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.
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.
Mr. Matthew Cavanaugh

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

Bio

Mr. Cavanaugh '96 joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2001-2002 school year. During his tenure at Xaverian, he has served in many roles including campus minister, fine arts and social studies faculty member, JV baseball coach, and production manager of the theater program. Presently, Mr. Cavanaugh is a social studies faculty member and AP Human Geography instructor. He serves as a coach for the FXD golf and FXD ice hockey teams. Mr. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Theater from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a Master of Education from Boston College. He has also completed graduate courses through Salem State University and Bridgewater State University. Additionally, he has attended the Mass Insight AP Human Geography program and served as a reader at the AP Human Geography Exam Reading.
Mr. Jacob Devereaux

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

Bio

Mr. Jacob Devereaux will have a dual role as a social studies and English teacher this year. Prior to Xaverian, Mr. Devereaux taught at Our Lady's Academy in Waltham. He has a B.A. in both politics and history from Brandeis University and a Master of Education from Fitchburg State University. He is excited to be working alongside an amazing team of educators as well as returning to a Xaverian Brothers sponsored school for the first time since he graduated from Saint John’s High School in Shrewsbury.
Mrs. Jaime Faria

Boston University - B.S.
Boston College - M.Ed.
Mr. Conor Fitzgerald

Quinnipiac University - B.A.
Fitchburg State University - M.Ed.
Mr. William Foley

University of Massachusetts - Boston - M.Ed.
University of Hartford - B.A.

Bio

Mr. William Foley joined Xaverian in the 2013-2014 school year. After graduating from University of Massachusetts Boston with a Master of Education, Mr. Foley taught in Boston Public Schools before joining Xaverian as social studies teacher. Mr. Foley coaches the freshman football team as well as the indoor and outdoor track teams. He has previously worked as a collegiate assistant track and field coach at both UMass Boston and Assumption College, respectively.
Ms. Amy Franklin

University of Massachusetts - Amherst - B.A.
Lesley University - M.Ed.

Bio

Ms. Amy Franklin joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2019-2020 school year. After graduating from UMass Amherst with bachelor’s degrees in history and Spanish, she earned her Master of Education from Lesley University. Prior to Xaverian, Ms. Franklin taught at The Winchendon School and at All Saints Episcopal School in Texas, where she worked with the mock trial team and the alternative business club.
Mr. Joseph MacKinnon

Providence College - B.A.
University of Connecticut - M.A.

Bio

Mr. Joseph MacKinnon ’84 joined the Xaverian faculty in the 1996-1997 school year. Prior to teaching at Xaverian, Mr. MacKinnon taught at St. Joseph’s High School in Greenville, MS and did his student teaching in Winona, MN. He has a master’s degree in history from the University of Connecticut. He has done graduate work in various disciplines at Boston College, Harvard University Extension School, and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Mr. MacKinnon is also a member of the soccer coaching staff.

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"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
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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.