Board of Directors

 

Neal Dunn brings nearly three decades of expertise in life sciences consulting, commercial analytics, and data-driven strategy to as Chair of The Accord School Board of Directors. Most recently, Neal served as a Senior Advisor at Trinity Life Sciences, Neal has held key leadership roles including Partner and Head of Insights and Analytics over a 17-year tenure at the firm, following positions at Roger Green & Associates and Bristol Myers Squibb. He holds a B.S. in Neurobiology and Behavior from Cornell University. Neal resides in Wayland with his family. His daughter attended Accord for four years.

Neal Dunn, Chair

Attorney Michael Baker brings a rich background in estate planning, elder law, business planning, and financial advisory services to the Accord School Board of Directors. Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 2005, Michael earned his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School following a B.A. from Syracuse University, with additional coursework toward an MBA from UMass Boston. His professional history spans work as an independent financial planner, a lobbyist for the MA Society of CPAs, and a legislative aide to former U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd. Active in regional governance and civic life, including past service on the Holliston Planning Board, Michael lives in Cohasset with his family.

Michael Baker

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Gary brings over twenty five years of experience and leadership in the financial services industry to The Accord School, along with an in-depth understanding of and global investment management industry operations, technology, regulations, project management, and quality control. Gary’s background in messaging and branding is advancing the school’s mission and direction.

Gary Casagrande

Elizabeth “Betsy” Crouch brings over twenty years of experience as a family law and litigation attorney, dedicating her career to helping families navigate challenging times with compassion and skill. As a former parent of an Accord School student, she has witnessed firsthand how the school transforms lives through its culture of unconditional acceptance, emphasis on social skills, and rigorous academic curriculum. She is excited to be a member of the Board where she hopes to support the mission and vision of the Accord School. 

Elizabeth Crouch

Julie Guillemin, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker with over two decades of experience providing therapeutic support to children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in treating a range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, social issues, and adjustment disorders.

Julie earned her Master’s in Social Work from Boston University in 2000 and has since developed expertise in both in-person and telehealth settings. She provides counseling services in her Duxbury, MA office.

Julie Guillemin, LICSW

Dr. Sheila Kukstis brings over 40 years of educational leadership across South Shore, Cape Cod, and Boston schools—spanning public, private, charter, and approved special education settings. A former principal and assistant superintendent, Sheila holds five educational certifications, including a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in Education, and a Bachelor’s in Special and Elementary Education. Her extensive background encompasses curriculum design, special education advocacy (including writing IEPs and leading Team meetings), school discipline, and state and federal compliance. Sheila lives in Scituate with her husband, Paul, where they raised their three children, and remains dedicated to ensuring every student succeeds.

Sheila Kukstis

Phil joined South Shore Bank in 2008 as a Vice President and an Infinex Investment Executive after spending eight years at Bank of America Investment Services. Phil's mission is to act as the primary advisor to his clients in helping them define the…

Phil joined South Shore Bank in 2008 as a Vice President and an Infinex Investment Executive after spending eight years at Bank of America Investment Services. Phil's mission is to act as the primary advisor to his clients in helping them define the direction of their financial life. Phil carries the Series 6,7,63,65 registrations and life, accident and health insurance licenses.

After attending Westfield State College, he entered the U.S. Coast Guard, spending seven years as an electronics technician with distinction. He resides in Weymouth MA and enjoys golf, cycling and spending time with his family.

Phil Melanson

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Jody graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in Accounting and is a former cost accountant. She is the parent of two college aged children, one a former Accord School student. Jody is a board member of South Shore SNAP (Special Needs Athletic Partnership) and Wondermore. She resides in Hingham and enjoys traveling with her family.

Jody Trinchet