Every day, our talented faculty and staff arrive ready to engage with students who inspire them. Students are at the center of everything we do.
Andrea Bacon
Nurse
Andrea Bacon
Kathryn Bacon
Receptionist
Kathryn Bacon
Kathy joined Walker’s in October 2017 after retiring from the University of Connecticut Medical and Dental School in Farmington where she worked as an executive legal assistant for 25 years in the chancellor’s office and the office of the attorney general. Throughout her career at UConn, Kathy participated in many facets of healthcare law from joint ventures to cases heard before the CT Supreme Court.
Read Full ProfileJe Banach
Advancement Research Manager
Je Banach
Je Banach joined The Ethel Walker School in 2013 with experience in the fields of education and development, law, and arts and culture. She received her BA from Manhattanville College, majoring in English (with a concentration in writing), philosophy, and religion. In addition to her work as Campaign & Prospect Research Manager, she is also a practicing writer. A recipient of the New Boston Fund Fellowship in Fiction, Je has written for many academic and popular venues, including The Paris Review, Granta, Bookforum, Oxford University Press, Publishers Weekly, and PEN. She is the author of teaching and reading guides to works of fiction and non-fiction for Penguin Random House, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Simon & Schuster. Most recently, she wrote guides to Ian McEwan’s Sweet Tooth, Salman Rushdie’s Luka and the Fire of Life, and the Dalai Lama’s Beyond Religion. She was also a longtime contributor to Harold Bloom’s literary series. In 2013, Je was awarded the state’s Artist Fellowship for Prose by the CT Office of the Arts. She is currently a member of the Residential Faculty in Fiction at the Yale Writers’ Conference.
Read Full ProfileBen Barker
Chair, Visual and Performing Arts Department and Visual Arts Faculty
Ben Barker
Ben Barker earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia in England and is a graduate of the Connecticut Film Industry Training Program from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Ben spent over 20 years in the environmental industry conducting laboratory analysis, mobile laboratory site investigations and indoor air quality studies. He is a State of CT Department of Health Services certified Environmental Laboratory Director. After leaving the scientific arena, Ben pursued his life-long love of photography and film by working in locations management for film and television productions in New York City and Connecticut. He is also a seasoned and qualified soccer coach, having coached the game for 15 years. Over that period he has coached all youth ages from two to 18 years old.
Read Full ProfileClarissa Basch P'15
Director of College Counseling, Co-Director of Community Partnerships
Clarissa Basch P'15
Clarissa Basch has served as Walker’s director of college counseling since February 2004, where she guides students through the process of investigating, applying to, and selecting colleges.
Before joining Walker’s, Clarissa spent seventeen years as a college admissions officer at Drexel University, Endicott College and Hampshire College. She was lured to “the other side of the desk” because of the opportunity to work directly with students on their post-Walker’s plans, and to be part of this vibrant boarding school community. With professional colleagues at colleges and universities all over the country, she loves to welcome them to Walker’s when they come to meet with her students in the fall.
Clarissa is an avid exerciser who swims and helps guard at the Walker’s pool on weekday mornings. She is an active volunteer for numerous organizations in the greater Hartford area and at Walker’s serves as one of the faculty advisors to the Community Partnerships Program. Clarissa put her college counseling know-how to use with her daughter (EWS ’15), and both survived the experience intact. Following graduation, her daughter enjoyed a wonderful gap year in England as an English-Speaking Union Scholar, before enrolling at Susquehanna University from which she graduated in 2020. Clarissa lives on campus with her family which also includes her husband and son, currently a junior at University of Connecticut.
Read Full ProfileDr. Melissa Bernardo
Science Faculty
Dr. Melissa Bernardo
Melissa joined Walker’s in 2017 after completing her Ph.D. in Biology from Wesleyan University. Her dissertation dealt with nutrient-mediated manipulation of host-feeding behavior by a parasitoid. Melissa has taught a range of topics at the university level and brings her knowledge and enthusiasm to Walker’s chemistry, biology and environmental science classes. She also coaches volleyball and softball.
Read Full ProfileCarole Bernocco
Accounts Receivable & Billing Bookkeeper
Carole Bernocco
Carole Bernocco joined Walker’s Business Office in 2021. She has over 40 years of accounting experience. Born and raised in New York, Carole enjoys walking, movies, and going to the gym.
Kristen Blatt
Barn Manager
Kristen Blatt
Kristen is a 2011 graduate of Centenary University where she earned a B.S. in Equine Studies with a concentration in Equine Business Management. While at Centenary, she competed on the IHSA team. During her tenure at Centenary, the team won two National championships. Upon graduating from Centenary, Kristen worked as barn manager at Coole Park Farm in Millbrook, NY, where she had been for eight years.
Read Full ProfileRandi Booth
Assistant Director of Riding/Riding Instructor
Randi Booth
Randi grew up on a large horse farm and was raised by horse professionals. She has been showing since she was a small child, and for the past 25 years she has been a manager and trainer of children and adults at all levels in the hunter, jumper, equitation and eventing disciplines. She has worked and ridden for nationally known judge and trainer, Carol Malony, for hunter rider/trainer Maryann Steiert Charles, and for Olympic 3 Day Event Gold Medalist, J. Michael Plumb.
Read Full ProfileKathryn Bratslavsky
Advancement Associate
Kathryn Bratslavsky
Kathryn Bratslavsky joined Walker’s Advancement Office in 2020. She is also known at Walker’s for her role as yogini, a role which facilitated her appreciation toward the Walker’s community. Kathryn earned a B.A. in English from UConn Storrs where she was a New England scholar, graduating cum laude. She earned a second B.A. from UConn Storrs in Psychological Sciences. Most recently, Kathryn served as executive assistant, office manager, project manager and analyst at the Leadership Research Institute in Middletown, CT.
In addition to her yoga instruction, Kathryn is also involved locally in CT Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy where she serves as program director for communications. She has traveled extensively and worked two years as a preschool teacher and program coordinator in Moscow. Kathryn speaks fluent Russian.
Read Full ProfileDan Bruetsch
Physical Plant Manager
Dan Bruetsch
Heather Bucknam
Chief of Staff/Liaison to the Board
Heather Bucknam
Heather Bucknam joined Walker’s in 2018. She previously served as director of faculty affairs and executive assistant to the dean, associate dean of faculty, associate head of school and CFO at The Loomis Chaffee School. In addition to working at the independent school, Heather’s experience includes legal representation work as a corporate associate with Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. and as a legal staff assistant with CIGNA. She is a graduate of Hopkins School, Bucknell University and University of Connecticut School of Law.
Read Full ProfileLeila Cancellieri
Registrar
Leila Cancellieri
Leila joined Walker’s in 2018 on a part-time basis from Manchester Public Library where she works in reference services and was formerly a librarian in the children’s area. Leila holds a Master in Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Connecticut.
Read Full ProfileIsabel Ceballos
Head of the Middle School
Isabel Ceballos
Isabel Ceballos was born in Medellin, Colombia, and raised in Connecticut. She earned her B.A. and M.A. in Modern Languages with a concentration in Spanish Language, Literature & Culture from Central Connecticut State University. She is currently working on her Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Peabody College Vanderbilt University. Isabel Ceballos has been a member of Walker’s Language Department since 2013, and is the founding executive director of Horizons at The Ethel Walker School, the first all-girls Horizons program in the country.
Named one of Hartford Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2016, and a recipient of The Thelma Ellis Dickerson Community Bridge Builder Award, Isabel is an active member in the community. She serves on the Board of The Aurora Women & Girls Foundation, and is a member of the United Way Community Engagement Committee.
Read Full ProfileCarol Clark-Flanagan P'93, '97
History/English Faculty
Carol Clark-Flanagan P'93, '97
Growing up within sight and sound of the ocean on the South Shore of Massachusetts, Carol spent many hours racing sailboats where she learned to read and respond to wind shifts and current – capabilities she has relied on as equivalent experience teaching and advising students. She has taught and designed many courses in her 30+ years at Walker’s. Most of her time has been spent in the History Department, where she has taught every grade except seventh. Curriculum design and collaboration in the classroom stand out as the most rewarding parts of Carol’s job. She was part of a team of teachers from across four disciplines who envisioned and taught the innovative Environmental Studies course. She led the team that designed 9th Grade Seminar, the flagship of the seminar program that grew to encompass grades 9-12, and has recently been retooled for the Capabilities Approach curriculum. She is helping to break new ground in this endeavor with the design of the newest of these courses, Sustenance and Sustainability. After teaching 10th grade English for a decade, Carol is now taking on senior electives in that department. Increasingly, she believes in the power of student choice within as well as among courses. Carol has been a member of many task forces and is a recipient of the Natalie Galbraith Chair in the Humanities. She has served in a variety of administrative roles that include Chair of the History Department and Dean of Faculty. She was also a class advisor for twelve years.
Carol and her husband live off-campus. Two of their four children are Walker’s alumnae: Nan ’93 and Kate ’97. Carol is also active in town politics where she is a member of the SPIRIT Council formed to promote diversity and inclusion in Simsbury.
Read Full ProfileMary Beth Conley
Psychology Faculty, Academic Support Coordinator
Mary Beth Conley
Mary Beth joined The Ethel Walker School in the fall of 2007. During this time she has taught Psychology, AP Psychology, and Advanced Psychology and has also partnered with the school counselor to teach the Wellness section of the 9th Grade Seminar. Since the fall of 2011, Mary Beth has served as the academic support coordinator which has enabled her to combine her background in counseling psychology with her understanding of brain-based learning strategies.
Read Full ProfileShauna Corley
Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer
Shauna Corley
Liss Couch-Edwards '07
Graphic Designer & Digital Media Manager
Liss Couch-Edwards '07
Bethany Davis
College Counseling Administrative Assistant
Bethany Davis
Bethany joins Walker’s College Counseling team as an administrative assistant. While earning her B.S. in Aviation Business Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bethany helped manage top private golf course pro-shops, golf tournaments and women’s leagues and later transitioned back to Embry-Riddle to work in the registrar’s office as an academic evaluator. Upon her return to Connecticut, she joined the College Counseling Office at The Master’s School where she worked as the college counseling assistant/student data coordinator. Bethany’s love for horses began right here at Walker’s at the age of 5 when she attended the Summer Riding Experience, which led to getting her first horse and she has been riding ever since.
Read Full ProfileBrian Davis
Mechanic
Brian Davis
Rob Dawson P'25
Support Specialist and Systems Integrator, Robotics Coach
Rob Dawson P'25
Elisa Del Valle
Assistant Head of School for Student Life/Director of Social Justice and Inclusion
Elisa Del Valle
Elisa Del Valle, a native of Brooklyn, NY, has lived in Connecticut for over a decade. Prior to joining Walker’s in fall 2016, she worked as the director of student activities and leadership development/new student orientation at Wesleyan University. While at Wesleyan, Elisa served on the Presidential Task Force for Equity and Inclusion and was an active voice on issues of Equity and Inclusion amongst her student affairs professionals. Elisa’s deep-rooted interest in women’s education is what brings her to Walker’s. Elisa attended an all-girls high school in New York City before attending Smith College in Northampton, MA where she majored in Government and minored in Spanish. While working at Mount Holyoke College, Elisa attended graduate school at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she graduated with a Master’s in Social Justice Education. Elisa is an active Commissioner of the CAIS Commission on Diversity in Independent Schools, an educators network focused on diversity, as well as training and resources for diversity practitioners at CAIS member schools.
Read Full ProfileJade Dennett
Assistant Director of College Counseling
Jade Dennett
Jade joined Walker’s in 2018. She previously served as the assistant director of admissions at Skidmore College for three years. In addition to representing Skidmore at school visits and college fairs in the southwest and mid-Atlantic, Jade served on several admission committees, including the Filene music scholarship, the London experience program, diversity, and athletics. Her assigned application reading load included The Ethel Walker School and she was drawn to Walker’s, in part, because of the academic strength and personal qualities she saw in its applicants.
Read Full ProfileKelly DeVivo
Special Events Manager
Kelly DeVivo
Kelly, a Connecticut native, started her 25-year event management career in Boston where she executed events for emerging tech companies. From Boston, she moved to Los Angeles as an account director for an event marketing and promotions agency. After enjoying several years in the California sunshine, she and her husband moved back to the East Coast to start a family, and have lived in Simsbury for 18 years. For the past decade, Kelly has worked as a freelance event planner working with a variety of organizations including The Necker Cup, an annual Pro-Am tennis event hosted by Richard Branson on his private island, Necker. She is a graduate of Saint Anselm College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Kelly enjoys volunteering in her community and has done so for Simsbury Junior Woman’s Club, Gifts of Love, Dog Star Rescue, and for her children’s schools. She has two teenage boys, two dogs, and loves yoga, reading, and travel.
Dr. Lara Dotson-Renta P'27
Spanish Faculty
Dr. Lara Dotson-Renta P'27
Lara joins Walker’s World Languages faculty as a Spanish teacher. She presently teaches Spanish 4, Honors Spanish 5 and Advanced Spanish: Literature and Cultural Studies. Prior to joining Walker’s, Lara held academic, pedagogical and administrative positions, including roles as a visiting scholar at Brown University in their Middle Eastern Studies Department, an Assistant Professor of Modern Languages/Assistant Dean at Quinnipiac University and an adjunct professor at Drexel University. Lara is a published author, having published work in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. Her academic book, Immigration, Popular Culture, and the Re-Routing of European Muslim Identity, was published by Palgrave Macmillan in September 2012. Dr. Dotson-Renta is a Mellon Mays Fellow, and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in Romance Languages and Literature and a certificate in African Studies. Lara also holds an MA in French Language and Literature from New York University in Paris, and a BA in Spanish and French from Dartmouth College. Lara’s daughter, Catalina, is a seventh-grader at Walker’s.
Read Full ProfileMimi Duran P'18
Associate Athletic Director, Varsity Field Hockey Coach
Mimi Duran P'18
Mimi Duran has over thirty years of coaching experience, both in independent and public schools, and began her tenure at Walker’s in Fall 2007 leading an aggressive field hockey effort, winning seven CISAC League Titles, six CISAC Tournament Titles, and the Class C WNEPSAC Championship Title in 2010, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Her teams have appeared in the NEPSCA Field Hockey Tournament in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
She holds a Connecticut Coaching Certification, Level 2 United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA) coaching certification, and is a member of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (USFHA), the Connecticut Field Hockey Coaches Association, and a USFHA “future’s coach.” Duran has taken nine teams to the national field Hockey Festival and three teams to play in Europe. Several of her former players have earned All-State recognition, Regional All-American recognition, and have played Division I, II and III field hockey at the collegiate level. Several alumnae have pursued coaching and currently coach at the high school level.
In addition to her coaching duties, Mimi Duran is Associate Athletic Director. She holds a Master’s degree in Professional Sports Management from Georgetown University.
Read Full ProfileDr. Patrick Durning
History Faculty
Dr. Patrick Durning
Patrick joins Walker’s history faculty from The Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas where he taught World History, Philosophy, and Psychology, among others. At Walker’s, Patrick will teach Advanced Economics, American Identity, and Supreme Court Landmarks. He has an extensive teaching career including teaching in China and Korea as well as at other independent schools including St. George’s and Hotchkiss School. Patrick has also taught at the college level including at Tufts University, Brown University, and Suffolk University, among others. Patrick holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Brown University and a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University. He is a member of the Cluett dorm faculty, a coach for Middle School soccer, and an assistant coach for varsity basketball.
Read Full ProfileAnne Dzialo
Groom Staff
Anne Dzialo
Dr. Ned Edwards P’07, ’10
Dean of Faculty, Director of Capabilities Approach Program
Dr. Ned Edwards P’07, ’10
Dr. Ned Edwards P’07, ’10 earned his B.A. from the College of Wooster in psychology and religion, an M.Div. from Yale University with a focus on philosophical theology, and a D.Min. from Hartford Seminary in sociology and the history of American Protestantism. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Ned has served four churches as senior minister, and has considerable experience in various capacities in secondary independent education including two other girls’ schools as chaplain, director of social services, teacher, dean of faculty, and assistant head. He has taught Hebrew scriptures, Christian scriptures, world religions, ethics, philosophy, advanced placement psychology, and school of rock: the history of American politics and rock and roll from 1950-2000. His commitment to girls’ schools and girls’ education was born out of his daughters’ experience at Walker’s, and is seen not only in his career choices but in his engagement with the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools and his co-authored, peer-reviewed article on adolescent girls’ brain development and spirituality which speaks to the unique ways adolescent girls process information, extrapolating to subjects far beyond spirituality. Ned lives in Simsbury with his wife, Gwen, and enjoys woodworking, learning luthier skills, building guitars, and boating.
Read Full ProfileLisa Fichandler
Nurse (PT)
Lisa Fichandler
Patricia Fisher
Custodian
Patricia Fisher
Marissa Forde
Visual Arts Faculty
Marissa Forde
Marissa, a Simsbury native, joined the Walker’s community in the winter of 2011 after beginning her teaching career in the local public school system. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art with a focus on Illustration from Jacksonville University, and her master’s degree in education from the University of Hartford. She holds certifications in both art education and elementary education. Marissa teaches middle school visual arts. She also teaches ceramics with students ranging from beginner through advanced level three. Marissa is passionate about engaging girls in art by encouraging her students to explore how artistic creations are born through the solving of problems.
Read Full ProfileScott Frey
English Faculty
Scott Frey
Scott joined The Ethel Walker School community in 2012 after more than a decade of teaching English at the Landmark School in Prides Crossing, Massachusetts. In addition to teaching English, he coached basketball, worked as a dorm parent, designed new courses in creative writing and film studies, and taught in the school’s summer outreach program. While working at Landmark, Scott also earned a Master of Science in Education from Simmons College. Most importantly, he was truly amazed at the kindness and support of the Landmark community during his tenure there.
At Walker’s, Scott feels he has found another such community. Like so many of his colleagues, he is quite simply thrilled to learn and to teach. Scott is currently working on a second graduate degree in English at Trinity College, yet his greatest lessons come from the students and colleagues he works with each day. Their energy and brilliance continually energize him and renew his love for teaching.
Read Full ProfileMark Fuller
Director of Technology
Mark Fuller
After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Mark studied at Richmond College in London where he met his wife. Settling in Houston, Texas, Mark worked at The Emery/Weiner School as a teacher, network administrator and then finally as a director of technology. Throughout his career at The Emery/Weiner School, Mark transformed it from one that used little technology to one where every member of the staff and student body now leverage technology to work and learn.
Mark also spent two years teaching adults technical skills ranging from Word and Excel to web development and programming. He has worked with special needs children in first and second grade, taught sixth, seventh and eighth grade digital literacy, and taught video editing to high school students.
Read Full ProfileMike Galvin P’14
Facilities/Grounds
Mike Galvin P’14
Clive Gardner
Environmental Services
Clive Gardner
Melicia Gardner
Environmental Services
Melicia Gardner
Beatriz Gonzalez
Spanish Faculty
Beatriz Gonzalez
Betty joins Walker’s World Languages faculty where she will teach Spanish 1, 2 and 3. She has served as a bilingual tutor for several years for the Bristol (CT) Board of Education; she previously was a Spanish teacher in grades PreK-8 in Torrington (CT) and Bristol (CT) private schools and served as an English as a Second Language instructor. Betty holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Manizales (Colombia).
Elizabeth Hall
Groom Staff
Elizabeth Hall
Allie Harris '13
Advancement Services Associate
Allie Harris '13
Allie Harris ’13 assists the Advancement office by supporting and growing technology and donor recognition programs. She graduated cum laude from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester in 2017 where she majored in English Literature and wrote for print magazines and social media. She won awards for her work including team MPVP in 2018 for managing business deals at Prolific 1. At Walker’s, Allie was head of day students and head of Cicerones as well as a member of the Varsity Equestrian Team.
Read Full ProfileTavia Henry
Environmental Services
Tavia Henry
Laurie Hine P’16
Administrative Assistant/Reception
Laurie Hine P’16
Shannen Hofheimer
Director of Theatre, Music Faculty
Shannen Hofheimer
Shannen, a classical artist and musician, holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from The Hartt School of Music. She provides musical and theatrical instruction for students from beginner to the conservatory level. Throughout her work, Shannen seeks to share with her students the excitement and joy of making music. Her experience includes musical theatre, opera, jazz, rock, and more. She works with her students to equip them with versatility in vocal styles and a colorful repertoire. As a child, Shannen had the privilege of performing with NETworks Productions on the international tour of “The Sound of Music” starring Marie Osmond, which taught her professionalism and responsibility at a young age. She also toured nationally with Chamber Theatre Productions where she performed classic works of literature adapted for the stage for school groups. Her performance endeavors have instilled in her a deep passion and love of the performing arts, which she hopes to pass on to her students.
Read Full ProfilePrincess Hyatt
Executive Director of Horizons at The Ethel Walker School
Princess Hyatt
Princess is a Hartford native. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, MA, as well as a Professional Fundraising Certificate from Boston University. Her development experience started at her alma mater for three years in their Institutional Advancement/Alumnae Relations department, following another three years at the Unitarian Universalist Association in their Stewardship and Development department. Princess will be completing her master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy this fall. Princess enjoys being a classroom mentor at Jumoke Academy through the Starbase CT program. She is an active member of the Urban League of Greater Hartford – Young Professionals and The African American Development Officers (AADO) Network.
Princess also volunteers for The Council for Advancement and Support of Education, District I on their annual conference planning committee. Having graduated from an all-women’s college, Princess is very excited to be working for Horizons at The Ethel Walker School as assistant director.
Read Full ProfileNishette Isaac
Dean of Students/Dean of Middle School Digital Library Services
Nishette Isaac
Nishette joined Walker’s in 2016 from the Collegiate School in New York where she served as the school’s librarian for three years. She earned her B.A. in anthropology from Hofstra University, her M.S. in teaching from Fordham University, and her M.L.S. from Pratt Institute. Nishette began her career as a librarian for the New York City Department of Education where she served for four years at PS 305 and PS 256. There, she ran the library while being frequently called upon to perform classroom teaching duties. In 2011, she joined Dalton School as a volunteer librarian and spent the 2012-2013 year as a maternity leave replacement librarian at both Chapin School and Brearley School. Nishette was born in Saint Lucia and moved to the United States when she was 10. She is an active member of the Shelflives Book Club and has served as vice president of the Hudson Valley Librarian Association for the past three years.
Read Full ProfileMelissa Jarvis
Groom Staff
Melissa Jarvis
Kyle Joseph
Assistant Barn Manager/Show Groom
Kyle Joseph
Linda Langmeier
Director of Riding/Head Trainer
Linda Langmeier
Linda Langmeier is an accomplished horsewoman who has been riding since she was five years old. As a Junior rider, she won the 1983 ASPCA Maclay Equitation Finals. Linda’s daughter, McKayla, also won the Maclay; the first mother-daughter team to earn this distinction. Linda was the winner of the 1988 Sugarbush Grand Prix, competed in the 1989 World Cup Finals (Tampa FL) and the 2013 Fidelity Grand Prix. Linda trained Emma Fletcher who won the 2019 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final Champion.
Linda earned numerous championships in the hunter and jumper divisions at competitions such as The Winter Equestrian Festival, The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, Lake Placid Horse Shows, Vermont Summer Festival, The American Gold Cup, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Washington International Horse Show and The National Horse Show.
Read Full ProfileKarim Mabrouk
French Faculty
Karim Mabrouk
Karim joins Walker’s faculty on a full-time basis this year as a member of the World Languages faculty specializing in French; previously he served on the faculty on a part-time basis. Karim will teach French 1B, 2, and 4 this academic year. He is fluent in French and Arabic and has focused some of his work on teaching French for diplomacy and international affairs. Previously, Karim was a Graduate Fellow and Visiting Lecturer at Trinity College (Hartford, CT), an instructor at Yale University, and he held various teaching and administrative roles at the University of Connecticut. He is a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) at the University of Connecticut in French Language & Literature. He holds Master of Arts degrees from UConn in both International Studies and French Culture Language & Literature and a Graduate Certificate in Human Rights Studies. Karim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both International and French Studies from Iona College. Karim is a JV soccer coach and will coach swimming in the winter.
Laurie MacAlpine P'08
Chair, Music Department
Laurie MacAlpine P'08
Laurie MacAlpine came to Walker’s in 1998 and has expanded the music program to address the needs of a growing student body. She earned her bachelor’s degree in science with a minor in vocal music from Ladycliff College and went on to receive her master’s in music composition from The Hartt School, University of Hartford. An accomplished musician, she studied composition and theory with Arnold Franchetti, classical guitar with Janet Marlowe, and piano with Bridget de Moura Castro. Before coming to Walker’s, Laurie owned her own piano and classical guitar studio for 10 years and started four independent music programs for home school associations in Connecticut. She has conducted several children’s choirs in churches throughout Hartford and is currently the cantor at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. At Walker’s, she has expanded the music program to include a gospel choir and a chamber choir (Voce Felice), Upper and Middle School orchestra, a handbell choir, and chamber ensembles. In October 2006, she was awarded The Natalie Galbraith Mitchell Chair in the Humanities for her work at the school. She is currently a member of Simsbury Town Band in the clarinet section.
Read Full ProfileHelen Malave
Accounts Payable Manager, Payroll
Helen Malave
Joan Maloney
Assistant Barn Manager/Show Groom
Joan Maloney
Sophia Martin
Environmental Services
Sophia Martin
Regina Martin
Senior Accountant
Regina Martin
Regina Martin joined the Business Office staff as a senior accountant in December 2020. She graduated from The University of Connecticut with Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Regina has spent the past 30 years in nonprofit accounting, specifically long-term care, healthcare, and child health and wellness.
Katelyn Martinez
Middle School Administrative Assistant and Activities Coordinator
Katelyn Martinez
Ms. Martinez is the Middle School administrative coordinator and activities coordinator and she joins Walker’s from her previous role as an assistant teacher for Horizons at The Ethel Walker School, and as our school’s art intern in past summers. She also joins as Walker’s newest dorm faculty member. Ms. Martinez is a recent graduate from the University of Hartford; she holds a B.F.A.
Ms. Martinez has an impressive portfolio of original artwork that has been accepted and shown in key exhibits including ARIE Magazine and the Goldfarb exhibition.
Read Full ProfileJoyce McIntyre P'92
Director of Health Services
Joyce McIntyre P'92
Lucy McLaughlin
Human Resources/Benefits
Lucy McLaughlin
Beth McWilliams P'28
Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO)
Beth McWilliams P'28
Beth joined Walker’s in November 2020 as the School’s Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO). She is the former chief financial officer at Shattuck St. Mary’s Educational Services in Bath, ME. Prior Beth worked at independent schools in the northeast in financial operations. She holds an MBA from Robert Morris University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Gannon University. She is a former board member for the Massachusetts Association for Non-Profit School and Colleges, a member of the Independent School Association of Northern New England, and the National Business Officers Association. Beth’s daughter, Gabby, is a sixth grader at Walker’s.
Read Full ProfileDr. Emma Mitchell
Chair, Science Department and Physics Faculty
Dr. Emma Mitchell
Emma received her Bachelor’s degree in physics from Vassar College in 2009, where she also was senior editor of the college newspaper. She taught physics and chemistry at her alma mater, Emma Willard School, before earning a Ph.D. in applied physics at the University of Virginia in 2016. Her Ph.D. research was in laboratory astrophysics and astrochemistry, focusing on thermal and radiation processing of frozen water in astronomical environments. As a graduate student, she was awarded fellowships by both the NASA Earth and Space Science Program and the NASA Virginia Space Grant Consortium. Emma lives with her rescue border collie, Davy.
Read Full ProfileJohn Monagan
Interim Athletic Director, History Faculty
John Monagan
John Monagan grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he attended Chase Collegiate School from 6th-12th grade. From Waterbury, John headed south to attend Johns Hopkins University, where he majored in history. After four enjoyable years in Baltimore, John’s years in private school led him to The Ethel Walker School, where he taught history and English. John spent his first four years at Walker’s teaching 6th-9th grade history, and 6th-7th grade English. He has also spent time running student activities. John earned his Master of Science degree from Drexel University in Sports Management while working at Walker’s. He served as Walker’s athletic director for nine years and he also teaches Advanced Human Geography. John also is the head coach of the varsity basketball and softball teams.
Read Full ProfileMegan Mulhern
Chair, English Department and English Faculty
Megan Mulhern
Prior to joining Walker’s, Megan (Danyliw) Mulhern taught several English courses at Westminster School and the YK Pao Secondary School in Shanghai, China. While at the YK Pao Secondary School she developed a school wide reading program. She also taught at The Lawrenceville School, The Emma Willard School and worked for the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University. Megan earned her B.A. in English from Brown University and her M.A. in Literature from Middlebury College.
Read Full ProfileDara Joy Neiman
Nurse
Dara Joy Neiman
Kristin Nicolle
Head Athletic Trainer
Kristin Nicolle
Kristin Nicolle has 21 years of experience as a Head Athletic Trainer in private schools. She began her career at the Madeira School in McLean, VA, where she started the athletic training program. Kristin started at Walker’s in fall 2004.
While working at Walker’s, Kristin was house faculty for two years and Dorm Director of Smith dorm for one year, a Middle School advisor, Middle School physical education teacher, assistant Middle School basketball and softball coach, Middle School Wellness teacher, and Assistant Athletic Director. Kristin continues as the Head Athletic Trainer.
Kristin has a Master of Education degree from Springfield College in Sports Injury, Prevention and Management and is a Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification. Kristin is also a licensed Athletic Trainer in the state of Connecticut.
Read Full ProfileCourtney O'Connor
Assistant Trainer
Courtney O'Connor
Courtney joined Walker’s upon completing her graduate degree from The University of Findlay while working with their Hunt Seat IHSA Team. She has worked in many facets of the equestrian industry and brings this expertise to the assistant trainer position at Walker’s. Along with working with The University of Findlay’s nationally-ranked IHSA Team, Courtney has been involved in IEA since high school and also has experience at the A and AA level. She has worked for US Animo where she traveled extensively to the biggest show venues in the country, working closely with top riders and trainers. Helping young people gain confidence and excel in the sport is a huge motivator for Courtney and with the value she places on education she will excel here at Walker’s.
Read Full ProfileBrendan O'Dwyer
History Faculty
Brendan O'Dwyer
Brendan earned his B.A. from SUNY Purchase and his M.A. from Wesleyan University. After receiving his master’s degree, Brendan joined the Walker’s community as a full time faculty member in 2015. In addition to teaching in the History Department at Walker’s, Brendan has coached soccer, basketball, skiing and tennis. He lives with his wife and three children in Litchfield.
Read Full ProfileGretchen Orschiedt
Assistant Head for Advancement
Gretchen Orschiedt
Gretchen was appointed as Walker’s director of advancement in October 2016. Coming from Trinity College, she initially served as director of development, and, more recently, as director of principal gifts and international development. Prior to Trinity, Gretchen’s career in education includes over a decade of fundraising at Cornell University and over a decade of work in admissions at Cornell University, Ithaca College and her alma mater, Wells College.
Read Full ProfileErin Ott
English Faculty
Erin Ott
Erin joins Walker’s English Department as a fall semester substitute teacher for English faculty department chair Megan Mulhern. She is an adjunct professor of English at Hartford’s Capital Community College and a writing instructor at Goodwin University. Erin has worked extensively with students on composition and literature, and she has assisted students with honing their skills to write at the college level. Erin holds a Master of Arts in English Literature and Bachelor of Arts in English, Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hofstra University.
Read Full ProfileMallory Pasquariello
Director of Residential Life and Student Activities
Mallory Pasquariello
Mallory is a graduate of Roger Williams University with a bachelor’s degree in art history and a triple minor in architecture, business management and English literature. She also has an M.A. in Museum Studies through the distance learning program at the University of Leicester. Previously, Mallory served as teller supervisor and customer service representative for Northwest Community Bank in New Hartford where she has gained a wealth of experience in customer service and organization. Here at Walker’s, Mallory serves as the assistant to the Dean’s Office and is the coordinator of student permissions and attendance in the Upper School. She is also a house faculty member in the New Dorm.
Read Full ProfileMarion Paterson P'17, '19
Director of Alumnae Relations
Marion Paterson P'17, '19
Marion joined the Development Office in 2014 as Campaign Manager. A 12-year student of the all-girls’ Roland Park Country School in Baltimore, she then graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and then a master’s degree from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. She was then the personal assistant to a conservation architect in Edinburgh, where she met her husband, Guy. Marion lived and worked at the St. Denis and Cranley School, and all-girls’ boarding school in Edinburgh for four years before returning with Guy to the United States. While raising her two daughters here in Simsbury, she managed two businesses from home. Marion held numerous board positions and was then president of the Simsbury Newcomers Club. With both daughters attending Walker’s, she fell in love with the community here and is thrilled to be on campus with them and working for the advancement of the School.
Read Full ProfileAmy Paul P'16, '18
Associate Director of Admission
Amy Paul P'16, '18
Amy received her Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University and her Juris Doctor from Boston University. She worked as an attorney in a general practice in Hartford for several years before taking a position as a full-time parent caring for her three children. She is committed to volunteering in her community, served as co-board chair of Horizons at The Ethel Walker School, is involved in local politics, and serves on a mental health board. Amy was the president of The Ethel Walker School Parent Association and served on the School’s board of trustees when her daughters Georgia ’16, and Holly ’18 were students at Walker’s. Her work in the Admission Office has been a seamless transition due to her deep affection for Walker’s and her involvement over the years. Amy lives in Avon with her family.
Read Full ProfileDr. Suzanne Piela P’22, '28
Science Faculty
Dr. Suzanne Piela P’22, '28
Suzanne joined The Ethel Walker School in the fall of 2007 and since then has taught AP Biology, Advanced Biology, Honors Biology, General Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Biochemistry, Equine Science, and an independent study in Microbiology. Suzanne earned her B.S. in Biology at the University of Notre Dame and her D.V.M. at the University of Minnesota. She also did a small animal internship in medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine at Rowley Memorial Animal Hospital in Springfield, MA.
Suzanne practiced as a small animal veterinarian for 10 years before transitioning to teaching. Prior to her role at Walker’s, she worked as a park naturalist and taught ecology at the elementary level, and worked as a middle and high school science and math tutor.
Suzanne is currently the Science Department Chair, coaches JV Tennis, and loves to ride at Walker’s barn when she has time.
Read Full ProfileSandra Quinlan P'16
Chemistry Faculty
Sandra Quinlan P'16
Morgan Ramos
Executive Chef
Morgan Ramos
Francisco Ramos
Grounds Supervisor
Francisco Ramos
Lisa Rathbun P'23
Campus Store Operations Associate
Lisa Rathbun P'23
Lisa is responsible for managing the operations of Diddle’s, Walker’s school store, including the retail operations of the store as well as ordering supplies for departments, disbursement of allowances to students, and other administrative functions. Lisa has an extensive background in retail operations and comes to Walker’s with a thorough understanding and experience in managing both the retail and back-office operations.
Bryan Rathbun P’23
Facilities/Grounds
Bryan Rathbun P’23
Matthew Risley
Facilities
Matthew Risley
Krystyna Rosa
Environmental Services
Krystyna Rosa
Isabelle Russell
Communications
Isabelle Russell
Pamela Safford '81
Assistant Head for Admission and Enrollment
Pamela Safford '81
Pamela holds a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Carleton College and an M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania. Previously, she was the Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid at The Country School in New Canaan. Pamela has also been employed as Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Deerfield Academy; Associate Head for Communications, Enrollment and Planning at Concord Academy; and Director of Admission at Northfield Mount Hermon School. Pamela is a founding trustee and former chair of the board for the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals (AISAP) and she currently serves on the board of the Enrollment Management Association (EMA). Committed to supporting professional development among her peers, Pamela regularly presents at various national conferences including IECA, NAIS, SSATB, and TABS.
Michelle Sawyer P’13
Groom Staff
Michelle Sawyer P’13
Joanna Seaver
Senior Trainer
Joanna Seaver
Joanna “Jo” is a 1999 graduate of Walker’s. She worked for several years at Kelianda Farm for Linda and Kenny Langmeier as an assistant trainer. In this role, she assisted with coaching students including McKayla Langmeier and Jordyn Rose Freedman through to the national level including the ASPCA Maclay Finals, Dover Saddlery/USEF Medal Finals, WIHS Equitation Finals and the USET Talent Search Finals.
Read Full ProfileDr. Chris Semk
Chair, World Languages Department and French Faculty
Dr. Chris Semk
Chris is the chair of the Language Department and teaches both French and Latin. He earned his Ph.D. in French literature from Indiana University and taught at Yale before joining Walker’s. Chris coaches cross country and advises the Middle School Garden Club, the French Club, and Wings (Gender and Sexuality Alliance). He is actively involved in the community and serves on the board of directors of A Place to Nourish your Health (APNH), a community health organization in New Haven, and the Hartford Karma Thegsum Chöling, a Buddhist meditation and study center in the city’s West End. Chris lives in Hartford with his partner Jonathan.
Read Full ProfileDr. Julia Sheldon P'20, '23
Science Faculty
Dr. Julia Sheldon P'20, '23
Dr. Julia Sheldon P’20, ’23 began teaching science at Walker’s in 1998. Her childhood fascination with the natural world led her to love science and eventually to pursue a degree in chemistry at the University of California at San Diego. During her time at UCSD, Julia became a certified SCUBA diver and worked in a research lab studying fish physiology at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Julia also discovered a passion for teaching through serving as a teaching assistant and mentoring low income, first-generation college students in the Ronald McNair program at UCSD. After college, Julia continued her research and teaching at Yale University, where she earned a Ph.D. in bioorganic chemistry while studying the interactions between DNA and the proteins that begin the cellular process of transcription.
At Walker’s, Julia is passionate about engaging girls in science by encouraging them to observe the environment around them and to explore how science can help them understand and improve their world. A highlight of her career was being named a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, which allowed her to travel on an expedition to the Arctic and develop and teach an interdisciplinary elective course in Arctic Studies at Walker’s. Julia also co-developed and now co-teaches Honors Biochemistry, Walker’s research-based science course that allows girls to search for new antibiotics in response to the worldwide antibiotic resistance crisis. Julia has also held several administrative roles at Walker’s including science department chair and co-dean of faculty, and she currently serves as dean of studies.
Read Full ProfileHarrison Shure
Assistant Head of School/Dean of Academics
Harrison Shure
Harrison comes to Walker’s from The Loomis Chaffee School where he served as the History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies Department Chair and Associate Director of the Kravis Center for Excellence in Teaching. In addition to these administrative duties, Harrison was a history teacher and the coach of Loomis’ IEA Equestrian Team. As Walker’s Assistant Head of School/Dean of Academics, Harrison will be the academic visionary voice on campus and will lead the continued development of curricula and innovative pedagogies that carry forward our strong academic vision for the School. He will oversee program evaluation and ensure alignment of a curriculum that reflects the School’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. Harrison will partner with other administrators including Sarah Edson, Dean of the Faculty, and Isabel Ceballos, Head of the Middle School, on hiring a diverse and dynamic faculty and guide a teacher performance evaluation system which promotes professional growth. Harrison holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Virginia and a Master of Arts degree in American History from Pace University.
Read Full ProfileCheri Soule
Director of Dance
Cheri Soule
Cheri Soule is the Director of the Dance Program at Walker’s. She teaches modern, jazz, ballet, choreography, and improvisation, in both the Upper and Middle School programs. She received an MFA degree in Dance from Smith College, a BS in Dance from SUNY Brockport, and a BA in Fine Arts from Eastern CT State University. Cheri has danced professionally with The New England Dance Theatre and The Judy Dworin Performance Project. She also enjoys designing sets for JDPP’s Moving Matters! program in Hartford. Cheri has also served on the faculty at Springfield College, and as visiting artist at Trinity College. Her favorite part about being at Walker’s is the chance to teach, rehearse, and collaborate with such enthusiastic young dancers.
Read Full ProfileJohn Sway
Environmental Services
John Sway
Tanya Szuluk
Administrative Manager
Tanya Szuluk
Dr. David Thacker P'24, '27
English Faculty
Dr. David Thacker P'24, '27
Dave joined Walker’s in 2018 from Florida State University where he was completing his Ph.D. in Creative Writing and teaching English. He has enjoyed teaching for the past 11 years at the university level but was thrilled to join Walker’s where he spends more time focused on teaching and getting to know his students. A published poet, Dave earned a B.S. in English, summa cum laude, from Weber State University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from The University of Idaho. Dave is passionate about community partnerships and is the director of Walker’s Community Partnerships program.
Read Full ProfileKimberly Thacker P'24, '27
English Faculty
Kimberly Thacker P'24, '27
Kim Harris Thacker teaches 6th and 7th grade English at The Ethel Walker School and is the school’s archivist. She is a well-published magazine writer and essayist with a keen interest in history and community, and in connecting the past and the present through the medium of story. Born and raised in Wyoming, Kim has retained a love of the outdoors, which she shares with her husband, Walker’s Upper School English teacher Dr. David Thacker, and their two daughters, Molly and Liesel, who attend Walker’s as students.
Justin Treado
Environmental Services Manager
Justin Treado
Dr. Meera Viswanathan
Head of School
Dr. Meera Viswanathan
Meera joined Walker’s from Brown University, where she was an associate professor of Comparative Literature and East Asian Studies. A lifelong educator and scholar, Meera holds her undergraduate degree, her M.A. and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. Meera was born in Madras, India and emigrated at age five to Los Angeles.
At Brown, she earned the Barrett Hazeltine Award for Outstanding Teaching, and the John Rowe Workman Medal in the Humanities. She delivered Brown University’s Convocation Address, has received several National Endowment for the Humanities grants and awards, and has been both a visiting scholar and professor abroad. Meera has served as a reviewer for the National Endowment for the Humanities, on the review board of the journal, College Literature, and on the board of the Community Preparatory School in Providence. She is a Trustee of the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. She has frequently led seminars locally and nationally about developing curriculum and resources on Asian literature. Meera has studied and speaks a number of languages including Japanese, French, German, Latin, Classical Greek, Old English and Old Norse.
Meera and her husband, Dr. Eric Widmer, resided at Deerfield Academy during his 12-year tenure as Headmaster. While there, she taught English for a year while on sabbatical from Brown. At the behest of King Abdullah II of Jordan, Meera and Eric co-founded King’s Academy in Madaba, Jordan, the Middle East’s first co-educational preparatory boarding school with financial aid. There, she taught and served as the curriculum’s principal architect and dean of faculty. King Abdullah II personally awarded Meera the King Hussein Medal, Jordan’s highest honor, for her endeavors.
Read Full ProfileJennifer Wall P'22, '24
Chair, Math Department and Math Faculty
Jennifer Wall P'22, '24
Jennifer Wall, a private math tutor for middle, high and college students, joined Walker’s in 2016 as a member of the math faculty. Jennifer is a graduate of the College of New Jersey and the New York Institute of Technology where she earned her master’s degree in instructional technology. Previously, Jennifer was a math teacher at Northern Valley Regional High School in New Jersey. She served as a long-term substitute at Walker’s during the 2011–2012 academic year where she taught AP calculus, AP statistics, honors calculus and trigonometry.
Read Full ProfileLeila Wetmore '82, P'18
Director of Development and Annual Giving
Leila Wetmore '82, P'18
Leila was born and raised in New York City and came to Walker’s as a freshwoman in 1978. After graduating with degrees in political science, art history and French from St. Lawrence University, Leila returned to New York City and began her career in not-for-profit fundraising and management. Leila worked for and provided consulting services to organizations including Planned Parenthood of New York City, Lenox Hill Hospital, The American Field Service, and the National Academy of Design, among others. In 2001, Leila moved with her husband and two young daughters to Darien, CT and continued her not-for-profit career, most recently as the Executive Director of the Darien Nature Center. Leila’s daughter, Eliza, is a 2018 graduate of Walker’s.
Read Full ProfileSean Yucha
Facilities/Grounds
Sean Yucha
Maria Zarrillo
Food Service Director
Maria Zarrillo