Educators
Dr. MaryGrace Stewart
Dr. Stewart is the founder and Executive Director of IDEAL4Gifted, and has over 40 years of experience in various aspects of gifted and talented education. She believes that learning experiences should be done such that they fit the child. Educators should be flexible with content and process to provide learning that can be well received by the student.
As Parent Liaison and President of the Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education, she worked with nearly 400 families to support and inform them. Dr. Stewart has presented on gifted education at conferences and schools across the U.S., in China, and Kenya.
She has a passion for creativity, inventiveness, and problem-solving, and is truly a lifelong learner. This is reflected in her own education: a bachelor’s in art education, a Master’s in Physiology of Art Production, another Master’s in Gifted Education, and a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership. She has had several iterations in the history of her work in public and private schools, theater performance, architecture, and commercial real estate.
She has been fortunate to have studied with renowned professors in the field of gifted education and has synthesized their theories & research into the academic foundation of IDEAL4Gifted.
Dr. Stewart has received several awards for her work: “Exemplary Service Award” (Southwestern Central School District), “Teacher of the Year” (Clover St. School), “Service Award” (Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education) & The National Association for Gifted Children’s “Community Service Award”. Dr. Stewart’s commitment to educating gifted and twice-exceptional children is unsurpassed.
Jillian Markow
Jillian Bulissa Markow has been teaching gifted students in grades K-8 for nearly two decades. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a major in neuroscience and behavioral psychology and a minor in history. She earned her Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Jillian found her vocation as an educator immediately following graduation and has worked in urban and suburban in-person schools as well as online schools. Her passions include reading, gardening, and needlework. At IDEAL4Gifted, Jillian teaches math, English, social studies, and Latin and is the lead teacher for the program.
Vicky Froelicher
Vicky Froelicher hails from what was a small, farm town in Indiana, but has lived and taught in eight different states across the US. Vicky started as a social worker with a degree in Psychology from Purdue University. She worked with individuals struggling with mental illness and developmental delays, but found her true calling in education. She returned to university at Ball State to first receive her Elementary license and later her Master of Education in Elementary Education, with a specialty in Early Childhood Education. Later, Mrs. Froelicher also got her endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education.
Vicky has over 25 years of experience in the private school arena in a wide variety of roles. She was a director of nationally accredited childcare centers in three states, principal of private elementary school, and along the way, taught most grade levels and served as mentor teacher for first year faculty. During her career she saw how the needs of gifted students were pushed to the side and is so excited to join a school dedicated to aiding and supporting these students as they deserve.
In her spare time, Mrs. Froelicher loves gardening, taking walks, bird watching, and yelling at the television while she watches football! She has six children, ten grandchildren, and currently resides in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Briana Thomas
Briana Thomas is a distinguished Educator with over a decade of experience in advancing academic excellence and student development. A Communications graduate from Pace University, Briana is recognized for her innovative approach to curriculum development, classroom management, and educational consulting in diverse international settings. Her global experience, marked by impactful contributions in various countries, such as Dubai and the Philippines, has enriched her perspective, enabling her to develop a unique blend of culturally responsive teaching practices. She integrates modern teaching methodologies with cultural and technological elements, enhancing learner engagement and educational outcomes. Briana’s career, marked by roles in esteemed institutions and dynamic consultancy at Duke University, underscores her unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a passion for children’s learning.
Tammy Katzeff
Tammy is a compassionate educator with over 25 years of experience in curriculum development and teaching, both in private schools and online. A Clark University graduate who studied abroad in Madrid, Tammy is fluent in Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. She discovered her passion for teaching while working with homeless and at-risk children in Massachusetts. She launched an after-school program in a women’s shelter and began teaching Spanish in local elementary schools before spending 21 years at a private school in Wellesley, MA, where she created its first Spanish and language enrichment programs.
Tammy also managed the school’s website, collaborating with parents and staff and leading two redesigns. She later developed a Spanish program at a Montessori school and co-directed a Hebrew School. Since 2020, she has taught Spanish online to students across the U.S. and in China. Currently, she teaches at IDEAL4Gifted, supports Social Studies, and leads communications and tech initiatives.
Tammy also runs a successful pet care business and brings nine years of tech experience from her role as a Senior Internet Researcher and Supervisor at a pioneering web filtering software company.
Her broad expertise and warmth have earned her deep respect in every community she serves.
Staff
Paula Barnes Cardinale
Paula, a conscientious, creative, insightful, and dedicated member of the IDEAL4Gifted team. She is a lifelong learner herself, explores new places, and delves into new skills every year. She is a Nationally Certified Math teacher who taught high school math for 9 years, middle school math for 12 years, was an elementary school Library Media Specialist for 10 years, an experienced gifted education specialist, and has presented at local, state, and national conferences.
She is currently our Accounts Manager. Not only does she handle all things that have to do with money for IDEAL4Gifted, but because of her extensive background and experience, strong organizational skills, and collaboration and leadership skills, she also provides valuable insights and information pertaining to marketing and the education of gifted learners, and is very much a part of the education team.
Although she is semi-retired, she eagerly participates in IDEAL4Gifted in bookkeeping, accounts management, marketing, substitute teaching, and contributes creative and insightful support to the entire team.