Teacher & Staff Directory

B.S. in Education from California University of Pennsylvania; M.A. in History from Washington College and Guidance and Counseling from Loyola College

I have been teaching for 34 years. My hobbies and interests include blues music, history, Pittsburgh Penguins hockey, Pittsburgh Steelers football, and spending time with my family. My favorite novel is The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and my favorite poet is Homer. My favorite movies include Dead Poets Society and The Lord of the Rings. My favorite quote is, “Hindsight is like foresight without history."

My goal for this school year is for students to have a better appreciation on how ancient history affects the lives of people today.

B.S. in Elementary ED; Masters in Reading in Admin I Certification

I have been teaching for 25 years. My family includes my husband, two children, and grandchildren. My hobbies are singing and Flowers by Michelle. My favorite movies are The Color Purple, The Notebook, Tombstone, and The Temptations. My goal for this year is to make sure my students succeed!

B.S. in Hotel/Restaurant Administration with a Minor in Business; B.S. in Education; M.Ed in Curriculum Instruction; Endorsement in Gifted Education

I am going into my third year of teaching ELA at Matapeake Middle School. I come from Virginia where I taught for 12 years and bring those years of expertise and wisdom with me. I look forward to the start of a new year! Also, this year I will take on a section of history which will be a nice change of routine for me.
Just a little about me: I have moved around some through my years, all of which have been with my husband of 28 years. I started out in upstate New York where I was born and moved to Oklahoma at a young age and where I spent most of my time. I have lived in Colorado and Virginia and now I love living on the Eastern Shore in Church Hill. Along the way, I had two children who are now grown and both have graduated from college and are currently working on their master's degrees.

Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Economics, Towson University
Master of Arts in Education, Gratz College

Maryland State Certifications:
Elementary Education 1- 6 & Middle School
Middle School Mathematics 4-9

I have been teaching at MMS since 2007. The challenge of guiding students through the math curriculum is still a great motivator for me. Each school year presents different challenges and keeps it interesting.

Although I grew up in Annapolis, the Eastern Shore has been my home since 1999. I have enjoyed living in both places and have family on both sides of the bridge.

I have always liked playing and watching sports, being on the water, skiing in the mountains and everything in between.

My favorite quote is “Be quick, but don’t hurry” – John Wooden.

Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture; Master’s in Elementary Education

My favorite quote is from author R.J. Palaciao in the book Wonder: “Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than is needed"

BA in Education from the University of Maryland; MA in Education from Scranton University

I have been teaching for 15 years. My husband and I have a daughter and a son. I enjoy reading, gardening, practicing yoga, traveling, cooking, and eating. My favorite novel is To Kill a Mockingbird and my favorite poet is Maya Angelou. My favorite movie is Tommy Boy. My favorite quote comes from my 10th grade English teacher, Mrs. Campbell: “Do what you have to do so you can do what you want to do."
My goal for this year is to instill an appreciation of reading in all of my students.

BS in Biology; Master’s in STEM

I have been teaching for 27 years. My husband and I have two sons, two dogs who are the best in all the land, and two cats who are the weirdest in all the land! We also have a flock of chickens. My hobbies include boating, snorkeling, and traveling. My favorite books are the Harry Potter Series by J. K Rowling, Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. My favorite poets are Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss. My favorite movies are Contact, Signs, and the Harry Potter Series. My favorite quote is from Louis Pasteur: “Chance favors the prepared mind."

Bachelors of Science in Education from SUNY Fredonia; Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel; Master of Science in Instructional Leadership from Mount Saint Mary’s University; Certified for Elementary Education (K – 6) with Middle School Extension (7 – 9) in mathematics; Pending certification Administration 1

I have been teaching for 17 years. My wife and I have four children and a pet cockapoo. My hobbies include watching football and hockey and camping. My favorite authors are Tom Clancy and Chuck Palahniuk. My favorite bands are The Tragically Hip, Skillet, The Headstones, and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. My favorite movies are The Princess Bride and The Boondock Saints.

One of my favorite quotes is from Michaelangelo: “The greater danger for most of us lies in not setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too short and achieving the mark.” Another favorite quote is from Paul Brandt: “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there’s footprints on the moon.”

My goal for this school year is to have each student increase their understanding and comfort with mathematics, beyond learning the required content.

I have been teaching for 34 years. I enjoy reading and playing video games. My favorite novels are Tom Sawyer and the Harry Potter series, and my favorite poet is Robert Frost. My favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life or any Harry Potter movie. My favorite quote is from Winston Churchill: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."

BA in Education from Salisbury University

I grew up on Kent Island and have attended grade school here. Working in Queen Anne's County, as a teacher, has always been a dream of mine and I am excited to be able to fulfill it here at Matapeake Middle. My goal for this school year is to not only improve my student's ELA skills, but to also have them develop a love for reading!

Bachelor's degree in Business Education from Franklin & Marshall College; Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction and Administration from McDaniel College; Advanced Professional Certificate

I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. I live with my husband and son, and have been teaching for 13 years. I enjoy horseback riding, soccer, working out, swimming, and spending time with my family. My favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption.

My goal for the school year is to teach my students to like/love math. I want to bring some fun into math class!

BA in BA in History/Secondary Education from Salisbury University

Before Matapeake, I was the Social Studies teacher for two years at Anchor Points Academy; Queen Anne's County's alternative education program. I am a graduate from Kent Island High School, and after college I was thrilled to return home and become a teacher in the area where I grew up. After school, I am the Head Coach for the Varsity Dance Team at Kent Island High School.

I enjoy dancing, reading, watching movies, going to the beach, and spending time with my husband and son. My favorite book is Pride & Prejudice and my favorite poet is Maya Angelou. My favorite movies are 10 Things I Hate About You, Dead Poets Society, and The Last of the Mohicans.

My favorite quote is, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” by Nelson Mandela.

BA in Economics from the University of MD; MA in Secondary Math from the University of Phoenix

I have been teaching for 10 years. I live with my three kids, two dogs, and one frog. I enjoy soccer, the beach, going to the movies, and spending time with my family. I love the Marvel Movies! My goal for this school year is to build relationships with students and families.

B.S. in Environmental Science with a Minor in Biology from Ursinus College
Masters of Natural Resource Management from Virginia Tech

It is pleasure to be a part of the Matapeake Middle School staff again this year. I spent four years teaching 8th grade science in North Carolina. I am originally from Philadelphia (GO BIRDS). I am looking forward to working with you and your student this year!

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education K-6; Master of Science in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (certified in grades 1-8)
Administrator I Certification

I have been an educator for over 20 years. I was born in Pennsylvania but have been living in QAC since I was two years old. I live with my husband and four children. I enjoy playing board games, watching movies, tap dancing, being outdoors, crocheting, and reading. My favorite movie is The Princess Bride.

Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Social Studies

I have been teaching for 26 years. I enjoy spending time with family, watching my boys play sports, bike riding, and baking. My favorite movie is Steel Magnolias. My goal for this year is to provide my students with the tools to advocate their needs as second language learners of English!

Stephanie Miles is excited to begin her 25th year in education as teacher specialist, and is enthusiastically looking forward to supporting the staff, students, and families in the MMS community.
Ms. Miles began her career in education as an elementary school teacher, having taught 4th grade in Talbot County Public Schools, and then 4th and 5th grades in QACPS at Church Hill Elementary School and Matapeake Elementary School. She then transitioned to middle school and taught 6th and 8th grade ELA at Matapeake Middle School. From there, she worked in Early Intervention as a special instructor and service coordinator for the Infants and Toddlers Programs in both Talbot and Kent counties. Since middle school is her favorite, she went on to teach at Kent County Middle School, first as a special educator and then as a math and science teacher. In 2023, she returned to QACPS and taught 8th grade ELA at Stevensville Middle School for two years, and was a special educator last school year at STMS, co-teaching 7th and 8th grade math.
Ms. Miles earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at Salisbury University, master’s degree in STEM Education at UMBC, graduate certificate in Early Intervention at Georgetown University, and certificate in Life and Engagement Coaching at Anne Arundel Community College.
On a personal note, Ms. Miles has two children. Her daughter attends MMS, and her son will be a senior at KIHS this school year.

M.S. Exercise Science and B.S. in Elementary Education.

I used to play bare-hand baseball.

Bachelor's Degree from Salisbury University; Master's Degree from Wilmington College

I have been teaching for eight years and have two children. I enjoy dance, boating, and spending time with family and friends. My favorite novel is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and my favorite poet is Maya Angelou. My favorite movie is Sleepless in Seattle. My favorite quote is, "Energy and persistence conquers all things."

My goal for this year to build meaningful relationships with my students and assist them in reaching their goals.

Bachelor of Fine Art; Master of Arts in Teaching

I have been teaching for four years. I live with my husband and two daughters. I enjoy playing piano, caring for my pet chickens, eating delicious foods, gardening, and spending time with family. My favorite movie is The Labyrinth. My goal for this year is to build strong relationships with students, try new art projects, and build a new curriculum.

Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education from The Catholic University of America; Masters of Instrumental Music Education from Arizona State University

I have been teaching for 18 years. I was born in Chile and now live with my wife and two children. My hobbies include reading, traveling, and geography. My favorite movie is The Spanish Prisoner. My goal for this year is to provide a stable environment for MMS Instrumental Music and establish a new culture of music making and performing in public.

Kassidy Bowman is excited to join the Matapeake Middle School community and continue serving the students and families of Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. Having lived on Kent Island most of her life, Mrs. Bowman is especially excited to begin this next chapter in the community she has called home for so many years. She looks forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff and helping create a school environment where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to be their best.

Mrs. Bowman began her career in education at Centreville Middle School in 2015, teaching Chorus and General Music. In 2022, she joined Stevensville Middle School as the Chorus and Theater Arts Teacher, where she has spent the past several years fostering creativity, confidence, and a love of learning in her students. Throughout her career, Mrs. Bowman has prioritized building strong relationships with students and creating engaging learning experiences that allow students to express themselves and discover their individual strengths. Mrs. Bowman earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Salisbury University in 2015 and later earned a Master of Education from La Salle University in 2019, with a specialization in 21st Century Learning.

In addition to her classroom experience, Mrs. Bowman has been involved in curriculum development and school leadership. She wrote the county-wide curriculum, served as the Unified Arts Team Secretary, and participated on the School Improvement Team. She has also planned and coordinated events such as the Junior District Choral Festival and Music in the Parks trips. Mrs. Bowman previously served as President of the Eastern Shore Choral Directors Association, providing opportunities to collaborate with fellow educators and support music education throughout the Eastern Shore. She also regularly adjudicates Maryland All State Chorus auditions and chaperones the Maryland Music Educators Association events.

Mrs. Bowman believes that meaningful relationships are at the heart of a successful school community. She is passionate about creating opportunities for students to find their voice, develop confidence, and recognize their own potential. She is thrilled to bring her experience, energy, and passion for education to MMS and looks forward to collaborating with the talented staff and wonderful families who make MMS such a special place.

On a personal note, Mrs. Bowman is a proud wife and mother to her son, Bennett (5), who will be starting kindergarten this year. Having grown up on Kent Island, Mrs. Bowman is happy to continue to serve the community that has been such an important part of her life. Mrs. Bowman is looking forward to an exciting first year at MMS and is honored to become part of the MMS community. She cannot wait to get to know the students, families, and staff and to make a positive impact on the school she is proud to call home.

Hello, my name is Lisa M. Hutton and I am very excited to be teaching at Matapeake Middle School! I will be teaching Health, PE and 6th grade Science. I have over 20 + years of experience, teaching PE and Adapted PE in Cecil County and in Sebastian, Florida. I have also taught Special Education and Art! While teaching in Cecil county, I coached Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball for Bohemia Manor High School. I also coached the Cherry Hill Middle School soccer and flag football teams.
When I am not at school, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, boating on the Bohemia River, and helping on our family farm in Chestertown.

Fun Fact: we lived on our boat in Sebastian Florida for the last 4 and 1/2 years! We just moved back at the beginning of June. It was a really fun and challenging experience... but we are glad to be back home close to family.

Hello, my name is Michelle Carreras Williams. I was with Anne Arundel County Public Schools at Northeast High School and North County High School (and a 2 month coverage stint at Northeast Middle School) for 2.5 years and am SO excited to be a part of Queen Anne’s County now! I am originally from Southern California and permanently moved to Maryland 2.5 years ago. I am married for 22 years (August 16th is our wedding anniversary) and we have a 19 year old daughter, Mikayla Skye. My husband is in Media and currently works for WMAR. Mikayla went to Severna Park High School in Anne Arundel County and decided that she missed CA. She went to a community college for 2 years back in So Cal and is currently on her way to UC Santa Barbara for her last 2 years of college. I recently returned from CA helping to get her moved and situated and can’t wait to have her home for Thanksgiving (and my birthday)! She was a competitive dancer for 15 years and recently chose to retire from dance. Her dance team took 3rd place in both of their dances during Nationals in FL this year! She was also on Severna Park’s Dance Team (and was their Dance Captain) and she played travel volleyball and was on Severna Park’s volleyball team as well.
Previous to working as a Spanish teacher in Anne Arundel County and now coming soon in Queen Anne’s, I worked in Corporate (for 30 years). I was a Director of Sales for a wireless telecommunications company (rather, 4 different companies due to mergers and acquisitions) and I was also a Corporate Sales Trainer in the wireless industry for a total of 15 years. I then moved in to the Health and Safety world and worked as a Western Region Sales Manager and Corporate Trainer (I am OSHA certified) for over 13 years. In between those jobs, I worked for 2 years as a Program Account Manager managing call centers across the Country and Internationally for the Company’s largest client, DirectTV.
Once I moved to Maryland, I decided that I needed a change. I was in a groove managing and coaching adults for so long that I thought it would be fun to teach young adults! I love being a Spanish teacher (Spanish is my first language, I didn’t learn English until I started going to school). I am first generation Cuban. My parents are both from Habana and both of my grandfathers were born in Barcelona. Grandmothers were both born and raised in Cuba.
I look forward to working with you and thank you again to Ms. Chambers for the amazing opportunity to teach Spanish at Matapeake Middle School!!

BA Social Work; Masters in Special Education

I have 13 years of experience. I was born in Chestertown and now live with my husband and three daughters. I enjoy crafts and shopping. My novel is To Kill a Mockingbird and my favorite poet is Maya Angelou. My favorite movie is The Outsiders. My favorite quote is, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
My goal for the school year is to help each and every one of my students be successful and overcome any obstacles they may face!

Masters of Special Education

I was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania and have over 20 years of experience teaching special education. My hobbies include boating and fishing. My favorite novel is "Only in America" and my favorite poet is Ernest Hemingway. My favorite movie is Jaws.

I graduated from the University of Maryland University College with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Teaching.

This is my seventh year of teaching middle school. I live in Queen Anne’s County with my husband, five children, and three dogs. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family, read, watch true crime documentaries, and be outside, whether on the boat or the beach. My goal is to know my students and build relationships so that I can support them in achieving their goals. I hope to create a learning environment where students feel connected and valued!

Zach Davis is very excited to be a part of Queen Anne’s County Public Schools and Matapeake Middle School as a Special Educator. Mr. Davis enters his 3rd year in QACPS, and he is excited to join the excellent team at MMS. He is excited to help students become the best version of themselves and to help them WIN THE DAY!
Mr. Davis grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and received his undergraduate degree from Liberty University in 2009. He also played football at Liberty University as an offensive lineman. Mr. Davis completed his Master's in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in 2013. Mr. Davis is certified in Special Education, Admin 1, and Physical Education.

In addition to being a classroom teacher, Mr. Davis has been a football coach for 18 years. He was a head football coach at Kent Island High School during the 2024 season and was a head coach for 9 years before being the head football coach at Kent Island. Mr. Davis is passionate about helping students become successful in the classroom and on the athletic field.
Mr. Davis also served as an Assistant Principal at Queen Anne’s County High School during the 2025 - 2026 school year, but he missed being in the classroom as a special educator. He is thrilled to be at MMS and looks forward to doing whatever it takes to help our students be successful.

On a personal note, Mr. Davis is married to Mrs. Emily Davis and a father to 6 wonderful children (Abigail, Willow, Rebekah, Joseph, Joshua, and Henry). He is also the offensive line coach at Kent Island High School. Mr. Davis is looking forward to a great year at Matapeake Middle School!

Michelle Ruscitti (“Roo-set-tea”), is beginning her fifth year with Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. She is excited about taking on the challenge of a brand new role, as the IEP Chair at Matapeake Elementary and Middle School!
Mrs. Ruscitti began her teaching career in Prince George’s County Public Schools in 2014. In 2018 she began working for Talbot County Public Schools before making the final transition to join Queen Anne’s County Public Schools in 2022, the district where her own children attend school.
Mrs. Ruscitti grew up in Orange County, New York near West Point. She completed her undergraduate course work at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York and completed her Master’s Degree through Wilmington University with a concentration in Reading Instruction. This fall, she will complete her credentials for her Admin I certification.
While elementary education has always been her happy-place, Michelle is excited to learn and grow by taking on new challenges at the middle school level.

Mrs. Ruscitti resides in Centreville with her husband, and two children, Luka and Mikaela. Luka is going into third grade and Mikaela will be entering kindergarten at Matapeake Elementary.
In her free time, Michelle loves to read and spend time with her family. GO YANKEES!

Associates Degree

I am married and have two daughters, and two grandsons. They are the light of my life. Some of my favorite things to do are paddle board, go to the beach, walking, fellowship and church.

I have 11 years experience in QAC Schools. I am married and have one wonderful son and one awesome daughter. Some of my favorite things are walking, going to the beach and watching Dirty Dancing. My goal this year is to enjoy every minute.

BA from St. Mary’s College
MA from Grand Canyon University

Certifications:
Special Education, Mathematics, Administration

I am a proud graduate of Queen Anne’s County High School. This is my 14th year in education. I spent 8 years as a High School Special Education and Math teacher at Queen Anne’s. I have been married to my wife Shawn for 10 years and we have 3 young boys!
In my free time I enjoy camping and outdoor adventures with my family. I love good movies, “old” music, and dad jokes.
I am looking forward to getting to know the staff and students at Matapeake Middle School and offering my help and support however I can.

I enjoy spending time with my family husband kids and Most important GRANDKIDS. I love spending time with all my animals and I like to garden!

Heather Hopkins Roberts is excited to join Queen Anne's County Public Schools and Matapeake Middle School. As she begins her first year at Matapeake Ms. Hopkins is excited to interact, inspire and engage with students, families and community.

In 2000, Ms. Hopkins began working for the North Carolina schools as a professional school counselor. In 2005, Ms. Hopkins and her family relocated to Maryland where she worked as a school counselor for CH Flowers High School in Prince George's County. In 2008, she joined Dorchester Schools as a school counselor.

Ms. Hopkins grew up in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania just outside of Philadelphia. She obtained her undergraduate degree at Cheyney University and her Masters in Counseling from Eastern University.

Ms. Hopkins is excited and eager for her second year with the Matapeake Stingrays family and work with such a wonderful group of dedicated educators, students, and parents. She is committed to helping all students reach their full potential.

In her personal time, Ms. Hopkins enjoys running, cycling, the beach and spending time with her husband, two daughters and their dogs. She is looking forward to a wonderful year.

Associates of Arts, Bachelors in Psychology, Masters in Psychology

I am originally from Florida and now I live on the Eastern Shore with my husband, Christopher and my beautiful baby boy, Grayson.
I love to spend time with my family, reading and football (go Bills!)

Bachelor's in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders

I am married and have a dog names Dory. Some of my favorite things to do are kayaking, seashell hunting, walks with the family and travelling. My favorite movie is The Proposal and my goal this year is to make a difference for at least one child.