Lower Division : Toddler – Grade 5

Maggie Wollner

Head of School

Maggie Wollner joined Avenues in 2012 as a founding member of the middle school science faculty and leadership team of the New York campus, going on to lead an interdisciplinary STEAM cohort and teach advanced biology in the upper grades. Between 2016 and 2019, she served as an associate head of the Upper Division. Maggie subsequently joined the Avenues R&D team as director of curriculum and went on to found Avenues’ first Studio campus in East Hampton, Long Island in 2020.

Maggie holds a B.A. from Harvard in History & Science with a secondary field in Classics, as well as an M.A. from the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership at Columbia University Teachers College. A native New Yorker, Maggie lives in New York City with her husband and young son. She is passionate about educational research and innovation, and committed to creating school experiences that challenge, delight, and inspire students.

Joe D'Annibale

Admissions

Joe first joined Avenues at its New York campus in 2014 as a 2nd grade Spanish immersion teacher. He later served for three years as associate head of the school’s Lower Division before joining the Avenues Studio Hamptons team for the 2020-21 school year. Joe began his career teaching middle and high school Spanish in New Jersey. He also lived and worked with English language learners in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Madrid, Spain, before joining Avenues.

Joe earned a bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree from Cedar Crest College. He has also completed graduate coursework at Rutgers University and Teachers College, Columbia University. Outside the world of education, Joe is a writer, reader and avid theater-goer.

Rachel Brill-Meckler

Student Learning and Wellbeing

Rachel first joined Avenues as a founding faculty member of the São Paulo campus as an 8th grade English teacher. She later served as a 7th grade futures literacy teacher and as associate division head for the student success team. In addition to her role as director of student learning and wellbeing for Avenues Online, Rachel also serves as director of the global student success team, fostering tiered support strategies for students across Avenues’ global ecosystem. Prior to Avenues, Rachel worked in Title I public schools in New York City and Denver, where she began her career as a Teach for America Corps member.

Rachel was born and raised in South Florida, and received her bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida in interdisciplinary studies and her Master's degree from the Teacher's College of Columbia in education leadership. She loves to be active, read, listen to podcasts, and spend time with her family and her adopted dog from Brazil.

Heather Marks

College Counseling

Heather joined Avenues Online in 2021, serving as a dean and college counselor for grades 10–12, as well as a faculty member for the Writing Immersion Program. As Avenues Online’s director of college counseling, Heather takes pride in empowering families and inspiring confidence in students, helping them to gracefully manage the application process and make the decision that fits them best. More broadly, Heather is committed to reframing the college admissions process as transformational rather than transactional, and as an opportunity to connect students to their values as they prepare for the future. Prior to joining Avenues, Heather served as the university and school counselor at International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile, and earlier spent 15 years in K-12 education in Jackson Hole, WY.

A scientist by training, Heather earned her B.A. from Stanford University and her M.S. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In her free time, Heather can be found exploring the outdoors with her husband, son and dog.

Dina Hamaoui

Family Experience

Dina Hamaoui joined Avenues in 2020, bringing 18 years of experience working in early childhood and progressive education. She initially served as program lead for the Lower Division of Avenues Online and subsequently as head of wellbeing and student services for Avenues Online in 2021-22. As director of family experience, Dina supports families to leverage the unique opportunities and resources available to them at Avenues Online, helping to optimize their school experience. Prior to joining Avenues, Dina was a founding teacher and curriculum coach at AltSchool/Guidepost Montessori in San Francisco.

Dina holds a master’s degree in art therapy and creative development. She spends her personal time in the clay studio and in the company of her dog and family.

Scott Klepesch

Faculty Experience

Scott joined Avenues in 2017, serving as the associate division head and director of studies for the Upper Division at the New York campus. In 2021, Scott took on a new role as program lead for Avenues Online and Avenues’ global electives. As director of faculty experience from 2022, Scott supports the wellbeing and professional growth of the Avenues Online faculty. Prior to joining Avenues, Scott was the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for a school district in New Jersey. In his free time, Scott enjoys running, swimming, skiing and serving as bullpen catcher for his daughter.

Eric Chamberlin

Technology

Eric joined Avenues in 2021, bringing more than a decade of experience in instructional design, e-learning and educational technology. He initially served as learning systems manager for Avenues Online before transitioning to his current role as director of technology. In that capacity, Eric helps train and support teachers, students and families to make the most of the technology that powers our program. Prior to joining Avenues, Eric served in a variety of roles, including as an educational technology coach at the American School of Kuwait and as director of digital learning for Salem Public Schools.

Eric holds a master’s degree in teaching and learning from the University of Southern Maine and a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire. He has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator. In his free time, Eric enjoys skiing, biking and exploring life in France.

Amy Helbig

People and Culture

Amy first joined Avenues as a member of its New York headquarters, where she served as Avenues’ first global people operations manager. In that role, she helped build a system to provide robust support for faculty and staff across Avenues’ campuses. Amy began her career as a middle school math teacher in New York City Public Schools. Subsequently, she spent six years at Achievement First, a high-performing public charter school network, recruiting teachers as the organization grew from 20 schools to more than 30.

Amy earned her B.A. at Bowdoin College and her M.S. from Fordham University. In her free time, Amy is an avid reader, podcast-listener and long-distance runner.