fbpx

“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

“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

Tom Bennett

Director of Students & Residential Life
Philosophy Teacher
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

“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."”

“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

Director of Students & Residential Life
Philosophy Teacher
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

"I love being a part of the student journey, and teaching allows for lifelong learning along with my students, and there is truly nothing better than that."

Jennifer Brown

History & ESL Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
University of Manchester, M.A.
Oakland University, B.A.

"I love being a part of the student journey, and teaching allows for lifelong learning along with my students, and there is truly nothing better than that."

Jennifer Brown

History & ESL Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
University of Manchester, M.A.
Oakland University, B.A.

jbrown@besanthill.org

Jessie Brumfiel

Director of College Counseling

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

jbrumfiel@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.”

“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

“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.

“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

Toby Elmore

Director of Academics
History teacher
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
B.A. Connecticut College
MALS, Reed College
Ed.D University of San Francisco

telmore@besanthill.org

“I am grateful to work at a school where the size and mission of the place provides the faculty, staff, and students to develop meaningful and constructive relationships to help foster deep and meaningful learning.”

“I am grateful to work at a school where the size and mission of the place provides the faculty, staff, and students to develop meaningful and constructive relationships to help foster deep and meaningful learning.”

Toby Elmore

Director of Academics
History teacher
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
B.A. Connecticut College
MALS, Reed College
Ed.D University of San Francisco

telmore@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

Gil Griffin

English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Columbia University, M.S.
Brown University, B.A.

ggriffin@besanthill.org

"Teachers best support students by putting them in the best positions to succeed. My mission in the classroom starts with creating a secure environment and establishing a familial vibe that builds strong connections. In that atmosphere, students build the confidence to take creative intellectual and artistic risks, persevere, embrace new learning, and revel in the joy of academic and self-discovery."

"Teachers best support students by putting them in the best positions to succeed. My mission in the classroom starts with creating a secure environment and establishing a familial vibe that builds strong connections. In that atmosphere, students build the confidence to take creative intellectual and artistic risks, persevere, embrace new learning, and revel in the joy of academic and self-discovery."

Gil Griffin

English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
Columbia University, M.S.
Brown University, B.A.

ggriffin@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.”

Tracy How

Director of Admissions & Financial Aid

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

“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

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

“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.”

“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

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

Claire Lowndes

Studio Arts Teacher
Administrator on Duty

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

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

Claire Lowndes

Studio Arts Teacher
Administrator on Duty

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

clowndes@besanthill.org

Chris Maddalone

Math and Science Chair
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
Long Island University, M.S.Ed.
Boston College, B.A.

cmaddalone@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.' ”

“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
Administrator on Duty

Credentials
Long Island University, M.S.Ed.
Boston College, B.A.

cmaddalone@besanthill.org

“Besant Hill is fantastic at promoting individual student interests and building holistic scholars. Teaching to the entirety of a student is at the core of what I hope to do as an educator.”

Jasper Olsaki-Lounds

Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
U.C. Davis, B.S.

“Besant Hill is fantastic at promoting individual student interests and building holistic scholars. Teaching to the entirety of a student is at the core of what I hope to do as an educator.”

Jasper Olsaki-Lounds

Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty

Credentials
U.C. Davis, B.S.

jolsaki@besanthill.org

Michaela Peters

Director of Development & Alumni Relations

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

mpeters@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. ”

“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

“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.
Grand Canyon University, M.S. Psychology

“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.
Grand Canyon University, M.S. Psychology

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

© Copyright 2021 Besant Hill School of Happy Valley