“A good education, not least the study of literature, inspires the empathy we need to make the world a better place. Besant Hill's focus on life-time learning turns "I wish" into "I will."”

Tom Bennett

English & Philosophy Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
Chelsea College, Brighton University, UK. B.Sc (Hons)
St Luke’s, Exeter University, UK. PGCE
Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. B.A. (Hons)

“A good education, not least the study of literature, inspires the empathy we need to make the world a better place. Besant Hill's focus on life-time learning turns "I wish" into "I will."”

Tom Bennett

English & Philosophy Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
Chelsea College, Brighton University, UK. B.Sc (Hons)
St Luke’s, Exeter University, UK. PGCE
Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. B.A. (Hons)

tbennett@besanthill.org

Anna Bennett

History Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Exeter University, UK. B.A.
Bristol University, UK. PGCE

abennett@besanthill.org

“I am very happy to be working at Besant Hill where the focus on global citizenship and sustainability allows students to develop a positive view of the world and evaluate a range of strategies to make a real difference.”

“I am very happy to be working at Besant Hill where the focus on global citizenship and sustainability allows students to develop a positive view of the world and evaluate a range of strategies to make a real difference.”

Anna Bennett

History Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Exeter University, UK. B.A.
Bristol University, UK. PGCE

abennett@besanthill.org

“At Besant Hill, each student is encouraged to pursue their highest potential as individuals, and asked to contribute to a diverse community with a selfless spirit. This is excellent preparation for success in college and life.”

Jessie Brumfiel

Director of College Counseling

Credentials
University of Hawaii, M.Ed.
Stanford University, B.A.

“At Besant Hill, each student is encouraged to pursue their highest potential as individuals, and asked to contribute to a diverse community with a selfless spirit. This is excellent preparation for success in college and life.”

Jessie Brumfiel

Director of College Counseling

Credentials
University of Hawaii, M.Ed.
Stanford University, B.A.

jbrumfiel@besanthill.org

Dan Call

Performing Arts and Music Teacher
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Cleveland State University, M.M.
Lake Erie College, B.F.A.

dcall@besanthill.org

“I love the fact that we actually live our motto; Aún Aprendo is in everything we do with our entire community. We encourage each other to try new things, and mistakes are never failures, because we are all still learning.”

“I love the fact that we actually live our motto; Aún Aprendo is in everything we do with our entire community. We encourage each other to try new things, and mistakes are never failures, because we are all still learning.”

Dan Call

Performing Arts and Music Teacher
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Cleveland State University, M.M.
Lake Erie College, B.F.A.

dcall@besanthill.org

“I’ve always considered music an opportunity to check one’s troubles at the door, be immersed in the moment, then emerge refreshed, and with new perspective. It’s my goal as a teacher of music to provide students with the skills to avail themselves of the opportunity to reproduce this experience for a lifetime of artistic fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy.”

Edward Carr

Music Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Brigham Young University, B.A.
Washington University in St. Louis, MBA

“I’ve always considered music an opportunity to check one’s troubles at the door, be immersed in the moment, then emerge refreshed, and with new perspective. It’s my goal as a teacher of music to provide students with the skills to avail themselves of the opportunity to reproduce this experience for a lifetime of artistic fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy.”

Edward Carr

Music Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Brigham Young University, B.A.
Washington University in St. Louis, MBA

ecarr@besanthill.org

Sally Chung

Arts Chair
Studio Arts Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.

schung@besanthill.org

“Every one of us is a creative being and cultivating that discovery is at the heart of what I teach.”

“Every one of us is a creative being and cultivating that discovery is at the heart of what I teach.”

Sally Chung

Arts Chair
Studio Arts Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.

schung@besanthill.org

“I believe that truth can only be realized when there is a community of people actively pursuing it. That is why I am so happy to be a part of the Besant Hill community full of growth-minded individuals who live up to the motto 'Aún Aprendo.' ”

Kenny Dennie

Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Pomona College, B.A.

“I believe that truth can only be realized when there is a community of people actively pursuing it. That is why I am so happy to be a part of the Besant Hill community full of growth-minded individuals who live up to the motto 'Aún Aprendo.' ”

Kenny Dennie

Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Pomona College, B.A.

kdennie@besanthill.org

Richard Ellwood

Director of Technology

Credentials
University of Southern California, B.S.

rellwood@besanthill.org

“What I love about Besant Hill is the kindness that everyone shows to each other.”

“What I love about Besant Hill is the kindness that everyone shows to each other.”

Richard Ellwood

Director of Technology

Credentials
University of Southern California, B.S.

rellwood@besanthill.org

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
-Albert Einstein

K. Aimée Fuller

Director of Health Services

Credentials
University of San Diego, San Diego, Ph.D.
Saint Xavier University, Chicago, M.S.N.-Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, B.S.N.
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, B.A.

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
-Albert Einstein

K. Aimée Fuller

Director of Health Services

Credentials
University of San Diego, San Diego, Ph.D.
Saint Xavier University, Chicago, M.S.N.-Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, B.S.N.
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, B.A.

afuller@besanthill.org

Cindy Gagnon

Health Services Advisor

Credentials
California State University, Sonoma, B.S.
Family Nurse Practitioner Certification

cgagnon@besanthill.org

“The Health and Safety of each person in the Besant Hill School community is our primary responsibility and we take this very seriously. A healthy community fosters lifelong learning, the building of relationships, and an overall sense of well-being. I am truly blessed to be a part of this very special place.”

“The Health and Safety of each person in the Besant Hill School community is our primary responsibility and we take this very seriously. A healthy community fosters lifelong learning, the building of relationships, and an overall sense of well-being. I am truly blessed to be a part of this very special place.”

Cindy Gagnon

Health Services Advisor

Credentials
California State University, Sonoma, B.S.
Family Nurse Practitioner Certification

cgagnon@besanthill.org

“Learning a new language opens the door to opportunity. This opportunity includes cultural relativism, and with that comes a new perspective for seeing the world.”

Néstor Gerónimo Morales

Humanities Chair
Spanish & French Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Universidad de Michoacán, B.A.

“Learning a new language opens the door to opportunity. This opportunity includes cultural relativism, and with that comes a new perspective for seeing the world.”

Néstor Gerónimo Morales

Humanities Chair
Spanish & French Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Universidad de Michoacán, B.A.

ngeronimo@besanthill.org

Karen Haldeman

Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
University of California, San Diego, B.A.
University of Colorado, Denver, M.A.

khaldeman@besanthill.org

“As an educator, my goal, whether in the classroom, dormitory, or athletic field is to create and environment that encourages and supports each individual as they grow and pursue their unique goals. Along the way, I hope to inspire a love or at least an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.”

“As an educator, my goal, whether in the classroom, dormitory, or athletic field is to create and environment that encourages and supports each individual as they grow and pursue their unique goals. Along the way, I hope to inspire a love or at least an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.”

Karen Haldeman

Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
University of California, San Diego, B.A.
University of Colorado, Denver, M.A.

khaldeman@besanthill.org

“I believe that learning fuels life and curiosity fuels learning. Besant Hill’s mission and environment encourage students and teachers of distinct backgrounds to learn, explore and create together.”

Nicole Hawkins

Digital Arts Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Tulane University, MFA
Brigham Young University, B.A.

“I believe that learning fuels life and curiosity fuels learning. Besant Hill’s mission and environment encourage students and teachers of distinct backgrounds to learn, explore and create together.”

Nicole Hawkins

Digital Arts Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Tulane University, MFA
Brigham Young University, B.A.

nhawkins@besanthill.org

Tracy How

Director of Admissions & Financial Aid

Credentials
California Lutheran University, MBA
California Lutheran University, B.S.

thow@besanthill.org

“With so much history, Besant Hill is a place that is committed to honoring the past but focused on the future. It's exciting to be part of a school where the only constant is change.”

“With so much history, Besant Hill is a place that is committed to honoring the past but focused on the future. It's exciting to be part of a school where the only constant is change.”

Tracy How

Director of Admissions & Financial Aid

Credentials
California Lutheran University, MBA
California Lutheran University, B.S.

thow@besanthill.org

“My favorite part of teaching English is exposing students to different ways of thinking and living around the world and throughout time. It allows us to live the Portrait of a Graduate everyday in class.”

Portia Johnson

Head of School
English Teacher
Residential Administrator on Duty

Credentials
University of New England, M.S.Ed.
West Virginia University, B.A.
Besant Hill School (Happy Valley School), 2000

“My favorite part of teaching English is exposing students to different ways of thinking and living around the world and throughout time. It allows us to live the Portrait of a Graduate everyday in class.”

Portia Johnson

Head of School
English Teacher
Residential Administrator on Duty

Credentials
University of New England, M.S.Ed.
West Virginia University, B.A.
Besant Hill School (Happy Valley School), 2000

pjohnson@besanthill.org

Farrah Khan

Director of Instructional Support

Credentials
Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A.
Occidental College, B.A.

fkhan@besanthill.org

"Students have agency in their learning experiences when they understand how they learn and why. Teaching to the individual helps students identify and build the skills they need to enhance their knowledge, which keeps them engaged and excited about learning. I love being able to witness and support their growth."

"Students have agency in their learning experiences when they understand how they learn and why. Teaching to the individual helps students identify and build the skills they need to enhance their knowledge, which keeps them engaged and excited about learning. I love being able to witness and support their growth."

Farrah Khan

Director of Instructional Support

Credentials
Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A.
Occidental College, B.A.

fkhan@besanthill.org

“Work hard, study hard, and have fun while you do it.”

Luther Killebrew

ESL and History Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Hawaii Loa College, B.A
Temple University, M.Ed.

“Work hard, study hard, and have fun while you do it.”

Luther Killebrew

ESL and History Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Hawaii Loa College, B.A
Temple University, M.Ed.

lkillebrew@besanthill.org

Claire Lowndes

Director of Academics
Studio Arts Teacher
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
Pepperdine University, MS.Ed.
Staffordshire University, B.A.
Birmingham City University, PGCE

clowndes@besanthill.org

“The Besant Hill School community provides a collaborative, inspiring environment for students to embrace their passions and unlock unimaginable potential.”

“The Besant Hill School community provides a collaborative, inspiring environment for students to embrace their passions and unlock unimaginable potential.”

Claire Lowndes

Director of Academics
Studio Arts Teacher
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
Pepperdine University, MS.Ed.
Staffordshire University, B.A.
Birmingham City University, PGCE

clowndes@besanthill.org

“My educational philosophy is closely aligned with Besant Hill School’s motto, 'Aun Aprendo – I am still learning.' As an educator, it is a primary responsibility to inspire my students so that they may subscribe to the words of Michelangelo, 'Grant that I may always aspire to more than I accomplish.' ”

Chris Maddalone

Math and Science Chair
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Long Island University, MS.Ed.
Boston College, B.A.

“My educational philosophy is closely aligned with Besant Hill School’s motto, 'Aun Aprendo – I am still learning.' As an educator, it is a primary responsibility to inspire my students so that they may subscribe to the words of Michelangelo, 'Grant that I may always aspire to more than I accomplish.' ”

Chris Maddalone

Math and Science Chair
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Long Island University, MS.Ed.
Boston College, B.A.

cmaddalone@besanthill.org

Brian McColgan

Director of Sustainability
Environmental Science & Botany Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
California Polytechnic State University, B.S.
College of Santa Fe, Training

bmccolgan@besanthill.org

“I really appreciate that Besant Hill is a safe and supporting environment to follow one’s passions, as well as discover new ones.”

“I really appreciate that Besant Hill is a safe and supporting environment to follow one’s passions, as well as discover new ones.”

Brian McColgan

Director of Sustainability
Environmental Science & Botany Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
California Polytechnic State University, B.S.
College of Santa Fe, Training

bmccolgan@besanthill.org

“Besant Hill School students graduate as individuals who differentiate themselves in their fields and through their work. They approach life with fervent originality and focused understanding that allows them to adapt to change and new learning. ”

Michaela Peters

Director of Development & Alumni Relations

Credentials
California College of the Arts, M.F.A.

“Besant Hill School students graduate as individuals who differentiate themselves in their fields and through their work. They approach life with fervent originality and focused understanding that allows them to adapt to change and new learning. ”

Michaela Peters

Director of Development & Alumni Relations

Credentials
California College of the Arts, M.F.A.

mpeters@besanthill.org

Cristopher Ramirez

Director of Students & Residential Life

Credentials
Mount Holyoke College, M.A.T
American University, M.S
Ithaca College, B.A; B.S

cramirez@besanthill.org

“The world needs better humans, and our students are that future. I come to BHS with excitement, perseverance, and hope! I hope to inspire Besant Hill students to continue to grow with curiosity and be hungry for knowledge!”

“The world needs better humans, and our students are that future. I come to BHS with excitement, perseverance, and hope! I hope to inspire Besant Hill students to continue to grow with curiosity and be hungry for knowledge!”

Cristopher Ramirez

Director of Students & Residential Life

Credentials
Mount Holyoke College, M.A.T
American University, M.S
Ithaca College, B.A; B.S

cramirez@besanthill.org

“Besant Hill School offers a unique opportunity to introduce dance to students from around the world and offer an all inclusive, judgment free environment for all to dance freely.”

Leah Sellers

Athletic Director
Psychology Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.

“Besant Hill School offers a unique opportunity to introduce dance to students from around the world and offer an all inclusive, judgment free environment for all to dance freely.”

Leah Sellers

Athletic Director
Psychology Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.

lsellers@besanthill.org

Mary Spence

English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
California Institute of the Arts, B.F.A.
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, M.A.

mspence@besanthill.org

“My favorite aspect of Besant Hill is the diversity of our students. They truly bring a global perspective and curiosity to our classrooms, and our discussions about literature are full of questions and exploration. There’s no ‘right’ answer when it becomes clear that there are so many different ways to examine a text.”

“My favorite aspect of Besant Hill is the diversity of our students. They truly bring a global perspective and curiosity to our classrooms, and our discussions about literature are full of questions and exploration. There’s no ‘right’ answer when it becomes clear that there are so many different ways to examine a text.”

Mary Spence

English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
California Institute of the Arts, B.F.A.
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, M.A.

mspence@besanthill.org

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