Staff Directory

Teresa Berkowitz - Executive Director

With 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I have established myself as an effective leader. During my tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Pine Tree Society, I spearheaded unprecedented growth in programs and services, elevating their quality and extending their reach. My unwavering dedication to education is why I was involved on special education and assistive technology advisory committees for the Maine Department of Education, where I contributed both as a service provider and as a parent. Before relocating to Maine, I directed a program aimed at building capacity and elevating the standard of early childhood education in San Francisco.

Kathy Adams - Education Director

I am a certified special educator for children from infancy through 8th grades and I joined the Aucocisco School staff in 2021. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maine at Farmington and have 20+ years of experience teaching children across a wide spectrum of ages, settings, circumstances, and abilities. I’m also currently pursuing my Master’s Degree. 

Throughout my teaching career, I’ve always enjoyed working with children who have complex learning profiles. I am especially intrigued by the educational and behavioral puzzles they present. As their teacher, I strive to help them build academic skills, social-communication skills, and self-confidence. I believe that students learn best in a supportive, engaging, and predictable learning environment, and that every child’s program should reflect a comprehensive view of him or her as an individual learner. Each child is unique and they each have something special to offer the world.

Melissa Black - Bookkeeper/HR Administrator

I have been with Aucocisco for over 20 years.  I began as a classroom teacher in 1998, then scaled back my time in order to spend more time with my family. I have had numerous roles at Aucocisco, the most recent being that of bookkeeper. I am a resident of Bath and can be found attending any number of activities in the community with my family and my miniature Schnauzers.  

Jennifer Pollick - Administrative Coordinator/Special Education Teacher

I have a Bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. I studied Anthropology with a minor in History. I also have an MS.Ed from Bank Street College of Education in Museum Education and Elementary Education. I started my museum career in 1994 as a volunteer and continued working in museums as an educator and administrator until 2017. In 2013 I wrote an award winning workbook that became a mandatory text book for all 3rd graders in Portland, ME, The City is a Classroom, A Guide for Kid’s to Portland’s Landmarks and History. I joined the Aucocisco staff in 2018 I love being able to combine my passion for education and experience in non-profit administration together. I am ME State Teacher Certified 7-12 Grade Social Studies and 7-12 Special Education.