Rachel Albino
Residing in Torrington, Rachel Albino is the newest physical education and health teacher at Northwestern. Previously teaching at Killingly High School and working as a soccer, field hockey and softball coach, Albino graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education.
“I think that starting with day one I realized that all the faculty and staff here at Northwestern Regional truly care about educating the students. I also love how everyone is so friendly and helpful. My goal is to fit in here with the staff and continue to uphold their values and standards. I would love to eventually coach here, as well, in the future,� said Albino.
Dana M. Packer
Dana Packer of Winsted has an easy commute to work as a full-time English teacher at Northwestern. Having graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s degree, Packer is currently a graduate student at Trinity College, working toward a master’s in English.
Packer says, “My goals as a teacher are to provide my students with literary skills as well as to have a positive impact on their moral character.�
Packer has been impressed with the quality of education and the environment provided by Northwestern. “I am impressed that students feel comfortable expressing their concerns to their administrators as well as becoming excited to share their achievements with them. Regional has an especially nice group of people who comprise their staff. I am happy and thankful to be a part of their community.�
Rachel Schaefer
A resident of Riverton, Rachel Schaefer is excited to be teaching the children of her own community. Hired as a new technology education teacher, Schaefer will be teaching photography, graphics, transportation I and construction II.
She previously taught at Litchfield High School and the Metropolitan Learning Center Magnet School.
Holding several degrees, Schaefer graduated from Northwestern Connecticut Community College with an associate’s degree in graphic design communication and Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in Art Education and a master’s degree in technology education.
“The students are my neighbors. Some are even relatives,� said Schaefer. “Northwestern Regional school is a wonderful place. The family environment is unique and welcoming.�
Keith Winegar
Currently residing in Terryville, Keith Winegar grew up in Hartland and graduated from The Gilbert School. With an extensive background in United States history, theater and historical preservation, Winegar is new to the high school teaching profession. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University and earned his teaching certificate from Central Connecticut State University.
Winegar hopes “to bring my background in history and theater to the teaching profession.�
Enjoying his new position at the school, Winegar says, “I’m receiving great support from the staff here.�
Emily Shyer
A resident of Granby, Emily Shyer looks like a student herself, but brings with her an impressive resume. Earning a bachelor’s in English from Assumption College and a master’s degree in education, Shyer previously taught English at Weaver High School.
Shyer has enjoyed her first month at Northwestern. “Everyone (the staff, students, administration) has been so welcoming.� Her goal as the English III and AP language and composition teacher is “to be that English teacher whom students look back on and think that she taught me how to really read and write.�
Dianne B. Brown
Living in Winsted, Brown is no stranger to Northwestern Regional. Holding several administrative positions at the school, Brown left the regional school system in 1999, only to return again this year as a secretary.
A graduate of The Gilbert School and Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Brown knew that Northwestern was where she wanted to be. “[I] left to have more student contact and went to another school. [It was just] not the same as Regional,� said Brown.
Philip Gatcomb
Philip Gatcomb, or Mr. G., as his students call him, resides in Simsbury. A graduate of Simsbury High School, Gatcomb graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in technology education.
Teaching computer repair, robotics, construction and electronics, Gatcomb has high aspirations for the technology program at Northwestern. “I plan to grow the tech ed program beyond the bounds of Connecticut to the national level.�
Cindy Blazys
Cindy Blazys is a resident of Torrington and the new culinary arts teacher at Northwestern. Previously teaching at the Devereaux Glenhome School in Washington, Conn., Blazys earned her degrees from Charter Oak and Naugatuck Valley Community College.
“Northwestern Regional is very student-centered. The faculty and staff have been very supportive during our transition to [the school],� said Blazys.
Her goals as a cuisine and baking and pastry teacher are “to be a positive role model for the culinary arts students.�
Cynthia Ober
The spouse of a former drama coach and teacher at Northwestern, Ober feels right at home as a laboratory technician at the high school. A resident of Torrington, Ober is a graduate of Albright College in Reading, Pa., and the University of Hartford.
Kaye Sweeney
A resident of Colebrook, Sweeney is the new school nurse. Previously working for Foothills Visiting Nurse Association and the Colebrook Consolidated School, Sweeney comes to Northwestern with a wealth of nursing experience.
David Ambrose
Currently living in Torrington, Ambrose is a new math teacher at Northwestern. He previously taught at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
Christopher Gurtwosky
Gurtowsky, a Winsted resident, is also new to the math department. He is a recent graduate of Central Connecticut State University.
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