2012 Moses Brown Lower School Faculty by Moses Brown School

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UP CLOs e

LOWER SCHOOL faculty & staff up close 1

j e f f D ’ e n t re m o n t he a d

lower

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I NT E R I M

JEFF d’ENTREMONT is a long-time member of the Moses Brown lower school. He began at MB as a lower school teacher in 1997 (teaching in preprimary, fifth and first grade over the years); he also has coached baseball, soccer and basketball at MB. Jeff earned degrees from Bowdoin, Lesley, and Bryant. Prior to his appointment as interim head of the lower school, Jeff has been Moses Brown’s dean of lower school admissions for the past four years.

si m o n e a hl b or n lower

school

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“I come from, and married into, a family of language

teachers and travelers. Whether I’m sharing in the enthusiasm of a first grader learning his Spanish name, teaching second graders a (revisionist) history of Columbus Day, or listening to a fifth grader passionately expound on the mission of César Chavez and its relationship to our Quaker testimonies, my students are exuberant and delight in their Spanish learning!” Students at MB begin taking Spanish in first grade. SIMONE AHLBORN has 25 years of teaching experience. She received her B.A. from Brown and master’s from California State, with study at Georgetown and the Universidad de Barcelona, along the way. Simone co-clerks the lower school diversity committee and works at early arrival in the winter, reading stories and playing cards with MB’s lower schoolers. She lives in a historic, pre-Revolutionary farmhouse in Providence’s Elmhurst neighborhood. Simone also coordinates an after-school yoga program for faculty and staff.

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k elly a rrighi

lower school physical education KELLY ARRIGHI has been a member of the MB faculty since 1998 and is a lower school parent as well. Outside of MB, Kelly plays volleyball and frequents the gym to stay active.

“I have been teaching physical education in the lower school at Moses Brown for 12 years. Being able to work with children of all different ages and grade levels keeps me motivated as a teacher. The program is focused on an individual’s ‘physical best’ rather than on winning. Much of the program is devoted to sportsmanship and social learning as well as physical skills. Not only am I a faculty member at Moses Brown School, but I am also a parent. I love being part of the Moses Brown community and having the opportunity to enjoy it in this facet as well.”

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sarah barnum lower

school

a r t

S A R A H BA R NUM i s MB â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S l o w e r s c h o o l a r t t e a c h e r. A f t e r w o r k i n g f o r m a n y y e a r s a s t h e a r t t e a c h e r a t L a k e w o o d P r e p i n N e w J e r s e y, S a r a h w o r k e d a s a p r i v a t e a r t t e a c h e r i n N e w Yo r k C i t y a n d t h e n i n P r o v i d e n c e . S h e h a s t a u g h t s e v e r a l MB a f t e r- 3 a r t c l a s s e s . S a r a h h a s a BA f r o m Ya l e a n d i s c o m p l e t i n g h e r M . E d . i n e l e m e n t a r y e d u c a t i o n a t L e s l e y U n i v e r s i t y. S h e i s w e l l ve r s e d i n F r i e n d s e d u c a t i o n , h av i n g a t t e n d e d S i d we l l F r i e n d s S c h o o l h e r s e l f . S h e h a s b e e n a m e m b e r o f t h e l o w e r s c h o o l d i v e r s i t y c o m m i t t e e a s a n MB p a r e n t f o r t h e p a s t f e w y e a r s . W h i l e g e t t i n g t o k n o w s t u d e n t s i n d i v i d u a l l y, S a r a h c h a l l e n g e s s t u d e n t s t o s e e t h e m s e l v e s a s a r t i s t s a n d t o d e v e l o p i m p r e s s i v e s k i l l s i n t h e a r t s t u d i o . S h e h a s t w o s o n s a t MB , O s c a r a n d S i m o n , in the lower and middle schools.

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re b ecc a b iggs i n t eri m de a n o f lower school a d m issio n s

“MB has an amazing group of teachers, administrators, staff, students and parents. Being able to share my enthusiasm for children, teaching, and learning with such a wonderful community of people has been a positive experience that makes me excited to come to work each day. This is a very supportive, nurturing community. I came to Moses Brown because I knew it would be a good match for me as a person and an educator — the Quaker SPICES combined with the value placed here on constructivist education, Responsive Classroom, and students’ emerging interests. This year I hope to share with prospective families all that MB has to offer. ”

B E C KY B I G G S i s MB ’s i n t e r i m d e a n o f l o w e r s c h o o l a d m i s s i o n s a n d p r e v i o u s l y w a s l o w e r school math specialist and third-grade teacher ; she has more than ten years of teaching e x p e r i e n c e . B e c k y h a s h e r B . A . f r o m C o l b y a n d a m a s t e r ’s i n e d u c a t i o n f r o m L e s l e y C o l l e g e . Becky also has coached swimming at the high school and college levels. She is chair of the LS math committee.

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c a rol e n t i n lower school scie n ce

“Moses Brown has made it possible for me to pursue the delightful work of introducing young children to the ever-fascinating world of science. It is my job to catch frogs, build Lego cars, light up lightbulbs, and find the best bubble-making recipes with children who readily express their joy and amazement. Every year, it is still exciting to me when our tadpoles transform into toadlets or when we find an unusual fingerprint, because it is a new experience for the children. Moses Brown’s commitment to hands-on science activities has led to the creation of a fabulous lab space where fun and meaningful science can happen every day, every year.” C A RO L E NT I N h a s t a u g h t a t MB f o r m o r e t h a n 2 5 y e a r s a n d m a i n t a i n s c l o s e r e l a t i o n s h i p s w i t h 7 many former students.

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R E ANNA L a n e y lower school li b r a ri a n R E ANNA L AN E Y h a s h e r M . S . L . I . S . f r o m P r a t t I n s t i t u t e i n N e w Yo r k . B e f o r e c o m i n g t o MB , ReAnna worked as a librar y assistant at the lower school libraries of the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn. She also worked as a librar y intern at the Collegiate School and at LaGuardia High School for the Ar ts and Performing Ar ts (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fameâ&#x20AC;? school), both located in N e w Yo r k C i t y. R e A n n a h a s h e r B . A . i n E n g l i s h f r o m L e e U n i v e r s i t y i n C l e v e l a n d , Te n n e s s e e . S h e h a s s t u d i e d i n C a m b r i d g e , E n g l a n d a n d l i v e d i n P a r i s , F r a n c e , p r i o r t o m o v i n g t o NY C . R e A n n a b r i n g s t o MB a l o v e o f t r a v e l , r e a d i n g , a n d l e a r n i n g . 8

m a ry p oll a r t lower

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;In June of 1979, I walked across the MB campus to interview for the lower school music position. I had driven 50 minutes to get to MB and had already decided that if I was offered the position, I would only be staying until I could find another music position closer to my home in Kingston. Obviously, I did get the position, but within a couple of months, I already knew that I would not be leaving MB. I had taught in several other school systems, but had never before felt such a sense of dedication and community among the faculty, students and parents. It has been very gratifying to teach in such a strong and wonderful academic setting, which values the arts as an important part of the curriculum. MB truly is a very special school!â&#x20AC;? MA RY P O L L A RT u s e d s a b b a t i c a l f u n d s t o v i s i t t h e C a r i b b e a n a n d l e a r n a b o u t i t s m u s i c . M a r y brought back several fun instruments that her students enjoy using in class. She also is inspired 9 b y N e w Yo r k C i t y a n d i t s m u s i c a l s a n d c o n c e r t h a l l s .

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I began teaching directly out of college and have pursued this path, with a few minor diversions, for almost four decades. Much to my great fortune, I have been able to combine this interest with my enthusiasm for building in the supportive, energizing context of Moses Brown School for most of these years. Working with the students at every grade level from kindergarten into their middle school years has been enormously gratifying, as I have gotten to watch them grow and develop firsthand. My daily experience in the woodshop confirms an early observation that children are, indeed, natural builders and makers. I see it as my goal to instill the confidence and impart the skills needed to sustain this instinct through, into their adult lives. To inspire the creativity and resourcefulness of children remains, for me, a most worthy and fulfilling endeavor.â&#x20AC;? 10

r a n d y s t ree t woodshop (lower/middle school)

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k a re n v a n t ie n ho v e n l a n g u a ge

a r t s

coordi n a t or

“I was an MB parent for seven years before I joined the faculty, so I already knew I appreciated the school and its Quaker philosophy. After teaching in the lower school second grade for nine years, I became the language arts coordinator. I love this job because I get to work with all the children — from nursery through fifth grade. What could be better?”

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“I started teaching at MB right after graduating college, and I had no idea what to expect. What I found was a caring and thoughtful faculty who embraced me as if I had been here for years. Never have I experienced such an amazing feeling of belonging and such a sense of community. Now, years later, I know I’ve found a completely unique and exciting place to continue my growth as a teacher. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

eri k a m ce n ery lower school t ech n olog y

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Kelly, Jules, Catie, Kyle and Reeni form MBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s afterschool team. Left-right: KELLY MANION, director of Extended Day, has her BA in elementar y education from URI. She has extensive experience working with a range of children, from newborns to fifth grade. She enjoys sports, arts and crafts, and the opportunity to weave her own interests into the MB afterschool experience. JULES BURROWES brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to MB; her father was the head of a Friends school and she attends Providence Meeting. Jules holds degrees in histor y and technology, is an ordained minister, and a certified ESL teacher. C ATIE SECOR graduated from Salve Regina University with a B.S., majoring in early childhood education. Catie previously taught kindergarten in Massachusetts; she is currently working on her M.Ed. from Lesley University. KYLE SMINKEY is the newest member of the lower school Extended Day team. Kyle graduated last year from UVM, where he played lacrosse, with a BS in physical education. Kyle has worked with children from 2-years-old through high school age as a counselor, fitness instructor and coach. REENI FERREIRA is a longtime MB staff member and also directs the Summer Extended Day program during Moses Brown summer camps. Reeni Ferreira is a longtime MB staff member currently functioning as part of the Extended Day staff during the academic year, and as director of extended day 13 during MBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer camps. Reeni has been at MB since 1986, when she started as a cashier in the dining room.

m a ri a m ilo t cl a ssroo m

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n u rser y

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been a member of the Moses Brown community since 2000, when I came here as a parent. As a classroom parent representative, I was impressed by the collaboration between parents, teachers and the administration to further the mission of the school. I was privileged to be charged with the emotional, social, and academic care of our youngest learners when I joined the faculty in 2007. As an educator, I am drawn to the early years where I believe the foundation for a love of learning is established. I am inspired by the innate curiosity of the children and look forward to learning alongside them each day. Helping the children develop a strong sense of self, social confidence, and the awareness that they are an interactive part of a bigger world gives me great joy. My experiences here have helped to shape my educational philosophy, which embraces the Friends values of respect, integrity, equality, community and stewardship. I am fortunate to have opportunities to build relationships in this supportive community, and I am confident that the values I teach and practice will stretch into the world beyond Moses Brown.â&#x20AC;?

k e n d a ll g u t weiler cl a ssroo m

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n u rser y

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was born and raised in Kansas, in an area where community is valued

and neighbors are considered family. When I left the Midwest for the East Coast, I often yearned for a place that felt like home. From the moment that I walked onto the Moses Brown campus, the sense of community was nearly tangible. I know that my presence here is valued, and I strive to instill in my students that their presence at school each day is important and appreciated. The relationships that I have formed here at MB go beyond the classroom walls. From attending holiday celebrations with my students and their families to simple chats with fellow faculty members, a sense of community pervades. At MB, I have found my home away from home.â&#x20AC;?

a lliso n ( wei t b erg ) j o n es ’ 9 6 cl a ssroo m

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p re p ri m a r y

“I am excited to return to Moses Brown. As an MB graduate, it gives me great joy to be able to give back to the community professionally. During my life, I have brought elements of the extraordinary learning I experienced at MB into my work. I spent most of my focus in my early years of college training as a musician. Music is a deep passion of mine, but after many summers working at RISE camp, I knew I needed to work with children. I shifted my focus to education and started my career at independent schools. It is a very special experience to join children at the beginning of their educational journey: a time of selfdiscovery as children learn who they are. It gives me great joy to meet young learners where they are and open the door to discovery and rediscovery as the world becomes their classroom! I support learning that embraces the whole child. Learning that is hands-on, joyful and relevant to their lives can actively support social, emotional and academic growth. I enjoy the relationship building that comes with creating a strong classroom community. This includes embracing relationships with parents, colleagues and other classrooms. As a mother of two young children, I work extra hard to have school be a place where students feel safe and secure. Wonderful learning and growth can happen when students and teachers are working together.”

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lower school pre pri ma ry

“At Moses Brown, I appreciate and witness the value placed on the uniqueness of each person and on the importance of community. At this age, the children are poised and ready to begin their stance as independent beings, while they learn to be part of a larger community. What energizes me is witnessing the moments of wonder and discovery when a child ‘gets it’. It might be constructing a sturdy block building or reading a friend’s name for the first time. I have described my role as an early navigator on the sea of knowledge … and I tie shoes. It is a rewarding ride!”

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k i n derg a r t e n

Martha Handley is a dynamic member of MB’s early childhood teaching team who has pursued professional development in literacy instruction. Martha has taught in MB’s lower school for 21 years. This past summer, Martha went to the town of Reggio Emilia in Italy to study the Reggio Emilia Approach from the source — one of the most respected early childhood philosophies in the world.

Students at MB begin taking Spanish in first grade. SIMONE AHLBORN has 25 years of teaching experience, M a r t She h a areceived n d h e r her h u s B.A. b a n dfrom Ke vBrown i n a r e and t h eher master’s from Georgetown University and California parents of three sons — Pearse ’10 and State University of Sacramento. Simone is the lower C o n o r ’ 1 1 h ave g r a d u a t e d f ro m M o s e s school’s diversity coordinator and also spends time Brown, while Max ’16 is a student in restoring her historic Providence bungalow and t h e u pan p eafter-school r s c h o o l . yoga program for faculty coordinating and staff.

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m eli n d a v a n l a re k i n derg a r t e n

Melinda van Lare graduated from NYU with an undergraduate degree in public relations, then from Rhode Island College with an undergraduate degree in early childhood education, and again from RIC with a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in education. Melinda says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I became a teacher because I love to learn and to share what I learn with others. In the kindergarten, I am a part of a constantly changing classroom, with new children, new interests, and new challenges to face every school year. Not only is it stimulating for the brain, but it is also fun! I really enjoy working with five- and six-year-olds as their minds open up to the possibility of all they can learn. Teaching also offers me the opportunity to be a part of a larger community. At MB, I have the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself. A few years ago, I gained a new perspective on that community ... I had taught students that were in every division of Moses Brown, from kindergarten through 12th grade. This knowledge has given me a real sense of being an integral part of a much bigger picture. I love watching my former students progress through the grades and knowing I was an important part of helping to make their early school experience a positive one.â&#x20AC;? 19

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KELLY ARRIGHI has been a member of the MB faculty since 1998 and has two daughters in the lower school. Outside of MB, Kelly plays ‘sport’ to stay active.

“Since I was 15 years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Teaching at Moses Brown allows me to educate my students in a multifaceted way, thinking carefully about each child’s physical, psychological, ethical, academic and social development. I love teaching first grade because there is nothing like watching a child decode the tools of reading. Learning to read is the groundwork of all future academic work and I consider it a joy and a privilege to open this door for students.”

S H ANN O N S M I T H lower school F I R S T G R A D E

7 4 % o f M o s e s B r o w n f a c u l t y, i n c l u d i n g S H ANN O N S M I T H , h o l d a d v a n c e d d e g r e e s . T h e n a t i o n a l ave r a g e fo r i n d e p e n d e n t - s c h o o l f a c u l t y w h o h o l d a d v a n c e d d e g re e s i s 5 8 % . I n MB ’s l o w e r s c h o o l , m o r e t h a n h a l f o f t h e f a c u l t y h a v e t h e i r m a s t e r ’s o r h i g h e r.

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“One thing that drew me to Moses Brown was the school’s dedication to Responsive Classroom, Writing and Reading Workshop as well as small-group guided reading. Something I love about the school is the children and families who I get to interact with everyday. Moses Brown supports life-long learning, and encourages teachers to better themselves and their teaching through professional development. I also loving working at a N-12 school; seeing all the ages walking around campus makes me smile.”

k at y h aw k i n s f

irs

KATY H AW K I N S h a s h e r m a s t e r ’s i n e a r l y c h i l d h o o d e d u c a t i o n f r o m B a n k S t r e e t C o l l e g e i n N e w Yo r k . S h e h a s t a u g h t f i f t h g r a d e a s w e l l a s m u l t i - a g e c l a s s e s , a n d a l s o s e r v e d a s a n e a r l y c h i l d h o o d t e a c h e r a t Tu x e d o P a r k S c h o o l i n N e w Yo r k . K a t y h a s r e c e i v e d f o r m a l training in Responsive Classroom, the Columbia Writing Project, and Or ton-Gillingham strategies for reading acquisition.

A c o l l e g e v a r s i t y s o c c e r p l aye r a n d c ap t a i n , K a t y i s

a s s i s t a n t c o a c h f o r MB ’s v a r s i t y g i r l s ’ s o c c e r t e a m .

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my years following graduate school, I taught in a variety of lowincome schools, from the heart of southern California to the arid heat of central Arizona and, finally, the capital city of Rhode Island. I moved to the southern end of the Ocean State to teach at a public charter school. I came to Moses Brown eager to honor my spiritual life and the spiritual lives of others in an educational environment. I grew up going to an Episcopal church with my parents who were raised as Southern Baptists. I was the only child in my family not to attend a Quaker college. Now, I am the only one of five who has come to live my life as a Quaker. I am fulfilled not only by teaching children academics, but by teaching them what it means to honor the Light in everyone.â&#x20AC;?

eri n h a z le t t seco n d

gr a de

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teaching elementary school for the past 21 years has been enormously gratifying. Every day spent in the classroom is new, exciting and filled with laughter and learning! I have a wonderful job that allows me to bring out the best in all students and create lifelong learners. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the vibrant Moses Brown community where each child is encouraged to reach their fullest potential.â&#x20AC;?

d a v id s a n ta r p i a seco n d

gr a de

DAV I D S ANTA R P I A i s a n e w l o w e r s c h o o l f a c u l t y m e m b e r. A n a c c o m p l i s h e d t e a c h e r w i t h 2 0 y e a r s o f t e a c h i n g e x p e r i e n c e i n F a l l R i v e r, h e h a s w o r k e d a s a R e a d i n g R e c o v e r y s p e c i a l i s t a n d w a s 23 r e c o g n i z e d a s t h e 2 0 1 0 S o u t h e a s t e r n M a s s a c h u s e t t s Te a c h e r o f t h e Ye a r a n d 2 0 0 8 E l e m e n t a r y Te a c h e r o f t h e Ye a r.

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“As I sought a place to call my professional home, I was looking for an environment that encouraged kids and grown-ups alike to explore their wonderings, share ideas freely, and take pride in their independent and cooperative efforts. I knew I had found such a place during my first visit to Moses Brown. I was struck by 4-year-olds playing purposefully with blocks and sand, a rich variety of vibrant student work gracing the walls, and faculty who greeted me with warm smiles, friendly handshakes and inviting questions. I take great joy in being part of a school community where people care so deeply about one another’s learning and growth.” 24

laura hunt t hird

gr a de

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b e t h r u n ci t hird

gr a de

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and have worked with children most of my life. My career began with babysitting, followed by teaching for 12 years in both public and private schools, then by having my own family and becoming a stay-at-home mom. I first came to MB in 2009 to see what my husband, Christopher ’88, had been speaking so highly of all these years. It became apparent almost instantaneously that MB is indeed a special place. I was astounded at how quickly I felt welcomed as a part of the Moses Brown community. I feel privileged to work at such an amazing school, with incredible colleagues, and fantastic students. I look forward to growing the bond that I feel existed from the very beginning.” B E T H R UN C I j o i n e d t h e MB c o m m u n i t y a s a m a t e r n i t y - l e a v e r e p l a c e m e n t a n d w a s l a t e r h i r e d f u l l - t i m e . B e t h h a s t a u g h t a t t h e G r e e n w i c h C o u n t r y D a y S c h o o l , i n t h e We s t p o r t p u b l i c s c h o o l district in Connecticut, and locally in East Providence . She attended Wheelock College and h a s d u a l m a j o r s i n p r i m a r y a n d e l e m e n t a r y e d u c a t i o n . B e t h a n d C h r i s ’ t w o s o n s , H a r r i s o n a n d 25 A l e x a n d e r, j o i n e d MB a s w e l l . B e t h a l s o e n j o y s r e a d i n g , r u n n i n g , y o g a , c o o k i n g , a n d s a i l i n g .

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“I am a teacher because I love the moment between children and a teacher when a lightbulb goes off in the children’s heads and they discover something new about themselves or the world. I love creating experiences in the classroom that allow students to stretch themselves as learners and as citizens of the world. I am the mother of three current Moses Brown students, and it was their experiences as well as the school’s dedication to the Quaker philosophy that drew me as a faculty member. As a teacher here, I am part of a team: my colleagues encourage me to share my ideas, to pursue my passions, and to grow as an educator and as a person.”

eli z a b e t h gr u m b a ch f o u r t h

gr a de

E L I ZAB E T H G R UMBA C H i s c o - c l e r k o f t h e A l l - S c h o o l D i v e r s i t y C o m m i t t e e , p a r e n t o f t h r e e M o s e s B r o w n s t u d e n t s ( Z a c h a r y, G e o f f r e y, a n d A m e l i a , a l l s t a r t i n g h e r e i n t h e l o w e r s c h o o l ) , a n d a p u b l i s h e d a u t h o r. S h e p r e v i o u s l y c o - t a u g h t i n MB ’s s e c o n d g r a d e c l a s s r o o m . E l i z a b e t h h a s her M.Ed. from Columbia University and taught for seven years at the Brearley School in New Yo r k C i t y.

s a s k i a n ilse n Fo u r t h

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“It is important that students bring a certain ragamuffin, barefoot irreverence to their studies; they are not here to worship what is known, but to question it.” — Jacob Bronowski (The Ascent of Man)

“I came to Moses Brown from the international school community with 15 years teaching experience, and returning to Rhode Island, my home state, to raise my own children, Marcel and Sabine, with my husband, Michael. My background in inquiry-based, constructivist pedagogy and curriculum writing inform my classroom experience in fourth grade where students are expected to think for themselves and question the information presented in order to make sense of it. I enjoy working with 9-year-olds to develop their abstract thinking abilities and demonstrate their ideas in writing. The best part of teaching is that you are never doing the same thing every day. Each day brings a new topic to cover and new possibilities. I also enjoy teaching study skills, bookmaking and illustration, and intellectual heritage. As part of the fourth grade team, I work to incorporate the global perspective and 27 Quaker approach into all aspects of the student learning process.”

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;After 10 years of teaching in a variety of schools, serendipity brought me to Moses Brown and I am grateful every day. Moses Brown mirrors my ideal that good education combines high quality academics with a distinctly child-centered focus. I enjoy challenging myself and my students to be individuals, to push, learn, grow and laugh every day.â&#x20AC;?

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have had the good fortune to teach all ages of students at schools across the country. My wife Michele and I are both passionate about teaching and traveling. After stops at independent schools in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Providence and Maui, we chose to settle down and raise our family in Rhode Island. Having taught courses in math, science, English, technology, and physical education to kindergarteners through high school students, I feel most rewarded when I am teaching and learning with pre-teen and middle grade students. The energy and exuberance fifth graders bring to school with them each day amazes me. I am excited to embrace the thoughtful model of Quaker education at Moses Brown.â&#x20AC;? L AN C E E VAN S i s a m e m b e r o f t h e l o w e r s c h o o l d i v e r s i t y c o m m i t t e e a n d a l s o s e r v e d o n t h e MB TEDx logistics committee , along with lower s c h o o l c o l l e a g u e A n a We i n e r.

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f i f t h

ANA WEINER has taught at MB since 2001. A native of the Dominican Republic, Ana earned her teaching degree at the University of South Florida and is the mother of an MB alumna, Dana Weiner ’07.

“Teaching is my passion! My energy and enthusiasm are renewed each and every day I come to school, and I hope to transfer this to my students. My love for teaching was evident when I was a child. I used to set up a classroom in my backyard and teach my brother and older sisters. I was elated then and still continue to love my job today. I look forward to coming to work each and every day. The most rewarding part of my job is undoubtedly my relationships with my students. I have been teaching my Jellyfish group for ten years. I believe that Moses Brown is a place where teachers can develop both personally and professionally and where students can reach their full potential as global citizens, to become future leaders of the world.”

k at hie o ’ le a r y assistant to the head of lower school T H E MB LOWE R SCH O O L 2 0 1 2 -2 0 1 3

KATHIE O’LEARY came to MB in 2000 after managing a business school in Portsmouth, N.H. Kathie says that what impressed both she and her husband was how genuinely welcoming the community was to them during their first MB community picnic.

“I get to work with dedicated faculty, caring parents, and the cutest kids

ever! When the nursery students arrive, they are just toddlers and by June they have finished a whole year and are headed confidently to pre-primary. My favorite part of the day is when the little ones come up to my office, hand-in-hand, to deliver their attendance slips. They enthusiastically share their plans for the school day.”

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lower school o f f ice a ssis ta n t

MELANIE LINDELL is the mother of Josh ’00 and Yun ’03 Lindell. The Lindells also served as a host family to Toyo students from Japan in the 2000-01 school year and Melanie was an active member of the MB Parents’ Association. She enjoys reading historical fiction, from James Michener to Sena Jeter Naslund’s Ahab’s Wife as well as works that focus on cultural differences, including authors Yasmina Khadra and Khaled Hosseini.

“Soon after I came to Moses Brown as a parent, I volunteered to help in the Walter Jones Library. Being a voracious reader, it was the perfect job for me. Fifteen years later, my children have graduated and I still find myself here. A rather long commute just doesn’t seem to matter when I enjoy being a part of this community, surrounded by interesting and friendly faculty, staff and students. Not only have my children benefited from a fabulous Moses Brown education, but I continue to have the privilege of being involved in the education of its students. I feel so fortunate to have a job that I enjoy — working with wonderful people, enjoying a flexible schedule, and surrounded by thousands and thousands of books.”

de n ise wi n s t o n lower school admissions secretary T H E MB LOWE R SCH O O L 2 0 1 2 -2 0 1 3

DENISE WINSTON is shown at a recent MB PawSox game with one of her granddaughters, husband Ted ’74 (former head of the MB Alumni Association), and daughter Shannon ’96. Denise also is the proud mother of Daniel ’05.

“My first visit to Moses Brown was in 1988 when we visited with our oldest child. She enrolled and we were immediately enveloped into the Moses Brown family. In a rare moment of perfect timing in the fall of 1999, I accepted a temporary one-year position in the admissions office and never looked back. I work with talented and dedicated people who care about Moses Brown School and our mission to educate, inspire and prepare students for the future. My job gives me an opportunity to meet diverse and interesting families who in turn enrich our community with their talent, time, and experiences. Our students inspire me; they make me smile. It is a privilege to be a part of this community with its roots firmly planted in the practices and values of a Friends education.”

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D I AN E MU R P H Y LOWER SCHOOL NURSE DIANE MURPHY is Moses Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new part-time (mostly) lower school nurse. Diane comes to us from Meeting Street School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Rhode Island. She has extensive experience in pediatrics and was our own Infant Toddler Center nurse until the center closed in 2006. Moses Brown is delighted to have her working with us again.

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S u s a n Pirr u ccello - Mc C lell a n interim Lower School math coordinator

SUSAN PIRRUCCELLO-MCCLELLAN is a familiar face at Moses Brown, as a longtime parent and former staff member. Susan returns to MB this year as the interim lower school math coordinator. Susan has been a math teacher and department coordinator at Providence Country Day for the last seven years. Prior to that, Susan taught middle school math at MB in addition to holding a variety of positions on campus ranging from the Infant-Toddler Center to Moses Brown Plus program coordinator. Susanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance is invaluable as Moses Brown enters year two of a new lower school math curriculum. 35

MB by Degree

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Moses Brown Faculty 74% of Moses Brown faculty hold advanced degrees and professional development is ongoing.

Simone Ahlborn: Brown University, A.B.; California State University, M.A. Kelly Arrighi: Plymouth State College, B.S. Sarah Barnum: Yale University, B.A. Rebecca Biggs: Colby College, B.A.; Lesley College, M.Ed. Julia Burrowes: Belknap College, B.A. Jeff d’Entremont: Bowdoin College, A.B.; Lesley College, M.Ed.; Bryant University, M.B.A. Carol Entin: University of Massachusetts, B.S.; Massachusetts teacher certification Lance Evans: University of New Hampshire, B.S.; Emerson College, M.A. Carolyn Garth: Tufts University, B.A.; University of Massachusetts, M.Ed. Elizabeth Grumbach: Bowdoin College, B.A.; Columbia Unversity’s Teacher’s College, M.Ed. Kendall Gutweiler: Connecticut College, B.A.; Lesley University, M.Ed.; Universite Paris III, Sorbonne Nouvelle Martha Handley: Southern Methodist University, B.F.A. Katherine Hawkins: Muhlenberg College, B.A.; Bank Street College of Education, M.S. Erin Hazlett: Connecticut College, B.A.; Claremont Graduate University, M.A. Laura Hunt: Boston University, B.S.; University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, M.A.T. Allison Jones: James Madison University, B.S. ReAnna Laney: Lee University, B.A.; Pratt Institute, M.I.L.S. G. Melanie Lindell: Bates College, B.S.; Bridgewater State College, M.Ed. Kelly Manion: University of Rhode Island, B.A. Erika McEnery: University of Vermont, B.S.; Lesley University, M.Ed. Maria Milot: University of Massachusetts, B.A.; Bridgewater State College, M.Ed. Diane Murphy: University of Rhode Island, B.S. Saskia Nilsen: The Colorado College, B.A.; University of Pennsylvania, M.S.E.

Susan Pirruccello-McClellan: Skidmore College, B.S.; Shorter College, Teacher Certification Mary Pollart: University of Colorado, B.Mus.Ed.

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Kathleen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary: Merrimack College, B.A.

Beth Runci: Wheelock College, B.S. Kathleen Ryan: Regis College, B.A. David Santarpia: Providence College, B.A.; University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Elementary Teacher Certification Catherine Secor: Salve Regina University, B.S. Kyle Sminkey: University of Vermont, B.S. Shannon Smith: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, two B.S. degrees; Lesley University, M.Ed. J. Randolph Street: Brown University, B.A. Melinda Van Lare: New York University, B.A.; Rhode Island College; B.A., M.Ed. Karen van Tienhoven: Wells College, B.A.; Pennsylvania State University, M.Ed. Ana Weiner: University of South Florida, B.S. Denise Winston: Dean College, A.S.; Katharine Gibbs, Certified Paralegal

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For the Honor of Truth

o u r co m m u n i t y up close

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MB MISSION STATEMENT Moses Brown, a Friends school, exists to inspire the inner promise of each student and instill the utmost care for learning, people, and place.