The Gifford SchoolA co-educational therapeutic day school in Massachusetts

Wil Fredian, Executive Director 
Wil has been with the Gifford School for 20 years, starting out as an Assistant Teacher, quickly becoming a science Teacher in the High School, and then moving into an administrative role. Wil has been the Assistant Principal in all three schools, and the Principal since 2012. Wil was recently chosen to lead the school in the role of Executive Director beginning in the 2017-2018 school year. 

Dan Fuller, Principal
Dan has been with Gifford since 1999. He has held increasingly progressive positions including Assistant Teacher, Teacher, Head Teacher, Assistant Principal of the Lower School and his current position, which he began in 2017.

Favorite thing about working at Gifford?
"Working as a team with dedicated, talented educators, the sense of community and belonging that Gifford creates for students, and seeing students I worked with in the Lower School receive their high school diplomas. Working at Gifford, I've learned that all students can achieve success, that structure and flexibility can be compatible, and that personal growth is an ongoing process."

Kevin McKenna, Education Director 
Kevin has been with Gifford for over 25 years and has held many positions from Assistant Teacher to Teacher, Head Teacher, and Principal. His current role is Educational Director.

Kristi Penman, Admissions Director 

Promoted to the role of Admissions Director in July of 2021, Kristi will be working with school districts and prospective families to determine if Gifford is the right fit for students. Kristi rejoined Gifford in June of 2019 as the Lower School Assistant Principal after previously holding the position of Lower School Clinician. Kristi has worked with children, youth and families since 2001 at summer camps, schools, recreation programs and community based mental health agencies. She received her Masters in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire and holds licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

Favorite thing about working at Gifford?

"My favorite thing about Gifford is the honor of being part of the journey of some of the hardest working kids and families around! We ask so much of students during a school day to help support them reach their goals and the goals of their families. Whether it is the small steps or huge leaps, every day and every school year if filled with so many victories. I am so thankful for the collaborations with families, outside providers and school districts because we must all be working together to support our students."
 

Peter Rosenmeier, Clinical Director 
Peter has been working with kids since he was in high school as a peer mentor at Camp Triumph. From there he spent many years in outdoor education and experiential counseling, residential treatment, and as a Peace Corps volunteer working with street kids in Namibia from 1992-1995. Peter received his MSW from Smith College in 1998 and joined Gifford in 2003.

Favorite thing about working at Gifford?
"Gifford is a community that cares about everyone who walks through the door. The ability to work as a cohesive, multidisciplinary team that includes students, staff, families, and outside professional is our greatest strength." 


Wes Major, Special Education Coordinator

Wes joined the Gifford Community in 2009. Prior to becoming a member of the Gifford School administration, Wes served as both the Head Teacher and as a Teacher in the Lower School. As a Teacher, he worked with students in grades 3 through 7, many of whom have become Gifford graduates over the years. Prior to becoming a Teacher, Wes worked as an Assistant Teacher in both the Middle and Lower Schools. Wes graduated from UMass Amherst in 2007 with a degree in Political Science and received his Masters in Special Education from Regis College in 2015.