Special Education
Erin Upton, Director of Special Education
Erin brings 27 years of experience to NMRSD, with 25 of those years dedicated to Massachusetts schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Post-Professional Master of Science degrees in Occupational Therapy from the University of New England and complemented this with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership from Salem State University.
Erin started her career as an occupational therapist, working with students aged 3-22 for 18 years. In 2015, she transitioned into an administrative role in a large grammar school. Most recently, Erin served as the Assistant Director of Special Education for Lowell Public Schools, where she was instrumental in ensuring compliance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), delivering professional development, and overseeing both in-district and day school programs for students aged 3-22.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Erin enjoys quality time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She also finds joy in crafting and reading.
John Judge, Assistant Director of Special Education
John Judge has been an educator for more than forty years. In addition to many years of experience as a classroom teacher in both general education and special education settings, he has provided professional development to teachers throughout the United States, as well as in Guatemala, China, South Korea, and Australia.
John joined the district as a special education teacher at North Middlesex Regional High School in 2007. Since August, 2014, John has been the district’s Assistant Director of Special Education. In this capacity, John assists the Director of Special Education in managing all Special Education services that the district provides, as well as leading the strategic direction for Special Education and overseeing the development and implementation of long-term goals and objectives for Special Education in the district.
In addition to being a U.S. citizen, John is also a citizen of the Republic of Ireland. He enjoys researching family history, walking, reading, traveling and spending time with his wife, four children and six grandchildren.
Shannon Cole, Evaluation Team Lead
Tracy Bitondo, Special Education Administrative Assistant
Tracy Bitondo is the Administrative Assistant for the North Middlesex Regional School District Special Education Department.
In this position, Tracy provides administrative support for the Special Education Department. She works closely with the Director and Assistant Director to provide services to North Middlesex students on IEP's. She also handles the Special Education transportation for the district.
Tracy joined NMRSD in 2007, prior to her position at the school district, she worked at Comcast for 15 years.