Dr. Michael E. Cooper became Brewster Academy's 11th head of school on July 1, 2003. He came to Brewster from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, where he was vice president for institutional advancement. He had spent much of his career at Clarkson, previously serving as vice president of student affairs and dean of students. He also has taught at Clarkson and lectured at St. Lawrence University. Prior to his work at Clarkson, he was associate dean of student life and director of housing at The State University of New York in Canton.

Cooper earned his Ph.D. in Child and Family Studies at Syracuse University and received his M. Ed. from St. Lawrence University and his B.A. from The State University of New York.

He and wife Andrea Cooper reside on campus in Lord House. They have two grown children, both of whom are boarding school graduates.

Anne Marie Allwine
Master's Social Work, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
B.S. Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies, Miami University

Anne Marie Allwine came to Brewster Academy in July 1996 in the combined position of the director of community life and school counselor. An interest in program development and the feeling "that I could truly make a difference" brought her here. She wore the two hats for two years before it was decided that the position should be two separate positions. She is now the school counselor and assists in providing heatlh related programming to the Brewster community.

Ms. Allwine is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of New Hampshire, holds national certification from the Academy of Clinical Social Workers, and is certified as a school social worker.

In addition to counseling and teaching, she is a certified professional tennis instructor and has coached the girls' varsity tennis team for the past five years. Ms. Allwine also coached the boys' junior varsity team for two years and instructional tennis for one season. She has played tennis for 30 years and has taught tennis at a summer camp and informally to individuals.

Ms. Allwine lives in Wolfeboro with her husband, David, and sons Dylan and Dawson. Her hobbies include swimming, biking, canoeing, camping, watching movies, and dancing when time permits.

Sarah Anderson
B.A. English/Creative Writing, Skidmore College

Sarah Anderson teaches English on the senior Team Yau and is the journalism teacher, where she works with students in producing the school newspaper, The Brewster Browser. Prior to Brewster, Ms. Anderson was a reporter for the local weekly newspaper the Granite State News. She also has been a substitute teacher at Berwick Academy, and an English teacher at the Tilton School, the Wolfeboro Camp School, and Cambridge School of Weston.

She is an independent school alumna, having graduated from The Hotchkiss School. Ms. Anderson and her husband Ben live in Sanbornville, New Hampshire, with their son.

Zack Apgar
B.S. in Sport Management, University of Massachusetts

The beauty of the Lakes Region brought Mr. Apgar north to New Hampshire, and once in Wolfeboro, he became interested in Brewster. Mr. Apgar believes the school's challenging curriculum and integrated use of technology successfully prepares students for college and beyond. And, he is no stranger to boarding schools, having grown up on the Phillips Andover campus (and attended the school) as the son of a faculty member.

Mr. Apgar began working at Brewster in spring 2002 as an assistant crew coach and fitness instructor. In the fall of that year he joined the faculty as an instructional support teacher and continues to work in the athletic department as the advanced strength training instructor.

Previously, Mr. Apgar was a certified personal trainer working for 10 years with individuals, primarily one-on-one with beginners. From 1990 to 1996, he managed the Beacon Hill Athletic Club. While in college he played varsity soccer and ran track. He also worked in sales at a number of high-tech start-up companies in Boston from 1996-2002.

Mr. Apgar enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, carpentry, boating, sailing, arboreal work, and reading. He lives off campus with his wife Susan and son Jake.

Bret Barnett
B.A., Mathematics, Harvard University

Bret Barnett is the chair of Brewster's math department, where he has been a teacher for the past four years. Mr. Barnett was attracted to Brewster for the school's strong sense of community, emphasis on teaching to the students' needs, and emphasis on technology.

"I want students to leave a classroom looking to apply their skills to the future; they are the inventors and thinkers that need to get us through the next three or four decades. Helping students think is a huge key. Most importantly, I want to show students that learning can be fun."

In 2005 Mr. Barnett was the recipient of Brewster's Career Growth Award.

Prior to Brewster, Mr. Barnett was a student teacher at Cambridge, Rindge, and Latin in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and he taught college level calculus for three years at Harvard. While at Harvard, he earned five certificates for distinction in teaching from the University.

When he's not busy with his Brewster commitments, he enjoys watching the Red Sox, officiating high school soccer, attending Brewster sporting events, and watching reality TV.

Zita Bodonyi
Master of Education, English and Russian Literature and Linguistics, Eotvos Lorand University of Budapest

Ms. Bodonyi has been an ESL teacher at Brewster since 1999. She currently teaches on the freshman Team Hossack as well as in the Brewster Academy Summer Session.

Originally from Hungary, she previously taught at private language schools in Budapest for eight years after graduating from college. Before coming to Brewster she worked in the library at nearby Moultonborough Academy.

She is committed to working with her students to find the best way in which they learn so they gain a full understanding of the subject. “Brewster provides the perfect setting for learning English. I encourage my students to immerse as much as they can. In all the courses I teach I include at least one activity outside the classroom. Among the activities are visiting the local elementary schools, cooking an international dinner for faculty, walking around and interviewing staff, or educating other students about recycling.”

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Bodonyi is the assistant coach for the girls’ junior varsity soccer team and the snowboard team.

Daughter Annie is a senior and daughter Tina is a sophomore at Brewster. This past year her family grew when her stepson and his wife welcomed a baby girl in August and she says she’s “feeling like a happy and young grandmother.”

When not busy at Brewster, Ms. Bodonyi enjoys making crafts and gardening. “I am famous for home made breads, but am still looking for someone who can teach me how to bake genuine American chocolate chip cookies.”

Matt Butcher
M.A. English Literature, University of New Hampshire
B.A. English, Boston University

Matt Butcher is chair of the English Department and a teacher on the senior Team Thomas He taught at Brewster from 2001-2003, took a year off for graduate studies, and then returned to Brewster full time. Since 2001, Mr. Butcher has been the head coach for the girls' varsity soccer team, coaching the team to two New England championships (in 2002 and 2004).

Mr. Butcher lives on campus with his wife Laurie and their son.

Chris Byers
B.A. Social Work, Gordon College

After two years as an an instructional support teacher, Chris Byers joined the English Department in 2007. Mr. Byers was previously an adjustment counselor intern at Cutler Elementary School in Hamilton, Massachusetts. He also has experience with outdoor skills programs as a director of the rock climbing program for Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting Co., in Buena Vista, Colorado, and as head coach of Pingree School's outdoor program.

Mr. Byers and his wife Sara live in Estabrook, where he is the community life parent.

Andy Campbell
Master's in Music, Master's in Musical Arts, Yale University
B.A. in Music Composition and Theory, University of Lowell

Andy Campbell, director of music and interim chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department, has dedicated a large part of his teaching career to the study and performance of choral music. He has done extensive research into English choral music of the Tudor period, focusing on the music of 16th century composer Thomas Tallis. Highlights of Mr. Campbell's recordings of this period include the music of William Cornysh for the Norton Anthology of Western Music and Tallis' Salve Intemerata Virgo, for which he created a new performing edition. Other recordings of his choruses can be heard on Niveus� records.

Mr. Campbell began his musical training at an early age and had professional engagements as a singer, pianist, and church organist by high school. Earning a bachelor's degree in composition and theory, he focused on choral music and in 1984 created the award-winning Huntington Chamber Chorus in Boston. He received the Master of Music and Master of Musical Arts degrees from the Yale School of Music, where he was the recipient of the Phillip Nelson Prize and the Marshall Bartholemew and Charles Ives Scholarships for excellence in choral conducting. While at Yale, he served as assistant conductor for the Yale Glee Club and the Yale Camerata. As conductor of Yale University's Battell Chapel Choir, he appeared on a CBS special.

Before coming to Brewster in 1993, Mr. Campbell served as director of choral music at the Santa Barbara Conservatory of Music and Arts, the Cate School, and the Vocal Institute of the University of California at Santa Barbara. In the summer of 2002, he served on the voice faculty of the Heifetz International Music Institute, which was in residence at Brewster. He directs a wide range of choral music and has appeared in concert with his choirs throughout the United States and Great Britain.

For several years, Brewster students have sung under Mr. Campbell's baton in the Clearlakes Chorale, Wolfeboro's community chorus. HOWL was formed in the fall of 1999 with an eye toward creating a new all-student chorus at Brewster. In its first year, this new chorus won a silver medal at the 2000 New York Music Festival, and in April 2003 HOWL performed Francis Poulenc's Gloria in New York City's Carnegie Hall with John Rutter conducting.

Mr. Campbell lives in Spencer House with his wife Elizabeth, who is the relief dorm parent in Spencer House and who is also a substitute teacher at Brewster. They share their home with their children, Helen and John, and their black lab Maestro.

Cathy Chaffee
B.A. Mathematics, University of Vermont

Cathy Chaffee is a math teacher on the sophomore Team Lane. Ms. Chaffee's degree in mathematics is with a concentration in chemistry, and in addition to her undergraduate degree, she has taken additional coursework at Wellesley College. She is a faculty advisor to the Faith Community club and volunteers her time with the Ossipee Dinner Bell, where she has worked with Brewster students on community service projects.

Ms. Chaffee is the community life parent in Mason House where she lives with her two daughters.

Craig Churchill
B.S., Political Science, University of New Hampshire

Craig Churchill joined Team Cooper as the eleventh grade history teacher this year, but he is not new to Brewster. In 2004, Mr. Churchill began working in the school’s Alumni and Development Office as Annual Fund director. His Brewster experience began even earlier, however, as a Proctor Academy student who traveled to Brewster for sports contests.

“Having played sports against Brewster, I had always been attracted to the picturesque setting of Brewster Academy. I always felt like Wolfeboro was the ideal environment to raise a family.”

From an educational perspective, he was attracted to Brewster's team approach to mastery learning. “As an educator I believe it is important to build an environment based on community with a focus on each learner’s place in that community. I believe it is my duty as a teacher to create a learning environment that allows for confidence to blossom in each of my students.”

Mr. Churchill, who has 13 year’s experience coaching ice hockey, is the boys’ varsity ice hockey assistant coach and the boys’ junior varsity lacrosse coach.

When he is not busy with his Brewster family, he is with his family, which includes wife Jen and son Quinn. “We love to spend time in the outdoors, whether it's camping, hiking, fly-fishing, or boating; Wolfeboro provides us with an amazing playground for all our interests!”

Mr. Churchill is currently pursuing a master’s in Secondary Education.

Bradford Cook
M.Ed., Harvard University
B.A. Philosophy, Political Science, Foundations in Education, Syracuse University

Brad Cook knew what he was looking for when he decided to change teaching positions. He wanted a school that emphasized the best way to teach students, was integrating technology into the curriculum, and was located in a nice community. Brewster fit the bill, and he and his family moved here in September 1996. He started as a math instructor and sailing coach and is now team leader of the sophomore Team Cook.

Mr. Cook came to Brewster with considerable experience in the classroom. Most recently he taught from 1993-96 at the MacDuffie School in Springfield, Massachusetts. He also had taught at George School in Newtown, Pennsylvania, Hoosac School in Hoosick, New York, TASIS Hellenic International School in Greece, and Oak Grove-Coburn School in Vassalboro, Maine.

Mr. Cook is an accomplished sailor. In the past, he coached sailing for three years at Brewster and 10 years at a summer camp. When he's not in the classroom, he enjoys kayaking, sailing, woodworking, and spending time with his family, which includes his wife Marge, son James, and twins Elizabeth and Thomas.

Laura Cooper
M.A., Spanish Language and Literature, Middlebury College
B.A., English and Modern Languages, William Smith College

Since 1979 Laura Cooper has spent summers living and working at the Wolfeboro Camp School, a summer boarding school just down the road from Brewster Academy. In 1999, she brought her teaching talent to Brewster where she teaches Spanish. This is her sixth year as a team leader, currently of the junior Team Cooper.

Since arriving at Brewster Ms. Cooper has been a community life parent in Fox, Haines, and the Estabrook dorms. She is the assistant coach for the girls' varsity soccer team (helping that team win two New England titles) and is the assistant coach for the girls' varsity lacrosse team. She also has coached hockey and swimming through school and town programs. In college, Ms. Cooper was a varsity athlete and captain of her soccer and swim teams.

During college, she lived and studied in Madrid, Spain, for two separate years, the first as an undergraduate through St. Lawrence University and the second as a graduate student through Middlebury College.

Prior to Brewster, Ms. Cooper taught Spanish and coached soccer at Berwick Academy, and before that she taught Spanish at Kimball Union Academy. At Kimball Union, she also was a department head, dormitory head, head of the freshman team, and a soccer coach. She also has taught at St. Lawrence University and the Berkshire School. While at the Wolfeboro Camp School, she has served as counselor, head of the girls' division, and is currently a teacher and academic assistant.

Ms. Cooper lives off campus with her family. Her husband, Ed, has taught math for more than 20 years in independent schools and is the assistant head of the Wolfeboro Camp School. They have three children, all of whom graduated from Brewster: Jenny '03, Dan '05, and Kim '07.

Ms. Cooper has been a member of community theater for many years and also sings with the local Clearlakes Chorale. Her athletic endeavors include playing ice hockey for the Wolfeboro She-Wolves, masters swimming with the Great Bay Masters Club, and skiing cross-country citizen races. She is an amateur gardener and enjoys anything that has to do with the outdoors.

Janis Cornwell
B.A., Human Development, Boston College

A native of Wolfeboro, Janis Cornwell returned to the area after graduating from college. Since 2001, Ms. Cornwell has been an instructional support teacher. She is a recipient of the 2006 Brewster Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.

"I believe that all students are capable of being successful. My role as an educator is to help each student to understand how he or she learns best and to teach the necessary skills to flourish in the classroom. At the core, students need to believe they can achieve and in doing so they will strive harder to reach their goals. I want students to leave the classroom confident that they have given all that they can to better themselves."

Ms. Cornwell is the assistant coach for the varsity field hockey team. She has played field hockey since the sixth grade and was a four-year scholarship athlete while at Boston College. She also is the girls' junior varsity lacrosse coach.

When she is not busy with Brewster commitments, Ms. Cornwell enjoys hiking, biking, camping, athletics, and traveling.

Raylene Davis
Masters of Applied Linguistics, University of Southern Queensland
B.A., Education, Adelaide College

Raylene Davis is the chair of the English as a Second Language department. She came to Brewster in 1997 with an extensive teaching background.

Ms. Davis was attracted to Brewster for the opportunity to work with computer-assisted language learning and for the school's picturesque location on Lake Winnipesaukee.

She appreciates that learning at Brewster is student centered and very much about serving students in a way that helps them to be successful in college and in life and that there is just as much emphasis on skills in learning as there is on content.

In 2005, Ms. Davis was the recipient of Brewster's Excellence in Teaching Award, and in 1998 she received the Academy's Career Growth Award. She holds the distinction of being the only faculty member to have received both awards.

Previously, Ms. Davis taught ESL for five years at Bunyko University High School in Shinagawa, Japan, and at Kanagawa Prefectural Foreign Language High School in Yokohama, Japan. Prior to teaching in Japan, Ms. Davis taught at high schools in her native South Australia.

Ms. Davis enjoys cooking, traveling, and dancing. She lives on campus with her son Paul a senior at Brewster and is also the mother of Scott, a 2005 Brewster graduate.

Mark DeNitto
MFA, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
B.A., Syracuse University

Mark DeNitto is a Spanish teacher on the sophomore Team Thomas. Mr. DeNitto previously taught at the Northwood School in Lake Placid, New York, at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, at Kiskiminetas School in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, and at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota. He is a graduate of the Brooks School. He is the head coach of the boys' crew program.

Mr. DeNitto lives on campus with his wife Diana and two children.

Marika Deppmeyer
B.S. in Civil Engineering, Lehigh University

Marika Deppmeyer is a math teacher on the senior Team Yau.

Ms. Deppmeyer previously taught at the Marvelwood School in Kent, Connecticut. She also was employed as an engineer at Maguire Group in New Britain, Connecticut, where she assisted in the design of water and wastewater treatment facilities, pumping stations, sewer lines and potable water supply sources and planned layouts for wireless telecommunications facilities.

Ms. Deppmeyer is a New Hampshire native and a graduate of Kimball Union Academy. She is the community life parent in Goodwin House, where she lives with her kitty Nefertiti.

Her hobbies include skiing, snowboarding, reading, sewing, and watching live music.

Marta Filip-Fouser
M.A., Uppsala University, Sweden
B.A., Uppsala University, Sweden

Marta Filip-Fouser is a history teacher on the senior Team Thomas. Before coming to Brewster from her native Poland, she worked as an educator to Swedish and English speaking visitors at Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial in Oswiecim, Poland.

Ms. Filip-Fouser is the assistant coach for the Outdoor Skills Program and is a former community life parent.

When not teaching, she loves traveling, rock climbing and mountaineering. She is currently enrolled in a graduate program at Dartmouth College.

She lives on campus with her husband Jonathan Fouser, an English teacher and coach.

Maria Found
M.S., Mathematics, University of New Hampshire
B.S., Applied Mathematics (honors program), University of Pittsburgh

Maria Found came to Brewster from a corporate background. She was the vice president of a manufacturing company in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, when she began to reassess her life. She figured that 80-hour workweeks were not conducive to the healthy lifestyle she sought and the family she planned.

She enrolled in a master's program at the University of New Hampshire and was awarded the best teaching assistant on campus. "I thoroughly enjoyed the courses I taught -- especially the calculus lectures I gave to student bodies exceeding the count of 300. Because of this experience, I decided to step back into teaching and leave my business career behind me."

Ms. Found began teaching at Brewster in 1995 and quickly made a name for herself as a hard-working and dedicated teacher. In 1997, she became the first Brewster teacher to receive the Brewster Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in recognition of her abilities and contributions within the Brewster Academy program. In 1998, she received the Yearbook dedication from the Class of 1998. From 1996-2006, she chaired the math department. She stepped down from her responsibilities as chair to return to the dorm as a community life parent in Avery House.

"The main attraction for me to Brewster was its innovative spirit and drive for excellence in education. Also important was the utilization of technology to aid in that endeavor. I genuinely appreciate what they are doing to excel student learning. The embracing of best practices as ways to engage students and reach them at an appropriate level -- all without tracking -- is key along with a commitment to excellence.

The campus location was also a draw -- the mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee, and of course, the quaint atmosphere of a New England town.

Ms. Found lives in Avery House with husband Matt, son Gunner, and daughter Anya. She is an avid athlete and enjoys running, hiking, cycling, golfing, skiing (snow and water), ice hockey, and snowshoeing. She also participates in triathlons and also keeps busy with Brewster's Winter Carnival Teams and school musicals.

Jonathan Fouser
B.A. in English and History, St. Michael's College
M.S. in Secondary English, Southern Connecticut State University

Teaching at Brewster appealed to Jonathan Fouser as he saw it as an opportunity to work in a school that takes education seriously as well as the chance to work in a challenging environment that demands excellence from its teachers and students. As a teacher, Mr. Fouser focuses on helping his students realize their potential and pursue excellence in all that they do inside and outside of the classroom. After two years of teaching instructional support, Mr. Fouser began teaching English in 2001. Prior to Brewster, he worked as an English and drama teacher at Trumbull High School in Trumbull, Connecticut.

His love and respect for the outdoors is a perfect fit for his position as director of Brewster's Outdoor Skills program. In the summer of 2001, Mr. Fouser traveled to Nepal with a group of Brewster students who spent six weeks studying the culture, trekking, and performing community service. They also worked on the construction of a school and orphanage.

After a year of volunteering during the 1999-00 season, Mr. Fouser saw girls ice hockey at Brewster moving in a positive direction and in the 2000-01 season he became the assistant coach and in 2002-03 he became the head coach, helping to coach the girls to two New England Championship titles. Last year he helped develop the boys' second ice hockey team, and now he is back as head coach for the girls' varsity team. He is no stranger to playing ice hockey either. He counts four years of varsity play while a student at Fairfield Prep in Connecticut. His coaching career started back in high school, and he has since coached within the Yale Youth Hockey Association and was assistant coach to the Connecticut Blackhawks AAA team. He has level 1 and level 2 U.S. Hockey certification for coaching.

When not teaching or coaching, Mr. Fouser spends his time traveling, climbing, cycling, kayaking, and mountaineering.

Jayson Gagne
B.S., Safety Studies, Keene State College

Jayson Gagne began working at Brewster in the Summer Session program in the summer of 2005. In August 2006 he joined the faculty and began teaching full time in the Instructional Support program and teaches on the senior Team Thomas.

Prior to Brewster, Mr. Gagne taught for three years in an alternative program at Lakeside Academy in Wolfeboro. Here he worked with high-risk students.

Mr. Gagne is the community life parent in Sargent 1, where he lives with his dog Mason.

When not busy with his Brewster responsibilities, Mr. Gagne enjoys downhill skiing, writing, and riding his motorcycle.

Bruce Gorrill
B.S., Science Math Education, Salem State College

Bruce Gorrill has taught at private and public schools for 34 years and has been a member of the Brewster Academy faculty since 1989. He is the chair of the science department and a teacher on the senior Team Yau, teaching physics and A.P. biology.

Mr. Gorrill believes that all students need to understand the process of science and that they should be able to do science at a basic level as well as having a basic knowledge of the facts in the different content areas of science. Our students live in a world that is rapidly changing, and it is not enough to leave school with just a base of factual information. Understanding the process of science and how scientific information is developed will help them understand new information, and it will help them face the challenges of this unknown future.

At Brewster he developed the inquiry skills rubric where all students progress through development and demonstration of the mastery of science skills in each year of science. Mr. Gorrill also instituted the four-year requirement for all students in science at Brewster.

He has been a driver for the use of technology in the science curriculum and is currently involved in a three-year National Science Foundation study for the use of technology in science education. He has led workshops and conferences on the process of school reform and the use of technology in the classroom at the National Science Teachers Association, the National Association of Independent Schools, and at Apple Computer conferences. His school reform efforts have included work in Boston, New Orleans, Texas, and Hong Kong.

In 2001, Mr. Gorrill was the recipient of Brewster's Excellence in Teaching Award.

Previously he taught at Kents Hill School in Kents Hill, Maine, at a public school in Danforth, Maine, and at the Cranbrook-Kingswood School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Mr. Gorrill lives off-campus with his wife Shadow, Brewster's head librarian. Their son Chris is a 1994 graduate of Brewster.

Marta Guevara-Geer
M.A. Spanish Literature, University of Wisconsin, Madison
B.A. Spanish and English, Ripon College

Marta Guevara-Geer is a chemistry teacher on the junior Team Lawlor. Previously, Ms. Guevara-Geer was a spanish teacher at Brewster and before that an assistant professor of Spanish at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania, a teaching assistant at The Pennsylvania State University, and a teaching assistant at Ripon College and the University of Wisconsin. She is a doctoral candidate at The Pennsylvania State University.

Ms. Guevara-Geer is the community life parent in Spencer House.

Lauren Hammond
B.A., Studio Art, University of New Hampshire

A 1977 graduate of Brewster, Lauren Hammond returned to Brewster in 2002 as a faculty member, working as a college office counselor and instructional support teacher. She is now an instructional support teacher on the sophomore Team Martin. "I was interested in a change of career after having been a graphic designer for 15 years. I knew Brewster had a good teacher-training program, and I have always been interested in the way people learn.

"As an alum from the seventies, I can say that things have changed a lot; Brewster attracts a much more serious student and the school's teaching practices are much more effective. What hasn't changed, however, are teenagers and the impact that the school has on their lives."

"If the students do not realize it now, most likely it [the realization] will happen later, and they will look back and say 'wow those where some of the best years of my life'. The people here really do care about making a difference in their lives. That has not changed."

Ms. Hammond's philosophy on teaching: We all learn in our own special way, when a student can make a connection between two things he or she is learning in school or make a connection to the outside world, that's when true learning takes place. It could be a connection between chemistry and cooking or history and geography. These connections help to boost understanding as well as create a curiosity for further learning. Developing curiosity and the ability to find out what you need to know, is what makes a life-long learner. Reading and writing is the foundation of it all and the more you do it the better you become. It takes hard work and discipline, which needs to be developed. Our culture has so many distractions and contradictions, it is easier to turn on the TV and tune out the world instead of reading a book and creating one in your head.

During the summer, Ms. Hammond pursues her interest in painting, drawing, and illustrating. She also enjoys traveling, spending time on the water, and being with her family, which includes a son and a daughter, both of whom attend Brewster.

Peter Hess
M.Ed. Special Education, University of Minnesota
B.S. Geoscience, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

A beautiful campus and the surrounding environs enticed Peter Hess to Brewster Academy in the fall of 1988 as a teacher in instructional support and the math center. He became the team leader of Brewster's pilot team in 1993 and director of the lower school in 1995.

Mr. Hess came here with a background in teaching at boarding schools. Previously he taught at The Forman School in Litchfield, Connecticut, where he tutored students with learning disabilities and taught earth science, and The Fessenden School in West Newton, Massachusetts, where he was a math instructor, dorm parent, and coach.

He has coached lacrosse, skiing, and basketball during his tenure at Brewster. Mr. Hess lives off campus with his wife and three children. His daughter Emily is a senior and his daughter Maggie is a freshman at Brewster. In his spare time he enjoys taking trips to the ocean, hiking in the mountains, and playing basketball.

BG Hodges
New England School of Art

With an extensive background in graphic arts and design, BG Hodges' strengths are in creative problem solving and the visual arts. Mr. Hodges develops his students' graphic art skills through real world graphic challenges. He is constantly learning and trying new materials and software. With 14 years of computer design experience, he believes in balancing strong computer skills with hands-on project construction. The major programs he teaches are Adobe Photoshop, Painter, Bryce (3D and animation), and Avid Cinema.

Mr. Hodges was the founder and owner of Foggy Bog Signs in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, where he worked with clients to design and create signs and logos in many mediums from advertisements to carved signs with gold leaf to etched glass. Walk through the center of Wolfeboro and you will walk through a live portfolio of Mr. Hodges' work, as he has designed and crafted many of the signs for local business owners.

He has always been an "Art Guy". After high school he served in the Army for three years as a cartographic draftsman and attended the New England School of Art in Boston, leaving at the death of his father to work in family businesses.

When he's not in his studio, he might be found playing a variety of instruments in his church ensemble or in a local contra dance band. He is also the director of teen ministries at the Evangelical Bible Church in Wolfeboro.

Mr. Hodges lives off campus with his wife, Joan, and their children. His daughter Sara is a 2007 Brewster graduate and daughter Anne is a 2003 graduate.

Charlie Hossack
M.Ed. Special Education, Grand Canyon University
B.A. History, University of Massachusetts-Boston

Charlie Hossack, a history teacher, debate coach, and team leader of the ninth grade teaching team, was attracted to Brewster for its commitment to school reform. He also admits to falling in love with Brewster's location on Lake Winnipesauke in central New Hampshire.

"My biggest attraction to Brewster came from my first experience observing a classroom. I sat in on a freshman history class amazed to see that the students were engaged, participating, and actually enjoying themselves while learning. The atmosphere was positively charged, something I had not seen while working in any other school setting. The past six years at Brewster have only heightened that experience. The School Design Model (SDM) allows for a teaching environment that focuses on the students' learning, challenging me to make sure that every student leaves my classroom with more than they entered. I truly believe that teaching and learning is about collaborating, sharing experiences between students and teachers. The concept of collaboration is not only the foundation of my teaching style, it also is the cornerstone of learning at Brewster."

Prior to coming to Brewster in June 2001, Mr. Hossack worked as a substitute teacher and as an adolescent counselor for a state subsidized agency in Beverly, Massachusetts. Before these positions, he spent several years working with developmentally disabled adults. He also has an intensive background working at summer camps and YMCA's.

At Brewster, Mr. Hossack has been the junior varsity boys' lacrosse coach and recreational ski coordinator, but says his real sports love is coaching football, which he previously coached (at all levels) for seven years. He also is a former baseball and swim coach.

Mr. Hossack lives with his family in Hughes House where his wife Michele, an instructional support teacher, is the community life parent. He likes to spend his free time with his family. Exploring the world with children Abby and Jonathan makes him appreciate every day. Mr. Hossack recently completed his master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in learning disabilities.

Michele Hossack
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Salem State College

Mrs. Hossack came to Brewster during the summer of 2001 with husband Charlie, the freshman team leader and history teacher. At the time, she had planned to move out of teaching but Mrs. Hossack was pursued by the Academic Support Programs department and before the end of the summer had joined the faculty.

“As an instructional support teacher, my goal is to help students become more successful learners. By helping them to understand their strengths and needs, they can better utilize their time and talents while learning to enjoy education.”

Prior to Brewster, Mrs. Hossack worked in educational and residential settings in Massachusetts. This included two years as a life skills coach for the Greater Newburyport Collaborative, four years working as a teacher in the resource room at Beverly High School, and one year as a permanent substitute for the Lawrence Public Schools. Her residential work includes being a case manager for North Shore ARC, a disability service organization, and a house manager/teen counselor for Health and Education Services, the large behavioral health network of Northeast Health Systems, Inc.

Mrs. Hossack is the community life parent in Hughes House and enjoys working with the drama group when she has time.

When not busy with her Brewster responsibilities, she enjoys trying to find free time! She loves to read, sew, braid rugs and try other long forgotten crafts. Most of her time is spent playing "duck, duck, goose" with Charlie, their children Abby and Jonathan, and their puppy Bucky.

Lauren Hunter
B.S. Child Development
Colby-Sawyer College

Lauren Hunter is the 2007 recipient of the Career Growth Award, presented in recognition of the faculty member who, over the course of the year, has demonstrated the most accelerated professional growth within the Brewster Academy program.

Ms. Hunter joined the faculty at Brewster in September 1998 as an instructional support teacher. While she works with a variety of students in many core subjects, her focus is on English and history. "These are two areas where there is an emphasis on essay writing as well as reading. It is my responsibility to see that the students I have in my class receive as much support and instruction in any area that they need."

Ms. Hunter has been an assistant coach for the girls' junior varsity soccer team and has run the recreational ski program. She played field hockey throughout her high school years in Long Island. While at college, she enjoyed skiing most weekends.

She is the community life parent in Brown Hall where she lives with her husband Cory Hunter (an alumnus), their young son, and their Golden Retriever, Lucy.

Mike Jacobs
B.A. Mathematics, English, and Spanish, Westminster College

Mike Jacobs is a math teacher on the sophomore Team Martin. Previously Mr. Jacobs taught and coached at Kennett High School in Conway, New Hampshire, and at Lowell High School in Lowell, Massachusetts.

He is the girls' varsity basketball coach, the assistant coach for the boys' varsity soccer team, and the coach for the girls' junior varsity tennis team. Mr. Jacobs lives on campus with his wife Kara and their son Matt.

Emily James
Master's in Astronomy, Columbia University
B.A. in Physics and Astronomy, Smith College

Emily James, a physics teacher, was attracted to Brewster's innovative program explaining that "the school mission statement, turned into policy, turned into actual classroom experience, and the professionalism of the staff was all very attractive."

Ms. James looks at teaching physics as a collaborative effort. "We are all making mistakes together and learning together. I hope students feel free to take risks in my classroom. Everyone can do (and has done) physics since birth - piece of cake!"

Before coming to Brewster, Ms. James taught at Phillips Exeter Academy for four years. Prior to that, she taught at Packer Collegiate High School in Brooklyn, New York, and at Horace Mann High School in Bronx, New York. While earning her master's degree at Columbia University, she was a teaching assistant in the astronomy department.

Ms. James is the community life parent at 177 South Main St., Brewster's newest dorm, where she lives with her husband and their three children. She enjoys playing with her children, good food, fun fairs, and ice skating.

Valeria Khislavsky
B.A. The Visual Arts and Italian Studies, Brown University

Valeria Khislavsky is a member of the junior Team Lawlor and is Brewster's visual arts instructor.

Ms. Khislavsky spent the past two summers working with teenagers at the Putney School Summer Programs, where she taught drawing, was a dorm parent, and served as the activities coordinator.

She is the coach of Brewster's cross-country running team and the competitive snowboard team.

When she is not teaching, Ms. Khislavsky loves to travel and spend time outdoors. She is an avid snowboarder, hiker, and gardener.

Doug Kiley
B.A. History
College of Wooster

Doug Kiley, chair of the history department, has worked at Brewster for the past eight years. He teaches on the sophomore Team Cook.

Mr. Kiley's first role at Brewster was working as a teacher within the Instructional Support Department. In 1999 he transferred his skills and knowledge of the Brewster program to the history department. In the summer of 2001, he worked with other members of that department to design and write curriculum.

Since his arrival at Brewster, Mr. Kiley has contributed his experience and talents within the community life program as a community life parent.

Prior to coming to Brewster, he was an intern at the Merrowvista Education Center in nearby Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, and was a student with the National Outdoor Leadership School where he did a semester in Kenya.

Mr. Kiley lives in Kimball House with his wife Heather and their two sons.

Eric Kinkopf
B.A., Communications Arts, University of Notre Dame

Eric Kinkopf is in his fourth year on the faculty at Brewster where he teaches English on the sophomore Team Martin.

He is a published novelist and a former journalist, having spent 15 years working at newspapers in North Dakota, Detroit, Michigan, and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. During this time, he held the positions of editor, feature writer, police reporter, and sports columnist and has won more than 25 editing and writing awards. Mr. Kinkopf was twice nominated by his editors for Pulitzer Prize consideration. In 1993 he published a novel, Shooter, in hard cover and paperback in North America, the UK and Japan.

Mr. Kinkopf is the assistant crew coach for the boys' program and the boys' junior varsity ice hockey coach. He has 13 years of hockey coaching experience and holds USA Hockey's highest rating of master coach.

He has been a freelance writer and marathoner and immediately following his graduation from Notre Dame spent five years flying F4 fighter jets in the Navy, being selected in 1975 to attend the Top Gun school in San Diego, where he and his pilot were selected ``Top Crew.''

Mr. Kinkopf lives on campus with his dog Winston and is the father of four children: Emily, Abe, Abra, and Alex, who is a student a Brewster.

Ben Larson
B.A. Biology, Luther College

Ben Larson is the environmental science teacher on the freshman Team Hossack. Previously Mr. Larson was a research associate for DiaSorin, Inc. in Stillwater, Minnesota, which develops and manufactures reagents for in vitro diagnostics. He also was a trip director for Wilderness Ventures in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and a co-director of Luther College's Outdoor Recreation program in Decorah, Iowa.

Mr. Larson coaches boys' jv ice hockey and boys' jv soccer.

Jaime Laurent
Master's, Special Education, College of New Jersey
B.S., Plymouth State College

Jaime Laurent is in her third year as director of residence life at Brewster. Previously she was the associate department chair of academic support and prior to that she was an instructional support teacher. She is a long-time community life parent and is currently the community life parent in Kenison House.

"I was attracted to Brewster Academy because of the teaching methods that addressed the learning of all students. Students can reach success and be challenged to achieve greatness. The great sense of community and caring that supports students in all that they do was evident upon my first visit," Laurent explained.

"In addition I spent many years on the lake with my family -- it was our second home -- so the great environment to live and work and enjoy was the perfect match for me."

On her teaching philosophy she says, "Education is an action, a continual process of searching, conserving, and improving one's self. Spiritual in nature, it is a human desire in self-fulfillment toward reaching one's optimum potential. Each day brings a new opportunity to empower students to do their very best, mastering the curriculum, solving problems, communication with others, experiencing independence, and developing confidence as they look toward a hopeful future."

"I am very proud to be a member of the professional, caring staff of Brewster Academy, who are dedicated to implementing high and consistent academic and moral standards and providing a healthy community environment. I never imagined that my life would be so rewarding in so many ways."

"My role of dorm parent is the most enjoyable and rewarding experience. The true sense of community is understood through our dorm experiences. In our living together we develop the shared values of respect, unity, responsibility, and love. We build relationships and memories that last a life time. No two days are alike -- and for that we are grateful."

Prior to Brewster, Mrs. Laurent was an elementary school teacher as well as the teacher of a kindergarten through fourth grade computer curriculum at the Holland Township School in Milford, New Jersey. From 1994-1999, she was the K-4 principal and the director of special services for the Holland Township School District.

When Mrs. Laurent is not busy being a Brewster faculty member, she is having fun being a mom to daughter Jolie. She loves the lake and in the summer you can find her swimming, boating, and sailing and in the winter she enjoys both downhill and cross-country skiing. Mrs. Laurent is a former auctioneer and continues to enjoy attending great sales.

Kevin Lawlor
B.A., Dickinson College

In 1998, Kevin Lawlor was attracted to Brewster's teacher training program and the school's commitment to developing a highly trained and dedicated faculty. And, on a personal note, he was drawn to the area because of its beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

He is the team leader on the junior Team Lawlor where he teaches math.

"I seek to challenge students with subject matter and use this challenge as a way to incorporate skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. While I hold knowledge of mathematics in high regard and feel that when students begin to understand and apply math concepts they gain a greater understanding of the world around them, my hope is to mold students character by using math as a conduit."

Previously, Mr. Lawlor taught Integrated Math 2 and World History at Winchendon School. He also was director of ESF Sports Camp in Greenwich, Connecticut, for four years.

He is also the assistant director of Brewster's Summer Session and the director of adventure education and community life for the Summer Session program.

This is Mr. Lawlor's fourth season as cross-country running coach at Brewster. In his four years, Mr. Lawlor has coached the boys' team to two 1st place championships (2001 and 2002) and the girls' team to one 1st place championship (2003) in the Lakes Region League. That same girls' team finished in 5th place at the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council Championships. He is an avid runner and competitor. He qualified for the Boston Marathon after running the Vermont City Marathon in three hours, 10 minutes and competes regularly in local races and running clubs. He is a high school track record holder in the long jump and played varsity college football and was named a Massachusetts Shrine All-Star in football.

In addition to cross-country running, Mr. Lawlor has coached football, basketball, baseball, and alpine skiing, and he enjoys mountain biking and being in the outdoors.

Mr. Lawlor lives in Lamb House with his wife Jillian, who is the community life parent, and an athletic trainer within Brewster's athletic department.

Bill Lee
B.A., Knox College

Before joining the Brewster community in 2000, Bill Lee had been observing Brewster from the sidelines at the local public high school where he taught English for seven years.

He apparently liked what he saw. "Brewster doesn't let students or teachers slip through the cracks," he noted. "Each student is important, and there are many support systems."

Mr. Lee spent six years as an instructional support teacher and is currently a counselor in the College Counseling Office, coach of the boys' varsity lacrosse team, and director of Brewster's Summer Session.

His teaching philosophy is simple: "Gain a mutual respect between teacher and student and then teach to the best of your ability."

In his spare time, Mr. Lee writes a weekly humor column for Foster's Daily Democrat and monthly for the Granite State News. He also has pursued classes toward a master's in education.

He lives on campus and has two sons.

Sharon K. Lee
B.A. English Education
Notre Dame College

Sharon K. Lee was a Latin teacher at Kingswood Regional High School when she signed on to teach Latin part-time in Brewster's academic enrichment program in 1998. The following year a position opened for an instructor in instructional support, and she applied. "I've always been impressed with the students here."

Ms. Lee's future ambitions include earning a master's in English as a Second Language, because she enjoys working with the international students on campus. "I'm very drawn to the international students, because it's the closest I'm going to get to experiencing different cultures and travel."

Her academic background also includes teaching English at the junior high level at Alton Central School in Alton, New Hampshire, and tutoring while raising a family.

She lives off campus where she likes to play with her children, listen to music, and run.

Sharon Lee
Master's in Education, University of South Carolina at Reading
B.S. Elementary Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Diploma from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
MFA in Studio Arts, Tufts University

Sharon Lee is a ceramics and art history teacher within the Fine and Performing Arts Department.

For many years Ms. Lee taught ceramics, art history survey, photography, and painting and printing at Phillips Exeter Academy and drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography at the Brooks School.

She has taught reading and social studies at the elementary and middle school levels and is a past director of the girls' division of the Wolfeboro Camp School in Wolfeboro.

She lives off campus in Wolfeboro.

Julianne Lopez
B.A., Political Science, Blackburn College

Julianne Lopez has been teaching Spanish at Brewster since September 1998 and has confirmed at teacher level in Brewster's career progression program. In 2004 she was appointed chair of the foreign language department. She is a former team leader of a junior academic team.

In 2003, Ms. Lopez received Brewster's Excellence in Teaching Award.

Prior to Brewster Ms. Lopez lived in Mexico for 14 years where she taught English. She is currently enrolled in graduate studies in Spanish at the University of New Hampshire.

Ms. Lopez has four sons, two of whom attend Brewster and one who is a recent graduate.

Yu Lui
B.A., math and physics, Tufts University

Yu Lui is a math and physics teacher on Team Martin. He earned his B.A. in math and physics in June 2000 from Tufts University, where he was a teaching assistant and tutor.

The New England setting, the lakeview, and use of technology convinced him Brewster was a good place to launch his teaching career. "Brewster's advance use of technology in teaching really attracted me here. Besides, Brewster provides a great program for first-year teachers, which made me think here is a good place for me to start teaching."

In 2003, Mr. Lui was the recipient of Brewster's Career Growth Award.

Mr. Lui is the community life parent in Kimball House.

Peter Mann
Masters of Arts, Teaching in French, Colgate University
B.A., French, Drew University

Peter Mann has been sharing his love of the French language with Brewster students for the past nine years, and he is currently an instructional support teacher in French and Spanish.

"I want my students to enjoy the language. Therefore, my philosophy is one that helps students understand the benefits of a foreign language. I want them to use it in class both in oral and written fashion. I want as many of them as possible to love language. My ultimate goal is to take the fear out of the study of the language."

Prior to teaching at Brewster, Mr. Mann taught French and Spanish to eighth graders and a culture class to seventh graders at the local middle school. He also taught French at Katahdin High School in Patten, Maine. Before that he taught English in two junior high schools in Rouen, France.

In May 2006, Mann received a "Touching the Future" Award from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Former student Tyler Sandberg nominated Mann for the award, which recognizes teachers from preschool to high school who have made an impact on a graduating senior.

Mr. Mann enjoys traveling and became a travel agent so that he could put together trips for students. Last March he traveled to Spain and France with a group of Brewster students.

Byron Martin
Master's in Education, St. Lawrence University
B.A., Psychology, St. Lawrence University

Byron Martin is the team leader for Team Martin, one of the sophomore teaching teams, and an instructional support teacher.

Mr. Martin brings a wealth of experience to the post, having been a member of the Brewster community since 1993. His roles have included dean of community life, a position he held for two years. Before becoming a dean, he was a team leader from 1995-97 and an instructional support teacher from 1993-97. He came to Brewster fresh from completing his master's in education in 1993 from St. Lawrence University. He earned his bachelor's in psychology from St. Lawrence and was certified as a history teacher.

He enjoyed being a team leader previously and welcomed the opportunity to return to it. "I really like the team approach and enjoy facilitating," he says. He paraphrases former headmaster David M. Smith when describing his position: "The team leader is like a mini-headmaster within the school."

There is more Mr. Martin would like to do. He would relish the opportunity to return to coaching. He coached tennis for his first six years here and did stints coaching soccer, golf, and basketball. But demands on his time continue to mount.

Mr. Martin and his wife Margaret, the associate director of admission, live in Vaughan House with their son Christopher and daughter Katherine.

Jim Monahan
B.S., Secondary Education/History, University of Maine

When Jim Monahan learned about Brewster, he says "I was immediately convinced that it was the school I wanted to be a part of when I realized it fulfilled my expectations of what education should be." Mr. Monahan is an instructional support teacher on the sophomore Team Cook.

"I believe that every child is entitled to an education, and whatever it takes to ensure that that child finds success and growth is the primary concern I have for not just my students but all students I come in contact with."

Prior to Brewster, Mr. Monahan taught world history, current events, psychology, civics, geography, and remedial English and math courses at high schools in Gilford and Conway, New Hampshire, and in Milo, Maine. He also has been a ski instructor at Bretton Woods and Attitash Mountains.

At Brewster, Mr. Monahan coaches the boys' junior varsity tennis team and works within the instructional tennis and recreational ski programs. He also is an experienced track (distance) coach and judging official.

Mr. Monahan lives off campus with his wife Brenda, who also is an educator. They share their home with Rosemarie of Shannon, a Calico cat; and Finn McCool and Seamus Padrig, Golden Retrievers. He enjoys hiking, sailing, and spending time in the mountains with Brenda.

Rob O'Blenis
B.A. History, University of New Hampshire

Rob O'Blenis is an instructional support teacher on the junior Team Cooper. Mr. O'Blenis previously taught at the nearby Cornerstone Christian Academy in Ossipee and served as a substitute at Portsmouth Christian Academy in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He also has served as a relief dorm parent in Brewster's Mason House.

Mr. O'Blenis is the community life parent in Vaughan House, where he lives with his wife Dawn and their daughters Madeline and Lauren.

T.J. Palmer
Masters in Arts and Liberal Studies, Cold War History, Dartmouth College
B.A., Psychology, Colby College

T.J. Palmer has been teaching history at Brewster since 1987. He was attracted to Brewster by its location on Lake Winnipesaukee as well as the appeal of working with now retired history department chair, Bob Richardson. He now teaches history on the junior Team Lawlor.

Mr. Palmer believes in using patience, energy, and humor to motivate students to learn the skills and content they need to succeed at the next level.

Prior to Brewster, Mr. Palmer taught at the Rectory School, a pre-prep (sixth - ninth grade) school in Pomfret, Connecticut. The subjects he taught included U.S. History, sixth grade science, eighth grade biology/science, and ninth grade Middle Eastern History. At Rectory, he also coached baseball, soccer, hockey, and girls' basketball and was a dorm parent.

Mr. Palmer has played ice hockey since age 5 and the 2008-2009 season will see Mr. Palmer return as head coach of the boys' ice hockey program, a position he held from 1997-2004. He currently coaches the boys' third soccer team and the girls' softball team.

He also has 15 years of experience as a community life parent.

When he is not busy teaching, Mr. Palmer enjoys boating, tubing, and waterskiing on the lake, woodworking, spending time at his family's cottage on Crescent Lake, and cheering for the Boston Bruins and the Boston Red Sox.

Mr. Palmer lives on campus with his wife Lynne M. Palmer, Brewster's director of admission and external affairs, and their three children Brady, Jessica '09 and T.J., Jr., '08. Sully, a six year-old Black Lab, also shares the Palmer home.

Tedd Parker
M.Ed. Secondary Education, Boston College
B.A. Economics, Gustavus Adolphus College

Tedd Parker teaches history on the senior Team Yau. Previously he taught at Waltham Senior High School and Dedham Senior High School in Massachusetts.

He lives with his wife Sara Parker in Chamberlin House, where she is the community life parent. Mrs. Parker also is the girls' varsity lacrosse coach. They have three children.

Michelle Rafalowski-Houseman
Master of Science Education, University of New Hampshire
B.S., Biology Education, Plymouth State University

A love of the out-of-doors and rural living brought Michelle Rafalowski-Houseman, her husband Rob, and their daughters Hannah and Zoe to the Wolfeboro area in 1997. A desire to invest her professional energies in the community in which she lives brought her to Brewster in the fall of 2004. "I believe that students should be provided with multiple avenues to explore the world in which they live. Students should be able to bridge their personal experiences with those from class to make learning meaningful and real."

Ms. Rafalowski-Houseman previously taught biology for six years at Moultonborough Academy in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, where she also was the chair of the science department. Prior to teaching at Moultonborough, she taught science for ten years at Oyster River High School in Durham, New Hampshire. Ms. Rafalowski-Houseman has been a supervising teacher to student interns from the University of New Hampshire and Franklin Pierce College and has taught at Franklin Pierce College. She holds a current New Hampshire state certification in biology.

Ms. Rafalowski-Houseman is an avid road cyclist and is the assistant cross-country running coach and assistant girls' junior varsity lacrosse coach.

Kim Ross
Masters in Education, University of New Hampshire
B.S. Communication Disorders, University of New Hampshire

Kim Ross is the director of Brewster's Office of Academic Support programs. She grew up in nearby North Conway, New Hampshire, and has always wanted to teach and live in this area. While teaching at an independent boarding school in Massachusetts, she learned about Brewster Academy.

"I was interested in teaching at a school that worked with a diverse group of learners. I started at Brewster in 1987 when my oldest son was 1; he is now a senior at Brewster!"

"I believe that each person is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. Teaching is a fine balance of the arts and sciences where there are measurable accomplishments and room for creativity and fun. An educator seeks to know each person and provide opportunities for students to clearly recognize the growth and achievement they have made and by doing so helps build self-confident learners."

Prior to Brewster, Ms. Ross held a number of positions at the Landmark School in Massachusetts, including co-chair of the math department, oral language teacher, math teacher, and a language arts tutor. Prior to that she was a speech and language pathologist with the University of New Hampshire's community outreach program.

Ms. Ross' school experience also includes coaching and being a dorm parent.

She enjoys being involved in her kids' lives and all outdoor activities, including sailing, kayaking, camping, traveling, playing softball and volleyball, hiking, photography, reading, knitting, and skating.

Ms. Ross lives on campus in Harris House with her three children: Zach '05, Ben '08, and seven year-old Maisie.

Lauren Shealy
B.A., Biology, Boston University

Lauren Shealy is an instructional support teacher on the junior Team Cooper. She believes in being firm, holding to high standards, and approaching life and work with a sense of humor.

Ms. Shealy, who is the head girls' crew coach at Brewster, was on the forefront of the women's rowing scene back in 1975. After spending a year at Syracuse University with the varsity crew team, Ms. Shealy was invited to join the first Eastern Development Camp (ERC) coached by Harvard's, Harry Parker. She was selected to attend the 1975 national tryouts for the first USA women's eight World Championships and a year later was one of 40 women in the country to be selected for the Olympic rowing camp in 1976. Concurrently, she was a varsity member of the Boston University women's crew team and competed successfully in the college sprints for three years. The "Head of the Charles" Regatta, held every fall, has been a 27-year tradition for Ms. Shealy to meet with her colleagues and row the three-mile race. Ms. Shealy brings with her a great love of the sport, a strong competitive spirit, and desire to develop a strong rowing program at Brewster.

In 2001 she received certification as a massage therapist from the Northeast Institute of Whole Health.

All three of Ms. Shealy's children are Brewster graduates. Collin is a 2006 graduate, and Kate and Ryan graduated in 2007.

Ms. Shealy loves to hike, cycle, ski, play ice hockey, cross country ski, and sit by a warm fire with good food and a great book.

Barb Thomas
Master's in Education, Lesley College
B.S. in Marketing, Bentley College

Team leader, instructional support teacher, and writing center teacher, Barb Thomas came to Brewster Academy in 1998 looking for a challenge and the opportunity for growth. She hasn't been denied either.

She began in 1998 as an instructional support teacher, girls' varsity basketball coach, and girls' varsity lacrosse assistant coach. Previously she taught at Winnisquam Regional High School in Tilton, New Hampshire.

"I wanted to change from the public school environment into a private school with a college-like atmosphere," she said. "It was time for a challenge and the chance to experience growth and develop more as an educator."

Much about Brewster impressed her. She liked the value that is placed on education; the emphasis on developing the whole person, not just one aspect of an individual; the training provided to help new teachers succeed; the use of technology and the resources available. All these made Brewster unique and attractive to her as an educator.

When the team leader position opened up, Thomas pursued it.

"I accepted the challenge of becoming a team leader because it was a challenge," she said. "I believe that I have a good understanding of how teams function and the necessary skills that are involved in having a successful team, and (it was an opportunity to) offer more of my abilities and skills to the Brewster community."

Thomas' teaching philosophy evolved on the playing fields as much as it has in the classroom. After graduating in 1987 from Bentley College with a business degree, she signed on to coach girls' basketball at Reading (Massachusetts) Memorial High and Wakefield (Massachusetts) Memorial High. She made the transition into the classroom after earning her master's in education in 1991 from Lesley College. She moved to New Hampshire to accept a position at Winnisquam Regional High School, where she was a special education teacher and varsity girls' basketball coach for six years.

"I want to really get to know (the students) and have them understand that their voice is important, they are being heard and (assure them that) their needs are being met," she said. "I want them to feel that they can access me at any time."

In 2004, Ms. Thomas received Brewster's Excellence in Teaching Award.

Ms. Thomas is the community life parent in Piper House.

Gratia Trahan
B.A., French, Denison University

Gratia Trahan is a French teacher on the sophomore Team Martin. She has a

minor in studio art and is certified to teach English as a foreign language. Brewster’s evident dedication to students and beautiful location attracted her to the school.

Prior to Brewster, Ms. Trahan spent two years teaching English in France. During the first year, she was the English teacher at four elementary schools in Guingamp, Brittany. The following year she worked in a middle school and a high school in Nantes, also in Brittany.

For the past three summers she has worked in Amboise, France, as the on-site program coordinator for a language study abroad program for American teens, leading them on excursions around the area, including biking and hiking and visits to castles, museums, and nearby towns.

Ms. Trahan is the community life parent in Fox House and plans to coach Nordic skiing in the winter.

When not working, she enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, and drawing.

Jen Weeks
B.A. Governmental/Legal Studies and French, Bowdoin College

Jen Weeks is a French teacher and instructional support teacher on the freshman Team Hossack. Previously, Ms. Weeks spent a year working as a parliamentary administrative assistant in the office of M.P. Guy Lauzon (Ontario, Canada).

Ms. Weeks is the assistant coach for the varsity girls' ice hockey team and brings much hockey experience with her having enjoyed a successful college career with the nationally ranked Bowdoin College Polar Bears. During her time at Bowdoin, the Polar Bears won two NESCAC championships and made three NCAA tournament appearances.

She is a graduate of the Tilton School, where she was the captain of the girls' ice hockey team. Ms. Weeks lives on campus with husband Jim Weeks, a history teacher and community life parent.

Jim Weeks
B.A., Government, Bowdoin College

James Weeks is a history teacher on the sophomore Team Martin.

"I was attracted to Brewster by the accountability it places on both its students and teachers. In particular, the recognition system, the culture of observation, and teacher portfolios are examples of how growth is encouraged at Brewster. Also the landscape from Lake Winnipesaukee to the White Mountains was a powerful draw."

"I believe students must take an active role in their educations. The classroom should welcome collaboration between students and teachers. Furthermore, I want my students to grow into excellent communicators, with strong writing and verbal skills."

Prior to Brewster, Mr. Weeks student taught fifth and eighth grade classes at schools in Brunswick, Maine.

Mr. Weeks lives on campus with his wife Jen Weeks, who is a French teacher and coach at Brewster. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching and playing football, basketball, and baseball. He also enjoys hiking, swimming, and snowshoeing.

Kim Yau
Bachelor of Education (Honors), Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom

Kim Yau begins her fourth year at Brewster as team leader of a senior team, an instructional support teacher, and head coach of the field hockey program. She was educated in the United Kingdom and has taught and coached in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United States.

Ms. Yau previously coached field hockey and lacrosse in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and the lifestyle of New England encouraged her to return. She also recognized the leading approach of the School Design Model of Brewster Academy and valued the vast number of opportunities for students within an individualized learning program.

In 2003, Ms. Yau was the recipient of Brewster's Excellence in Teaching Award.

Prior to Brewster, Ms. Yau was a head of department for physical education and health and teacher in charge of education outside the classroom at Tongariro High School in New Zealand. Before that she was a teacher of physical education and deputy head of house at The Whitby High School in the U.K.. Here she taught examination physical education and managed 12 staff members and 300 students. She coached a range of sports and was a Duke of Edinburgh Award/Expedition Leader.

From 1993-1996, Ms. Yau was a lecturer and researcher at the Center for Physical Education, Sport & Dance at Liverpool John Moores University where she taught both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and completed educational research for the university.

Ms. Yau's coaching experience includes head coach of field hockey at The Whitby High School in the U.K. (1996-2000); lecturer of mixed field hockey at the Center for Physical Education, Sport & Dance at Liverpool's John Moores University (1993-1996); and coach of field hockey at Merestead Field Hockey/Lacrosse Camp in Massachusetts (1999).

Her playing experience includes British Universities Finalist and Semi-Finalist; Liverpool John Moores University 1st Team Player; and playing experience at National U21 squad level. Ms. Yau also has won 18 senior caps as a National Rugby Player and played in a World Cup and at the Hong Kong 7's National Tournament.

Mike Zahn
M.A., Sports Administration, Southern New Hampshire University
B.A., Justice Administration, Notre Dame College

Mike Zahn joined the Brewster faculty as an English teacher on the freshman Team Hossack this year. He also is the head coach of the boys’ varsity soccer team.

Mr. Zahn says the energetic faculty who are dedicated to helping their Brewster students succeed was one of the reasons he wanted to become a member of the Brewster community. He also was impressed with the athletics program and the small class structure where he hopes to inspire students and be a positive influence on them.

“A successful educator must create a safe learning environment that is interactive and that encourages problem-solving and critical thinking skills. I feel that this type of environment encourages students to present their opinions to the group while respecting the opinions of others. In return, this helps them to adapt and to apply to real-life situations.”

Prior to Brewster, Mr. Zahn worked within the athletics program at St. Paul’s school for five years and before that he taught in the special education department at Pembroke Academy. He has coaching experience at Express Soccer, New Hampshire Technical Institute of

Concord, Notre Dame College, and Nashua World Cup. He holds a United States Soccer Federation C license.

Mr. Zahn resides on campus with his wife Julie Zahn, who is the community life parent in Haines House, and their young daughter Madeline. He enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors.