Learning Specialist and Academic Support, Grades 9-10

Rebecca has a BA in political science from Swarthmore College and a Ph.D. in sociology with an emphasis in Feminist Theory and Research Methods from the University of California, Davis. She has taught anthropology, religious studies, and American Studies courses at various universities and has recently been a tutor and then Associate Director of the Library at Santa Fe Prep. Rebecca completed a six-year term on the Santa Fe Public Library Advisory Board. Her son Jeremy Brooks graduated from Prep in 2014, and her daughter Lila Brooks in 2015.

Departments: Admin/Staff

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Director of Learning Services

Kaitlyn attended Northern Arizona University as an undergraduate student before moving on to the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) to complete her graduate studies. Kaitlyn holds a BS in Psychological Sciences (Disability Studies minor), an MS in Special Education, and a PhD in School Psychology. Kaitlyn previously worked as a school psychologist in Durango, CO, where she assisted school teams in identifying children with disabilities and determining their eligibility for special education services and/or accommodations. Originally from Albuquerque, Kaitlyn was eager to return to New Mexico, where there is an abundance of sunshine and fresh chile. Kaitlyn is passionate about equity in education and is excited to provide support to students, families, and faculty/staff within the SF Prep community.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Associate Director of Admissions, Co-Director of Tuition Assistance, Director of the EE Ford Summer Teachers’ Colloquium

Summar Aubrey was born and raised in Santa Fe and graduated from Santa Fe Prep in 2000. She earned her BA in History from Yale University and her MA in Teaching Social Studies from Columbia University, Teachers College. Summar returned to Prep in 2019 after working in education in California for many years. She was Dean of Students at Sonoma Academy in Santa Rosa, Director of Student Life for the Stanford University Online High School, and taught world history while serving as the Assistant Director of the Middle School at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes. Summar loves exploring New Mexico with her family and is well practiced in the art of camping with kids under 5.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Lunch Program Chef

Originally from Mexico City, Eduardo moved to the US in 2000 and began working as a sous-chef at Crown Plaza, San Marcos, and Italian Rustic Restaurant in Chandler, Arizona. In 2010, he moved to Santa Fe, where he managed the Body Cafe Restaurant for two years, followed by working for 12 years as Chef and Event Captain for Walter Burke Catering. He started at Prep in the maintenance department. However, Eduardo’s true calling and passion are in the kitchen, where he is skilled in preparing Sushi, Italian, American, and traditional and gourmet Mexican cuisine.

Department: Admin/Staff

Lunch Program Pastry Sous Chef

Originally from Mexico City, Marta has extensive experience as a line cook, sous chef, and pastry chef. Marta immigrated to the United States in 2000, where she worked at Ocotillo Golf Resort in Phoenix, Arizona, for ten years. In 2012, she moved to Santa Fe, where she worked at Body Cafe and the original Second Street Brewery for five years. More recently, and prior to joining Prep in 2023, Marta worked at Geronimo Restaurant and Tesuque Village Market.

Department: Admin/Staff

Dean of Students, 11th Grade Class Sponsor, History Teacher

Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin and earned a Master of Arts in liberal arts from St. John’s College.  Mark teaches the 11th-grade U.S. History course that covers the colonial period through WWII.  The class offers a wide variety of instructional materials, including traditional text, primary and secondary source scholarship, as well as fiction, essays, podcasts, etc.  As the students are kids of the Southwest, the class also includes a great deal of regional history and current events discussion to further connect them to the problems and possibilities of their home region.

Department: History

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Mathematics Department Chair, Math C and Int. III Teacher

Chris received a master’s degree in physics from the University of Washington and a subsequent master’s in teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast. Prior to joining Prep, he taught mathematics and science in remote Alaska, Hawaii, and, most recently, Washington. Outside of the classroom, Chris enjoys travel, astronomy, cooking, photography, and hiking.

Department: Mathematics

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School Counselor

For over 20 years, Juli has offered counseling services in community organizations and schools in Santa Fe. With a masters in Counseling Psychology: Expressive Art Therapy from Prescott College, she discovered a love of working with adolescents and their families. She spent the past 15 years at a charter school and found the work to be dynamic, meaningful, and never boring. Her worldview and perspective arise from her experiences as a child in Papua New Guinea and six years living in the Navajo Nation. She is grateful for trees, pools, books, friends, her large extended family, and, in particular, her three children and their partners.

Department: Admin/Staff

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7th Grade New Mexico History Teacher

Nyssa has lived in Santa Fe for three years and has a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing with a minor in English and Classics. Outside of work she is an author and is currently working on a novel, as well as getting her degree in Elementary Education. She loves traveling, writing, hiking, and having game nights with her family.

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Co-Director of College Counseling

After graduating from Bryn Mawr as a sociology major, Hayley stayed on to pursue her Master of Social Work degree from Bryn Mawr’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. While at Bryn Mawr, Hayley was surrounded by extraordinary women who pushed her to become a strong advocate against social inequity and injustice. Working towards this goal, she co-founded a reading and writing group for local incarcerated women. She recommitted to this mission of making higher ed more accessible by serving as an Admission Counselor at Pitzer College in Claremont, California prior to joining the Prep community. Outside of work, Hayley prides herself on being an adult amateur equestrian and fearlessly experimental baker.

Department: Admin/Staff

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10th grade English Teacher, Skirmisher Literary Magazine Faculty Sponsor

Callie earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in English and Near Eastern Studies and a Master’s Degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in the teaching of English. She has taught English literature in Sheffield, Massachusetts and in international schools in Sofia, Bulgaria and Prague, Czechia. Callie loves reading and writing as means of exploring the wider world and making meaning in our own lives. She loves to explore New Mexico’s wild spaces with her family.

Department: English

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Executive Assistant to the Heads of School

Erin Cavn has a bachelor’s degree in history from Seattle University. Since then she’s lived all over from Atlanta, to Los Angeles to Amsterdam. She previously worked in advertising. She has a small lavender farm, three children, a little white dog, and a husband.

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7th Grade Science and Upper School Neuroscience

A 1994 graduate of Prep, Chris holds a BS in Psychology from the University of New Mexico and an MA in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. Chris is in his 21st year at Prep and has previously taught in the Science department: teaching Life Science and Biology for a decade in the mid-2000s. Chris loves teaching science, given its relevance to our lives, and he loves how curious, concerned for our planet, and comical Prep students are! Outside the classroom, Chris and his family explore New Mexico’s wilderness and plan their next travels.

Department: Science

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MS Spanish Teacher

Sheena holds a B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the University of Florida and has completed graduate work in language, history, and economics at the Latin American and Iberian Institute at the University of New Mexico. She brings 20 years of experience in independent schools, including over a decade at Prep. Her work is rooted in experiential education, having chaperoned nine Outward Bound trips, co-led programs in Latin America, and served as a Dean for the Oxbridge Academic Program in Barcelona. Outside the classroom, she runs a small photography business and enjoys hiking and travel.

Department: Languauge and Cultural Studies

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PE and Health Teacher

Marissa Chrysler holds a Bachelor and Master in Spanish from the University of Colorado and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University. Marissa has over 20 years experience as an educator in both public and independent schools. In addition, Marissa has work experience as a crisis intervention therapist and is a licensed mental health counselor. Throughout her life, Marissa has pursued opportunities, training, and professional development in the areas of health and wellness. Outside of the classroom, Marissa enjoys exercise, time with her family, and traveling.

Department: Physical Education

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Physics Teacher

Jocelyne has been teaching middle and high school science for 21 years. She holds a bachelor’s in Natural Sciences from UHH in Hawaii, with a minor in Earth and Space; a master’s level secondary science teaching certificate also from UHH; and a masters in Earth Science from UNC in Colorado. Her research involved describing an extraterrestrial impact structure (crater) located near Peerless, Montana, that formed ~430 mya.  Jocelyne has a Level II secondary science teaching license with the state of New Mexico and previously held a professional teaching license in Colorado. Jocelyne teaches 11th-grade Physics in both a regular class format and a more accelerated honors class format.  She also teaches an 11th/12th grade elective in Earth Sciences on Natural Disasters and a 12th grade elective in AP Physics 2.

Department: Science

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P.E., Cross Country and Track and Field Coach

Lis has taught and coached middle and high school students for 19 years. Lis grew up in the Chicago area and attended St. Lawrence University in Upstate New York. Upon graduation, Lis immediately moved to Santa Fe to pursue her interests in outdoor education and the visual arts. She is a certified USA Triathlon coach of a youth triathlon and track and field team outside of school, and she also holds certification as a USAT Level 1, USATF Level 2, and ASCA level 1 swim coach. Not only does Lis enjoy teaching and coaching kids, but she is also a five-time Ironman competitor, former river guide, expeditionary backpacking leader, and a motivated athlete. When Lis isn’t running around with the P.E. students at school, she can be found running around some more with her husband, daughter, and two rambunctious dogs

Department: Physical Education

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Registrar

ennifer is returning for her 17th year at Prep after spending a year as a college and academic counselor at American Community Schools Athens. She loved her time in Greece, but ultimately realized that there really is no place like home!
Over the years at Prep, Jennifer has served as Registrar, College Counselor, and Health Teacher. She has also worked at Desert Academy, Monte del Sol Charter School, Cottonwood Classical in Albuquerque, and The Portledge School in New York. Prior to her work in secondary education, Jennifer was a college administrator at Princeton, Oberlin, Wheaton, and Green Mountain College. Jennifer has a Bachelor's degree from Smith College, a Master's from Harvard, and a Certificate in Financial Planning from NYU.

When she’s not working, Jennifer loves to travel, hike, exercise, and, most of all, share long meals with friends—a tradition the Greeks call παρέα (parea).

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Performing Arts Department Chair, Acting, Advanced Drama, Musical Theater, Fall Play and Musical Director

Brad holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Boston College and a master’s degree in education from City College of New York. He also graduated from The Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre, a two-year acting conservatory in New York City. Brad has also worked as a college counselor at Northeastern University, an actor in New York, and has been teaching since 2000.

Department: Performing Arts

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Associate Director of Technology, Technology and Engineering Department Chair, Acting, Speech & Debate Coach

A native New Mexican born in Placitas, Ambrose graduated from Prep in 1993 and earned a BFA in graphic design from Colorado State University. He worked professionally for over 15 years as a production artist, designer, art director, web developer, video editor, web standards guru, and copywriter before becoming a teacher— but now can’t imagine doing anything else. In addition to art, design, and code, Ambrose is an accomplished stage actor and working stunt performer.

Departments: Admin/Staff, Technology and Engineering

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Director of Studies, History Department Chair

As the Director of Studies, Kendel oversees curriculum and educational policy in the middle and upper schools and coordinates faculty professional development. Before arriving at Prep, she taught in Massachusetts at Lexington High School and Northfield Mount Hermon School, and before becoming the Director of Studies, she was a teacher in the History Department at Prep. Kendel attended Phillips Exeter Academy, Dartmouth College (B.A.), and Harvard Divinity School (M.T.S.). While at Harvard, she completed educational coursework and teaching licensure through the Program in Religion and Secondary Education, a collaborative program between the Harvard Divinity School and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In 2001–2002, she was awarded a prestigious Klingenstein Fellowship to study curriculum and education policy at The Klingenstein Center, Teachers College Columbia University. She has two children: AJ, Prep class of 2021, and Emery, Prep class of 2024.

Department: Admin/Staff

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9th/10th Grade Dean of Students, English 12, M.A. Healy Chair for Teaching Excellence

Liz received a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and her master’s degree from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English. She taught at schools in San Francisco and Boston before making Santa Fe her home. While a proud native of Western Massachusetts, Liz loves the culture, landscape, and sense of place of northern New Mexico and is happily raising her daughter Rachel here in Santa Fe.

Department: English

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Director of Experiential Education

Anders holds a B.A. in Economics from Brown University and a M.A. in International Education from the School for International Training (SIT). In his role at prep, Anders oversees the Outdoor Education program, TAP, and SIP.  He has over 20 years in the field of experiential education and has worked for numerous independent schools in New Mexico and California.  He is also an Instructor for NOLS in their Wilderness Medicine department.  Outside of work, Anders enjoys distance running, cooking, skiing, being a dad, and when the stars align, surfing.

Department: Admin/Staff

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8th Grade Global Studies Teacher

Clara is thrilled to be joining the Prep community after teaching history and politics at Bryanston School in Dorset, United Kingdom, where she also served as a resident in a boarding house. Clara holds degrees in Politics and Media Studies from the University of Virginia, and as an undergraduate worked at the Miller Center of Public Affairs (a center for presidential history) and studied abroad at the University of Amsterdam. Following her time at UVA, she taught United States History as part of a teaching internship at Bullis School in Potomac, MD. A native Pennsylvanian, Clara is looking forward to exploring the Southwest and finding her new favorite coffee spot in Santa Fe

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Spanish Teacher

Marián received her bachelor’s degree in English philology from the Universidad de Alcalá in Madrid. She also holds a M.A. in Hispanic Linguistics and a Ph.D. in Educational Linguistics from the University of New Mexico, with a focus on vocabulary learning in Spanish as a Second Language and Spanish as a Heritage Language. Marián has extensive experience teaching at both, high school and university level. She is originally from Madrid, Spain, but has lived in New Mexico since 2008. As part of her hobbies Marián enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, hiking and exploring new places.

Department: Language and Cultural Studies

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Accounts Payable Manager, Booster Board.

Debra is originally from Española and has a large extended northern New Mexico family. She recently retired from the Children, Youth, and Families Department with the State of New Mexico. At CYFD, Debra supported child care, pre-kindergarten, and food and nutrition programs in several capacities, including Background Check Manager and Audit and Policy Manager. She has two daughters. Nicole class of 2024, and Raelyn class of 2021.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Facilities

Joseph has worked on the Prep Facilities team for thirteen years, and also worked security at the Los Alamos Labs for twenty-five years. Joseph and his wife Priscilla have been married for forty-five years and they have two daughters and one grandson.

9th Grade Biology Teacher

Ken began teaching science at outdoor, experiential schools over 25 years ago.  He has taught middle and high school science in a Colorado public school, plus American schools in Guatemala and Pakistan, and international schools in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Tanzania. Ken graduated with a biology degree from the University of Utah and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from Antioch New England Graduate School. In his free time, Ken enjoys hiking and climbing mountains around the world, skiing fresh powder, eating (and sometimes baking) good food, making the world more sustainable, learning how to grow vegetables in the high desert of New Mexico and traveling /exploring with his family.

Department: Science

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World History Teacher

Tom holds a B.A. in history from Pitzer College and an M.A. in social science and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago, where he taught for five years during his doctorate training. He has worked in the New Mexico public schools and internationally in China and has 10 + years of teaching experience at the secondary level. Tom has taught both general world history and AP world history. Historical knowledge and thinking, in his view, are essential for navigating today’s complex world. In addition to content knowledge, Tom’s classes focus on foundational skills like essay-based writing and public speaking, evaluating evidence, and understanding how the past shapes the present and future. Tom enjoys hanging out with his dog, riding horses, cooking, listening to music, and reading.

Department: History

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Executive Director of Breakthrough Santa Fe

Dieu holds a bachelor’s degree in Government and Music with a minor in Spanish from Bowdoin College. After college, she worked in college admissions at Bates and Bowdoin Colleges before pursuing her master’s degree in Higher Education at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She spent two years working in college counseling in Boston before transitioning to Breakthrough. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Dieu is excited to return to the Southwest to explore the desert and mountains, eat lots of green chile, and work alongside students and families in Santa Fe!

Department: Breakthrough Santa Fe

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Facilities Staff

Originally from Santa Fe, Gerardo was raised in Aguas Calientes, Mexico. Before joining the maintenance department at Prep, he spent many years working in landscaping. Gerardo is also currently continuing his education at Santa Fe Community College.

Department: Facilities

Facilities Staff

Operations Manager

Mauricio grew up in a large family on a farm in Aguascalientes, Mexico. He has three children. He has been at Prep for over twenty years and is a friendly, familiar face to alumni and current students alike.

Department: Facilities

8th Grade English Teacher

Breshaun has a master’s in Children’s Literature and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in the Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies department at the University of New Mexico. Her current research explores Shakespeare pedagogy across multiple grades. She has taught for nearly twenty years in traditional and non-traditional learning environments from Shakespeare performance summer camps for Kindergarten students to college classrooms. Breshaun is also a Reader at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., which houses the world’s largest collection of printed works of William Shakespeare. Her passion for teaching is matched only by her desire to continually learn how to be a better educator. Breshaun’s personal teaching philosophy is that a person learns best when exposed to new concepts and ideas and is then engaged in enjoyable and critical thinking activities. Ultimately, this leads to enlightenment.

Department: English

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History, 12th Grade Class Sponsor, DEIJ Coordinator

Rachel Kesler grew up in Flagstaff,  Arizona, before moving to attend Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. There, she graduated with honors in History and a double major in Native American Studies, and much of her work focused on oral histories and 20th-century Native American History. Since then, she’s worked at Choate Rosemary Hall and the Thacher School, teaching United States History, American Government, Native American Studies, and a host of other electives. She lives with her cats, Goose and Luna, and enjoys running, hiking, mountain biking, cooking, reality TV, and reading in her free time.

Department: History

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Integrated Math 1, Integrated Math 2 Teacher

Emma Koolpe is a Santa Fe Prep alumn. She received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Vassar College and her masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education from the Minnesota State University. She has taught high school math for the past few years in Rochester, Minnesota. Outside of teaching she enjoys disc golfing, playing with her dog, and reading.

Department: Mathematics

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Ceramics Teacher

Raised in New Mexico, Francesco grew up in Tesuque and Pojoaque surrounded by musicians, sculptors, and various artists, developing a love for the arts early. While he’s had his hands in dirt and sand since a young boy, his first true ceramics class was in middle school, here at Santa Fe Prep. He continued throughout high school, being awarded the Distinguished Artist Award his graduating year. Since then, he’s received his BS in Studio Art for Ceramics and Sculpture from Skidmore College, while earning The Barbara Greene Wild Award and the Molly Haley ’64 Entrepreneurial Artist Prize. He has worked as a studio assistant in Helena, MT, a clay manufacturer at New Mexico Clay, and recently completed a Post Baccalaureate program at the University of Hartford. Outside of making objects from clay, Francesco loves the vast history and anthropology of ceramics, the NBA, and funk.

Department: Visual Arts

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Darkroom Photography, Yearbook, 3D Art, Mock Trial Coach

Sarah holds a history degree from Stanford University and an MA in Media Studies from San Diego State University.  She worked as a professional photojournalist for about 20 years with The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times based in Rwanda, Africa, and Mexico City, Mexico.  She has taught photography at the Santa Fe Photo Workshops, National Geographic Expeditions, and the University of California at San Diego Extension.  Sarah’s hobbies are hiking, backpacking and swimming.

Department: Visual Arts

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Deputy Director, Davis New Mexico Scholarship

A staunch advocate for public and equitable education (and a true education nerd), Hanna has spent the last decade working with or on behalf of youth and educators. Before joining the Davis New Mexico Scholarship team in 2020, she spent five years in the Bay Area leading national data collection, analysis, and dissemination efforts at Breakthrough Collaborative. In her current role, she is focused on network building with college access professionals across the state. Hanna holds a B.A. in sociology from Pomona College.

Department: Davis NM Scholarship

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Calculus, Statistics, Introduction to Mathematical Modeling Teacher

ChenYun holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Columbia University and brings 15 years of university-level teaching experience, with appointments at Duke University, the University of Toronto, and Lehman College. Her teaching philosophy centers on inquiry-based learning, inviting students to discover mathematical ideas through exploration rather than memorization, and she takes particular joy in helping students build confidence through curiosity, problem-solving, and mathematical thinking. Outside the classroom, ChenYun enjoys spending time with her partner, Daniel, and her senior Labrador mix, XiongXiong (XX), aka Twenty.

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Director of Admissions 

Originally from Connecticut, Mary made the trip west after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history from Denison University. She joined the admissions office at Santa Fe Prep in 2012. Mary points to the energy on campus, the tight-knit community, and the wide variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities available to students as school strengths. She enjoys meeting with prospective students and families as they explore middle and high school options in Santa Fe. In addition to her work in admissions, Mary also assists with school marketing and branding initiatives. Mary’s professional background is in business administration and management. Prior to joining Prep, Mary owned and operated Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works with her husband, Kent. Mary and Kent have two children, both of whom graduated from Santa Fe Prep. Mary loves to run, hike, and ski, and to spend time with her family in her spare time.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Upper School English Teacher

Adam was born and raised in Los Angeles, where he studied English at UCLA at the undergraduate and graduate levels, earning his Ph.D. in 2011. After lecturing in the UCLA English Department, Adam began working at Marlborough School, an all-girls independent middle and high school in LA, mainly teaching 10th, 11th, and 12th grade English. While at Marlborough, Adam completed a yearlong mindfulness teacher training course with iBme (Inward Bound Mindfulness Education) and began leading twice-weekly drop-in community meditation sessions and offering several workshops to students and employees. In 2022, Adam and his wife, Shenee, and two kiddos, Atticus and Margot, made the move to Santa Fe, a city they fell in love with while on a road trip in 2020. Adam feels very fortunate to be a part of the Santa Fe Prep community as a 9th-grade English teacher (and occasional mindfulness instructor).

Department: English

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College Bound Program Manager, Breakthrough Santa Fe

Oscar grew up between Santa Fe and Benito Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Oscar was a Breakthrough Santa Fe student from 2013 to 2019 and returned as a teaching fellow in the summer of 2021. He attended the United World College USA (’19) and Lawrence University (’23) as a Davis New Mexico Scholar. Oscar earned his BA in Anthropology with a concentration in Archaeology and a minor in East Asian Studies. Oscar is overjoyed to be back in his home community of Breakthrough and empowering students of similar backgrounds.

Department: Breakthrough Santa Fe

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Athletic Director

Phil earned a B.A. in English and Filmmaking from Colorado College, followed by an M.A. in Environmental Education from the University of New Mexico. It was during graduate school that he discovered his passion for working with young people, launching a career in experiential and outdoor education with organizations like Two Wheel View and the North Carolina Outward Bound School.

Over the years, Phil has brought his leadership to a variety of educational settings. He served as a health and wellness specialist for Santa Fe Public Schools for eight years before stepping into administrative roles as Athletic Director and Dean of Students at both public and private schools around Santa Fe.  Alongside his work in school leadership, Phil has coached both soccer and mountain biking, helping student-athletes grow through challenge, teamwork, and perseverance.

Known for his authentic leadership and student-centered approach, Phil is a committed advocate for inclusive, values-based athletics and whole-child development. His work is rooted in a lifelong dedication to youth empowerment, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Phil returned to Santa Fe in 2015 with his wife, Liz, their two children, Xavier and Zoe, and their dog, Billy. When he’s not on campus, you’ll likely find him outdoors with his family or exploring local trails on his mountain bike.

Departments: Admin/Staff and Physical Education

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Library Assistant

Originally from Massachusetts, Jen has been a part of the Santa Fe community for nearly two decades. After earning her BS in pharmacy from the University of Connecticut and practicing as a pharmacist, Jen transitioned to education, working and volunteering in Santa Fe schools. As a Library Assistant and a parent to three daughters in the classes of ’26, ’27, and ’29, she is deeply invested in the Santa Fe Prep community. In her free time, Jen is an avid reader and hiker who loves traveling to the coast with her husband, Rob, and their girls.

Department: Admin/Staff

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World History 1 Teacher

Born in Rome and raised in Washington, DC, and Paris, Gabriella holds a BA from the American University of Paris, an MA in humanities from California State University, plus International Baccalaureate and Academic Language certifications. Fluent in Italian and French, Gabriella’s international experience honors her students’ uniqueness with a cultural diversity perspective. Her dedication as an educator embraces Prep’s student-centered mission: empowering self-advocacy, sparking curiosity through exploration, and fostering academic skills with confidence. When not in school, Gabriella’s passions are family, friends, reading, skiing, and planning her next Greek island vacation.

Department: History

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Director of Library Services, Instructional Technologist

Catherine has a BA in geography from San Francisco State University and an MLS from Indiana University. Prior to coming to Santa Fe Prep, Catherine directed library and technology services at schools in St. Louis and Washington, DC. She has also worked in software development and at independent bookstores in St. Louis and Atlanta. Catherine is currently serving on the AISL board as secretary. In her free time, Catherine enjoys reading, tennis, and being outside.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Math Teacher

Originally from Pennsylvania, Aaron Miller attended a local independent school where he developed passions for puzzles, learning, and music. He holds a math degree from Cornell and a Ph.D. in physics from Penn State, where he researched neural systems. Aaron is overjoyed to return to the classroom to teach math at Prep, bringing with him experience as both a teacher and a content developer.
 
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Lunch Program Staff

John has worked at Santa Fe Prep since 1988. After 33 years in the maintenance department, John retired at the end of the 2022 school year. Since then, John returned to the Prep community as a part-time kitchen staff member.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Visual Arts Department Chair; Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Art History, 3D Art

Matt earned his master’s in Fine Arts from UC Berkeley, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with Department Distinctions. While at UC Berkeley, he received the prestigious Eisner Prize for Visual Art and was named as a Fellow of the Arts Research Center. He taught Painting, Drawing, and Introduction to Visual Thinking at UC Berkeley and also worked as a professional artist before moving to an earthship in the quiet and rugged desert near Abiquiu, NM. Matt is a practicing artist and is represented by several art galleries, including Form & Concept (Santa Fe) and Visions West Contemporary (Denver, Jackson Hole, Livingston, and Bozeman). He has shown his work across the country, including at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Berkeley Art Museum. Matt’s artwork has been collected internationally and has been published in New American Paintings, The Wall Street Journal, and several other publications. Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and new baby, long-distance runs in the mountains, and working in his art studio.

Department: Visual Arts

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Co-Director of College Counseling

Royce considers both New Mexico and Idaho home. He graduated from Fort Sumner High School in eastern New Mexico, but as an adult his family moved to Idaho, where he also spent the last eight years as Director of College Counseling at Sun Valley Community School. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College, receiving his BA in Asian Studies. Royce also received a M.Ed. from Northeastern University in Higher Education Administration. He has lived and worked in places as varied as Los Angeles, Taipei, Jakarta, and New York. Royce has worked on the admission side of the desk at Occidental College and Sarah Lawrence College. Santa Fe Prep will be his fourth high school in a college counseling role. Royce is an avid reader and audiobook listener. His six year old corgi, Oliver, is his adventure buddy and inspiration for his annual corgi themed holiday card exchange. Finally, Royce loves to support all forms of the creative arts, especially theater and visual arts."

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Spanish III, V, and AP Spanish Teacher

David completed his Ph.D. studies at the University of New Mexico, where he also received the best teacher award. His linguistic research addresses the semantic foundations of grammar and phonology in daily conversations. As an educator, he specializes in narrative and gamified approaches for Second Language Acquisition, promotes linguistic diversity, and focuses on dismantling myths and linguistic biases in education. He enjoys long hikes, engaging in deep philosophical discussions, music, art, and spending time with Ícaro, his border collie best friend.

Department: Language and Cultural Studies

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Davis New Mexico Scholarship Program Manager

Alejandra graduated from St. Edwards University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a minor in Psychology. Alejandra had the opportunity to be part of Breakthrough Santa Fe and the first generation of Davis New Mexico Scholars. She is excited to be back in Santa Fe and still be part of the Davis New Mexico Scholarship community here at Prep!

Department: Davis NM Scholarship

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Science Department Chair, Chemistry Teacher

Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in education from The College of William and Mary. He earned a doctorate in applied physics from Cornell University, researching combinatorial chemistry methods for finding new fuel cell catalysts. He taught courses in physics, chemistry, astronomy, science research, and mathematics at schools in Virginia and Indiana before coming to Santa Fe Prep. In his free time, Mark enjoys hiking, camping, reading, making scented candles, and figuring out how to maintain and fix his family’s cars.

Department: Science

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Mathematics Teacher and Chess Coach

After earning his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Brandeis University, Joey embarked on a career as a professional artist and glassblower. He studied glass art at Massachusetts College of Art and Design and Pilchuck Glass School, before following his future wife out to New Mexico in 2003. After building and operating a glass shop and gallery in Pojoaque, Joey returned to his first love of philosophy and academia, teaching math and chess at Pojoaque Valley Middle School. Joey is an amateur scientist, proud nerd, voracious reader, gardening enthusiast, and chess fanatic who enjoys backpacking and skiing the mountains of New Mexico.

Department: Mathematics

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Music Analysis, Vocal Performance, Instrumental Music, MS Vocal Music, MS Instrumental Music Teacher

Kathlene Ritch grew up in a musical family and has been fortunate to make her passion for music her job. Having sung all over the world, she loves calling Santa Fe home. And when she isn't singing with her Grammy-winning ensemble Conspirare or the Santa Fe Desert Chorale,she cantors at the Church of the Holy Faith, is an on-air announcer for Classical 95.5 KHFM,and is also the Music Director for the non-profit Tri-M Productions, which produces musicals for “Millenials”. She is excited to join the Griffin family and looks forward to sharing her love of music with the students.

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Davis New Mexico Scholarship Director, History

Sam graduated from Carleton College with a degree in history and religion before moving to Santa Fe, where he worked for the organization Citizen Schools at De Vargas Middle School while receiving his Master’s Degree in Education from Lesley University. In 2012, Sam began working at Breakthrough Santa Fe at Santa Fe Prep, where he eventually served as Co-Director of that program. In 2017, Sam became the Director of the Davis New Mexico Scholarship, the largest private scholarship program designated solely for New Mexican students in the state’s history. Throughout his tenure at Prep, he has taught various upper school classes in the history department. When not at work, Sam likes to play music and explore the great outdoors.

Departments: Davis NM Scholarship, History

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Front Office Manager

Anna Roberts began her career in education with a ‘gap year’ in the Australian outback in 1989. There she taught two boys on a remote cattle station in
Queensland through Mt Isa School of the Air. Four years later, Anna attained her Bachelor of Education from the University of Tasmania. After teaching at St. Michael’s
Collegiate School in Hobart, she traveled and joined a team of international teachers to develop a progressive, bilingual preschool in Istanbul, Turkey. Teaching at Açı Okulları
was the highlight of Anna’s teaching years. Upon returning to Australia in 2003, Anna married and moved to Alaska, then California. She is now enjoying the delights of Santa Fe, and the Prep community, with her husband, daughter, and son. Anna loves the outdoors and learning about other cultures.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Head of Middle School

Heather holds a master’s degree from Columbia University Teachers College in Private School Leadership and a master’s degree in Gifted Education from the University of South Florida. She has been either a teacher, administrator, or coach in independent schools for over twenty years. Heather also served as an Academic Coordinator for the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) for three summers. Most recently, she moved to Santa Fe from Austin, TX, where she taught middle school science, coached, and was the science department chair. Prior to that, she lived in Florida, Beijing, China, and New York. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling or spending time outdoors doing just about anything with her dog, Bonni.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Language and Cultural Studies Department Chair, Spanish Teacher

Yadiner Sabir was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, and an MA in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University at Las Cruces. She has taught Spanish, English, and Communications at various educational institutions, including the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón, Lynn University, North Carolina State University, and Cary Academy in North Carolina. Yadiner comes to Santa Fe Prep from Francis W. Parker School, a progressive independent school in Chicago, Il. There she served as an Upper School Spanish teacher and as a Senior Grade Head/Dean. Yadiner is excited to return to New Mexico and explore the Northern region of the Land of Enchantment with her family.

Department: Language and Cultural Studies

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Middle School Science and AP Environmental Science Teacher

Rebecca grew up in Northern WI, where her love for all things outdoors was cultivated. She pursued her bachelor’s degree at a small, rural liberal arts college in Iowa, where she earned degrees in Biology and Secondary Education. After teaching and being a mom for several years, Rebecca went back to school at Iowa State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Entomology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology. Outside of school, Rebecca enjoys hiking, camping, exploring, reading, and spending time with her family.

Department: Science

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Assistant Head of School/Head of Upper School

With the intention of never taking another mathematics class, Ashley completed AP Calculus in high school and declared journalism as her major in college. She now holds a Bachelor’s Degree in pure mathematics and a Master’s Degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, in the epistemology and pedagogy of the subject. Throughout the past two decades, she has designed explorations for her students to see mathematics as a language, art, and powerful system of reasoning, all while simultaneously serving in leadership roles to promote whole-being development, wellness, citizenry, and community responsibility in independent schools in California, Utah, and Wyoming. Outside of school, Ashley can be found supporting individuals as a certified optimization coach, adventuring outdoors with her family on both groomed and un-groomed trails, attending the theater, or simply reading a book.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Head of School

A product of Seattle public schools, Aaron has spent the last 27 years as an educator and administrator at four independent Schools (two in his adopted state of New Mexico). Aaron is currently in his sixth year as head of school at Santa Fe Prep and formerly served The Colorado Springs School as head of school for six years.

Aaron holds a BA from Colorado College, an MA from  St. John’s College, and an M.Ed  from Teachers College, Columbia University. His wife Anna is also an educator, and she and Aaron are raising two boys (their older son Ben is a graduate of Santa Fe Prep and their younger son Henry is 16 and has Autism and Down syndrome). In his free time, Aaron enjoys chasing wild trout in the rugged canyons of northern NM

Department: Admin/Staff

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Nurse/Health Coordinator

Elizabeth holds a BA in History from Oberlin College and an AAS in Nursing from CNM.  She has a background in community health and women’s health and is looking forward to making a difference in the Prep community.  A native New Mexican, she returned after a stint in Ohio and Florida and is happy to be back in the dry heat!  In her free time, she enjoys camping and traveling with her family.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Business Office Manager

Raised in San Francisco, Ca., Ashley moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico, in 1996 and never looked back. She has worked in the financial industry since 1998 in many capacities at banking institutions across New Mexico. Ashley has a degree in Culinary Arts and loves cooking and finding new condiments to add to recipes. When not balancing a checkbook, she can be found camping around the beautiful state of New Mexico with her husband and dogs.

Business Manager. Raised in San Francisco, Ca., Ashley moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico, in 1996 and never looked back. She has worked in the financial industry since 1998 in many capacities at banking institutions across New Mexico. Ashley has a degree in Culinary Arts and loves cooking and finding new condiments to add to recipes. When not balancing a checkbook, she can be found camping around the beautiful state of New Mexico with her husband and dogs.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Chief Financial Officer

Sandy brings 30 years of experience in independent and higher education, with a background that spans finance, operations, leadership, coaching, teaching, and organizational development. She holds a PhD in Education Leadership and Human Resources Studies from Colorado State University. Over the years, Sandy’s work has been shaped by a deep interest in how people and organizations grow. She brings a layered approach to leadership, connecting people, process, resources, and purpose in service of the school’s mission. As CFO, she sees finance and operations as part of the stewardship of a school: supporting thoughtful decision-making, building trust, and helping create the conditions for trust, growth, belonging, and meaningful work. Outside of school, Sandy enjoys walking, yoga, art, writing, and exploring the beauty and wide-open skies of New Mexico with her husband and their two pets.

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7th grade English, Creative Writing Teacher

A native of central Texas, Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Foreign Service from Baylor University and a Master of Arts degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. She worked in the field of international security before beginning to write fiction. Prior to teaching at Prep, Sarah taught literature and fiction at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). Her first novel, Out There, won the 2015 Indiefab Editor’s Choice Award for Fiction,  Book of the Year and received a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly. Sarah is the mother of three grown daughters and a son who is currently attending Prep.  When she is not writing or reading, you may find her in the garden. She is currently working on a new novel.

Department: English

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Director of Advancement

Rebecca Starr joined Prep in 2025 as the Director of Advancement leading all fundraising efforts. Rebecca has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in counseling with a specialization in deafness, both from San Francisco State University.  She has dedicated her professional career to a variety of non-profit efforts. Immediately prior to joining Prep, Rebecca served for 18 years as the Director of Advancement at The Emery/Weiner School (EWS) as part of the senior leadership team. Born in Arizona she has lived in California and Texas and is now calling Santa Fe home. Her most cherished time is being outdoors, watching the sunset on the beach and adventures with her two adult children.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Director of Facilities

Nick was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, where he attended a college prep high school and earned his BFA in Theater from Ohio University. Following graduation, he landed in New York City, managing hotels in midtown Manhattan for about ten years. He moved to The City Different in 2012 and worked as an Operations Manager for a New Mexico-based hotel, a manager of an insurance company, and most recently, a property manager for a 16-acre condominium community on the north side of town. Nick has an amazing filmmaker wife, Terry, and two energetic daughters, and they all love to make films, see shows, hike, swim, and play in Santa Fe.

Departments: Admin/Staff, Facilities

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Advancement and Communications Associate

A Los Alamos native, Jillian received her bachelor’s degree in English Literature & Creative Writing from The George Washington University and her MFA in Fiction from Columbia University’s School of the Arts. After nearly a decade spent working in New York City’s professional theatre industry, she returned to New Mexico and joined the Prep Advancement team in 2021.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Athletics Director Assistant / Equipment Manager

Originally from Minnesota, Jackie moved to New Mexico when she was 8. Entering her 11th year working at Prep, she can be found lining the fields, ordering, inventorying, and handing out uniforms, setting up and working home games, and assisting with PE classes. She is married to John Utsey, Director of Technology, and they have two children; the oldest is a graduate of the class of 26. When not working, Jackie enjoys gardening and Halloween.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Director of Technology

John is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. After leaving the Marines he spent 15 years managing the Data Center at the National Center for Genome Resources, a local Santa Fe genetics research institute. He joined Prep in the summer of 2013. His commitment to the Santa Fe community extends well beyond the campus. A nine-year volunteer for the local youth ice hockey league, John currently serves as Vice President and a team manager. He and his wife, Jackie, have two children, including a daughter graduating in the Class of 2026. In his free time, John can be found in the weight room or riding on a bicycle.

Department: Admin/Staff

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Associate Director of Breakthrough Santa Fe

Juliana holds a BA in history and Spanish from Bowdoin College. After college, she taught high school English and history and conducted history research as a Fulbright Scholar in Madrid, Spain. Most recently, she worked as a fifth-grade English Language Learner (ELL) teacher in Virginia public schools following a brief stint in local journalism. Juliana first came to Santa Fe in 2023 as a Breakthrough Teaching Fellow. While she was here she conducted history research through Bowdoin College. Juliana fell in love with the Breakthrough mission, spirit, and community and cannot wait to be back as a member of the team.

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11th grade English Teacher

Drew received a BA in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, in 2001. From there, he took off to Kyoto, Japan, where he studied Rinzai Zen Buddhism at Tofukuji Monastery. He eventually returned to the U.S. to pursue a Master of Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School, where he focused on world religions and ethics. After HDS, Drew taught religious studies at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, MD, and at St. Paul’s School for Girls in Brooklandville, MD. He returned to higher ed in 2008 and earned a Ph.D. in Political Theory from Johns Hopkins University in 2013. Before coming to Prep, he taught at Whitman College and was the Director of Gender Studies at Brown University. Outside of work, Drew enjoys gardening, cooking, writing, and spending time outdoors with his husband and daughter.

Department: English

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Pre-Calculus, AB Calculus, Advanced Math Topics Teacher

Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Teaching from Rice University. Before joining Prep, she taught at St. John’s School in Houston, TX, as well as for the School Year Abroad program in Viterbo, Italy.

Department: Mathematics

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Assistant Athletic Director, PE Teacher

Daniel was born and raised in Davis California, then moved to the northern coast of California to earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Kinesiology at Humboldt State University. His first job was teaching Physical Education K-12 and being the Athletic Director at a English speaking school in the central atlas mountains of Ifrane, Morocco. Since that incredible experience, he has taught in both private and public schools teaching P.E., coaching various sports and as an A.D. for the past 21 years. Daniel enjoys working with our youth to learn about how their bodies move in space and how playing a sport after school can help develop skills for life. In his free time, Daniel likes to take his family, wife and two kids, to explore the outdoors, travel and play, while personally he is passionate about working with his hands in soil and renovating his house.

Departments: Admin/Staff, Physical Education

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Latin, 7th Grade Class Sponsor, Blue Griffin Chair for Inspirational Teaching

Carla received her Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies from Wesleyan University and her Master of Arts from the University of Wisconsin, where she was a University Fellow.  Carla has been teaching Latin at Santa Fe Prep since 2005.  In her free time, Carla enjoys reading, dancing Zumba, studying Spanish, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Department: Language and Cultural Studies

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ROCA NM Program Director

Matt is from the no-stoplight town of Altamont, Kansas (pop. 1000), and is a proud supporter of two daughters and a world-changing spouse. Matt earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. Matt worked for seven years as an admission counselor at Stanford and Caltech before coming to Prep to work as a College Counselor. In addition to the eight years on the College Counseling team, he has also coached Prep baseball, headed the Senior TAP and SIP programs, and served on the DEIJ Coordinating Committee. Now, Matt is part of the Davis NM Scholarship team, and leads the ROCA NM program, supporting first-generation students from across rural New Mexico. Along with Sam Ritter (Davis NM Scholarship) and Allie Cooper (formerly of Breakthrough Santa Fe), Matt was named Counselors That Change Lives in 2021.

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