Leadership & Staff
Rachel Babcock
Co-Director & Co-Founder
rbabcock@themapacademy.org
508-830-9500
Rachel Babcock’s career reflects her passion for redefining educational paradigms and her unwavering commitment to making high school a place all students can thrive, specifically those who have been failed by systems designed to support them. As the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Map Academy Charter School in Plymouth, MA, Rachel has demonstrated a breadth of expertise in areas such as new school design, launch & iteration; student-centered teaching & learning; school administration and leadership; cultivating change; positive youth development; and designing systems for reengaging disconnected youth and young adults. Prior to opening Map Academy, her tenure as Coordinator of Alternative Programs for Plymouth Public Schools was marked by transformative growth, with the programs under her guidance experiencing a fourfold increase in enrollment due to innovative dropout prevention strategies and reengagement efforts.
Rachel’s work as an alternative high school founder and leader is built on a foundation of over fifteen years of experience as a middle and high school ELA teacher, Instructional Coach and Literacy Intervention Specialist. Rachel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Rochester and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Boston University, and also earned National Board Certification as an English teacher.
As a school founder, Rachel’s role encompasses strategic planning, budget development, hiring and coaching staff, program development and evaluation, and the establishment of community partnerships, all aimed at creating and sustaining an inclusive and supportive educational environment for educators and the students they serve. Her dedication to challenging the status quo, particularly to ensure educational systems are designed to meet the unique needs of traditionally marginalized youth, positions Rachel Babcock as a transformative leader, dedicated to creating spaces where all students have the opportunities they deserve.
Josh Charpentier
Co-Director & Co-Founder
jcharpentier@themapacademy.org
508-830-9500
Josh Charpentier is one of the Co-Directors & Co-Founders of Map Academy, and the former Director of Alternative Programs for the Plymouth Public Schools. Josh has expertise in all aspects of alternative education administration, including budgeting to maximize resources, facilitating dialogue, garnering support from key stakeholders, and cultivating a positive and productive school climate for students and staff. In addition to teaching physical education and health, Josh has extensive experience in alternative education program development and implementation. After playing a key role on the administrative team at Resiliency Preparatory School in Fall River, he was hired in Plymouth to expand alternative education options to accommodate rapidly increasing demand. Under his leadership, enrollment grew from 22 students in 2012 to over 100 students in 2016. Josh is committed to continuing to develop long-term, financially sustainable pathways to prepare high-risk students for postsecondary success and is passionate about rethinking how school is done.
While playing varsity baseball at Springfield College, Josh played on several elite teams, including an All-USA college team which played in Europe, and taught at the Springfield School of Baseball. Josh has utilized the leadership skills, dedication, and ability to perform while failing more than succeeding that he honed playing college baseball to assume significant administrative responsibilities on a small staff serving an expanding enrollment of high-risk youth.
Josh holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Springfield College and a Master’s Degree from Bridgewater State University. He holds MA licensure as a Principal/Assistant Principal and Physical Education teacher.
Mike Balaschi
Assistant Director & Social Worker (LICSW)
mbalaschi@themapacademy.org
“My roadmap to Map included working in a public school system and community with incredibly unique young people that have inspired me to make a positive impact in the world.”
Steven Sell
Assistant Director
ssell@themapacademy.org
“I found my way to Map because I have been searching for a school that is serious about disrupting the status quo and the traditional system that pushes far too many young people to the margins and silences their potential. As a society we cannot continue to do school the same way. To do so only perpetuates the inequitable patterns and realities plaguing our country today.”
Abigail Amatucci
Studio Navigator & Math Teacher
aherrmann@themapacademy.org
“Traditional high schools often set up students who struggle for failure. I want to change that.”
Carolina Artacho Guerra
STEM Teacher
cartacho@themapacademy.org
“I found my way to Map because all students deserve access to a quality, exciting science education – even those students who cannot fit into the neat little boxes that traditional education creates…Other models are based on archaic teaching theories that do not acknowledge the complexity of students and life in the 21st century.”
Breanne Bellao
Engagement Specialist
bbellao@themapacademy.org
“High school can be a really complicated, tough and stressful time in a youth’s life, especially for one who does not exactly follow the typical path. I think it can make a world of a difference to a youth to have a team behind them that is going to support them as a whole in order to ensure a successful future.”
Erin Benefit
Engagement Specialist
ebenefit@themapacademy.org
“I am passionate about listening to students’ stories and highlighting their strengths so that they feel validated and see that they can achieve their goals. I want to support students holistically which is what Map Academy does.”
Em Bergman
Performing Arts & Humanities Teacher
ebergman@themapacademy.org
“I was drawn to Map because I wanted to work somewhere that prioritized student’s lives as much as their education. Students are people first and I’ve always supported the idea that their education and learning should revolve around their lives, not the other way around.”
Jeffrey Cohen
Science Teacher
jcohen@themapacademy.org
“Traditional school structures and philosophies don’t work for all students. Map Academy gives those students an option that works with their personal struggles.”
Joseph Colangeli
Math Teacher
jcolangeli@themapacademy.org
“I came to Map to take a more active role in addressing the shortcomings apparent in a vast majority of public schools, and to ensure students who our education system failed get the chance at success they deserve.”
Catherine Collins
Studio Navigator, Special Education & Humanities Teacher
ccollins@themapacademy.org
“Students today have to balance an extraordinary number of factors and challenges in their social, academic, and personal lives. It has long been time to give students alternate, autonomous routes to academic fulfillment.”
Avia Ferrande
Studio Navigator, Special Education & Humanities Teacher
aferrande@themapacademy.org
“A strong school can change your outlook on the world, while growing your own self confidence. Doing high school differently can give all kids access to both, and that’s why I came to Map.”
Javon Griffin
Community Support Partner
jgriffin@themapacademy.org
Albert Howard
Engagement Specialist
ahoward@themapacademy.org
“I found my way to Map after previously working in the juvenile justice system. All youth deserve equitable educational opportunities.”
Stephanie King
Wayfinding Specialist
sking@themapacademy.org
“As a proud graduate of an alternative high school program, the opportunity to differentiate from the one-size-fits-all education model resonates with me. I have found my way to an environment, team and community which empowers students to learn, explore and achieve with an array of opportunities.”
Rebekah Lane
Kitchen Manager & Community Support Partner
rlane@themapacademy.org
Jaclyn Leitao
Math Teacher
jleitao@themapacademy.org
“I found my way to Map Academy because I think many students can benefit from a competency based curriculum with holistic support.”
Laura Lyons
Wayfinding Specialist
llyons@themapacademy.org
“I was drawn to Map Academy because I believe in access to education for all and in helping students plan and achieve their post-secondary goals.”
Ryan McLaughlin
Special Education Coordinator & Team Chair
rmclaughlin@themapacademy.org
“The most important thing I learned in high school was how to be accountable for my mistakes and how to work hard for every opportunity that was presented to me.”
Rebecca Merten
Humanities Teacher
rmerten@themapacademy.org
“I’ve worked in various roles and educational organizations. I’m always looking for places that innovate and center student needs.We know that traditional schooling doesn’t work for all students, particularly students with marginalized identities. I’m excited to work at place that centers exactly those students.”
Emma Nickerson
Studio Navigator & Math Teacher
enickerson@themapacademy.org
“Every student is unique and deserves the means and opportunity to be successful. At Map Academy, I believe that there is the capability to make this dream a reality.”
Alec Provo
Studio Navigator, Special Education & Generalist Teacher
aprovo@themapacademy.org
“I found my way here because I strongly connect with Map’s philosophy of putting student connection and engagement at the forefront.”
Norman Reynolds
Humanities Teacher
nreynolds@themapacademy.org
“Students deserve better than being forced into boxes because that is what is easiest for teachers and administrators. At Map Academy, I work collaboratively with students to personalize an educational journey for them that will truly prepare them for success after high school.”
Ilona Robbins
Post-Secondary Pathways Specialist
irobbins@themapacademy.org
“I fundamentally believe that EVERY student deserves an advocate, cheerleader and supportive adult during their educational journey. Far too often students marginalized in traditional high schools settings are left behind and never receive such caring support. At Map Academy the collaboration among the entire team is unlike any other, helping to meet the student where they’re at.”
Michael Schiess
Science Teacher
mschiess@themapacademy.org
“I believe we need to be adaptable and flexible as teachers, and that we need to think differently to provide students with fun, engaging, and experiential opportunities to learn material and methods that will help them chart a path forward. Map Academy is a perfect match with my experience as an entrepreneur and my desire to make affect change in education.”
Megan Schilling
Social Worker
mschilling@themapacademy.org
“I was drawn to join the team at Map because as a social worker and parent I see every day how a one size fits all approach to education is not only inaccurate but at many times harmful to students and families. Map’s student driven and centered approach is so innovative and inspiring.”
Heather Sears
School Nurse
hsears@themapacademy.org
“I found my way to Map Academy because my previous life experiences and those of people around me have made me realize we need better high school options.”
Bella Seney
Humanities Teacher
iseney@themapacademy.org
“I found my way to Map because there is so much pressure on high school students — then you add other life stressors or physical and mental challenges and it becomes too much to handle. I want to be able to show students that they can take it slow and that they have choices.”
Jonathan Simmons
Psychologist
jsimmons@themapacademy.org
“I have seen too many youth be failed by systems that do not recognize or support their unique needs, and I am passionate about learning and development and want to use my skills as a psychologist to help youth reach their goals.”
Billi Solis
Humanities Teacher
bsolis@themapacademy.org
“It was through working for nonprofits that I learned I am deeply mission-motivated. When exploring my next career steps, I realized that I wanted to go back to my writing and literature roots while also finding a mission that resonates. Being an English teacher at Map Academy offers both, and I am thrilled to be on this journey.”
Marisol Tua Sanchez
Receptionist
msanchez@themapacademy.org
“My high school experience was difficult. My life at home was a little chaotic and high school was not always peaceful. I found my way to Map thanks to someone in my life that inspired me and always pushed me to do more.”
Corinne Sherwood
Humanities Teacher
csherwood@themapacademy.org
“After working with students in another setting that needed a place like Map Academy, I knew that I needed to keep this school in my sights. Schools need to meet students where they are at and not force them to be somewhere they’re not ready for.”
Maxanne Wordell
Wraparound Coordinator
mwordell@themapacademy.org
“I was always disappointed in the way I heard other professionals speaking to and about children and families they worked with – negative, blaming, and condescending. I feel so lucky to be a part of a community now that embraces each individual for their strengths exactly as they are.”
Kaitey Yanes-Belanger
Studio Navigator & Special Education Teacher
kbelanger@themapacademy.org
“I found my way to Map Academy after watching students become frustrated by the way other schools approach education, which too often leads to students dropping out. All students need to feel motivated and supported in their journey, which requires a different approach. Students who have repeatedly failed classes and are under credited and aging out of high school need to be given a different option that will still allow them to graduate at their own pace and on their own terms.”