OUR STAFF

Elementary Grades, 3–5
Third Grade Teacher
Emma Galante

Emma’s passion for working with children began in high school when she first coached youth summer track. With a professional certificate in K-8 Education and over 15 years of experience and training in dance and theater, Emma strives to integrate the arts into her teaching, enriching her students’ learning experiences. Emma is excited to be a part of the Fiddlehead community, where she can continue to nurture her love for education and the arts. Outside of school, Emma enjoys spending time with her family—her husband, son, dog, and two cats—at their home in Lyman. She loves singing, reading, watching TV and movies, playing soccer, and unwinding by the fire.

Third Grade Assistant Teacher
Kristin Pries
Kristin is a Chicago native with ten years of experience working as an Arts Educator and Program Manager at the middle school and high school level. She holds a BA in K-12 Arts Education from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, along with a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Boston University. She recently moved to Portland, and is excited to work in the 3rd grade classroom. Kristin has a passion for promoting growth and leadership in youth, and is looking forward to supporting the students at Fiddlehead. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active, cooking elaborate meals, playing with her 8 year old pitty Frankie, and traveling with her wife.
Fourth Grade Teacher
Livi Coombs

Miss Livi is a first year teacher joining our 4th grade classroom. Livi has had experience growing up in alternative and traditional education as well as working in an outdoor/reggio based preschool in Maine. Livi believes in the Reggio Emilia approach to teaching because life is a continuous learning process that allows for both teachers and students to learn in their own unique ways. When Livi isn’t teaching she enjoys cooking, skateboarding,
doing stand-up, hiking, and many more activities. Livi is excited to take on 4th grade and facilitate outdoor and place-based learning with her students.

Fourth Grade Teacher Assistant
Tracey Buteau
Fifth Grade Teacher
Sal Tinkham

Sal is joining the Fiddlehead team after teaching 5th grade in both New Hampshire and Maine schools. She is very passionate about learning and teaching. In the summer, Sal works as a sailing instructor and sailboat captain. Sal is excited for the opportunity to facilitate learning outdoors and discover new things in nature with her students.

Fifth Grade Teacher Assistant
Aaron Ricardi
Hello! My name is Aaron Ricardi and I am excited to be part of the Fiddlehead community! I focus on special education in 7th and 8th grade but find myself involved in other aspects of day-to-day learning at Fiddlehead as well. I also will be returning to the after-school music program this year as a guitar teacher. Outside of school I enjoy spending time hiking with my dog or fishing on Sabbathday Lake. If there’s enough snow skiing is always fun too. I’m looking forward to catching up with the old friends and making a few more! I always feel fortunate to be part of a great thing here.