record labels, bands and the like. Outside of the art studio, Sami works as an After-School Director and has held student behavioral support roles. Sami is currently finishing a school leadership and management certification program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education to further her ability to support students, families and teachers alike

Zareh Zarifian, Traffic and Safety Monitor

Alec Zareh Zarifian was born in Abadan ,Iran where he completed his elementary education. After moving to Tehran, he attended Koushes Armenian High School.  After completing high school, he served in the army for 2 years. He then immigrated to the U.S. After arriving and establishing himself in the Boston area, he attended Newbury College and received his associate degree in computer science and then went on to take courses in computer operations. After completing his schooling, he was employed by Baybank as a computer operations supervisor. Alec worked there for many years. Several years after leaving Baybank, he went on to work for Springwell elderly services as a site manager until now. Meanwhile, Alec started to work at St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School. He found his work at the school to be very rewarding and satisfying.  He enjoys helping parents, students and teachers. Alec Zareh has been married since 1983 to his wife Judy. Together, they have 3 daughters, Kristine, Ani and Anoush who all attended and graduated from St. Stephen's school.  He currently lives in Watertown with his family.