faculty
NEWS
Retirements, Thank You’s and Welcomes MKA bids a fond farewell to three deserving retirees: Sue Awerdick, who graduated from The Kimberley School in 1968, retires after 18 years (1990-94 and 2000-14) teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten at MKA. In a retirement speech in her honor, Primary School Head of Campus Ginger Kriegel, said, “For a total of 18 years, you have inspired, nurtured and loved every student who was lucky enough to have you whether they were in Pre-K or Kindergarten … You are not only a master early childhood teacher; you are most passionate about your commitment to teaching. During your tenure at MKA, you have served as both a mentor to students and colleagues alike - your wisdom and sound advice will be sorely missed.” Sue retires, not only as one of the Primary School’s cornerstone teachers, but also as the parent of two MKA graduates, Jason ‘94 and Megan ‘97. You can read more about Sue’s plans for her retirement on P. 9, and we wish her every happiness. Alan Fraker retired from MKA at the end of March after 11 years as Director of College Counseling. Tom Nammack wrote, “The mid-year departure was his choice and part of his plan to see his final cohort of seniors through the college process. Along with able colleagues and parent volunteers, Alan developed excellent student and parent programming, brought college admissions officers from around the nation to MKA, and transformed MKA’s use of data.” Alan has returned to his home in Greenfield, MA, and we wish him well in his new life. Robert “Bob” Tickle retires after a second career of teaching math and computer science at the Upper School for 13 years, following a successful first career at ExxonMobil. Bob and his wife are relocating to North Carolina to be closer to family. In faculty tributes, Bob was described as a teacher for whom his peers had enormous respect and fondness, someone who provided “an oasis of sanity” and as “someone who always spoke the truth – but always with care and warmth.” Head of Campus Dave Flocco noted that, over the years, Bob has touched the lives of countless students and that many of them, in their senior exit interviews, commented on his dedication, his concern for them, and “how he made them both better students and better people.” Says “farewell and thank you” to: Shiva Behradnia (Middle School History), Deborah Branker (Middle School English), Phyllis Bresner (Middle School Learning Specialist), Heather Cannavale (Middle School Math), Iris Erlemeier-Gerald (Primary School French), Jennifer Haakmat (Upper School Learning Consultant), Luke Harris (Upper School PE), Nichole Foster Hinds (Middle School Math), Dr. Sophie Kan (Upper School Math), Shannon Raper (Athletic Trainer), Sarah Rowland (Director of Admissions & Financial Aid), Alina Yurkovsky (Director of Student Services) And welcomes: Robin Dyer (Upper/Middle School Learning Specialist), Ebony Facenda (Middle School Math), Jean Jones (Upper School Math), Jaclyn Keker (Athletic Trainer), Daniella Kessler (Middle School Counselor), Robert Leather (Upper School Health/ PE), Derek Morf (Upper School Math), Donna Starke (Middle School Math), Alice Marguerite Terrell (Middle School English), Erica Tricarico (Primary School Pre-K), Alyson Waldman ‘99 (Director of Admissions & Financial Aid).
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