We are delighted to welcome an inspiring group of new educators to Brookwood this fall! Each brings a unique blend of experience, creativity, and a deep commitment to joyful learning. Whether returning as proud alums, joining as former Brookwood parents, or coming from across the country to make the North Shore home, these individuals share a passion for nurturing curiosity, building community, and supporting every child’s growth. We can’t wait for you to meet them!
Sophie Collins, Early Childhood 2 Assistant Teacher
Sophie Collins is delighted to join Brookwood as an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher. A native of Salem, Massachusetts, Sophie graduated summa cum laude from Salem State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance. She is a professional musician and actress who has served as Interim Education Coordinator for the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport, performed as an actor in the Boston New Works Festival for Moonbox Productions, and directed Manchester-Essex Regional High School students for the Massachusetts Education Theatre Guild competition. Prior to joining Brookwood, Sophie has worked as a teaching assistant for the Manchester-Essex Regional School District preschool.
Kaersten [Mehlin] Lampe ’97, Fourth Grade Teacher
Kaersten is thrilled to join the Brookwood faculty as part of the Grade 4 Team! After graduating from Brookwood in 1997, she went on to attend Pingree School, then Kenyon College where she earned her B.A. in Music and Spanish Literature. Upon graduation, Kaersten taught middle and high school Spanish and music for 5 years at a small independent school outside Washington, DC. In 2011-2012, she attended Lesley University, serving as a TA at Brookwood and earning her M.Ed. in Elementary Education. Kaersten also earned her Ed.S. in Administration, Planning, and Policy from the University of Massachusetts. She has spent the last 12 years in the Topsfield schools teaching 4th and 5th grades, and she strives to create classrooms that are welcoming, accepting, kind, and joyful. Since 2022, she has been lucky enough to experience Brookwood as a parent (Elise, class of 2031). In her free time, Kaersten enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, playing piano, running, relaxing on the beach, and tackling home improvement projects. She has a great appreciation for the Brookwood community and is incredibly excited for her new role!
Lydia Lawrence, Third Grade Teacher
Lydia is thrilled to join the Brookwood community as a 3rd grade teacher. She grew up in New Hampshire, went to college at the University of Chicago, and spent her first years of teaching in Chicago Public Schools. She has a masters degree in elementary education and currently teaches in Montana, where she spends her free time skiing, rafting, playing bridge, and trying to avoid any bear encounters. Lydia loves teaching because kids’ creativity and wonder make every day an adventure. She is so excited to be coming home to New England and to meet Brookwood’s students, families, and teachers!
Jess Lenci, P’23, '24, Upper School Counselor & Learning Skills Specialist
Jessica Lenci spent several years at Brookwood as a parent and now returns as a member of the faculty. She is excited to join the Learning Skills and Counseling team next fall. Jess has worked throughout her career in Boston area independent schools as a school counselor, learning specialist, coach and advisor. Jessica comes to Brookwood from Lexington Montessori School. She earned a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Vermont and a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University. A true New Englander, Jessica was born and raised in Maine and now lives on the north shore with her husband, Kent- a former Brookwood teacher- and her two sons, Cooper ’23 and J.D. ’24. Jess is an active volunteer in local community organizations and loves sailing, skiing, and playing tennis with her boys.
Katherine [Harris] McCaslin ’99, Early Childhood 1 Teacher
Katherine is thrilled to be rejoining the Brookwood community after 15 years away! Upon completing her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education at Lesley University, Katherine worked at Brookwood as an Assistant Kindergarten teacher for two years. In 2010, she moved to New Orleans, LA and began working as a co-teacher in a 3-year-old classroom at an independent school in the city. She lived and worked there for eight years, falling in love with the culture and soul of New Orleans. While living there, Katherine also learned she had a passion for singing a capella barbershop music and is a current member of two different Sweet Adeline quartets as well as a chorus. In her free time, Katherine also loves working in the garden, spending time with her family and being in nature. She is incredibly grateful to be living back on the North Shore with her dog, Petey, and to be a part of this beautiful Brookwood community once again!
