Our People

Nathan earned a BA in architecture from the Pratt Institute, where he took a keen interest in the study of mathematical surfaces and digital fabrication. His studies developed hands-on experience with the use of 3D computer design software and laser cutter technologies. After graduating, he worked as a sculpture fabricator, specializing in prototyping, silicone mold-making, plaster and resin casting, and installation design and production. He then switched directions to become a luthier, graduating from the Violin Making & Repair program in 2020. While in the program, he received the merit-based Gladys Brooks Foundation Scholarship, and one of his violins received a Certificate of Merit in the 2019 Kaminski Violin Making Competition in Poland.

Jeff is the head of the Bookbinding Department, a 2003 graduate of the American Academy of Bookbinding, and a graduate of the program. After graduating, Jeff worked at Harcourt Bindery and Harvard University’s Tozzer Library. He is a past Chair of the New England Chapter of the Guild Book Workers and has mentored many NBSS graduates as they serve in GBW leadership positions. Jeff operates a bindery in Somerville, MA, and he specializes in traditional leather bindings, metalworking for bookbinding, and bookbinding exhibits.

Roman is originally from Zakopane, Poland, and began making his first violins at age 14, when he attended the Secondary School of Fine Arts. He studied music and violin making for five years at the Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznan, Poland, eventually receiving his Master of Fine Arts.

Roman came to the U.S. in 1996, where he worked for more than nine years specializing in violin restoration at Psarianos Violins in Troy, Michigan. He has studied with Hans Nebel and Boyd Paulsen, and is a regular participant in the Oberlin Violin Making Workshop. Among Roman’s past commissions was a replacement Gaspar da Salo viola for the late Nathan Gordon, a former Concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, one of Roman’s violins earned him a Certificate of Merit for tone for at the 2010 Violin Society of America violin-making competition.

Michael is the second-year instructor for the Preservation Carpentry Program. He specializes in timber-frame joinery and has researched and re-created 17th century methods of roof thatching, interior walls, and paint finishes. After studying Early American and Colonial Life as an undergraduate, he worked as an Interpretive Artisan at Plimoth Plantation researching and interpreting colonial building techniques. In 1999, Michael established MLB Restorations in order to work on the restoration and preservation of historic buildings and to encourage the design of new structures in harmony with traditional and sustainable building methods. His carpentry skill has been recognized by his selection in 2014 by the Historic Royal Palaces to carry out the hewing and squaring of new timbers to be used in the repair of the Tower of London.

Ann has a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry and Ceramics from the Maine College of Art and is a graduate of NBSS and the Department Head. She was a finalist in the gold and platinum category of the 2010 Saul Bell Awards. She works on one-of-a-kind and limited production jewelry as a principal goldsmith and designer at Flying Marquis Studio in Leominster, MA. Ann also writes, lectures, and judges for the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) and Jewelry Artist. She is the technical co-editor of the MJSA book Secret Shop Weapons, and is featured in an instructional DVD produced by Lapidary Journal.

Since graduating from the Cabinet & Furniture Making program in 2009, Eli has been working as a custom furniture maker in the Greater Boston Area. For five years, he also worked on the PBS series Rough Cut Woodworking with Tommy Mac. Eli teaches the summer Three-Month Furniture Making Intensive, Introduction to SketchUp, and also spends his time creating custom furniture for clients.

Debbie Cyr, RPT learned tuning in 1990 as an apprentice, and in 1992 attended the rebuilding program at the North Bennet Street School in Boston. A Registered Piano Technician since 1994, she has worked as a rebuilder, has been an instructor at the North Bennet Street School since 1995, and has an extensive private tuning clientele. Debbie is also the piano technician at Brandeis University, as well as a past president and active member of the Boston Chapter Piano Technician Guild. She teaches and does tuning and technical exams at seminars and conventions on the local, regional and national levels.

Eddy Dacius LK ’13 the Department Head and Instructor. Since graduating from NBSS in 2013, Eddy has been doing contract work in locksmithing and founded his own company, Dacius Facilities Management, serving clients including Jewish Family and Children Service and the Mother Caroline Academy & Education Center. He’s also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) Security Professionals Association and an ALOA Fire Door Inspector, and has a degree in Project Management.

After graduating from both NBSS Piano Technology programs, Louis worked in a number of piano rebuilding shops, and eventually launched his own business, Brevet Piano Service, in Santa Rosa, CA. He is a Registered Piano Technician with the Piano Technicians Guild, serving as President & Vice President in the Central North Carolina chapter and later, as Vice President for the San Francisco chapter.

Jamie has helmed the Financial Aid Office since he joined NBSS in 2010. The intervening years have witnessed a growth in annual NBSS scholarship giving from nascent levels of less than $100,000 per year to nearly $1,000,000 per year today. Jamie has led the implementation of innovative financial aid programs at NBSS, including NBSS Pell Yes! and NBSS Yellow Ribbon scholarships. Additionally, in his roles as school SCO and SEVIS officer, Jamie provides crucial support to student veterans and international students respectively. He takes pride in providing personal attention to all students. Outside of work, Jamie makes pure Massachusetts maple syrup at his small maple farm in Chelmsford, MA.

Kevin brings 20 years of professional experience to his role at the School. With degrees in psychology and design, Kevin is creative and data-driven, with a deep understanding of brand, strategy, and project management. His role oversees marketing and engagement at NBSS, which includes communications, non-accredited courses, public programs, and exhibitions.

Kevin has worked exclusively with artisans, architects, artists, and designers in his career, helping to translate their creative works into campaigns that resonate. In his free time, he enjoys sketching, woodworking, traveling, and all sorts of outdoor activities.

Since graduating from the Jewelry Making and Repair program in 2018, Marei has been working as a goldsmith for Chris Ploof Designs in Central Massachusetts, specializing in fine jewelery fabrication from interesting materials including meteorite, damascus steel, and mokumegane. Marei also volunteers on the board of the Boston Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA). She enjoys teaching and encouraging others along their own paths in jewelry making, through Continuing Education classes and in her role as Teaching Assistant.

Nicki has been with the School since 2019, and has 5 years of experience in Development. Nicki has a BA in American Studies with a concentration in Museum Studies from Smith College. Prior to joining the Development team at NBSS, Nicki worked in public relations, research, and fundraising roles at museums including the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, the Smith College Museum of Art, and Historic Newton. At NBSS, Nicki maintains the donor database, creating a strong foundation for all of the fundraising success at the School.

Marc is the Director of Facilities and Technology at NBSS. He has a decade of experience working in property management, applying his studies in building science and energy to commercial and residential facility management. Marc is also a published author with 5 technology patents and 15 years of experience in technology solutions. Marc holds a BA from Emory University and attended the MBA program at Georgia State University.

Dan is a graduate of the program and the Department Head. He teaches in both our Full-Time program and Continuing Education courses, in addition to designing and building custom furniture. Dan also specializes in traditional woodcarving. Before he joined our faculty, Dan worked with Phil Lowe CF ’74 and Ron Trapasso CF ’69, both master craftsmen. Dan has published numerous articles in Fine Woodworking Magazine.

Claire has served as Provost since 2007, overseeing the full-time programs. Her experience as a Cabinet & Furniture Making (CF) graduate and instructor allow her to see opportunities and problems from multiple vantage points, giving her a unique perspective on student success, program curricula, and the student and faculty experience.

After graduating from NBSS in 1996, Claire was a self-employed furniture maker taking commissions for high-end residential and commercial clients, working out of Fort Point Cabinetmakers for ten years. She also taught at the Boston Center for Adult Education, the Watertown and Brookline Adult Education Programs, and substituted at NBSS. In 2000, she became an Instructor in the CF program. Claire taught for six years and, in 2007, was hired as Provost. Claire also holds an M.S. in Higher Education from Drexel University and a B.S. from Emerson College.