Elan School's direct care staff are men and women with a unique blend of backgrounds (psychology, social work, etc.) and personal experience. Each member of the Elan School staff is trained in Elan's special techniques to organize students into self-actuating groups, accepting help from peers and responsibly returning that help to others. Continuous staff training programs are focused on pertinent skills, concepts and policies.

Elan determines the appropriate blend of staff for each house; daily staff supervision is provided; and individual student's plans are constantly updated. This highly organized process of supervision ensures that every aspect of the complex system at Elan School is properly administered, to provide optimum benefit for the students.

Martin L Kruglik

Clare Woodman

Clare is Elan School ’s other Senior Program Director.  Clare has been with Élan since 1984.  Her long tenure along with her passion for the school has enabled Clare to provide a very valuable insight for both students and their families.  As a graduate of Élan School, Clare’s ability to provide the “been there, done that” approach is something that the students can identify with.  She is truly a role model.

Jeffrey Gottleib

Peter Rowe

Peter joined the staff at Élan School in 1988.  Peter is a graduate of Assumption College and holds a Masters of Sports Management.  In addition to his duties as one of the Resident Directors, Peter serves as Elan’s Athletic Director.  He is also the head coach of the boys’ and girls’ cross-country and track and field teams, which have won several state championships. Peter has earned several “Coach of the Year” awards.  He is also the head coach of the boys’ basketball team.

Melissa Esty

Melissa is a Resident Director at Élan School and graduated from the University of Southern Maine.  Melissa joined the staff in 1991.  She obtained her Social Worker’s license in 2004.  Melissa offers a blend of practical and academic experience including a semester studying Islam Religion and British Culture at King Alfred College in Winchester, England.

Kathleen Sherburne

Kathleen joined Élan School in 1993 and is currently a Resident Director.  Kathy served 5 1/2 years in the United States Navy where she worked as an Air Traffic Controller. Her personal experiences with implementing structure make her a valuable addition to the life skills staff.

Adam Asselin

Adam joined the staff at Élan in 2005 after graduating from Salve Regina University.  Throughout his college career, Adam played as well as coached - soccer, tennis and hockey.  His mentoring and motivation skills make him an inspiration to the youth he serves at Élan School.

Deanna Raihl

Deanna graduated from Élan School in 1998.  She went on to receive her Psychology degree from Mercy College where she graduated with honors.  Prior to joining the staff at Élan in 2006, Deanna worked with young children in her home state of New York.  Deanna is well rounded, with both an academic degree and the practical experience of having successfully completed the life skills program at Élan School.  This unique blend makes her truly special.

Nick Pitarys, L.S.W.

Nick joined the staff at Elan in January, 2009. He holds a B.S. in Mental Health and Human Services, is certified as a MHRT –3 (Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician) and has been a licensed social worker for nine years. He is currently in the process of obtaining his Master’s Degree. Nick’s extensive experience as a crisis worker in emergency rooms and with adolescents in case management makes him a wonderful addition to the team.