Why do you want to go into education?

It’s an absolute joy and privilege to do this work! I was drawn to education because I believe schools have the power not only to shape what students know, but also who they become. Investing in young people has the power to change lives, unlock potential, and shape a better future for us all. 

How many years have you worked in schools? How many years at Bentley?

This is my 20th year working in schools, and my 14th year at Bentley. 

What was your favorite thing about school growing up?

My teachers! They made me feel seen, known, and inspired. I loved school so much.

What is the most special thing about Bentley for you?  

Bentley has a remarkable ability to combine academic rigor with a deep commitment to nurturing the whole child, and that balance makes the school truly exceptional. 

What is your favorite Bentley tradition or memory to date? 

Phoenix Fest! It’s the most fun day of the year!

Why do you want to go into education?

I came from a family of teachers. Both parents and two grandparents were educators. It was in my genes, but also made sense for me as a person. I enjoy hosting lessons, making connections, and witnessing student growth. 

How many years have you worked in schools? How many years at Bentley?

I worked at summer camps and after school programs for many years, and I've worked at Bentley for five years now. 

What was your favorite thing about school growing up?

Recess, of course! 

What is the most special thing about Bentley for you?  

Bentley allows me to pace and adjust lessons according to the group. Learning is a linear progression and some topics need more time while others are well known by the class already. 

What is your favorite Bentley tradition or memory to date? 

I'd say PACT families are my favorite. A benefit to a small school like Bentley is that students learn to be friends across grades. When we unite as a mixed age group on Fridays, they become fast friends through games and SEL activities. 

Why do you want to go into education?

I've always enjoyed learning. When I was a kid, I used to sit in the closet at home and read encyclopedias. I realized that there is a big world out there of things that we can learn about, and that knowledge is a valuable resource. As a first generation college graduate, I would often learn things in college and excitedly tell my family what I was learning about. It bothered me that everyone didn't have access to higher education, so I decided I would do my part to make it more accessible.

How many years have you worked in schools? How many at Bentley?

I've worked in education for nearly 20 years. I've worked in independent schools for 8 years, and at Bentley for 7 years. 

What was your favorite thing about school growing up?

That I wasn't doing it alone. All of the classes we take are cool, but learning along side other people was the best! When people brought their personalities and perspectives into the classroom, it made the learning experience so much better. In addition to learning about different subjects, I got to learn about different people and their histories. The secret curriculum!

What is the most special thing about Bentley for you?  

To me, the most special thing about Bentley is the "opportunity ratio". What I mean by that is the amount of opportunity here (strong academics, international trips, intentional community, expert college counseling, etc.) in relation to the number of students is second to none! Students do not have to compete for support or resources and the faculty really get to know the students, which makes the support even stronger. It is a major reason why I chose Bentley for my children!

What is your favorite Bentley tradition or memory to date? 

Getting to participate in the international Mini-Term trip to China with my daughter is a memory that I will never forget!

Why do you want to go into education?

I think that I've always wanted to be a teacher! I first started to "play school" with my two older sisters when I was about five years old. Fast forward to my senior year of high school, when I was able to be a TA for a 7th grade math class and I fell in love with being in the classroom! Schools are the best places in the world, communities where everyone comes together to be curious, make mistakes, and learn. We have four years (or 13 for our Bentley Lifers!) to be that safe space—their home away from home. How lucky are we to have that chance?

How many years have you worked in schools? How many years at Bentley?

14 years in schools, and seven of those have been at Bentley!

What was your favorite thing about school growing up?

No surprise here… I loved my math classes! History classes were a close second. 

What is the most special thing about Bentley for you?  

The students! The way they say "thank you" when you hand them a math test (?!), or how into it they get performing Shakespeare in front of their whole grade, or participating in a spirit squad activity at Town Meeting.

What is your favorite Bentley tradition or memory to date? 

I absolutely love the new-ish tradition of the seniors having breakfast at the Head’s House the week before graduation. Walking through an arch of kindergarteners as the little kids hand them their "class rings" (Ring Pops) and hearing the seniors squeal with joy is incredible. There is something about seeing the seniors connect with the kindergarteners that is so sweet and full-circle.

Why do you want to go into education?

I went into education because I love being around kids: their enthusiasm for learning, their genuine excitement to grow, and their joy. Whether it was in the classroom or on the volleyball court, I loved being able to challenge students and athletes to find their growth edges and to help them learn lessons that they can use for life. 

How many years have you worked in schools? How many years at Bentley?

I have been working in schools for about 20 years, as either a teacher or coach. I have been at Bentley for seven years, first as a 3rd grade teacher before moving into administration six years ago. 

What was your favorite thing about school growing up?

My favorite thing about school was when I made a real connection with a teacher. Excelling in math or acing the history test was never my forte. It wasn't until I really connected with a teacher who understood me and cared about me that I found my motivation to excel. 

What is the most special thing about Bentley for you?  

Bentley has so many incredible aspects to it. If I had to pick only one, I would say the community. I have worked in a number of different places and types of schools, and this community is special. Students, faculty, staff, and families care about each other. 

What is your favorite Bentley tradition or memory to date? 

There are so many incredible traditions and memories, with more being added all the time! One of my favorites is a new tradition, and it is when the seniors come to the Hiller Campus for brunch at the Head's House, and the kindergarten class greets them with "class rings," aka ring pops, and a huge celebration! Then, at the end, the seniors come up to Mulberry Playground, and the kindergartners sing to them. It is such an incredible moment shared by our youngest and our oldest. It is so special to watch some of those seniors, who began their academic journey on that same playground 13 years ago. It is highly emotional, beautiful, and full circle, celebrating the entire community! 
 

Why did you want to go into education?

I studied fine art as an undergraduate and had the opportunity to minor in education. I quickly realized that I loved the balance of managing a creative studio space while sharing with students what I enjoy most about art-making. Creating opportunities for students to experiment, take risks, and produce something new and unexpected is incredibly rewarding. I still look forward to seeing surprising results and those moments when students make discoveries and become deeply engaged in the creative process.

How many years have you worked in schools? How many years at Bentley?

I have worked in schools for over 23 years. I started teaching at a high school on the Akwesasne Mohawk reservation in upstate New York, then worked at a charter arts school in Rhode Island before teaching in California public schools. I joined Bentley 18 years ago and have been here ever since. Being part of the community for so long has given me the opportunity to see the school evolve while building lasting relationships with students and colleagues.

What was your favorite thing about school growing up?

In elementary school, recess was definitely the highlight of my day. By middle and high school, the art classroom became my favorite place to be, and I always looked forward to starting new projects. I loved having a space where experimentation and creativity were encouraged. I can safely say that the art classroom is still my favorite thing about school.

What is the most special thing about Bentley for you?

I’ve been fortunate to work alongside so many great colleagues and students over the years. One of the most rewarding parts of teaching at Bentley is meeting students in their freshman year and watching their engagement and confidence grow as they move into intermediate and advanced classes. Students here have the opportunity to pursue many different paths, and when they choose visual arts, strong connections are formed over time. Seeing their culminating work displayed in the Winter and Spring Shows is especially meaningful.

What is your favorite Bentley tradition or memory to date?

I love Mini-Term. Over the years, I’ve led classes in fresco painting, mosaics, glass blowing, and experimental filmmaking, and even built instruments with students. I’ve traveled to Rome, backpacked in Point Reyes, rock climbed in Bishop, and most recently gone fly fishing near Mount Shasta. I’ve never participated in the same Mini-Term twice, and that sense of adventure is what makes it special—each year brings an opportunity to try something entirely new.
 

Why do you want to go into education? 

I fell into education while working on my computer science master's degree. I taught a group of girls how to program video games and loved giving them a chance to design and implement games they wanted to play.

How many years have you worked in schools? How many years at Bentley? 

I have worked in independent schools since 2013, and prior to that I worked for ten years with nonprofit organizations to encourage females in STEM fields.

What was your favorite thing about school growing up?  

I loved hands-on learning, and math and science were my favorite subjects.

What is the most special thing about Bentley for you?  

I think Bentley teachers are extraordinary. It has been so great to work with teachers who love to collaborate on projects. Also, I find that Bentley students are so incredibly kind; they truly care about their classmates and want to take care of each other.

What is your favorite Bentley tradition or memory to date? 

As a newcomer, my favorite tradition is Phoenix Fest. I loved seeing the high school students take the lead and plan an activity for our youngest students. I am excited that Middle School students built some of the games that will be played at this fall's Fest!