Academics

Our Faculty

Xaverian teachers serve as much more than teachers; they are mentors - deep listeners and keen observers who get to know and appreciate each student.

As any explorer will tell you, having an experienced guide will dramatically increase one’s chances of success. Xaverian teachers, of which more than 95% have advanced degrees, help students see the obstacles as well as the opportunities ahead, advising them on the best course based on their unique abilities. And Xaverian teachers genuinely know where the students are coming from because many of them were once Xaverian students themselves.

Bright and energetic, caring and accessible, Xaverian teachers are committed to their students’ success.

Faculty Directory

Mr. Sean Gunning

Boston University - B.A.
Boston College - M.Ed.

Bio

Mr. Sean Gunning ’11 joined the faculty in the 2015-2016 school year, currently serving as chair of the Science Department. Mr. Gunning has taught grade 7 and 8 science, biology, AP biology, and the Science Research & Capstone class. He also coaches FXD basketball and FXD baseball. Mr. Gunning holds a B.A. in biology and psychology from Boston University, a M.Ed. from Boston College, and a graduate certificate in STEM education from Bridgewater State University. He is currently working towards a M.S. in biological sciences through Clemson University.
Dr. Stephen Dacey

Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning

Stonehill College - B.S.
Boston College - M.Ed.
Boston College - Ed.D.
Mrs. Karen Flint

Science Teacher

California State University - B.S.

Bio

Mrs. Karen Flint joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2021-2022 school year. Mrs. Flint holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from California State University, Los Angeles. Prior to Xaverian, she taught high school science at Saint Raphael Academy.
Mr. Ryan Howard

St. Francis College - B.S.
Boston College - M.S.
Boston College - M.Ed.

Bio

Mr. Ryan Howard joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2002-2003 school year. Prior to joining Xaverian, he graduated from Saint Francis University with a B.S. in chemistry and also obtained a master’s in chemistry and a master’s in education from Boston College. He has published both scientific and educational research articles in various journals and presented at the National Science Teachers Association national meeting regarding 21st century learning in science.Mr. Howard is presently the Director of Xaverian’s X-Ploration center, and co-moderates the ski club, Hawk News, and is active in campus ministry. Mr. Howard was named the 2023 Ryken Award Winner, and in 2024 was a winner of the the FACTS Teacher Innovation Award, a national competition with only five winners selected each year.
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.
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.
Mr. Bradford O'Brien

University of Massachusetts - Boston - M.A.
McDaniel College - B.A.
Ms. Heather Osborne

University of Rhode Island - M.S.
Connecticut College - B.A.
Ms. Catherine Sciortino

St. Joseph's University - B.S.
Providence College - M.Ed

Bio

Ms. Catherine Sciortino joined the Xaverian faculty in 2020 as a member of the science department. Prior to her time at Xaverian, she taught at St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, RI as a member of the PACT program. She received her Bachelor of Science in biology from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA in 2017 and her Master of Education from Providence College in 2020.
Mr. John Tassinari

University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth - M.S.
University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth - B.S.

Bio

Mr. John Tassinari joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2009-2010 school year. Mr. Tassinari received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science with a concentration in physics from UMass Dartmouth. After receiving his master’s degree, Mr. Tassinari served as a Ph.D. research candidate in astrophysics at Clemson University via the Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona, focusing on gamma ray burst theory. Mr. Tassinari also serves as a science club and chess team moderator, and is a coach for FXD baseball.
Mr. Mark Watson

University of New Hampshire - M.S.
Southern Connecticut State University - B.S.

Bio

Mr. Mark Watson joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2022-2023 school year. He comes to Xaverian from LaSalle Academy in Providence, where he was the science department chair and yearbook advisor, and taught biology, environmental science, oceanography, and AP Biology for 15 years. He has a B.S. from Southern Connecticut State University, a master’s in fish biology from University of Rhode Island, and master’s in zoology from the University of New Hampshire.
Ms. Hannah White

Tufts University - B.S.
Tufts University - M.A.T.

Bio

Ms. Hannah White joined the Xaverian faculty in 2022. She teaches biology and chemistry and serves as the coach for FXD cross country and Varsity ultimate frisbee. Prior to Xaverian, Ms. White taught at Revere High School for four years. She has a B.S. in biology and a M.A. in teaching, both from Tufts University.

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"My teachers are awesome. I was never really a big fan of English but Mr. Brodeur, my English teacher, has helped me enjoy going to class. He just makes classes really fun and keeps us engaged. We do different activities, not just reading and writing all the time. It’s one of my favorite classes now."

- Peter T. '26

Xaverian Brothers High School

800 Clapboardtree Street
Westwood, MA 02090

Phone: 781-326-6392
Fax: 781-320-0458
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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.