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. Peter Ball

Emmanuel College - B.A.
Fitchburg State University - M.Ed.

Bio

Mr. Peter Ball ’10 joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2015-2016 school year. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Ball taught social studies and religion at St. Rose School in Chelsea. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Emmanuel College in Education and History. He obtained a Master of Education from Fitchburg State University. Mr. Ball serves as an FXD golf head coach and an FXD baseball head coach.
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.
Ms. Lauren Bjork

Mount St. Mary's University - B.A.
Anna Maria College - M.A.

Bio

Mrs. Lauren Bjork joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2015-2016 school year. Prior to Xaverian, Mrs. Bjork taught at St. Anna Catholic School in Leominster and Fundación Nuevo Mundo in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Mount St. Mary’s University and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry with a concentration in religious education from Anna Maria College. She holds licensure in middle school humanities from the Massachusetts Department of Education. In addition to teaching theology, Mrs. Bjork serves as moderator for student council.
Ms. Gabrielle Bongiorno

Hofstra University - B.A.
Fitchburg State University - M.Ed.

Bio

Ms. Gabrielle Bongiorno joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2020-2021 school year. Prior to that, she taught at Milton High School. She has a Bachelor of Arts in secondary social studies education and history from Hofstra University.
Mr. Garrett Bowers

University of Massachusetts - Boston - M.A.
Boston College - B.A.

Bio

Mr. Garrett Bowers ’87, P ’21, ’24 joined the Xaverian faculty in the 1991-1992 school year. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College and a Master of Arts in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts. Mr. Bowers serves as the history club moderator, and head soccer coach.
Mrs. Jennifer Bowers

Northeastern University - B.S.
Framingham State University - M.A.

Bio

Ms. Jennifer Bowers, P ’21, ’24, joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2018-2019 school year. Prior to teaching at Xaverian, Ms. Bowers founded a mathematics tutoring business and taught at Needham High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Northeastern University and a Master of Education in Mathematics from Framingham State University. Ms. Bowers coaches FXD soccer.
Mr. Matthew Brennan

University of Massachusetts - Amherst - B.A.
University of Massachusetts - Boston - M.A.
Lesley University - M.F.A.

Bio

Mr. Matthew Brennan joined Xaverian in the 1998-1999 school year. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Brennan taught English at UMass-Boston, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, and Brewster Academy. A graduate of UMass-Amherst, he has a Master of English Literature from UMass-Boston and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Lesley University. He is also the assistant coach of the varsity soccer team.
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.
Ms. Mary Briody

Boston College - B.A.
Framingham State - M.Ed.

Bio

Ms. Mary Briody joined the Xaverian faculty in the 1994-1995 school year. Prior to Xaverian, Ms Briody taught at the Red Cloud Indian High School in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and at Leominster High School. She has a Bachelor of Art in Secondary Education (Mathematics) from Boston College and a Master of Education in Curriculum Instruction and Technology from Framingham State University. Ms. Briody serves as the chess club moderator and Students Against Destructive Decisions co-moderator.
Mr. Lucien Brodeur

Emerson College - B.F.A.
Fordham University - M.A.T.

Bio

Mr. Lucien Brodeur ’91 joined Xaverian in 2003. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Brodeur taught at the Edison Middle School in Brighton and I.S. 275 in New York City. He has a B.F.A. in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College and an M.A.T. in English 7-12 from Fordham University. Mr. Brodeur is co-moderator of student council.
Mr. Eric Burke

Montserrat College of Art - B.F.A.

Bio

Mr. Eric Burke joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2022-2023 school year. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Burke taught at Pope John XXIII High School in Everett and was also a member of the fine arts department at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody. Mr. Burke has a BFA in illustration from Montserrat College of Art, and is the camp director for Running Brook Summer Camp Adventure.
Mr. Sean Burke

St. Anselm College - B.A.
Southern Illinois University - M.A.

Bio

Mr. Sean Burke joined Xaverian in the 2006-2007 school year. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Burke earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Saint Anselm College and his master’s degree in English literature from Southern Illinois University. At SIU, Mr. Burke also worked as a graduate assistant for three years, teaching courses in English composition, technical writing, and British and American literature. Mr. Burke serves as co-advisor of Xaverian’s chapter of the National Honor Society.
Mr. Shawn Burnes

1 / 3

"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.