FACULTY & ADMINISTRATION 2017/2018
Meet Berkshire Country Day School’s teachers! A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning. ~Brad Henry
Katharine Allentuck Fourth Grade
rejoined Berkshire Country Day School in 2010
B.A., History, Goddard College M.Ed., Smith College/Clarke School for the Deaf
Katharine has returned to Grade 4, having spent the past few years teaching Second Grade at BCD, including time as one of two teachers in a vertical Grade 1-2 classroom. She previously taught Grade 4 at BCD from 1997-2002 and was the lower school reading teacher while assisting in Grade 2 in 2008. For Katharine, no matter how many years she’s been in the classroom, she loves that she can present the same content, and yet, it’s always different based on the make up of each class. She is grateful that working at BCD is far more than just a job—it is a unique and supportive community where teachers have a strong bond with each other and with the students and where colleagues and the setting contribute to everything teachers endeavor to do each day. She notes, “The flexibility that we have in the classroom allows us to go where our class needs to go, however they need to get there. This is a true gift for teachers and students alike.”
Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too.
~Yogi Berra
Mary Daire Susan Benner
Science, Seventh Grade Advisor joined Berkshire Country Day School in 1992
You will rarely find Susan Benner standing still, whether in the classroom or beyond the BCD campus. This love of activity is also what makes her passionate about the subjects she teaches. “Science is logical, beautiful, and fun—and incredibly active!” she enthusiastically gushes. B.A., Biology, Carleton College Susan brings this energy to her classes, appreciating the independence she has to M.S., Infectious design lessons that engage students. Her Diseases and interest in microbiology is evident, as over Microbiology, the years she has taught microbiology at University of both Sacred Heart University and Fairfield Pittsburgh University, and has run microbiology labs at Butler Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital. Susan is a member of the Berkshire Environmental Educators Network (BEEN), is also the coordinator of the Grade 8 Everglades trip, and previously directed the School’s athletic program. She stays involved in many different sports, including skating and tennis, and plays the piano.
“The difference between messing around and science is writing it down.” ~Adam Savage
French, Sixth Grade Advisor joined BCD in 2017
Following a successful career in international sales, Mary, who holds dual French-American citizenship, made a change to pursue teaching French in the hopes of sharing her love and enthusiasm for French language and culture with students. She previously taught in the Pittsfield public schools and continues to grow and evolve as a foreign language teacher by staying active in regional and national foreign language teacher associations, as well as participating in professional workshops geared to enhance the language learning experience. She brings an exceptional level of professionalism, dedication, and ability to create an inspiring environment for students. In her classes, students grow in their capability to speak and understand French, as their interest to learn and experience cultures different from their own is piqued. She says, “I believe that passion is something that can't be taught, and when it comes to learning, it can make a big difference in a student's interest in the learning process.” We welcome her and her two young children to Berkshire Country Day School.
"Souris à la vie et elle te sourira."
(“Smile at life, and she will smile back.”)
~Anonyme
B.A., with a Diploma in Literature, St. Michael’s College M.A., Business Administration/) Management, L’Institut d’Administration des Entreprises. (AixMarseille Graduate School of Management) Diploma of French Language Studies, L’Institut d’Etudes Francaises pour Etudiants Etrangers. (IEFEE, Université Paul Cezanne, Aix-enProvence, France) Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Story Telling Certification
Leigh Doherty
Associate Head of School joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2016
B.S. in Human Services, Lesley University California State Teaching Credential (K-8), San Francisco State University Masters in Arts in Leadership in International Schools, Oxford Brookes University (U.K) Graduate Credential in Executive Coaching, William James College
Leigh was inspired to become a teacher in high school when she had mentors she became close to and admired, who helped her discover she was a natural with children. Since then, she has been driven to contribute to positive learning environments in the classroom and as an administrator. She started her teaching career at an international school in San Francisco, then spent four years at the Windhoek International School in Namibia, where she initially taught and then became the curriculum coordinator. Leigh continued in her role as curriculum coordinator at an international school in Brussels, Belgium. She spent two years as the lower school head at an inner-city public charter school in the Boston area, and also served as the lower school division director at the International School of Boston, Cambridge, MA, for eight years. She is delighted to have returned to the Berkshires, where she lived with her family as a teenager. She enjoys photography, kayaking, cooking, humor, creativity, and being with the people she loves.
Ned Douglas Math
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 1983
A beloved veteran teacher at Berkshire Country Day School, Ned practices the Socratic teaching method, eliciting knowledge from his middle and upper school students. He likes to see a student’s smile when he or she gets B.A., Government, the problem or sees the relationship of an idea. His students say he is “funny, Lake Forest demanding, and fair.” “He challenges College me to be a better student.” “I have to work extremely hard in his class, and I love it!” “Mr. Douglas makes learning fun!” Ned can frequently be found on walks around campus and throughout Lenox (often with his dog, Teddy), where he lives with his wife.
“No quote is a good quote.”
~Ned Douglas
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ben Evans Ceramics
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2014
B.F.A., Ceramics, State University of NY at New Paltz
Ben is a studio potter and teaches Ceramics to students in Kindergarten through Grade 6, as well as an Arts Block elective in ceramics for Upper School students. As an educator, he facilitates an experience-based studio, encouraging students’ curiosity about ceramics, and, alongside them, he is always striving to “dig deeper.” Beyond the studio, Ben is a two-season coach for the School, coaching cross-country skiing and lacrosse. He also teaches year-round at IS183 Art School in Stockbridge, MA. His other teaching experience includes working as an afterschool art teacher at Morningside Elementary School and Taconic High School in Pittsfield, as an art club teacher at Richmond Consolidated School, and teaching at the Penland School of Crafts in NC. Ben lives and has his pottery studio in Richmond, MA, were he makes functional and sculptural pottery.
“Form follows function.”
~Louis Sullivan
Eugénie Fawcett
James Fawcett
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 1971
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 1978
Latin
Eugénie Fawcett teaches Latin and coordinates the School’s academic schedule. Each year, she prepares students for the National Latin Exam and the annual Pioneer Valley Classical Association’s Classics Day, where BCD students compete against 100s of high school students and regularly take top honors in art, costumes, oral presentation, and “Certamen.” Eugénie has delivered numerous papers and conducted workshops at teachers’ conferences, including the American Classical League. BCD’s longest-serving faculty member, Eugénie says it is teaching the wonderful students at BCD that stands out for her as the highlight of her time here.
English
A.B., Classics (Latin), Radcliffe College M.A.T., Latin and the Classical Humanities, University of Massachusetts
James chaired the English Department at BCD for more than thirty years, and currently teaches English to students in the Upper School. He crafted, and helps to fine-tune each year, the excellent literature curriculum that is the backbone of BCD’s English program. Alumni frequently comment on the depths of “Mr. Fawcett’s” A.B., English, teaching and the ongoing significance of Harvard University M.A.L.S., English, his high standards. Jim lives with his wife Eugénie in Tyringham. He shares, “Working Wesleyan with students is like walking around a University piece of sculpture and sharing ideas about expression, attitude of sculpture expressed in technique and posture, possible types of dramatic tension therein. What do you think? What inspired you to make that observation?”
“Per aspera ad astra!”
Tim Gore
Science, Eighth Grade Advisor joined Berkshire Country Day School in 1987
Tim is in his 31th year at Berkshire Country Day School and often credits how much he enjoys collaborating with his fellow teachers as one of the reasons he continues to love working at BCD. He especially appreciates his partnership with Susan Benner, BCD’s other science teacher, for their team approach in 7th and 8th Grade science. Tim says he and Susan complement one another perfectly. The pair can often be found taking B.S., Forestry & many continuing ed courses, most recently a course B.S., Elementary through the Appalachian Trail Conservancy focusing on Education, ecology and service learning. In addition to teaching 3rd University of through 8th grade science, Tim coaches soccer in the fall Vermont, and lacrosse in the spring. He enjoys all outdoor activities, M.A.L.S., Science, including hiking, biking, swimming, and cross-country Wesleyan University skiing. Before joining Berkshire Country Day School, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service. Tim is a member of the Berkshire Environmental Educators Network (BEEN) and lives in Lenox with his son.
“Never trust an atom. They make up everything.” ~Unknown
“Teachers at BCD know each one of their students as whole people. They are advisors, role models, and educators who want every child to reach their full potential.” BCD parent
Alexandra Heddinger Director of Admission and Financial Aid
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2016
Alex’s super power is helping people to connect, and she brings that to her role as she helps families get to know BCD and navigate the admission process. She joined Berkshire Country Day School following 17 years in the B.F.A., Stage Advancement Office at Darrow School, Management, serving as department director and University of director of communications. Prior North Carolina to working in independent school School of the Arts education, Alex was a professional stage manager and lighting designer. She was the production manager at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, MA, and toured the world with several dance companies. Originally from Maryland, she has called the Berkshires home for more than 25 years. She and her husband live with their two sons in Lee, MA.
“It’s not enough to reach for the brass ring. You must also enjoy the merry-go-round.” ~Julie Andrews
Carli Imreh-Allegretta Assistant teacher Beginner 2s joined BCD in 2017
A.A., Early Childhood Education, Hudson Valley Community College B.A., Early Childhood Education, SUNY Cobleskill (pending)
Carli is delighted to serve as the Assistant Teacher for BCD’s “Beginner 2s” Reggio Emilia-inspired program. She brings experience working in both preschool settings and with individual families. New to the community, she says, “I particularly like the welcoming atmosphere and all the smiling faces I encounter on a daily basis.” Carli is from North Chatham, NY, and is completing her degree in early childhood education. She says she loves spending time with children day-to-day, watching them grow and learn. When not in BCD’s toddler room or studying for her degree, Carli likes reading and running, and can also be found as part of the team at the popular Destinos restaurant in Chatham, NY.
“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
Ashley Junod
Assistant teacher Beginner 3s and PreKindergarten joined BCD in 2017
A.S., Culinary Arts, Johnson & Wales University
Ashley first became connected with BCD as the parent of a preschooler, and soon added class parent and co-chair of the school’s annual Soirée gala to her plate. She is an accomplished jewelry designer, and her creations can be found at shops throughout Berkshire County and beyond. She has experience working with interns at the Culinary College in Burlington, VT, and also teaches jewelry design at IS183 Art School. An experienced events planner and caterer, Ashley brings both creativity and a wonderful sense of calm to the preschool classroom. Ashley is a Berkshire native who spent 12 years living and working in other areas, and returned to raise her family. She lives in Dalton, MA, with her husband and son—who is now a Kindergartener at BCD.
“A family is like a forest, when you are outside it is packed full, when you are inside you see that each tree has its place.” ~ African Proverb
Julia Kreilkamp
Lead teacher Beginner 2s joined BCD in 2017
B.A., English, Macalester College M.A., Elementary Education, College of St. Joseph
Julia is the lead teacher for Berkshire Country Day School’s two-year-olds class in the expanded early childhood program. She says, “I love that teaching immerses me every day in children’s growth and change. I love witnessing young children’s intense unadulterated joy. And I love that good teaching—being observant, reflective, and responsive to the children—requires an essential creativity and spontaneity.” Julia brings over twenty years of teaching experience, working with children of a range of ages, from PreK through 6th. Most recently, Julia was the PreK teacher at the Middletown Springs School in Vermont for the past ten years. Of special note, Julia received the University of Vermont’s Outstanding Teacher Award in 2010. She particularly enjoys being a part of BCD’s very friendly and supportive community.
“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”
~Maya Angelou
Joe Katz
Woodshop, Jewelry
Jilly Lederman Fifth Grade
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2010
B.A., Journalism, Syracuse University M.A., Slavic Languages and Literatures, University of Virginia Ph.D., Slavic Linguistics, University of Virginia MA certification in Elementary Education MA certification in Moderate Disabilities
Jilly Lederman is passionate about kids, storytelling, and experiencing new cultures, and says these are the top reasons she loves being a teacher. After spending the first part of her career in academia with teaching at the University of Virginia, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Nazareth College, Jilly Lederman found her home in middle school. A fifth-grade teacher since 2007, Jilly brings her love of languages, travel, world cultures and all things ancient to the fifth-grade classroom where she teaches English, Math, History, and Writer’s Workshop. Each day at BCD, she is thrilled that she gets to incorporate what she loves into helping students expand their minds, try new things, develop their written voices, take risks, and imagine the world as a bigger place. She is the recipient of two Grinspoon Awards for teaching excellence, and this past summer, she pursued her interest in archaeology as a volunteer on an excavation of a Roman site in Montenegro. Both of her sons are BCD alumni.
“The distance between your dreams and reality is called action.” ~Anonymous
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2012
Joe has over 20 years of experience with students in Grades 4 through 12. In addition to teaching woodworking, Joe has worked with students in such areas as metalworking, ceramics, jewelry making, B.S., Industrial Arts and architectural design. He Education, previously operated his own Millersville woodworking and cabinetry University, business, was a member of the B.A., Art, Peace Corps in both Ethiopia Westfield State and the Marshall Islands, and University taught at Waldorf schools in Vancouver and New Zealand. He continues to travel, and spent three weeks in the spring of 2017 teaching drafting to students in Ghana. Some of Joe’s current passions are his wood and metal sculptures, which have been exhibited at galleries throughout the Berkshires.
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” ~Joseph Campbell
Paul Lindenmaier
Kay Lindsay
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2008
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2015
Head of School
For Head of School Paul Lindenmaier, a six-week internship at a school in Albany, NY, during his junior year in high school sparked a passion for school work that carried through all four years of college until this day. Now in his 10th year at BCD, he shares “I appreciate how this community embraces a shared set of values and demonstrates its best self when working together with intention to accomplish great B.A., Elementary things for our students.” Prior to joining BCD in 2008, Education, Paul was head of lower school at Moses Brown School Goddard College in Providence, RI, an independent coeducational day M.Ed., Educational school, where he had been since 1999. He spent six Leadership, years as the head of school at The School in Rose Arcadia University Valley (Pennsylvania), and before that, in elementary education teaching positions at Germantown Friends School, an independent day school in Philadelphia, PA, and at a public school in Vermont. Paul, who lives in Stockbridge with his wife, Margaret, and their two children, is an avid music fan, plays guitar, and enjoys hiking, biking, and the cultural offerings in the Berkshires.
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” ~Ernest Hemingway
“The quality of BCD students’ engagement, positive energy for all endeavors, and concern for one another is inspiring.”
First & Second Grades Kay has over ten years of teaching experience at the Kindergarten and First Grade levels, most recently as a first grade teacher at Town Hill School (now a part of B.A., English Indian Mountain School) Literature and in Lakeville, CT. She Creative Writing, realized her calling to Wheaton College work with young children (MA) during her junior year of college, with a specific vision to always help children feel successful as young learners. In addition to teaching Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade at Renbrook School in West Hartford, CT, Kay was one of the program developers and lead counselors for the three-year-old program in Renbrook’s Summer Adventure camp. A varsity basketball and lacrosse player in college, Kay is an experienced coach in both of these sports. Kay also spent eight years working in the Alumni & Development School at The Hotchkiss School, where she lives with her husband, and their two daughters.
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” ~Maya Angelou
Robert Oakes
English, Geography, Yearbook, Sixth Grade Advisor joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2014
Robert has worked as a writer and editor for North Jersey Newspapers, AAA, and Canyon Ranch and has served in the Lenox Public Schools. He says teaching offers an opportunity to inspire and encourage what he hopes will be a lifelong love of learning and search for meaning. It inspires him, every day, to continue to grow his own knowledge and understanding. At Montclair State, he was awarded the McGee Scholarship, the English department’s highest award for excellence in literature studies. Robert is also a singer/songwriter, performing and recording as part of the Berkshire-based folk duo, Oakes and Smith. Robert is currently pursuing a Master of Arts at Middlebury College Bread Loaf School of English in Middlebury, VT. B.A., English, Montclair State University M.A., English, Middlebury College (pending)
“Don’t think you know everything. You know the sheep, but to know is to be separate from. Now try to love; to love is to join. Then, you will be a shepherd.” –Jean Giono
Andrea Patel Kindergarten
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 1995
B.A., Music and Psychology, Oberlin College M.Ed., Creative Arts in Learning, Lesley University
Andrea began teaching at Berkshire Country Day School in 1995, serving as Early Childhood Division cocoordinator for four of those years. She especially appreciates the flexibility to create curriculum and grow alongside her students. One recent undertaking is combining the Nellie Edge literacy and phonics work, which also incorporates sign language, with the Kindergarten’s service learning project to connect to area deaf and learning delayed individuals. Prior to BCD, she taught in public schools in Massachusetts, including several Berkshire County one-room schoolhouses. Andrea is the author and illustrator of On That Day, a children’s book featured on the PBS show “Reading Rainbow” on the first anniversary of 9/11. She loves to read, bake, and kayak. Andrea and her husband live in Sheffield, MA. Their son is a graduate of Berkshire Country Day School.
“Don’t give up. I believe in you all. A person’s a person no matter how small.”
—Dr. Seuss
Gill Levesque Romano Third Grade
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 1996
Sarah Pitcher-Hoffman
History, English, Seventh Grade Advisor joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2002
A self-described “history nerd,” Sarah’s passion is finding the story in history that you don’t always hear about. Couple that with an energetic bunch of 7th and 8th graders, and you get fantastic dialog, a dash of humor, and incredibly engaged learners in her classes. In addition to her teaching and advising duties, Sarah coaches B.A., American Varsity Girls Soccer and is the Upper School Studies, Student Council Advisor. She formerly taught Vassar College in BCD’s Middle School for many years. M.A., Elementary Prior to BCD, Sarah’s previous professional Education, experience includes teaching fourth grade Bank Street at Trevor Day School and in the KatonahCollege of Lewisboro School District, third grade at The Education Dalton School, and Pre-K at Phoenix Head Start. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and gardening, and says if she could, she would read books all day long. Sarah lives in Richmond with her husband and two children.
“Don’t raise your voice; improve your argument.” ~Nelson Mandela
Gill has been teaching third grade for more than 20 years at Berkshire Country Day School. She enjoys identifying students’ learning styles and developing strategies to help individuals reach their full academic potential. Each year, she expands her B.S., Elementary expertise by attending professional Education, development workshops, so she can Elmira College stay current with the latest practices M.S.Ed., Special in education. The top three reasons Education, why she loves teaching: 1) She loves College of St. to learn and believes being a teacher Rose requires a person to continuously expand their pool of knowledge; 2) She enjoys the detective aspect of teaching and finds it fun and challenging to uncover a student’s recipe for success; 3) She takes pride in seeing her students meet their personal/academic goals and shares in their success. Her leisure activities include golfing, painting, and knitting. Gill lives with her husband in Lenox Dale.
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ~Christopher Robin to Pooh, A. A. Milne
Sasha Sicurella Lia Russell-Self Theater
joined BCD in 2017
Lia is thrilled to join the faculty at BCD as the Theater Director and directs the Middle School theater workshop in November, as well as the Upper School Winter Production. She says, “I love teaching BCD students because they come into class ready to be challenged. They are actively engaged and excited to think above and beyond.” Originally from Atlanta, GA, Lia currently lives in Austerlitz, NY. She has been a teaching artist at the WAM Theatre, as B.A., Creative well as assistant director for their Fall 2017 production. Writing and Lia is the co-founder and co-artistic director of Eighty4 Theatrical Arts, Productions, an all-arts company devoted to intersectionality. Bard College at Lia is enthusiastic about “devised” theatre, wherein the Simon’s Rock script originates from the collaborative work of a group. Full of energy, optimism, and talent, Lia, who also serves as a member of the Development Office, is a valuable addition to our dynamic arts teachers and offerings at BCD.
“It’s only impossible until you do it.”
Kathleen Shortelle
Math, Physical Education, Athletic Director, Eighth Grade Advisor joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2016
Originally from Dalton, MA, Kathy has worked at several great schools beyond the Berkshires during her career, including The Prairie School in Wisconsin, Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School in Missouri, and The Agnes Irwin School outside of Philadelphia. Like other independent school teachers, she is comfortable wearing more than one hat, evidenced by over 15 years of experience teaching PE and B.S.,Physical working as an AD, and over 20 years of experience as a math Education, teacher (grades 6-10) and coach (field hockey, basketball, MacMurray and lacrosse). While she loves teaching both PE and Math, College Kathy says, “I especially appreciate the extra challenges I get to take on as a math teacher, always considering various ways to present topics and lessons so everyone can understand, no matter their learning style. And it’s great to relate the math to the real world.” Kathy is a member of the National Federation of Teachers of Mathematics, US Lacrosse (formerly the United States Women’s Lacrosse) Association, and the National Federation of Interscholastic Coaches Association. In addition to her roles in PE, athletics, and coaching, Kathy teaches math to several sections in our Middle and Upper Schools.
“Attitude is a choice. Think positive thoughts daily. Believe in yourself.” -Pat Summitt
Arts, Visual Arts Program Coordinator
rejoined Berkshire Country Day School in 2014
Sasha Sicurella is a Canadian-born arts education specialist, photographer, and filmmaker. She is the founding director of B.F.A., the I AM: International University of British Columbia Foundation, a nonprofit organization M.F.A., that works globally to New York provide opportunities University for people of all ages to explore identity through art and self-portrait photography. To date, the I AM: Projects have served more than 1,600 individuals in 20 countries across five continents. Her work has been exhibited across the United States and internationally at museums and art centers in Tel Aviv, Milan, Mumbai, Addis Ababa, Bratislava, Ulan Bator, Sao Paulo, Sarajevo, and Çanakkale. Sasha is the subject of the award-winning short film, “Water, Ice, Snow” (2013) and is currently co-producing documentary films shot on location in the United States and abroad. She is the Director of Education at Omi International Arts Center in Ghent, NY, where she has spent 14 years developing and implementing artsbased public programming. She was recently selected by Gap Inc. as one of three of the country’s ‘Inspiring Educators’ featured in the Gap Kids 2017 Back-to-School campaign. She says, “For me, teaching and learning happen simultaneously. Every opportunity to engage students with creativity is an opportunity to gain insight, knowledge, and perspective that, in turn, informs my own practice. Art making is at its best when the studio becomes a space that fosters mutual respect for ideas, big and small, and a place where imagination has no limits.”
“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” ~Edward Steichen
Victoria Sideropoulos
Miguel Silva
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2014
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2016
Lead Teacher PreKindergarten
Vicky leads the School’s PreKindergarten program, which is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. She loves working with this age because everything is new and exciting to them. Vicky can often be found exploring nature with her students, whether on a hike, at the B.A., pond, or navigating connecting pathways SUNY Buffalo throughout the campus. “I absolutely M.S.Ed., Early love being able to share new experiences Childhood together and discover interesting things Education, every day—that’s where my joy comes Bank Street from.” She moved to the Berkshires from College New York City, where she had assistant and associate teaching roles at The Spence School, Bank Street School for Children, and Village Community School. She has also taught at Stevens Cooperative School in Hoboken, NJ.
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” ~Frank Lloyd Wright
Spanish
Miguel loves languages and appreciates being able to share the gift of language and communication with his students. Fluent in Spanish and English, Miguel is also proficient in Portuguese. His previous experience includes teaching Spanish at St. Joseph’s in Pittsfield and Professional as a long-term substitute teacher at Lee certification in High School. He has also developed and TOEFL, introduced new curriculum and means Teaching of assessments and interventions, in Proficiency particular as he served as an interpreter through Reading of Individual Educational Plans (IEP) at and Story Telling, the Muddy Brook Regional Elementary Certification School in Great Barrington, MA. About in Medical teaching at BCD, he says, “BCD allows Interpretation and encourages me to challenge myself to continue to find the best ways to make the best learning environment for the students.” An experienced soccer coach at the high school and college level, he co-coaches the BCD Boys Varsity Soccer team.
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” ~ Albert Einstein
Max Spitzer
Visual Arts, Sculpture joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2014
Max Spitzer teaches art to students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 and various classes during Arts Block for Upper School students. He says, “Especially now in my fourth year on campus and having known and worked with most of the students from the beginning, I am impressed how the camaraderie in the classroom and enthusiasm to collaborate on each new project comes so naturally. I can always trust that the students will return with practiced devotion to explore new concepts and hone old skills.” Max is experienced in a variety of media and processes, from mold-making to oil painting to ceramics to woodworking. Max has taught art to students ages 5-13 as the head studio instructor at Omi International Arts Center and at Camp Sangamon in Vermont for five years. He has also worked as an artist intern at Salem Art Works in Salem, NY, as a resident artist at Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, B.F.A., Sculpture, Vermont, as an artist assistant to Tom Sachs and Gregory Barsamian, both in NYC, and a junior luthier at S.E. Rhode Island Spitzer Guitar Company in Kinderhook, NY. Max received a BFA with Honors in sculpture from Rhode Island School School of Design of Design, and also attended Brown University. Max lives and maintains a sculpture studio in North Adams, MA, and is a recent recipient of a Mass MoCA “Assets for Artists” grant.
“The more I paint, the more I like everything.”
~Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jordan Storti Physical Education
joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2016
Jordan Storti is a Berkshire County native with a comprehensive background in sports and working with children. He says he loves teaching because it gives him the opportunity to have a positive impact on young lives, and it helps him continue to learn and grow both as an educator and a person. In addition to his studies in Geography, he has done extensive work in Sport Management at the University of New England B.S. Geography, in Biddeford, ME. An experienced coach of both soccer University of and basketball, Jordan is coach of the Monument JV Oregon Boys Soccer, as well as the Monument Track & Field coach. He has also served as a basketball coach and camp counselor. Jordan is a high-energy coach and teacher who aims to inspire student to have fun and do their best.
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Jon Suters
Music, Middle and Upper School Band joined Berkshire Country Day School in 2001
Jon grew up in a musical family and began studying violin at the age of nine, followed quickly by piano and double bass. At age 12, Jon started to teach himself guitar and became so enamored of the instrument and repertoire, that he started guitar lessons with classical guitarists Ed Flower and later Richard Provost. Jon continued his guitar studies as an adult with Ben Verdery, with whom he studied from 2003-2005. Jon began giving guitar and bass lessons while still in high school and has had a strong roster of private students ever since. He has also taught at Simon’s Rock, Pittsfield Music School, Austen Riggs Center, and Flying Cloud Institute. Jon’s work as a professional bassist and guitarist includes many and varied clubs, concerts, and events across the States and Canada. Major artists he has worked with include: Charles Neville, Dr. John, Jimmy Buffett, Sara McLaughlin, and James Taylor. Jon continues to perform regularly throughout the region and beyond, including at The Edith Wharton Mount in Lenox, MA where he helped curate The Mount’s “Music After Hours” summer concert series.
“There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres.” ~Pythagoras
Charles Zotique Music, Private Music Instruction Coordinator joined BCD in 2016
Charles serves as Music teacher and coordinator of BCD’s private music instruction program. Before moving to the Berkshires, Charles worked at a charter school and at New Design B.A., Music and Middle School in New York. Philosophy, He has also instructed at Fordham University at Buffalo (SUNY) University and Art OMI. Charles is an M.Ed. Music accomplished musician, Education, singer, choral director, and University at composer, and has worked Buffalo (SUNY) Ph.D. (in-progress) professionally with Cantori New York, Treasure House Curriculum, Chorale, Young New Yorker’s Instruction, and Chorus, and the New York the Science Youth Symphony. Charles of Learning, co-founded the Hudson specialization in Composers Symposium Choral Pedagogy, and produced “Celebramos University at Juntos!” for the Riverbank Buffalo (SUNY) State Park’s Hispanic Additional music Heritage Month. Several of studies, The his compositions have been Juilliard School performed in the United States (NYC), La Schola and abroad. Charles holds Cantorum (Paris), professional certifications and Oxford from New York State (KUniversity (UK) 12 Performing Arts), OrffSchülwerk (Level 1 Certificate), and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Deep Listening). More information about Charles’ work as artist and educator is available via his website: www. charleszotique.com.
“To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.” –Leonard Bernstein
ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF EMILY ARMSTRONG Nurse
GWEN CONNOLLY
Director of Finance
JOHN EVANS
School Psychologist
KIM KISSELBROCK Director of IT
MELISSA KRUSE
Administrative Assistant
DAN LEE
Director o Facilities
CHRIS PERILLI
STATEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY: Berkshire Country Day School’s intentional approach of inquiry, discovery, and discussion blends proven methods with emerging best practices to draw fully on the experiences and contributions of our entire school community. Our comprehensive curriculum, which includes project-based and experiential learning, leverages the talents of our exemplary educators and the natural resources of our extraordinary campus to inspire independence, academic excellence, and mutual respect.
Facilities
TOM PROVENCHER Network Analyst
JESSICA PROVENZ
Director of Annual Fund and Special Events
JANET TONE Librarian
Berkshire Country Day School
INTENTIONAL INDEPENDENT INSPIRED
55 Interlaken Road (Rt. 183), Stockbridge, MA 01262 / PO Box 867, Lenox, MA 01240 berkshirecountryday.org / 413.637.0755