Spotlight on Neil DiMaio
Terrific Lower Elementary Teacher
What roads led you to the Tobin Montessori School?
After teaching in a private Montessori school for seven years, I wanted to teach in a public one. When I was living in Maryland, a friend mentioned that Tobin Montessori was going to open an elementary program, so I interviewed. . . just a few hours before my flight back to Baltimore!
When school is closed because of a snow storm, what do you like to do?
I make fig pizza or pasta puttanesca, watch a movie (something by David Lynch or Frederico Fellini), and go for a snow walk.
Who would you like to play you in a movie?
I'm not worried about this ever happening. But should it ever come up, then I would want to be the one playing me. Then I would quit Tobin and act in David Lynch films. Then you could say, "I knew him when. . . "
Which to you prefer: ocean or lake?
The ocean. . .
Favorite sports team?
I'm supposed to say the Patriots, but my favorite team is the NY Giants, because my cousin-in-law Kevin Boothe played for them when they won the Super Bowl two times. But, honestly, I would rather play a sport than watch other people play sports. And honest, I'd rather be reading.
Favorite writers?
Arthur Rimbaud, Louise Erdrich, Friendrich Nietzsche
Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Ahhhh.
Favorite flavor ice cream?
Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Therapy
Fun fact?
I raised farm animals in my childhood backyard. One of our geese won first prize in the Topsfield Fair!
As a teenager, I had a story published in Boston Globe Magazine.