2021-2022 Suffield Academy Faculty Profiles

english

history

performing arts

mathematics

development

counseling

college counseling

languages arts

admissions

arts

science

english mathematics

athletics

languages

performing arts

science

development

visual arts

college counseling

languages

admissions

marketing & communications performing arts

science

mathematics

development

counseling

english

admissions

leadership

academic support arts

science

athletics

languages

visual arts science

science

english

admissions

languages

visual arts

athletics

leadership

admissions

mathematics

mathematics

languages

science

development

english

admissions

athletics

athletics

mathematics

leadership

visual arts performing

development

marketing

history

mathematics

college counseling leadership

college languages

science

english

history

leadership

academic support

college counseling

admissions

english

performing arts

performing arts

academic support

languages

history

marketing & communications

history

academic support

athletics

marketing & communications performing arts

development

development

marketing & communications

visual arts

science

visual

performing

visual arts

college counseling

admissions

performing arts

mathematics

history

leadership

leadership

academic support

languages

college counseling

& communications

english

mathematics

college athletics

mathematics

admissions

development

marketing & communications

history

athletics

performing arts

leadership

visual arts

science

english

leadership

languages

college counseling

athletics

academic support

marketing & communications

athletics

leadership

marketing & communications

college counseling

development academic support academic support

admissions

performing arts

admissions

visual arts

languages

visual arts

history

academic support

marketing & communications history

athletics

marketing & communications

leadership

academic support

science

history

development

english

mathematics

history

development

marketing & communications visual arts academic support college counseling college counseling english

history

mathematics

performing arts

development

leadership

athletics

marketing & communications

support college counseling admissions

science

english

history

mathematics

marketing & communications

visual arts

languages

visual arts

performing arts

development english

admissions

academic support

science

athletics

marketing & communications history

leadership

performing arts

academic languages

visual arts

science

athletics

Suffield Academy 185 North Main Street Suffield, Connecticut 06078

#suffieldforlife

We believe

Suffield Academy is a school with

good values,

a student body with

talents, and a remarkably Our

faculty

of the

faculty.

carrying forth the values and

from 1833 to today. They

our emphasis on the

student

dedicated

is in many ways the nerve center

school,

traditions

diverse

distance

during their

embrace

traveled by

years

each

on campus.

Charlie Cahn P’18,’22 Charles Cahn III, Head of School Chair B.A. University of Michigan Appointed 1992

M.A.L.S. Wesleyan University

ccahn@suffieldacademy.org

Charlie Cahn was appointed as Suffield’s Head of School in 2004. He is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and graduate of Gilman School, University of Michigan, and Wesleyan University. He came to Suffield as a faculty member in 1992, taught in the English department for four years, and was the head boys’ lacrosse coach for seven years. He was also the director of admissions, dean of faculty, and associate head of school.

Charlie currently serves or has previously served on several non-profit boards including Eaglebrook School, Renbrook School, Rumsey Hall School, the Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation, the WALKS Foundation, the SPHERE Consortium, and the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools. He is on the New England Association of Schools & Colleges [NEASC] Commission on Independent Schools. Charlie is an enthusiastic sports fan and participant as well as an avid reader. He lives on campus with his wife, Hillary. Their daughter, Peyton ’18, is at University of Michigan and their son, Harrison ’22, is at Suffield. Together, they all enjoy spending time at their home in Maine during the summer.

Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88, P’18,’22 Creative Director, Marketing & Communications Director of the Balance Barn B.S. University of New Hampshire

▞

Appointed 1996

Special Events hillary@suffieldacademy.org

Hillary is the school photographer and creative director for Suffield’s marketing & communications department.

She is the head alpine ski coach and oversees special events, leads programming in the Balance Barn, is a certified 200-hour Kripalu Yoga teacher, serves on the board of Grace Academy, and is a USSA certified Alpine Coach and Official.

Hillary’s father is David Rockwell ’58, a legendary former Suffield faculty member. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire where she competed as a Division I skier. She also skied competitively in USSA events nationwide and coached at the Holderness School and in Breckenridge, Colorado. When not working, Hillary loves spending time at the family’s house in Maine, running, biking, paddle boarding, and traveling around in her 1987 Westfalia Volkswagen van with their English lab, Benner.

PJ Andrews Assistant Director of Admissions B.S. Springfield College *Ed.D. Concordia University, Chicago

M.B.A. Springfield College

Appointed 2021

pandrews@suffieldacademy.org

PJ joined the admissions office at Suffield in 2021. Prior to arriving at Suffield, PJ worked at Marianapolis Preparatory School. During his time at Marianapolis, he served as the Assistant Director of Admission, a house head, and an assistant track & field coach.

PJ is a graduate of Springfield College, both in 2016 (B.S.) and 2017 (M.B.A.) and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. During his time at Springfield, PJ was a member of the indoor and outdoor track and field teams and a new student orientation leader. PJ lives on campus with his 9-year-old black lab, Casey. He also assists with varsity track and field.

Florry Arnold History Department B.A. Muhlenberg College

Appointed 2021

farnold@suffieldacademy.org

Originally from Tarrytown, New York, Florry attended Muhlenberg College where she graduated with a degree in history and theater, with a concentration in performance studies. While at Muhlenberg she worked in the school’s costume construction department and was a participant in various productions. Before coming to Suffield in 2021, Florry was a history teacher and dorm parent at the Forman School.

Florry teaches U.S. History and Latin American Studies, helps coach JV girls’ soccer, and is a dorm associate on campus.

Sean Atkins Director of Admissions & Financial Aid B.A. Bates College

Appointed 2010

satkins@suffieldacademy.org

Sean joined the admissions office at Suffield Academy in 2010. He was appointed Senior Associate Director of Admissions in 2013, Director of Admissions in 2016, and Director of Admissions & Financial Aid in 2017.

Prior to arriving at Suffield, Sean spent seven years at The Boys’ Club of New York [BCNY] as Associate Director of Educational Advancement.

During his time at BCNY, Sean helped place over 300 young men in various independent schools. He also served as Head of School for BCNY’s Gardiner School summer program. He is a graduate of Darlington School and Bates College. Sean lives on campus with his wife, Yasmin, sons, Sean Jr. and Gavin, and daughter, Juliet.

Beth Bailey P’12,’16 Assistant Business Manager B.A. New England College Appointed 1999

*M.B.A. University of Hartford bbailey@suffieldacademy.org

Beth oversees the Suffield Academy school store and helps in all areas of the Business Office. Previously, she helped coordinate Suffield’s advancement and development efforts, and originally came to Suffield in 1999 as the Academy’s registrar. She has wide experience in the areas of human resources and office administration in small corporate and banking institutions.

Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and lives in Suffield with her husband, Byron, and two sons, Daniel ’12 and Ben ’16.

Kate Bashaw Associate Director of College Counseling B.A. Gettysburg College Appointed 2012

▞

Leadership Program

*M.A. Wake Forest University kbashaw@suffieldacademy.org

Before joining the Suffield Academy faculty, Kate spent six years in the college admissions field at Penn State University and at her alma mater Gettysburg College. She traveled extensively, reviewed application materials, and worked closely with students as the coordinator of the admissions internship program. Kate studied sociology and Spanish at Gettysburg while earning All-American honors as a member of the varsity lacrosse team.

Kate lives on campus as the dorm head in Academy House with her husband, Nathan, daughter, Ellie, son, Jackson, and dog, Remy.

Joyce Bolaños Languages Department B.A. Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico

Appointed 2018

jbolanos@suffieldacademy.org

Joyce was born in Peru, moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eventually settled in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, where her family still lives today. She has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, South America, and Europe as a member of Puerto Rico’s National Fencing Team.

Joyce began her undergraduate studies at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1981 and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Marketing at Universidad Interamericana [San Juan, Puerto Rico] in 1986. She is a board member of The Center for Caribbean Studies at Trinity College in Hartford and serves on the International Fencing Federation Promotion, Communication, and Marketing Commission [Lausanne, Switzerland]. Joyce is part-owner of the Enfield Fencing Club and has a garlic farm with her husband, Dan.

Lauren Booth ’12 English Department B.A. Skidmore College

▞

Visual Arts Department

M.A. University of Chicago Divinity School

Appointed 2020

lbooth@suffieldacademy.org

Lauren has been a part of the Suffield community since 2001, when her father, Patrick, joined the school.

As a student at Suffield, Lauren played varsity field hockey and softball, and led the Tigers to an undefeated softball season as captain her senior year. Meanwhile as a musician and bassist, Lauren participated in many of the school’s guitar shows. She later earned a bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College in 2016 and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School in 2020.

Lauren returned to Suffield Academy in 2020, and is teaching both art and English this year. She credits her love for the arts to her mother, Carol. Through her mother’s tutelage, she discovered the healing power of art and its importance to academia. As a result, Lauren often drew, snapped photographs, or created jewelry to alleviate stress throughout college and graduate school. She now wishes to impart that lifelong love of art to her students in memory of her mother. Like her father, Lauren remains active with the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and has two dogs of her own: a hound-mix named Poppy and a German Shephard named Chane.

In her free time, Lauren enjoys any outdoor activity with Poppy and Chane and is excited to be in her second year teaching at Suffield Academy.

Patrick Booth P’12,’14 Chief Financial Officer B.S. University of Connecticut

Appointed 2001

pbooth@suffieldacademy.org

As Chief Financial Officer, Patrick is responsible for the oversight of financial matters, human resources, facilities management, capital projects, counseling, dining services, the health center, and the bookstore.

Patrick is a CPA who previously served as the Director of Financial Services at Choate Rosemary Hall [19962001], Director of Corporate Accounting for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and was an audit manager with Ernst & Young.

Patrick has two children, Lauren ’12, who is also a member of the Suffield Academy faculty, and Nick ’14, a music producer in Los Angeles. Patrick and his late wife, Carol, have trained several guide dogs for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. He enjoys golfing, sports in general, and spending time with his family.

Kristina Braithwaite Science Department B.S. Trinity College Appointed 2020

M.Ed. California State University kbraithwaite@suffieldacademy.org

A native of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Kris holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in English Literature from Trinity and a master’s in Educational Leadership from California State. In addition to teaching in Choate and Taft’s summer programs, Kris taught biology at the American College of Sofia in Bulgaria, where she met her husband, Rob. The two moved to California in 2013 where Kris taught biology, coached tennis, and was a grade-level dean at the Bentley School. She also taught biology and environmental science while chairing the STEM department at St. Joseph Notre Dame High School.

At Suffield, Kris teaches AP Biology, Forensic Science, and Honors Biotechnology, coaches tennis, and serves as a dorm parent. Kris and Rob share twin sons, Grant and Owen.

Robert Braithwaite Languages Department B.A. Oberlin College Appointed 2020

M.Ed. Brandman University

rbraithwaite@suffieldacademy.org

Rob grew up in Savannah, Georgia and attended Savannah Country Day School, where he played football and soccer. Rob also played soccer at Oberlin and holds a degree in English literature. For three years Rob taught advanced English as a Second Language, coached soccer, and met his wife, Kris, at the American College of Sofia in Bulgaria. Rob earned a master’s degree in school counseling with a PPSC from Brandman University and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, in addition to teaching English, history, and health at Alameda Community Learning Center.

Rob teaches Advanced Grammar and Writing at Suffield, coaches Tiger A boys’ soccer, and serves as the dorm head in Hornick. He and Kris share twin boys, Owen and Grant, and two cats, Leo and Raja.

Bryan Brissette Chair, History Department A.B. Harvard University

M.S. Northeastern University

Appointed 2000

M.A. Trinity College

bbrissette@suffieldacademy.org

Bryan was raised in Burrillville, Rhode Island and attended Burrillville High School. After completing a postgraduate year, he majored in government at Harvard and was honored with a place on the Dean’s List and named as a Paul E. Weissman Scholar. Bryan was also a member of the varsity baseball team and earned second team All-Ivy honors as a catcher. After Harvard, he earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and later served as a United States Secret Service Special Agent.

As a member of the Suffield faculty, he earned another master’s degree in history from Trinity College.

Additionally, Bryan is the head varsity baseball coach and assistant coach for the varsity football team.

Off the field, he teaches U.S. History and electives on the Civil War, twentieth century warfare, the Atlantic slave trade, and modern Middle Eastern history. Bryan lives on campus with his wife, Chrissy, and their daughter, Reese.

Christian Brown English Department B.A. University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Appointed 2020

cbrown@suffieldacademy.org

Christian was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and joined the Suffield faculty in 2020. He is a naturally passionate person who finds enjoyment in sports and traveling. Christian is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a background in marketing and graphic design. He has worked in content marketing and social media and has been a youth educator for several summers at WEATOC, a multicultural peer and youth development nonprofit in Boston.

Christian teaches English I and English IV. He is also a basketball coach and offensive line coach for Suffield’s football program. He lives on campus as a dorm associate.

Jem Bullock Languages Department B.A. Bates College

Appointed 2020

jbullock@suffieldacademy.org

After growing up on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Jem graduated from Bates College in 2020 with a degree in French and Francophone studies. There, he spent a semester studying in Nantes, France with IES Abroad. Jem was a four-year varsity athlete in the men’s swimming and diving program and led the team to its best finish in program history his senior year as a captain. While also captain of the club water polo team, he enjoyed two trips to the national tournament in three years, finishing as high as third place and earning All-American honors.

Jem joined the Suffield Academy community in 2020 as a member of the languages department, teaching introductory French courses. Jem is also the head coach of the varsity water polo team at Suffield. When not in the classroom or on the pool deck, Jem soaks up the outdoors. An avid fly-fisherman and hiker, he has enjoyed streams and mountain ranges across the United States. He also loves spending time with his family and exploring the great state of Maine.

Brian Carroll P’24 Mathematics Department B.S. Penn State University Appointed 2017

M.B.A. University of Texas

bcarroll@suffieldacademy.org

Brian grew up in neighboring Ellington, Connecticut, and majored in mechanical engineering. He worked for Westinghouse Power Generation and Motorola Semiconductor as an engineer in Orlando [Florida], Charlotte [North Carolina], and Austin [Texas]. He has previously coached math teams, Math Olympiads, and cross country.

At Suffield, Brian coaches lacrosse and basketball and lives on campus with his wife, Sandy, and their three children, Jacob ’24, Ava, and Michael. He is a passionate educator who strives to instill confidence and creativity in students’ problem-solving skills.

Erica Leigh Caginalp Visual Arts Department B.F.A. Alfred University Appointed 2015

M.S.Ed. SUNY New Paltz

ecaginalp@suffieldacademy.org

Originally from Binghamton, New York, Erica studied ceramics at Alfred University with minors in art history and education. She then went on to earn a master’s degree in art education with a concentration in ceramics from SUNY New Paltz. Erica previously taught art in Owego, New York where she coached Odyssey of the Mind teams and mentored new teachers. Erica was also the district-wide curriculum coordinator for fine arts, designing curriculum, writing artist in resident grants, and overseeing fine arts teachers in four buildings.

Erica evaluated other New York State public school districts for accreditation as a SACI team leader. After getting married to Suffield Academy’s chemistry teacher in 2010, Erica moved to Suffield and opened Nutmeg Empire, a small ceramic studio and fine art gallery in Haddam, Connecticut. She continues to sell her work locally at art fairs and festivals.

At Suffield, Erica has worked in multiple departments including the library, academic support, and theater.

Erica landed in her forever home at Suffield when she joined the visual arts department in 2015. She leads the ceramics program with a broad range from functional pottery to sculpture. Erica is passionate about professional development and continues to mentor new teachers. She helps lead Suffield’s GSA, Helping Hands club, and cooking and baking club. Erica lives on campus with her husband, Paul, daughter, Clara, and dog, Apollo.

Paul Caginalp Science Department B.S. Colgate University Appointed 2006

M.S. Binghamton University

pcaginalp@suffieldacademy.org

Paul joined Suffield’s science department after finishing his master’s degree in physical chemistry at Binghamton University. There, he served as a teaching assistant in both general and organic chemistry. He completed his undergraduate work at Colgate University, majoring in chemistry and earning his teaching certificate. Paul continues to encourage professional development for himself and his fellow teachers. Paul attended the prestigious Klingenstein Summer Institute, is a NEASC accreditation team member, and coordinates Suffield Academy’s first-year teacher mentor program. Paul has been passionate about technical theater since high school and continued to study technical theater at Colgate. Paul now runs the Technical Theater Program at Suffield.

Paul is also an avid sportsman which has made him a valuable addition to the riflery program. He lives on campus with his wife, Erica, daughter, Clara, and family dog, Apollo.

Taylor Coats English Department B.A. University of Southern California

Appointed 2018

tcoats@suffieldacademy.org

Taylor is originally from Austin, Texas and graduated from the University of Southern California in 2009 with a degree in philosophy. During that time, he rowed for four years at USC and raced at national and international regattas.

After pursuing a career in medicine, Taylor joined Suffield’s English department in 2018. In addition to teaching, Taylor coaches winter and spring crew and lives on campus with his wife, Nikki, and dog, Mia. Nikki is finishing her Ph.D. in clinical psychology while practicing therapy remotely at Yale University and the Veteran Affairs.

Tobye Cook ’88, P’16 Art & Design Director, Marketing & Communications B.A. Humboldt State University

Appointed 2010

tcook@suffieldacademy.org

Tobye joined Suffield’s marketing & communications department in 2010 and is responsible for designing and producing the school website, the SUFFIELD magazine, print campaigns, and videos. She is the youngest of six artists and musicians and one of four siblings to attend Suffield Academy.

After graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in studio art, Tobye remained in California for ten years while working as a pastry chef. She returned to the east coast in 2000 and began a career in graphic design and film at a firm in Northampton, Massachusetts. Tobye loves being a part of the Suffield Academy community. She enjoys filming campus events, spending time with her sons, Miles ’16 and Djamil, exploring the SOLO fields, photography, and cooking. She lives on campus with Miles, Djamil, and their cat, Oliver, and is a dorm associate on campus.

Brittney D’Oleo ’14 Mathematics Department B.S. University of Richmond

Appointed 2018

bdoleo@suffieldacademy.org

Brittney is originally from Newark, New Jersey, but her family hails from the Dominican Republic. A proud member of Suffield’s Class of 2014, she played on the varsity volleyball team and actively participated in the school’s guitar shows and choirs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in both Mathematics and Physics from the University of Richmond. While there, she was a recognized Bonner Scholar, dedicating four years teaching supplemental math lessons to students of inner-city public schools in order to help to mend the opportunity gap for at-risk middle school youths.

Brittney joined Suffield’s mathematics department in 2018 and coaches volleyball and co-directs the dance program. She enjoys traveling and exploring new regions and exciting foods. Brittney is a dorm parent and she lives with her dog, Jax.

Colin Dowd ’12 Assistant Director of Development B.A. St. Lawrence University

Appointed 2021

cdowd@suffieldacademy.org

Colin grew up in Hatfield, Massachusetts. While a student at Suffield Academy, Colin played varsity baseball, was part of the varsity alpine ski team, and captained both teams his senior year. He attended St. Lawrence University where he majored in economics and was a four-year letterman on the golf team. After graduation, Colin moved to Boston to join the private bank Brown Brothers Harriman. During his five years there, he held a number of different positions within the investor services line of business and client service/relationship management teams. To keep him involved with his love for sports and working with athletes, he coached ski racing on the weekends at Berkshire East, where he grew up skiing. Colin is an avid volunteer and has been working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation since he was granted a wish back when he was a teenager.

In Boston, he served as the young professionals committee chair for the MA/RI Make-A-Wish chapter.

At Suffield, Colin is a part of the development office and helps coach the varsity alpine ski team. If you don’t find him around campus supporting the numerous athletic teams, he is on the ski mountain or golf course.

Tom Dugan Chair, Performing Arts Department B.A. Emerson College Appointed 2008

M.A. Emerson College

tdugan@suffieldacademy.org

Tom is the director of theater, teaches senior-level English, coaches the Kent-Davis speaking competition, and manages the headwaiter program. He is an active member of the New England Theater Conference and the Educational Theatre Association. Tom earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in theater education from Emerson and worked for several years at Mercersburg Academy as the Assistant Director of Summer Programs and Admissions.

Prior to teaching, Tom was in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando. He lives on campus with his wife, Heather [counseling and academic support], sons, Patrick and Bailey, and daughter, Kaitlyn.

Jonathan Edwards Mathematics Department B.A. Trinity College Appointed 2004

M.A. Trinity College

jedwards@suffieldacademy.org

A native of West Hartford, Jonathan has been a teacher, coach, athletic director, and dorm parent at both boarding and day schools before arriving at Suffield in 2004. Jonathan was a four-year letterman on Trinity’s lacrosse team and also earned a master’s degree in American Studies. Prior to Trinity, he attended Middlesex School in Concord [Massachusetts] and Renbrook School in West Hartford [Connecticut].

Jonathan lives in West Hartford with his wife, Allison, daughter, Hadley, and son, Oliver. Aside from teaching math and coaching squash at Suffield, Jonathan’s passions include playing golf, spending time with his family at the beach, and dreaming of a return of his beloved Hartford Whalers. He also enjoys trips to Maine in the summer and vacationing with family and friends.

Samantha Evans Science Department B.S. Lafayette College Appointed 2021

M.A.T. Clarkson University

sevans@suffieldacademy.org

Sam is in the science department, teaching biology and honors biology. She grew up near Albany, New York, and completed high school at Emma Willard School. Sam then attended Lafayette College where she graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience. During her time as an undergraduate, Sam conducted research on the immune responses of cancer cells in mice, which was published in Immunological Investigations. In high school and college, she enjoyed her time rowing on the crew team.

From 2019 to 2021, Sam taught at Emma Willard School, where she also coached crew and supervised a dorm. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Clarkson University. In addition to teaching, Sam serves as a crew coach, assists with other athletics, and is a dorm parent.

Zachary French Science Department B.A. SUNY at Plattsburgh Appointed 2019

M.S. Clarkson University

zfrench@suffieldacademy.org

Zachary graduated from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics. After working for six months at an optics company in Irvington, New York, he then earned a Master of Science in Physics from Clarkson. With a focus in physics education at Clarkson, Zachary researched the many different approaches to teaching physics students and now uses these techniques in providing Suffield students the best physics experience possible.

In addition to teaching physics at Suffield, Zachary coaches the boys’ junior varsity baseball team and is a dorm parent.

Lindsey Fava Director of the Library B.S. Northeastern University Appointed 2018

M.S. Northeastern University

lfava@suffieldacademy.org

Matthew Fava Associate Director of College Counseling Leadership Program B.A. Connecticut College Appointed 2017

M.A.Ed. Castleton University mfava@suffieldacademy.org

Lindsey and Matthew both grew up in southern New Hampshire and have lived in various New England states over the years. They married and moved to Suffield Academy in the summer of 2017 when Matthew was appointed Associate Director of College Counseling. Lindsey joined Matthew on the faculty in 2018 as Director of the Library. Lindsey and Matthew both enjoy helping young people realize their potential and are excited to contribute to the Academy’s welcoming and supportive campus community.

Lindsey gained experience working in schools as an instructional assistant and tutor. The bulk of her experience, however, is in Criminal Justice. Lindsey graduated from Northeastern University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and earned a Master of Science in Criminology from Northeastern University in 2016.

Lindsey then worked for the FBI for two years in Boston, New York, and New Haven. Lindsey and Matthew both also assist with the Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA).

Prior to Suffield, Matthew coached men’s college basketball for eight years with stops at Vassar College, College of the Holy Cross, Castleton University, and Connecticut College. Matthew graduated from Connecticut College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and earned a Master of Arts in Education from Castleton University in 2014. In addition to his primary role in college counseling, Matthew is also the head coach of boys’ varsity basketball and boys’ junior varsity tennis, class advisor to the Class of 2022, and the dorm head in Roe. He and Lindsey live on campus with their son, Avery, and dog, Harper.

Andrew Gamere ’93 Co-Director of Athletics B.A. Ohio Wesleyan University

▞

Leadership Program

Appointed 2006

agamere@suffieldacademy.org

Drew graduated from Brookline High School [Massachusetts] and from Suffield Academy as a postgraduate in 1993. During that time, he played football, basketball, and lacrosse and helped the football and basketball teams win New England Championships. Drew matriculated to Ohio Wesleyan where he played football and basketball and earned all-conference recognition in football while serving as captain his senior year.

After graduating, Drew spent four years coaching football at Ohio Wesleyan and Harvard University. He then worked as a counselor and coach at Brookline High School. Drew has been a member of the Suffield faculty since 2006 and is the Co-Director of Athletics, a teacher in the Leadership Program, and the head varsity football coach. Drew lives on campus with his wife, Sarah ’02, and their three sons, Caysen, Kyler, and Kolby.

Dave Godin P’17 Mathematics Department B.A. Springfield College Appointed 1980

M.A.L.S. Wesleyan University

dgodin@suffieldacademy.org

A native of Chicopee, Massachusetts, Dave arrived at Suffield in 1980 after graduating from Springfield College. Dave taught math and coached football, basketball, and lacrosse, and also served as a dorm parent.

He later held the positions of Dean of Students, Assistant Business Manager, and Director of Athletics. He received the Elijah B. Andrews Award for service to Suffield in 1995, the Pervear-Kinne Prize for coaching in 2014 to honor his commitment to the Suffield Academy athletic programs, and the Donald P. Richter Teaching Award for excellence in teaching in 2021.

In addition to his duties in the mathematics department, Dave coaches football and basketball. He and his wife, Hilary, live on campus with their son, Ben ’17.

Juan Carlos Gonzalez Languages Department B.S. University of Rosario Appointed 2019

*M.A.T. University of Saint Joseph jgonzalez@suffieldacademy.org

Juan Carlos was born in Bogota, Colombia, where he graduated from the University Foundation of America with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, and a Degree of Specialization in Business Administration from the University of Rosario. He was recently accepted into the M.A.T. Secondary Education program at the University of Saint Joseph. As a lifelong learner, he has a passion for education and unique understanding of different cultural backgrounds. A native speaker of Spanish, Juan Carlos joined Suffield’s languages department in 2019 and enjoys basing his classes on the connections between topics including science, business administration, leadership, and ethics as methods of learning and appreciating Spanish culture.

By using personalized learning strategies as tools for teaching and prompting feedback, he aims to help each student accomplish his or her goals in developing a love for the Spanish language.

Juan Carlos lives off campus with his wife, Melissa, who owns a dance and theater studio in Simsbury. Together they enjoy attending Broadway shows in New York City and traveling the United States.

Steve Goodwin P’01,’03 Science Department B.A. College of Wooster

Appointed 1992

sgoodwin@suffieldacademy.org

Steve teaches biology and chemistry and has also been actively involved in the SOLO program since its inception. Prior to joining the Suffield faculty, Steve taught science and math at St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Connecticut and at Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania. He coached basketball, track, lacrosse, and soccer, and was a senior class advisor and dorm master at both St. Thomas More and Perkiomen.

Steve and his wife, Kim—who works in the Head of School’s office—live just a mile off campus and have two sons, Nick ’01 and Zack Faas ’03.

Molly Gotwals P’09 English Department B.A. Smith College, M.A.T. Smith College Appointed 1999

Certificate in College Counseling UCLA

mgotwals@suffieldacademy.org

Born and raised in Northampton, Massachusetts, Molly earned both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts and Teaching in English Literature from Smith College. Molly began her teaching career in 1982 at The Schutz American School in Alexandria, Egypt. She has since taught in private schools in Rhode Island and New York and now in Connecticut at Suffield Academy.

Having moved from the classroom to college counseling at the Oakwood Friends School in New York, Molly joined Suffield as a college counselor and enjoyed her work in that capacity for 15 years before moving to the English department in 2015. Molly and her husband, Tom [music department], own an 1800s farmhouse on an island off the coast of Maine where they enjoy outings on their Boston Whaler and cooking for family and friends. Molly and Tom live on campus where they raised their daughter, Hannah ’09.

Tom Gotwals P’09 Bradford C. Gooch Music Chair B.A. Oberlin College, B.Mus. Oberlin Conservatory Appointed 1999

M.Mus. Yale School of Music

tgotwals@suffieldacademy.org

Tom was born and raised in Northampton, Massachusetts and is the grandson of farmers and fishermen and the son of musicians. After graduating from Northampton High, he headed west to Oberlin College and Conservatory where he earned both a bachelor’s degree in Greek literature and in musical performance as a trumpet player. Tom later attended Yale University where he earned a Master of Music degree and received the Julia Loomis Havemeyer Award. He moved to New London in 1983 and taught at The Williams School. He was also an adjunct instructor at Connecticut College. Since then, he has taught at Providence College and Trinity Grammar School in Sydney, Australia.

Remaining active as a trumpeter, Tom often plays at recitals with his friend, John Anthony [the organist at Connecticut College], performs with various orchestras and big bands, and also instructs trumpet lessons on the side. When not at Suffield, Tom lives in Stonington, Maine with his wife, Molly [English department], and family.

There at their 1800s farmhouse, he produces sawdust and wood shavings and the occasional bookshelf.

Jennifer Graham Chair, Visual Arts Department B.F.A. Hartford Art School Appointed 2015

M.A. University of Connecticut

jgraham@suffieldacademy.org

Graduating in 2010 from Hartford Art School with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and in 2014 with a Master of Arts in Educational Technology, Jenny is a passionate educator who aims to empower young adults through the education of art and technology. Before arriving at the Academy in 2015, Jenny worked at Miss Porter’s School. At Suffield, she teaches classes in photography, graphic design, and media arts. As an artist herself, she loves working with and photographing local farms and businesses as her own conceptual work hones in on an innate interest in the human race and its developments in technology and sustainability.

As her conceptual and experimental ideas blossom, she enjoys framing captivating landscape scenes and experimenting in mixed media design. Jenny lives nearby in Suffield with her husband, Matt [technology department], and two sons, Declan and Oliver.

Matthew Growhoski Languages Department B.A. Wesleyan University Ph.D. Princeton University

M.A. University of California, Riverside Appointed 2021

mgrowhoski@suffieldacademy.org

A native of Western Massachusetts, Matthew attended Wesleyan University in Middletown and earned his bachelor’s degree in history before moving to the west coast to pursue his master’s degree in history from the University of California, Riverside. He continued his educational pursuits at Princeton, where he attained his Ph.D., also in history. He has previously taught at both UC Riverside and Vanderbilt University. Prior to returning east to work at Suffield, Matthew lived in Los Angeles, California for many years.

In addition to working in the languages department, Matthew is a dorm associate and helps coach the swimming and track teams.

Jason Healy Opatrny Chair in Technology B.A. Williams College

▞

Appointed 2003

Director of Technology jhealy@suffieldacademy.org

Jason was born and raised in Honolulu, where he graduated from Punahou School. Trading the warm beaches of Hawaii for the purple hills of Williamstown, Massachusetts, he majored in computer science at Williams College and later became a corporate software developer.

With both parents being former teachers, Jason joined the Suffield faculty in 2003 to teach computer science and help manage the school’s technology infrastructure. He and his wife, Amy, live on campus with their sons, Seth and Evan, and twin daughters, Nora and Maya.

Allison Henle P’21,’23 Waskiewicz Chair in Mathematics B.A. Yale University Appointed 2006

▞

Chair, Mathematics Department

*A.B.D. Dartmouth College ahenle@suffieldacademy.org

Allison earned a double major in physics and applied mathematics at Yale University and served as a teaching assistant for five years while working towards a Ph.D. in Experimental Physics at Dartmouth College. In 2002, she attended the Klingenstein Summer Institute and in 2019 became a College Board Reader for the Advanced Placement Statistics exam.

Allison taught for seven years at Mercersburg Academy before arriving at Suffield in 2006. She teaches AP Calculus, AP Statistics, and Honors Precalculus, coaches volleyball and tennis, and is a dorm associate.

She lives off campus with her husband, Fred, their two sons, Miles ’21 and Theo ’23, and their rescue dog, Lucy.

She is an avid reader and a Hugo voter who also enjoys knitting, baking, and cheering for the Red Sox.

Josh Hillman ’14 Director of Suffield Outdoor Leadership Opportunities [SOLO] History Department B.A. Springfield College Appointed 2021

jhillman@suffieldacademy.org

Born and raised in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Josh is a passionate educator and outdoorsman. He is the Director of Suffield Outdoor Leadership Opportunities (SOLO) and teaches in the history department.

Josh graduated from Suffield Academy in 2014 where he served as a dorm proctor and wrestling team captain.

He went on to Springfield College where he graduated with cum laude honors. There he received a degree in communications with a dual minor in English and Outdoor Experiential Education. At Springfield, Josh worked at the East Campus Outdoor Learning Center as a Challenge Course Facilitator, Adventure Camp Counselor, and Camp Skills Instructor. Since graduating, he has earned multiple certifications in emergency medicine as an EMT and Ski Patroller. Most recently Josh worked as a State Park Ranger for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Josh is also a dorm parent. When he’s not working, he likes to spend time with his family and their yellow lab, Parker.

Chelsea Kane ’09 Performing Arts Department B.A. Providence College Appointed 2013

M.Mus. Boston University

ckane@suffieldacademy.org

Chelsea graduated from the Academy in 2009 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Providence College in 2013, where she graduated with honors. She was later awarded a Master in Music Education from Boston University in 2017 with her final thesis exploring the value of music education in adolescence and its positive impact on self-esteem and personal perception. In addition to teaching in Suffield’s performing arts department, Chelsea is the music director for the musical, leads both the girls’ and boys’ a cappella groups, and oversees the private music lessons and afternoon music special programs.

Chelsea lives on campus as the dorm head in Kotchen where she enjoys baking cookies, watching reality-based television, and playing around with her mini Goldendoodle named Kepler. In her free time, Chelsea spends the summer months with her family on Cape Cod.

Phil Hodosy Associate Dean of Academics & Faculty B.A. St. Lawrence University Appointed 2018

▞

History Department

M.S.Ed. University of Pennsylvania phodosy@suffieldacademy.org

Phil grew up in upstate New York and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from St. Lawrence University, where he was also a four-year member of the crew team. After graduating, he went on to work as a class dean, history teacher, dorm parent, and varsity soccer, squash, and tennis coach at Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, Connecticut.

In 2019, Phil completed an M.S.Ed. in Independent School Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania. At Suffield, he serves as Associate Dean of Academics & Faculty, teaches history, and is also a dorm parent and crew coach. Phil lives on campus with his wife, Liz, and their springer spaniel, Lexi. He enjoys reading, hiking, boating, traveling, cooking, and tennis.

Liz Hodosy Associate Director of Admissions B.A. Gettysburg College Appointed 2018

M.A. Middlebury College

ehodosy@suffieldacademy.org

Liz grew up in Lakeville, Connecticut and is a graduate of Hotchkiss School and Gettysburg College. In 2017, she completed a master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College. Before arriving to Suffield in 2018, Liz worked at two other independent schools where she taught Spanish, worked in admissions, served as a dorm parent, and coached soccer and basketball.

Liz is a member of the admissions office and enjoys welcoming families to Suffield. She is a dorm parent, coach, and lives on campus with her husband, Phil, and their dog, Lexi.

Hal Johnson History Department B.A. Roger Williams University Appointed 2021

hjohnson@suffieldacademy.org

Hal joined the Suffield Academy history department in 2021. A longtime advocate for the social sciences, Hal graduated with honors from Roger Williams University in 2007 with a B.A in Anthropology and Sociology. The following years allowed ample opportunity to apply social theory as Hal entered the world of mental health, serving as a supervisor and trainer for several non-profit treatment institutions in the Northeast. Specializing in program oversight and crisis intervention, Hal worked with interdisciplinary teams of professionals in providing individuals with intellectual and behavioral disabilities with the structure and support they needed to reach their fullest potential. He now looks forward to teaching psychology at the high school level in the hopes of sparking the same interest in studying human behavior that inspired him.

Hal lives on campus with his wife, Amy Norris, and his son, Leif, who can often be found helping in the Performing Arts Center as Hal works with the Suffield Academy stage crew.

Amy Norris Science Department B.S. Roger Williams University Appointed 2018

M.S. Sonoma State University

anorris@suffieldacademy.org

Amy joined Suffield’s science department in 2018 teaching sections of marine science and environmental science and now also teaches honors biology. Her undergraduate work on harbor seals at Roger Williams led Amy to graduate research on elephant seals in California. Amy returned to the east coast as a teaching fellow at Boston University before beginning her high school teaching career.

An advocate for sustainability and conservation, Amy is an advisor for the EFFECT club, a student-run group whose goals include promoting education and implementation of sustainable choices across curriculum, residential life, and other aspects of boarding school culture. Amy is the dorm head in Montgomery Street House with her son, Leif, and husband, Hal Johnson, who works in the history department and with the Suffield Academy stage crew. In their free time, both Amy and Hal enjoy traveling and exploring the outdoors whenever possible.

Beth Krasemann P’19,’21 History Department B.A. Williams College Appointed 2001

M.A.T. Brown University

bkrasemann@suffieldacademy.org

Beth grew up in Portland, Oregon and attended Catlin Gabel, a progressive day school. Summers were spent exploring the Cascades and traveling all over the United States. She attended Williams College and studied abroad in Rome and traveled all over Eastern Europe. Upon graduating from Williams, Beth taught at the Taft School for two years and at Ethel Walker School for three. In between teaching at Taft and Ethel Walker, Beth attended Brown University for an intensive one-year program that shaped her educational philosophy.

She strongly believes in inquiry-based education that invites students to think, write, read, and analyze like true historians.

In the history department, she teaches Foundation of Modern History, Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Behavior, and Good Trouble: Black Agency. She recently published a book entitled Teaching the Holocaust by Inquiry. Her husband, Volker, translated the German edition.

Volker Krasemann P’19,’21 Chair, Science Department B.A. Ernst-Moritz-Arndt Universität Greifswald M.S. Ernst-Moritz-Arndt Universität Greifswald Appointed 2000

M.S. Montana State University

vkrasemann@suffieldacademy.org

Volker grew up in Greifswald, Germany—a part of former East Germany—and is a graduate of EMA University of Greifswald. When the Wall came down, he traveled to the western United States and earned a Master of Science degree from Montana State. There he enjoyed three years in the mountains of Big Sky country hiking, taking photographs, publishing a book on the indigenous people of the Northern Plains, and spending many hours in the lab. He later left Montana and headed east where he taught at Taft School for four years.

Appointed to Suffield’s science department in 2000, Volker enjoys teaching physics, coaching track, and living on campus with his wife, Beth [history department]. Together they share two children, Daniel ’19 and Emma ’21, and spend their summers traveling in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Rachel Lloyd English Department B.A. University of Massachusetts Appointed 2018

*M.A.L.S. Wesleyan University

rlloyd@suffieldacademy.org

Rachel is a graduate of Williston Northampton and the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a specialization in the Study and Practice of Writing, as well as a minor in education. Throughout college she worked as a tutor at the UMass Writing Center while helping undergraduate and graduate students develop productive writing practices.

Rachel is currently pursuing a master’s degree in liberal studies at Wesleyan University with a concentration in humanities and certificates in writing and educational leadership. In addition to teaching in Suffield’s English department, Rachel is a soccer and tennis coach and the dorm head in Tompkins.

Gina Longo Leadership Program B.S. Springfield College Appointed 2018

▞

Athletic Trainer

M.S. Northeastern University

glongo@suffieldacademy.org

Gina joined Suffield Academy in 2016 as an assistant athletic trainer and was appointed to Suffield’s Leadership Program in 2018. She is a native of South Plainfield, New Jersey and holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Springfield College and a Master of Science in Leadership from Northeastern University. At Springfield, she was president of the Athletic Training Club and stays connected to the school as an accredited clinical instructor, supervising current athletic training students while they work with Suffield student-athletes.

Gina is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist who helps educate students on strength training and nutrition. She has always held a passion for service and in 2016 traveled throughout Costa Rica providing medical services to multiple communities. Gina lives on campus with her kitten, Luna, and is a dorm parent.

Melina Lopez Touceda P’21,’25 Languages Department B.S. University of Buenos Aires, Argentina Appointed 2017

M.S. University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

mlopez@suffieldacademy.org

Originally from Argentina and a former national team field hockey player, Melina is a member of the school’s languages department and assists with the International Student Program. She is a graduate of the University of Buenos Aires, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nutritional sciences. Melina worked for three years at Suffield High School as a job coach in the Transition Program, teaching students with special needs important independent life skills.

In addition to teaching, she coaches field hockey with a passion and lasting love for the sport. Melina lives on campus as the dorm head in Spencer Hall and has three children: Juana ’21, Mercedes ’25, and Santiago.

Together they enjoy summers on the beach and the adventurous exploration of travel.

Jennifer Lord Assistant Director of Admissions

▞

Leadership Program

B.S. Southern Connecticut State University M.S. Southern Connecticut State University Appointed 2018

M.S. Central Connecticut State University

jlord@suffieldacademy.org

Jen’s passion for working with students began shortly after graduating from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in sociology. She was initially involved in student life as a hall director at Southern before expanding her focus on student growth and opportunity as an assistant to the Director of Financial Aid at Western Connecticut State University. Jen later earned a master’s degree in elementary education and taught locally in the town of Suffield at the elementary level. During that time, she earned a second master’s degree in school counseling from Central Connecticut State University. In addition to her work in admissions at Suffield, Jen works with students who participate in the Community Outreach Program, teaches Leadership, and is a class advisor for the class of 2024.

Jen joined Suffield’s Office of Admissions in 2018 and lives nearby with her husband, Rich, son, Will, and daughter, Addison.

Andy Lowe P’11,’13,’15 History Department B.A. Stanford University Appointed 1979

M.A. Trinity College

alowe@suffieldacademy.org

Andy has served two stints as Chair of Suffield’s history department and has taught a variety of subjects including world, European, Russian, Chinese, and American history, as well as electives in economics and business. He received the Richter Award for excellence in teaching in 1993 and the Pervear-Kinne Prize for coaching in 2009. Andy helped lead the Computer Initiative that brought laptops to every student and faculty member on campus. He was the founding director of the Summer Academy at Suffield and led the Summer Academy from 1995 to 2000. He has also accompanied many student trips to the Soviet Union, Europe, and China.

Andy is a renowned head coach for the girls’ and boys’ varsity swimming programs and girls’ varsity water polo team, in addition to assisting with the boys’ varsity water polo program. Andy lives on campus with his wife, Andrea, and they have three children: Graham ’11, Geoffrey ’13, and Emily ’15.

Greg Lynch Dean of Students & Campus Life B.A. Colby College

Appointed 2002

▞

Science Department

glynch@suffieldacademy.org

Greg is a graduate of Colby College and Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachusetts where he served on the board of trustees for ten years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry/biochemistry and was a member of the teaching faculty at King Low Heywood Thomas School in Stamford, Connecticut until 2002 where he taught all levels of chemistry, biology, and physics. He was also the assistant director of the upper school support program, specializing in learning differences including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADD, and ADHD. Greg participated in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program in 1999, teaching science and math in Pretoria, South Africa. He served in numerous roles at Suffield’s Summer Academy and was named Director of Summer Academy in 2004.

Now in addition to serving as Dean of Students & Campus Life, Greg teaches chemistry and coaches swimming. He lives on campus with his son, Gus.

Matt Mercure History Department B.A. Westfield State University

Appointed 2018

mmercure@suffieldacademy.org

A native of Westfield, Massachusetts, Matt majored in history with a focus in secondary education at Westfield State University. While there, he interned for the Historical Journal of Massachusetts and was a student-teacher at Central High School in Springfield, earning a state teaching license. Matt’s passion for teaching and working with students stems from volunteer work for Special Olympics Massachusetts, an organization he has been dedicated to since 2005.

For many years Matt was also a respite worker for Multicultural Community Services of the Pioneer Valley, working with children with various disabilities. At Suffield, Matt is a dorm parent and coaches boys’ cross country and crew. He enjoys watching classic movies and playing various sports.

Mary Mitchell ’10 Social Media & Content Developer, Marketing & Communications Leadership Program B.A. Franklin & Marshall College

Appointed 2016

mmitchell@suffieldacademy.org

Mary joined Suffield’s Office of Marketing & Communications in 2016 as the social media and content developer.

A proud alumna of Suffield Academy, she was an active member of the community as a student, tour guide, and writing center tutor. Mary played field hockey and lacrosse at the Academy and was the recipient of the George A. Butler Cup Award for Athletics and Sportsmanship. Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Franklin & Marshall College. There she captained the women’s lacrosse team, was on the student-athlete advisory committee, mentored incoming students, and was involved with the art department.

Before returning to Suffield in 2016, Mary worked in digital advertising for CBS Interactive for three years in New York City. In addition to her work in communications at Suffield, she is the head coach of girls’ varsity lacrosse, teaches in the Leadership program, and lives on campus as a dorm associate.

Ben Morgan ’06 English Department B.A. Hobart College M.A. University of St. Joseph

▞

Languages Department

M.A. Bread Loaf School of English Appointed 2014

bmorgan@suffieldacademy.org

After graduating from Suffield in 2006, Ben earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Hobart. He then spent two years in Spain working as an English as a Second Language [ESL] tutor and teacher’s assistant at I.E.S. Joaquin Rodrigo, a public high school located just outside of Madrid. Ben also worked for two years at Hyde School in Woodstock, Connecticut, where he taught American Literature and ESL and was a football and basketball coach.

At Suffield, Ben worked in the academic support office and academic dean’s office each for three years. Ben has completed graduate degrees from the Bread Loaf School of English as well as from the school of education at the University of St. Joseph. He loves helping students find their voices as writers in his English III and AP Language & Composition courses. Ben is an advisor for the improv comedy club on campus and is an active performer in the Hartford area.

Gis-Xi Nahmens Chair, Languages Department

▞

International Student Coordinator

B.S. Universidad Católica Andrés Bello Appointed 2005

M.S. Rochester Institute of Technology

gnahmens@suffieldacademy.org

Gis-Xi joined Suffield’s languages department as a Spanish teacher in 2005 and was appointed Language Department Chair in 2016 and International Student Coordinator in 2018. She has lived, worked, and studied in Venezuela, Switzerland, and the United States and holds a degree in education and pedagogical sciences from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello [Venezuela]. She also earned a master’s degree in human resource development from Rochester Institute of Technology.

From the teaching world, Gis-Xi made a foray into a career in human resources—starting at Grupo G.A.N.B. in Caracas—before moving to the United States to attend RIT. In addition to teaching, Gis-Xi enjoys the company of family and friends and exploring other cultures when traveling.

Kaitlyn Nigro ’16 Languages Department B.A. George Washington University

Appointed 2020

knigro@suffieldacademy.org

Kaitlyn grew up in West Suffield, graduated from Suffield Academy in 2016, and joined the faculty in 2020.

Kaitlyn is a summa cum laude graduate of George Washington University, where she earned degrees in history and Spanish. She pursued her love of music in Washington through the university’s jazz orchestra and at various D.C. area hot spots. Kaitlyn also worked as an intern at the Embassy of Ecuador in Washington.

She spent her junior year abroad in Chile while working as an archivist, documenting primary source materials for human rights museums such as Santiago’s Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos and Parque por la Paz Villa Grimaldi. She is proud to have trekked the country’s active Villarrica Volcano, traversed Patagonia and the Atacama Desert, and considers visiting Easter Island [natively named Rapa Nui] a highlight of her life.

Kaitlyn teaches U.S. history and Latin American history and is the dorm head in Barnes. A lover of nature and mindfulness, Kaitlyn craves being outdoors, hiking, and practicing yoga.

Kareem Nulan Associate Director of College Counseling B.B.A. Howard University Appointed 2017

▞

Leadership Program

M.B.A. University of Hartford knulan@suffieldacademy.org

Kareem is a native of Denver, Colorado and attended Howard University. Before joining Suffield’s Office of College Counseling as an associate director, Kareem worked as an underwriter for the Hartford Life Insurance Company. He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Hartford and decided to pursue a career in education after volunteering for the YMCA Minority Achievers program. Kareem has held various positions in public schools, social service agencies, and educational non-profits supporting students in underserved communities.

Eventually finding his niche while working in college admissions and financial aid at Trinity College, Kareem joined the Gulliver Preparatory Office of College Counseling before moving back to New England, where he landed as the Co-Director of College Counseling at MacDuffie School. Kareem lives on campus with his wife, Leykia, and two sons, Khalil and Ajani. He coaches wrestling and tennis and is a dorm parent on campus.

Wayne Patterson P’13 Co-Director of Athletics B.A. Assumption College

▞

Standardized Testing Coordinator

Appointed 1997

wpatterson@suffieldacademy.org

Wayne was born in Waterford, Connecticut and worked for ten years at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a research specialist and three years in Suffield’s admissions office. He now serves as the Co-Director of Athletics and is the standardized testing coordinator for the Academy. Coaching is Wayne’s passion and as head coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team, the Tigers qualified for the New England Tournament eight times and won the Championship in 2008. Wayne also coached the varsity softball team from 2003 to 2009 and won the Western New England Championships in 2003, 2006, and 2007 [undefeated in 2006 and 2007].

Wayne lives on campus with his wife, Kelly ’82, who is Director of Suffield’s Tiger Den Childcare Center. Their son, Jack ’13, is a graduate of Bryant University and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs organization in 2018.

Justin Pepoli History Department B.A. Springfield College

Appointed 2010

jpepoli@suffieldacademy.org

Justin grew up in Ashburnham, Massachusetts and attended Cushing Academy where he was a three-sport varsity athlete. Justin majored in American Studies with an Elementary Education concentration at Springfield College, where he also played on the varsity soccer team all four years, captained the squad his junior and senior years, and was named to the NEWMAC First All-Conference Team.

Justin previously taught at Hadley Elementary School and Cushing Academy before arriving at Suffield in 2010. He currently teaches U.S. History and Foundations of Modern History and coaches the boys’ cross country and junior varsity basketball teams. Justin lives on campus with his wife, Megan [on staff in the academic dean’s office], and their daughter, Lucy.

Amy Pentz P’15, ’19 English Department A.B. Mount Holyoke College Appointed 2000

M.A. University of Rochester

apentz@suffieldacademy.org

Amy arrived at Suffield in 2000 as Director of Residential Life before joining the English department and working as an academic coordinator, class advisor, and member of the discipline committee. Amy received the Richter Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2008 and now also works for The College Board as a prompt writer for the SSAT tests. At Mount Holyoke College, Amy was a figure skater and licensed DJ and later worked for a large advertising agency in Boston before attending graduate school at the University of Rochester. She previously taught at The Wolfeboro Camp School, St. Mark’s School, and Dublin School [New Hampshire], where she served as the chair of the English department.

Amy lives on campus with her husband, Chris [history department], with whom she enjoyed being a dorm head for 13 years. Together they have two sons, Greg ’15 and Jackson ’19, and each summer Amy spends as much time as possible reading and listening to the Red Sox on the radio at the family’s house in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.

Chris Pentz P’15, ’19 History Department B.A. Williams College Appointed 2000

M.S. University of Massachusetts cpentz@suffieldacademy.org

Chris was born and raised on campus at The Hill School in Pennsylvania and spent much of his life living in a boarding school environment. In college, he was a four-year letterman in both squash and baseball and later earned a master’s degree at UMass while serving as the head squash coach at Hobart College. After marrying his wife, Amy, a member of the school’s English department, Chris returned to his roots and began a career in boarding school life.

After eight years serving in the academic dean’s office at Suffield, working primarily with juniors and postgraduates, Chris returned to the classroom full time in 2018 teaching AP Economics and U.S. History.

Outside the classroom, Chris is the pitching coach for the varsity baseball team and has been the boys’ varsity squash coach since 2000. Chris and Amy live together on campus but spend summers at their cabin on the Canadian border of Vermont.

Kathleen McNary Pillsbury Assistant Dean of Students

▞

Director of Online Learning

Mathematics Department B.A. University of Connecticut Appointed 2021

M.S.Ed. University of Pennsylvania

kpillsbury@suffieldacademy.org

Kathleen returns to Suffield Academy as Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Online Learning, mathematics faculty member, and dorm associate on campus. In the summer of 2003 Kathleen began teaching chemistry and biology at Suffield’s Summer Academy. After graduating from the University of Connecticut in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences, she continued to teach in the Summer Academy. Kathleen began her career at the Dalton School in New York City where she worked as the Assistant High School Director for Student Activities, serving as Dean of Students and senior class academic dean, while teaching science and health and directing the leadership program. In 2012, Kathleen earned her Master of Education in School Leadership with a concentration in Independent School Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Kathleen met her husband, Mark, while working at the Summer Academy. They married and moved to the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, where she served for five years on the senior leadership team as the Director of Student Activities, Human Development instructor, and a dorm head. Most recently Kathleen served as Dean of Students & Director of Residential Life at The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Connecticut.

In 2019, Kathleen completed a fellowship through the National Association of Independent Schools for Aspiring Heads of School. Kathleen arrived on campus in 2021 with Mark, a physical therapist at UConn Health, and their two sons, Everett and Alden.

Adam Pistel ’08 Associate Director of Development B.A. George Washington University Appointed 2017

*M.B.A. Endicott College

apistel@suffieldacademy.org

Originally from Amherst, Massachusetts, Adam worked for four years in New York City in the financial services industry prior to joining Suffield’s development office in 2017. He played soccer and squash at St. Lawrence University before transferring to George Washington where he captained the squash team his senior year.

Adam is now following in his father’s footsteps by working at an independent school. Adam lives on campus as a dorm associate and coaches girls’ varsity squash.

Becka Pouy Science Department A.B. Bryn Mawr College Appointed 2012

*M.A.L.S. Wesleyan University rpouy@suffieldacademy.org

Becka is an alumna of George School [Pennsylvania] and taught math and science at El Paso Country Day School [Texas] and at Marianapolis Preparatory School [Connecticut] before joining Suffield’s science department in 2012.

At Suffield, she teaches physics and supervises winter music specials and is the house manager and box office manager for the theater. In addition to her work in the classroom and performing arts, Becka initiated the Women in Math & Science Lecture Series in 2017 as an opportunity for students to learn from female professionals specializing in these fields. Becka is an avid reader who also enjoys knitting, baking, scuba diving, and Scottish country dance. She lives on campus and is a dorm associate.

Sue Rafferty Head Athletic Trainer B.S. Springfield College

Appointed 2000

srafferty@suffieldacademy.org

Sue is originally from Pembroke, New Hampshire and holds a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Springfield College. She was active in many school organizations at Springfield while participating in both indoor and outdoor track and field. Sue spent the summer of 1999 interning at the Methodist Sports Medicine Clinic in Indiana and was also a doping control officer for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for more than a year.

Sue is an accredited clinical preceptor for Springfield College, allowing its students to earn college credits while working with Suffield athletes. Sue is also an ImPACT trained athletic trainer, which certifies her with a deeper understanding of ImPACT concussion testing.

Sue runs the athletic training room, coordinates on-campus physical therapy appointments, works in the health center, and assists the athletic directors with daily department needs. She lives on campus with her family.

Anu Rawlings English Department B.A. Roger Williams University

Appointed 2018

arawlings@suffieldacademy.org

Born in Maui, Hawaii, but raised in Kennebunk, Maine, Anu double majored in English and Secondary Education at Roger Williams University. While there, Anu discovered a passion for learning though travel and studied abroad during her sophomore, junior, and senior years in Italy, England, and Germany. She spends her summers in Maine where she has taught swimming lessons at a camp in Kennebunk for over ten years.

At Suffield, Anu is a member of the English department and assists with the swimming and diving program and girls’ varsity water polo. She lives on campus as a dorm parent.

Mandi Repoli English Department B.A. Quinnipiac University M.A. Bread Loaf School of English

M.A.T. Quinnipiac University

Appointed 2013

arepoli@suffieldacademy.org

Mandi is a native of South Windsor, Connecticut and holds both a Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts in Teaching from Quinnipiac and a Master of Arts from Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. Since joining the Suffield faculty in 2013, she has taught freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, as well as Beginning Literature.

Mandi coaches volleyball, is in charge of the international student passports, and lives on campus as a dorm associate. When not teaching, Mandi adores spending time with her golden retrievers, Radley and Murphy.

Phil Riegel ’87, P’20,’24 Director of Development B.A. Syracuse University

Appointed 1998

priegel@suffieldacademy.org

Phil graduated from Suffield Academy in 1987 and is now Director of Development. Phil holds bachelor’s degrees in Russian language, literature, and Russian history from Syracuse as well as a certificate of area studies from Leningrad State University. After graduating from college, Phil moved to Tbilisi, Georgia [in the former Soviet Union] to work for an American/Georgian joint venture. Phil was later employed by Lowara S.P.A. in Vicenza, Italy, and was responsible for the territory of the former Soviet Union.

Phil lives on campus with his wife, Elise Adib-Samii Riegel ’87, and their two children, Vivian ’20 and Charlie ’24.

Jazzy Salehi ’12 Assistant Director of Admissions B.A. Mount Holyoke College Appointed 2017

M.A.T. Mount Holyoke College

ysalehi@suffieldacademy.org

Jazzy is a native of Massachusetts and cum laude graduate of Mount Holyoke College where she also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching. She is a proud alumna of Suffield’s Class of 2012 and honorary member of the school’s Torch Society.

Jazzy returned to campus in 2017 and has filled a variety of roles. Jazzy served as a classroom teacher and is now an Assistant Director of Admissions. She has traveled to Guaimaca, Honduras, for service work several times to provide aid in a medical clinic as well as to tutor and mentor students in English. Her passion for education and teaching began nearly ten years ago during her first experience at Suffield’s Summer Academy while serving as a teacher’s assistant and teacher. Apart from her daily doses of tea and chocolate, Jazzy enjoys traveling and baking. She is the advisor to the yearbook, co-advisor to the Class of 2022, and is the dorm head in Brodie Hall.

Ann Selvitelli P’20,’22,’25 Director of College Counseling & Leadership B.A. Trinity College Appointed 2004

M.S.Ed. University of Pennsylvania aselvitelli@suffieldacademy.org

Ann is a native of the town of Suffield and former faculty child. She has considerable experience in the boarding school world, serving as Associate Director of Admissions at Loomis Chaffee School and Dean of Students at Dana Hall School. Before joining Suffield’s college counseling office, Ann spent four years as Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission at Babson College, where she led student recruitment initiatives, reviewed applications, and shepherded students through the college admission process.

Ann was appointed Suffield’s Director of College Counseling & Leadership in 2018 and lives adjacent to campus with her husband, Dave, and their three children, Nicholas ’20, Hope ’22, and Maeve ’25, as well as her mother, Mardi Newman (former Suffield faculty member). Ann also enjoys volunteering her time on the Trinity College Women’s Leadership Council and First Church of Christ, Suffield.

Chris Setian ’09 Academic Support Department B.A. University of New Hampshire

Appointed 2021

csetian@suffieldacademy.org

An Honors graduate from the University of New Hampshire in 2014, Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in pedagogy. During his time there he was elected captain of the football team and became a four-time All Academic Selection. Chris is ecstatic to be returning to Suffield Academy, working in the academic support department. He was a post-graduate student at SA, graduating in 2009. In his time as a student he lettered in football, wrestling, and lacrosse as well as being awarded the George A. Butler Cup for athletics and sportsmanship. He lives on campus as the dorm head in Fuller.

Since graduation he has been coaching collegiate football at the University of New Hampshire, Yale, and Brown University. He is excited to be working with the football team at Suffield as well as working in strength and conditioning with all athletes.

Neil Stone Kim Wiggin Chair of Academic Support B.A. Kenyon College Appointed 2018

▞

Director of Academic Support

M.S.Ed. Northwestern University nstone@suffieldacademy.org

A native of the Midwest, Neil was appointed Director of Academic Support in 2018. Prior to that he spent ten years as a learning specialist and team leader at Franklin Academy, a college prep boarding school specializing in students with high-functioning autism/Asperger’s and non-verbal learning disorders. In that role, he also managed standardized testing accommodations. Earlier in his career, Neil was a testing coordinator and specialist of reading development programs to students of all ages.

Neil holds a Master of Science in Education from Northwestern University and Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College. At Kenyon, he was a student associate of the Kenyon Review and participated in a year-long study abroad program at the University of Exeter in the U.K., where he traveled extensively. As a proud Clevelander, Neil is always optimistic the city will win another sports championship during his lifetime. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing and crossword puzzles. Neil lives on campus with his son, Mason.

Bill Sullivan P’22 Chair, English Department B.A. Catholic University Appointed 2000

M.A. SUNY at Binghamton

bsullivan@suffieldacademy.org

Bill has taught courses in English, Latin, religion, ethics, philosophy, and humanities at West Nottingham Academy and TASIS, The American School in England. Bill was awarded an NEH fellowship to study Greek and Latin lyric poetry at Harvard University in 1994. He was also the recipient of the Elisha Benjamin Andrews Award in 2005, as well as the Richter Award for excellence in teaching in 2015. Bill arrived at Suffield Academy in 2000 and has taught all levels of English, sophomore Leadership, and Latin. Throughout the years, Bill has long been involved with several CAIS groups regarding professional development. In 2007 he joined the CAIS Professional Development Commission and served as the vice chair during 2009-2010, 2015-2016, and chair from 2011-2013.

Bill recently completed a new advanced Project-Based Learning Certificate Program at Penn’s Graduate School of Education. He was appointed to the Town Forest Commission in 2015 and shares his enthusiasm for the outdoors with students in the SOLO program. Bill lives on campus with his wife, Kristen Federowicz Sullivan ’87, and their three sons, Cormac ’22, Ronan, and Seamus.

Lyndsey Sweeney Academic Support

▞

Leadership Program

B.A. Eastern Connecticut State University Appointed 2014

lsweeney@suffieldacademy.org

Lyndsey is a member of Suffield’s Office of Academic Support and Leadership Program. A graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Lyndsey previously worked in academic support for the town’s public schools.

She was a member of Eastern Connecticut’s varsity field hockey team and has extensive experience coaching both field hockey and basketball.

Lyndsey lives on campus as the dorm head in Nathena Fuller with her cats, Barney and Wilma. She is also the head coach of varsity field hockey and assistant coach to girls’ varsity basketball.

Lori Sych P’12 Mathematics Department B.S. Hartwick College M.A. St. Joseph College

M.S. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Appointed 2004

lsych@suffieldacademy.org

Lori joined Suffield Academy in 2004 as part of the academic support office and later joined the mathematics department. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from Hartwick College, master’s degree in Operations Research and Statistics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and master’s degree in special education from St. Joseph College. Lori previously worked for Bell Communications Research as a researcher and project manager and in academic support at Suffield Middle School. Professionally, she continues to be a College Board Reader for the Advanced Placement Statistics exam.

Lori lives off campus with her husband, Rich, and has two children, Kaitlin and Melissa ’12. Outside of school, Lori is a board member for Suffield Friends Inc., a board member for The Music School at Sound Crossing, and a member of the Social Action committee at her church. Additionally, Lori volunteers for many other community activities and she enjoys gardening and baking.

Max Toczydlowski ’17 History Department B.A. Trinity College

Appointed 2021

mtoczydlowski@suffieldacademy.org

Max graduated with Suffield’s Class of 2017 and then attended Trinity College, where he attained his bachelor’s degree in political science, with a focus in American government, in 2021. He has completed internships both on Capitol Hill and also with Connecticut’s State House of Representatives.

Max teaches in Suffield’s history department and is also a dorm associate. He currently lives off campus with his parents on their alpaca farm.

Kelli Tosone ’90, P’20,’22 Associate Director of College Counseling B.S. Boston College Appointed 2014

▞

Leadership Program

M.A.T. Simmons College

ktosone@suffieldacademy.org

Kelli graduated from Suffield in 1990 and has worked on campus in multiple departments, including the library and admissions office, since her appointment in 2014. She is now in the college counseling office as an associate director and helps coach swimming. She majored in political science at Boston College and holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Simmons College.

Kelli taught elementary school in Wellesley, Massachusetts and in the town of Suffield prior to joining the faculty at the Academy. In addition to her work in college counseling, Kelli teaches Leadership, serves as a class agent for the Class of 1990, and is a class advisor for the Class of 2023. Kelli lives in Suffield with her husband, Joe, and their two daughters, Gabriella ’20 and Sophia ’22.

Kevin Van Dam Mathematics Department B.S. University of Massachusetts Appointed 2018

▞

Science Department *M.A.L.S. Wesleyan University

kvandam@suffieldacademy.org

Kevin grew up in Westborough, Massachusetts and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UMass Amherst. Kevin arrived at the Academy in 2018 as an intern in the academic support office, fully immersing himself in the Suffield community, and also filling roles as a coach and dorm parent.

During this time, Kevin also developed the curriculum for Engineering Problem Solving, a science elective that he added to Suffield’s course catalogue. He became a full-time faculty member 2018 as a member of the mathematics and science departments.

Kevin headed the intramural soccer program last year and will be the coaching the JV boys’ soccer team this year. He is also an active member of Suffield’s golf program, for which he coaches JV and assists with varsity. He is currently the dorm head in Samii, living on campus with his wife, Jodie, and dogs, Snickers and Dunkin. Kevin is an avid golfer and spends much of his time snowboarding during the winter.

Garrett VanderVoort Visual Arts Department B.F.A. SUNY at Buffalo Appointed 2019

M.F.A. The City College of New York gvandervoort@suffieldacademy.org

Garrett grew up near Syracuse, New York. After studying photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology, he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SUNY Buffalo with a concentration in painting and sculpture. He then spent several years working in the screen-printing industry before moving to China to teach English at the university level. After six years abroad, Garrett returned to the United States to earn his Master of Fine Arts degree from The City College of New York. Garrett lives on campus with his dog, Beatrix. He is a dorm associate and co-supervises the stage crew program.

Garrett’s studio practice follows a cross-discipline approach. Continual exploration through experimentation allows concepts to flow from one medium to another. Each project—whether painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, or book-making—serves to feed the next in a continual cycle of progression. Process is integral and emphasized throughout his practice, where the production and development of the work is of equal importance to the finished object. Every artwork, whether a success or failure, informs the next. The memory of the previous work is imbued into the content of the ensuing project, producing a cohesive body of work that serves as a documentation of process and the passage of time.

Brett Vianney ’70, P’12,’14 English Department B.A. University of Connecticut Appointed 1980

M.A.L.S. Wesleyan University

bvianney@suffieldacademy.org

Brett graduated from Suffield Academy in 1970 and earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Connecticut and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University. He served on Suffield’s discipline committee for over 30 years and was the faculty advisor to the Torch Society for a decade. Brett coached varsity wrestling for 18 years and co-coached the varsity and junior varsity riflery programs for 19 years, during which time the varsity won seven consecutive state titles and the junior varsity won eleven. He has coached the throwing events in varsity track since 1980 and has also coached soccer. Brett chaired the English department for ten years and was the recipient of the Richter Award for excellence in teaching in 2001. Brett was awarded the Pervear-Kinne Prize for coaching in 2012 and received the Outstanding Coach of the Year Award from the Connecticut Rifle and Revolver Association in 2017.

As a student and athlete at the Academy, Brett was a dorm proctor and helped Suffield’s undefeated wrestling team win two WNEPSWA titles, earning an individual 1st place his junior year and runner up his senior year while co-captain. In varsity track, Brett anchored the throwing team doing the shot, discus, and javelin. He is also an Eagle Scout. Brett lives on campus with his wife, Molly [history department], and they have two daughters, Grace ’12 and Caroline ’14. Grace is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and Caroline earned her degree from Rhode Island School of Design.

Molly Vianney P’12,’14 History Department B.A. Smith College Appointed 1988

M.A. Trinity College

mvianney@suffieldacademy.org

Molly was born and raised in Manhasset, New York and graduated from Smith College in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in government. There she played field hockey and lacrosse and was president of the college’s Athletic Association. At Suffield she has taught sections of U.S. and AP U.S. History, AP Government & Politics, and various electives. As a coach, Molly led Suffield’s field hockey team to a 12-4-1 record and first-ever appearance at the New England Tournament in 2000, eventually becoming finalists in 2006. In 2006 and 2009, the Tigers were Western New England District IV Class B League Champions. Molly has additionally coached both her daughters’ youth lacrosse teams and officiated girls’ lacrosse at the high school and collegiate levels.

She earned a master’s degree in history with honors from Trinity College in 2000, served as Chair of Suffield’s history department from 2006 to 2013, and for ten years has served as a College Board Reader and Table Leader for the AP U.S. History exam.

For 26 years, Molly spent her summers at the Wohelo Camps in Maine where she was a camper, head counselor, and assistant director. Molly and her husband, Brett [English department], live on campus and have two daughters, Grace ’12 and Caroline ’14.

Yelena Vasilenko P’10,’12 Mathematics Department M.A. Minsk State University Appointed 2005

M.B.A. Leningrad State University

yvasilenko@suffieldacademy.org

Yelena joined Suffield’s mathematics department in 2005. She holds a master’s of pedagogy in the fields of physics and mathematics from Russia’s Minsk State University and a master’s degree in business and sports psychology from Leningrad State University.

A math teacher since 1983, Yelena taught in Russia for nine years before coming to the United States. She has taught in the West Hartford and Windsor school districts as well as at Talcott Mountain Academy and The Ethel Walker School. Yelena also served as Chair of the Methodological Society of Mathematics.

She has extensive experience developing curriculum for elementary, middle, and high-school aged students.

At Suffield, Yelena teaches advanced calculus and lives on campus with her two children.

Haiyu Wang Science Department B.S. Southeast Missouri State University Appointed 2021

M.S. East Tennessee State University

hwang@suffieldacademy.org

Haiyu was born and raised in Beijing, China, before attending Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to attain his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. His undergraduate research focused on organic synthesis and forensic science.

Following graduation, he moved to Johnson City, Tennessee to pursue a Master of Science in Chemistry. He conducted graduate research there on organic synthesis. While at East Tennessee State University, he received a graduate teaching assistantship to teach general chemistry, organic chemistry, and integrated lab for the department. At Suffield, Haiyu is part of the science department and is the dorm head in Brewster.

Kevin Warnock Assistant Academic Dean

▞

History Department

B.A. Springfield College Appointed 2021

kwarnock@suffieldacademy.org

Kerrigan Warnock Residential Life B.S. Springfield College Appointed 2021

M.A.T. University of New Haven

kwarnock-2@suffieldacademy.org

Kevin grew up in the neighboring town of Somers, Connecticut and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in American Studies at Springfield College, while also playing lacrosse. He continued his lacrosse career as a college coach at several colleges, such as Bates College and Western New England University. Kevin has spent the last seven years teaching history and coaching boys’ lacrosse at Hamden Hall Country Day School.

Kevin also travels the country during the summer working with the Premier Lacrosse League.

Kerrigan has a bachelor’s degree in business from Springfield College, and also minored in mathematics.

While at Springfield, she played lacrosse on the college team and also coached girls’ high school lacrosse.

She has her master’s in teaching from the University of New Haven. Kerrigan taught math for seven years at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut, before taking time off to be a stay-at-home mom.

Kevin and Kerrigan live in Rockwell Hall, where Kerrigan is the dorm head, with their children Wells, Fitz, and Ames. They value their time with family and friends and they love to spend time outdoors and travel together, making as many memories as they can.

Elizabeth Warren Cultural Diversity Director B.A. Mount Vernon Nazarene University Appointed 2009

▞

Leadership Program

M.S. Mount Vernon Nazarene University

ewarren@suffieldacademy.org

Liz serves as Suffield Academy’s Cultural Diversity Director and teaches Leadership. She is the faculty advisor of MCA, SOC, and Sister Sister. She is also the school’s representative to the SPHERE program where she facilitates workshops for students, faculty, and staff. Liz earned both a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science and a master’s degree in science management from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where she held several positions in student government and campus life. She was also an admissions counselor at Mount Vernon and coordinated multicultural and international student recruitment. She completed the KingswoodOxford Leadership Institute for Educators of Color, a program designed for educators of color at independent schools, and most recently presented at Carney Sandoe’s Diversity FORUM on using compassionate curiosity to combat implicit bias. Liz is the 2021 recipient of the Elisha Benjamin Andrews Faculty Award.

Liz is also the co-organizer of ABAR Suffield, an anti-bias, anti-racism group that works to dismantle systematic racism within the greater Suffield community. Liz lives on campus with her husband Rick and their four children, Nicholas, Caleb, William, and Preston.

Rick Warren Mathematics Department B.A. Mount Vernon Nazarene University Appointed 2008

M.B.A. Ohio Dominican University

rwarren@suffieldacademy.org

Rick became a Suffield faculty member in 2008, working in the mathematics department and heading up the boys’ varsity soccer program. He is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University and earned his M.B.A. from Ohio Dominican University. Rick is a native of Jamaica who played for his country at the youth level. Prior to arriving at the Academy, he was the assistant men’s soccer coach at Kenyon College and holds the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Premier Diploma and a USSF Coaching License.

In 2015, Rick was awarded Connecticut’s Large Preparatory High School Coach of the Year Award. Additionally, since 2016 he has had strong ties to the NEPSAC Committee, was the VP of the Committee in 2018, and has been President since 2019. His boys’ soccer teams have gone to the NEPSAC quarterfinals twice and semifinals twice during his coaching tenure at Suffield, and in the 2018-2019 season, he won his 100th win at Suffield against Williston. He has also coached boys’ and girls’ JV basketball, thirds and fourths basketball, and track at the Academy.

Rick lives on campus with his wife, Liz [Cultural Diversity Director], their four sons, Nicholas, Caleb, William, and Preston, and their dog, Milo.

David Webb Mathematics Department B.S. Berry College

M.S. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Ph.D. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Appointed 2021

dwebb@suffieldacademy.org

David was born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised outside Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating Harrison High School as valedictorian and STAR student, David earned a B.S. in Chemistry at Berry College, followed by an M.S. in Mathematics from University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. David’s dissertation was in the field of Partial Differential Equations and he studied an envelope of solutions to the nonlinear Schrodinger equation as solutions to a nonlinear Dirac equation. David has taught at the college level as well as at independent schools in Savannah, Georgia and Detroit, Michigan.

David, his wife, Marilyn, and their two dogs, Hercules and Meg, are happy to be a part of the community at Suffield and live on campus. David has enjoyed coaching football and basketball, as well as helping with several clubs in his time in Savannah and Detroit, and he helps where needed at Suffield.

Sara Yeager Dean of Academics & Faculty B.A. Colby College Appointed 2009

▞

Leadership Program

M.A. Trinity College

syeager@suffieldacademy.org

Over the last 30 plus years, Sara has served in virtually every role on an independent school campus. She has been a senior administrator for both academics and student life, worked in admissions and development, taught history and English, lived in residence halls, and coached many sports teams. Growing up in Massachusetts, Sara always wanted to be a teacher. She was an honors student at Colby and earned 12 varsity letters in field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse. She captained all three teams her senior year and her number is retired from Colby athletics.

As a teacher and educator, Sara has received widespread recognition. She was awarded a grant from the National Council for Humanities to develop a school curriculum focusing on local history and has been a presenter at the SSATB and TABS Annual meetings. In her spare time, Sara enjoys watching and participating in sports, cooking, and reading—either in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire or Juno Beach, Florida. Each year Sara aims to read about 75 books, of both the fiction and non-fiction variety. Her favorite reads from summer 2021 include: Between Two Kingdoms [Jaouad], Four Winds [Hannah], Gilead [Robinson], Girl, Woman, Other [Evaristo], Half of a Yellow Sun [Adichie], Hamnet [O’Farrell], Sharks in the Time of Saviors [Washington], Sooley [Grisham], We Begin at the End [Whitaker], and Win [Coben].

Andrew Yuan ’05 Languages Department B.A. Grinnell College

Appointed 2015

ayuan@suffieldacademy.org

Andrew joined Suffield’s languages department as a Chinese teacher in 2014. Having grown up in the town of Suffield, he began his study of Chinese as a freshman at the Academy while also a member of the school’s varsity tennis program. He double-majored in both Chinese and economics at Grinnell College in Iowa, where he continued playing tennis at the varsity level.

Upon graduating from Grinnell, Andrew began a career in finance as an investment analyst for a Taiwanese mutual fund firm in Taipei and for five years studied a wide range of industries including renewable energy, agricultural commodities, mining, and consumer products. At Suffield, he coaches varsity tennis, is the Chinese club advisor, and is an avid table-tennis competitor.

Nathan Zwirko P’21 Assistant Dean of Students B.S. St. Lawrence University

▞

Mathematics Department

Appointed 2004

nzwirko@suffieldacademy.org

Nate was appointed to the Suffield Academy faculty in 2004. Prior to his arrival, Nate worked for the Department of Youth Services in Springfield, Massachusetts and was also an educator in the Westfield and Easthampton school systems. He is a graduate of Williston Northampton School and earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Lawrence University.

In addition to serving as Assistant Dean of Students at Suffield, Nate teaches in the mathematics department and is the head varsity volleyball coach and assistant riflery coach. He lives on campus with his wife, Jamie, and their two daughters, Rori ’21 and Caelyn.

Board of Trustees Charles Cahn III P’18, ’22 [Head of School] ... Suffield, Connecticut Frederic B. Powers III ’83, P’14 [President] ... Greenwich, Connecticut Susan W. Autuori P’06, ’08, ’10, ’13 ... West Hartford, Connecticut Vicky Bauer P’19, ’21 ... Southborough, Massachusetts Nancy A. Brooks ’87 ... Boston, Massachusetts Cindy M. Burke P’13, ’15, ’17, ’19 ... East Longmeadow, Massachusetts Robert Byrne ’72 ... Incline Village, Nevada Jared D. Carillo ’00 ... Glastonbury, Connecticut Andrew C. Chase ... Deerfield, Massachusetts Kate O. Cleary ’88 ... Cambridge, Massachusetts George B. Daniels ’71 ... New York, New York Ann Durhager P’17, ’18 ... Paget, Bermuda Matthew P. Fine ’95 ... Riverside, Connecticut Michael Gingold P’16, ’18, ’21 ... West Hartford, Connecticut Valisha Graves ’81 ... Brooklyn, New York Walter Harrison ... Hartford, Connecticut Russell C. Hearn ’01 ... Dallas, Texas Kathy G. Hoffman P’13 ... Avon, Connecticut Daniel C. Hostetter Jr. ’88, P’21, ’22 ... Boston, Massachusetts Christopher M. Houlihan P’05 ... New York, New York Andrew Kotchen ’90, P’22 ... Irvington, New York Kenneth H. Landis P’16 ... New York, New York James P. Michel P’12, ’17 ... Bloomfield, Connecticut Tracy Orr O’Keefe ’85, P’24 ... Westfield, New Jersey Jackson W. Robinson ’60 [Trustee Emeritus] ... Boston, Massachusetts Ali R. Salehi P’12 ... Westfield, Massachusetts Monica Shay P’18, ’20 ... Southborough, Massachusetts Hope G. Smith P’12 ... Palm Beach, Florida Daniel R. Tisch ’69, P’02 [Trustee Emeritus] ... New York, New York Michael J. Tisch ’02 ... New York, New York John M. Tremaine ’66, P’94, ’03 [Trustee Emeritus] ... New Canaan, Connecticut Suzy B. Vogler P’11 ... Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Jeffrey White ’65 ... Westport, Connecticut Stephanie Winston Wolkoff ’89, P’23, ’25 ... New York, New York

english

history

performing arts

mathematics

development

counseling

college counseling

languages arts

admissions

arts

science

english mathematics

athletics

languages

performing arts

science

development

visual arts

college counseling

languages

admissions

marketing & communications performing arts

science

mathematics

development

counseling

english

admissions

leadership

academic support arts

science

athletics

science

english

admissions

languages

visual arts

athletics

leadership

admissions

mathematics

mathematics

languages

science

development

english

admissions

athletics

athletics

mathematics

leadership

leadership

visual arts performing

development

marketing

history

mathematics

college counseling

college languages

science

english

history

leadership

academic support

college counseling

admissions

english

performing arts

performing arts

academic support

languages

history

marketing & communications

history

academic support

athletics

marketing & communications performing arts

development

development

marketing & communications

visual arts

science

visual

performing

visual arts

college counseling

admissions

performing arts

languages

history

leadership

leadership

academic support

mathematics

visual arts science

mathematics

languages

college counseling

& communications

english

college athletics

mathematics

admissions

development

marketing & communications

history

athletics

performing arts

leadership

visual arts

science

english

leadership

languages

college counseling

athletics

academic support

marketing & communications

athletics

leadership

marketing & communications

college counseling

development academic support academic support

admissions

performing arts

admissions

visual arts

languages

visual arts

history

academic support

marketing & communications history

athletics

marketing & communications

leadership

academic support

science

history

development

english

mathematics

history

development

marketing & communications visual arts academic support college counseling college counseling english

history

mathematics

performing arts

development

leadership

athletics

marketing & communications

support college counseling admissions

science

english

history

mathematics

marketing & communications

visual arts

languages

visual arts

performing arts

admissions

academic support

science

athletics

development

marketing & communications

english

performing arts

history

leadership academic languages

visual arts

science

athletics