My name is Michael Russo and I teach Math here at Valor High. I started teaching here in Waltham in 2004. Although I grew up in a neighboring town I have lots of relatives and friends in the Waltham community. I have coached sports, run clubs, and been to countless community events.  I work at Valor because I know how hard school can be for students with adult responsibilities. I hope that my expertise and familiarity with the state exams will help students get their diploma.  I believe all my students are capable of learning the tools they need to be happy and successful.

My name is Linda Flueckiger and I am honored to serve as the Interim Principal at Valor High School. Before Valor, I taught high school and middle school for 17 years, and held other positions as SLIFE Coordinator and MTSS Coordinator. I earned my BA from Stonehill College, and my MA and PhD degrees from UMass Boston.

I am proud to work with our incredible students because I truly believe in second chances and admire their determination, resilience, and grit. I also feel so fortunate to collaborate with a top-notch staff who think creatively, find solutions, and go above and beyond to help every student find success.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my children, husband, and dogs. I also enjoy running, yoga, taking photos of nature, and reading.

My name is Caitlin Sianissian. I grew up in Massachusetts and went to the University of Massachusetts and Boston College. Since I graduated, I have been teaching history to students who are learning English in Waltham. I love this work and I’ve learned so much from my students. 

Every year since I've started teaching, I've seen students struggle through school or even drop out because they have too many responsibilities to make it to school every day. I'm excited to be part of a school that is designed to work with students to meet their needs in a more flexible way. Education is an opportunity that everyone deserves.

Valor means to have courage and strength. This is important to our school because it is brave to try something new in order to achieve your goals; Our students are taking this chance with us. They are valuing themselves and their school community by committing to show up and work towards their diploma.

My name is Melissa Chen and I am the science teacher at Valor High School. I choose to work at Waltham Valor High School because I truly believe in the school’s mission to re-engage students who struggle with traditional ways of learning. Learning is and should be fun. I love empowering students to take responsibility for their education and grow their confidence while earning their high school diplomas. I want all students to be successful and curious life-long learners. 

To me, valor means having the courage to choose a new path in the face of adversity. It takes a lot of valor for our students to walk through the doors of Waltham Valor High School. Every day, they are choosing to step out of their comfort zone to join a new community for a brighter future.  

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience from Bates College and a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. I taught STEM courses at a high school chartered for at-risk students in Lowell for thirteen years and then was the Urban Education Coordinator at the Gulf of Maine Institute. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the woods and foraging for berries with my husband, son, and dog. 

My name is Berta Ramon Padilla, and I’m honored to serve as the School Counselor at Valor High School. I was born and raised in Waltham, where I graduated from Waltham High School in 2012 after going through the public school system. My roots trace back to Jutiapa, Guatemala, and my parents have proudly called Waltham home for over 30 years.

I am deeply passionate about this community and the rich diversity that defines it. Valor High represents something our city has long needed, and I’m excited to be part of building a space that reflects the courage, strength, and resilience of our students and families.

The word Valor—in both English and Spanish—embodies bravery, and after growing up in a Guatemalan household, attending Waltham schools, and now working within this community, I know firsthand that Waltham is full of individuals with valor and incredible potential.

My name is Morgan Walsh, and I teach English at Valor High School. I graduated from Wheaton College with a bachelor's in English and Secondary Education in May 2017 and recently earned my Master's of Education from Lesley University in May 2023.

My teaching journey began with a fellowship at Boston Community Leadership Academy in Hyde Park, MA in 2017. From there, I became a 7th Grade Reading teacher at New Heights Charter School in Brockton, MA, and for the past five years, I've been an English teacher at the Alternative High School with Attleboro Public Schools. Each experience has shaped my passion for helping students find their voices and express themselves through reading, writing, and speaking about what matters most to them.

As I embark on this new journey with Valor and Waltham Public Schools, I am committed to embracing the individuality and unique interests of each student. My mission is to create an environment where every student feels like an important member of our community. By getting to know each student personally, I aim to provide the most engaging and personalized learning experience possible, helping them reach their full potential.

Beyond teaching, I am passionate about social justice issues and promoting a balanced life. In my free time, you can find me practicing yoga or enjoying the beach.

I am excited to work together with students, families, and colleagues to create a vibrant and supportive educational experience for all. Looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!