New Hampshire Women Magazine September 2019

COMPLIMENTARY

September 2019 Issue

NEW HAMPSHIRE

WO M EN

THE EDUCATION ISSUE

MAGAZINE

celebrating the women of New Hampshire

PREPARING TODAY’S STUDENTS FOR TOMORROW’S CHALLENGES A conversation with Marie Kirk, K-8 Principal World Academy School

Inside: Ask the Pediatric Surgeon Page 14. MD M.M.Sc. Elizabeth S. Soukup, Pg. 14

Pg. 14

NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 5/ 1

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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SPOTLIGHT COLUMN | NHWM

Transforming Teaching at ASD Written by Crystal Ward Kent

Spotlight on Jennifer Cava

Director, Academy for Science and Design Learning is a lifelong passion for Jennifer Cava, director of the Academy for Science and Design (ASD) in Nashua, New Hampshire. ASD serves students in grades six through 12, and has a STEM-focused curriculum, which means it emphasizes science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Cava did not come from a STEM background, but was drawn to the school’s commitment to their students.

“After completing an undergraduate degree in Theatre and Language Arts, I continued my pursuit of a career in education while attending graduate school at Brown University,” she recalls. “As part of Brown’s teacher education program, I became involved with an initiative that explored the use of theatre as a way to get students engaged in literature. It was exciting to see how that program transformed these students’ learning experi-

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ence. I realized that I wanted to continue that work and transform the way we teach.”

Cava taught in middle and high schools in New England before arriving at ASD 10 years ago as a language arts teacher. She was simultaneously enrolled in a leadership program, and those skills allowed her to quickly move up to an administrative role, and eventually to become director. “It was an interesting transition, going from a humanities background to leading a STEM school, but the passion for teaching and the energy is the same as what I saw back at Brown. Our team is eager to teach, and want to reach students in innovative ways. The entire school environment is geared toward inspiring students, nurturing them, and encouraging them to reach their potential--that’s what is important.”

Leading a charter school is not without challenges, as Cava continually works to develop the school, promote its offerings, secure funds, and ensure that ASD has everything it needs to continue to achieve excellence. It has already been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School, among other awards. “It is a constant challenge to make sure that we are able to give our teachers and students the tools that they need,” says Cava. “Technology is always changing; programs have to keep evolving, and schools have to figure out how to provide the resources that faculty and students need. We also need to continue to build community partnerships. Relationships with businesses and the community in general are critical for our school.”

A Commitment to Empowerment While her duties

often mean long hours, Cava is clearly dedicated to ASD. “I believe that every student deserves to be challenged. At ASD, we focus on each student’s needs and help them find their passion and their interests. We engage families so that they provide encouragement and support at home, and help students stay on track. Most important, I believe that we create an environment where students are encouraged and empowered to pursue their goals.”

While Cava is pleased with ASD’s many accolades, she feels that they are not the main reason why the school is special. “It’s hard to put into words, but ultimately, it’s because this school is a place of kindness and tolerance; students can be themselves here. Everyone on the team really believes in the mission of the school. Teachers embrace the diversity of the students, and students are kind to each other. We are a true community.

I believe that students know that the teachers and staff all want what’s best for them, and wish to see them become successful in their careers and in their lives.”

Like most schools, ASD is trying to imagine what the world will be like in 10 or 15 years, and evaluate what skills its students will need when they enter that world. “This is why it’s so important to have strong relationships between schools and the workplace,” says Cava. “We need to know what skills our students are going to need down the road; what will jobs be like? We need to incorporate real-world skills into our curriculum so that we keep pace and our students are ready.

I think every school needs to develop better communication skills with the workplace, and that is certainly one of our goals.”

As an alumna of Smith College, a women’s college in Northampton, Massachusetts, Cava is also committed to encouraging girls to explore careers in STEM. “We are starting to see a shift and I’m thrilled about that,” she says. “The number of girls enrolled in our school has increased steadily, and we are now at an almost 50/50 ratio to boys.

We are seeing more girls going on to pursue STEM careers, including several attending top tier colleges such as MIT, Dartmouth, and Harvey Mudd, and recently, two female teams from our school won a national science competition. STEM is for everyone and the possibilities within these fields are limitless—that’s the vision we have at ASD and one we hope to share.”

SPOTLIGHT COLUMN | NHWM

ALEXANDRA MOLLOY: BUILDING LIFE SKILLS WORDS: Crystal Ward Kent

Alexandra Molloy is immersed in academic life, not just because she is committed to her job, but also because she literally lives among the students at Tilton School in Tilton, New Hampshire—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Molloy is director of strategic marketing and communications at the school, which is a college preparatory school for students in grades 9 through 12, as well as postgraduates.

She oversees all external communications, some internal communications, as well as promoting the school and its mission. “I love being able to tell others about our school,” she says.

“It’s small—the student body is just 250 students—but it’s truly a special place.”

Molloy previously worked in the corporate sector, but was eager to gain a position in academia. “Growing up, I attended a private boarding school in Maine,” she explains. “It made a tremendous difference in my life, both in preparing me for college and in preparing me for life in general.

The skills I learned have stood me in good stead in a wide range of scenarios, such as time management, being organized, and planning ahead. I was a high-level student athlete, an alpine ski racer who competed nationally, so from December through April, I was only actually at the school about four days! I had to take my schoolwork on the road and take tests on the road.

The school taught me how to manage my schedule and take care of myself mentally and physically. I gained priceless knowledge there that went way beyond academics.

“I knew I wanted to work in such an environment again and be part of helping other young people develop such life skills,” she continues. “However, jobs in boarding schools are not easy to come by. People tend to stay in those positions for long periods.

I was very fortunate when this job opened up.”

Molloy notes that at Tilton, the administration and faculty really make a difference in the lives of the students.

“They become like a second family, which was my experience in high

school,” she says. “You get to know them in ways that are much deeper than the traditional school experience. One of the things that I love about this school is that we are so connected to the students. This is a complicated time in their lives. They are trying to figure out who they are and where they are going. Helping them navigate this challenging period is rewarding. It can be a difficult time, but the strong connections that are forged here really do help. I’m always amazed at the transformations I see from freshmen year to senior year. The confidence that the students gain is inspiring.”

Finding Their Strengths Molloy admits that academic life 24/7 can present some unique circumstances that you have to work around. “It can be like living in a bubble,” she says.

“We are a tight community, and you have to make sure not to just stay in this very comfortable place. However, the school is excellent when it comes to broadening the student experience and connecting us to the global community. Twenty-five percent of the student body is actually international students, so there is a lot of exposure to other cultures, including those from as far away as China and Turkey.

“When you live at a school, you also have to find ways to be ‘off duty,’” she adds. “When I’m walking over to the dining hall for dinner or attending an event in the evening, I’m technically not working, and I have to remind myself not to get engaged in work affairs just because I may see work colleagues or students.

We all need our down time.”

Molloy feels that education will continue to shift toward more skillsbased learning over time, so that students are better prepared for the jobs of the future. “Teaching will still encompass math, history, language arts and other traditional subjects, but I think we will see a stronger emphasis on skills that can be adapted to a variety of jobs. Some of the jobs that exist today may not be here in 10 or 15 years, so we need to prepare for that and give our students the foundation that they need. Things are evolving so fast that adaptability will be critical.”

At Tilton, the emphasis is already on helping students find their strengths, build self-confidence, and fulfill their potential.

This focus has already led to some alumni creating unique ca-

reers, and in some cases, having a global impact.

“We had one student who was passionate about basketball,” she says. “We encouraged this because she was so fulfilled by it. After college, she went to Rwanda where she has joined a program for impoverished girls and women that uses basketball to help them build self-confidence. It’s been life-changing for them, and allows her to use her passion to help others.”

Molloy is pleased to see another September arrive and the new school year begin, yet she also looks forward to graduation. “I love seeing our students go out in the world and to then hear about what they are achieving. I’m always so proud of what they are able to do.”

BOLD THINGS ARE HAPPENING HERE. REAL LEARNING FOR REAL LIFE. A co-educational college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9-PG in the Lakes Region of NH. www.tiltonschool.org

NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 5/ 5

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SPOTLIGHT COLUMN | NHWM

Forging New Paths Written by Crystal Ward Kent

Spotlight on Mary MacIntosh

It takes a lot of drive to direct a school, never mind to start a school, but that’s what Mary MacIntosh did, when she launched Acton Academy in Laconia, New Hampshire this year.

“My husband and I were researching school options for our son, and evaluating the differences between public and private schools,” she explains. “In some cases, there didn’t seem to be much difference, but in others, there was a great deal that was different. I did more research and discovered the Acton Academy model. My husband and I were both blown away by the ideas behind this school. We both wished such an option had existed for us when we were in school.”

MacIntosh, who comes from a real estate background, was so intrigued that she and her husband

flew to Austin, Texas to meet with the Acton Academy founders. After talking with them, she and her husband decided to launch the first Acton Academy in New Hampshire. “There are over 8,000 applications pending for these Academies both here in the States and worldwide,” says MacIntosh.

“Thankfully, we had a connection, so were able to accelerate the process a bit. We started getting plans underway in April of 2018, and the school opened this September. We are an elementary school, serving children ages 5 to 11.”

As director, MacIntosh wears many hats, including marketing, recruiting, administrative, and working with the

teachers, who are called “guides.” challenged and engaged.”

She admits that launching a new MacIntosh says she believes the school has been challenging, but fact that she has been a lifelong says that they have been pleased learner is helping her in her mission by the response. “As parents to promote and operate the school. are hearing about the school, we “Working hard is easy when you are are getting lots of interest. We doing something you are passionate are a project-based school, so about,” she says. “I’m passionate there are many activities to fully about furthering my education, and engage students. We also let stu- about my students having the best dents learn at their own pace and educational experience possible. I in the way that is most produccan’t wait to see what the future tive for them. If a child is in third holds for Acton Academy.” grade, but can do sixth grade math, then we allow them to. We never want a child to be bored; our mission is to keep children

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NHWM COVER WOMEN | Inspiring Women

PREPARING TODAY’S STUDENTS FOR TOMORROW’S

CHALLENGES

For Marie Kirk, principal at World Academy in Nashua, New Hampshire, September brings a sense of anticipation—new students, new challenges, new opportunities for discovery and growth.

“I always get excited about the new school year,” she says. “It can be a little hectic, as there is a lot going on and a lot to get done, but I always eagerly anticipate the arrival of our students, and look forward to our journey together through the year ahead.”

Some might say that Kirk was born to do this job. In the 1990s, while a junior in high school, she actually worked at World Academy, which was then called Small World. World Academy offers innovative nurturing and

education for children from infant through eighth grade.

“I grew up here!” she laughs.

“I loved my time here, and after college, when I learned that they had an opening for a third-grade teacher, I took the job. The school had such a great environment when I was first here back in high school, that I was eager to become part of that environment as a full time teacher. There is a great team of teachers here, excellent leadership, and the student body is phenomenal.”

Kirk’s path to being involved in education wasn’t

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100 percent set. She comes from a family of firefighters—five generations of them—and for “about a minute,” considered joining those ranks. “My favorite game as a child was playing teacher with my siblings and parents,” she recalls. “And, I always loved getting ready for the new school year. However, I felt that same call to help others that my family did; the only difference was that I wanted to help them through teaching.

I realized, at a young age, that teaching was what I enjoyed most.”

Being in the classroom was very satisfying, but Kirk soon began taking on more responsibilities, and building her administrative skills. For a number of years, she taught full time, while also managing some key administrative duties. Then, the position of assistant principal opened up, and Kirk was offered the position. She accepted, and within a few years, found herself in the principal’s job.

“I miss teaching, but at World Academy, the leadership is so involved in the overall school community, that I’m still constantly interacting with teachers and students.

I’m literally in each classroom every day, and seeing all the students every day. Our teachers are so invested in what they are teaching, and in any new programs they might be offering, that they invite me in all the time to see what’s going on. I may help with a first grade science experiment one day and be involved in an art project the next. It’s really the best of all worlds.”

Learning for Life Kirk is most enthusiastic about working to improve her school, whether it’s by working with students or with teachers. “The communication between teachers and administration is very good, so we are always looking to see how we can make things better in the classroom, and help our teachers become better teachers,” she says.

“Everyone here wants to learn and grow. We know that if our teachers are at their best, and have everything that they need, then our students will reap the benefits. We also think that it’s important for students to see that learning is a lifelong experience, and that our teachers and staff are continually taking

Continued on Next Page

classes and improving themselves. I will be completing an advanced degree in educational leadership in October, and the students are encouraged to see Ms. Kirk studying and taking tests just like they do!”

Kirk admits that even the best jobs have challenges, and notes that in her position “there never seems to be enough time.”

“I want everything prepared and to be able to anticipate and fix things before they need fixing,” she laughs, “but don’t we all? I’m also very motivated by everyone I work with to constantly up my game and do more. I have to remind myself that it will all get done, and that I’m doing my best.”

Despite some hectic days—especially in September—there is no place Kirk would rather be. “I’m constantly blown away by what my students are learning and doing. I’m also so pleased to have my daughter here as a student; she has gone to school at World Academy since she was in infant and I’m amazed by the skills that she has—skills I know I didn’t possess at that age. I’m also so proud to see our students successfully transition to high school. We collaborate with local high schools to make sure that transition goes smoothly, and it is so satisfying to see our kids bloom and grow in a new environment.”

Marie Kirk (R) with Kindergarten Teacher Erin Seguin

Kirk is clearly passionate about learning, and especially about World Academy. “We really see every student and we listen to them. While they are here, we work to develop them as a complete student and a complete person. We want all students to be able to fulfill their potential and build confidence in a wide range of skills. We make it a priority to build a strong bond with students’ families and to communicate with parents regularly, so that they know how their children are progressing. We see our relationship with parents as a partnership. For families who want or need a school where the entire community is engaged, from leadership to teachers, in bringing out the best in their students, we are a great choice. We really make a difference in the lives of many kids.”

Kirk knows that the future of education is not without its challenges, but is excited for what it will bring. “A lot of education has gone digital and that trend will continue, but I think we need to remember the importance of the personal touch and the hands’ on approach. Students and teachers still need to feel motivated and encouraged and to gain real-world

experience. I also think that we need to take students beyond the classroom and make them feel their connection to their community, their state, their country, and the world.

They need to see the big picture and how they fit into it.

“We also know that we are preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet,” she continues.

“And that can be a bit mystifying.

Therefore, we emphasize skills that work across all kinds of job sets, such as problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, how to compromise, and so on. We make sure that they don’t just do things by rote, but think things through and understand the ‘why’ behind their actions. We are eager to see what our students do out in the world, and for the next generation to come through our doors.”

Marie Kirk (R) with Eight Graders at their Semi-Formal

NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 5/ 11

MEDICAL SPA | SPECIAL SECTION

SCHOOL OF “TOX” Written by Dr. Lisa Vuich, Owner of Renew Medi Spa

Dr. Lisa Vuich is a graduate of Tufts University (1988) and Tufts University School of Medicine (1992). She opened Renew MediSpa in 2006 and has worked steadily since then to ensure that Renew MediSpa remains at the cutting edge of the latest advancements in nonsurgical aesthetics. She is a nationally recognized injector, a member of numerous aesthetic organizations, a Key Opinion Leader for several aesthetic companies, and a Master Clinical instructor for Specialty Med Training. She is board certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and regularly instructs physicians and other providers on injection technique, platelet-rich plasma therapies and other aesthetic procedures through the Renew MediSpa Training Institute.

Have you ever wondered how a nurse or physician begins an aesthetic practice, or how they get trained on how to become an aesthetic injector?

We get this question often at Renew MediSpa, from both healthcare providers and the public.

Years ago aesthetic injections were provided primarily by what are referred to as “Core” physiciansreferring to Plastic Surgeons and Cosmetic Dermatologists. As demand for non surgical aesthetic procedures grew, more different types of medical providers started performing these services, from Family Physicians, Obstetricians and Nurses to other subspecialists such as Ophthalmologists and Dentists. Currently, the majority of Medical Spa owners and directors and those seeking to enter the field are “non Core”.

In the past decade changes in

the insurance industry have tended to frustrate both patients and the healthcare providers who care for them. Many physicians, burned out from the stress of functioning within these often cumbersome systems, have sought out aesthetics as a route to more independence, less stress, better hours and happier interactions with patients. Nurses who contact me for training almost universally use the terms “burned out” and “looking for a change”. The growth of regenerative medicine procedures, often not covered by traditional insurance, gives these providers a way to stay connected to treating medical conditions as well. So, for example, a MediSpa may offer treatments that range from dermal filler, botulinum toxin and body contouring to the treatment of erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, stress incontinence, joint pain and thinning hair.

Traditionally, those wishing to enter the non surgical aesthetic field will take group classes from one of the many training companies that have cropped up to offer educational programs. In these larger group classes, the didactic or “classroom” portion tends to be strong, but the “hands on” experience may be less than robust. To develop more confidence and experience they would then need to seek out smaller group or private hands on training, and/or practice in a setting where more experienced injectors are there to support and teach them. In the end, these providers are responsible for their own educational development.

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There is no licensing board or standardized certification process specific to this field. Providers of course are still under their respective regulatory boards, such as the Board of Medicine or the Board of Nursing , but there is not a standardized training track or protocol at this time.

State laws vary regarding who is licensed to perform various aesthetic procedures, from lasers to injectables and more. Although RN’s can become expert injectors, they are required to have a medical director (in New Hampshire, an MD or DO or NP) who has first formulated what is called the “Plan of Care” before the procedure is performed. This Medical Director should be experienced within the field, and readily available should questions or complications arise.

These are not a new regulations, but years ago they were not as often enforced as has been the case more recently.

In 2015, after a decade in the field myself, I formed the Renew MediSpa Training Institute to contribute to the education of providers in this rapidly expanding field. Since then we have provided small group and private training and preceptorships in a variety of aesthetic and regenerative procedures.

This October will be opening a new MediSpa and MediSpa Training facility at 23 Crystal Avenue in Derry, New Hampshire.

Any healthcare providers interested in finding out more about available training programs are encouraged to contact us by calling the Medical Spa at 603-894-0070.

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MAULING

Elliot Hospital: Ask the Pediatric Surgeon

Q.

Dear Dr. Soukup, My 7 year old daughter has had a mole on her leg since birth that my pediatrician has been watching. Should this be biopsied?

-Mandy D.

Dear Mandy, Freckles and moles are very common in children, and it may help to start out with some definitions. The fancy name for a simple mole is “nevus”. The brown color is called pigment and is made by cells in the skin called “melanocytes”. These pigmentproducing cells may increase in number (often from sun exposure) and make more pigment, which causes brown spots in the skin.

Most of these, like freckles and moles, are benign and no biopsy or treatment is necessary. Atypical moles are less common in children but are at higher risk for developing into a skin cancer and should be recognized and watched closely by your pediatrician or dermatologist. Melanoma in children is incredibly rare, but even that small risk is what prompts a biopsy when there are concerns.

We use the mnemonic ABCDE to help identify moles that should be biopsied. A = Asymmetry (when half of the mole does not match the other half). B = Border (when the edges of the mole are irregular instead of smooth). C= Color (when the color varies throughout the mole). D = Diameter (if the size of the mole is larger than a pencil eraser or approximately 6 mm). E = Evolving (when the mole changes the way it looks). Dermatologists and pediatricians are

trained to recognize moles that should be biopsied or observed closely. Once a biopsy is recommended, I will see children and their families to discuss this procedure. A biopsy simply means removing part (or all) of a mole and having it reviewed by a pathologist for diagnosis. Some children can tolerate this type of procedure in the office, but many need a sedation or anesthesia to do this safely.

This is a big reason why an appropriate decision for biopsy is so important in children.

A final category of moles that I should mention are the “congenital” moles, which means they are present at birth. These can range in size from tiny to very large, covering the entire trunk or limb. They will also grow proportionately in size with the child. As long as they are followed closely by your pediatrician or dermatologist, they do not need to be biopsied unless there are changes or concerns. So remember your sun protection, especially in those hot summer days!

Thanks for your question!

-Dr. Soukup

Elizabeth S. Soukup, M.D., M.M.Sc. Pediatric Surgeon

Dr. Soukup is a Pediatric Surgeon at the Elliot Hospital and has an interest in educating families about pediatric health and wellness. Her mission is to provide expert specialty care for children of all ages in New Hampshire – newborns through teenagers – striving to keep them close to their families and communities. If you would like more information, call 603-663-8393 for an appointment, or visit our website at http://elliothospital.org/website/pediatric-surgery.php. Check out her previous articles at #askthepediatricsurgeon.

Dr. Soukup earned her Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, where she received the Outstanding Achievement Award in Medicine, graduating first in her class. She completed her General Surgery training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and her fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at Children’s Hospital Boston. During her time in Boston, she also completed a Masters of Medical Sciences degree in clinical investigation

Please send your questions to: askthepediatricsurgeon@elliot-hs.org

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from Harvard Medical School. She was awarded Elliot Hospital’s “Physician of the year” for 2018. She is board-certified in both Pediatric Surgery and General Surgery. She has specialized training and experience in minimally invasive surgical treatment for babies, children and teenagers. Her practice includes all areas of general pediatric surgery, including common pediatric surgical problems as well as neonatal surgery, congenital anomalies, minimally invasive surgery, and complex thoracic surgical problems.

SPOTLIGHT COLUMN The Earth, Sea & Space Center Project: Let the Dream Begin!

By Crystal Ward Kent, Chair One of the most exciting advances in education is taking shape on the New Hampshire Seacoast, and that is the development of the Earth, Sea & Space Center project in Dover, New Hampshire. The Center’s mission is to help preserve a healthy Earth for the next generation. Through an exciting and entertaining educational experience, it will give future generations a better understanding of our ecosystems and the issues facing our planet.

From the moment visitors enter the modern, multi-story building, they will experience science brought to life, from large-scale aquariums featuring immersible design to exhibits illustrating how different habitats are connected by our vital waterways. Visitors will also discover our region’s unique geology and learn more about what influences variable weather. In the Space Hall, they will explore the “final frontier” and journey to the

furthest reaches of our solar system. They will also learn how our forays into the heavens benefit life on Earth. The Center’s high-tech theatre will offer visitors another incredible learning experience, whether it’s taking a walk on the sun or experiencing the deepest ocean depths. Research partnerships will allow students and visitors to gain insights into current studies and engage with real scientists. Hands-on learning opportunities will help rekindle the wonder at all our planet has to offer.

Volunteers have worked hard to develop the Center for a number of years, searching for the right site, gathering information, forming a nonprofit organization, and seeing the Center’s focus evolve into its current multi-discipline approach. Today, the Center has an agreement with the City of Dover for land on the Cochecho River; the project has hired its architect, exhib-

it design firm, and project manager, and completed its geotech and site buildability studies. The Friends of the Earth, Sea & Space Center is now working to raise funds for Phase One which will provide final building designs, exhibit designs, permitting and hiring of contractors.

To learn more about the Earth, Sea & Space Center project, please visit www. earthseaspacemuseum.org or call (603) 436-7778.

Note: On September 15, 2019 the Center is hosting a special dinner at Flag Hill Winery in Lee, NH to honor Dr. Clyde Roper, world-renowned expert on giant squid, TV star, and one of NH’s most distinguished native sons. To learn more, call (603) 742-0800 or (603) 953-3728.

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Restoring Confidence and Helping You Look Your Best Our Surgeons Are Experts In: Breast Reconstruction Skin Cancer Treatment and Reconstruction Rhinoplasty Breast Augmentation and Lift Breast Reduction General Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

Todd Burdette, MD

Dave Lee, MD

Call for an appointment today:

603-314-6450

Elliot at River’s Edge, 185 Queen City Avenue, Manchester, NH 03101 603-314-6450 | elliothospital.org 16 / VOL 2 ISSUE 5 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE