Ethel Walker School
Melissa Bernardo
Head Coach
Melissa Bernardo
Dr. Bernardo joined the Science Department at Walker’s in 2017. Dr. Bernardo is a dorm parent in New Dorm, an Upper School advisor, and newly a class dean. Dr. B has also coached JV softball while at Walker’s. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Wesleyan University.
Jeff Magnoli
Assistant Coach
Jeff Magnoli
Jenna Rubin
Head Coach
Jenna Rubin
Jenna Rubin is joining Walker’s in her first season as the head varsity volleyball coach. Coach Rubin played at Smith College for the 2014 and 2015 seasons before transferring to UConn and played on the women’s club team. Rubin specialized as a middle while at Smith, gaining recognition within the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) as one of the top five blockers in both of her two years in the conference. While at UConn, she competed in the 2017 National Collegiate Volleyball Federation (NCVF) Club National Championships in Kansas City, MO. Prior to college, Rubin played on high performance teams with Husky Volleyball Club (CT) for two years. Coach Rubin graduated from UConn in 2019, where she studied English and Creative Writing.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Spectator policy: Please note that masks are required indoors and visitors to campus must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Walker's volleyball program is based on integrity, character, leadership, hard work, and a passion for the sport of volleyball. Players learn to strive for excellence and compete with honor, promoting pride in Walker's athletic program and the School in the process.
Volleyball at Walker's is about playing well and challenging both experienced as well as new players to become better players each day. The junior varsity team is an integral part of the program, where players have regular opportunities to move up to varsity.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Spectator policy: Please note that masks are required indoors and visitors to campus must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
This introductory level team offers girls an opportunity to learn the rules and skills associated with the sport of volleyball. Girls on the Middle School team work closely with the JV and varsity coaches, and occasionally share gym space during practice.
While there is an emphasis on basic skills and rules on this team, the Middle School team also plays an interscholastic schedule, usually playing four to five games per season. The team practices at least four times a week after school, with a goal of moving up to the JV or varsity team the next season.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Spectator policy: Please note that masks are required indoors and visitors to campus must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
All videos and awards will be presented on a Zoom presentation later in the calendar year after the banquet.
This introductory level team offers girls an opportunity to learn the rules and skills associated with the sport of volleyball. Girls on the thirds team work closely with the JV and varsity coaches, and occasionally share gym space during practice.
While there is an emphasis on basic skills and rules on this team, the thirds team also plays an interscholastic schedule, usually playing four to five games per season. The team practices at least four times a week after school, with a goal of moving up to the JV or varsity team the next season.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Jonathan T. Bui
Head Coach
Jonathan T. Bui
Coach Bui joins Walker’s for the 2020 fall season as the head varsity volleyball coach. He has extensive coaching experience, coaching for 10 years in various positions including at the collegiate, high school, and club levels. Prior to coaching in college, he coached girls, boys, and men’s teams. Coach Bui also played for the Club program at UCONN, competing in the NCVH Division 1. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English. Outside of Walker’s, Bui is also an active coach for Husky Volleyball, a prominent club program in the area. He will emphasize strong skill development on the court as well as a focus on academics as the full student-athlete.
Walker's volleyball program is based on integrity, character, leadership, hard work, and a passion for the sport of volleyball. Players learn to strive for excellence and compete with honor, promoting pride in Walker's athletic program and the School in the process.
Volleyball at Walker's is about playing well and challenging both experienced as well as new players to become better players each day. The junior varsity team is an integral part of the program, where players have regular opportunities to move up to varsity.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
This introductory level team offers girls an opportunity to learn the rules and skills associated with the sport of volleyball. Girls on the thirds team work closely with the JV and varsity coaches, and occasionally share gym space during practice.
While there is an emphasis on basic skills and rules on this team, the thirds team also plays an interscholastic schedule, usually playing four to five games per season. The team practices at least four times a week after school, with a goal of moving up to the JV or varsity team the next season.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Walker's volleyball program is based on integrity, character, leadership, hard work, and a passion for the sport of volleyball. Players learn to strive for excellence and compete with honor, promoting pride in Walker's athletic program and the School in the process.
Volleyball at Walker's is about playing well and challenging both experienced as well as new players to become better players each day. The junior varsity team is an integral part of the program, where players have regular opportunities to move up to varsity.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
This introductory level team offers girls an opportunity to learn the rules and skills associated with the sport of volleyball. Girls on the Middle School team work closely with the JV and varsity coaches, and occasionally share gym space during practice.
While there is an emphasis on basic skills and rules on this team, the Middle School team also plays an interscholastic schedule, usually playing four to five games per season. The team practices at least four times a week after school, with a goal of moving up to the JV or varsity team the next season.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Isabel Ceballos
Head Coach
Isabel Ceballos
Isabel Ceballos is returning to coaching volleyball as the head coach to the middle school volleyball program. Coach Ceballos recently coached in the varsity program in the 2018 season. Outside of volleyball, Coach Ceballos is the Head of the Middle School and also is the Executive Director of Horizons at the Ethel Walker School.
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Daniele Ness
Assistant Coach
Daniele Ness
Daniele Ness began working at The Ethel Walker School in 2018. Mrs. Ness earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas and worked as an engineer prior to becoming a math teacher. Outside of coaching JV volleyball, Mrs. Ness also coaches JV Softball and teaches in the math department. Mrs. Ness is a proud Dial, undefeated for three years in a row at Dogswood Day and in her one season coaching JV Softball 2019.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Walker's volleyball program is based on integrity, character, leadership, hard work, and a passion for the sport of volleyball. Players learn to strive for excellence and compete with honor, promoting pride in Walker's athletic program and the School in the process.
Volleyball at Walker's is about playing well and challenging both experienced as well as new players to become better players each day. The junior varsity team is an integral part of the program, where players have regular opportunities to move up to varsity.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
This introductory level team offers girls an opportunity to learn the rules and skills associated with the sport of volleyball. Girls on the thirds team work closely with the JV and varsity coaches, and occasionally share gym space during practice.
While there is an emphasis on basic skills and rules on this team, the thirds team also plays an interscholastic schedule, usually playing four to five games per season. The team practices at least four times a week after school, with a goal of moving up to the JV or varsity team the next season.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Walker's volleyball program is based on integrity, character, leadership, hard work, and a passion for the sport of volleyball. Players learn to strive for excellence and compete with honor, promoting pride in Walker's athletic program and the School in the process.
Volleyball at Walker's is about playing well and challenging both experienced as well as new players to become better players each day. The junior varsity team is an integral part of the program, where players have regular opportunities to move up to varsity.
Walker’s volleyball program competes in the Western New England Prep School Association (WNEPSA), a division of the The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Walker's is a Class "B" division competitor, and also competes in the prestigious Founders League. League competitors include Choate, Taft, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter's.
Daniele Ness
Math Faculty
Daniele Ness
Daniele moved to Simsbury with her husband and three daughters from Maryland where she was teaching middle and upper school math. Daniele has a passion for math and has eight years of teaching experience in Texas and Maryland. She earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas and worked as an engineer prior to becoming a math teacher. As a civil engineer, she was a consultant for a structural engineering firm designing foundations and rectifying foundation failures in commercial businesses and residences. She was also an engineer for the city of Houston, where she was responsible for coordinating utility relocations for highway expansions. Daniele combines her love of math and her interest in engineering here at Walker’s. She coordinates the robotics program as well as teaches math.
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Alexandra Noël Grisanti
Latin Faculty, Assistant Director of Social Justice and Inclusion
Alexandra Noël Grisanti
Noël joined Walker’s in 2018 from Phillips Exeter Academy where she was a Latin teaching intern. At Walker’s, Noël has taught Latin in both the Middle and Upper School, advised middle schoolers, coached JV and MS basketball, and lived in Smith Dorm. This year, she is the Assistant Director of Social Justice and Inclusion, and is excited to work with Elisa Del Valle in order to make Walker’s a safer, more equitable learning and living environment for all students. Noël is actively involved with several organizing groups, including Resource Generation, a multiracial membership community of young people with wealth and/or class privilege committed to the equitable distribution of wealth, land, and power, and the Nonprofit Accountability Group in Hartford. Noël currently lives in Hartford with her partner, Max.
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.
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