Maria Gustaferro is a Placement Associate at Carney, Sandoe and Associates, where she leads placement for Special Education, Studio Art, and Program Directors. In this role, she works closely with candidates and schools helping to guide them through the process and identify the best match. Maria has especially enjoyed working closely with elementary teachers at the start of their careers, as well as with Arts candidates at all stages—from recent graduates to seasoned educators seeking growth opportunities.

With a lifelong passion for teaching and learning, Maria began her career as an Associate Teacher —like many candidates—at Brookwood School, her alma mater in Manchester, MA. She was then hired to teach Spanish and remained in that role for four years. Maria taught Spanish to students from early childhood through 8th grade and also served as a 7th-grade advisor and coach for several sports. During the summers, Maria also had the chance to lead summer travel programs for her middle school students as well as a high school language immersion program, LITA Spain.

Drawing on her years of teaching experience, Maria has developed a deep understanding of independent school communities and the unique opportunities they offer faculty – whether it’s teaching subjects they’re passionate about, mentoring future leaders, guiding students through the challenges of adolescence, or sharing their interests and life experiences beyond the classroom.

Maria is a graduate of Miss Porter’s School in CT and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst as well as a Master of Education from Lesley University. Outside of work, Maria enjoys a good book on the beach, skiing, and traveling. She lives in Boston, MA with her dog Skippy, who can also be seen working hard at the office from time to time.