Grades 3-5 Teachers
Darci Hamann
I have taught 3rd grade at Our Lady’s Academy since 2002. I have my Masters in Elementary Education and love teaching here. I married my high school sweetheart, and we have a daughter and a son. I am a hockey mom for sure!! In my spare time I love to read, travel, attend my kids’ hockey games and tournaments, and spend quality time with my family and friends.
My educational philosophy is one that encourages each student to work hard, to collaborate with others, to demonstrate responsible work habits and organizational skills on a consistent basis while having a positive and respectful attitude.
My hopes and dreams for each of my students are for them to continue on the path of life-long learning. I want them to become well rounded members of society who know the importance of being charitable and respectful while living life filled with love, integrity, and faith.
Nicole Capite
My name is Nicole Capite and I have been a teacher at Our Lady’s Academy since 2018. I grew up in central Massachusetts, but I have been living in Boston since 2012. I went to Emmanuel College and graduated in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I then pursued my master’s degree in Special Education at Simmons College. In my spare time I love to read, bake, spend time with my family and friends, make crafts, and walk around Castle Island.
From a very young age I knew that I wanted to become a teacher. I had some really incredible teachers that inspired me to follow this dream and that have ultimately shaped me into the teacher I am today. These teachers made learning fun, created a comfortable and safe learning environment, encouraged every student to always try their best, and they were all a little silly. These characteristics are ones I carry into my classroom today in order to create a happy, fun, caring, and safe learning environment for all of my students.
My educational philosophy is one that motivates students to work hard, promotes kindness, and encourages independence through responsibility. In my classroom, I want my students to feel comfortable to make mistakes and to grow every day. In my classroom, I want my students to express their feelings and to be kind and caring classmates. In my classroom, I want my students to be proud of the things they accomplish and to take responsibility for their actions.
My hopes and dreams for each of my students is for them to always try their best, to be kind and caring friends, and to always believe in themselves. I hope that they leave my classroom feeling confident and ready to take on any challenge that comes their way!
Carolyn Mabardy
My name is Carolyn Mabardy and I am excited to be a fourth grade teacher at Our Lady’s Academy. I received both my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and Masters Degree in Moderate Disabilities from Endicott College. In my free time I enjoy boating, the beach, and spending summers on Cape Cod with family and friends.
My past experiences working as an assistant teacher at a preschool for several years, along with tutoring young students confirmed my passion and dedication to becoming an elementary school teacher.
I believe that every child should be able to reach their full potential in the classroom by fostering a love for learning. My students will always be surrounded with a supportive and safe learning environment that allows them to feel confident and successful in my classroom!
Alissa Whitten
My name is Alissa Whitten and I am so excited to be teaching Fourth Grade at Our Lady’s Academy! I was born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts and I graduated from Providence College in 2019. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Special Education as well as teaching licenses for both Elementary, 1-6 and Moderate Disabilities PreK-8. After completing my degree, I began working as an Aide in Kindergarten at the Underwood School in Newton, where I went on to procure my PreK-2 teaching license. Additionally, during these two years, I worked as a Behavior Therapist for a company called Key Autism Services, while also managing two, seven week day camp programs at the Department of Parks and Recreation in Newton. When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family and friends, explore new and local places, drink good coffee, and listen to country music!
Through my many varied experiences working with a wide spectrum of children, I have expanded my knowledge, honed my skills, and solidified my devotion, passion, and love for teaching. In my classroom, I want every child to be engaged, empowered, and to feel loved and cared for. It is my goal to guide each student to success by determining what they need as individuals and finding creative ways to make material meaningful to them. In my classroom, I want to encourage kindness, collaboration, and having fun in everything we do!
As someone who is a product of a profoundly enriching Catholic school education that has guided me throughout my life, both in learning and in faith, I am so happy to be a part of the Our Lady’s community! I cannot wait to start what I know will be an amazing year in Fourth Grade!
Olivia Hopkins
Olivia comes to us with very strong endorsements from Saint Jude families. Olivia has her Undergraduate and Masters Degrees from Loyola University and holds certifications in regular and special education. She taught grade five at Saint Jude School and is eager to become a member of our community.
Danielle Maidrand
Being a teacher is the perfect job for me because I love working with children. I hope to cultivate a love for learning, charity and God in all my students.
