Faculty + Staff | Intermediate Program

Each fall, Exploration interviews hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students from the nation’s leading colleges and universities. We look for people with two basic qualities: a passion for their interests and a desire to share those interests with young people. Our rigorous application process results in the finest group of college and graduate students of any program in the country. Our staff is supported by a team of professional educators who work year-round developing our curriculum and programming.


There is nothing typical about the Exploration staff. They are as diverse as the backgrounds and experiences they bring to our Program. We refer to our staff as “faculty” because of the many roles they fill throughout the summer. They are not only your instructors but also your advisors, activity organizers, and trip leaders. Everyone we hire shares a belief in the enormous potential of middle school students.
 

The following is a partial listing of some of our 2009 Intermediate Program faculty and staff.


Elliot Targum began working for Exploration in 1997. Prior to becoming the Head of the Intermediate Program, Elliot held many positions at Exploration, including Residence Director, Programming Director, and Dean of Day Students. Elliot was a founding teacher at a Boston charter school and taught math and science in the Cambridge, MA public school system. Elliot is known as an "idea factory" and one public school teaching colleague described him as "the most progressive teacher in the district." Elliot's interests and talents are broad. He was a math correlation specialist at Riverdeep, Inc., working on interactive mathematics software, and he worked with Games-To-Teach, a partnership between MIT and Microsoft's iCampus. In addition, he is the founder of EB Tutoring and juggles flaming torches during the summer at Exploration. Elliot is a graduate of Haverford College and earned his M.Ed. at the Harvard Graduate School of Education where he concentrated in technology and education.



David Summergrad, a long time principal, teacher, and curriculum developer, brings deep wisdom and enthusiasm to his role as Curriculum Director of the Intermediate Program. While principal of the John D. Runkle Elementary School, the school was named the top pre-k through eight school in Boston Magazine. Prior to serving as a principal, David was a house leader, curriculum leader, and technology curriculum specialist at Wayland Middle School. He has won numerous awards including TEC’s “Distinguished Teacher Award”, the “Outstanding Contribution Award” from METCO, and various grants and travelships. David has run the New York City marathon numerous times and to date has raised $75,000 for METCO, a grant program funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is a voluntary program intended to expand educational opportunities, increase diversity, and reduce racial isolation, by permitting students in certain cities to attend public schools in other communities that have agreed to participate.

Stacey Jones graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in Sociology. She began her career as a Director for SCORE! Educational Centers, building specialized curriculum plans to provide enrichment and basic skills support for students. In 2004 she returned to Bowdoin College as Director of First Year Programs where she supported the First-Year class and several identity-based student groups. She is currently the Associate Dean for Students at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire, where she coordinates student clubs and counsels residential students. After working in both the Dean’s Office at the Junior Program and Intermediate Program, Stacey will return to the Intermediate Program as the Dean of Students.

Quinn Snellings is a graduate of Hamilton College, where she majored in French and Comparative Literature. In addition to her work at Tilbury House Publishers, Quinn worked as a volunteer teacher at the Clinton Elementary School during her college years. An avid traveler, she has lived in France and spent several months backpacking through Southeast Asia. After three summers in the Dean’s Office, Quinn will return as an Assistant Dean and the Focus Programs Coordinator. She now works year-round for Exploration as the Assistant to the Head of the Intermediate Program.

Kirsten Hermanutz received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Kenyon College and is pursuing a master's degree at the University of Denver. As an undergraduate, Kirsten served as the psychology department's volunteer coordinator. She also collaborated with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Head Start, and a local elementary school working with youth in the community. Kirsten works with the Girl Scouts of Colorado to train community educators in anti-bullying curricula, and provides after-school programs for at-risk girls. This summer Kirsten will return to Exploration as the Main Office Director.

Angela D. Turner has a master's degree in education from the University of West Florida, and a master's degree in mental health counseling from Florida State University. She has taught all levels from pre-school through undergrads in public and private schools. She spent a number of years at home raising children before becoming a church youth director where she organized and implemented all 6th through 12th grade programs. Currently, Angela is the student support coordinator for the Florida State University College of Medicine working with first/second year medical students and has her own counseling practice in Tallahassee, FL. This summer, Angela joins the program as an Assistant Dean for the Day Program.

Claire Cornish graduated from Knox College with a degree in studio art and later received her Masters in Teaching from Tufts University. She taught middle school art in Newton and Wellesley, Massachusetts for five years, then relocated to St. Louis, Missouri where she is currently teaches Kindergarten, Art, and Social Studies at Forsyth, an independent elementary school. Claire is returning to Exploration, after a two-year hiatus, as Assistant Dean of Students at the Intermediate Program.

Laura Stocke is a graduate of the University of Virginia where she received a BS in chemistry. She has student taught and volunteered in the Charlottesville Public Schools, and has volunteered at a children's museum in Charlottesville during her time at UVA. Currently, Laura is completing her master's degree in secondary science education and serves on the board of directors at Madison House, a non-profit organization in Charlottesville that works to send over 3,000 volunteers into the community each year. Laura returns to Exploration for her fifth summer as the Assistant Director of the Programming Office.

Matt Peal graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors degree in history. After graduating, Matt took a position as a history teacher and coach at The O'Neal School, a private day school in suburban North Carolina. Currently, Matt is living in New York City completing a Masters degree in Organization and Leadership at Columbia University. This will be his sixth summer with the Intermediate program, having previously served in the Programming and Dean's Offices. He returns this year as the Director of Programming.



Maya Barua is a Psychology major at the University of Michigan where she serves as a resident advisor. In high school, she attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts, and was Director of Youth Services for the Treenaneel Bengali Association of Kentucky, a nonprofit, cultural organization involved in promoting Bengali language and culture. Maya returns to Exploration as a Painting Instructor.

Michael Chapman is a Biology major and Masters of Teaching student at the University of Virginia. He currently serves as the Vice Chair for First Years of the University Judiciary Committee. Michael has interned several times with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the fields of fiber optics and educational technology, and has also worked as a teaching assistant at UVA. Michael will return to Exploration this summer as an Instructor.

Christine Duncan is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from Colgate University where she majored in English and has her Masters from Boston University in English Education. She is currently working as a seventh grade English teacher. Christine has worked for the Program as an Instructor as well as a Curriculum advisor and is returning for third summer as a Curriculum Advisor.

Lindsay Evans is a student at the University of Virginia where she majors in Biology. She is a member of the Biology Society, a peer advisor for Peer Health Educators, an aquatics therapy intern at a children’s rehabilitation center, and is returning to the program for her third summer as a Main Events Coordinator.

Kwame Gayle is a student at Macalester College studying Media Studies and Anthropology. In high school, he was prefect and head of house of Munro College, an all-boys boarding school in Jamaica and is fluent in Spanish, French, and Jamaican Patois. After his first year in college, Kwame returned to his boarding school and taught Spanish to students in 7th-9th grade. Kwame returns to Exploration as an Instructor.

Courtney Hall is a student at Brown University where she is double majoring in Public Policy and Mathematics. She volunteers for Math in Motion, which teaches, kids about math through sports and is also a Rhode Island Legislative Research Intern. She participates in the Mock Trial team at Brown as an Executive Board Member and is returning to Exploration as an Instructor for Mock Trial.

Alex Harper is a student at the University of West Florida where he majors in Biology. He enjoys running, playing soccer, and rock climbing. He has been a trip leader for the Tropical Audubon Society and has identified over 300 bird species in the state of Florida alone. He returns to Exploration as the Wilderness Survival Instructor.

Elizabeth Krane is a Literature major specializing in Italian and Dramatic Literature at Harvard University. Having performed with her high school's a cappella group and drama club, she currently sings with the Radcliffe Choral Society, tap-dances with one of the college's dance companies, and works on all aspects of theatrical production with the Harvard-Radcliffe Dramatic Club. Elizabeth will return to the Program as an Instructor of Musical Theater and Italian Language.

Marilu Lammon is a student at the University of Alabama as a Finance major. In high school, she was captain of her cheerleading team, a member of student council, and taught kids ballet, tap, hip-hop and cheerleading. She is currently an executive cabinet member of the Alabama Finance Association at her university and is excited to be returning to Exploration as an Instructor.

Diego Millan is a graduate of Bowdoin College where he majored in English. He is currently attending graduate school at Tufts University for English Literature. Diego is fluent in Spanish and Japanese, plays the guitar, and does improvisational theater. Diego is returning to Exploration as a Residence Director.

Danny Nelson graduated from Hobart College majoring in English and Critical Social Studies and is in the process of completing his Masters degree at the Royal School of Library and Information Science in Copenhagen, Denmark. Danny has also worked as a special education tutor in a high school. Danny also enjoys playing ultimate Frisbee and the guitar. He is returning to Exploration for his seventh summer as a Residence Director.

Lauren Peal is a graduate of the College of Holy Cross, where she majored in Biology and minored in Biochemistry, and was a member of the women’s crew team. Lauren has taught science at The O’Neal School, coached basketball and soccer, and is currently a 5th grade science teacher in New York City. She is excited to be returning to Exploration for her sixth summer, and will support the Program as a Curriculum Advisor.

Andrea Stewart attends the University of Rochester where she majors in Biology. She was the valedictorian of her high school graduating class as well as the recipient for the Society of Women Engineers Science Award. She is a founding member of the Louvre Performance Ensemble and was an assistant dance teacher at Dance Express where she taught students ballet, jazz, and tap dancing. Andrea is excited to return to Exploration as an Instructor.

Shannon Times is a graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a degree in Mathematics. She recently completed her Master’s of Art in Teaching in Adolescent Education at Hobart & William Smith Colleges and is currently working as a substitute teacher. In college, she was treasurer of the Black Student Union, was a dancer and choreographer for the Koshare Dance Collective and a member of the Track and Field team. She returns to the Program as a Residence Director.

Shayna Times graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a degree in Mathematics and is currently in her graduate year at HWS where she is student teaching in a 7th grade math classroom. In high school she was the varsity captain of the track team, and in college she was a member of the Black Student Union as well as a mentor for both Learn to Read and America Reads. She returns to Exploration this summer as a Day Director.

Gabriella Vannoni is majoring in Biology and Teacher Education at Bates College. She is currently a student teacher for 9th graders and director of the 10th grade science fair. Gabriella is also a Senior Admissions Fellow at Bates and a member of the Dean of Students Office Staff where she has worked as a Junior Advisor and currently as a Residence Coordinator. Gabriella will be returning to the Intermediate Program as a Residence Director.

Josh Weinstein is a student at Florida State University where he is majoring in Acting. Josh is an Eagle Scout, and in high school, was president of his high school drama club, a member of an a cappella group, and a varsity swimmer. He worked at a summer drama camp where he taught improvisation, voice, and tap dancing. Josh is returning to Exploration as the Assembly Coordinator.

Kristina Young is a graduate of Pomona College where she earned a degree in psychology. She is a passionate singer who performed with her college gospel choir. Currently she works as an assistant teacher at the Shore County Day School. She is returning to Exploration for her seventh summer and will work as a Residence Director.