Directory
Search our directory by name or filter by department.
Timothy Quinn
Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Faculty
860-409-3664
tquinn@missporters.org
Bio
Rafia Ali
Teacher - Science
860-409-3764
rali@missporters.org
Nelle Andrews
Dean of Curriculum, Teacher - English
860-409-3816
nandrews@missporters.org
Bio
Sarah Archer
Teacher- Languages, French
860-409-3798
sarcher@missporters.org
Alysa Auriemma
Teacher - English
860-409-3813
aauriemma@missporters.org
Bio
Ms. Auriemma came back to Farmington to help create new pathways for the legacy of Sarah Porter. "I love when a student starts to ask their own questions, paving the way for a new discussion that could change the direction of a class unit. That also connects with something I enjoy about MPS - the conversations and community that go far beyond the classroom." She resides in Manchester, CT, and in her spare time she loves running, yarn crafts, and running out of room on her library app.
Katherine Ayers
Teacher - History
860-409-3806
kayers@missporters.org
Ariana Baez
Penn Fellow Humanities
860-409-3814
abaez@missporters.org
Lee Beckwith
Penn Fellow T.I.E
860-409-3714
lbeckwith@missporters.org
Jamiah Bennett
Penn Fellow English
860-409-3773
jbennett@missporters.org
Bio
Josh Bezdek
Teacher - Arts, Photography
860-409-3823
jbezdek@missporters.org
Bio
Josh Bezdek earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI in 1999, where he studied fine art and art history. In 2003, he received his Master of Fine Arts degree in Printmaking/Drawing from Washington University in St. Louis, where he also studied painting, digital art, and non-silver photography. He has exhibited art in various media throughout the country, and has previously been affiliated with Fort Gondo Compound for the Arts in St. Louis, MO, and Studio 107 Gallery in Austin, TX. Josh has been a devoted art educator since 2007, with a broad range of teaching experience including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate art courses. In 2012, he received the honor of Special Congressional Recognition for Dedication to Art Education by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Josh is pleased to be a member of the Miss Porter’s School community, teaching photography, filmmaking, and digital art, and serving as advisor to the Photography Club and the Filmmaking Club. He lives on campus with his wife, math teacher Hur-shiu Webb, and their two daughters, Beata and Andromeda.
Ryan Bliss
Teacher - T.I.E.
860-409-3715
rbliss@missporters.org
Dan Bradshaw
Teacher - Mathematics
860-409-3777
dbradshaw@missporters.org
Bio
Emily Bryk
Teacher - Science
860-409-3673
ebryk@missporters.org
Bio
Ms. Bryk comes to Porter’s from the Tuxedo Park School in New York, where she chaired the science and STEAM department. Her approach to science education was significantly influenced by the work of science writers such as David Quammen and John McPhee, and her classes emphasize cross-disciplinary connections. She loves the absolute academic joy she sees her students take when they make these connections, growing as scientists and as critical thinkers. Around the Porter’s campus, she advises the Jewish Student Affinity group and Hypatia and has also coached the cross country team.
Ms. Bryk graduated from Williams College where she studied English and geology, and she holds masters degrees in chemical oceanography and science education. She lives on campus with her family and cats, and in her spare time she enjoys running, reading (especially literature of the sea), and fiber arts of all sorts.
John Bryk
Chair - Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Teacher - Mathematics
860-409-3782
jbryk@missporters.org
Bio
Dr. John Bryk joined the Porter's community in 2018. He teaches mathematics, AP Computer Science, and an interdisciplinary course on blockchain, the technology behind Bitcoin. He is also an advisor for the Math and Coding Team and has coached Mock Trial. Women continue to be underrepresented in the STEM fields. As such, Dr. Bryk's goal as a teacher at Miss Porter's is to inspire his students to see mathematics and programming as tools that can help them solve the problems about which they are passionate. Dr. Bryk loves the sense of community at Porter's. His wife, Emily, teaches in the science department, and they love raising their children, Sam and Ivy, on campus. Dr. Bryk is a board game enthusiast--the more complex the rules, the better!
Elena Castro
Teacher - Languages, Spanish
860-409-3799
ecastro@missporters.org
Bio
My name is Elena Castro, and I teach intermediate and advanced Spanish. I am originally from Spain, and all my professional career has been overseas, in Brazil, South Korea, and, now, Connecticut. I started at Porter’s in 2006, and I have worn many hats throughout these years, mostly as a dorm affiliate. Porter’s is an extraordinary place for many reasons, but there are two that make it unique: our profoundly invested students and dedicated teachers. Porter’s has implemented policies focused on enhancing students’ learning and has reshaped its curriculum to broaden our understanding of a changing world while staying true to our mission statement. At Porter’s, I became a teacher, and I learned the importance of continually revising our pedagogy and teaching methods to serve our students and their needs better. I speak Spanish, Galician, and Portuguese. I love reading, traveling, and hiking, and I am passionate about geopolitics.
Katrina Council
Teacher - History
860-409-3803
kcouncil@missporters.org
Bio
Katrina began teaching at Miss Porters in 2018. Her educational philosophy revolves around the idea that anyone can learn anything, and as a teacher she strives to have a fun but educational learning environment for her students. She lives on campus with her wife and has two very ornery cats. At Porters she is a modern renaissance woman. She teaches The History of East Asia and United States History and Government. When she is not teaching, she advises the Spectrum Alliance and Affinity as well she teaches the girls how to throw the shot-put, javelin, and discus for the track and field team. Before coming to Porters, she taught in South Korea for two years, has a master’s degree in Education from the University of Southern California and is currently working on a second master’s degree in History at Central Connecticut State University. Her favorite hobby is reading, and you can and will see her doing it all the time.
Kaitlin Cowles
Teacher - Mathematics, Science, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator
860-409-3775
kcowles@missporters.org
Bio
Eileen DeLaO
Teacher - English, History
860-409-3805
edelao@missporters.org
Santiago Enrique
Director, IGE, Teacher - Languages, Spanish
860-409-3796
senrique@missporters.org
Bio
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Maria Escribano
Teacher - Languages, Spanish
860-409-3792
mescribano@missporters.org
Tessa Hailu
Teacher - Arts, Dance
860-409-3644
thailu@missporters.org
Bio
Miao Hwang
Teacher - Languages, Chinese
860-409-3793
mhwang@missporters.org
Bio
Nida Kazmi
Teacher - History
860-409-3802
nkazmi@missporters.org
Ariana Kolins
Teacher - Arts, Ceramics
860-409-3824
akolins@missporters.org
Bio
Ariana Kolins teaches Ceramics, Sculpture and AIS Art and Social Change. Ariana teaches for many reasons but most importantly she loves to make things with her hands and wants to share that love with her students and the wider world. She believes that art is a way of looking at our environment, community, and other important facets of our lives and tries to open that world to others through the practice of teaching. Her educational goal is always to assist students to reaching their full potential- if that is through making art in the classroom or through informal conversations beyond the walls of the ceramic studio.
In addition to teaching she is the faculty advisor to Bowl-a-Thon, co-facilitates Art Enrichment, and is an advisor. In her spare time, Ariana makes art, explores her surroundings, is in the kitchen or on dog walks. She lives on campus with her partner Will and dog Sweet Dee.
Alexandra London-Thompson
Teacher - Arts, Theater Director
860-409-3700
alondonthompson@missporters.org
Bio
Kelly McCray
Chair - Language Department, Teacher - Languages, French
860-409-3794
kmccray@missporters.org
Cindy Moeller
Teacher - English
860-409-3819
cmoeller@missporters.org
Eileen Mooney
Teacher - Mathematics
860-409-3783
emooney@missporters.org
Bio
Mary Jo Moulton
Chair - Science Department
860-409-3761
mjmoulton@missporters.org
Bio
My name is MJ Moulton and I'm the chair of the Science department and the head Softball coach. Since I teach AP Biology, I'll say that teaching seems to be in my genes. My mother was a high school biology teacher and softball coach, my grandfather was a professor and college baseball coach, and I have many relatives on both sides who taught--stretching back at least five generations. I absolutely love to engage in authentic conversations with young adults about the world around them. Both of my degrees are in Anthropology, and I lean on my knowledge of human nature and science to guide my curriculum development. I came to Miss Porter's School because I, personally, couldn't have achieved success without strong female role models in my life like my mother, my high school math teacher, and my grandmother, and Porter's gave me the opportunity to pay that debt back in some way for the next generation. I believe in our mission and I try to live it everyday. In my spare time, I'm an avid fly fisherwoman and can often be seen on our beautiful Farmington River. Fishing calms my nerves and helps me enjoy nature in a peaceful way.
Robin Neschke
Teacher - Mathematics
860-409-3780
rneschke@missporters.org
Bio
Jennifer Pelletier
Teacher - History, TLC Instructor
860-409-3662
jpelletier@missporters.org
Michelle Perry
Teacher - Mathematics
860-409-3784
mperry@missporters.org
Bio
Rebecca Plona
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
860-409-3669
rplona@missporters.org
Patrick Reardon
Teacher - Arts, Director of Music
860-409-3702
preardon@missporters.org
Bio
Patrick Reardon is the Director of Music. In addition to conducting the concert choir and orchestra, Patrick teaches courses in music theory, history, and composition. He also serves as the music director for our yearly musical production in collaboration with Avon Old Farms, as the advisor to our Senior a cappella group, the Perilhettes, and facilitates our music enrichment afternoon program.
“To achieve this discipline means frustration… intense concentration, and endless patience. It means an addiction to perfection in our service to music--an endless quest for more insight into the beauties of this great art. My function is to serve you in this quest.” --Margaret Hillis (1969), Music Director, Chicago Symphony Chorus
Patrick is honored to serve the students at Miss Porter’s School in their quest for knowledge and meaning through music. Their hunger, insight, and compassion are second to none. Patrick lives on campus with his wife (soprano), three sons (trebles), and two dogs (baritones) in a sometimes cacophonous yet always harmonious home.
Cate Rigoulot
Teacher - Science
860-409-3767
crigoulot@missporters.org
Bio
Ms. Rigoulot teaches Environmental Lab Science and Advanced Interdisciplinary Seminar in Environmental Science. She is an advisor to Earth Club and both the student and faculty white anti-racist education groups. She believes in hands-on, experiential learning and one of the foundational elements of her curricula is bringing students out into the beautiful and diverse natural spaces around the Miss Porter’s School campus. Outside of the classroom, Cate is an avid SCUBA diver and underwater photographer. She also enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband, Dave, and their dog, Waverly.
Oscar Rollan
Teacher - Languages, Spanish
860-409-3790
orollan@missporters.org
Bio
My name is Oscar Rollán. I am a Spanish teacher and I also coach JV soccer and ultimate frisbee. Something that I love about being an educator is the possibility of opening new worlds and cultures to my students by learning a new language and expanding their point of view. Porter’s creates an environment where everyone is open to share and celebrate their heritage, culture, backgrounds, etc. I really like the collegiality of my peers and the willingness to work together to always improve. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and I love guitars (playing, building, etc.), and Real Madrid, of course!!
Ian Rumsey
Teacher- Mathematics
860-409-3791
irumsey@missporters.org
Bio
Ian Rumsey is a math teacher and coach who has spent 15 years working in independent schools. This year, he will be teaching Accelerated Algebra II and BC Calculus as well as coaching volleyball and skiing. Ian’s educational philosophy centers on the power of problems to challenge and inform students as they grow as mathematicians. To help center problems in the curriculum, Ian places particular emphasis on developing mathematical habits of mind. Ian lives on campus with his wife, Jeannie (Associate Director of Admissions for Financial Aid), two girls, Noni and Ellie, and his mother-in-law, Myungsook. When he is not working or playing with his girls, he can most often be found standing in the Farmington River, fly rod in hand.
Christine Scanlon
Teacher - Science
860-409-3766
cscanlon@missporters.org
Bio
Christine is an innovative teacher who sparks a passion for chemistry and science in high school students. She is always excited to make learning intriguing by pulling in real-world applications and hands-on activities. She created advanced interdisciplinary chemistry courses that provide students with choices to investigate what interests them, combined with hands-on experimentation to explore chemistry principles. Christine is very enthusiastic about chemistry applications in materials science and is working towards a master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering. She loves that Porter's is full of people who love to learn and explore, including students, faculty, admin, and more. Besides teaching, Christine supervises student clubs, helps out in the dorms, and coaches.
Melissa Schomers
Chair - English Department
860-409-3817
mschomers@missporters.org
Bio
Elizabeth Simison
Academic Dean, Teacher - English
860-409-3815
esimison@missporters.org
Bio
Her favorite movie is Jaws and she lives on campus with her Irish husband Thomas and their dog, Hooper.
Lesley Skenderian
Teacher - Science; Associate Director of Operations Porter's Center for Global Leadership
860-409-3762
lskenderian@missporters.org
Bio
Lesley is an accomplished educator and school leader who has ignited a passion in girls for science and entrepreneurship. She is the Director of Domestic InterMission and Senior Programs and also teaches across the Science and TIE departments. She is an ardent proponent of girls gaining financial literacy and bringing biotechnology applications into the classroom. She thrives in learning alongside her students
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Lesley has been at Porter's since 2015 and loves how Porter's students are empowered to learn and advocate for woman - worldwide. Lesley enjoys playing and watching all sports - she is an avid golf and tennis player and recently has added road biking to her activities.
Jennifer Terzian
Teacher - Arts, Art History
860-409-3826
jterzian@missporters.org
Bio
My name is Jennifer Terzian and I teach Art History. I feel grateful to combine my background and passion for art with the opportunity to share my experiences with the students at Miss Porter's. What excites me most about teaching Art History is recognizing the connections with the past, present and future through a visual dialogue. An integral part of my class is hearing from professionals in the field of art. I believe this space for professional engagement creates a tangible connection with the material. My work as a curator and gallery director help shape my way of teaching. A fun fact about me, I lived in London in the early 2000s, while contemporary art was taking center stage and the opening of the Tate Modern. It was truly an exciting time and one that inspired my career. I hope to pass on this enthusiasm to my class at Miss Porter's.
Grier Torrence
Chair - Arts Department; Visual Arts Director; Director of Galleries
860-409-3825
gtorrence@missporters.org
Bio
Lisa-Brit Wahlberg
Chair - History Department , Teacher - History
860-409-3808
lwahlberg@missporters.org
Bio
Jessica Watkin
Mathematics Teacher
860-409-3674
jwatkin@missporters.org
Bio
Hur-shiu Webb
Chair - Mathematics Department
860-409-3778
hwebb@missporters.org
Bio
Kelly Woodbury
Teacher - Languages, Latin
860-409-3795
kwoodbury@missporters.org
Soohyung Yoo
Pianist; Music Department Administrative Assistant; Piano Teacher
860-409-3702
syoo@missporters.org
Bio
Julie Zurolo
Teacher - Science
860-409-3765
jzurolo@missporters.org
Contact Information
Main Number
860-409-3500
Alumnae and Development Office
860-409-3520
Academic Office
860-409-3668
Admission Office
860-409-3530
Athletics Office
860-409-3710
Business Office
860-409-3645 – Main Office Number
860-409-3647 – Student Billing
Colgate Wellness Center
860-409-3690 – Main Office
860-409-3541 – Fax
College Counseling Office
860-409-3665
Communications Office
860-409-3760
Counseling Office
860-409-3672
Dean of Students Office
860-409-3671
Office of the Head of School
860-409-3631
Office of Equity and Inclusion
860-409-3779
Campus Safety
860-409-3650
Summer Programs Office
860-409-3612
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Porter's Center for Global Leadership
since 1843
Miss Porter’s School educates young women to become informed, bold, resourceful and ethical global citizens. We expect our graduates to shape a changing world.
Miss Porter’s School admits qualified students of any race, color, religious affiliation, national and ethnic origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, national and ethnic origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions and financial aid policies, and athletic or other school administered programs.
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