Our Team

Kaitlyn Landi

Katie is a highly skilled educator with eighteen years of teaching experience.

Katie is an expert in teaching, motivating, and directing students. She scaffolds instruction to meet the learning needs of all students while maintaining high interest and achievement. Her strength in building positive relationships enables Katie to interact effectively with diverse populations of students at a variety of academic levels. Katie taught in Boston Public Schools from 2001-2014, providing specialized math and english support for middle school students. She has also tutored students in science and social studies and has worked with students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Katie received her masters degree in special education in 2007, and she holds her Massachusetts teacher certification in fifth through twelfth grade special education. She is also a board certified behavior analyst, is Orton Gillingham certified, and is trained in Project Read for written expression and phonics.

Gina Bennette

Gina has more than 20 years of teaching experience working with students of all levels, from pre-K to adults.

Gina is an expert in working with students who are struggling in their studies and life management due to a variety of neuro-divergent considerations. Her strength in empathizing makes her skilled at helping students get to know themselves and how their brains work. This understanding allows them to overcome habits and negative thinking that have become entrenched over time. Prior to moving to the Boston area, Gina founded and ran her own school for neuro-divergent thinkers in grades PK – 8th grade in Leander, TX.  Realizing this work as her true calling, Gina received her Master’s in  Education in 2018, and she currently teaches math and science to 4th – 8th grade students, in addition to supporting Empowering Scholars’ students and families.

Kevin O’Brien

Kevin has been an educator for more than eight years and taught in schools in both the United States and Spain before joining Empowering Scholars in 2022.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in History from Western New England University, Kevin lived in Spain where he taught English and History. He then went back to school and earned his master’s degree in Secondary Education from Lesley University. Kevin is currently a special education teacher in the Boston Public Schools and has taught in a multitude of school settings, both private and public, in Boston, Newton, and Lexington. Kevin has a passion for learning and believes that with the right approach and support, every student can grow their skills and their confidence. Outside of school, Kevin likes to learn languages, swim, hike, and spend time with his family.