Ben Colpitts – Program Director

Program Director – Ben Colpitts, M.A.T., is a certified special education teacher who holds a master’s degree in teaching from Goucher College. He also earned his BA in Communications from Goucher College. Ben joined the High Road School of Baltimore County in 2007 as an assistant teacher before becoming a teacher and later the transition coordinator at the same location. In 2011, Ben transferred to the High Road School of Perryville in Cecil County to become head teacher and later, associate director. After moving the school to Belcamp, Ben became the Program Director at the High Road School of Harford County. Prior to joining the Catapult team, Ben was involved in after school programs with the YMCA and worked at summer camps while growing up in Connecticut. He believes that he and his staff can continue to change lives by believing in their students’ abilities, building their confidence and inspiring them to achieve their goals. He sets out to accomplish this by using an interdisciplinary team approach and places a high value on building strong relationships with the parents/guardians and families of the students at High Road School of Harford County. Ben loves coming to work every day because the rewards always outweigh the challenges. He has a wife and 3 children to keep him busy at home and is a disc golfer in his spare time.
Marc DiPasquale, Jr. – Associate Director

Marc DiPasquale, Jr. is a certified special education teacher who is currently pursuing his master’s in the art of teaching with a focus on special education. Marc holds a certification in special education. He received his BA in Economics from the St. Mary’s College. Marc joined the High Road team in 2015 as a classroom teacher at the High Road School of Harford County. The 2019-2020 school year marks the first year as associate program director for Marc. He seeks to personally get to know each student he has the opportunity to work with and pair social emotional learning with appropriate academic interventions in a highly structured setting. Marc enjoys spending time with his wife and son, playing music, and wood working in his spare time.
Melanie Tserkis – Administrative Assistant

Melanie Tserkis is the administrative assistant for the High Road School of Harford County, in her 14th school year with the company. She has many responsibilities around the school that include events committee chair, coordinate transportation, maintaining student files, as well as other duties that help our region. She also enjoys helping new programs open and visiting schools that may need her help. Although there are many reasons that why she loves her job here, the most fulfilling and rewarding is changing the life of a student/child. Seeing their progression of moving up a grade level in reading or math or something as simple as mastering an IEP goal.
Joseph Bennett – Teacher

Joseph Bennett is a certified special education teacher who holds his bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Delaware. Joe joined the High Road team in 2014 as a paraprofessional in Cecil Alternative Program at the High Road School of Cecil County. In 2016, Joe was promoted to special education teacher at the High Road School of Harford County, and is currently working to obtain his master’s degree in teaching at Goucher College. As a special education teacher, he teaches his students how to communicate professionally and respectfully, manage and be aware of their emotions, and participate in learning how to learn. In his students, Joe seeks to build self-determination and self-advocacy, and believes every student deserves to be given the opportunity to become a contributing and productive member of their community. In addition to be a teacher, Joe practices Aikido, composes music, and loves to read, travel, and learn new languages.
Andrew Burlin – Teacher

Andrew Burlin is a Special Education Teacher who is pursuing his master’s in special education. He graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media and Film in May 2016. Andrew’s passion for education began in middle school when he started working as an Assistant Counselor at a summer camp. He went on to become a Counselor and eventually the Assistant Director during his college years. When he graduated from college, Andrew began working as a one-to-one Health Technician for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He worked a second job as a Paraprofessional Educator at Wood Acres Elementary School. He joined the High Road School of Harford County as a one-to-one Assistant Teacher for the Elementary/Middle School program at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year. Showing his desire to help his student grow academically and emotionally, Andrew made a perfect fit to take over the 10th Grade classroom in October of 2017. Andrew believes that each and every student has the potential for success, and that it is his job to unlock that potential. Accompanied with his patience and passion, Andrew strives to make sure every student’s voice is heard. Andrew is also an avid soccer fan and is often found waking up early on weekends just to watch games.
Codee C. Watson – Teacher

Codee C. Watson is a certified Special Education teacher who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in leadership in teaching with an administrator certification. Codee holds dual certification in Elementary Education and Special Education. She received her BA in Elementary Education from Wilmington University. Codee joined the High Road team in 2017 as a classroom teacher at the High Road School of Harford County. Codee believes that all students have the ability and capability to be successful. With the assistance of personalized, individual academic and behavioral interventions she is able service all students and build their academic and social potentials. Codee is passionate about music and dance. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and Catahoula Leopard Dog Dixie.
Tori N. Pennington – Teacher

Tori N. Pennington is a Middle School Special Education Teacher, who graduated from Alderson Broaddus University with a B.A. in Psychology. Tori joined the High Road team in January of the 2017-2018 school year as a one-to-one Assistant Teacher for our High School program. Prior to joining the team, she worked at basketball camps in Harford County as a Coach/Counselor each Summer and was a student-athlete throughout college. Her passion for education stemmed from learning and later, teaching on the basketball court. She believes that with patience, consistency, and effort each student is capable of success. By utilizing our research-based academic and social emotional learning interventions plans to accomplish a variety of each students academic and personal goals. Tori enjoys reading, playing basketball, exercising, and spending time with family and friends in her free time.
Karley Macomber – Teacher

Karley Macomber is a high school teacher, co-teaching with Ms. Brittany and Ms. Kim. This is her first year at High Road School, as she previously taught in the public-school system for 6 years. During that time, Karley taught middle school and elementary school classes. She co-taught in a language arts class as a special educator and was a general education math teacher. Karley earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Special Education endorsement from Salisbury University and is finishing up her master’s degree in Special Education at Notre Dame University of Maryland. In her free time, Karley enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She especially loves to hang out with her nieces and nephew. She likes to do anything outdoors including sitting on the beach and paddle boarding! Karley is passionate about teaching and is excited to start this new journey with High Road!
Christopher Tserkis, Jr. – Transition Coordinator

Christopher Tserkis, Jr. is a transition coordinator who is currently pursuing his Master of Arts of Teaching, with his certification in special education at Goucher College. He received his BA in Exercise Science from Wesley College in Dover, DE. Chris joined the High Road team in 2014 as a classroom teacher assistant at the High Road School of Perryville and has since served in teaching and transitioning roles, as well as head of the culinary arts program in Harford County. Chris seeks to help students prepare for post-secondary opportunities by prepping students for college or career paths. Chris loves spending time with family and friends. He joined his father in coaching his younger brother in baseball.
Kaitlan Phillips – Social Worker
Kaitlan Phillips is a Licensed Master Social Worker currently preparing for her Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical certification. She received both her BSW and MSW from Salisbury University. After completing her graduate school internship at the High Road School of Cecil County in 2015, Kaitlan returned to the High Road team in 2018 as a Social Worker at the Baltimore location and is now working at both the Harford County and Baltimore County location. Kaitlan seeks to build relationships with staff and students alike to help them be successful in both the school and community setting. Kaitlan loves spending time with her family and friends and is passionate about incorporating essential oils in her daily life.
Laura Johnson – Social Worker

Laura Johnson is a Licensed Master Social Worker, working towards her goal to become a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical. She received her Bachelor’s in Criminology with an emphasis in Victim Services from California State University of Fresno in California (2017). She completed her MSW from University of Southern California (2018). Laura has experience working in the group home setting throughout California with teen girls with substance use issues, trafficking experience, Complex- PTSD and other emotional issues, as well as working with teen mothers and their children. She briefly interned at a school in CA during her undergrad, which is what steered her towards Social Work and specifically School Social Work. Laura seeks to build a relationship with staff, students and parents to help students be successful in the school setting and out in the community. Laura loves to create group activities and integrate expressive art projects. Laura loves to spend time with her husband and dog, hiking, climbing, running and engaging herself in new crafts.
Cortnee Filling – Teacher Assistant

Cortnee Filling is a teacher assistant in one of the high school classrooms with Mr. Andrew. She started at our school in October of 2018 as an intern through Harford Community College. After the completion of the internship she started working with us in December of 2018. Cortnee graduated from Harford Community College in May of 2018 with an Associates of Arts degree in Secondary Education of History. She is continuing her education at University of Maryland to receive a bachelor’s degree in History. Cortnee has a strong passion for helping students not with just academic subjects but for their life outside of school. Her goal in teaching high school students is to give them ample opportunities of success before receiving their diploma or certificate. Outside of school, Cortnee also volunteers as a youth leader to middle/ high school students for the youth group. Cortnee loves to spend time with her friends, family, and her dog, Rudy.
Kimberly Anders – 1:1 Aide/Teacher Assistant

Kimberly Anders is a one to one aide and a teacher assistant in several classrooms assisting Ms. Karley, Ms. Brittany, and Mr. Chris. She brings over 13 years’ experience in the Youth Development field with the Boys & Girls Club before and after school programs. Kimberly’s specialties are in program, career, and life skills development. One of her biggest achievements in her career was successfully developing and running a teen program where students practiced interview skills, participated in college tours, volunteered in the community, and found jobs. Her goal this school year is to help students reach their full potential and explore all the opportunities possible after graduation. Kimberly loves traveling, event planning, reading and spending time with her son.
Brittany Dotson – Teacher Assistant

Brittany Dotson is entering her fifth year at High Road School of Harford County where she will be assisting in the classroom with Ms. Karley and Ms. Kim. You may also find her helping wherever she is needed from assisting in other classrooms, helping with student arrivals, special events, and dismissal. Throughout her career at High Road she has inspired students to be the best that they can be by helping them achieve their academic /behavior goals and teaching them everyday life skills. Before joining the team at High Road Brittany directed her own unit at the Boys & Girls Club of Cecil County for over 5 years. At the Boys & Girls Club she was in charge of providing a safe and fun environment for students to learn and grow. With her experience of implementing programs and activities she can engage with students to help them be the best they can be. Her goal this school year is to continue to hold students accountable but most of all change lives. Brittany loves crafting with her daughter, volunteering as Team Mom on her son’s football/basketball teams, and spending time with her family and friends.
Deborah Pivec – Speech/Language Pathologist

Deborah Pivec is a certified and licensed Speech/Language Pathologist with 42 years of experience in the profession. Deborah received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology from Loyola College in Maryland and a Master of Science Degree in Speech/Language Pathology from Loyola College. Her MSDE Certification is in Speech Resource with Advanced Professional Credits (Masters + 30). She worked for Baltimore City Public Schools for 35 years. She was a school based SLP for 23 years with the 14 to 21 high school population. Deborah was a District Representative for the Nonpublic Office for 12 years and retired in October 2012. Deborah began her career as a Speech/Language Pathologist for SESI, Inc. in October 2012. She has worked at the High Road School of Cecil County, High Road School of Perryville, New Hope Academy, High Road School of Baltimore County, and High Road School of Anne Arundel County. Currently she is working at the High Road School of Harford County and the High Road School of Anne Arundel County servicing the age 5 through 21 population. Deborah is devoted to improving the communication skills of her students to improve the quality of their lives with their families, friends, and in their communities. She is a resource to the teachers and staff as part of a team working to advance every student in the High Road Schools. She enjoys preparing Professional Development for the staff to enhance their skills and tools in a practical and useful way. Deborah enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Bailey. She is an avid Ravens fan.
Coleen Peals – Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Coleen comes to us from The High Road School of Anne Arundel County. She is entering her 13th year with our company and couldn’t be happier to be here. She will be an assistant to Miss Tori this school year. She has worked under James Young, Danielle Peck, Erin Laughman, Ryan Hax and Claire Young, many that have a regional position in the company now. She always enjoys working with her students one on one to ensure maximum learning. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, family and friends.
Exzavier Cooper – Teacher Assistant

Exzavier Cooper is entering his second year with the High Road School of Harford County. Currently, Exzaier is co-teaching in the Elementary/Middle classroom. This year Exzavier has taken the role of school coach and looks forward to coaching our school’s sports teams. Exzavier Cooper attended Alderson Broaddus University where he was a member of the Basketball Team. Before joining the team at High Road Exzavier was a Camp Counselor and Coach at the John Carrol Intensity Basketball Camp and a Recreation Leader at the Hill Top Boys and Girls Club. Currently Exzavier is a coach for the Perryville Panther Varsity Basketball team. With his experience working in these programs, he takes pride in his ability to engage and encourage students whether it be in the classroom, or through sports. Exzavier enjoys playing basketball, spending time with family especially his nephew. He looks forward to overcoming new challenges each school year.
Kristen Crosby – Assistant Teacher

Kristen Crosby is a teacher’s assistant in the lower high school classroom working with Mr. Joe. She started her career with the High Roads School in December of 2015. Kristen has previously worked in several academic placements before and after graduating from Holyoke Community College in Massachusetts with an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2013. She has a passion for working with younger children and those on the autism spectrum which led her to work with our company. Her goal this school year is to help her students strive to become the best versions of themselves in and out of the classroom. In her free time Kristen likes to spend time with family and friends.