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. Andrew Press

Boston College - B.A.
Middlebury College - M.A.

Bio

Mr. Andrew Press ’03, joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2007-2008 school year. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies from the Boston College Honors Program and Master of Arts in Spanish Literature from Middlebury College. Prior to arriving at Xaverian, Mr. Press studied at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. An avid globetrotter, Mr. Press has lived in Barcelona and Madrid and has traveled with the world languages department and campus ministry to Spain, China, Ecuador, and Italy. Mr. Press also serves as the assistant coach for varsity ultimate disc and as head coach for junior varsity soccer.
Dr. Adrienne Banko

University of South Carolina - Ph.D.
University of South Carolina - M.A.
West Chester University - B.A.

Bio

Dr. Adrienne Banko joined the Xaverian faculty in the spring of 2025. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Political Science from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MA and PhD in Spanish Literature from the University of South Carolina. Before coming to Xaverian, Dr. Banko taught Spanish at both the secondary and collegiate levels, with experience in both public and private boarding schools. She has lived in Madrid, Spain, and traveled extensively throughout Latin America and Europe. In addition to her personal travels, Dr. Banko has led student trips to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. She is also an active presenter at language and pedagogy conferences.
Mr. Stephen Brennen

Notre Dame - B.A.
Notre Dame - M.Ed.

Bio

Mr. Stephen Brennen joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2014-2015 school year. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in French at Middlebury College. Prior to coming to Xaverian, he taught English in Chile.
Mrs. Catherine Douglas

Cambridge College - M.Ed.
College of the Holy Cross - B.A.

Bio

Ms. Catherine Douglas, P ’21, ’24, joined the Xaverian faculty in the 1996-1997 school year. She has a Bachelor of Arts in French from College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Education from Cambridge College. Prior to coming to Xaverian, she studied at the Sorbonne in Paris. Ms. Douglas serves as moderator for the French National Honor Society and the X-Ploring Media Club, and the French National Honor Society moderator.
Mrs. Laura Guzzi

Roanoke College - B.A.
Simmons College - M.A.

Bio

Ms. Laura Guzzi, P ’24, joined the Xaverian faculty in the 1996-1997 school year. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Roanoke College and a Master of Arts in Spanish from Simmons College. Prior to coming to Xaverian, she taught at Our Lady of Nazareth Academy in Wakefield. She studied in both Spain and Mexico. Ms. Guzzi serves as the co-moderator of the international culture club and is a member of the National Honor Society selection committee.
Mrs. Lisa Osborne

Boston College - B.A.
University of Rhode Island - M.A.

Bio

Mrs. Osborne joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2023-2024 school year. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and French from Boston College and a Master of Arts in Spanish Literature. Prior to coming to Xaverian, Mrs. Osborne taught French and Spanish at Walpole High School.
Mrs. Elizabeth Shatas

Middlebury College - M.A.
Providence College - B.A.

Bio

Ms. Elizabeth Shatas joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2008-2009 school year. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Providence College and a Master of Arts from Middlebury College. Prior to coming to Xaverian, she studied in Guadalajara, Mexico and Salamanca, Spain. Ms. Shatas serves as the co-moderator of the ski and snowboard club and Hawk News.
Mr. Michael Shippie

University of Notre Dame - M.Ed.
Boston College - B.A.
Middlebury College - M.A.

Bio

Mr. Michael Shippie joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2016-2017 school year. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies and History from Boston College, a Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Arts in Spanish Language from Middlebury College. He has completed graduate coursework in French in Québec, Canada, and in Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prior to coming to Xaverian, he taught Spanish at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, AL. Mr. Shippie has traveled with students to Mexico, Ecuador, Italy, France, and Spain, and currently serves as the moderator of the international culture club.
Ms. Kelsey Tanner

Valencian International University - M.Ed.
University of Delaware - B.A.

"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
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.