JAMES OTIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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  • Home
  • Faculty & Staff
    • Principal
    • Main Office
    • Nurse
    • Teachers & Paraprofessionals >
      • Kindergarten 1
      • Kindergarten 2
      • Grade 1
      • Grade 2
      • Grade 3
      • Grade 4
      • Grade 5
      • Grade 6
      • Paraprofessionals
      • Cluster Substitutes
    • Specials >
      • Art
      • Drama
      • Music
      • Physical Education
      • Science
      • Spanish
    • Student Support Staff
  • Programs
    • Before & After School Programs
    • Read-a-thon
  • News & Calendar
    • Monthly Newsletter
    • Monthly Calendar
    • BPS Calendar
  • Family & Student Resources
    • Breakfast & Lunch Menus
    • Notices & Forms
    • Home Learning Resources
    • ParentSquare
  • About
    • James Otis School
    • 1st Family Friendly School
    • Our Vision & Mission
    • Procedures & Policies
    • Gallery
    • Achievements
    • Donate
    • Contact Us

STUDENT SUPPORT STAFF

We are a team of professionals here to support the academic, social and emotional well being of our students. We provide services in various areas such as screening students for academic concerns, language support, emotional needs, speech, occupational therapy and if needed we recommend further assessment, referrals and also progress monitor the growth of the students. 
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Ms. Paulson

Coordinator of Special Education
​[email protected]
I have taught for BPS for 16 years before transitioning to Coordinator of Specialized Services. I live in Winthrop with my husband Mark and three kids, Fritz (10), Frankie (8), and Maeve (5). I spend most of my days watching my kids play hockey, baseball, soccer and dance. ​

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Ms. DiCostanzo

Math Interventionist
[email protected]
My name is Teresa DiCostanzo.   This is my 36th year at the James Otis School.  This year I will be working as a  Math Interventionist for grades 3–5, I am passionate about helping students build confidence and develop a strong foundation in mathematics. With a focus on personalized instruction, I work closely with students to identify their individual needs and provide targeted support that bridges gaps in understanding.

My approach emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and making math meaningful and accessible to all learners. I collaborate with classroom teachers to align interventions with grade-level standards and ensure consistent support across the curriculum.

Whether a student needs help mastering basic concepts or developing problem-solving strategies, I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where every child can succeed in math.​

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Ms. Hanson

ESL Support
​[email protected]
My name is Sheila Hanson-Fazzolari.  This is my twenty-fifth year at the James Otis School.  I have spent most of those years teaching third grade.  This year I will be teaching both English as a Second Language (ESL) as well as supporting students with special educational goals.  I speak both English and Spanish. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my children, reading books, and watching soccer.​

Ms. Husgen

ESL Support
​[email protected]
Bio Coming Soon!

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Ms. Jenkins-Sullivan

ESL Support
[email protected]
My name is Emma J-S. I support students who are learning English as a second language (ESL). I work with K2, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades. I have been teaching for five years, but this is my first year at The Otis! I live in East Boston and love learning Spanish and Portuguese from my students and neighbors. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy hanging out with my two cats, Lenny and Lyla. I can't wait to get to know your students!

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Ms. Pres

Resource Room and ESL Support
[email protected]
Bio Coming Soon!

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Ms. McFarland

Resource Room Support
​​[email protected]​
Hello!
My name is Samantha McFarland and I am very excited to introduce myself as the new resource room teacher. I feel truly honored to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate learning community. I hold an undergraduate degree in Elementary and Special Education from Providence College, and a Masters degree in Education from Lesley University. Prior to my experience in Boston Public Schools, I worked at a therapeutic day school. I enjoy embracing each student's culture, language, learning styles, and abilities and encourage all students to participate, learn, and develop meaningful relationships. When I am not at school, you can find me running, spending time outside with friends and family, and trying new things! 


I look forward to working together to support our students in achieving their full potential!


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Mr. Carney

Resource Room Support
​[email protected]

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Ms. Stewart

Inclusion Specialist
[email protected]
Hello! My name is Ms. Kiley Stewart and I teach multilingual learners at the Otis. I hold a Bachelors of Elementary Education from St. Michael’s College and a Masters of Education from Bridgewater State University. Reading and writing are my favorite things to do and I am so excited to share my love of literacy with your brilliant learners!​

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Ms. LoGrasso

Literacy Interventionist
​[email protected]

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Ms. Kroeger

Occupational Therapist
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[email protected]​
Bio Coming Soon!

Ms. Staelen

Speech-Language Pathologist
​​[email protected]

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Ms. Accomazzi

Social Worker
​[email protected]

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My name is Serena Accomazzi and I'm so excited to be the new Social Worker at the Otis! I graduated from Boston University with my Master of Social Work in 2022 and have enjoyed working in various schools and therapeutic settings to support the social-emotional needs of children and adolescents. I look forward to working with students in classrooms, small groups, and one-on-one to help build their toolbox of coping skills and expand their social-emotional learning. I appreciate collaborating with teachers, families, and other team members to ensure we support all the needs of our students. When I am not at school, I enjoy gardening, reading, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in Boston!

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Ms. Velasquez

School Psychologist
​[email protected]
​Hello! My name is Anna Velasquez, and I am the School Psychologist at the James Otis School! My role is to support students' academic, social, and emotional well-being to help them succeed in school and beyond. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time at the beach in the summer, and skiing in the winter. ​​
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