• Ms. Lauren Hill, Mr. Joshua Tranfaglia, Dr. Michael Nicholson, Dr. Jacob Conca, Dr. Stephen Dacey, Dr. Jay McGilvray, and Mr. John Guinan




Xaverian Leadership

List of 7 items.

  • Dr. Jacob Conca '94, Head of School

    Dr. Jacob Conca became Xaverian Brothers High School's first layperson Head of School in 2019. As a 1994 graduate of Xaverian and an employee at Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools since 2003, Dr. Conca has a sincere appreciation for and thorough understanding of the Xaverian mission and values. He served as Dean of Students at Xaverian from 2003-2007, Principal of Saint John's High School from 2007-2016, and Principal of Xaverian from 2016-2019 before being appointed Head of School. His background also includes extensive teaching and coaching experience.

    Dr. Conca holds a bachelor's degree from Amherst College, an M.Ed. from Providence College, and a Ph.D. from Boston College. In addition to his work at Xaverian, he serves on the Board of Trustees at Xavier High School in Connecticut and at Notre Dame Academy in Hingham. 
  • Dr. Michael Nicholson, P '29, Principal

    Dr. Michael Nicholson was appointed Principal in November 2019, after serving as Xaverian's Assistant Principal for Student Life. He came to Xaverian from Saint John's High School. There, Dr. Nicholson served as a faculty member in the Religious Studies Department, coach, campus minister, Director of Campus Ministry, and ultimately as the Assistant Principal for Student Life. 

    Dr. Nicholson holds a bachelor's degree in Theology from St. Anselm College and a master's degree in Religious Education and Catholic School Leadership from Boston College. He earned his Doctorate of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, in addition to a certificate in Catholic School Leadership. He serves on the Board of Trustees at Saint Bernard School, another Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School that is located in Connecticut. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at Boston College's Lynch School of Education in the Roche Center for Catholic Education.
     
  • Dr. Stephen Dacey '95, Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning

    Dr. Stephen Dacey '95 joined Xaverian in the 2003-2004 school year. Responsible for fostering a dynamic teaching and learning environment focused on the classroom and beyond, in his current role Dr. Dacey supports faculty and students in a variety of ways, including assessment of data and incorporating teacher and student feedback into Xaverian's instructional approach. He helps to identify effective models to sustain overall academic growth and excellence at Xaverian.
     
    Dr. Dacey holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Secondary Education from Stonehill College. He also holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College, as well as a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Boston College. Before Xaverian, he worked with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at Goddard Space Flight Center to improve educational use and access of NASA data applications in the classroom. He began his career teaching science at Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. 
  • Ms. Lauren Hill, Assistant Principal for Academics, Grades 9-12

    Ms. Lauren Hill is the Assistant Principal for Academics, Grades 9-12. She holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education from Manhattan College in English, and a Master of School Leadership in Secondary Education from Worcester State. She is presently pursuing her Doctor of Education in organizational leadership from Baylor University.

    Prior to Xaverian, Ms. Hill served as an English teacher, class dean, summer programs director, and co-chair of the professional development committee at Saint John's High School in Shrewsbury. Additionally, she was influential in the process wherein Saint John’s launched a middle school program, serving as co-chair of the ad hoc subcommittee on educational model.

  • Dr. Jay McGilvray, Assistant Principal, Francis Xavier Division Grades 7 & 8

    Dr. Jay McGilvray joined Xaverian in the 2003-2004 school year. He has served as an English teacher, coach, and department chair. He was appointed to Assistant Principal for Grades 7 and 8 (FXD) in May 2013. Dr. McGilvray served as the varsity golf coach for 10 years at Xaverian, the freshman baseball coach for four years, and the Department Chair of the English Department.

    Before joining the faculty at Xaverian, Dr. McGilvray taught middle school in Arlington and Danvers. He holds an undergraduate degree from Elon University, a Master of Educational Administration from Boston College, and a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership as well as a Catholic School Leadership certificate from Creighton University. 
  • Mr. Joshua Tranfaglia, Assistant Principal for Student Life

    Mr. Joshua Tranfaglia joined Xaverian as a social studies faculty member in 2014, and from 2014-2019 taught in the Francis Xavier Division (FXD) and coached golf, basketball, and baseball at both the FXD and high school levels. He became the Assistant Principal for Student Life in 2019. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Tranfaglia taught social studies and religion at St. Michael School in Fall River.

    Mr. Tranfaglia has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Secondary Education from Providence College. He completed the Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers program out of Providence College, which prepares teachers for life in Catholic education. 
  • Mr. John Guinan, Dean of Students

    Mr. John Guinan joined Xaverian in 2022. He previously served at Xavier High School in Middletown, CT, a fellow Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School. At Xavier, he co-chaired the committee that led the school through the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools Mission Effectiveness assessment process. 

    Mr. Guinan earned his bachelor’s degree from Assumption University and his master’s degree from Boston College. He also studied in Europe and Central America. He holds a graduate certificate in Catholic School Leadership from Creighton University and also serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Philosophy at Sacred Heart University.

Faculty & Staff Directory

  • Photo of Grace Maakaroun
    Mrs. Grace Maakaroun
    Antonin University - B.S.
    Lebanese American University - M.B.A.
    Bio
     
    Mrs. Grace Maakaroun joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2022-2023 school year. She has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and an MBA (management concentration) from the Lebanese-American University in Lebanon. Prior to Xaverian she taught computer science and STEM at St. Catherine of Siena school. Mrs. Maakaroun accumulated her corporate work experience in the business industry in Dubai. She earned a degree in education and a Massachusetts teaching license in digital literacy/computer science K-12. She is a member of the CSTA.
  • Photo of Kyle MacDonald
    Mr. Kyle MacDonald
    Director of Admissions
    St. Lawrence University - B.A.
    Southern New Hampshire University - M.S.
  • Photo of Joseph MacKinnon
    Mr. Joseph MacKinnon
    Providence College - B.A.
    University of Connecticut - M.A.
    Bio
     
    Mr. Joseph MacKinnon ’84 joined the Xaverian faculty in the 1996-1997 school year. Prior to teaching at Xaverian, Mr. MacKinnon taught at St. Joseph’s High School in Greenville, MS and did his student teaching in Winona, MN. He has a master’s degree in history from the University of Connecticut. He has done graduate work in various disciplines at Boston College, Harvard University Extension School, and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Mr. MacKinnon is also a member of the soccer coaching staff.
  • Photo of Conor Maguire
    Mr. Conor Maguire
    Boston College - M.A.T.
    Assumption College - B.A.
    Bio
     
    Mr. Conor Maguire, P ’22, ’24, joined Xaverian in the 1996-1997 school year. Prior to Xaverian, he spent six years in the Connecticut public schools. Mr. Maguire attended Bryant University, Assumption College, and Boston College. Mr. Maguire coaches soccer as well as indoor and outdoor track and field. He is Chairperson of the English department.
  • Photo of Matthew Malley
    Matthew Malley
    Boston College - B.A.
  • Photo of Jane McCarthy
    Mrs. Jane McCarthy
    Human Resources Associate
    Regis College - B.A.
  • Photo of Anif McDonald
    Mr. Anif McDonald
    Director of Community, Culture, and Equity
    Fairfield University - B.A.
  • Photo of Joseph McGilvray
    Dr. Joseph McGilvray III
    Assistant Principal for the Francis Xavier Division
    Elon University - B.A.
    Boston College - M.Ed.
    Creighton University - Ed.D
  • Photo of James McPhillips
    Mr. James McPhillips
    Northeastern University - M.A.T.
    Northeastern University - B.S.
    Bio
     
    Mr. James McPhillips ’86 joined the Xaverian faculty in 1996. Prior to Xaverian, he taught for five years at Don Bosco Technical High School in Boston. He has a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University. 
    Mr. McPhillips has coached football and serves as an assistant baseball coach.
  • Photo of Paul Mendes
    Mr. Paul Mendes
    P.E. Teacher/Head Athletic Trainer
    Bridgewater State College - B.S.
    California University of Pennsylvania - M.S.
    Bio
     
    Mr. Paul Mendes joined the Xaverian community in 2004. He is a graduate of Bridgewater State University with a degree in sports medicine and a minor in sports management. In 2005, he completed his Masters of Science in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention from California University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Mendes serves as the head athletic trainer, wellness teacher, and equipment manager. 
  • Photo of Barbara Messina
    Mrs. Barbara Messina
    Director of Finance and Operations
    Northeastern - B.S.
    UMass, Isenburg School of Business - M.S.
  • Photo of Barbara Mitchell
    Mrs. Barbara Mitchell
    School Counselor
    Emmanuel College - M.Ed.
    Marietta College - B.A.
  • Photo of Philippe Mombeleur
    Mr. Philippe Mombeleur
    Assistant Athletic Director
    Bridgewater State University - B.S.
    Lasell University - M.S.
  • Photo of Sue Murphy
    Mrs. Sue Murphy
    Business Accountant
    Northeastern University - M.S.
    Stonehill College - B.S.
  • Photo of Luke Murray
    Mr. Luke Murray
    Long Island University - B.A.
    Bio
     
    Mr. Luke Murray joined the Xaverian community during the 2018-2019 school year. Mr. Murray has taught both the FXD 7 and FXD 8 science classes. He also coaches the FXD soccer, FXD basketball, and JV lacrosse at Xaverian. Mr. Murray obtained his bachelor's degree in education from C.W. Post University. Prior to Xaverian, he taught at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School and Christa McAuliffe Charter School. 

Contact Us

List of 13 members.

  • Photo of Ann Alsfeld

    Mrs. Ann Alsfeld 

    Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives
  • Photo of James Conley

    Mr. James Conley 

    Director of Campus Ministry
  • Photo of Edward Currle

    Mr. Edward Currle 

    Director of Athletics
  • Photo of Bryan Finley

    Mr. Bryan Finley 

    Director of Facilities
  • Photo of Michaela Fitzpatrick

    Ms. Michaela Fitzpatrick 

    Director of Counseling
  • Photo of Carolyn Herman

    Dr. Carolyn Herman 

    Director of Staff Formation
  • Photo of Katie Hickey

    Ms. Katie Hickey 

    Director of Strategic Communications
  • Photo of Kyle MacDonald

    Mr. Kyle MacDonald 

    Director of Admissions
  • Photo of Anif McDonald

    Mr. Anif McDonald 

    Director of Community, Culture, and Equity
  • Photo of Barbara Messina

    Mrs. Barbara Messina 

    Director of Finance and Operations
  • Photo of Daniel Tucker

    Mr. Daniel Tucker 

    Director of the Ruth Kennedy Library
  • Photo of Christopher Vasta

    Dr. Christopher Vasta 

    Chief Administrator for School Advancement
  • Photo of Gregg Whitaker

    Mr. Gregg Whitaker 

    Director of Technology

Xaverian Brothers High School

Phone: 781-326-6392
Fax: 781-320-0458
Directions | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

EIN (Tax ID Number): 04-2314036 
Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.