High School Team Leaders 2022 - 2023
(From left to right)
Alex Rogal, Assistant Principal
Tom Adams, Head Teacher
Jenny Slocum, Clinician
Maggie Vineis, Clinician
Alex Rogal, Assistant Principal
Alex joined the Gifford School in July of 2022. Previously, Alex worked in a variety of therapeutic settings for 14 years, supporting students with social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. During this time, he acquired his M.Ed. and licensure as a teacher for students with moderate disabilities from Lesley University. While acquiring his license, Alex practiced as a special education teacher in sub-separate, inclusion, and alternative therapeutic settings. Most recently, he worked in a large school district internally as a consultant, specializing in crisis management, de-escalation and therapeutic interventions, while offering services such as short term stabilization for students in crisis. Alex has been trained in multiple de-escalation curricula, specialized academic interventions, and has been responsible for training others in responding to crises, managing challenging behavior and developing therapeutic interventions.
Favorite thing about working at Gifford?
My favorite thing about working here helping students navigate through challenging social/emotional and academic obstacles, while providing a safe and supportive school environment.
Tom Adams, Head Teacher
Tom has been with Gifford since 2003, and has held various positions including High School Assistant Teacher, Teacher, Department Head, and Middle School Head Teacher. Tom is a graduate of Clemson University, and a Professional member of the American Mountain Guides Association, a working rock and ice climbing instructor, Wilderness First Responder, and Project Adventure trained group facilitator.
Favorite thing about working at Gifford?
My favorite thing about working here is watching the students grow and learn, increasing their self-esteem, and achieving success. The resilience and effort of the students is inspirational. During my career here, I’ve learned that all students want to do well. I’ve also learned that every school should be a therapeutic school.
Jenny Slocum, Clinician
Jenny Slocum, LICSW resumed her career at Gifford at the start of the 2021 school year having previously worked in both the High School and Middle School programs from 2004-2007. Jenny has experience supporting students and families in school, residential, and foster care settings. She received her Master's in Social Work from Boston University and her Master's in Special Education from UMass Boston.
Favorite thing about working at Gifford?
My favorite thing about working at Gifford is seeing students develop their capacity to understand themselves as learners and to apply that understanding to reach their social, emotional and academic goals.
Maggie Vineis, Clinician
Maggie joined The Gifford School in August of 2022. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with an undergraduate degree in Social Work and received her MSW from Fordham University. She previously worked as a residential counselor, a school adjustment counselor, and an outpatient clinician.
Favorite thing about working at Gifford?
My favorite thing about Gifford is experiencing an environment that not only allows but encourages students to come as fully, authentically themselves without judgment or criticism. Kids at Gifford are able to gain confidence and skills to further themselves in a way that would not be possible in other settings.