Faculty & Staff
Meet the People who Serve our Students
Schools are about far more than their programs alone. They are about people—especially the people we serve, our students. However, long before our students arrive, it is the faculty and staff who prepare and carry out the day-to-day experience, an experience based on mission, vision, and dedication. This is the story of the Spark Academy staff, their experiences, and their hopes for our students.
Administrative Team
John Tuttle
Director
Mr. Tuttle is the leader of our team and the Director of Spark Academy. He joined us in 2021 as a former vice president and director of education for Easter Seals of New Hampshire. His 15+ years of experience building and running a successfully innovative organization are a huge asset to Spark Academy, as is his genuine enjoyment of working with our students.
Mr. Tuttle is a visionary executive and a solid problem-solver who is dedicated to our school and the people who make up our school community: our students, their families, our teachers and staff members, our Board members, and our industry partners. His top priority is to provide students with every opportunity possible to grow, learn, and be the best they can be.
Frank Xydias
Vice Principal
Frank has spent over 25 years at the intersection of engineering and education, working with students from kindergarten through college to ignite curiosity, innovation, and real-world skills. Frank brings his deep background in technical education to leadership—shaping school culture, supporting teachers, and ensuring that academic programs prepare students for success in both college and career. He holds multiple state certifications in engineering, drafting, machining, and educational administration, and continues to be a strong advocate for hands-on, career-connected learning.
Frank is an active member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), and the New Hampshire Joint Engineering Society (NHJES). His strong ties to industry and higher education inform his work in both the classroom and administration.
A passionate mentor and program developer, Frank launched a junior apprenticeship program in 2019, giving high school students valuable, hands-on experience in technical fields. He was honored as the iRobot STEM MVP Teacher of the Year in 2018 and received the STEM Teaching Excellence Award from the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers in 2020. In 2019, he was nominated for a teaching excellence award by Manchester Community College.
Outside of school, Frank is a dedicated husband and father of three boys. One of his greatest joys is sharing his love of engineering with his sons—often inviting them into the lab to explore, build, and create alongside him.
Daniel Larochelle
Founder & Technical Consultant
Dan Larochelle may have more experience with technology education than anyone else in our state.
• BS: Mechanical Engineering with Distinction, WPI
• MBA, UNH
• Chief Technical Officer, Intelitek
• Regional Support Manager, Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, Roxwell, TX
• Adjunct Professor, Southern New Hampshire University
• Professor and Department Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics Department, MCC
• STEM Curriculum Consultant throughout New Hampshire
Spark Academy is largely the result of Mr. Larochelle’s personal mission of bringing high quality technical education to New Hampshire students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the most advanced career opportunities. Mr. Larochelle guides Spark Academy’s Technical Curriculum for a seamless transition to the Manchester Community College Curriculum. As a resource and mentor to our students, he teaches and inspires them to achieve their very best!
“For the past 25 years, I have been at the center of technical education throughout New Hampshire, much of that through robotics programs in elementary, middle, and high schools. I am proud to be one of the founders of Spark Academy. This school represents a very important goal to me to bring high-level technical education and amazing career opportunities to our students. Spark, and all it represents, is a true passion for me!”
Jennifer Larochelle
Executive Assistant
Mrs. Larochelle has been with Spark Academy since the charter was initially approved in 2019 and was one of the five original staff members who opened the school that Fall. Her varied background and skill set have enabled her to wear many hats simultaneously and continue to shift gears as the school grows and evolves. She currently performs many of the back office tasks and assists the Director in a variety of capacities.
“I became involved in Spark Academy because I care deeply about the vision of this school and the unique opportunity we are providing for kids who might not realize how empowered they can be to create their own futures. I have seen firsthand what Spark is doing for our students - including my own two sons, who both graduated from Spark with Associate degrees from MCC - and I’m proud to be part of this team.”
Tammy Roberts
Front Desk
Mrs. Roberts runs the front desk and is the first point of contact for our school. She previously worked for the Haverhill public schools and prior to that she ran an in-home daycare for many years. She brings both efficiency and a warm and caring attitude to Spark Academy.
"I became involved in Spark to continue working with kids in a small unique setting. I enjoy my everyday tasks and the company of the kids."
Amanda Xydias
Administrative Assistant
Amanda brings a strong background in both finance and education to her role at Spark Academy. She earned her degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University, graduating with summa cum laude, and began her career as an accountant at Fidelity Investments. After taking time to raise her three sons with her husband, she transitioned into the field of education.
Her passion for helping students thrive led her to work in various roles at the elementary level, including librarian, paraprofessional, and tutor - before being promoted to Director of Admissions. In every position, she’s been driven by a commitment to student success, family engagement, and lifelong learning.
She is excited to bring her diverse experience and dedication to the mission of Spark Academy.
"I chose Spark because it embodies everything I value in education: hands‑on learning, real‑world experience, and a commitment to developing strong technical and humanities foundations."
Denis Mailloux
Teacher Mentoring
Having taught English from a broader humanities perspective, Mr. Mailloux has welcomed the opportunity to form the Spark Humanities Program and lead this truly unique high school experience. He brings a wealth of experience to Spark Academy:
• BA, English, St. Anselm College
• Graduate Studies, Administration
• Commission Member, New England Association of Schools & Colleges, 2014 - 2020
• Advisory Board Member, St. Anselm College Education Department
• Classroom Teacher - 20 years
• Admissions Director - 6 years
• Principal - 23 years
“I was invited to join Spark Academy by Dan Larochelle and Joe Pouliot, former teacher and one of Spark Academy’s founders, both of whom I have had the privilege of knowing as colleagues for at least 25 years. Both of these colleagues know that I have been focused for many years on the interconnectedness of knowledge and the need to integrate technology into our learning. The blending of the Spark curriculum with that offered by Manchester Community College was quite intriguing to me as this model offers a fantastic and very affordable means of attaining high-tech certifications, an Associate’s Degree, and four year degrees.”
“Spark Academy is the gateway to the future for students who might not otherwise be able to dream of a college education through a traditional pathway. Perhaps most importantly, Spark Academy is driven by passion, and passion is contagious. I can’t think of a better lesson to teach our students than to be passionate about their lives!”
Guidance & Student Services
A certified school counselor, Mrs. Minery is the School Counselor and Coordinator of Student Services at Spark Academy. She has worked with students in elementary through high school levels, and as a career counselor with young adults. In addition to her experience within schools, she's a published author of The Good, the Bad, and the Backstory, a true-to-life story with a valuable message about courage, forgiveness, empathy and understanding.
Mrs. Minery graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in psychology in 2002, then moved back to New Hampshire to start a family and stay home with her son. Once her son was in school full time, she received her masters in education from Plymouth State University , earning a certification in school counseling. She is in her eighth year in the field.
"I love being able to really get to know the students at Spark and look forward to witnessing their growth as developing adults."
Teachers
Chris DiPastina
Math
Pic and bio coming soon!
Matt Harris
Technology
Mr. Harris is an Associate Professor in MCC’s Advanced Manufacturing department as well as a technology teacher at Spark Academy. He is a machinist by trade, with 15 years of manufacturing experience. Mr. Harris is a proud community college graduate, and a fervent advocate for technical education in New England. Mr. Harris credits his experience as a student at Nashua Community College as his inspiration for becoming a teacher.
“There are many excellent career opportunities in manufacturing. But manufacturing is much more than a paycheck. The satisfaction of making something, being able to say “I built this” is rewarding. Spark encourages students to create. Our students are always designing and building things, and they take great pride in their creations. I believe that experience will serve them well in their careers, and in life.”
- Associate of Science – Nashua Community College
- Bachelor of Science - University of Massachusetts – Lowell
- Master of Public Administration – The Carsey School of Public Policy at UNH
Veronica
Hibbard
Math
Ms. Hibbard has been teaching Geometry and Pre-Algebra at SPARK Academy since October 2023. In addition to teaching at SPARK, she is an adjunct professor at Manchester Community College (MCC). Veronica was involved in developing a Math Bootcamp to help MCC students improve their math Accuplacer scores, and she has taught college courses in five different departments at MCC. Courses include: foundations for college mathematics, pre-algebra, business mathematics, anatomy & physiology I & II, exercise science, physical activity and aging, business management, introduction to business, organizational communications, human resource management, marketing research, and MCC Essentials. Educational degrees include an Associate’s in Math and Biology from CCM in NJ, an Associate’s in Exercise Science from MCC, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, concentration in Human Resource Management from SNHU, a Master’s in Exercise Science, Rehabilitation Science from CALU, and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration from Wilmington University.
Veronica considers herself a life-long learner and is committed to sharing her passion for learning with her SPARK students. She believes that learning is a collaborative experience and incorporates that philosophy into the classroom environment.
Katrina Hubbard
Humanities
Pic and bio coming soon!
Peter Livoti
Health & Science
Peter Livoti has worked in the educational field for the last five years as a teacher's assistant for Easterseals Gammon Academy in Manchester New Hampshire. Prior to that Mr. Livoti worked in the tech field relating to Video-On-Demand and Hotel Property Management systems.
“When I was presented with an opportunity to join Spark Academy, the enthusiasm and commitment to the students shone through so brightly, I had to become a part of this fantastic environment.”
Mr. Livoti teaches First Year Science and Health.
Caitlin Merrill
Science
Caitlin got her undergraduate degree in Biology from Saint Anselm College in 2022 and then went on to get her Masters of Science in Biotechnology from UNH Manchester in 2023. She then spent some time working in the medical research field before deciding she wanted to teach. She is excited to be at Spark due to the helpful, kind and committed nature of the students here and is committed to helping them learn science through fun and hands-on experiences.
Skylar Staffier
Humanities
Mx. Staffier comes to Spark Academy with a BA in History and Secondary Education from Saint Joseph's College of Maine and three years of experience working at Concord High School as a paraprofessional, soccer and track coach, and as a substitute teacher in the social studies department. As part of the Humanities program at Spark, Mx. Staffier is excited to work with students to help them grow as students, professionals, and as people. Mx. Staffier firmly believes in "Discendo Discimus", which is Latin for "while teaching we learn", as they are equally excited to teach as they are to learn from their students.
"I am excited to work here at Spark Academy because of how different it is from other schools I have been part of. Class sizes of 25+, hallways filled with 1000+ students, staff and faculty, and a busy environment made it hard to truly have the chance to get to know each other. Spark's small class sizes and intimate learning environment allows me to really know my students so that I can be a better teacher tomorrow than I am today. I also look forward to all the opportunities students have to learn outside the classroom and get hands-on experience in the fields that they want to be in."