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Dr. E. Xiomara Herman
Superintendent
(413) 362-1823
Dr. E. Xiomara Herman, known affectionately as Dr. Xi, is an accomplished educational leader and visionary. She brings over a decade of transformative experience to her role as Superintendent of Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools (ARPS). Dr. Xi’s career is marked by her unwavering commitment to academic excellence, equity, and community engagement, driving impactful change from classroom teaching to strategic leadership.
Dr. Xi holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Walden University, a Master of Science in Math and Science Education K-8, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Virgin Islands. Her professional journey includes key roles such as St. Croix District Superintendent of the USVI Department of Education, Deputy Insular Superintendent, and District Director of Curriculum & Instruction.
Throughout her career, Dr. Xi has demonstrated exceptional skills in strategic leadership, data-driven decision-making, instructional innovation, and budget management. She has successfully spearheaded comprehensive strategic plans, implemented innovative programs to promote educational equity, and navigated significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Xi’s leadership philosophy centers on the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to become the best version of themselves. Her extensive experience, visionary leadership, and heartfelt commitment to education make her a valuable asset to the district and the broader community. She advocates for a student-centered, data-informed approach to education, emphasizing the importance of leading with love and a just cause. Her dedication to creating an educational system where students strive for excellence is encapsulated in her inspirational quote:
“Lead with love, center on students, rely on data, and uphold a just cause. Together, we will build an educational system that inspires every student to reach their fullest potential and become the best version of themselves.”
As the Superintendent of ARPS, Dr. Xi is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and community partnership. She is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities, supporting professional development, and ensuring that every student receives the resources and support they need to succeed.
Dr. Xi looks forward to leading ARPS towards a future of academic success, innovation, and inclusivity.
Dr. Douglas Slaughter
Director of Finance
(413) 362-1812
Doug Slaughter has worked in the Amherst, Pelham and the Amherst-Pelham Regional School districts since 2007, first as Assistant Director and Data Analyst for the Information Systems department. In 2020, Dr. Slaughter was appointed as Director of Finance for the three districts. He began serving the Districts as Interim Superintendent in September 2023.
Ms. Reid brings over three decades of experience in special education teaching and leadership to her role as the Director of Student Services. With sixteen years dedicated to the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to the district through her service in various capacities, including Special Education Teacher, Educational Team Leader, Assistant Principal, and Principal. In addition, Ms. Reid was the Educational Director at a local educational collaborative prior to joining the Amherst-Pelham school district. Ms. Reid is devoted to ensuring that all students receive the support and services necessary for a safe and nurturing environment, fostering their academic and emotional growth to their fullest potential. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Doreen Reid
Director of Student Services
(413) 362-1834
Dr. Marta Guevara
Director of Student and Family Engagement
(413) 362-1871
Marta Guevara joined the district in 1999 as a Spanish teacher at Amherst Regional High School. Since that time, she has served in various roles including Assistant Principal of ARHS, Student Services Administrator and as a District Director. Dr. Guevara has been a member of the MSAN Research Practitioners Council for the past 10 years, presenting at various conferences for both adults and students. She holds an Ed. D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Prior to beginning her work in Amherst, Dr. Guevara worked with grade K-12 students in other school districts in Massachusetts and Puerto Rico and has also taught both undergraduate and graduate students in the field of education and served as an administrator at the University of Puerto Rico.
Dr. Guevara believes education is the key to opportunity and freedom and is committed to removing obstacles for students to succeed. She has devoted the last five years to founding and developing programming for the ARPS Family Center, which serves all families in the district with a comprehensive tiered support system. The ARPS Family Center also oversees the out-of-school-time programming, as well as student leadership, for the district.
Dr. Guevara is a dancer with Grupo Tradiciones, a Latino Folk Dance group based in Amherst, whose members are also staff in the district. She has two children and five grandchildren.
Tonya McIntyre
Strategic Equity, Inclusivity and Instructional Leadership Coach
(413) 362-1809
Tonya S. McIntyre, from Wadmalaw Island, SC, joins ARPS as the Strategic Equity, Inclusivity, and Instructional Leadership Coach following a distinguished career with the Charleston County School District. Now entering her 30th year as an educator, Tonya has over two decades of experience as a passionate high school mathematics teacher, where she championed equity and opportunity by creating environments that supported students’ academic, social, and cultural needs. In addition to her classroom work, she has served in various roles, including Title 1 Parent Advocate, Instructional Coach, District Instructional Specialist, District Acceleration Schools Teacher Recruiter, and most recently, Interim Community Outreach Director. Tonya holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Savannah State College, a Master’s in Public Education Management from Yale School of Management, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Strategic Leadership in Public Education at Belmont University.
Seth Keevaenthal is the Media and Climate Specialist for the Amherst Regional School District, joining the team in August 2024. In his day-to-day work, Seth works closely with Dr. Xi and the rest of the Superintendent’s Office to highlight the happenings of the district.
Seth brings a strong background in media production, marketing, and communications, complemented by a BA Magna Cum Laude in Screen Studies and Psychology from Clark University.
Before his current role, Seth was the Assistant Director of Communications at Eaglebrook School, where he played a key role in managing communications, updating web content, and designing marketing materials. Prior to that, Seth worked as a Producer at WWLP in Chicopee and WTEN in Albany, where he was involved in writing, producing, and directing morning broadcasts, along with video editing for local television.
Seth believes that through transparent and persistent communication the district can do better for its families, staff, and students.
Seth Keevaenthal
Media and Climate Specialist
413-362-1892
Michael Gallo O’Connell
Director of School Nutrition
(413) 362-1839
Under construction
Jerry Champagne
Director of Information Systems
(413) 362-1884
Jerry Champagne joined the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools in July 1999 when the town and the schools decided to split the IT department to better serve each organization. He was hired as a Network Analyst with a primary focus on the Amherst and Pelham Elementary Schools, sharing support for the district infrastructure. He then became the Director of Information Systems following the departure of the previous director. Prior to joining the district, he was employed as a network and service technician in the private sector. He has been supporting technology of various kinds for almost 30 years. Mr. Champagne received his BSME from Western New England College. Mr. Champagne lives in Easthampton with his wife. He has one son and two grandchildren.