Meet Our Faculty
Timothy M. Johnson
Appointed 2009
Head of School
Art
B.A., Bowdoin
College
M.F.A., Maryland
Institute College
of Art
Ed.D., University
of Pennsylvania
“During my first visit to Pingree, I asked
my senior tour guide what she valued most about her Pingree education. Without hesitation, she commented proudly, ‘From
the outside looking in, you can't understand the magic of this place; and from
the inside looking out, you can't explain it.’
Her words capture my experience since joining this community. At Pingree, teachers, students, and parents
all carry torches for one another, and the collective light and warmth emitted
brightens the path for everyone. There
is a powerful Pingree understanding that meaningful relationships are central
to learning and the life of the mind.
Students are known, loved, and challenged here.”
Rebecca Batchelder Borden
Appointed 2010
Director of Auxiliary Services
B.A., Williams College
M.A., Ed.D., University of Virginia
Monica Brile
Appointed 2001
Art Department Chair
Vocal Music
B.M.Ed.,Westminster
Choir College
(Rider University)
“Pingree is a place where
students and faculty are encouraged not only to ‘be themselves’, but also to
engage in the challenging and invigorating journey in discovering one's ‘best
self’. This may be a solitary trek in
creativity and self-exploration; the winding and sometimes uphill climb to
stretch intellectually; or the shared adventure with an ensemble, team or
community to forge the perspectives of many into a unit with a single purpose
or mission. Pingree upholds the
importance of striving to discover one's unique voice, balanced with the
comfort of knowing that your individuality and contributions are honored here.
That is what empowers everyone to seek how they can best share their gifts with
the world. That is why we love Pingree.”
Kristin Brown
Appointed 1999
Academic Dean
B.A., Dickinson
College
M.Ed., Harvard
University
“Every
day I walk in the doors of Pingree
School, I feel fortunate
to be working in a home. More than the
building makes Pingree
School a home. It is the atmosphere of trust, support,
curiosity, and commitment. It is the
environment which encourages teachers and students to think critically, embrace
intellectual risks, and consider the ideas and perspectives of others. It is the culture which values all its
members as people, not just teachers and students. What an amazing place in
which to teach, learn, and grow.”
Steve Carey '08
Appointed 1990
Co-Director of College Counseling
History
B.A., Bowdoin
College
M.Ed., Harvard
University
“I
learned early on in my career that every child provides us with an opportunity
to facilitate intellectual curiosity, self realization, a sense of citizenship
and compassion, moral development and character. In a world that is ‘product
driven’ it is a joy to be immersed in the ‘process of human development’ in an
educational community such as Pingree. There is an authenticity and sincerity
in the relationships between ‘teachers and the kids,’ perhaps because the roles
are often reversed. Whether our moments together are joyful, triumphant, frayed
with anxiety or dampened by disappointment, the vitality of the interaction
brims with a sense of the boundless opportunities each encounter holds. I feel
grateful and privileged and wonder aloud why this richness of life has been so
fleeting. Go Highlanders!!!”
Sarah Carpenter ‘97
Appointed 2007 
Spanish
B.A., Middlebury
College
M.A., Columbia
University
"When I was a student at Pingree, I was given the opportunity to 'try something new', expand my knowledge of the world, and step outside of my comfort zone. A sense of wonder, exploration and appreciation followed as I furthered my education and traveled the globe. Now, being back at Pingree, I have the chance to instill this among future Pingree generations and do what I love to do: teach and coach."
Paul DeCourcy
Appointed 2002 
Science
B.S., Fitchburg
State College
M.A., Salem
State College
“Teaching
at Pingree has been a career high for me. A career spent mostly in the public
sector, where much of our time and effort as a teacher is spent motivating
students to achieve. Here students are already highly motivated and well
adapted to meet the expectations we offer. This allows us to take them on a
much more meaningful intellectual journey to enrich their academic
pursuits....it just can't get any better than that!”
Crystal U. Davis
Appointed 2010
B.A., Emory Univeristy
M.A., Texas Women’s Univeristy
M.A., New York University
Kathryn Dedieu, ‘89
Appointed 2010
Science
B.A., Bucknell University
M.E., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Kathleen Dolan
Appointed 1976
Director of Global Education
B.A., Fordham
University
M.A., Rivier
College
“This is a
wonderful place to work because of the openness of students and faculty,
especially with regard to issues of social justice, and although Pingree is far
from perfect, it models ideals in a way that most institutions do not--even
other schools. I feel that we educate
kids to take these ideals to the world at large where they will be challenged,
but also where they will hold firm to a large extent because of the core beliefs
of the school, beliefs which are not only articulated, but also and more
importantly, lived every day.”
Mary K. Dyer P’98, ‘02
Appointed 1996
Senior Associate Director of Admission
B.A., Boston
College
“My
first role at Pingree was that of a parent of two daughters who attended the
school. From the beginning, we all knew
that this is a community of people who are passionate about educating young
people and supporting their journey through adolescence. I now am able to share my Pingree experience
with prospective families through my work in the Admission Department.”
Richard A. Erickson
Appointed 1985
Art
B.F.A., Kent
State University
“Listen to the students.”
Jay Esty
Appointed 2010
English
B.A., Amherst College
Susan Esty
Appointed 2004
Director of Advising and Counseling
Psychology
B.A. in English, Amherst College
M.A. in Child
Development, Tufts
University
Ph.D. in
Counseling Psychology, Boston
College
"I
love working at Pingree, because the students here are so open and so willing
to engage. They are courageous,
thoughtful, compassionate and sometimes very funny. I also love that Pingree teachers and parents
value education of the whole child and care deeply about guiding young people
as they wrestle with what it means to be individuals, members of different
communities, and citizens of the world. Above all, I am grateful to be part of
a whole community that in a fast-paced, ever-changing world doesn't lose sight
of our essential need to connect with other people - to learn about others, to
learn from others, and to keep being open to learning across time and
contexts."
Meghan Farley
Appointed 2005
Co-Director of College Counseling
B.A., Stonehill College
M.A.T., Sacred Heart
University
“I feel so fortunate to work at Pingree. I am constantly finding
myself thinking, ‘Wow...how did I get so lucky to work with such amazingly
talented and cool students?’ To be able
to say that I love my job and really mean it is a true gift!”
Steve Filosa
Appointed 2001
Director of Prep@Pingree
Mathematics
B.S., Tufts
University
J.D., Suffolk
University
"As someone who attended public schools until college and as
a person who has taught at two other independent day schools in Greater Boston,
I am lucky to be working as an administrator and teaching at Pingree because
our students - and those who work here - always have the opportunity to learn
and grow in multiple ways. Students and adults at Pingree have the chance to
try new things and learn more about their individual strengths and challenges
all the time. Members of the football team perform in the dance concert;
faculty members are also administrators and coaches. I like the fact that
Pingree's culture is one that truly fosters broad, lifelong learning for all of
its community members."
Mario Orlando Flores
Appointed 2010
Director of Instrumental Music
B.A., Brown University
M.A., Columbia University
Ann Foye
Appointed 2005
History
B.A., Amherst
College
M.A.T., Brown
University
“I am grateful for the opportunity to come to work each day, engage
in meaningful conversations about our world, its history, its poetry, its
beauty and its challenges with my students and my colleagues. Each day is also an opportunity for individual
growth with the ultimate hope that we at Pingree then go out into that great
big complex world and try to make it a better place.”
Michael J. Furnari '02
Appointed 1985 
Science
B.A., State University of New
York
M.Ed., Harvard
University
“The most rewarding and exciting part of my job
comes from empowering my students by providing information, sharing my
experiences as a ranger in the National Park Service and my unique travel
experiences, and pointing them in directions that will help them develop into
extraordinary individuals who WILL make a difference.”
Trina Gary
Appointed 2008
Director of Multicultural Education
English
B.A., Trinity
College
"I am thankful to work at a school where the educators are
interested in the intellectual, emotional, and social development of the
students."
Catharine Gibbs
Appointed 1990
Director of Community Service
Manager, School Store
B.A., University
of Massachusetts
"To be able to make a living by doing
something that you love is happiness. I love working with students in
environments that allow them to help others."
Rob Gifford
Appointed 2010
Website and E-Communications Manager
B.A., Gordon College
John J. Glessner P'99
Appointed 1992
History
B.A., Harvard
University
J.D., Columbia
University
“I
tend to teach using the Socratic Method of ‘question and answer’. Most of my students find this method of
teaching stimulating, intimidating and sometimes terrifying, but I believe they
learn a fair amount of history. I think
the most effective approach to students is to consider the process of learning
a partnership, in which the teacher and the student learn together. I also believe that the teacher must
incorporate humor in his or her teaching technique so that the process does not
become dry, boring and predictable. Teaching at Pingree has been a wonderful
"ride," and it is endlessly rewarding to see returning students and
to hear their stories of maturation. It
is most satisfying to know that in some small way you have influenced their
intellectual and personal development."
Michael Gracey
Appointed 2003
English
B.A., Amherst
College
M.S., Johns
Hopkins University
“I feel lucky to be part of a collegial
faculty working with creative kids who want to stretch themselves. It is a healthy place because teachers know
and support their students, and because Pingree families support the mission of
the school.”
Christina Grenier
Appointed 2006
Director of Writing
Center
English
B.A., Bates
College
M.A., University
of Massachusetts
“Pingree’s students and faculty create a
wonderfully vibrant community of collaborative learners. There’s always a buzz
about! The variety of writing assignments the students are challenged with
reflects the shared intellectual and aesthetic values Pingree holds so deeply.
Working with students as they formulate ideas and arguments for writing
assignments in all disciplines is truly rewarding—I love watching the students
grow into confident, articulate writers.”
Alice Grossman
Appointed 1987
Photography
B.A., Marlboro
College
M.Ed., Lesley
University
“I
like working at Pingree because it is cozy, compassionate, and a place where
people laugh at themselves, all in all a great environment for some serious
teaching and learning!”
John J. Harrington
Appointed 2010
Controller
B.A., University of Massachusetts
M.A., Bentley College
Tracy
D. Johnson P'10,'12
Appointed
1992
College
Office Coordinator / Registrar
B.A., Amherst College
“The faculty and staff at Pingree are dedicated, passionate and
caring. It is a wonderful place to work
and I have been thrilled with the experiences and opportunities my own children
have had here as students.”
Katherine Karch
Appointed 2003 
Science
B.S., University of Massachusetts/Amherst
"The act of teaching at Pingree is an interactive, creative
process involving every member of the community. In a multitude of ways, our school embraces
the philosophy that education is an action rather than a static ‘thing’. The journey of learning--as opposed to the destination
of knowing--is esteemed. That is why
I love to teach at Pingree."
Christina French Kennedy
Appointed 2010
Chair, Mathematics Department
B.A., Bowdoin College
M.A., Wesleyan University
Tamara Kingan
Appointed 2009
Science
B.A., Eckerd College
“The overwhelming sense of community and the readiness of the
students to learn is what amazes me about Pingree. Everyone, from the youngest
freshman to the oldest faculty member, works together with a fluidity and
respect that is both surprising and astounding.”
Judith Klein P'04
Appointed 2009
Director of Communications
School Newspaper Adviser
B.A., M.Ed., Tufts
University
“I love the energy, the commitment to innovation, and the ‘can do’
attitude that permeates the atmosphere at Pingree. Students here are encouraged
to make things happen – in the classroom, on the playing fields and on stage.”
Edward Kloman
Appointed 2004 
English Department Chair
B.A., Trinity
College
M.A., Bread Loaf – Middlebury
College
“While the rest of the
world ebbs and flows with the larger engines of global currents, Pingree
remains an island of imagination and possibility rooted in the wonder of
adolescent creativity and the administration of social justice.”
Wendy Lawton
Appointed 2002
Science
B.S., Lindenwood
College
M.A.T, Rollins
College
“The
best thing about teaching at Pingree is the warmth, curiosity and work ethic of
our students. Small classes and close
relationships make each class a joint adventure in learning. Strong support from administration and
student services ensures that each student gets the opportunity to pursue their
goals and personal level of success. It is a pleasure and privilege to play a
small part in the growth and achievement of our students.”
Hanyen Andrew Lee
Appointed 2010
History
B.A., Brown University
M.A.T., Boston University
Ann Lyons
Appointed 2003
Director of Educational Resource
Center
Junior Class Dean
B.A., Merrimack
College
M.Ed., Lesley
College
“I love working at Pingree
School because of the
wonderful students as well as the caring dedicated faculty that I am able to
interact with on a daily basis. The
student’s eagerness to learn and their kindness to others help to motivate all
in the community. Watching the students
grow from young freshmen to confident mature seniors is very rewarding.”
Sheng-Chu Lu
Appointed 2010
Mandarin Chinese
B.A., Shih Chien University
M.A., UMass-Boston
Diana
Batchelder Mathey P '01,'04,'09, '11
Appointed
2004
Director of Annual Fund and Parent Relations
Colby College
“I love working at Pingree School
because of the wonderful students as well as the caring dedicated faculty that
I am able to interact with on a daily basis.
The student’s eagerness to learn and their kindness to others help to
motivate all in the community. Moreover, I love promoting Pingree to our donors and letting them
know how important their contributions are to our faculty and students.”
Jim MacLaughlin ‘84, P'08, '13
Appointed 1988
English
Sophomore Class Dean
B.A., Union
College
M.S.T., University
of New Hampshire
"I love
being part of a community that constantly challenges me to find ways to not
only create better students, but also better people."
Linda B. May P'02
Appointed 1998
Spanish
B.A., Mary
Baldwin College
Diploma de Español como
Lengua Extranjera, Instituto Cervantes, Universidad de Salamanca
Certificat Pratique de la Langue Française
“It is the students who give me
the inspiration and energy for my work here at Pingree. The students are eager to learn and sincerely
invested in making the most of their rich experiences in class, in clubs and
organizations, and on the playing fields.
It is amazing, challenging, and constantly renewing for me as I work
with them and watch them grow and develop into the leaders of the coming
generations.”
Alan McCoy P'00, '01
Appointed 1980
Director of Athletics
B.A., (McDaniel College) Western
Maryland College
“I
like working at Pingree because, while from the outside it may not appear to be
this way, each year is new and different. The school has changed a great deal
in my time here but it remains open to new possibilities. I enjoy working with
young people because they are enthusiastic, they have a can-do spirit, and they
keep me laughing!
Anna McCoy
Appointed 2004
History
Freshman Class Dean
B.A., University
of Massachusetts
“One of my favorite things about teaching at Pingree is the
opportunity to connect with students outside of the classroom as they serve
their local and global communities. Whether they are organizing a 5K to raise
money for the Angel Network, clearing the powwow grounds on the Rosebud Indian
Reservation or baking cookies for an Amnesty International bake sale, our
students are never more amazing than they are when they are called upon to
serve others. I am consistently humbled by their compassion, drive and
brilliance.”
David Medvitz
Appointed 2007
Technology Education
B.A., Northwestern University
M.T.S., Harvard
Divinity School
“I really enjoy the sense of purpose that students exhibit here,
and I appreciate the freedom and flexibility both students and teachers have to
approach their work in a variety of ways.”
Jessica Moore
Appointed 2005
English
B.A., Middlebury
College
M.A., Harvard
University
“Teaching at Pingree doesn't feel like ‘work’. I enjoy spending time with lively students
who care about their studies and are willing to engage in spirited
conversations in the classroom with passion, thoughtful introspection, and
respect for their peers. Through an
examination of literature, students are willing to take the bold leap to
examine themselves and their roles within our larger community.”
Kimberly
Moore
Appointed
2006
B.A., Smith College
“Every morning when I pull into Pingree's drive and look out
over the fields, I think how lucky I am to work here. The sense of warmth, caring and community -
and the deep commitment to the growth and well-being of the students - is a
daily gift. I feel privileged to be a
part of it.”
Lizanne (Hourihan) Moynihan
Appointed 2007
History
B.A., HDipEd, University College Cork,
Ireland
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember.
Involve me and I learn. - Benjamin
Franklin
“I
am very proud to be part of the dynamic, diverse and caring community that is
the Pingree School. The connections and partnerships between
students, parents and faculty are truly special, and lead to the realization of
the school mission in a nurturing and inspiring environment.”
Robert D. Ogden
Appointed 2010
Network Administrator
B.A., Northeastern University
Eric Olson P'04, '06, '07, '08, '08
Appointed 1995 
Mathematics
B.A., St. Olaf College
A.L.M., Harvard
University
“I
love teaching mathematics at Pingree because I am allowed the freedom to
connect with my students in the most effective way I can. I have the opportunity to augment the
academic experience with things such as project work, puzzles, computer
graphics, artistic explorations, the geometry of snowflakes, and the occasional
math joke. All this makes teaching as
easy as falling off a logarithm.”
Meghan E. O’Neill
Appointed 2010
Librarian
B.A., Bishop’s University
M.A., Dartmouth College
M.L.S., University of California, Los Angeles
Carolyn Paczkowska
Appointed 1991
History Department Chair
B.A., Middlebury
College
M.A., Brown
University
“Upon
walking into the History Department at Pingree, one cannot help but notice the
unbridled energy, collegiality and sense of fun we share. My colleagues and I enjoy the opportunity
not only to engage in deep and thoughtful conversation about history, but also
the remarkable freedom to develop courses that respond to student initiated
interests, our own talents and a collective desire to place the present in a
meaningful context of the past. Our classrooms
are lively, energetic, creative and student-directed. The student-teacher relationships that are
forged in such an atmosphere of honest intellectual discourse are
extraordinary. Could there be a better
place to work with students who are inquisitive, engaged and who really care
about the world and their place in it? I
think not.”
Sarika Jain Patel
Appointed 2010
Mathematics
B.A., Rutgers University
Chris Powers
Appointed 1994
Associate Athletics Director
Trainer
B.S., Boston University
Ed.M Boston
University
" There are few
places(jobs) that you wake up each morning and you are excited to go to. The environment
here and faculty here make Pingree a great community to work and learn in.”
Sarah Powers ‘95
Appointed 2001
Associate Director of Admission
B.A., Dartmouth
College
“As a member of the Admissions Department,
I have enjoyed getting into the heart of each student and then seeing who they
become by their senior year. Pingree provides tremendous opportunities
for students to stretch, grow, and explore the scholar, athlete and artist in
each of them. All of this is encapsulated in an environment which
supports the students’ personal quests for advancement.”
Nicholas Pratt ‘04
Appointed 2009
Mathematics
B.A., Wheaton
College
“Who wouldn't want to be part of a supportive community like
Pingree? No matter what you encounter at Pingree, there will always be great
people – from the students to the faculty to the head of school - behind you to
push, support and cheer you on along the way.”
Michelle S. Ramadan
Appointed 2010
English
B.A., Brown University
Andrea Richards
Appointed 2008
French
B.A., Dickinson
College
"One
of the first positive impressions I had of Pingree School
was how much the school values and supports a global view of education. By maintaining four language programs, and
offering so many opportunities to experience, communicate and learn in
different cultural settings, students of Pingree today will be very
well-prepared to be the global citizens of tomorrow."
Elizabeth Robitaille P'13
Appointed 2005
Director of Health Services
B.S. in Nursing, Syracuse
University
Master
of Public Health, Boston
University
“Adolescence is a wonderful time of growth and development.
Throughout the day, students stop in with complaints of illness or injury, or
social issues, and an important part of my job is teaching students about their
illness and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is so important for
students to feel safe and supported. When they do, learning thrives. I love
supporting student success.”
Rosa Rogers
Appointed 1995
Language Department Chair
Spanish
B.A., Vassar
College
M.A., Boston
University
“Whenever I am
asked about the place I work for, I tell people that teaching and learning does
not come any better than at the Pingree
School. It is indeed a privilege to work for such a
fine and supportive educational institution and to teach capable and engaged
students who are always eager to learn.”
Beth Savarese ‘99
Appointed 2003
Mathematics
Senior Class Dean
B.A., College of the Holy Cross
M.Ed., Northeastern University
" Pingree's small
community is a family that anyone would want to be part of. At school, I depend
upon the students for my own learning as much as they do upon me."
Sofia Sidmore
Appointed 2000
Spanish
B.A., College of the Holy Cross
“Pingree is a rewarding place to work
because we set high standards for our students and faculty, which forces us to
continue learning and reviewing our content and curriculum. Pingree faculty members are open to new ideas
including technology, instructional practices, and emerging philosophies. I feel fortunate to work in an environment
that strives for educational excellence.”
Eric Stacey ‘81
Appointed 1997
Director of Admission
B.A., Colorado
College
"The
most striking aspect about Pingree to me is the fact that kids actually look
forward to being here each morning. They
feel that way because they are connected to the school, to its programs and,
most importantly, to its faculty. The
teachers are able to fully engage the students in the learning process. As a
result, the students form a stronger bond here than at most schools. One of my favorite times of the year is when
alums return from college. Almost to a
person they tell me that they are better prepared academically, better at
juggling the multiple demands on their time and better able to connect with
their professors than most of their peers."
Ailsa Steinert P'78, '81, '88
Appointed 1965 
English
B.A., Manhattanville
College
M.Ed., Boston
University
“I've
known for a long time that I love teaching in high school. More subject
oriented than lower schools, more student oriented, perhaps, than many
colleges, secondary school offers a good balance. I love books and students and bringing them
together. Also, an independent school
like Pingree offers more independence to teachers in their curricular choices
than many other types of school.
Finally, high school students are often on the point of or in the midst
of change and growth and therefore are fun and challenging to deal with.”
Barbara Swanson
Appointed 1989
Latin
B.A., Colby
College
"I
have an advantage over some of my colleagues that makes teaching especially
rewarding to me. As the only Classics teacher here, I instruct many of the same
students over a period of years and have the unique opportunity of watching
their minds and their character develop day by day as they move from
adolescence into adulthood. This is what makes my day."
Harry “Buddy” Taft P'01, '05, '08, '10
Appointed 1979
Dean of Student Life
History
B.A., Wesleyan
University
"The
students at Pingree allow me to continue my education. Their thoughtful questioning and pursuit of
knowledge keep me energized as a learner."
Elizabeth Taft ‘73, P'01, '05, '08, '10 
Appointed 1978
Ceramics
B.F.A., University of Massachusetts/Amherst
“Pingree, to me, is a place of understanding, community, and belief
in possibilities.”
Kirki Thompson
Appointed 2003
Spanish 
B.A., American University
"I am constantly amazed and impressed by my many talented
students. They not only achieve high
marks in the classroom but win on the playing fields, impress on stage, perform
musically in local venues, compete
semi-professionally on New England ski slopes,
ride in equestrian competitions on the East coast, and sail the open
seas."
Robert G. Van Tuyl
Appointed 1994 
Science Department Chair
B.S., Trinity College
M.B.A., University of Miami
“I have always thought of my teaching career as a journey to reach
kids. I feel it is my job to teach students science, not teach science to
students. As educators, we must realize
that at least half of the learning students do happens outside of the
classroom. I strive to reach my students wherever and when ever I can.”
Debora Vander Molen
Appointed 1990
Photography
B.F.A., Massachusetts
College of Art
Two Year
Certificate: New England
School of Photography
“From
the grounds crew and students to faculty and administrators, we are one big family. I appreciate most my creative exchanges with
students. We inspire each other as each
day is a new chance to learn, laugh and persevere.”
Sophie Whitehouse P'07
Appointed 1997
French
B.A., University
of Paris
M.A., Boston
College
"I
started at Pingree as a tutor and substitute. What attracted me first were the
small classes, the interaction between student and faculty and the sense of
humor and camaraderie in and out of the classroom. Since I teach French to many
students two or more years while they are at Pingree, I am amazed at how
well-rounded they become before they leave for college and the world at large.
"
Barbara Whitney 
Appointed 2008
Theater Director
Drama
B.A., Marlboro
College
M.F.A., Institute for Advanced Theater Training, Harvard University
“The goofiness and hilarity of Pingree students is a continual
source of joy to me, as well as their kindness and curiosity. They allow me to really get to know them as people which
allows our time in class to be a truly
rewarding collaborative journey.”
Michael Wilmot
Appointed 2010
History
B.A., Colby College
John Young
Appointed 2004
Mathematics
Director of Auxiliary Enterprises
B.Math., University of Waterloo – Ontario
B.Ed., University of Western
Ontario
M.A.T., Salem
State College
“Why Pingree?
Pingree is a place where people can be themselves. Students, faculty and staff come to Pingree
each day not having to hide behind a facade of some expected mold or
expectation. We are encouraged to work
out of our comfort zones and try new things.
As a teacher, it is refreshing to be with young people each day who are
not afraid to take risks.”
