Principal
John G Merselis III
Joined Hancock Elementary School in 2017 as the principal.
Prior to his tenure at Hancock Elementary, Jay’s three decades of experience includes working at the Pine Cobble School, HighCroft School, and Hoosac Summer School.
Jay has worked with students in courses such as English, history, science, and math, as well as serving in a variety of administration roles including Head of the Upper School, Director of Admission, and Assistant Head of School.
Born and raised in Williamstown, MA, Jay attended Mount Greylock Regional High School, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY with a concentration in Sociology and a minor in history.
Jay continued his education first by completing the University of Massachusetts Secondary Education Teacher Education Program followed by earning a Master’s in Education from Antioch New England Graduate School. Recently, Jay completed MCLA’s Leadership program and earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study.
Jay was a collaborating teacher on The Nation Archives resource book, Our Mothers’ Before Us, and helped with the revisions of the third edition of Williamstown: The First 200 Years. He has served on multiple AISNE accreditation teams and regularly leads and attends professional development that enhances his growth.
A former board member of the Williamstown Community Chest, Williamstown Board of Trade, Trustees of the Reservation, Williamstown Elementary School Governance Council, and the Hoosick River Watershed Association, Jay is a current member of the Mount Greylock Ski Club and Bear Island Conservation Association boards.
He enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, volunteering as a member of the National Ski Patrol, and spending time with his family. Jay’s personal and professional lives intersect to support John Dewey’s belief that “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
Fifth and Sixth Grade (Emerald Room)
Jennifer Mills
Mrs. Jennifer Mills is the sixth grade teacher in the Emerald Room. She holds a BA Degree in Sociology and completed the Elementary Education Program at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Mrs. Mills has previously worked in elementary schools in Virginia and Western Massachusetts, most recently at the Health Elementary School where she taught in a multi-age classroom. She brings extensive knowledge and interest in STEAM projects that reach across the curriculum and grade levels.
First and Second Grade Teacher (Ruby Room)
Samantha Lincoln
Samantha Lincoln joined Hancock School in 2022 as a second and third grade teacher. While pursuing her collegiate degrees Ms. Lincoln was the assistant for the Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts Vice President. Prior to joining the family at Hancock School Ms. Lincoln taught at Morningside Community School in Pittsfield Massachusetts as well as Readsboro Central School in Readsboro, Vermont.
Samantha was born and raised in Cheshire, Massachusetts. She attended McCann Technical High School where she studied Electricity. Always moving forward, she successfully obtained her Bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Having completed her first Master’s degree in education she continued on the path of higher education and achieved her Master’s in Business Administration. She is currently working towards licensure for administration.
Ms Lincoln continues to focus on the science of reading for young students. Samantha also volunteers with an array of youth sports including creating activities and games in which all students can participate.
Samantha’s personal interests involve fitness, sports and travel. She has visited 48 states and 16 different countries. Ms Lincoln personifies the ideals that education can and should be fun and interactive.
Kindergarten and PreK (Sapphire Room)
Alecia Williams
Alecia Williams joined Hancock Elementary in 2021 as a Paraprofessional. Prior to her tenure at Hancock, Alecia was a nanny and stay at home mother.
Raised in Cherry Plain, NY , Alecia attended Berlin High School. Alecia continues her education through Berkshire Community College and MCLA, working towards her Masters in Education.
She is the recipient of The Education Department award, given to a student who shows excellence in their coursework at BCC.
She is a resident of Hancock, along with her husband Michael and two children, Haley and Ayden. Alecia enjoys soaking up each moment with her family; they are by far her greatest inspiration and joy in life.
Alecia strives to work in Lev Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and believes that each student deserves to be provided with the scaffolding needed to be met where they are.
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas Edison
Paraprofessional for Emerald Room Amy Anderton joined Hancock School in 2024. Prior to jpining oour school community, she spend over three decades as an early childhood teacher and Program Director.
Paraprofessional for Diamond Room
Lisa Buell
Lisa Buell joined Hancock Central School in 2009 as a paraprofessional.
Prior to her tenure at Hancock, Lisa taught third and fourth grade at Temple Christian Academy in Holbrook, MA. She took sixteen years away from the classroom to focus on raising her three sons.
Lisa has been involved with Hancock School since 1998 in many capacities. Castle Camp Chaperone, Ski Program Advisor, and Scholastic Book Fair Coordinator are just a few of the events she volunteered for. In addition, she has been very involved with HOPE and the many events they sponsor for over twenty years.
Raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Lisa graduated from Faithway Baptist High School and went on to graduate from Baptist Bible College in Boston, MA with a degree in Elementary Education.
Lisa has lived in Hancock since 1996 with her husband. All three of her sons were educated here at Hancock. She has always considered Hancock School a gem of a school. It’s a wonderfully unique place to educate inquisitive learners.
Nurse
Hilary Bashara
Nurse Hilary (Hilary Bashara, BSN,RN, NCSN) joined Hancock Elementary School in August 2024 as the School Nurse. Prior to her tenure at Hancock, she worked for the past twelve years as both a public and private school nurse in all grade levels throughout Berkshire County. This includes working as the part time Hancock School Nurse over a decade ago! It is a blessed career she loves dearly. Prior to school nursing she gained valuable experience as both a wellness nurse and a registered nurse in the hospital setting. The formative role which started her on this path was as YMCA Health and fitness director. In this role she taught Health and Fitness to both adults and children, including creating Wellness and Adventure camps for children.She holds a core belief that a child’s physical, social, and emotional health is critical to their learning and development. She is committed to ensuring that every mind, every body and every young person is healthy and ready to succeed. She is also committed to promoting healthy habits, from proper handwashing to balanced nutrition. A healthy student is a happy and successful student.
She is excited to be part of the newly formed Wellness Committee and is looking forward to helping create programs for our wonderful community.
Born and raised in the Berkshires, Hilary earned her Bachelor of Science degree at UMASS Amherst in Nursing. She has earned her NCSN, an advanced certification for registered nurses who pass a national exam, demonstrating advanced knowledge and competence in the specialty of school nursing. Hilary continues her education through Boston University Shield, NASN and other educational opportunities.
“I am grateful to be the Hancock Elementary School nurse and I thank you for the privilege of caring for your children.”
Paraprofessional and Art Teacher
Mrs. Amanda Lahey
Paraprofessional for Emerald Room
Mrs. Cahill LeBarron
Music Teacher
