Tesia McCarthy, a 20-year veteran of the Portland Public Schools, has been selected as the district’s new assistant director of specialized programs.

McCarthy is entering her 21st year with PPS. Most recently, she has been a specialized programs coordinator and an interim assistant principal for Breathe Self-Contained. Prior to that, she was the lead consultant for the Breathe program, a behavioral consultant for K-12, and a special education teacher at several PPS elementary schools. She holds a master's degree from the University of Southern Maine in special education.

She and her husband have three children ranging from fourth grade to a freshman in college, and they spend most of their free time at field hockey, soccer, or lacrosse games all around New England. They also have two adorable beagles named Eddie and June.

McCarthy is excited for this new role, and looks forward to building even more relationships with staff, students, families, and Portland community members.