meet the
faculty 2010 - 2011
Dear Friends, It takes a very special person to join the Kimball Union faculty—distinguished scholar, artist, athlete, and outdoor person who is willing to devote his or her life and best energies to the growth and progress of young people. Teacher, coach, advisor, house parent, mentor, and friend—these are some of the many important roles every faculty member fulfills. Each faculty member touches and shapes the lives of his or her students; it is as simple as a friendly smile, a homecooked meal, a constructive comment on a test, or a pat on the back, and as complex as curriculum design, or building trust with young people. The influence of the faculty on students is as unique, diverse, and abundant as are the talents and motivations of those who teach and those who learn. Nothing defines the Kimball Union experience more than the lasting relationships that are developed between teachers and students. Our faculty influence and effect the most significant and long-lasting growth of young people, the true measure of our success, through the depth of these relationships and the inspiration each provides. Teachers at Kimball Union model what they teach, and teach what they learn. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the exceptional men and women who enrich the lives of Kimball Union students each and every day in so many ways. I hope that you will take an opportunity sometime soon to come to our campus and meet them to experience for yourselves their energy, talent and commitment.
Sincerely,
Mic h a e l J . S c h a f e r
Michael J. Schafer Head of School Colby College, BA Harvard University, MEd In 2003, Mike Schafer was appointed Kimball Union’s 18th head of school since its founding in 1813. Widely recognized for his vision, energy, and strong leadership, Mike has been instrumental in the adoption and execution of the Academy’s Long-range Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan. Mike’s leadership over the last seven years has earned confidence, mutual trust, and investment throughout the Kimball Union and independent school community, helping to advance the vision for the Academy as it approaches its third century. In 2007, Kimball Union received an unrestricted $5 million gift, the Academy’s largest outright gift in its almost 200-year history, to be used “at the discretion of the Head of School.” Many significant gifts have followed, substantially increasing the school’s endowment to support financial aid, faculty innovation and professional growth, and provide new resources to consistently offer a balance of programs with low student-teacher ratios. Under Mike’s leadership, the Board of Trustees launched the $38 million IMPACT Capital Campaign in November 2009. Mike believes strongly in a student-centered approach and in creating an ideal environment for learning. To that end, a beautiful new Campus Center was completed in 2008, and plans are being finalized for a fully repurposed and renovated Miller Humanities Center complete with 18 classrooms, media and technology centers, academic advising, a writing center, and a state-of-the-art library. A committed boarding school person and veteran of independent schools for over 25 years, Mike began his teaching career in Massachusetts at Cushing Academy and Belmont Hill School where he was a “triple threat” teacher, coach, advisor, and dorm parent before taking on administrative duties in college advising, alumni and development, and athletic administration—all while teaching Spanish and coaching—at Middlesex School in Concord, MA. In 2000, Mike was appointed Assistant Head of School for Student Life, working in close collaboration with the head of school to define and shape the Middlesex School community during its Centennial Campaign. Mike represents Kimball Union on a number of national, regional and local education and philanthropic organizations. He was recently named a trustee at Berwick Academy in Maine. A varsity college athlete in three sports at Colby, Mike continues to play soccer, squash, paddle tennis, and golf, and enjoys the occasional tennis game. He is a co-director of the Team Prep Soccer Program in Casco, ME. Mike is married to Gayle Schafer and they have three children, Hannah, KUA class of 2012, Joanna, and Jonathan.
MARTA ALVAREZ GARCIA
JENNY BLUE
Spanish University of Oviedo Complutense University
English Dartmouth College, BA Tufts University, MAT
Born in the north of Spain and raised in Madrid, Marta earned a law degree in 1992. While she was a student, she taught English to young children. Following her graduation, Marta taught Spanish as a second language in Mexico for four years, and in 2000 she was certified as a secondary school teacher at the University of Oviedo. She worked for several years in Spain and Ireland in other areas in the public sector, always with a strong focus on training and development. Marta is passionate about education, and especially about language learning and literature. Marta is married to Kieran Lenihan, a faculty member at KUA, and they have two children, Miguel and Clíodhna.
After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in English, Jenny received her MAT from Tufts University and then headed west to teach at St. George’s School in Spokane, WA, and at the Katherine Delmar Burke School in San Francisco, CA. On the East Coast, she has taught at the Shady Hill School in Cambridge, MA, and at Crossroads Academy in Lyme, NH. Jenny is also an accomplished dancer; she performed regularly with a modern dance company in San Francisco until moving down the road from KUA with her husband, Adam, and their children, Annabelle and Jasper.
darrell beauprÉ ’86
JASON BOURNE ’88
English Dickinson College, BA
Director of Technology Keene State College, BS
A Kimball Union alumnus, Darrell is a veteran of independent schools, having taught at Fay School, Rectory School, New Hampton School, Cardigan Mountain School, and Tabor Academy’s summer program. Darrell took a sabbatical from teaching to serve as the main caregiver of his children while also building and setting up his own furniture-making business, raising purebred Dexter and Lowline Angus cattle, and serving on the Meriden Volunteer Fire Department. Darrell lives in Meriden with his wife, Amy, and their two children, Molly and Conor.
Since earning his bachelor’s degree from Keene State College, Jason has enjoyed working for both small and large technology-based companies here in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire. He has held management positions in software development and training, federal sales, and global product planning. Jason’s return to campus provides KUA with the benefit of his significant background in project management, contract negotiation, database administration, user support, and training. Jason strives not to be a “back-room” technology manager and is committed to engaging faculty, staff and students in discussions to improve the use of technology on campus. Jason lives in nearby Cornish with his wife Christine and their three children. He is excited to be back at Kimball Union and looks forward to exploring the ever-changing technological landscape!
julia brennan
CHRISTINE CLISURA
Director of Communications Concordia University, BA
Assistant Librarian
Julia brings an extensive background in marketing communications to Kimball Union. She worked at several large advertising agencies in her native Montreal before moving to New England. Julia came to KUA in 2003 from Wild Apple Graphics, an open edition art publishing house in Woodstock, VT, where she was marketing communications manager. Prior to that she was director of communications at Ascutney Mountain Resort, where she also served as director of skiing for many years. Her background also includes consulting with a broad range of clients. An alumna of The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, Julia is a firm believer in the value of an independent school education and takes great pride in spreading the word about Kimball Union Academy.
Christine graduated with a BA from Sarah Lawrence College in 2008, where she concentrated in Comparative Literature and Japanese Studies. Over the next two years she worked at the public library in Rutherford, NJ, splitting her time between the children’s and reference departments. While beginning her graduate study in Information & Library Science at Pratt Institute, Christine also worked as the evening trade monitor for Dynamic Capital Management, LLC in Manhattan. She is pleased to be part of close educational community and to have made the transition from a public to an independent school library. She is enjoying putting her skills in research and library services to use at the Coffin Library. She is an advisor and lives Bryant Hall.
She lives in Brownsville, VT, with her husband, John. They have two grown daughters, Lindsay and Jennifer. Julia is an avid skier, and enjoys reading, biking, kayaking, and horseback riding.
mike cloutman chris cheney Director of College Advising Varsity Boys’ Soccer Coach Bowdoin College, BA Harvard University, MEd Chris came to Kimball Union in 2006. No stranger to the world of independent schools, Chris has taught at Milton Academy, Williston Northampton School, Northfield Mount Hermon and Colorado Academy. In addition to being a talented and experienced science teacher, Chris holds NSCAA National and Advanced National Coaching Licenses and in 2004 was named the New Hampshire Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year. In his three years at the helm of the soccer program his teams finished with a combined record of 51-6-3 and they won the state championship in 2005. Chris also led the Hanover boys’ tennis teams to back-to-back state championships in 2005 and 2006. He led the Kimball Union boys’ soccer team to the NEPSAC Division B Championship in 2007 and the Lakes Region Championship and NEPSAC Division B Quarterfinals in 2008. Chris is joined at KUA by his wife Lisa DiIorio, who teaches English, and their daughters, Shea and Zoe.
English Director of Leadership and Planned Giving Bates College, BA University of New Hampshire, MA Mike has worked at Kimball Union since 1979. He graduated from Bates College in 1977 with a BA in history and received his MA in American history from the University of New Hampshire in 1987. Over the years he has served as the head of the History Department, dormitory head, and in various years, a coach of soccer, skiing, cycling, field hockey, and lacrosse. From 1996 to 1999 Mike took a professional hiatus and worked with independent school faculty and staff as a personal financial planner for the firm of Bullard, McLeod in Albany, NY. Upon his return to Kimball Union in 1999, Mike worked in the Alumni and Development Office for five years as the Assistant Director of Development. In 2005, in addition to serving as Director of Planned Giving, he returned to the calling of the classroom teaching, English and American history. In 2009, Mike rejoined the Alumni and Development Office as Director of Leadership and Planned Giving. Mike and his wife, Susan Halliday, enjoy golf, cycling, and anything else to keep fit and healthy.
COLE CONLIN
john custer
Spanish Colby College, BA Middlebury College, MA University of Massachusetts, MA
Senior Master History Bowdoin College, BA
A graduate of Belmont Hill School and Colby College, Cole received his Master of Arts in Spanish from Middlebury College, and his Master of Arts in Critical and Creative Thinking from the University of Massachusetts. He has taught at Cardigan Mountain School, Tabor Academy, and Belmont Hill School. Before joining the faculty at Kimball Union, Cole worked for four years, as an editor, on Spanish Language products for educational publishing companies in Boston. He brings nine years of teaching experience in independent schools, and new perspectives from his time away. Cole is Head of House in Mikula, where he lives with his wife Beth LaRusso, a physician at Dartmouth, and their son, Henry and daughter, Louisa.
Christopher creeger Associate Director of Communications Marlboro College, BA Yale School of Music, MM Music director at Kimball Union for almost two decades, Kit Creeger earned his BA in composition and jazz studies and conducting and holds a master’s degree in voice. Before joining the KUA faculty he taught at Marlboro College, The Putney School, Vermont Academy, and Cardigan Mountain School. He has appeared as soloist and conductor in concert, musical theater, and opera productions across New England. A BMI composer with various publications to his credit, and an active conductor locally, he has served as music director for the Bel Canto Chamber Singers, and has been music director/conductor for over 20 musical theater productions. An avid videographer who spent a semester on sabbatical honing his skills, and long time director of technology for the Arts Department, Kit joined the KUA Communications Department as web master and media specialist in 2009. Local political activities have included stints as Plainfield, NH, Zoning Board of Adjustment member and chair. An avid fly fisherman and alpine skier, Kit lives in Meriden with his wife, Shelley, their two children, Ethan ’09 and Josh, and various animals.
Senior Master John Custer has served in a variety of roles during his many years on the KUA faculty, including Academic Dean, History Department chair, and the house head of Bryant Hall. Two things have remained constant, though — he has taught at least one section of US History in each year, and has also worked every year as one of the coaches of the boys’ 2nd hockey team. Kimball Union Academy has been a genuine family affair for the Custers. John’s wife, Karen, taught math, coached and worked in residence halls from 1993 to 2004; their older son, Nathaniel, graduated in 2002 and younger son, Nicholas, in 2005.
murray dewdney Science, Chair Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach Boys’ Basketball Coach Amherst College, BA A native of New Hampshire, Murray grew up in the Upper Connecticut Valley and also in the seacoast area. Since attending Amherst College, where he majored in natural sciences, he has devoted his professional life to teaching science—first at Nature’s Classroom, a nonprofit organization with a mission to raise schoolchildren’s environmental awareness and appreciation, and later at Barlow School, Kildonan School, and Cambridge School of Weston before joining Kimball Union Academy in 1988. Murray’s first role at KUA was split between serving as director of buildings and grounds and teaching mathematics. He has also been a long-standing coach of the varsity girls’ soccer squad. Currently, he teaches physics and applies his leadership skills as the Science Department chair. When school is not in session, Murray enjoys fishing, golfing, and carpentry. He lives on campus in Frost House with his wife, Director of Studies Cynthia Howe, and their two sons, Tyler ’06 and Morgan.
lisa diiorio
KATY DRENNAN
English Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Coach Bates College, BA Dartmouth College, MA
World Languages Department, Latin Teacher Skidmore College, BA
While an undergraduate at Bates, Lisa played lacrosse and was a Division III All-American. At Dartmouth, she completed a master’s thesis in literature with former Spelman College President Johnnnetta Cole as one of her thesis advisors. Prior to teaching, Lisa was assistant director of public programs and student organizations at Dartmouth’s Rockfeller Center for Public Policy. Lisa came to Kimball Union after teaching English at Hanover High School and Rivendell Academy in New Hampshire.
Prior to coming to Kimball Union, Katy taught all levels of Latin both at New Hampton School and Hotchkiss School. She is a product of an independent education, having attended Greenhills School in Ann Arbor, MI. She majored in Classics at Skidmore College. A semester studying in Rome solidified her love of all things Latin! Katy has also worked extensively with Dartmouth’s Rassias Foundation in Mexico as an English language teacher. She plans to incorporate her knowledge of the Rassias™ method in her Latin classes. Katy lives in Lebanon and enjoys yoga, weight lifting, volleyball and reading.
A graduate of Governor’s Academy, Lisa is very familiar with boarding school life. She lives in Welch House with her husband, Environmental Science Department Chair Chris Cheney, and their two daughters, Shea and Zoe. When she’s not busy with school or family, Lisa can be found on the trails of Meriden running, biking, or skiing.
MICHAEL DOHERTY Associate Director of Admissions Binghamton University, BS A 1984 graduate of Binghamton University, Michael comes to KUA from the Oliverian School, a small independent boarding school in Pike, NH, where he served as Director of Admissions for three years. Head men’s soccer coach for 20 years at Colgate University, he was named the Lanzera National Coach of the Year in 1992, the Patriot League Coach of the Year for 1992 and 1997, and NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year, also in 1992 and 1997. He has won two Howard Hartman Awards as Colgate’s Coach of the Year and served as an instructor in Colgate’s Physical Education Department, teaching racquetball, tennis, and weight training. He has been involved with various youth sports boards, coaching and volunteer positions, and was the managing director of the Lightning Soccer Club from 2007 to 2009. Mike lives in Hanover, NH, with his wife Judy and children Pat, Shannon ’10, and Jack. He enjoys the outdoors, fishing, hiking, and Sudoku puzzles.
EMME DUNCAN ‘05 Admissions Officer Bowdoin College, BA Emme Duncan ‘05 received her BA from Bowdoin College in Government and Legal Studies in 2009. After graduating, Emme moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked for a year in the office of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen as the Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Intern Coordinator. While in D.C., she also had the exciting opportunity to volunteer at numerous White House events, including the Easter Egg Roll and the National Christmas Tree Lighting. Emme is enjoying being back at her alma mater and getting to know the next generation of KUA students through her work in the Admissions Office, as an advisor, and as a house parent in Mikula.
mary exton
CORSON FIDLER
Mandarin Chinese, Mathematics Normal University of Water Resources and Electric Power, BA Plymouth State College, MA
Mathematics Hobart College, BA
Mary was born in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. After finishing university, she worked as an engineer trainer in the SongLiao Water Resource Committee in the northeast part of China for five years. She came to the United States in 1995 with her husband and daughter and settled in Canaan, NH, on the campus of Cardigan Mountain School, where her husband teaches. She taught computer science at Mid-Vermont Christian School for eight years, during which time she discovered her passion for teaching and mentoring high school students. Mary also teaches Mandarin Chinese at Kimball Union’s ALPs™ Summer Language Program each year. Her daughter, Elizabeth, joins her at KUA as a member of the class of 2012.
Corson graduated from Hobart College with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and minors in economics and education. He played a year of collegiate soccer, including a trip to Sweden and a run in the NCAA tournament, and studied abroad for a semester in Maastricht, The Netherlands. Corson is a product of the independent school world. A faculty child, he spent his early childhood at Trinity Pawling School, attended St. Mark’s School of Texas, and graduated from Groton School. Corson was an avid member of the Groton soccer team that finished runner up in the 2004 NEPSAC Class C Finals. He also played ice hockey during the winters and helped construct sets for the school plays in the performing arts center. Corson teaches mathematics and believes strongly in bringing competition into the classroom as a means of learning. He coaches soccer and ice hockey, serves as a student advisor, and is a dorm parent. He is a Grade 7 licensed referee with the United States Soccer Federation and hopes to become a professional level referee in the future. In his spare time Corson enjoys Sudoku, staying in shape, hiking and camping, playing sports, and traveling.
scrib fauver
Ursula fries-herfort
French Language Department Chair Director of ALPs Summer Language Program Dartmouth College, BA University of Virginia School of Law, JD
Ceramics Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, MA
A 1982 graduate of Dartmouth College, Scrib taught French and Spanish for two years at Landon School in Bethesda, MD, and attended the University of Virginia School of Law, graduating in 1987. He practiced law in Boston for four years, until he saw the light and returned to teaching! During his years at Kimball Union Academy, Scrib has worn many hats, including the chair of the Language Department, house head, and the head of the boys’ soccer program. Since moving to the Upper Valley, Scrib has coached many spring soccer teams with the Lightning Soccer Club. He has also worked as a master teacher in the Rassias Foundation’s ALPS Program at Dartmouth College. He and his wife, Susan, have two children, Meg ‘12 and Olivia ‘09.
Prior to taking on the ceramics program at KUA in the fall of 2007, Ursula was involved as a teacher’s assistant and monitor at the renowned League of New Hampshire Craftsmen pottery studio in Hanover for several years. She also brings to KUA her experience as a studio potter and is a juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. Her work has been featured in numerous shows, foremost the Taylor Gallery, and is represented in local galleries. She has also done private commissions. Ursula has a passion for throwing on the wheel and decorating the surfaces of her pieces, and she loves sharing this with her students. She moved to the United States from Germany in 1998 and lives in Meriden with her husband Oliver and two children.
jim gray ’66
susan halliday
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Babson College, BS Suffolk University, MBA
Science Varsity Field Hockey and Girls’ Tennis Coach Bates College, BS
Jim joined our administrative team in 2008 after a long and close relationship with the Academy. A member of the class of 1966, he has served on the Board of Trustees, on the Alumni Council, and as a class reporter. His two daughters, Erin ’02 and Lynn ’04 are both KUA alumnae. Jim brings over 30 years of diverse experience as a financial executive to KUA. He has served as the controller and chief accounting officer of Allied Waste Industries and the chief financial officer of Beech Aircraft Corporation. In addition to his financial skills, Jim also brings business strategy, project management, and organizational development skills to KUA. Jim was pleased to return to New England after a career that took him to the Midwest and Southwest and enjoys hiking and skiing and supporting KUA’s sports teams. He is joined at KUA by his wife, Mary, who teaches English and is the Academy’s registrar.
Sue has been a member of the Kimball Union faculty since 1985, bringing her passion for science to KUA students for over two decades. An avid and versatile athlete, Sue is NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) certified and has completed graduate work in exercise physiology. Well recognized and respected for her ability to bring out the best in each athlete and create cohesive and supportive teams, she has led her varsity field hockey and girls’ tennis teams to many championships over the years. She is the 2003 winner of the Alumni Council Sportsmanship Award. Sue is married to Mike Cloutman, Director of Leadership and Planned Giving, and they live in Brewster House with their two golden retrievers. When not at KUA, they enjoy spending time at the home they recently built in the Adirondacks.
mary gray
julie haskell-webb
English Registrar Long Island University, BA Hofstra University, MBA
Visual Arts Taylor Gallery Curator California State University, BA Tufts University, MA
Originally from the East Coast, Mary was born and raised on Long Island and married in New Hampshire, where she had her children. She and her family later moved to Kansas and then followed the sun to Arizona. Mary is back East feeling like she’s come home. Kimball Union is a family tradition, beginning with her husband, Jim ’66, and followed by their daughters, Erin ’02 and Lynn ’04. After completing her graduate work, Mary worked for the publishing giant Doubleday and then Raytheon before taking a hiatus to raise her daughters. After running a book club for 10 years, Mary decided to pursue her passion for English by returning to school at Arizona State University where she earned her education certification. She is currently working toward a PhD in curriculum and instruction. She is an avid tennis player and coaches the KUA boys’ junior varsity team.
Julie teaches visual arts at Kimball Union Academy, including advanced and AP studio art classes, drawing, painting, landscape painting, printmaking, digital photography, and AP art history. She also runs the after-school Art Activity Program and is the curator of the Taylor Gallery. Julie is also a working artist who spends summers and free time creating and exhibiting her own paintings. She especially loves painting images of rural landscape and the Maine coastline. Julie lives in MacLeay house with her daughter Emma ’13.
cynthia howe
ashley johnston
Director of Studies Mount Holyoke College, BA Harvard University, MEd
History Varsity Girls’ Hockey Coach Colgate University, BA
Raised as a faculty child at Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut, Cynthia fell in love with the lifestyle of the independent boarding school. Upon graduation from Mount Holyoke College, Cynthia worked at the Indian Mountain School as a teacher of science and math, coach, and dorm parent. Her love of administration began at IMS, where she served also as the dean of girls. Graduate work drew her to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she earned a master’s degree in 1984. While in graduate school and afterwards, Cynthia joined the administration at Cambridge School of Weston as the administrative dean and director of residence. Cynthia and her husband, Murray Dewdney, then moved north to Kimball Union, where they have worked and raised their two children since 1988. Cynthia began her KUA career as a college advisor and later was appointed the director of the department. She is now the Director of Studies, coordinating academic support and overseeing the Center for the Advancement of Learning.
Ashley joined the Kimball Union faculty in 2007 and teaches US history and world history. A double-major in political science and sociology and anthropology at Colgate University, Ashley was a member of the NCAA Division 1 Colgate women’s ice hockey team for four years and served as an assistant captain her senior year. She also coached strength and conditioning at Colgate and volunteered at Hamilton Middle School. During summers, Ashley coaches at Pro Ambitions Hockey Girls’ Olympic Camp and for Global Hockey. A product of a boarding school education, Ashley is committed to contributing to the lives of Kimball Union students and to ensuring that their independent school experience is as fulfilling and life-changing as her own. She is a strong believer in the advisor/advisee program and enjoys working with her KUA advisees. In addition to teaching, Ashley is the head coach for the girls’ varsity ice hockey and JV lacrosse teams and serves as a house parent in Mikula.
robert hyjek
andrew kaplan
Dean of Students Athletic Trainer Castleton State College, BS Western Michigan University, MA
Science and Mathematics Varsity Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding Coach Bates College, BS Suffolk University Law School, JD
Bob has been a member of the KUA community since 1997 and is currently our Dean of Students. In addition to his role in our Student Life Office, Bob is an athletic trainer, and senior class advisor and he teaches a psychology elective. Prior to Kimball Union, Bob was the director of sports medicine at a hospital in Michigan. While at KUA he was selected as an athletic trainer for men’s and women’s ice hockey at the Salt Lake City Olympic Games in 2002. Together with Assistant Athletic Director and fellow athletic trainer Katherine Bello, Bob was recognized by the New Hampshire Athletic Trainers’ Association with the 2006 New Hampshire Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer of the Year Award. As Dean of Students, Bob has been integrally involved in developing and expanding residential and student life programs. He resides in Densmore Hall as the head of house with his wife, Stacy, and their twin sons, Jacob and Patrick. Bob is an avid golfer and has a passion for baseball.
Andy started his teaching career in 2003 after practicing law for 15 years in Boston. He earned his BS in biology with a minor in mathematics in 1983 and his juris doctorate degree, cum laude, in 1987. Andy teaches in both the Math and Science Departments. During his tenure at KUA, Andy has chaired the Honor Board and coached soccer, lacrosse, and alpine skiing. In addition, he has coached a New Hampshire freestyle ski team for over 20 years. An avid skier and soccer player, Andy has been involved with educating and coaching children since he was in high school.
TOM KARDEL
john kluge ’66
Spanish Kalamazoo College, BA Middlebury College, MA
English, Chair College Advisor Haverford College, BA University of New Hampshire, MA
Tom earned a BA in theatre from Kalamazoo College in Michigan and his master’s degree in Spanish language and literature from Middlebury College. He had the good fortune to study and live abroad while working on both degrees, first in Madrid, Spain, as an undergraduate, and then as part of Middlebury’s first graduate student cohort in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2004. In his time in independent schools, Tom has been a classroom teacher, department head, dorm head, adviser, coach, director of technical theatre, senior class adviser, college counselor, and mentor.
John, a graduate of Kimball Union, has taught English at KUA since 1988 and been English Department chair since 1989. Holder of the Lionel Mosher and Peter Holland Chair in English, he has taught AP language and composition, AP literature and composition, English IV honors, English IV, and English III. He is a member of the Faculty Professional Issues Committee, the Head’s Advisory Committee, and the Academic Council. He is also a highly experienced college advisor. Though a house parent for many years, John now lives on a nearby hilltop, where he keeps his horses. He enjoys riding, reading, writing, and walking through his woods, but his greatest passion is for teaching literature at Kimball Union, where his classes are noted for their energy and their student-centered approach.
MICHAEL KLAUS
BETH KOPP
History Boys’ Varsity Tennis Coach Colby College, BA
Director of the EE Just Summer Institute and Sustainability Coordinator Keene State College, BS Antioch New England Graduate School, MS
Michael is a graduate of Colby College with a major in government and minors in philosophy and education. While at Colby, he was the director of sports for the college’s radio station, WMHB, captain of the ultimate Frisbee team, and was active in the student government association. In addition to his Colby activities, he taught US history at a local school for two years. Michael ‘s broadcasting skills are much appreciated at KUA, where he oversees the school’s live Internet broadcasts of winter sports events and acts as a mentor to students involved in this program. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching sports on television, tossing a Frisbee, trying to break the Minesweeper world record, playing broomball, and attempting to solve crossword puzzles.
Beth brings with her a wealth of experience as the Environmental Studies Program Coordinator at Colby College. Beth was instrumental in supervising and coordinating campus greening initiatives and working with the Environmental Coalition and Environmental Studies Club. She also has worked as a Conservation Project Manager with the Coastal Mountains Land Trust in Camden, Maine, along with several years of experience with several other environmental organizations. Beth has an MS in Resource Management and Administration from Antioch New England Graduate School and a BS from Keene State in Environmental Studies. She loves to cook and enjoys gardening with her children. Beth is married to KUA’s Environmental Science Department chair, Blaine Kopp.
BLAINE KOPP
JULIA LOGAN ‘04
Environmental Science Department Chair Dartmouth College, BA University of Rhode Island, Ph.D
History Alumni & Development Summer Programs
Blaine is the Louis Munro Chair for Environmental Studies. He received his Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island and his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College in Biological Sciences. Blaine has a rich background in scientific and educational research, and, in addition, spent two-years teaching at Proctor Academy. Recently Blaine has been working as a Research Scientist with Colby College as a Science and Monitoring Coordinator for the Penobscot River Restoration Trust. He is an avid outdoorsman with active interests in skiing, SCUBA diving and sailing. He joins our community with his wife, Beth, and their two children, Finnegan and Indigo. They live in Brewster House.
Julia Logan ’04 received her BA in History with a concentration in United States History from Bates College in 2008. During her junior year Julia studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland to pursue her major and interest in Scottish studies and architecture. While a student at KUA, she participated in a variety of activities. Julia served for two years as a member of the fire brigade, dormitory proctor and editor for the school newspaper. She was also a member of the varsity field hockey, alpine skiing, and lacrosse teams. She continues her love for these sports as she is the assistant coach for both the Field Hockey and Alpine Ski Teams. She is teaching U.S and European history as well as working in Alumni & Development and the Summer Programs office. She lives in Dexter-Richards Hall with her dog, Liberty Belle.
KIERAN LENIHAN
marilyn lord
Associate Director of Studies and Academic Support Carysfort College, Bed University College Dublin, MBS
History, Chair Dartmouth College, BA Dartmouth College, MA
From Dublin, Ireland, Kieran has over 20 years experience in a variety of educational roles and settings across the public, private and volunteer sectors. He has taught at almost every level from first grade to graduate level. Prior to joining KUA, he spent eight years as a lecturer and Training Specialist in the Institute of Public Administration, Ireland, developing and providing educational courses to public service professionals. Before that he worked as a manager in the voluntary sector developing and delivering innovative programs for teenagers with special educational needs. He speaks fluent Spanish and Gaelic and has also taught English as a second language for several years in both Ireland and Spain. He holds a bachelor of education degree, a master of business studies degree, as well as a number of professional IT qualifications. He is married to Marta Alvarez Garcia, also a teacher at KUA, and they have two children, Miguel and Clíodhna.
Lyn earned a BA from Dartmouth College in anthropology and returned to Dartmouth as a teaching fellow in the MALS Program, earning an MA in anthropology and history. She taught in independent schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts for 15 years before returning to the Upper Valley. Her husband, Tom, teaches Chemistry and acts as the Summer Programs director for KUA, and the youngest of her seven children, Alexandra, graduated as a member of KUA’s class of 2009. Lyn teaches world history, US history and anthropology. A proponent of the creative use of technology, she introduced an innovative approach to teaching world history using a video simulation called Civilization III that has become the model for fellow educators and has prompted the manufacturer to institute an educational division. KUTube, the first YouTube-style video-sharing website at a secondary school, is Lyn’s brainchild. In between classes, she helps to coach skiing, advises Model UN, and is head of house in Chellis.
TOM LORD
terry mcdonnell
Director of Summer Programs Chemistry Dartmouth College, BA University of Maryland, JB
Counselor Hampshire College, BA UCLA, MBA Antioch University, MA
Tom worked as an attorney for Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources and for Johns Hopkins University before beginning his teaching career at the Taft School in Connecticut. He has also taught at Dartmouth College and other independent secondary schools, serving as the headmaster of Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA. He has coached football, basketball, and lacrosse, and served as the head boys’ lacrosse coach of Hanover High School for most of the 1990s, and was named New Hampshire Coach of the Year during his tenure at Hanover. Tom also serves KUA as the director of its Summer Program, which includes the ALPs language program through the Rassias™ Foundation at Dartmouth. He is very involved in environmental issues from legal and planning perspectives, and is also an avid fly fisherman and hiker who loves visiting the National Parks out west each year with his wife, Lyn, chair of KUA’s History Department. Tom and Lyn have seven children, including Alexandra, who graduated from KUA in 2009, and a yellow lab puppy named Teddy. They live in Chellis House.
Terry received his master’s in applied psychology from Antioch University in Keene, NH, and is licensed to provide counseling services in both New Hampshire and Vermont. He has extensive experience in working with children of all ages, but finds helping teenagers steer through some of the challenges of adolescence particularly rewarding. Prior to joining KUA, Terry worked for four years at the Claremont Child and Family Center in Claremont, NH, as a child and family therapist. He also maintains a private practice in Norwich, VT, and is available to see families at that location.
neal mcintyre kay mccabe Arts Department Chair Dance Wesleyan University, BA Kay has taught dance at Kimball Union Academy since 1995. Prior to that, she danced professionally in New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. She has been a member of the David Gordon Pick-Up Company, Susan Foster and Dancers, and Richard Bull Dance Theatre and has had the pleasure of performing throughout the United States and Europe. A talented teacher and innovative choreographer, Kay inspires her students. She is as happy to work with novices who are exploring their interest in dance as with trained ballerinas and accomplished dancers. The performances she choreographs and directs always entertain and delight her audiences.
Science Varsity Alpine Ski Coach University of New Hampshire, BS Plymouth State College, MEd Neal came to Kimball Union Academy in 2003 to teach science. Ecological sciences are of particular interest to him, since his undergraduate degree is in wildlife biology. After a two-year stint in ski racing, Neal went on to work at a children’s museum in Connecticut as curator and later joined the world-renowned Bronx Zoo as the supervisor of Special Exhibits and Operations. Longing for the New England countryside, Neal accepted an interim teaching position at Ethel Walker School before coming to KUA. Neal has led a group of students in articulating a moose skeleton they discovered in the nearby woods. He also spearheaded the student-led restoration of the historic garden behind the Annie Duncan House on campus. Neal recently completed his master’s degree in special education, with a particular focus on adolescent behavior which he hopes will allow him better insight as to the challenges his students sometimes face. Neal lives with his wife, Lyndsy, and their two children, Halyn and Griffin, in Huse House, where he is the head of house.
marianna mckim
ERin Mellow
Head Librarian William Smith College, BA Middlebury College, MA Drexel University, MS
Mathematics St. Lawrence University, BA
Marianna joined KUA as Head Librarian in 2008, having spent most of her career in higher education. She has been a foreign language teacher, an administrator, and a fund-raiser, but she most enjoys developing library collections and teaching library research skills to students and faculty. As the librarian for Germanic languages and literatures at Yale for five years, Marianna chaired national committees dealing with the acquisition of foreign-language materials for academic libraries. Marianna holds a BA in philosophy, an MA in German, and an MS in library and information science from Drexel University. Fluent in German and Danish, she was raised in the Boston area and attended the Noble and Greenough School; she has also lived and traveled extensively abroad. She has a lifelong interest in human rights and animal welfare advocacy and coordinates the Upper Valley chapter of Amnesty International.
Erin majored in both mathematics and psychology at St. Lawrence. She also studied abroad for a semester in Kenya, pursuing her minor in African studies. While at St. Lawrence, Erin played four years of field hockey and two years of lacrosse. During the summers, she coached at White Mountain Sports Camps for field hockey and Upper Valley Lacrosse Camps. Erin is in her second year at Kimball Union and, in addition to her teaching responsibilities, serves the full “triple threat,” coaching 2nd team field hockey, working in Chellis Hall, advising students, and teaching.
Marianna lives in Hanover with her husband, Reinhart Sonnenburg, who is a librarian at Dartmouth College, and their daughter, Emma. They enjoy reading, bicycling, cross-country skiing, hiking with their dog, and kayaking.
brian mcmahon
ryan miller
Science Varsity Rugby Coach University of Massachusetts at Amherst, BA
Associate Director of Admissions Varsity Boys’ Hockey Coach University of Vermont, BS Miami University, MS
Brian has been a faculty member at KUA since 1998. He earned his degree in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1980. Brian’s extensive educational background includes teaching at Williston Northampton School and Berkshire School in Massachusetts, Saint Andrew’s Academy and Pope John Paul II High School in Florida, the London campus of the American School in Switzerland, and Tarsus American College in Turkey. Brian has taught AP chemistry, honors chemistry, chemistry, physics, and earth science. Brian has been involved in sports throughout his career. Brian was instrumental in bringing rugby back to KUA in 1998. His rugby coaching career started at TASIS England, and he was more than excited about the opportunity to popularize the sport in the States. Brian has chaperoned student trips to Cyprus, Greece, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Africa. He has also traveled extensively on his own.
Ryan is originally from Spokane, WA, and Phoenix, AZ, and is a graduate of Culver Military Academy (Indiana) and the University of Vermont. After graduating from UVM, where he received a BS in business administration and served as assistant captain of the Catamount hockey team, Ryan moved to Miami University in Oxford, OH. There he earned his MS in sport studies with a concentration in sport organization and sport sociology in 2006. At Miami, Ryan was the academic coordinator for intercollegiate athletics, head coach of the University Club Hockey program, and volunteer assistant for the nationally-ranked Division 1 varsity hockey team, as well as a clinician at the USA Hockey Coaches Clinic. Ryan lives on campus as a house parent in Rowe House with his wife, Jessica, and their black Lab, Brody.
CHARLES MUHLAURI
james ouellette
Athletics
Director of Health Services St. Joseph’s College, BSPA St. Luke’s Hospital, RN
The former Head Soccer Coach for the Zimbabwe National Team and current Director of Coaching for the Upper Valley Lightning Soccer Club, Charles has joined the faculty as an assistant in the Athletic Department. This year Charles is involved in the development of our planned indoor athletic facility, including the management of KUA and non-KUA use of that space. In addition, Charles assists with the fitness and soccer programs, the international student program, diversity and student life issues, and residential duties. Charles’ oldest son, Charleton, is a member of the class of 2014. Charles is joined at KUA by his wife, Sithembiso, and their four children: Charleton, Kudakwashe, Tinashe, and Andile.
Jim has been the Director of Health Services at Kimball Union Academy since 1982. He is a 1971 graduate of St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in New Bedford, MA, and received his BSPA from St. Joseph’s College in 1975. Prior to coming to Kimball Union, he was staff nurse in the Emergency Department at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. His wife, Sandy, is the Assistant Director of Health Services. Their daughter, Rachael, is a member of Kimball Union’s class of 2003.
sandy ouellette MIKE OLSON Assistant Director of College Advising Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach St. Norbert College, BA Norwich University, MEd Mike has been an Assistant Professor and Head Basketball Coach at Mount Senario College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Black Hills State University and Minnesota State University Moorhead. He was also associate head men’s basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at Dartmouth College from 2002-2004. He recently completed an advanced study program in educational leadership from Upper Valley Educator’s Institute while simultaneously serving as interim co-principal at Barre Town School in Barre, VT. Michael and his wife Colleen, a nurse practitioner at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, reside in South Strafford, VT, and are the parents of two grown children, Kathryn and Erik.
Assistant Director of Health Services Diversity Coordinator New England Baptist Hospital, RN A native Cape Codder, Sandy earned her RN diploma at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston in 1975. She worked at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, for 18 years in the Coronary Care Unit and the Urology Clinic. During that time, she founded and coordinated the DHMC Organ and Tissue Donation Program and was a contributing author to the 1995 edition of Mosby’s Manual of Emergency Care. Sandy came to KUA in 1985 when she and her husband Jim adopted their daughter, Rachael, KUA class of 2003, from Korea. In addition to being the Assistant Director of Health Services, Sandy coordinates the annual Red Cross blood drive and has served on the Student Life Committee and the Student/Faculty Housing Committee. As Diversity Coordinator, Sandy chairs KUA’s Diversity Committee, RELAY, which is a student/faculty-led group that explores issues and designs schoolwide programs to raise awareness and initiate dialogue related to diversity and social justice. In March of 2005 and 2007, Sandy co-led the school-sponsored trips to India.
TOM PASQUINI
MICHAEL PORRAZZO
Science Dartmouth College, BA MIT, Ph.D
Mathematics, Chair Varsity Cross Country Georgetown University, BS Johns Hopkins University, MSEd
Tom is no stranger to KUA, having instructed physics on a part-time basis last year. This year he has joined us as a full-time faculty member. He continues to teach AP Physics in the Science Department and teaches four sections in the math department. In the winter he will be working with students on a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activity – an innovative program that this year includes students designing robots to compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge. Tom received his BA from Dartmouth in Physics and a doctorate in Physics from MIT. Tom and his wife, Liz, and their two children, Rosie and Luca, live in Chellis House.
Joining the KUA team as the Mathematics Department chair, Michael Porrazzo returns to the New England boarding school environment with which he is quite familiar. Before moving to KUA, Michael served as the Mathematics Department Coordinator at Friends School of Baltimore, an independent day school in Maryland. Prior to the Friends School post, Michael taught mathematics, coached, and directed the rowing program, and headed a dormitory at Middlesex School. He has also taught and coached at his alma mater, Tabor Academy, and Blue Ridge School , VA. In a previous life, Michael rowed competitively but now prefers to expend his energy improving math education. In his spare time, Michael continues to enjoy “messing about in boats” and trying to keep up while running with his marathoner wife, Julie, who teaches middle school math in Hanover. Michael and Julie have three daughters, Alexandra, Emma, and Caitlin.
EVERETT POISSON
gino riffle
Director of the KUA Fund University of New Hampshire Whittemore School of Business, BA
Math Acting Director of Athletics Varsity Baseball Coach University of Vermont, BS Salem State College, MEd
Everett comes to Kimball Union after serving as Associate Director, External Relations at Harvard Business School. While at Harvard, Everett developed alumni relationships and sought leadership gifts in support of the school. Everett has close ties to independent schools and a deep admiration for their mission. His father, Emile Poisson, taught for many years at Holderness School and was chairman of the Foreign Language Department at New Hampton School. Everett’s mother, Ann Poisson, also taught at the Learning Center at New Hampton School. Everett lives in Hanover, NH, with his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Bella and Sam.
Gino’s Kimball Union career has spanned a decade and included the full gamut of triple threat roles. He is a math teacher who has coached football, hockey, and baseball, as well as served as a house parent and an advisor. Gino particularly enjoys the opportunity to participate in his students’ growth and maturation, whether they are interacting with their peers, on the athletic field, on stage, or in the classroom. He values the close and lasting relationships that are formed at KUA, and he believes that each day he is rewarded for his efforts in countless ways. Gino is a house parent in Densmore.
STEphen rogers ‘04
richard ryerson
Information Systems Specialist Theatre Technical Director Sarah Lawrence College, BA
Director of Admissions Dartmouth College, BA
Stephen works with all things technology, bringing a wide range of knowledge to both the Technology and Arts Departments. Acting as a resource to faculty, staff, and students, he works to integrate, simplify, and solve technological issues across the campus. Stephen also works as the technical director for theater activity, building and designing sets, and assisting the students in all the technical aspects of the theater. A Kimball Union graduate of the class of 2004, he has also worked with KUA’s Summer Programs since 2005, and behind the scenes even before then. He graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a BA focused on computer science.
Rich came to Kimball Union after serving as the director of admissions at Cardigan Mountain School. This is his second tour of duty at KUA, having worked on The Hilltop in the early ‘80s after his graduation from Dartmouth College. Rich is no stranger to independent school life. As a child, he was a “faculty brat” on the Tilton School campus, where his dad taught for 12 years. Rich then attended St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH. Rich lives in Lebanon, NH, with his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Elli and Hannah.
eric russman
gayle schafer
History, Environmental Science Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach Colby College, BA University of Texas, MA
Admissions Officer University of New Hampshire Whittemore School of Business, BS
Eric joined the Kimball Union Academy faculty in 2004. He teaches a multidisciplinary set of courses including Human Geography, Economics, and English. In the summers, Eric and his wife, Yesenia Araya Mesen, look forward to traveling with students to Central America as part of the Academy’s ALPs Summer Tropical Adventure Program in Costa Rica. A graduate of Colby College in 1991, Eric completed a master’s in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2004. Before returning to graduate school in 2002, Eric spent six years in Costa Rica. During this time, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer, worked with a rainforest conservation foundation, and directed a tropical study program for high school students. Eric started teaching in the early nineties in Texas as a Teach for America corps member. Before heading to Central America, he worked as an outdoor wilderness instructor in Utah and Idaho. As an undergraduate at Colby, Eric captained both the men’s soccer and lacrosse teams. He holds the lacrosse single season total points record and is second in all-time career points. At KUA he coaches the boys’ varsity lacrosse team and assists with the varsity boys’ soccer team. Eric lives in Welch House with his wife,Yesenia, and their two daughters, Kyra and Svia.
Gayle has been involved with the KUA community since 2003 when her husband, Michael Schafer, became Kimball Union’s 18th Head of School. She has lived at and been a part of independent school communities—including Belmont Hill School in Belmont, MA, and Middlesex School in Concord, MA—for many years. Her professional experience includes various sales and marketing positions at Wang Information Services in Lowell, MA, VoiceCom Systems in Burlington, MA, and Event Marketing & Management in Manchester, NH. She also served as an admissions representative at UNH during her time there. The Schafers live in Munro House with their three children, Hannah ‘12, Joanna, and Jonathan.
ben sheehan ’00
david stern
History Colby College, BA
Theater University of Vermont, BA Antioch University, MA Rutgers University, MFA
Ben, a 2000 graduate of Kimball Union Academy, received his BA from Colby College in 2004. He began teaching at Kimball Union in the fall of 2006 in the History Department and thoroughly enjoys being back in the classroom. Ben has coached soccer, basketball, and lacrosse in his time at Kimball Union, and serves as head of house in Dexter-Richards Hall. Ben has lived much of his life in Meriden, NH. He loves the country setting and the outdoors. Since returning to KUA, he has become very entwined in the community.
David Stern holds a BA in theater and an MFA in theatrical design. He has worked professionally in the field since 1987, designing and directing over 30 professional productions, and founding his own summer company in 1995. Professional credits include the Merrimack Repertory Theater in Lowell, MA; the McCarter Theater in Princeton, NJ; the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival in Madison, NJ; The Champlain Shakespeare Festival in Burlington, VT; the Weston Playhouse in Weston, VT; and the Boston Conservatory. Most recently, David and his wife, Vanessa, spent a year teaching and exploring in Morocco with their two children, Josh and Rachel ’09. David has taught drama in secondary schools for 16 years and is enthusiastic about being a part of this wonderful community.
katherine STECK
ELIAS TAPLEY
Head Athletic Trainer Assistant Director of Athletics University of Arizona, BS Plymouth State University, MEd
World Languages Dartmouth College, BA
Born and raised in Arizona, Katherine joined KUA in 2005. She earned her BS in physiological sciences and her MEd in athletic training. Her experience in sports medicine includes work for the University of Arizona, Disney’s Wide World of Sports, the Boston Marathon, and USA Women’s Rugby. She enjoys Kimball Union’s unique family atmosphere on campus, in the dorms, and on the athletic fields. Katherine has demonstrated her commitment to the safety of our community as an American Heart Association CPR/AED instructor, making certification available to our faculty, staff, and students. Together with fellow athletic trainer and Dean of Students Bob Hyjek, Katherine was recognized by the New Hampshire Athletic Trainers’ Association with the 2006 New Hampshrie Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer of the Year Award. She lives in Densmore Hall with her husband, David, and dog, Damon.
Elias graduated from Dartmouth College, where he majored in Romance Languages, studying French and Spanish. He worked for a year in the office of the Rassias Center for World Languages and Cultures at Dartmouth. During that time, he was given the opportunity to participate in the Rassias Center’s partnership with Worldfund, the Inter-American Partnership for Education (IAPE). He was an Assistant Teacher on two programs they facilitated in Monterrey, Mexico, introducing Mexican ESL teachers to the Rassias™ method of language instruction. He was introduced to the French language in high school, through an independent year spent studying in the beautiful southern French city of Montauban, in the Midi-Pyrénées region. He began his Spanish studies at Dartmouth, the high point being a term spent studying and living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He coaches cross country, Nordic skiing, and cycling.
michael taupier
MICHAEL VAN DOLAH
Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs University of Massachusetts, BA, BS University of New Hampshire, MST Smith College Graduate School of Education
Butler University, BA Pennsylvania State, MS
Mike has worked at Kimball Union since 1981. Until 2009, he taught mathematics and taught every course in the mathematics curriculum from Algebra 1 to BC Calculus. He has coached baseball for most of his KUA career as a varsity as well as junior varsity coach. For many years he was the head of the recreational skiing program, and most recently served as the technical director of the Kimball Union Academy drama program. In 2009 Mike moved from the classroom to the Alumni and Development Office, where he enjoys working with many alumni who are former students of his, as well as others whom he has met over the years at the many reunions and KUA functions. Mike enjoys creating programs and events that bring the KUA alumni community together, and whenever possible, back to The Hilltop.
Mike first came to KUA as a teaching intern with the Upper Valley Educators Institute during the winter and spring terms of 2008. We welcome him back to campus as a full- time faculty member in the science department. Mike holds a BS from Butler University in Biological Science and an MS in Leisure Studies from Pennsylvania State University. His coursework has also emphasized therapeutic adventure counseling and recreation. He has worked at both Oliverian School and Crossroads Academy where he held various positions, including Head of Summer School, Dean of Students, and Director of Programs. He is enjoying coaching and residential duties that immerse him in the community. He is working with our new intramural program in the fall and with baseball in the spring. Mike and his wife, Becky, live in Dexter-Richards Hall with their two children, Cayden and Aila.
He attended the University of Massachusetts twice, the University of Vermont, the University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, and Smith College. He has earned two undergraduate degrees, two graduate degrees, and a teaching license. He and his wife Jane have two wonderful daughters, Erin ‘98 and Anna ‘01.
david weidman hunter townsend Mathematics Varsity Nordic Skiing Coach Outing Club Babson College, BS Hunter is a veteran of independent schools. He attended South Kent School and taught and coached at Holderness School, Williams School, and Carrabassett Academy prior to joining Kimball Union in 2000. A passionate outdoorsman, Hunter heads up KUA’s Outing Club and has introduced hundreds of KUA students to the natural beauty of our campus and the surrounding area. An avid sailor, Hunter and his wife, Linda Darlington, spend their free time at their home in Mystic, CT. Hunter has four children, including his daughter Liv, who is a member of the class of 2010.
Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs Public Speaking Wheaton College and Portland State University, BA University of Pittsburgh, MFA Born and raised in India, David attended boarding school in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains from age five. He has completed nine years of post-high school education, holding several undergraduate degrees and an MFA. David was chair of the Arts Department and director of the theater program at the Academy for 16 years, during which time he accrued more than 100 directorial and acting credits. He has been a house parent in seven out of ten KUA residences, and now lives close to campus in a timber frame home that he and his spouse built. He is delighted to be working in the academic offices and is enjoying the professional growth and development it provides.
BROOKLYN WHEELER Assistant Dean of Students Girls’ Varsity Hockey Coach Colgate University, BA New York University, MA Originally from Brussels, Ontario,Canada, Brooklyn graduated from Colgate University in 2007 with a degree in Theatre and a minor in Writing and Rhetoric. At Colgate, Brooklyn was a goalie on the NCAA Division 1 women’s ice hockey team for four years, and served as a captain in her senior year. Following her graduation from Colgate University, Brooklyn attended New York University and completed her master’s degree in Educational Theater for Colleges and Communities. Having graduated from the Culver Academies, and then working there as the Advisor to Residential Life and Leadership prior to KUA, Brooklyn is no stranger to the independent school experience. She believes strongly in students taking responsibility and ownership of their school.
joe williams Assistant Head of School Bowdoin College, AB University of Vermont, MEd Joe came to Kimball Union after a six-year career in marketing with Reebok International. Prior to Reebok, Joe worked at Worcester Academy for three years doing admissions work, coaching, and living in the dorm. No stranger to independent schools, Joe grew up on a boarding school campus while his father served as headmaster. A graduate of Bowdoin College, he received his AB in sociology and was captain of the basketball team. Since arriving at Kimball Union in 1997, Joe has served as Director of Admissions, head of house, and coach for basketball, lacrosse, and tennis. addition to his administrative duties, Joe also teaches English. He lives in Bishop Cottage with his wife, Eileen, their four children, and two black Labs.
Brooklyn first became acquainted with Kimball Union Academy when her sister Brianne ’10, enrolled as a junior. In addition to fulfilling her duties as the Assistant Dean of Students, Brooklyn coaches girls’ ice hockey and softball, and serve as a House Parent in Dexter-Richards Hall.
dalton winslow eileen williams Student Activities Coordinator Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach Bowdoin College, BA University of Hartford, MEd Eileen came to Kimball Union Academy in 1997. She earned her BA in 1990 from Bowdoin College, where she was the vice president of her class and a three-sport athlete, serving as a captain for both the basketball and softball teams. She went on to earn her master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Hartford in 1993. Prior to arriving at KUA, Eileen taught third grade and coached various sports at Southfield School in Brookline, MA. Eileen serves as KUA’s Student Activities Coordinator, head coach of varsity girls’ basketball, softball coach and an advisor. The Lady Wildcats basketball team has been crowned New England Prep School Class C Champions four times in ten years while compiling a record of 194-79 under Williams’ leadership, while the softball team has captured three Lakes Region League titles (1999, 2004, and 2005). As the Student Activities Coordinator, Eileen strives to infuse both tradition and fun into campus weekends and holidays. Wildcat Challenge, Inflatable Fun, Halloween, and Winter Carnival are some favorites amongst students and faculty alike. Eileen and her husband, Assistant Head of School Joe Williams, live in Bishop Cottage with their four children and two black Labs.
Music, English Amherst College, BA University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, MM University of Minnesota, PhD Dalton joined the KUA faculty in 2001. Affectionately known by students as “Doc,” he directs the Jazz and Rock Ensembles as well as Singers’ Night, which together yearly raise in excess of $3,000 for various good causes. Dalton graduated from Amherst College magna cum laude with a BA in music composition in 1974. After a year at the University of Colorado, Boulder, he taught at Moses Brown School for two years and at Deerfield Academy for six years. He completed his MM in composition at UNC in 1986, and a PhD in composition at the University of Minnesota in 1990. He taught at Cushing Academy for 11 years. He has been an avid cyclist since 1976, racing, touring, and now serving as assistant coach for the KUA road cycling team. In his younger years, he logged in excess of 25,000 miles in bicycle camping tours in destinations such as Montana, Newfoundland, Denmark, Greece, and most often France. Dalton and his wife, Leslie MacGregor, and their sons, Allen and Owen, live in Annie Duncan House. They spend summers at their cottage on Prince Edward Island.
Mission Statement Kimball Union Academy prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow’s world by inspiring academic mastery, creativity, responsibility, and leadership. Our core community values are: • Respect for oneself and others • Commitment and honesty and the highest ethical standards • Concern for the environment
Honor Code As a member of the Kimball Union Community, I promise to uphold the Honor Code, to expect and encourage the same of others, and to do so in all situations and all places. Our Honor Code includes being honest in all matters, behaving with integrity, and demonstrating respect for myself and others.
Statement of Inclusion Celebrating Individuality, Community, and Global Awareness Kimball Union Academy is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment in which all community members value and respect each other’s unique qualities and contributions. We are committed to nurturing a learning environment where the principles of dignity, equity, and justice are an essential part of our culture and daily life. We encourage the exploration of independence and interdependence as we affirm our promise to honor individuality, celebrate our differences, and embrace our connections with each other and the global community.
KUA At a Glance OUr School Kimball Union Academy is located in Meriden, NH. Our scenic 1300-acre campus includes an 800-acre mountain classroom and is located 13 miles from Dartmouth College and 2 hours from Boston.
STUDENTS Grades 9–PG 331 students 231 boarding students, 100 day students Our students hail from over 20 states and 19 countries International: 22% Students of color: 12%
faculty Full-time teaching faculty: 44 Percent with advanced degrees: 61% Percent living on campus: 70% Student-to-faculty ratio: 6:1 Typical class size: 12
ACADEmics Kimball Union offers over 120 courses in disciplines including English, history, mathematics, science, computer science, Mandarin Chinese, French, Spanish, Latin, and visual and performing arts (studio art, dance, music, and theater), as well as 19 advanced placement (AP) courses. Kimball Union has a signature Writing Across the Curriculum Program, Junior Writing Portfolios, and a Senior Capstone Project. We have a unique environmental program that includes a cross-curriculum approach, a greenhouse, and the 800-acre Snow Mountain wilderness area. Academic support (study skills/structured study hall) and tutoring are also offered.
tuition and Financial Aid Boarding: $43,800 Day: $28,500 $2.8 million total financial aid budget 42% of the families receive aid The average grant is $21,000
Admission KUA welcomes boarding and day applications for admission to grades 9, 10, 11, 12, and the postgraduate year. Admission is selective and is based on a complete review of a student’s academic and personal qualifications. A typical KUA student is someone who is academically motivated and enthusiastic about taking part in all aspects of the school community.
P.O. Box 188 Meriden, NH 03770-0188 Tel 603.469.2100 Fax 603.469.2041 admissions@kua.org
www.kua.org