WHS has welcomed an influx of educators this year, including several newcomers and also some returning members of the faculty and staff. Each brings unique experiences and stories that will enrich the school community. 

   Teaching English wasn’t always Leda Eizenberg’s plan. After college, Eizenberg worked as a clinical case manager and counselor at a domestic violence shelter in Washington, D.C., but her love for literature eventually drew her to English teaching and writing. Though this is her first permanent teaching position since 2008, she spent the past few years working as a long-term substitute. 

   Outside of teaching, she has been working for 16 years on a novel inspired by her grandmother’s life. 

   “It was originally a memoir but is now a young adult novel about my grandmother’s experiences as a member of The Red Orchestra, a group who resisted the Nazis when she was an art student in Berlin,” said Eizenberg. 

   Seniors may see a familiar face in the English office from their first year at WHS: Gillian Ferreira. She began her educational career teaching two classes here three years ago, spent two years at Hingham High School, and has now returned. 

   Ferreira originally studied journalism and studio art in college before discovering her interest in education. 

   “I was teaching art as a side-gig while looking for journalism jobs, and ended up falling in love with teaching,” said Ferreira.  

    Outside of school, she enjoys reading, painting, practicing yoga, and spending time with her cat, Poe.

   Shifting gears from guidance counseling at a high school with 1,800 students to leading the guidance department at WHS has been a big adjustment for Karen Botcheller, but it was a natural next step after spending over 20 years in the field.

   “Working in schools is by far my favorite job environment, and I’m thrilled that I’ve made school counseling my career,” said Botcheller. 

   Outside of school, she keeps busy with her golden retriever, Maple, and enjoys trying new foods, especially from Southeast Asia. 

   For Madison Flamme, working in physical education has enabled her to find an outlet for many of her interests.

   “I always knew I wanted to do something within the realm of athletics, and I enjoy talking and connecting with others,” said Flamme, “Being a physical educator allows me to have fun and be active while instilling core values such as resilience, teamwork, [and] problem solving skills.” 

   Flamme grew up in Connecticut, but went to college in the local area at Bridgewater State. 

   In her free time, she loves to listen to audiobooks and is on her tenth one this year. 

   Another familiar face returning to WHS this year is Erin Foley, who took a year-long break from WHS to create a therapeutic learning center at Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston. 

   Though she originally studied nursing in college, Foley discovered her passion for counseling while working with students.

   “I realized [nursing] was not for me and began working at Belmont High School as a learning assistant,” said Foley. “That is where I found my passion for supporting students through difficult times and went back to school to become a counselor.”

   Outside of school, she enjoys time on the Cape with her family and hanging out with her three legged dog, Breezy. 

   Music wasn’t always the plan for Silvia Gopalakrishnan. When she was in college, she initially intended to pursue a career in science. 

   “I [began college] as a molecular and cellular biology major, but quickly realized that music education would be more fulfilling as a career,” said Gopalakrishan. 

   She joins WHS with one year of teaching under her belt, having taught band in Connecticut. When not in school, she likes to hike, listen to music, watch good TV and movies, and tend to her pet chickens. 

   The newcomer to the history department, Stephen Guerriero, has excavated Minoan cemeteries, Etruscan cities, and Greek fortresses, all while building twenty-five years of teaching experience prior to coming to WHS. 

   In college he planned to join the Foreign Service, but he found fulfillment after working as an assistant teacher in an elementary school.

   “I loved the work and helping students learn, so I changed my career path to become a full-time teacher,” said Guerriero. 

   Besides teaching, Guerriero works as the Director of Education at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham, and enjoys travelling to national parks and visiting family back in Italy. 

   Shifting gears from guidance counseling at a high school with 1,800 students to leading the guidance department at WHS has been a big adjustment for Karen Botcheller, but it was a natural next step after spending over 20 years in the field.

   “Working in schools is by far my favorite job environment, and I’m thrilled that I’ve made school counseling my career,” said Botcheller. 

   Outside of school, she keeps busy with her golden retriever, Maple, and enjoys trying new foods, especially from Southeast Asia. 

   A native Bostonian and UMASS Amherst graduate, Jennifer Le first worked in both healthcare and higher education administration before she made the choice to become a guidance counselor, a career she wanted to pursue since high school. She joined WHS after working for three years at Littleton High School.

   When she isn’t working, she loves to travel. 

   “In the past year, I’ve been to Scotland, Japan, China and Canada,” said Le. “I’m hoping to go back to China and also swing by Australia next summer.”

   WHS is excited to welcome new and returning teachers, each with a unique story. If you spot any of these faces around the school, ask about their experiences.