OUR STAFF
AdministrationExecutive Director/CEO
Jacinda J. Cotton-Castro
After more than a decade of early childhood and after school experience, Jacinda chose to pursue the creation and opening of one of Maine’s first public charter schools – Fiddlehead School of Arts & Sciences – in 2002. Jacinda has her Masters in International Marketing and Management as well as a background in project management, both in non-profit and for-profit businesses. She is fluent in Spanish. Her husband, Tony; daughters – Marita & Yote; and sons Dexter and Dante inspire and encourage her daily.
Principal
Jason Manjourides
Jason has served students and families in Maine elementary schools for 23 years as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, assistant principal, and principal. He holds a Masters degree in education from the University of Southern Maine. Jason was inspired to pursue a career in education while substitute teaching. During his substitute experience he noticed that all students want to excel, but many require a non-traditional pathway to do so. He currently lives in Windham, ME. In his spare time you will find him enjoying the outdoors with his two daughters.
Special Education Director
Dr. June Sellers
A champion of inclusive education, Dr. June Sellers, Ed.D. (they/them) brings more than 20 years of experience to this role. Prior to joining Fiddlehead, Dr. Sellers served as the Director of Instructional Support for RSU 5 School District. They have also been the recipient of numerous grants focused on special education. Dr. Sellers has an earned Doctorate (Ed.D.) in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in special education leadership and administration from the University of Central Florida; a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Stetson University; and a Master’s degree in Exceptional Child Education from the University of Central Florida, with a graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders.
Outside of work, Dr. Sellers enjoys road trips along the Maine coast with their wife and two fur children, and creating art inspired by the coastal beauty and culture, in mediums of watercolor, acrylic, pencil, charcoal and pastel.
Administrative Manager
Karen Johnson
Karen has 10+ years of experience in education, having previously taught 2nd and 4th grades. She attended Rutgers University in New Jersey. Karen and her husband, Kurt have been married 25 years and have 4 children. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, the beach, and spending time with her family.
School Nurse
Chris Heffernan
Business Manager
Nicole Gallagher
Nicole joined Fiddlehead after five years as a commercial property manager. Nicole has a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences and sustainability and is passionate about building community at the grassroots level. She has assisted institutions implement climate action plans and restructure their land management practices to be sustainable. Her background as a Montessori preschool teacher and environmental curriculum coordinator has shaped her understanding of the value in outdoor education models for youth. Nicole resides in Gray, Maine with her partner, their five children, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 25 chickens where they host campers and cultural events during the summer.
