Who We Are

Through both professional and personal avenues, Sheilah Gauch, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and the Clinical Director and Principal of Dearborn Academy, brings expertise and moxie as the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Everest Program. Foundational to her work is the belief that all students can do hard things and deserve to reach their full potential. A graduate of Boston College, Boston College School of Social Work, and the Endicott College’s Masters in Educational Organizational Management program, with over 20 years experience, Sheilah is a pioneer in the interconnectivity of mental health and special education.  In addition to her incredible work at Dearborn Academy, Sheilah is a champion in her community and serves as a Co-Leader and Founding Board Member of the Massachusetts Coalition for PANDAS/PANS Legislation\ and was a recipient of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s Commonwealth Heroine Award in 2021. 

Alison Mehan, the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Everest Program and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Dearborn Academy, arrives at the Everest Program with over 10 years of experience working with students in special education and mental health settings.  A graduate of Wellesley College and Boston College School of Social Work and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Special Education Teacher, and Special Education Administrator, Alison holds central the importance of valuing and championing the whole student. As both an educator and a mental health professional, Alison approaches her work with students and families through a student-centered, strengths-based lens, with growth and success at the forefront. 

Karolyn Ormond, Program Director for the Everest Program brings over 20 years of experience in higher education and student success. A dedicated advocate for first-generation and historically underserved students, she has held leadership roles including Director of Residence Life and Assistant Dean of Students, creating programs that promote academic achievement and personal growth.

With a master’s degree in Education and 15 years of campus living experience, Karolyn offers a rare, holistic understanding of the student journey. As both an educator and the parent of two college-aged students—one with PANS/PANDAS—she brings empathy, advocacy, and deep insight to her work supporting students and families.

Email Karolyn if you have questions about the program. 

Meaghan Puhl is a high school teacher at Dearborn Academy, and has worked there for the past seven years. She is an alumni of Southern New Hampshire University (B.A.) and Cambridge College (M.A.). Meaghan has also previously worked at Engaging Minds, an executive functioning tutoring program, where she provided students with the skills and strategies to support their academic engagement, while simultaneously helping develop strong executive functioning skills. Meaghan’s work is highly motivated by student success, and she is always working to support students in meeting their full potential. Meaghan leads with kindness and humor in all that she does!

Hannah Sycks is a high school teacher at Dearborn Academy and has worked with high school and college students for over a decade. A graduate of Lesley University for both her undergraduate degree and master’s degree, she truly believes in student success in and out of the classroom. Hannah is a licensed High School English Teacher and Special Education Teacher (Moderate Disabilities). Hannah is motivated by each student’s interests, expertise, and areas of strengths. Hannah combines her passion for executive function strategies with her hope of helping students reach their fullest potential in their college experience! 

Jen Harris is a guidance counselor at Dearborn Academy and has worked there for the last 8 years. She is an alumni of Southern New Hampshire University (B.A.) and Assumption University (M. Ed.). She is passionate about helping students succeed inside and outside of the classroom and enjoys watching students gain confidence in problem solving situations with her support. She enjoys watching students grow and find their passions and voice. 

Dayna Baril is a clinician at Dearborn Academy and works with ages across the developmental lifespan. She is a alumni of The University of Hartford (B.A.) and Boston College Lynch School of Education (M.A). Dayna informs her clinical practice with elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts therapy, and gestalt therapy. However, she recognizes the unique needs of each individual student she works with and utilizes an eclectic approach. Dayna believes in recognizing the intersecting identities of each student, and reflects on how culture and identity on the larger social scale, impacts the individual. 

Giuliana Pantone is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Dearborn Academy with almost 10 years of experience in education. She is an active member of her alma maters, Penn State (B.S.) and Northeastern University (M.S.), and enjoys mentoring students from both institutions. Giuliana is passionate about supporting students in developing essential self-advocacy and communication skills, which are key to college success. Her extensive experience allows her to strategically guide college students to improve their executive functioning and reach their personal goals. As an Everest Coach, she is dedicated to ensuring every student recognizes their learning style so they can successfully access the resources they need.

Cassandra Rio joined Dearborn Academy in 2026 as an Academic Coach with Everest. She earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing Communication/Advertising from Endicott College and later earned her Master of Education in Higher Education from Merrimack College.

Cassandra has worked in higher education in a variety of academic support and coaching roles. She currently works at Salem State University in the Center for Accessible Academic Resources which provides disability access, academic accommodations, and academic support services to students. In her role, she coordinates placement assessments, tutoring, and Supplemental Instruction programs. She also serves as an Academic Success Coach at Endicott College, where she works individually with students to develop academic skills, independence, time management, and strategies for success.

Cassandra is passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to become successful, independent learners.