Craig Haims.

Craig comes to the Katahdin Program after being a Science Teacher at the REAL School. Additionally Craig has worked as an educational consultant, an outdoor educator. Craig’s background in outdoor education informs his belief that the most meaningful learning is relevant to the learner, cooperative and involves a sense of adventure.

Change begins when students and teachers partner as a team to explore content that is relevant to each individual learner.  It also happens when students feel comfortable enough to expand their limits, learn new skills, and develop a sense of confidence that comes from being an irreplaceable member of a team of learners committed to one another’s success.

When not around school, Craig is likely outside exploring!  Craig has a wife, two adult daughters, and a rescue dog.  He’s recently completed climbing Maine’s fourteen 4,000 + ft. mountains with his daughter.  Ask him about Katahdin! 

Paulette Merrifield.

Paulette, a Maine native and proud mother of three, serves as the Administrative Assistant at the Katahdin Program. Paulette has worked as a Secretary/Receptionist in K-12 public schools for the past 20 years. She feels fortunate to help with the needs of our students and to get to know the families and the community.  Her goal is always to help our students, families and visitors feel welcome at our school and by our team. Her favorite pastimes are hiking, cooking and baking.  

Rod Nadeau

Rod joins our team as the Adventure-Based Counselor. His clinical training is in marital & family therapy with a Doctorate and Master's degrees from the University of Connecticut. He is a licensed social worker and a Field Instructor for the Schools of Social Work at the University of Southern Maine and the University of New England. 

As an Outdoor professional, Rod has been a licensed Maine Guide since 1987 with designations in Whitewater, Outdoor Recreation, Sea Kayaking, and Commercial Boat Operation. He is a Wilderness First Responder and has numerous certificates and trainings in adventuring skill sets including swift water rescue, rock & ice climbing, ropes course management, facilitation, high ropes rescue, and CPR.  

Rod helps organize and lead the the Dempsey Challenge each year since it's inception in 2009. He loves skiing, cycling, ice climbing, rafting , fishing, and spending time with his family on multiday adventures.  

Paul Field

Paul is a teacher and the Special Education Coordinator for the Katahdin Program. He has been a Special Education teacher in RSU14's  Katahdin Program (formerly The REAL School) since 2004 and has over 20 years of experience working in adventure-based alternative programs in Maine and New Mexico.

Paul completed his education training in Multi-Cultural Special Education at the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico. He brings to our school extensive experience in outdoor education, having taught rock-climbing and skiing to at-risk youth in New Mexico for many years. Paul believes that every student wants to succeed and, with a caring and patient mentor, they will.

Marie Reidman

Marie has been a teacher for over 20 years, and an employee in RSU 14's Katahdin Program, (formerly The REAL School) since 2009. She enjoys helping students rediscover their love for learning in an alternative setting that focuses on building relationships and trust.

Marie specializes in English, but is passionate about sharing her abilities in photography and cooking with her students as well. Marie loves the outdoors, her job, and her family.

Christine Fredette

Christine joined the Windham/Raymond school district in 2007. You can usually find her in the kitchen or in the garden. She likes getting involved in special projects and will write grants to fund these great ideas. Christine received the 2009 "Live Green" teacher grant from GM, the Drive for education grant in 2011, and three grants in 2011 that funded the start up of the REAL Lunch program and funded the building of two gardens from Communities Putting Prevention to Work. In 2012, Whole Foods funded a grant that helped to purchase additional supplies for the REAL Lunch program and allowed for partnerships with local farms. Creating delicious, beautiful meals with students from locally sourced produce is her passion, and her goal is to get students to find a new food that they didn't know they could love through exposure and experience.

Ashley Tempesta

Ashley is excited to be a part of the Katahdin team as school counselor and adventure activities collaborator. She has been involved in experiential education and outdoor leadership for over 10 years. She recently graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine in School Counseling, and will continue to work on her second Masters in Clinical Mental Health. She has a passion for working in the outdoors as both a Recreational and Whitewater guide. Ashley also holds certification in the American Canoe Associations Swiftwater Rescue, and Wilderness First Aid. She is excited to bring her counseling skills and outdoor education experiences together to serve our students in the Katahdin Program!

When she’s not at school, you can find her hiking, canoeing and camping with her dog and fiancé. She’s a mean campfire cook and loves sharing her creations with family and friends!

Donna Lamb

Donna has been an employee of the Windham/Raymond school district for the past 17 years, and has served in student transportation for over a decade. She loves working with students, and finds meaning in helping them feel good about themselves. Donna enjoys spending time with her husband, Tim, who has served the Windham community as a heavy equipment operator for nearly four decades. When she's not transporting students, Donna spends her time tending to her gardens, going out shopping, and camping with her husband, Tim; daughters, Jessica and Amanda; grandchildren, Bryce and Brianna; and "grand-dogs" Brady and Ninja.

Michele Farwell

Michele joined the RSU 14 school district and the Katahdin Program in 2019. Michele grew up in Windham and currently resides here with her husband and five children. Michele has always been passionate about students. After studying Education in college, Michele taught physical education at a private school. She owned and operated her own Martial Arts school in Windham, teaching local students traditional karate for over 15 years. Always encouraging students to give back to their community, the school raised over $15,000 to donate to local, national, and international causes. Most recently, Michele worked 10 years as a Real Estate Appraiser in Northern Maine.

Michele continues to enjoy volunteering in local school groups and fund-raising for special needs. In her spare time Michele loves to stay active. She finds solace in nature, but her number one source of joy is her family.