our amazing high school team

Hello! I’m Heather Badger-Brown, the Director of The Academy HS. Based in beautiful Upstate New York, I enjoy spending my free time cooking, geocaching, and taking photos.. Education has been my lifelong passion, and I have dedicated nearly 30 years to the field.

I hold a Master’s degree in Literacy from the State University of New York College at Cortland and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Additionally, I maintain New York State teaching certifications in Reading, Special Education, and Elementary Education, and I am a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. 

I am deeply committed to the belief that every child deserves to learn in an engaging, encouraging environment—a mission I am proud to advance through my work with The Academy Way. 

 Hey, my name is Claire and I’m grateful to join The Academy HS team as a teacher.

I’m from New York and absolutely love to travel, cook, learn about history, and spend time on walks with my dog Peanut!

As a sibling to a brother severely affected by autism, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when teaching is tailored to a student’s strengths. This has fueled my commitment to helping students thrive through personalized, student-centered teaching.

I believe learning should feel meaningful, stimulating, and most importantly, lots of fun.I’m truly excited to be part of this community, looking forward to growing and learning together!

My name is Craig Mann, and I am currently teaching entrepreneurship and math. I live in Massachusetts and recently moved from the city to the countryside—a change that has been both grounding and deeply meaningful for me. Returning to The Academy during this time of transition has made the start of 2026 feel especially positive and purposeful. 

I have 23 years of teaching experience in therapeutic settings, working with students who have a wide range of needs and life experiences. Those years have shaped how I teach and how I show up for my students every day—with patience, flexibility, and a deep understanding that learning looks different for everyone. While I’ve gathered many strategies along the way, I still view myself as a learner first; continuing to grow, reflect, and adapt is one of the greatest rewards of being a teacher. 

I am truly grateful to be part of a team at The Academy that cares so deeply about meeting students where they are and supporting them throughout their educational journeys. Being surrounded by colleagues who work so thoughtfully and intentionally makes this work even more meaningful, and I’m thankful to be working alongside them.

 With over 20 years of experience as a math, reading, and writing teacher and tutor, I have had the privilege of helping over 350 students improve their academic skills, grades, and self-confidence. 

My background also includes work as a Family Counselor, Youth Counselor, Crisis Stabilizer and Overnight Teacher Counselor at a residential youth treatment facility for several years. Additionally, I homeschooled my own children for 10 years, giving me a deep understanding of individualized learning. 

My diverse experience has equipped me with the ability to support students in overcoming challenges and achieving their personal and academic goals. 

  Hello! I am Peter (Pete) Alouise a Pittsburgh native now living in Central Pennsylvania, I am a devoted husband, father, and coach with over 20 years of experience in education. Holding a degree in Elementary and Special Education from Saint Francis University, I am passionate about building student confidence through strong mathematical foundations. 

Outside the classroom, I enjoy coaching my children’s sports teams and spending time on the water fishing and boating with my family.

  Hi I am a results-driven teacher with 25+ years of experience providing tailored instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and foster inclusive classroom environments, ensuring equitable access to education for all students.

My background includes a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education and spent 4 years teaching small group ELA, Math and Social Skills.The last 24 years I have been teaching in an inclusive model, small group, and virtual.

I am committed to promoting social skills development and maintaining a positive, supportive atmosphere for students.