Assabet Valley

Mr. Houle was appointed Superintendent-Director of the Assabet Regional Vocational School District in December 2014 and has worked in career and technical education since 1996. He earned a bachelor's degree in Occupational/Vocational Education and a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Management through Fitchburg State University. Prior to his career at Assabet, Mr. Houle worked as a Metal Fabrication and Welding Technology teacher, Director of Community Education, and Principal at Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District in Lexington, Massachusetts. He and his family reside in Leominster.

 

Contact:

EHoule@assabet.org | 508-263-9602

My career started at Greater Lawrence Technical School in 2001 working in the payroll department.  In 2006 I then became the Executive Assistant to the Principal.  In 2011, I transitioned back into the Business Office as the Assistant Business Manager until 2014 when I became the School Business Administrator.  I earned my Bachelor's degree in Business Finance in 2003 and my MBA with a Master's Certificate in Forensic Accounting in 2013 all from Southern New Hampshire University.  In 2018, I completed my Masters degree in Middle and Secondary Education from American International College. I reside in Andover, MA with my family.

 

Contact:

MSilva@assabet.org | 508-263-9604

Mr. O’Rourke has served in the district and worked in public education since 2007. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Worcester State College and a master’s degree at Cambridge College. Prior to his career at Assabet, Mr. O’Rourke worked for the Department of Youth Services as a caseworker in the Worcester area. He and his family reside in Millbury.

 

Contact:

POrourke@assabet.org | 508-263-9610

Mr. Gahagan has served in the district since 2007 and has worked in public education since 1997. He earned a bachelor's degree at Salem State College and a master's degree at Worcester State College. Prior to his career at Assabet, Mr.Gahagan worked as a business teacher and in various administrative positions for the Worcester Public School system. He and his family reside in Worcester.

 

 

Contact:

JGahagan@assabet.org | 508-263-9612

Ms. Faria began her career in education by interning as a Match Specialist for the Big Brother Big Sister organization while completing her Bachelor's Degree at Framingham State University and serving as Captain of the Ram's Softball Team. Her commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment led her to obtain her Master's in Education and C.A.G.S. in School Counseling from UMass Amherst. She volunteered in Honduras for a year as the Director of a bilingual middle school prior to serving as the Career Counselor within the District's School Counseling Department for the past 11 years. Ms. Faria's journey in education has been guided by her strong connection with her family: a second-generation daughter to her Venezuelan parents, oldest sister of four siblings, loving wife, and devoted mother of two daughters. Her approachable demeanor and strong communication skills in both English and Spanish ensure that she is readily accessible to students and parents, fostering strong relationships built on trust and respect.

 

 

Mr. McCann has served in the district since 2000 and has worked in public education since 1998. Prior to coming to Assabet, Mr. McCann worked in the Worcester Public Schools. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Worcester State University. Mr. McCann previously worked as the Director of Curriculum at Assabet and taught for years in the Social Studies Department. Mr. McCann also teaches curriculum design to CTE teachers at Fitchburg State University as an adjunct professor. He and his family reside in Worcester.

 

Contact:

RMccann@assabet.org | 508-263-9605

Mrs. Berghaus has served in the district and worked in public education since 2002. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Syracuse University. Prior to her career at Assabet, Ms. Berghaus worked in the Office of Residence Life at Syracuse University. She and her family reside in Maynard.

 

Contact: 

ABerghaus@assabet.org | 508-263-9626

Mrs. Andrade's journey in vocational education began as a student at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, where she graduated in 2007. Since 2015, she has dedicated herself to career and technical education, initially teaching adult education at Southeastern Technical Institute. She holds a master's degree in Occupational Education from Fitchburg State University and is currently completing a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Educational Leadership and Management. Before joining Assabet, Mrs. Andrade was the Lead Cosmetology Teacher at Cape Cod Tech, where she also led the Hospitality, Health, and Human Services Academy. In this role, she promoted growth and community engagement among students, vocational teachers, academic teachers, and support staff. Her passion for vocational education extends beyond the classroom—she has been a volleyball coach, class advisor, SkillsUSA advisor, Sunshine Committee member, union officer, and Technical Teacher Instructional Coach. Mrs. Andrade has also contributed to the Cosmetology Frameworks revision team, served on several NEASC visiting teams, and facilitated professional development for teachers at all stages of their careers.   Mrs. Andrade lives in Plymouth with her husband and their English Bulldog, Larry Bird.   Contact: MAndrade@assabet.org |508-263-9608

 

Mr. Lazaro was appointed the Director of Cooperative Education in 2010 at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River, MA until 2024. Mr. Lazaro started his career in the private sector as a Human Resources professional in both the non-profit and healthcare sectors for numerous years prior to starting his educational career pathway. Mr. Lazaro is active with his consultancy business, in which he has served both educational and private sector organizations since 2021. Mr. Lazaro holds a Bachelor of Management Science, with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Bridgewater State College and a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Fitchburg State University. Mr. Lazaro is originally from New Bedford, MA, and now resides in Fall River, MA with his family.   Contact: KLazaro@assabet.org |508-485-9430

 

Ms. Westerman has been in public education since 2004. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Worcester State University and her Master’s Degrees in Educational Leadership and Speech-Language Pathology. She is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree at Capella University. Prior to her career at  Assabet, Ms. Westerman worked in Worcester Public Schools as a speech-language pathologist and evaluation team chairperson, in Spencer East-Brookfield Regional School District as Special Education Director, and in Boston Public Schools as a Special Education Director. Ms. Westerman also has taught graduate courses in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Worcester State University as an adjunct professor. She and her family reside in Auburn, MA.   Contact: KWesterman@assabet.org | 508-485-9430

 

Dr. Daniel M. Downs is an experienced educator, instructional designer, and digital learning specialist with a deep passion for integrating technology into education. With a background in K-12 and higher education, he has led initiatives in AI-driven learning, cybersecurity education, and digital transformation. Dr. Downs has developed comprehensive technology and career readiness programs, supporting students and educators in leveraging digital tools for skill development and workforce preparation.    With over 20 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, Daniel served as Director of Digital Learning for North Reading Public Schools for 10 years and held technology-integration roles in Andover, Winchester, and Haverhill Public Schools.  For the past 13 years, he has been an adjunct educator at Bunker Hill Community College, teaching Computer Information Technology and Workforce Development. Dr. Downs is dedicated to equipping Assabet students with essential digital skills   Contact: DDowns@assabet.org | 508-485-9430