Faculty at Lee Academy
Education means growth—of the mind, the body, and the heart—and the faculty at Lee Academy is committed to furthering that growth in its students. Our faculty knows that lessons are often learned with not just the mind, but with the body and the heart, as well. This is why we study horticulture by going into the woods. It is the reason that students build model bridges to test mathematical applications, go to the old city of Quebec to experience French language and culture, and design and build mock “products” as part of a “company” to develop skills in technical writing. It is the reason students attend theatre adaptations of Turn of the Screw after having read the novella and it is the reason that student and staff civil rights team members have attended conferences in Washington, D.C. and on the coast of Maine. Experiencing ideas, through interactive and hands-on applications, makes learning real.
Our faculty works to challenge students to achieve beyond their expectations, and to become creative, analytical, independent thinkers. Faculty members are also team coaches, club and organization advisors, mentors and friends to our students. Relationships at Lee Academy last well beyond the four years of education. The active alumni association connects Academy alumni, faculty and former faculty from several generations. The activity leaders, the staff, community members and the faculty work with students to continue the supportive, family atmosphere that is a hallmark of the Lee Academy experience.
Faculty:
Gary J. Aichele, Social Studies Teacher
Gary Aichele and his wife, Wendy, are residents of MacDonald House, and this is their first year at Lee Academy. A former attorney and ordained minister, he earned his B.A., J.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and an M.Div. from Lancaster Theological Seminary. The author of two books and numerous articles, he has taught political science at Norwich University, Juniata College, and Wilkes University. Prior to his teaching career, he served as a Judicial Fellow for Chief Justice Warren Burger at the Supreme Court of the United States and worked as the Executive Director of the Supreme Court Historical Society. More recently, he has taught as a certified substitute teacher at high schools in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Mr. Aichele is teaching AP Government, US History, and World History. Mr. Aichele enjoys spending time with his wife playing golf or walking with their dogs. He also enjoys sailing, canoeing, and playing the piano.
Wendy Anderson Aichele, Biology Teacher
Wendy Aichele and her husband, Gary, are residents of MacDonald House, and this is their first year at Lee Academy. For the past fifteen years, she has taught upper school science and been a dorm parent at Linden Hall School in Lititz, PA—the oldest girls’ boarding school in the country. Mrs. Aichele earned a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Virginia, an A.S. from Vermont College, and has done post-graduate study at Juniata College, Lebanon Valley College, and Millersville University. In 2004, she attended a summer seminar in marine science at the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, MA. She is teaching Biology, AP Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology. The Aicheles have two daughters: Anne (28)—a special ed teacher attending graduate school at NC State in Raleigh, NC; and Molly (25)—a third-year law student at the Georgetown Law Center in Washington, DC. In addition to her passion for science, Mrs. Aichele is an accomplished musician who has served as minister of music and organist for numerous congregations. She likes to read, do cross-word puzzles, and spend time with her husband and their two dogs—Gus and Tessa.
Thomas Bergeron, Mathematics Teacher
Mr. Bergeron is a dorm parent in Weymouth Hall. This is his second year at LA. Originally from Hanson, Massachusetts, where he lived with his parents, brother John and sister Laura, he graduated from Northeastern University in Boston with a B.S. in Mathematics, and a minor in Sociology. An outdoors enthusiast, he loves hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, boating, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Other pastimes include photography, woodcarving and playing pool. He teaches Algebra II, Pre-calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus, and Survey of College Math. Mr. Bergeron is advisor to the Outing Club and the math team.
Jim Flynn, Special Education Teacher
Mr. Flynn lives in Lincoln, with wife Peg and children Gary, Jesse, Megan and Patrick. He received his undergraduate degree in English and History, from Worcester State College in Massachusetts. He is currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Special Education at the University of Maine. Mr. Flynn is also a part-time Behavior Specialist with Children with Retardation. He teaches courses in math and English.
Randy Harris, Wellness Teacher and Athletic Director
Mr. Harris graduated from Husson College in Bangor with a Bachelor’s in Recreation Management and completed a Physical Education major at the University of Maine. He lives in Lee with wife Patty, daughter Brooke ’08 and son A.J. He is in his 24th year at LA. He particularly enjoys baseball, having played at Marietta College and at Husson, as well as in Florida in the minor leagues. He coached baseball for 20 years at Lee Academy. He also loves the outdoors especially hunting and fishing. He is an avid golfer. Mr. Harris teaches Wellness courses and continues in his 24th year as Lee Academy boy’s varsity basketball coach. He previously coached girl’s soccer for 13 years, as well.
Maria Elena Johnson
Elena Johnson lives in Lincoln with her husband Richard, son Richard (age 12), and son Andrew (age 10). This is her first year teaching Spanish and ESL at Lee Academy, although she has previously taught English, ESL, and Reading at schools in Texas and MSAD #67. Elena graduated from Laredo State University in 1990 with a B.S. in Secondary Education. She also has concentrations in English and Reading. On weekends, she is a “deejay” at 94.9 FM, “The Mountain” in Millinocket. She loves to read and, as might be expected, she loves music.
Margo Bernier Kelly, French and ESL
Madame Kelly lives in Lincoln, Maine with her husband Paul. She has one son and two daughters. She has taught at Lee Academy for 16 years. She received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Moncton in New Brunswick, Canada. Early in her career she worked for a private elementary school in Portland where she developed and implemented a French language program. She also works part time as an ESL tutor for MSAD 67 in Lincoln. Here at LA, she is advisor to the French club and she manages the school store which raises money to fund trips to Quebec. She enjoys skiing, swimming and kayaking.
Stephen Kennedy, Technology Coordinator and Industrial Tech
Mr. Kennedy lives in Springfield with wife Beth and children Emily, Katie ‘10, and Zachary. He is in his 21st year at LA, teaching Industrial Technology, Architectural Drawing, and Yearbook design. He graduated with a B.S. in Education from California University of Pennsylvania. In the summers, he does roofing and construction work, throughout the area, with fellow teacher Todd Thurlow.
Lisa Knapp-Wilson, Music Teacher
Ms. Knapp is a resident of Lee and a dorm parent, with husband Dave, in the Haskell Dorm. This is her third year at LA. She received a B.A. from Central Connecticut State University and is nearing completion of a B.S. in saxophone performance from Sam Houston State University, where she is also working on a Masters in education. Additionally, she is a psychology major at Grand Canyon University. Before coming to LA, she taught in schools in Trinity, Texas and gave private lessons in clarinet and saxophone. She has been a professional musician, performing in saxophone quartets in Connecticut and Texas. Her classes at Lee Academy include Beginning Guitar, Chorus, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. She also works with the pep band and school musicals.
Alan Lane
Alan Lane lives in Enfield with wife Pat. They have two grown children and four grandchildren. Alan has 32 years experience in education, as an athletic director and teacher, in both Maine and Florida schools. He graduated from nearby Mattanawcook Academy. He has coached for 25 years in basketball and baseball and has refereed soccer and basketball and umpired baseball, beginning back in 1971. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and a family tree farming business. This year, he is teaching Lab Chemistry, US History I, Honors Geometry, and SAT Math Prep.
Ju Sik Lee (Ben)
Ju Sik, known to all as “Ben” is from Seoul, South Korea and Chung-Ang University, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. This is his first year at Lee Academy and, prior to coming here, he taught and tutored in English for both students and adults, and served as an assistant instructor in the Korean Marine Corps. His grandmother, parents, and a younger brother are back home in Seoul. His girlfriend is studying for her Ph.D. and she will be in San Diego next year. Ben currently teaches ESL and is a dorm parent in Weymouth Hall.
Eric LePage
Eric LePage is a dorm parent in the Cobb Center and he is in his first year at Lee Academy. During the school day, he is an educational technician, assisting in ESL and English courses. His dad, mother, brother Seth and sister Lauren live in Rumford, Maine. He has an Associates Degree from Central Maine Community College, with a focus on education. Eric enjoys hiking, fishing, and hunting and he is LA’s assistant golf coach.
Ginger Martin, MELMAC assistant
Mrs. Martin lives in Lee with her husband, Ron ‘92. She received her B.S. in Human Development from the University of Maine at Orono, and her Yoga Teacher Certification from The American Yoga Academy of West Orange, N.J. Mrs. Martin also volunteers for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for Foster Children) as a Guardian Ad Litem. She works in collaboration with the guidance department on the MELMAC grant, which helps promote post-secondary options for Lee Academy graduates. She and her husband, as well as three generations of her family (Aldrich’s), are alumni of Lee Academy.
Steve McInnis, Special Education Teacher
Mr. McInnis resides in Alexander, Maine. He has both a son and a daughter. This is his second year at Lee Academy. He graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor’s in Education. He has also worked as a commercial fisherman and professional scuba diver, and has lived and worked with adolescents in the Pacific Northwest. His hobbies are scuba diving, music, mountain biking, and hunting.
John E. Page II
John Page has 28 years of experience in both private and public education. He has extensive experience in residential life and he is bringing an important perspective in his role as Assistant Director of Residential Life. Mr. Page lives in Grand Lake Stream, but spends many hours working with students and residence hall staff. He has a B.A. in History and English from Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has done extensive work on a Master’s at the College of William and Mary. He is an avid golfer and fisherman, he loves to travel, and he has three grown children.
Travis A. Parent
“Trainer Trav”, as he is affectionately known by all on campus, is the head of medical personnel. This is his first year providing services at Lee Academy. Travis has ties to LA, however, as he was born in nearby Lincoln, and his dad (Edgar, Jr.) was a graduate of Lee Academy, class of ’67. Travis received his B.S. in Athletic Training from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Prior to coming to Lee, he was a two-time All-conference soccer player, the Washburn Junior High School girl’s basketball coach for two years, and the primary Athletic Training Student for the UMPI Owls baseball team, for three years. During the past few summers, he has traveled across the state and to the University of Notre Dame providing athletic training services to basketball, soccer, and football camps. Travis is a member of both the National Athletic Trainer’s Association and the Maine Athletic Trainer’s Association.
Candy Parker, English
Mrs. Parker is in her sixth year at LA, after returning to Maine, with her husband and daughter, from many years in Idaho. They live in Lee on the former Hale Farm. She received her B.A. in English/Speech & Communication, with a minor in Theatre Arts, from Boise State. She is currently completing a Masters in English at University of Maine, Orono. Mrs. Parker has worked with various regional theatre companies in Maine and Idaho, directing, designing sets, and acting. She teaches 9th grade English, American Literature, and Drama. Additionally, she is senior class co-advisor, a member of the selection committee for National Honor Society, and Director of Lee Academy’s annual spring musicals. Recent performances have included Grease and Footloose and this year’s production will be Peter Pan.
Carl Parker, Head Coach and Coordinator—Post-Graduate Program
Mr. Parker lives in Bangor with wife Cynthia, and near his 3 children, Courtney, Sara, and Abby and his grandchildren Kate, Evan, and Brock. He graduated with a B.S. from the University of Maine. This is his second year at Lee Academy, although he has been a coach and educator for over 30 years in schools in eastern Maine.
Greg Reed, English Teacher
Mr. Reed lives in Lincoln, Me. This is his third year at LA, but his first as an English teacher. He previously instructed SAT Prep English at LA. He has three children: Zac – former LA employee and graduate of University of Maine Farmington (UMF) in Creative Writing, Hannah – currently a junior at UMF majoring in Psychology, and Phebe who is a senior at Mattanawcook Academy. Mr. Reed is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, Summa Cum Laude, with a B.S. in English/History Education. He taught English for 33 years at Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln where he was also the English Department Chair and baseball coach. Additionally, he has taught College Composition and Oral Communication at Eastern Maine Community College for 25 years. Mr. Reed is an avid hunter and fisherman.
Matthew Rich, English Teacher and Dorm Parent
Mr. Rich lives in Weymouth Hall and he is in his fourth year of teaching at Lee Academy. He has one son, Caleb, who is six years old. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono, Cum Laude, with a B.A. in English, concentration in Creative Writing, and a Masters, with Honors, in the Arts of Teaching. He enjoys playing guitar, writing, canoeing, and working with technology; He has done internet diagnostic work and is a self-described technophile. He enjoys movies, music, and all types of media. Mr. Rich teaches AP English—both Literature and Composition, and 10th and 12th grade English. He is also senior co-advisor and editor of Entropy, LA’s literary, arts, and entertainment magazine.
Emily Rideout, Art Teacher
Mrs. Rideout has taught at Lee Academy for 6 years. She lives in Winn with husband Derek ’89 and children Austin and Lynzi. She received her B.A. in Art Education from the University of Maine in 2000. She teaches courses in Introduction to Art, Advanced Art, AP Art, and Crafts and Cultures. She enjoys 4-wheeling and camping, drawing, painting, reading, writing, digital photography, crocheting and knitting. She is advisor to the Art Club which sponsors trips to the Farnsworth Museum and the Boston Museum of Fine Art. She and members of the Art Club also organize the Annual Lee Academy Craft Fair.
Susan Sieczkiewicz Linscott, Science Teacher
Ms. Linscott lives in Lincoln with husband Sterling and son Ethan. She has taught for 11 years, briefly in Rhode Island, then in schools in this region of eastern Maine. This is her second year at Lee Academy. She has a B.S. in Hydrology from the University of New Hampshire, and a Masters of Science Education from the University of Maine. She is also a graduate of the Teacher Certification Program at Providence College. Ms. Linscott worked as an environmental scientist before pursuing a career in education. She enjoys gardening and outdoor activities. She is the advisor for LA’s Envirothon and is Chairperson of the science department. She teaches Physics, Lab Chemistry and AP Chemistry.
Galen Thompson, Jr., Math Teacher
Galen Thompson has worked as an educational technician for the past 10 years, both at Lee Academy and the local school district. He and his wife, Jenny, were dorm parents for four years in Weymouth Hall, as well. Galen and Jenny have two children, Tyler and Zach. Galen attended the University of Maine, Farmington. He is currently coaching boy’s soccer and tennis, as well as instructing in mathematics. In past years, he has coached softball and basketball, as well. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and fishing.
Todd Thurlow, Social Studies/History Teacher
Mr. Thurlow lives in East Winn, where he resides with wife Sandra, and their children: Melissa, Kimberly, Josiah, and Nathaniel. He has taught at Lee Academy for 20 years. Mr. Thurlow received his B.A. in Education, with a concentration in secondary social studies education and a minor in English, from the University of Maine at Orono. During the summer months, he partners with fellow teacher Steve Kennedy in a small construction business that often does work at Lee Academy, as well as elsewhere in the region. In addition to teaching World Cultures, US History and AP US History, he coaches boys’ and girls’ cross-country and JV boys’ basketball.
Ronald Weatherbee, Math Teacher
Mr. Weatherbee lives in Lincoln with his wife of 32 years, Ruth, and near his sons Jeremy (and his wife Bobbie Lynn and children Jackson and Bryn) and Andrew (and his wife Jamie). This is his 4th year teaching at LA, although he coached girl’s basketball at LA, in the late ‘80’s. He currently coaches girl’s basketball and softball. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1976 with a B.S. in Education and math and a minor in history. Mr. Weatherbee teaches Math Connections, Honors Algebra, and Honors Geometry.
Buddy Wood, Ed Tech, Dorm Parent, and Associate Director
of Post-Graduate Basketball
Donald “Buddy” Wood is in his first year at Lee Academy, after a long career in education. He lives in Easton, Maine with wife Debbie, and they are the parents of daughters Jamie (teaching in Florida), Jodie (stationed with the US Army in Iraq), and Jordan (stationed with the Army at Fort Bragg, NC). Mr. Wood has degrees in business education and physical education from Husson College and the University of Maine-Orono, respectively. He is an avid fisherman, has coached at all levels in a variety of sports, and he and his wife own an antique shop. Here at Lee Academy, Mr. Wood is an assistant in the math classrooms, PG assistant coach, and Learning Lab supervisor.