Hello, my name is Christine Fitzgerald. I live in North Attleboro, MA only a few short miles from Gillette Stadium! GO PATS! I grew up in New Hampshire and I love to go and visit family to see the White Mountains. I started working at the Bates in 1999 and it has been my home ever since! I love teaching Kindergarten! It’s a wonderful age to see innocence, growth and honesty…if your breath stinks they will tell you!
I live in a little house on a lake with my cat, Bailey. I enjoy reading books in my hammock or having campfires by the lake with family and friends!
Christine Fitzgerald, K2 Teacher | cfitzgerald@bostonpublicschools.org
My name is Josephine Gangemi and this will be my 9th year at the Bates. I feel very lucky and privileged to be working with preschool age students. To me this is truly the most amazing and exciting age group to work with. Some of my favorite times with them are watching their wonder in nature, seeing them begin to build friendships with each other, simply enjoying their play and marveling at their creativity and hard work. I feel very fortunate to be working with such a wonderful and fun group of students, supportive parents and amazing co-workers.
When I am not at work, I love to spend time with my husband, my two awesome kids, and our adorable cat. We love to spend our time doing outdoor activities, riding bikes, swimming and spending time with friends and family. We are very fortunate to live in Boston where we are surrounded by friends, family, and many interesting things to do.
Josephine Gangemi, K0/K1 Teacher | jgangemi@bostonpublicschools.org
My name is Lisa Flaherty and I am looking forward to another school year at the Bates. I have 15 years of classroom experience, 9 of which has been in Boston Public Schools. Prior to teaching K2 at the Bates, I had a first grade classroom at Orchard Gardens Pilot School in Roxbury. Beyond teaching, I am a local girl and live in West Roxbury with my husband and daughter. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, being outdoors and doing crossfit. I am thankful to be a member of such a wonderful school community.
Lisa Flaherty, K2 Teacher | lreardon@bostonpublicschools.org
Hi everyone! My name is Mae Strout and I am thrilled to begin another great year at the Bates. I am originally from Portland, Maine and I have taught in Miami and Boston. I am a big believer in fostering a fun, hands-on, and inclusive learning environment. I have always loved teaching but kindergarteners are my favorite age group to work with. They have such positive attitudes and a wonderful passion for knowledge. You can learn so much from their creative and open minds.
In my free time I love to travel, cook, and spend time with friends and family. I feel so thankful to be a part of the wonderful Bates community!
Mae Strout, K2 Teacher | mstrout@bostonpublicschools.org
My name is Sarah Burke. I live in West Roxbury, but I’m originally from North Carolina. I have three daughters that attend the Boston Public Schools. When I’m not at school, I love cooking, hiking, and riding my bike. I’ve been teaching at the Bates for about nine years and I’m currently the K2 inclusion specialist. Teaching children to read and instilling a love of reading is the most important part of my job. Finally, the best part of my job is working with the the amazing staff, children, and families at the Bates.
Sarah Burke, K1/K2 Inclusion Specialist | sburke4@bostonpublicschools.org
Phineas Bates Elementary School 