Elementary Education Faculty

Ellen Ballock

Chair of Education, Dean of School of Education
Professor of Education

Ellen Ballock started her career as a second grade teacher in Florida and then at the North Jakarta International School in the country of Indonesia. Prior to joining the Gordon College faculty in 2013, she also served as a teacher educator at Towson University in Maryland. She is passionate about the School of Education’s mission to prepare teachers, school leaders, and speech-language pathology assistants for making an impact on the individuals, ... more ➔

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Amber Adair

Instructor in Education

Amber Adair earned her Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from Arlington Baptist University. She began her career as an Early Elementary Education teacher in Texas. After starting her family she then became the founder and director of Building Blocks Learning Center. In 2011, her family relocated to the North Shore where she began working as a Special Education teacher. Currently, she teaches in Danvers in the Full Day Special Education ... more ➔

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Julia D'Onofrio

Instructor in Education

Julia D’Onofrio holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and early childhood education laying the foundation for her career as a kindergarten teacher. She later pursued and earned a master's degree in reading intervention. Julia assumed the role of Director of Student Services in a private K-8 school, initiating services for students with learning disabilities and providing professional development support for teachers. Licensed in ... more ➔

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Abigail Downing

Lecturer in Education

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Marnie Nair

Associate Professor in Education

Marnie Nair began her career as a classroom teacher in urban schools in New York City and Washington, DC. She later served as a school principal in New Orleans before founding and leading a charter school in San Diego serving primarily newly arrived refugee student from war-torn countries around the world. Marnie has consulted domestically and abroad for non-profits and governmental agencies on issues related to educational research, practice, ... more ➔

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Priscilla Nelson

Richard F. Gross Endowed Professor

Priscilla Nelson, Class of '74, returned to Gordon's Education Department after twenty years of combined experience as a public school classroom teacher, an elementary Christian school principal, and an adjunct professor at Gordon. Priscilla pursued advanced study at Boston University and the University of Massachusetts. This enables her to prepare teachers of reading using the most recent scientifically based research. She served as a ... more ➔

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Ashley Whitney

Instructor in Education

Ashley holds a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education and History as well as an M.Ed. in Education Curriculum and Development from Gordon College.  She has taught as an elementary classroom teacher and Innovation/STEAM specialist.  She is a proud mom of two elementary and one middle school-aged children.  She is excited to bring her love for learning and teaching as an Adjunct Professor and Practicum Supervisor. 

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Emily Williams

I am a Gordon grad through and through, having attended for undergrad and two graduate programs. I am passionate about working with multilingual learners and striving readers in elementary schools and seeking out ways to advocate for these populations. Outside of work, I enjoy nature walks, singing at church, and hosting friends for dinner! ... more ➔

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