Dr. Garine Palandjian, Head of School
Dr. Garine Palandjian became the Head of School of St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School in July 2023. She is currently working towards completion of her Principal PreK-8 Licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Dr. Palandjian has been an educator for over 15 years. Growing up in the Armenian Community of Rhode Island, Garine is a proud graduate of Mourad Armenian Saturday School and Sunday School at St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church. Her passion for teaching and Armenian education was inspired by her parents, teachers and mentors.
In 2022, Garine completed her PhD in Educational Policy and Evaluation with a focus in Qualitative Inquiry and Comparative and International Education at Arizona State University Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Prior to ASU, Garine worked at the American University of Armenia (2013-2017) where she set up the Center for Student Success and student support services.
Houry Boyamian, Principal Emerita
Houry Boyamian was the Principal of St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School, in Watertown, Massachusetts, from 1988 to 2023. For 35 years, she served the school with great determination and commitment, bringing a sense of identity coupled with a dedication to provide the best education possible. Thanks to her efforts, the school distinguished itself with its Armenian character, academic strength, and excellent staff. Under her administration, in 2003, St. Stephen’s became the first Armenian-American day school in New England to be fully accredited by AISNE, the Association of Independent Schools in New England. The school’s accreditation by AISNE confirmed that St. Stephen’s is on an academic par with the best private schools in the region.
Mrs. Boyamian is a graduate of Nishan Palandjian Djemaran. She holds a French Baccalaureate in Literature and Philosophy from College Protestant Francais, a BS Degree in Pharmacy from St. Joseph University, and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts. For her dedication to the mission of the school and for her leadership role in the community, in 2005 she received the Mesrob Mashdots medal from the Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia, and in 2008 the Queen Zabel medal from the Armenian Prelacy in NY, and a Proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In 2018, she also received a certificate of honor from the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia, and the Educational Excellence Award from ANCA in 2023.
Laura Yardumian, Operations & Communications Coordinator
Laura Yardumian earned her BA in Anthropology, Classics, and Secondary Education from Grinnell College in Iowa, with post-graduate coursework in anthropology at the University of New Mexico and in human resources at Cambridge College. The proud mother of three SSAES alumni and a former PTO co-chair and Board Member, Laura has extensive experience in independent school operations and non-profit management. A life-long learner, she enjoys tackling new technologies, problem solving, reading, puzzles, and children of all ages. Teach people to be a disciplined thinkers, and they will be able to learn or do anything they set their minds to accomplish.
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.
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.
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!
Stephanie Grossman, First- Grade Teacher
Stephanie Grossman lives in Norfolk County. She graduated from Bridgewater State College in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. Stephanie has taught kindergarten and first grade and enjoys teaching the FUNdations curriculum! Ms. Grossman holds an educator licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in Early Childhood and a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement. In addition to her professional expertise, Stephanie enjoys singing and is known for her kindness and positive attitude. She looks forward to teaching first grade at SSAES!
Jade Tang, First-Grade 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, 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, Lead/Second-Grade 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.
Elaine Joyce, Instructor Support
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
Jason Dawson, Fourth-Grade 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.
Jason Crotty, Fifth-Grade Teacher
Jason Crotty grew up in and currently resides in Stow, Massachusetts. He graduated from Assumption College in 2007, majoring in English Literature and History. In 2015 he graduated from Cambridge College with a Master of Education in Elementary Education. Since 2014, Mr. Crotty has taught in various Massachusetts public school districts, including Lawrence, Lowell, and Haverhill. Mr. Crotty has previously taught as a Grade 1-5 Math, Science, Writing, and Social Studies Specialist; Grade 1 Classroom Teacher; and Grade 5 English Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher. Jason is excited to teach Grade 5 at the SSAES! Outside of the classroom, Mr. Crotty enjoys spending time with his 12 year old daughter, taking walks in nature, listening to music, playing guitar, watching and talking about Boston sports, reading books, and watching movies and shows.
Maro Arakelian, N-5 Music Teacher/Assistant Treasurer
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.
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.
Steven Davey, K-5 Art Teacher
Steven Davey is originally from Western New York, where he was a carpenter. He moved to the Boston area for school and to pursue a career in art and design. Steve earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and has enjoyed a career as an award winning designer/creative director. Over time, he has also done volunteer work with children from pre-K to high school as a coach, teacher, councilor, mentor and performer. Post COVID, Steve considered making another career change from maker to teacher, and worked to become state certified to teach Art K-8. He has since taught Art at public schools in Brookline and Belmont and has quickly come to love it. Steve currently lives in Dedham with his wife and two children.
Richard Samaria, 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.
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.