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Meet KUA's dedicated and talented faculty.
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meet the
faculty
2010 - 2011
Michael J. Schaferhead of School
Colby College, BA
harvard University, med
In 2003, mike Schafer was appointed Kimball Union’s 18th head of school since its
founding in 1813.
Widely recognized for his vision, energy, and strong leadership, mike has been instrumental
in the adoption and execution of the Academy’s Long-range Strategic Plan and Campus
master Plan. mike’s leadership over the last seven years has earned confidence, mutual
trust, and investment throughout the Kimball Union and independent school community,
helping to advance the vision for the Academy as it approaches its third century. In 2007,
Kimball Union received an unrestricted $5 million gift, the Academy’s largest outright gift
in its almost 200-year history, to be used “at the discretion of the head of School.” many
significant gifts have followed, substantially increasing the school’s endowment to support
financial aid, faculty innovation and professional growth, and provide new resources to
consistently offer a balance of programs with low student-teacher ratios. Under mike’s
leadership, the Board of trustees launched the $38 million ImPACt Capital Campaign in
November 2009.
mike believes strongly in a student-centered approach and in creating an ideal environment
for learning. to that end, a beautiful new Campus Center was completed in 2008, and
plans are being finalized for a fully repurposed and renovated miller humanities Center
complete with 18 classrooms, media and technology centers, academic advising, a writing
center, and a state-of-the-art library.
A committed boarding school person and veteran of independent schools for over 25 years,
mike began his teaching career in massachusetts at Cushing Academy and Belmont hill
School where he was a “triple threat” teacher, coach, advisor, and dorm parent before
taking on administrative duties in college advising, alumni and development, and athletic
administration—all while teaching Spanish and coaching—at middlesex School in Concord,
mA. In 2000, mike was appointed Assistant head of School for Student Life, working in
close collaboration with the head of school to define and shape the middlesex School
community during its Centennial Campaign.
mike represents Kimball Union on a number of national, regional and local education
and philanthropic organizations. he was recently named a trustee at Berwick Academy
in maine. A varsity college athlete in three sports at Colby, mike continues to play soccer,
squash, paddle tennis, and golf, and enjoys the occasional tennis game. he is a co-director
of the team Prep Soccer Program in Casco, me.
mike is married to Gayle Schafer and they have three children, hannah, KUA class of 2012,
Joanna, and Jonathan.
m I C h A e L J . S C h A f e r
Dear frienDS,
It takes a very special person to join the Kimball Union
faculty—distinguished scholar, artist, athlete, and
outdoor person who is willing to devote his or her life
and best energies to the growth and progress of young
people. teacher, coach, advisor, house parent, mentor,
and friend—these are some of the many important
roles every faculty member fulfills. each faculty
member touches and shapes the lives of his or her
students; it is as simple as a friendly smile, a home-
cooked meal, a constructive comment on a test, or a pat on the back, and as complex
as curriculum design, or building trust with young people. the influence of the faculty on
students is as unique, diverse, and abundant as are the talents and motivations of those
who teach and those who learn.
Nothing defines the Kimball Union experience more than the lasting relationships that are
developed between teachers and students. Our faculty influence and effect the most signifi-
cant and long-lasting growth of young people, the true measure of our success, through the
depth of these relationships and the inspiration each provides. teachers at Kimball Union
model what they teach, and teach what they learn.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to the exceptional men and women who enrich the lives of
Kimball Union students each and every day in so many ways.
I hope that you will take an opportunity sometime soon to come to our campus and meet
them to experience for yourselves their energy, talent and commitment.
Sincerely,
Darrell beauprÉ ’86english
Dickinson College, BA
A Kimball Union alumnus, Darrell is a
veteran of independent schools, having
taught at fay School, rectory School,
New hampton School, Cardigan
mountain School, and tabor Academy’s summer program.
Darrell took a sabbatical from teaching to serve as the main caregiver of his children while
also building and setting up his own furniture-making business, raising purebred Dexter and
Lowline Angus cattle, and serving on the meriden Volunteer fire Department.
Darrell lives in meriden with his wife, Amy, and their two children, molly and Conor.
Marta alVareZ GarciaSpanish
University of Oviedo
Complutense University
Born in the north of Spain and raised in
madrid, marta earned a law degree in 1992.
While she was a student, she taught english
to young children. following her graduation, marta taught Spanish as a second language in
mexico for four years, and in 2000 she was certified as a secondary school teacher at the
University of Oviedo. She worked for several years in Spain and Ireland in other areas in the
public sector, always with a strong focus on training and development. marta is passionate
about education, and especially about language learning and literature.
marta is married to Kieran Lenihan, a faculty member at KUA, and they have two children,
miguel and Clíodhna.
Jenny blueenglish
Dartmouth College, BA
tufts University, mAt
After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree
in english, Jenny received her mAt from tufts University
and then headed west to teach at St. George’s School in
Spokane, WA, and at the Katherine Delmar Burke School
in San francisco, CA. On the east Coast, she has taught
at the Shady hill School in Cambridge, mA, and at
Crossroads Academy in Lyme, Nh. Jenny is also an
accomplished dancer; she performed regularly with a
modern dance company in San francisco until moving down the road from KUA with her
husband, Adam, and their children, Annabelle and Jasper.
JaSOn bOurne ’88Director of technology
Keene State College, BS
Since earning his bachelor’s degree from
Keene State College, Jason has enjoyed
working for both small and large
technology-based companies here in
the Upper Valley region of New hampshire. he has held management positions in software
development and training, federal sales, and global product planning. Jason’s return to campus
provides KUA with the benefit of his significant background in project management, contract
negotiation, database administration, user support, and training. Jason strives not to be a
“back-room” technology manager and is committed to engaging faculty, staff and students in
discussions to improve the use of technology on campus.
Jason lives in nearby Cornish with his wife Christine and their three children. he is excited to be
back at Kimball Union and looks forward to exploring the ever-changing technological landscape!
Julia brennanDirector of Communications
Concordia University, BA
Julia brings an extensive background in marketing
communications to Kimball Union. She worked at several
large advertising agencies in her native montreal before
moving to New england. Julia came to KUA in 2003
from Wild Apple Graphics, an open edition art
publishing house in Woodstock, Vt, where she was
marketing communications manager. Prior to that she
was director of communications at Ascutney mountain
resort, where she also served as director of skiing for
many years. her background also includes consulting with a broad range of clients.
An alumna of the Sacred heart School of montreal, Julia is a firm believer in the value of
an independent school education and takes great pride in spreading the word about Kimball
Union Academy.
She lives in Brownsville, Vt, with her husband, John. they have two grown daughters, Lindsay
and Jennifer. Julia is an avid skier, and enjoys reading, biking, kayaking, and horseback riding.
chriS cheneyDirector of College Advising
Varsity Boys’ Soccer Coach
Bowdoin College, BA
harvard University, med
Chris came to Kimball Union in 2006. No
stranger to the world of independent schools,
Chris has taught at milton Academy, Williston
Northampton School, Northfield mount hermon and Colorado Academy.
In addition to being a talented and experienced science teacher, Chris holds NSCAA National
and Advanced National Coaching Licenses and in 2004 was named the New hampshire Soccer
Coaches Association Coach of the Year. In his three years at the helm of the soccer program his
teams finished with a combined record of 51-6-3 and they won the state championship in 2005.
Chris also led the hanover boys’ tennis teams to back-to-back state championships in 2005 and
2006. he led the Kimball Union boys’ soccer team to the NePSAC Division B Championship in
2007 and the Lakes region Championship and NePSAC Division B Quarterfinals in 2008.
Chris is joined at KUA by his wife Lisa DiIorio, who teaches english, and their daughters,
Shea and Zoe.
Mike clOutManenglish
Director of Leadership and Planned Giving
Bates College, BA
University of New hampshire, mA
mike has worked at Kimball Union since 1979. he
graduated from Bates College in 1977 with a BA in
history and received his mA in American history from the
University of New hampshire in 1987. Over the years
he has served as the head of the history Department,
dormitory head, and in various years, a coach of soccer,
skiing, cycling, field hockey, and lacrosse. from 1996 to
1999 mike took a professional hiatus and worked with independent school faculty and staff as
a personal financial planner for the firm of Bullard, mcLeod in Albany, NY. Upon his return to
Kimball Union in 1999, mike worked in the Alumni and Development Office for five years as the
Assistant Director of Development. In 2005, in addition to serving as Director of Planned Giving,
he returned to the calling of the classroom teaching, english and American history. In 2009,
mike rejoined the Alumni and Development Office as Director of Leadership and Planned Giving.
mike and his wife, Susan halliday, enjoy golf, cycling, and anything else to keep fit and healthy.
chriStine cliSuraAssistant Librarian
Christine graduated with a BA from Sarah
Lawrence College in 2008, where she
concentrated in Comparative Literature and
Japanese Studies. Over the next two years
she worked at the public library in rutherford,
NJ, splitting her time between the children’s
and reference departments. While beginning
her graduate study in Information & Library Science at Pratt Institute, Christine also worked as
the evening trade monitor for Dynamic Capital management, LLC in manhattan. She is pleased
to be part of close educational community and to have made the transition from a public to an
independent school library. She is enjoying putting her skills in research and library services to
use at the Coffin Library. She is an advisor and lives Bryant hall.
chriStOpher creeGerAssociate Director of Communications
marlboro College, BA
Yale School of music, mm
music director at Kimball Union for almost
two decades, Kit Creeger earned his BA in
composition and jazz studies and conducting
and holds a master’s degree in voice. Before
joining the KUA faculty he taught at marlboro College, the Putney School, Vermont Academy,
and Cardigan mountain School. he has appeared as soloist and conductor in concert, musical
theater, and opera productions across New england. A BmI composer with various publications
to his credit, and an active conductor locally, he has served as music director for the Bel Canto
Chamber Singers, and has been music director/conductor for over 20 musical theater produc-
tions. An avid videographer who spent a semester on sabbatical honing his skills, and long time
director of technology for the Arts Department, Kit joined the KUA Communications
Department as web master and media specialist in 2009.
Local political activities have included stints as Plainfield, Nh, Zoning Board of Adjustment
member and chair. An avid fly fisherman and alpine skier, Kit lives in meriden with his wife,
Shelley, their two children, ethan ’09 and Josh, and various animals.
cOle cOnlinSpanish
Colby College, BA
middlebury College, mA
University of massachusetts, mA
A graduate of Belmont hill School and
Colby College, Cole received his master of
Arts in Spanish from middlebury College,
and his master of Arts in Critical and Creative thinking from the University of massachusetts.
he has taught at Cardigan mountain School, tabor Academy, and Belmont hill School.
Before joining the faculty at Kimball Union, Cole worked for four years, as an editor, on
Spanish Language products for educational publishing companies in Boston. he brings nine
years of teaching experience in independent schools, and new perspectives from his time away.
Cole is head of house in mikula, where he lives with his wife Beth Larusso, a physician at
Dartmouth, and their son, henry and daughter, Louisa.
JOhn cuSterSenior master
history
Bowdoin College, BA
Senior master John Custer has served in a variety of roles
during his many years on the KUA faculty, including
Academic Dean, history Department chair, and the
house head of Bryant hall. two things have remained
constant, though — he has taught at least one section of
US history in each year, and has also worked every year
as one of the coaches of the boys’ 2nd hockey team.
Kimball Union Academy has been a genuine family affair for the Custers. John’s wife, Karen,
taught math, coached and worked in residence halls from 1993 to 2004; their older son,
Nathaniel, graduated in 2002 and younger son, Nicholas, in 2005.
Murray DewDneyScience, Chair
Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach
Boys’ Basketball Coach
Amherst College, BA
A native of New hampshire, murray grew up in the Upper
Connecticut Valley and also in the seacoast area. Since
attending Amherst College, where he majored in natural
sciences, he has devoted his professional life to teaching
science—first at Nature’s Classroom, a nonprofit
organization with a mission to raise schoolchildren’s
environmental awareness and appreciation, and later at Barlow School, Kildonan School, and
Cambridge School of Weston before joining Kimball Union Academy in 1988. murray’s first role
at KUA was split between serving as director of buildings and grounds and teaching mathematics.
he has also been a long-standing coach of the varsity girls’ soccer squad. Currently, he teaches
physics and applies his leadership skills as the Science Department chair.
When school is not in session, murray enjoys fishing, golfing, and carpentry. he lives on campus
in frost house with his wife, Director of Studies Cynthia howe, and their two sons, tyler ’06
and morgan.
liSa DiiOriOenglish
Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Coach
Bates College, BA
Dartmouth College, mA
While an undergraduate at Bates, Lisa played lacrosse
and was a Division III All-American. At Dartmouth, she
completed a master’s thesis in literature with former
Spelman College President Johnnnetta Cole as one of
her thesis advisors. Prior to teaching, Lisa was assistant
director of public programs and student organizations
at Dartmouth’s rockfeller Center for Public Policy. Lisa
came to Kimball Union after teaching english at hanover high School and rivendell
Academy in New hampshire.
A graduate of Governor’s Academy, Lisa is very familiar with boarding school life. She lives in
Welch house with her husband, environmental Science Department Chair Chris Cheney, and
their two daughters, Shea and Zoe. When she’s not busy with school or family, Lisa can be
found on the trails of meriden running, biking, or skiing.
Michael DOhertyAssociate Director of Admissions
Binghamton University, BS
A 1984 graduate of Binghamton University, michael
comes to KUA from the Oliverian School, a small
independent boarding school in Pike, Nh, where he
served as Director of Admissions for three years. head
men’s soccer coach for 20 years at Colgate University,
he was named the Lanzera National Coach of the Year
in 1992, the Patriot League Coach of the Year for 1992
and 1997, and NSCAA regional Coach of the Year, also
in 1992 and 1997. he has won two howard hartman Awards as Colgate’s Coach of the Year
and served as an instructor in Colgate’s Physical education Department, teaching racquetball,
tennis, and weight training. he has been involved with various youth sports boards, coaching
and volunteer positions, and was the managing director of the Lightning Soccer Club from
2007 to 2009. mike lives in hanover, Nh, with his wife Judy and children Pat, Shannon ’10,
and Jack. he enjoys the outdoors, fishing, hiking, and Sudoku puzzles.
katy Drennan World Languages Department, Latin teacher
Skidmore College, BA
Prior to coming to Kimball Union, Katy taught all levels
of Latin both at New hampton School and hotchkiss
School. She is a product of an independent education,
having attended Greenhills School in Ann Arbor, mI. She
majored in Classics at Skidmore College. A semester
studying in rome solidified her love of all things Latin!
Katy has also worked extensively with Dartmouth’s
rassias foundation in mexico as an english language
teacher. She plans to incorporate her knowledge of the rassias™ method in her Latin classes.
Katy lives in Lebanon and enjoys yoga, weight lifting, volleyball and reading.
eMMe Duncan ‘05Admissions Officer
Bowdoin College, BA
emme Duncan ‘05 received her BA from Bowdoin
College in Government and Legal Studies in 2009.
After graduating, emme moved to Washington, D.C.
where she worked for a year in the office of U.S.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen as the Assistant to the Chief
of Staff and Intern Coordinator. While in D.C., she also
had the exciting opportunity to volunteer at numerous
White house events, including the easter egg roll and
the National Christmas tree Lighting.
emme is enjoying being back at her alma mater and getting to know the next generation of
KUA students through her work in the Admissions Office, as an advisor, and as a house
parent in mikula.
cOrSOn fiDlermathematics
hobart College, BA
Corson graduated from hobart College
with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics
and minors in economics and education.
he played a year of collegiate soccer, in-
cluding a trip to Sweden and a run in the
NCAA tournament, and studied abroad for a semester in maastricht, the Netherlands. Cor-
son is a product of the independent school world. A faculty child, he spent his early childhood
at trinity Pawling School, attended St. mark’s School of texas, and graduated from Groton
School. Corson was an avid member of the Groton soccer team that finished runner up in
the 2004 NePSAC Class C finals. he also played ice hockey during the winters and helped
construct sets for the school plays in the performing arts center.
Corson teaches mathematics and believes strongly in bringing competition into the classroom
as a means of learning. he coaches soccer and ice hockey, serves as a student advisor, and
is a dorm parent. he is a Grade 7 licensed referee with the United States Soccer federation
and hopes to become a professional level referee in the future. In his spare time Corson enjoys
Sudoku, staying in shape, hiking and camping, playing sports, and traveling.
Scrib fauVerfrench
Language Department Chair
Director of ALPs Summer Language Program
Dartmouth College, BA
University of Virginia School of Law, JD
A 1982 graduate of Dartmouth College,
Scrib taught french and Spanish for two years
at Landon School in Bethesda, mD, and attended the University of Virginia School of Law,
graduating in 1987. he practiced law in Boston for four years, until he saw the light and returned
to teaching!
During his years at Kimball Union Academy, Scrib has worn many hats, including the chair of
the Language Department, house head, and the head of the boys’ soccer program.
Since moving to the Upper Valley, Scrib has coached many spring soccer teams with the
Lightning Soccer Club. he has also worked as a master teacher in the rassias foundation’s
ALPS Program at Dartmouth College. he and his wife, Susan, have two children, meg ‘12
and Olivia ‘09.
urSula frieS-herfOrtCeramics
Ludwig maximilian University of munich, mA
Prior to taking on the ceramics program at
KUA in the fall of 2007, Ursula was involved
as a teacher’s assistant and monitor at the
renowned League of New hampshire
Craftsmen pottery studio in hanover for
several years. She also brings to KUA her experience as a studio potter and is a juried member
of the League of New hampshire Craftsmen. her work has been featured in numerous shows,
foremost the taylor Gallery, and is represented in local galleries. She has also done private
commissions. Ursula has a passion for throwing on the wheel and decorating the surfaces of her
pieces, and she loves sharing this with her students.
She moved to the United States from Germany in 1998 and lives in meriden with her husband
Oliver and two children.
Mary extOnmandarin Chinese, mathematics
Normal University of Water resources and electric Power, BA
Plymouth State College, mA
mary was born in Changchun, Jilin Province,
China. After finishing university, she worked
as an engineer trainer in the SongLiao
Water resource Committee in the northeast part of China for five years. She came to the
United States in 1995 with her husband and daughter and settled in Canaan, Nh, on the
campus of Cardigan mountain School, where her husband teaches. She taught computer
science at mid-Vermont Christian School for eight years, during which time she discovered her
passion for teaching and mentoring high school students.
mary also teaches mandarin Chinese at Kimball Union’s ALPs™ Summer Language Program
each year.
her daughter, elizabeth, joins her at KUA as a member of the class of 2012.
Mary Grayenglish
registrar
Long Island University, BA
hofstra University, mBA
Originally from the east Coast, mary was born and raised on Long Island and married in New hampshire, where she had
her children. She and her family later moved to Kansas and then followed the sun to Arizona. mary is back east feeling like she’s come home. Kimball Union is a family tradition, beginning with her husband, Jim ’66, and followed by their daughters, erin ’02 and Lynn ’04.
After completing her graduate work, mary worked for the publishing giant Doubleday and then raytheon before taking a hiatus to raise her daughters. After running a book club for 10 years, mary decided to pursue her passion for english by returning to school at Arizona State University where she earned her education certification.
She is currently working toward a PhD in curriculum and instruction. She is an avid tennis player and coaches the KUA boys’ junior varsity team.
SuSan halliDayScience
Varsity field hockey and Girls’ tennis
Coach
Bates College, BS
Sue has been a member of the Kimball
Union faculty since 1985, bringing her
passion for science to KUA students for over two decades. An avid and versatile athlete, Sue is
NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) certified and has completed graduate
work in exercise physiology. Well recognized and respected for her ability to bring out the best
in each athlete and create cohesive and supportive teams, she has led her varsity field hockey
and girls’ tennis teams to many championships over the years. She is the 2003 winner of the
Alumni Council Sportsmanship Award.
Sue is married to mike Cloutman, Director of Leadership and Planned Giving, and they live in
Brewster house with their two golden retrievers. When not at KUA, they enjoy spending time
at the home they recently built in the Adirondacks.
Julie haSkell-webbVisual Arts
taylor Gallery Curator
California State University, BA
tufts University, mA
Julie teaches visual arts at Kimball Union
Academy, including advanced and AP
studio art classes, drawing, painting, landscape painting, printmaking, digital photography,
and AP art history. She also runs the after-school Art Activity Program and is the curator of the
taylor Gallery.
Julie is also a working artist who spends summers and free time creating and exhibiting her own
paintings. She especially loves painting images of rural landscape and the maine coastline.
Julie lives in macLeay house with her daughter emma ’13.
JiM Gray ’66Chief financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Babson College, BS
Suffolk University, mBA
Jim joined our administrative team in 2008 after a long and close relationship with the Academy. A member of the class of 1966, he has served on the Board of trustees, on the Alumni Council, and as a class reporter. his two daughters, erin ’02 and Lynn ’04 are both KUA alumnae.
Jim brings over 30 years of diverse experience as a financial executive to KUA. he has served as the control-
ler and chief accounting officer of Allied Waste Industries and the chief financial officer of Beech Aircraft Corporation. In addition to his financial skills, Jim also brings business strategy, project management, and organizational development skills to KUA.
Jim was pleased to return to New england after a career that took him to the midwest and Southwest and enjoys hiking and skiing and supporting KUA’s sports teams. he is joined at KUA by his wife, mary, who teaches english and is the Academy’s registrar.
rObert hyJekDean of Students
Athletic trainer
Castleton State College, BS
Western michigan University, mA
Bob has been a member of the KUA
community since 1997 and is currently our
Dean of Students. In addition to his role in our
Student Life Office, Bob is an athletic trainer, and senior class advisor and he teaches a psychol-
ogy elective. Prior to Kimball Union, Bob was the director of sports medicine at a hospital in
michigan. While at KUA he was selected as an athletic trainer for men’s and women’s ice hockey
at the Salt Lake City Olympic Games in 2002.
together with Assistant Athletic Director and fellow athletic trainer Katherine Bello, Bob was
recognized by the New hampshire Athletic trainers’ Association with the 2006 New hampshire
most Distinguished Athletic trainer of the Year Award.
As Dean of Students, Bob has been integrally involved in developing and expanding residential
and student life programs. he resides in Densmore hall as the head of house with his wife, Stacy,
and their twin sons, Jacob and Patrick. Bob is an avid golfer and has a passion for baseball.
aShley JOhnStOnhistory
Varsity Girls’ hockey Coach
Colgate University, BA
Ashley joined the Kimball Union faculty in 2007 and
teaches US history and world history. A double-major
in political science and sociology and anthropology at
Colgate University, Ashley was a member of the NCAA
Division 1 Colgate women’s ice hockey team for four years
and served as an assistant captain her senior year. She
also coached strength and conditioning at Colgate and
volunteered at hamilton middle School. During summers,
Ashley coaches at Pro Ambitions hockey Girls’ Olympic Camp and for Global hockey.
A product of a boarding school education, Ashley is committed to contributing to the lives of
Kimball Union students and to ensuring that their independent school experience is as
fulfilling and life-changing as her own. She is a strong believer in the advisor/advisee program
and enjoys working with her KUA advisees. In addition to teaching, Ashley is the head coach for
the girls’ varsity ice hockey and JV lacrosse teams and serves as a house parent in mikula.
anDrew kaplanScience and mathematics
Varsity freestyle Skiing and
Snowboarding Coach
Bates College, BS
Suffolk University Law School, JD
Andy started his teaching career in 2003
after practicing law for 15 years in Boston.
he earned his BS in biology with a minor in mathematics in 1983 and his juris doctorate
degree, cum laude, in 1987. Andy teaches in both the math and Science Departments.
During his tenure at KUA, Andy has chaired the honor Board and coached soccer, lacrosse,
and alpine skiing. In addition, he has coached a New hampshire freestyle ski team for over
20 years. An avid skier and soccer player, Andy has been involved with educating and
coaching children since he was in high school.
cynthia hOweDirector of Studies
mount holyoke College, BA
harvard University, med
raised as a faculty child at Loomis Chaffee
School in Connecticut, Cynthia fell in love
with the lifestyle of the independent
boarding school. Upon graduation from
mount holyoke College, Cynthia worked at the Indian mountain School as a teacher of science
and math, coach, and dorm parent. her love of administration began at ImS, where she served
also as the dean of girls. Graduate work drew her to the harvard Graduate School of education,
where she earned a master’s degree in 1984. While in graduate school and afterwards, Cynthia
joined the administration at Cambridge School of Weston as the administrative dean and
director of residence. Cynthia and her husband, murray Dewdney, then moved north to Kimball
Union, where they have worked and raised their two children since 1988. Cynthia began her
KUA career as a college advisor and later was appointed the director of the department. She is
now the Director of Studies, coordinating academic support and overseeing the Center for the
Advancement of Learning.
Michael klauShistory
Boys’ Varsity tennis Coach
Colby College, BA
michael is a graduate of Colby College
with a major in government and minors
in philosophy and education. While at
Colby, he was the director of sports for the
college’s radio station, WmhB, captain of the ultimate frisbee team, and was active in the
student government association. In addition to his Colby activities, he taught US history at a
local school for two years.
michael ‘s broadcasting skills are much appreciated at KUA, where he oversees the school’s
live Internet broadcasts of winter sports events and acts as a mentor to students involved in
this program.
In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching sports on television, tossing a frisbee, trying to
break the minesweeper world record, playing broomball, and attempting to solve crossword
puzzles.
JOhn kluGe ’66english, Chair
College Advisor
haverford College, BA
University of New hampshire, mA
John, a graduate of Kimball Union, has
taught english at KUA since 1988 and
been english Department chair since 1989.
holder of the Lionel mosher and Peter holland Chair in english, he has taught AP language
and composition, AP literature and composition, english IV honors, english IV, and english III.
he is a member of the faculty Professional Issues Committee, the head’s Advisory Committee,
and the Academic Council. he is also a highly experienced college advisor.
though a house parent for many years, John now lives on a nearby hilltop, where he keeps
his horses. he enjoys riding, reading, writing, and walking through his woods, but his greatest
passion is for teaching literature at Kimball Union, where his classes are noted for their energy
and their student-centered approach.
tOM karDelSpanish
Kalamazoo College, BA
middlebury College, mA
tom earned a BA in theatre from Kalama-
zoo College in michigan and his master’s
degree in Spanish language and literature
from middlebury College. he had the
good fortune to study and live abroad while working on both degrees, first in madrid, Spain,
as an undergraduate, and then as part of middlebury’s first graduate student cohort in
Guadalajara, mexico, in 2004.
In his time in independent schools, tom has been a classroom teacher, department head,
dorm head, adviser, coach, director of technical theatre, senior class adviser, college counselor,
and mentor.
beth kOppDirector of the ee Just Summer Institute and Sustainability Coordinator
Keene State College, BS
Antioch New england Graduate School, mS
Beth brings with her a wealth of experience as the
environmental Studies Program Coordinator at Colby
College. Beth was instrumental in supervising and
coordinating campus greening initiatives and working
with the environmental Coalition and environmental
Studies Club. She also has worked as a Conservation
Project manager with the Coastal mountains Land trust in Camden, maine, along with several
years of experience with several other environmental organizations. Beth has an mS in resource
management and Administration from Antioch New england Graduate School and a BS from
Keene State in environmental Studies. She loves to cook and enjoys gardening with her children.
Beth is married to KUA’s environmental Science Department chair, Blaine Kopp.
kieran lenihanAssociate Director of Studies and Academic Support
Carysfort College, Bed
University College Dublin, mBS
from Dublin, Ireland, Kieran has over 20 years experience
in a variety of educational roles and settings across the
public, private and volunteer sectors. he has taught at
almost every level from first grade to graduate level. Prior
to joining KUA, he spent eight years as a lecturer and
training Specialist in the Institute of Public Administration,
Ireland, developing and providing educational courses to
public service professionals. Before that he worked as a
manager in the voluntary sector developing and delivering innovative programs for teenagers
with special educational needs.
he speaks fluent Spanish and Gaelic and has also taught english as a second language for
several years in both Ireland and Spain. he holds a bachelor of education degree, a master of
business studies degree, as well as a number of professional It qualifications.
he is married to marta Alvarez Garcia, also a teacher at KUA, and they have two children,
miguel and Clíodhna.
Julia lOGan ‘04history
Alumni & Development
Summer Programs
Julia Logan ’04 received her BA in history
with a concentration in United States
history from Bates College in 2008. During
her junior year Julia studied abroad at the
University of edinburgh in Scotland to pursue her major and interest in Scottish studies and
architecture.
While a student at KUA, she participated in a variety of activities. Julia served for two years as
a member of the fire brigade, dormitory proctor and editor for the school newspaper. She was
also a member of the varsity field hockey, alpine skiing, and lacrosse teams. She continues
her love for these sports as she is the assistant coach for both the field hockey and Alpine Ski
teams. She is teaching U.S and european history as well as working in Alumni & Development
and the Summer Programs office.
She lives in Dexter-richards hall with her dog, Liberty Belle.
Marilyn lOrDhistory, Chair
Dartmouth College, BA
Dartmouth College, mA
Lyn earned a BA from Dartmouth College in
anthropology and returned to Dartmouth as a teaching
fellow in the mALS Program, earning an mA in
anthropology and history. She taught in independent
schools in Connecticut and massachusetts for 15 years
before returning to the Upper Valley. her husband, tom,
teaches Chemistry and acts as the Summer Programs
director for KUA, and the youngest of her seven children,
Alexandra, graduated as a member of KUA’s class of 2009.
Lyn teaches world history, US history and anthropology. A proponent of the creative use of
technology, she introduced an innovative approach to teaching world history using a video
simulation called Civilization III that has become the model for fellow educators and has
prompted the manufacturer to institute an educational division. KUtube, the first Youtube-style
video-sharing website at a secondary school, is Lyn’s brainchild.
In between classes, she helps to coach skiing, advises model UN, and is head of house in Chellis.
blaine kOppenvironmental Science Department Chair
Dartmouth College, BA
University of rhode Island, Ph.D
Blaine is the Louis munro Chair for
environmental Studies. he received his
Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from
the University of rhode Island and his
undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College in Biological Sciences. Blaine has a rich
background in scientific and educational research, and, in addition, spent two-years teaching
at Proctor Academy. recently Blaine has been working as a research Scientist with Colby
College as a Science and monitoring Coordinator for the Penobscot river restoration trust.
he is an avid outdoorsman with active interests in skiing, SCUBA diving and sailing.
he joins our community with his wife, Beth, and their two children, finnegan and Indigo.
they live in Brewster house.
tOM lOrDDirector of Summer Programs
Chemistry
Dartmouth College, BA
University of maryland, JB
tom worked as an attorney for maryland’s
Department of Natural resources and for
Johns hopkins University before beginning
his teaching career at the taft School in Connecticut. he has also taught at Dartmouth College
and other independent secondary schools, serving as the headmaster of Berkshire School in
Sheffield, mA. he has coached football, basketball, and lacrosse, and served as the head boys’
lacrosse coach of hanover high School for most of the 1990s, and was named New
hampshire Coach of the Year during his tenure at hanover.
tom also serves KUA as the director of its Summer Program, which includes the ALPs language
program through the rassias™ foundation at Dartmouth. he is very involved in environmental
issues from legal and planning perspectives, and is also an avid fly fisherman and hiker who
loves visiting the National Parks out west each year with his wife, Lyn, chair of KUA’s history
Department. tom and Lyn have seven children, including Alexandra, who graduated from KUA
in 2009, and a yellow lab puppy named teddy. they live in Chellis house.
kay MccabeArts Department Chair
Dance
Wesleyan University, BA
Kay has taught dance at Kimball Union
Academy since 1995. Prior to that, she
danced professionally in New York, San
francisco, and Washington, DC. She has
been a member of the David Gordon Pick-Up Company, Susan foster and Dancers, and
richard Bull Dance theatre and has had the pleasure of performing throughout the United
States and europe.
A talented teacher and innovative choreographer, Kay inspires her students. She is as happy
to work with novices who are exploring their interest in dance as with trained ballerinas and
accomplished dancers. the performances she choreographs and directs always entertain and
delight her audiences.
terry McDOnnellCounselor
hampshire College, BA
UCLA, mBA
Antioch University, mA
terry received his master’s in applied
psychology from Antioch University in
Keene, Nh, and is licensed to provide
counseling services in both New hampshire and Vermont. he has extensive experience in
working with children of all ages, but finds helping teenagers steer through some of the
challenges of adolescence particularly rewarding.
Prior to joining KUA, terry worked for four years at the Claremont Child and family Center
in Claremont, Nh, as a child and family therapist. he also maintains a private practice in
Norwich, Vt, and is available to see families at that location.
neal McintyreScience
Varsity Alpine Ski Coach
University of New hampshire, BS
Plymouth State College, med
Neal came to Kimball Union Academy in 2003 to teach science. ecological sciences are of particular interest to him, since his
undergraduate degree is in wildlife biology. After a two-year stint in ski racing, Neal went on to work at a children’s museum in Connecticut as curator and later joined the world-renowned Bronx Zoo as the supervisor of Special exhibits and Operations. Longing for the New england countryside, Neal accepted an interim teaching position at ethel Walker School before coming to KUA.
Neal has led a group of students in articulating a moose skeleton they discovered in the nearby woods. he also spearheaded the student-led restoration of the historic garden behind the Annie Duncan house on campus.
Neal recently completed his master’s degree in special education, with a particular focus on adolescent behavior which he hopes will allow him better insight as to the challenges his students sometimes face. Neal lives with his wife, Lyndsy, and their two children, halyn and Griffin, in huse house, where he is the head of house.
brian McMahOnScience
Varsity rugby Coach
University of massachusetts at Amherst, BA
Brian has been a faculty member at KUA
since 1998. he earned his degree in
chemistry from the University of
massachusetts at Amherst in 1980. Brian’s
extensive educational background includes teaching at Williston Northampton School and
Berkshire School in massachusetts, Saint Andrew’s Academy and Pope John Paul II high
School in florida, the London campus of the American School in Switzerland, and tarsus
American College in turkey. Brian has taught AP chemistry, honors chemistry, chemistry,
physics, and earth science.
Brian has been involved in sports throughout his career. Brian was instrumental in bringing
rugby back to KUA in 1998. his rugby coaching career started at tASIS england, and he
was more than excited about the opportunity to popularize the sport in the States. Brian has
chaperoned student trips to Cyprus, Greece, mexico, the Bahamas, and Africa. he has also
traveled extensively on his own.
Marianna MckiMhead Librarian
William Smith College, BA
middlebury College, mA
Drexel University, mS
marianna joined KUA as head Librarian in 2008, having spent most of her career in higher education. She has been a foreign language
teacher, an administrator, and a fund-raiser, but she most enjoys developing library collections and teaching library research skills to students and faculty. As the librarian for Germanic languages and literatures at Yale for five years, marianna chaired national committees dealing with the acquisition of foreign-language materials for academic libraries. marianna holds a BA in philosophy, an mA in German, and an mS in library and information science from Drexel University. fluent in German and Danish, she was raised in the Boston area and attended the Noble and Greenough School; she has also lived and traveled extensively abroad. She has a lifelong interest in human rights and animal welfare advocacy and coordinates the Upper Valley chapter of Amnesty International.
marianna lives in hanover with her husband, reinhart Sonnenburg, who is a librarian at Dartmouth College, and their daughter, emma. they enjoy reading, bicycling, cross-country skiing, hiking with their dog, and kayaking.
erin MellOwmathematics
St. Lawrence University, BA
erin majored in both mathematics and
psychology at St. Lawrence. She also
studied abroad for a semester in Kenya,
pursuing her minor in African studies.
While at St. Lawrence, erin played four years of field hockey and two years of lacrosse. During
the summers, she coached at White mountain Sports Camps for field hockey and Upper Valley
Lacrosse Camps.
erin is in her second year at Kimball Union and, in addition to her teaching responsibilities,
serves the full “triple threat,” coaching 2nd team field hockey, working in Chellis hall, advising
students, and teaching.
ryan MillerAssociate Director of Admissions
Varsity Boys’ hockey Coach
University of Vermont, BS
miami University, mS
ryan is originally from Spokane, WA, and
Phoenix, AZ, and is a graduate of Culver
military Academy (Indiana) and the
University of Vermont. After graduating from UVm, where he received a BS in business
administration and served as assistant captain of the Catamount hockey team, ryan moved to
miami University in Oxford, Oh. there he earned his mS in sport studies with a concentration
in sport organization and sport sociology in 2006. At miami, ryan was the academic
coordinator for intercollegiate athletics, head coach of the University Club hockey program,
and volunteer assistant for the nationally-ranked Division 1 varsity hockey team, as well as a
clinician at the USA hockey Coaches Clinic.
ryan lives on campus as a house parent in rowe house with his wife, Jessica, and their black
Lab, Brody.
Mike OlSOnAssistant Director of College Advising
Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach
St. Norbert College, BA
Norwich University, med
mike has been an Assistant Professor and
head Basketball Coach at mount Senario
College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Black
hills State University and minnesota State University moorhead. he was also associate head
men’s basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at Dartmouth College from 2002-2004.
he recently completed an advanced study program in educational leadership from Upper Valley
educator’s Institute while simultaneously serving as interim co-principal at Barre town School in
Barre, Vt.
michael and his wife Colleen, a nurse practitioner at Dartmouth-hitchcock medical Center,
reside in South Strafford, Vt, and are the parents of two grown children, Kathryn and erik.
JaMeS OuelletteDirector of health Services
St. Joseph’s College, BSPA
St. Luke’s hospital, rN
Jim has been the Director of health Services
at Kimball Union Academy since 1982. he
is a 1971 graduate of St. Luke’s hospital
School of Nursing in New Bedford, mA, and received his BSPA from St. Joseph’s College in
1975. Prior to coming to Kimball Union, he was staff nurse in the emergency Department at
Dartmouth-hitchcock medical Center.
his wife, Sandy, is the Assistant Director of health Services. their daughter, rachael, is a
member of Kimball Union’s class of 2003.
charleS MuhlauriAthletics
the former head Soccer Coach for the
Zimbabwe National team and current
Director of Coaching for the Upper Valley
Lightning Soccer Club, Charles has joined
the faculty as an assistant in the Athletic Department. this year Charles is involved in the
development of our planned indoor athletic facility, including the management of KUA and
non-KUA use of that space. In addition, Charles assists with the fitness and soccer programs,
the international student program, diversity and student life issues, and residential duties.
Charles’ oldest son, Charleton, is a member of the class of 2014. Charles is joined at KUA by
his wife, Sithembiso, and their four children: Charleton, Kudakwashe, tinashe, and Andile.
SanDy OuelletteAssistant Director of health Services
Diversity Coordinator
New england Baptist hospital, rN
A native Cape Codder, Sandy earned her rN diploma
at New england Baptist hospital in Boston in 1975.
She worked at Dartmouth-hitchcock medical Center in
Lebanon, Nh, for 18 years in the Coronary Care Unit
and the Urology Clinic. During that time, she founded
and coordinated the DhmC Organ and tissue Donation
Program and was a contributing author to the 1995
edition of mosby’s Manual of Emergency Care. Sandy
came to KUA in 1985 when she and her husband Jim adopted their daughter, rachael, KUA
class of 2003, from Korea.
In addition to being the Assistant Director of health Services, Sandy coordinates the annual
red Cross blood drive and has served on the Student Life Committee and the Student/faculty
housing Committee. As Diversity Coordinator, Sandy chairs KUA’s Diversity Committee, reLAY,
which is a student/faculty-led group that explores issues and designs schoolwide programs to
raise awareness and initiate dialogue related to diversity and social justice. In march of 2005
and 2007, Sandy co-led the school-sponsored trips to India.
Michael pOrraZZOmathematics, Chair
Varsity Cross Country
Georgetown University, BS
Johns hopkins University, mSed
Joining the KUA team as the
mathematics Department chair, michael
Porrazzo returns to the New england boarding school environment with which he is quite
familiar. Before moving to KUA, michael served as the mathematics Department Coordinator
at friends School of Baltimore, an independent day school in maryland. Prior to the friends
School post, michael taught mathematics, coached, and directed the rowing program, and
headed a dormitory at middlesex School. he has also taught and coached at his alma mater,
tabor Academy, and Blue ridge School , VA.
In a previous life, michael rowed competitively but now prefers to expend his energy improving
math education. In his spare time, michael continues to enjoy “messing about in boats” and
trying to keep up while running with his marathoner wife, Julie, who teaches middle school
math in hanover. michael and Julie have three daughters, Alexandra, emma, and Caitlin.
eVerett pOiSSOnDirector of the KUA fund
University of New hampshire
Whittemore School of Business, BA
everett comes to Kimball Union after
serving as Associate Director, external
relations at harvard Business School.
While at harvard, everett developed alumni relationships and sought leadership gifts in
support of the school. everett has close ties to independent schools and a deep admiration for
their mission. his father, emile Poisson, taught for many years at holderness School and was
chairman of the foreign Language Department at New hampton School. everett’s mother,
Ann Poisson, also taught at the Learning Center at New hampton School.
everett lives in hanover, Nh, with his wife, michelle, and their two children, Bella and Sam.
tOM paSQuiniScience
Dartmouth College, BA
mIt, Ph.D
tom is no stranger to KUA, having
instructed physics on a part-time basis
last year. this year he has joined us as a
full-time faculty member. he continues to teach AP Physics in the Science Department and
teaches four sections in the math department. In the winter he will be working with students
on a Stem (Science, technology, engineering, math) activity – an innovative program that
this year includes students designing robots to compete in the fIrSt tech Challenge. tom
received his BA from Dartmouth in Physics and a doctorate in Physics from mIt.
tom and his wife, Liz, and their two children, rosie and Luca, live in Chellis house.
GinO rifflemath
Acting Director of Athletics
Varsity Baseball Coach
University of Vermont, BS
Salem State College, med
Gino’s Kimball Union career has spanned
a decade and included the full gamut of triple threat roles. he is a math teacher who has
coached football, hockey, and baseball, as well as served as a house parent and an advisor.
Gino particularly enjoys the opportunity to participate in his students’ growth and
maturation, whether they are interacting with their peers, on the athletic field, on stage, or
in the classroom. he values the close and lasting relationships that are formed at KUA, and
he believes that each day he is rewarded for his efforts in countless ways. Gino is a house
parent in Densmore.
eric ruSSManhistory, environmental Science
Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach
Colby College, BA
University of texas, mA
eric joined the Kimball Union Academy faculty
in 2004. he teaches a multidisciplinary set of
courses including human Geography,
economics, and english. In the summers, eric and his wife, Yesenia Araya mesen, look forward
to traveling with students to Central America as part of the Academy’s ALPs Summer tropical
Adventure Program in Costa rica.
A graduate of Colby College in 1991, eric completed a master’s in Latin American Studies from the
University of texas at Austin in 2004. Before returning to graduate school in 2002, eric spent six
years in Costa rica. During this time, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer, worked with a rainfor-
est conservation foundation, and directed a tropical study program for high school students. eric
started teaching in the early nineties in texas as a teach for America corps member. Before heading
to Central America, he worked as an outdoor wilderness instructor in Utah and Idaho.
As an undergraduate at Colby, eric captained both the men’s soccer and lacrosse teams. he holds
the lacrosse single season total points record and is second in all-time career points. At KUA he
coaches the boys’ varsity lacrosse team and assists with the varsity boys’ soccer team.
eric lives in Welch house with his wife,Yesenia, and their two daughters, Kyra and Svia.
Stephen rOGerS ‘04Information Systems Specialist
theatre technical Director
Sarah Lawrence College, BA
Stephen works with all things technology,
bringing a wide range of knowledge to
both the technology and Arts Departments.
Acting as a resource to faculty, staff, and students, he works to integrate, simplify, and solve
technological issues across the campus.
Stephen also works as the technical director for theater activity, building and designing sets,
and assisting the students in all the technical aspects of the theater. A Kimball Union
graduate of the class of 2004, he has also worked with KUA’s Summer Programs since 2005,
and behind the scenes even before then. he graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a
BA focused on computer science.
richarD ryerSOnDirector of Admissions
Dartmouth College, BA
rich came to Kimball Union after serving as the director of
admissions at Cardigan mountain School. this is his second
tour of duty at KUA, having worked on the hilltop in the
early ‘80s after his graduation from Dartmouth College.
rich is no stranger to independent school life. As a child,
he was a “faculty brat” on the tilton School campus, where
his dad taught for 12 years. rich then attended St. Paul’s
School in Concord, Nh.
rich lives in Lebanon, Nh, with his wife, michelle, and their two daughters, elli and hannah.
Gayle SchaferAdmissions Officer
University of New hampshire
Whittemore School of Business, BS
Gayle has been involved with the KUA community since
2003 when her husband, michael Schafer, became Kim-
ball Union’s 18th head of School. She has lived at and
been a part of independent school communities—includ-
ing Belmont hill School in Belmont, mA, and middlesex
School in Concord, mA—for many years.
her professional experience includes various sales and
marketing positions at Wang Information Services in Lowell, mA, VoiceCom Systems in Burl-
ington, mA, and event marketing & management in manchester, Nh. She also served as an
admissions representative at UNh during her time there.
the Schafers live in munro house with their three children, hannah ‘12, Joanna, and
Jonathan.
ben Sheehan ’00history
Colby College, BA
Ben, a 2000 graduate of Kimball Union Academy,
received his BA from Colby College in 2004. he began
teaching at Kimball Union in the fall of 2006 in the
history Department and thoroughly enjoys being back
in the classroom. Ben has coached soccer, basketball,
and lacrosse in his time at Kimball Union, and serves
as head of house in Dexter-richards hall.
Ben has lived much of his life in meriden, Nh. he loves
the country setting and the outdoors. Since returning to KUA, he has become very entwined
in the community.
DaViD Sterntheater
University of Vermont, BA
Antioch University, mA
rutgers University, mfA
David Stern holds a BA in theater and an
mfA in theatrical design. he has worked
professionally in the field since 1987,
designing and directing over 30 professional productions, and founding his own summer
company in 1995. Professional credits include the merrimack repertory theater in Lowell, mA;
the mcCarter theater in Princeton, NJ; the New Jersey Shakespeare festival in madison, NJ;
the Champlain Shakespeare festival in Burlington, Vt; the Weston Playhouse in Weston, Vt;
and the Boston Conservatory.
most recently, David and his wife, Vanessa, spent a year teaching and exploring in morocco
with their two children, Josh and rachel ’09. David has taught drama in secondary schools for
16 years and is enthusiastic about being a part of this wonderful community.
katherine Steckhead Athletic trainer
Assistant Director of Athletics
University of Arizona, BS
Plymouth State University, med
Born and raised in Arizona, Katherine joined
KUA in 2005. She earned her BS in
physiological sciences and her med in athletic training. her experience in sports medicine
includes work for the University of Arizona, Disney’s Wide World of Sports, the Boston marathon,
and USA Women’s rugby. She enjoys Kimball Union’s unique family atmosphere on campus, in
the dorms, and on the athletic fields. Katherine has demonstrated her commitment to the safety
of our community as an American heart Association CPr/AeD instructor, making certification
available to our faculty, staff, and students.
together with fellow athletic trainer and Dean of Students Bob hyjek, Katherine was recognized
by the New hampshire Athletic trainers’ Association with the 2006 New hampshrie most
Distinguished Athletic trainer of the Year Award.
She lives in Densmore hall with her husband, David, and dog, Damon.
eliaS tapley World Languages
Dartmouth College, BA
elias graduated from Dartmouth College, where he majored
in romance Languages, studying french and Spanish. he
worked for a year in the office of the rassias Center for
World Languages and Cultures at Dartmouth. During that
time, he was given the opportunity to participate in the
rassias Center’s partnership with Worldfund, the Inter-Amer-
ican Partnership for education (IAPe). he was an Assistant
teacher on two programs they facilitated in monterrey,
mexico, introducing mexican eSL teachers to the rassias™ method of language instruction.
he was introduced to the french language in high school, through an independent year spent
studying in the beautiful southern french city of montauban, in the midi-Pyrénées region. he
began his Spanish studies at Dartmouth, the high point being a term spent studying and living
in Buenos Aires, Argentina. he coaches cross country, Nordic skiing, and cycling.
hunter tOwnSenDmathematics
Varsity Nordic Skiing Coach
Outing Club
Babson College, BS
hunter is a veteran of independent schools.
he attended South Kent School and
taught and coached at holderness School, Williams School, and Carrabassett Academy prior
to joining Kimball Union in 2000.
A passionate outdoorsman, hunter heads up KUA’s Outing Club and has introduced hundreds
of KUA students to the natural beauty of our campus and the surrounding area.
An avid sailor, hunter and his wife, Linda Darlington, spend their free time at their home in
mystic, Ct. hunter has four children, including his daughter Liv, who is a member of the class
of 2010.
Michael taupierAssistant Director of Alumni Affairs
University of massachusetts, BA, BS
University of New hampshire, mSt
Smith College Graduate School of education
mike has worked at Kimball Union since 1981. Until 2009,
he taught mathematics and taught every course in the
mathematics curriculum from Algebra 1 to BC Calculus. he
has coached baseball for most of his KUA career as a
varsity as well as junior varsity coach. for many years he
was the head of the recreational skiing program, and most
recently served as the technical director of the Kimball Union Academy drama program.
In 2009 mike moved from the classroom to the Alumni and Development Office, where he enjoys
working with many alumni who are former students of his, as well as others whom he has met over
the years at the many reunions and KUA functions. mike enjoys creating programs and events that
bring the KUA alumni community together, and whenever possible, back to the hilltop.
he attended the University of massachusetts twice, the University of Vermont, the University of New
hampshire, Dartmouth College, and Smith College. he has earned two undergraduate degrees,
two graduate degrees, and a teaching license. he and his wife Jane have two wonderful daughters,
erin ‘98 and Anna ‘01.
Michael Van DOlahButler University, BA
Pennsylvania State, mS
mike first came to KUA as a teaching
intern with the Upper Valley educators
Institute during the winter and spring terms
of 2008. We welcome him back to campus
as a full- time faculty member in the science department. mike holds a BS from Butler
University in Biological Science and an mS in Leisure Studies from Pennsylvania State
University. his coursework has also emphasized therapeutic adventure counseling and
recreation. he has worked at both Oliverian School and Crossroads Academy where he held
various positions, including head of Summer School, Dean of Students, and Director of
Programs. he is enjoying coaching and residential duties that immerse him in the community.
he is working with our new intramural program in the fall and with baseball in the spring.
mike and his wife, Becky, live in Dexter-richards hall with their two children, Cayden and Aila.
DaViD weiDManDean of faculty and Academic Affairs
Public Speaking
Wheaton College and Portland State University, BA
University of Pittsburgh, mfA
Born and raised in India, David attended boarding
school in the foothills of the himalayan mountains
from age five. he has completed nine years of
post-high school education, holding several
undergraduate degrees and an mfA. David was chair
of the Arts Department and director of the theater
program at the Academy for 16 years, during which
time he accrued more than 100 directorial and acting credits.
he has been a house parent in seven out of ten KUA residences, and now lives close to
campus in a timber frame home that he and his spouse built. he is delighted to be working
in the academic offices and is enjoying the professional growth and development it provides.
JOe williaMSAssistant head of School
Bowdoin College, AB
University of Vermont, med
Joe came to Kimball Union after a six-year
career in marketing with reebok
International. Prior to reebok, Joe worked
at Worcester Academy for three years doing
admissions work, coaching, and living in the dorm. No stranger to independent schools, Joe
grew up on a boarding school campus while his father served as headmaster.
A graduate of Bowdoin College, he received his AB in sociology and was captain of the
basketball team. Since arriving at Kimball Union in 1997, Joe has served as Director of
Admissions, head of house, and coach for basketball, lacrosse, and tennis. addition to his
administrative duties, Joe also teaches english. he lives in Bishop Cottage with his wife, eileen,
their four children, and two black Labs.
DaltOn winSlOwmusic, english
Amherst College, BA
University of North Carolina, Chapel hill, mm
University of minnesota, PhD
Dalton joined the KUA faculty in 2001. Affectionately
known by students as “Doc,” he directs the Jazz and
rock ensembles as well as Singers’ Night, which together
yearly raise in excess of $3,000 for various good causes.
Dalton graduated from Amherst College magna cum
laude with a BA in music composition in 1974. After a
year at the University of Colorado, Boulder, he taught at moses Brown School for two years
and at Deerfield Academy for six years. he completed his mm in composition at UNC in
1986, and a PhD in composition at the University of minnesota in 1990. he taught at Cushing
Academy for 11 years.
he has been an avid cyclist since 1976, racing, touring, and now serving as assistant coach for
the KUA road cycling team. In his younger years, he logged in excess of 25,000 miles in
bicycle camping tours in destinations such as montana, Newfoundland, Denmark, Greece, and
most often france. Dalton and his wife, Leslie macGregor, and their sons, Allen and Owen, live
in Annie Duncan house. they spend summers at their cottage on Prince edward Island.
eileen williaMSStudent Activities Coordinator
Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach
Bowdoin College, BA
University of hartford, med
eileen came to Kimball Union Academy in 1997. She
earned her BA in 1990 from Bowdoin College, where she
was the vice president of her class and a three-sport athlete,
serving as a captain for both the basketball and softball
teams. She went on to earn her master’s degree in
elementary education from the University of hartford in
1993. Prior to arriving at KUA, eileen taught third grade and
coached various sports at Southfield School in Brookline, mA. eileen serves as KUA’s Student
Activities Coordinator, head coach of varsity girls’ basketball, softball coach and an advisor. the
Lady Wildcats basketball team has been crowned New england Prep School Class C Champions
four times in ten years while compiling a record of 194-79 under Williams’ leadership, while the
softball team has captured three Lakes region League titles (1999, 2004, and 2005). As the
Student Activities Coordinator, eileen strives to infuse both tradition and fun into campus
weekends and holidays. Wildcat Challenge, Inflatable fun, halloween, and Winter Carnival are
some favorites amongst students and faculty alike. eileen and her husband, Assistant head of
School Joe Williams, live in Bishop Cottage with their four children and two black Labs.
brOOklyn wheelerAssistant Dean of Students
Girls’ Varsity hockey Coach
Colgate University, BA
New York University, mA
Originally from Brussels, Ontario,Canada,
Brooklyn graduated from Colgate University
in 2007 with a degree in theatre and a minor in Writing and rhetoric. At Colgate, Brooklyn
was a goalie on the NCAA Division 1 women’s ice hockey team for four years, and served
as a captain in her senior year. following her graduation from Colgate University, Brooklyn
attended New York University and completed her master’s degree in educational theater for
Colleges and Communities. having graduated from the Culver Academies, and then working
there as the Advisor to residential Life and Leadership prior to KUA, Brooklyn is no stranger to
the independent school experience. She believes strongly in students taking responsibility and
ownership of their school.
Brooklyn first became acquainted with Kimball Union Academy when her sister Brianne ’10,
enrolled as a junior. In addition to fulfilling her duties as the Assistant Dean of Students, Brooklyn
coaches girls’ ice hockey and softball, and serve as a house Parent in Dexter-richards hall.
kua at a GlanceOur SchOOlKimball Union Academy is located in meriden, Nh. Our scenic
1300-acre campus includes an 800-acre mountain classroom and is
located 13 miles from Dartmouth College and 2 hours from Boston.
StuDentS Grades 9–PG
331 students
231 boarding students, 100 day students
Our students hail from over 20 states and 19 countries
International: 22%
Students of color: 12%
facultyfull-time teaching faculty: 44
Percent with advanced degrees: 61%
Percent living on campus: 70%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 6:1
typical class size: 12
acaDeMicSKimball Union offers over 120 courses in disciplines including english, history, mathematics,
science, computer science, mandarin Chinese, french, Spanish, Latin, and visual and
performing arts (studio art, dance, music, and theater), as well as 19 advanced placement (AP)
courses. Kimball Union has a signature Writing Across the Curriculum Program, Junior
Writing Portfolios, and a Senior Capstone Project. We have a unique environmental program that
includes a cross-curriculum approach, a greenhouse, and the 800-acre Snow mountain wilderness
area. Academic support (study skills/structured study hall) and tutoring are also offered.
tuitiOn anD financial aiDBoarding: $43,800
Day: $28,500
$2.8 million total financial aid budget
42% of the families receive aid
the average grant is $21,000
aDMiSSiOnKUA welcomes boarding and day applications for admission to grades 9, 10, 11, 12, and the post-
graduate year. Admission is selective and is based on a complete review of a student’s academic
and personal qualifications. A typical KUA student is someone who is academically motivated and
enthusiastic about taking part in all aspects of the school community.
MiSSiOn StateMentKimball Union Academy prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow’s world by inspiring academic mastery, creativity, responsibility, and leadership.
Our core community values are:
• Respect for oneself and others
• Commitment and honesty and the highest ethical standards
• Concern for the environment
hOnOr cODe As a member of the Kimball Union Community, I promise to uphold the Honor Code, to expect and encourage the same of others, and to do so in all situations and all places. Our Honor Code includes being honest in all matters, behaving with integrity, and demonstrating respect for myself and others.
StateMent Of incluSiOnCelebrating Individuality, Community, and Global Awareness
Kimball Union Academy is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment in which all community members value and respect each other’s unique qualities and contributions.
We are committed to nurturing a learning environment where the principles of dignity, equity, and justice are an essential part of our culture and daily life.
We encourage the exploration of independence and interdependence as we affirm our promise to honor individuality, celebrate our differences, and embrace our connections with each other and the global community.
