Faculty Profiles

Catlin Gabel teachers are wise, dedicated, expert, approachable, and supportive. In a word, they are amazing. Our teachers are more than the sum of their credentials and previous work experience. We asked our teachers five questions that would reveal something about our their personalities. Each teacher chose one question to answer.

What was a great Catlin Gabel experience you've had lately?
What is your favorite movie, play, book, or pastime? Why?
What brought you to Catlin Gabel (if you are new to the school), or why do you like working at Catlin Gabel?
What is one surprising thing about you?
Who was an influential teacher?

April Alexander, kindergarten teaching assistant, at CG since 2011. Bachelor's in English literature, University of Oregon.

Deirdre Atkinson, BS drama teacher, at CG since 2004. Bachelor's in theater, Willamette University.

I grew up watching the San Francisco Mime Troupe and the Pickle Family Circus in the parks of San Francisco (in those summers after the one of love), but the first real play I remember seeing was "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Joyce Theater. They allowed the audience to go up on stage during intermission, and a star was born. I made my professional debut at age 11, sharing the stage with Placido Domingo in "Carmen" with the San Francisco Opera. I enjoy working with Middle Schoolers as we turn our Chipmunk Hollow theater into a different world every six weeks. That little tool shed has been transformed into a Scottish heath, a beach-blanket seascape, a far-away planet, Dracula's castle, a world-class museum, the Wild West, Verona, ancient India, a honky-tonk diner, the star ship Enterprise, and any number of dramatic little holes in the wall.

Lauren Burns, BS learning specialist. Bachelor's in elementary education, Illinois State University. Master's in reading and literacy, Benedictine University.

What is your favorite book? My current favorite book series is "The Game of Thrones" series by George RR Martin. I am currently on book three. The plot is intense and the characters are complex. I really enjoy how the plot is unfolded through various character perspectives and different time periods throughout the story. They are very long books, but Martin supplies many twists that keep you wanting more!

Colleen Connolly, kindergarten teaching assistant, at CG since 2011. Bachelor's in art history, Pennsylvania State University.

Lesley Darr, preschool teaching assistant, extended day teaching assistant, at CG since 2008. Bachelor's in social sciences, Portland State University.

Joanne Dreier, kindergarten teacher, at CG since 1987. Bachelor's in education, Portland State University.

In the Beginning School I get to be the teacher that I imagined I could be. I get to practice being my best self with those I respect and love: my colleagues, the children, the families. I get to be there when their stories are told. I get to make a difference. I get to feel grateful that my journey to "Ithaca" has included a kindergarten classroom at Catlin Gabel.

Lisa Ellenberg, BS librarian, at CG since 1991. Bachelor's in education, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Master's in education, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

Isaac Enloe, kindergarten teacher, at CG since 2011. Bachelor's in religious studies, Carleton College. Master's in early childhood and elementary education, Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education & Counseling.

What brought you to Catlin Gabel or why do you like working at Catlin Gabel? As an intern in 2001, Catlin Gabel was where I first began to learn and practice the craft of teaching. Since then, I have taught at several progressive independent schools on the west coast and abroad, and visited many more. I can attest that Catlin Gabel is outstanding in its commitment to creating a nurturing learning community, supporting innovative teaching, and safeguarding a developmentally appropriate early childhood program. It feels wonderful to return "home" to Catlin to begin my tenth year as a teacher in the Beehive

Sia Haralampus, kindergarten teacher, at CG since 2010. Bachelor's in child development, Tufts University. Master's in education, Harvard University.

Who was an influential teacher? At the start of my first year of junior high, one teacher had us write in journals to begin class. After a few days, he walked by as I was writing the day's entry and inquired about my adjustment to school. I recall being surprised - mostly at the fact that he had even read my past entries, but also because his interest in my experience was genuine. This simple inquiry quickly formed a connection and launched him into “real person” status. The memory of that moment, feeling a respectful and genuine connection with my teacher, is a vivid reminder of the importance of relationships in learning and teaching…and in life!

Jennifer Marcus, BS woodshop teacher, at CG since 2004. Bachelor's in art, Mills College.

I transferred to Catlin Gabel in the middle of my sophomore year of high school. This was not my decision. At first I was baffled by the friendly teaching style and the respect my new teachers gave me. I especially loved Paul Dickinson's biology class. I was inspired by the way he guided us through labs and discussions with stimulating and exciting challenges. "Mr D" taught by asking questions, not by answering them. This is the key to how I teach today.

Chenoa Ohlson, preschool associate teacher, at CG since 2006.

As I make my way through life, my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Palucci, is never far from my thoughts. At an age as precarious as thirteen, I felt seen and heard in a way I hadn't experienced in other classes. He introduced us to great literature, but it was our voices and ideas he encouraged most. When I stepped through his classroom door I entered a safe, warm harbor from the confusion of junior high. He put his whole heart into his work-and that is the kind of teacher I aspire to be every day.

Avni Patel, preschool teaching assistant, at CG since 2011. Bachelor's in human development and family sciences, Oregon State University. Master's in education, Lewis & Clark College.

Rhonda Patten, BS music teacher, at CG since 2006. Bachelor's in music, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

I love the writing of Margaret Mahy, a children's author from New Zealand. Her ability to play with words and language, sense of place, and her use of magic in the everyday world transport the reader (or me) to a place where the story so much more than the words and images. Reading her work is like listening to a well-crafted concert. The sound, emotion, and story wash over me and leave me feeling transformed.

Sue Sacks, BS learning specialist, at CG since 1991. Bachelor's in special education, NW Nazarene. Master's in learning disabilities, Northwestern University.

As a volunteer at a shelter for women and children I was asked to teach computer skills. I met Susan, a recovering meth addict trying to stay clean and restart her life. She had limited schooling and no confidence in her abilities. We sat together at the computer and she told me that she knew nothing. Susan had become frustrated and unsuccessful with an earlier typing assignment. Together we found an online typing program that turned out to be perfect for her. She bravely began practicing. The look on her face when she saw her first score of 10 letters a minute with 89 percent accuracy was amazing. Priceless, even. That is why I teach. Whether working with a 4th grader learning to solve algebraic equations, a struggling reader who figures out a challenging word by herself, a parent or teacher who gains understanding about why a child learns the way he does, or a middle aged woman learning to type four letters on the computer, being a part of those “aha” moments is why I am here.

Allen Schauffler, preschool teacher, at CG since 1968. Bachelor's in music, Lake Erie College. Master's in education, Lesley University.

I had a teacher in college named Clive who was the head of the technical theater department. As he both pushed and led me through the intricacies of setting lighting and running the board he also gave me space to be an observer. The view from the catwalk over a stage is a great place to watch plays in rehearsal. I take my role as observer in the classroom seriously and with great humility. What I learn from keen observation is where to shine and focus the lights.

Niall Sullivan, extended day teaching assistant, at CG since 2011. Bachelor's in theater, Hampshire College.

Jonathan Weedman, BS counselor, at CG since 2008. Bachelor's in psychology, Lewis & Clark College. Master's in counseling psychology, Lewis & Clark College.

When I was in graduate school, I had the joy of working with a professor named Greg. I was in the second year of my program and feeling overwhelmed working and going to school full time. I considered quitting. Greg, as the brilliant teacher and therapist he is, sent me a card that said that he felt I was born to do this work and that I needed to remember this in times of doubt. His words changed my outlook, and I came back to the program with renewed vigor and passion. To this day, when I doubt myself, I read that card.

Hannah Whitehead, beginning school head, at CG since 1982. Bachelor's in English literature, Reed College.

The teacher who influenced me most was my father. He was a professor who had come to education late in life, and so gave it special value. He was always on his students' side. With probing questions, he helped them do their best work, threw them lifelines when they froze during their orals, and mentored them after they left his care. He had a talent for making those around him look good. He was good at explaining things, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was sharp as a tack. His and my mother's greatest gift to me was to send me on a six-month trip home from Australia through Asia, the Suez Canal, and Europe to finish high school in the U.S. That trip was an amazing education in itself.

Sheila Williams, BS PE teacher, at CG since 1990.

Rebecca Wirth, preschool teacher, at CG since 2008. Bachelor's in English literature, Reed College. Master's in early childhood, Bank Street College of Education.

Happily I am able to enjoy one of my favorite Catlin Gabel experiences, Friday Sing at the Beehive, almost every week. This is a time for preschool Honeybees, kindergarten Eagles, their families, and teachers to be together and sing together. The feeling of joy in the room is palpable, and the Fir Grove through the window provides a scenic backdrop. Friday Sing lovingly closes one week while readying me for the week to come.