Celebrating leaders who shape student success
At High Road Schools of New England, leadership is rooted in purpose and an unwavering belief in student potential. Our leaders bring decades of experience, deep compassion, and a shared commitment to creating supportive, transformative learning environments for students with diverse needs.
Each of the individuals recognized below embodies our mission through leadership that prioritizes individualized instruction, strong relationships, and the academic, behavioral, and overall well-being supports students need to make meaningful progress.
Matt Berardesca
Senior director, High Road Schools of Connecticut
Matt has been a member of the team for 16 years, beginning his career in 2010 as a transition coordinator at High Road Schools in Wallingford and Hartford. Throughout his tenure, he has remained deeply committed to empowering students to thrive.
In his current role as senior director, Matt focuses on cultivating environments where students and staff can grow and succeed. He leads by example, emphasizing dedication, compassion, and resilience, and believes every student deserves the foundation needed to pursue their own unique path. Matt is passionate about helping students discover their potential while supporting staff in their professional growth.
Every student’s journey is unique. My role is to help create the conditions where they and the adults supporting them can discover what they’re capable of becoming.
Christine Hartwich
Education director, High Road Schools of Wallingford
Christine joined SESI in 2014, beginning her career as a teacher at High Road School of Hartford Primary and High Road School of Hartford High. She transitioned to High Road School of Wallingford during the 2020 extended school year and now oversees both the primary/middle and high school campuses.
Christine holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Providence College, a master’s degree in educational mathematics, and a sixth-year degree in educational leadership from Central Connecticut State University. Her career path was inspired by her twin brother’s success in a private special education program, and today she remains dedicated to ensuring students receive the full range of supports necessary to ensure their success. She finds joy in witnessing student growth year after year.
No success is too small. When we individualize learning and truly see our students, growth follows.
Ian Cassidy
Regional director of schools, High Road Schools of New England
Ian’s journey with SESI began nearly 17 years ago when he stepped into what he describes as an “unknown world” of working with students who expanded his perspective and helped shape his professional path. Over time, that experience informed his belief that true growth begins outside of one’s comfort zone.
Having worked in schools across multiple states on both coasts, Ian now serves as regional director of schools in New England. He credits the mentorship of inspirational and dynamic leaders for shaping his management philosophy and is committed to creating similar growth opportunities for his team members. Ian remains dedicated to fostering reflective, resilient leadership that supports both students and staff.
Real growth begins when we step outside our comfort zones – both as leaders and as learners.
Deana Tyler, LCSW
Regional director, High Road Schools of New England
Over the past 16 years, Deana has built a career at SESI defined by steady leadership, commitment to students, and a willingness to step in wherever she was needed most. In 2009, she started with the organization as a social worker at the High Road School of Wallingford and has since served in many positions, including admissions director, education director, and executive director, before becoming regional director in 2017. Deana’s mission is to ensure every student is happy, healthy, safe, and learning by supporting leaders and staff through coaching, training, and inspiration – nurturing student success across academic, behavioral, social, and emotional domains.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in social work from Springfield College. She also earned an educational leadership certification and a sixth-year degree in social, emotional, and academic learning for social justice leadership from Sacred Heart University. Deana has been a licensed clinical social worker since 2013.
When students feel safe, supported, and believed in, they can succeed in every area of their lives.
Melissa Dirzius
Education director, special education teacher, BEST Academy
Melissa has been a dedicated member of the B.E.S.T. Academy community since 2015, beginning as a paraprofessional and advancing into roles as a teacher, operations manager, and education director. With more than 20 years of experience in special education, she brings deep expertise and compassion to her work.
Melissa finds joy in celebrating both student and staff successes – big and small – and believes strong bonds and relationships are the foundation of meaningful progress. She is passionate about supporting staff growth, fostering understanding of student trauma, and ensuring every learner experiences care, belonging, and opportunity.
She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology, a teaching certification in special education, and earned her administrator certification in 2024 after completing her educational leadership degree at Southern Connecticut State University.
Strong relationships are where success begins – for our students and for the staff who support them every day.
Ronda Turcotte, M.Ed
Senior education director, High Road School of Windham County
Ronda has been with SESI since 2000, when she began her career as a special education teacher at High Road School of Wallingford Middle School. She later would serve as head teacher, state initiative coordinator for Connecticut, executive director, and senior education director.
Throughout her career, Ronda has overseen and supported multiple schools and programs across Connecticut and beyond. She holds a master’s degree in education and is deeply committed to reflective, relationship-driven leadership. Ronda believes strong leadership is grounded in humility and purpose, and she is dedicated to creating structured, supportive environments where students can rebuild confidence and achieve success academically, socially, and emotionally.
Leadership is about turning challenges into pathways for growth and creating spaces where students can rebuild confidence.