Abigail Besse, M.Ed, The Chair – Term expires June, 2026 
abesse@psharvard.org  

Abby grew up in Harvard and attended the Harvard Public Schools.  She and her family returned to town in 2017 so that she and her husband could raise their family in Harvard's excellent schools, bucolic landscape, and wonderful community. She is a middle school social studies teacher by training with 15 years of experience teaching in public schools.  While not currently teaching, in order to raise her four children, public education continues to be her passion and she is pleased to be able to bring her perspective and experience to the Harvard School Committee.  Abby is an avid gardener and enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Katharine Covino,  Term expires June 30, 2027
kcovino@psharvard.org  

Katharine Covino, is a college professor who teaches teachers how to teach. She’s been a teacher for almost 20 years. From her experience in classrooms at all levels, she has come to believe in the importance of asking young people to share their voices and their experiences. In teaching, as in life, it is more important to listen than to lecture. Conscious and intentional listening awakens curiosity, instills knowledge, and deepens empathy. When she’s not teaching or writing, Katharine tries to keep up with her kids. Despite her very best efforts, they are all faster swimmers, hikers, and skiers than she is. She also tries to make them laugh - sometimes she is successful. 

Liz Joyce, The Vice Chair – Term expires June, 2027 
ljoyce@psharvard.org 

Liz Joyce is a clinical social worker who has worked in schools for over fifteen years. Liz earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and a M.S.W. from Simmons University. Liz’s first year placement at Simmons School of Social Work was at the Carroll School, she has been practicing school social work ever since. Currently, Liz is the school counselor at Nashoba Brooks School where she also chairs the Student Support Team, sits on the Inclusivity Leadership Team, and advises SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance). Liz is dedicated to creating and sustaining inclusive, relationally-based communities. In 2022, Liz was a Global Action Research Collaborative fellow and presented her findings at the International Coalition of Girls Schools’s Global Forum. Her research focused on teaching skills to enable students to lean into difficult conversations. During the summer, Liz is an adjunct assistant professor at Smith College School of Social Work.

Brian Killeen, The Clerk -Term expires June 2028
bkilleen@psharvard.org 

Brian Killeen moved to Harvard in 2015 with his husband to enroll their son in the Harvard Public Schools. From the moment they arrived, the warmth and passion of the town’s residents inspired him to get involved to support all corners of the community. With over 20 years of experience in asset management regulatory compliance, Brian has a deep understanding of the importance of strong governance and adherence to rules and regulations in creating an efficient, effective environment. Brian believes that the schools are a direct reflection of the broader community. He is committed to supporting their growth and development by fostering the involvement of diverse voices in the process.

Amy Morton, Term expires June, 2026
amorton@psharvard.org 

Amy Morton is a skilled educational leader having served in diversified cabinet-level roles in academic institutions and in the for-profit sector. A dynamic executive known for a collaborative approach, an analytical mindset, and a bias for action, she brings more than 25 years of business leadership to her work. As a highly successful product, marketing, and communications leader, and as a teacher, advocate, and professional development consultant, she is passionate about student success and about elevating the stature of educational institutions in the world.