This fall, the Williston Northampton community will welcome not only a new group of students, but new faculty to both the Middle School and Upper School.
“We are eager to welcome this new class of faculty to our ranks this fall,” said Peter Valine, Dean of the Faculty. “This group, which is a little larger than in the past few years, will be distinguished by the energy and passion that they will contribute to our campus. Williston also will be well served through the experiences that seven members of this cohort have accrued working in other independent schools. I am excited about this enthusiastic group of well-rounded men and women who will actively embrace their various roles at Williston and who will be inspirational role models for our students.”
Among the new faculty this year are three Williston alumni: Kyle Hanford ‘97, Nick Katzenbach ‘00, and Adrienne Stolarz Mantegna ‘94. In addition, Chris Dietrich, the school’s Director of Financial Aid, has returned to the Admission Office where he worked from 2000 to 2003.
The new faculty members are:
Elisabeth S. Belisle – Science Teacher. Elisabeth earned a degree in Biochemistry from Mount Holyoke College in May 2011. While at Mount Holyoke, Elisabeth served as an Organic Chemistry PLUMS mentor (Peer-Led Undergraduate Mentoring System). She also participated in research projects at Baystate Medical Center.
William D. Berghoff – Science Department Head. Bill received a BA in Chemistry and Geology from Bowdoin College and has done graduate work at Wesleyan University. He comes to Williston from Choate Rosemary Hall, where he served as Form Dean, Chemistry Teacher, Physics Teacher and coached swimming and water polo since 1993. Prior to Choate, Bill served on the faculty at Suffield Academy and Wilbraham Monson Academy.
Caitlin Bradley – Math Teacher. Cait earned a BS from Dickinson College with a major in Mathematics. She was the assistant cross country and track coach at Hamilton College. This summer she served as a trip leader for students ages 11-18 at Apogee Adventures
Christopher J. Dietrich – Director of Financial Aid and Admission Data Coordinator. Chris earned a BA from Amherst College with a major in American Studies, and a MA and Liberal Studies Degree from Wesleyan University. Chris has returned to Williston after working at The Taft School as Assistant Director of Admission and Loomis Chaffee School as Associate Director of Admission.
Kyle T. Hanford ’97 – English Teacher. Kyle received a BA from Ithaca College majoring in English and MEd in English Education from Boston College. He is also working towards an MA in English from the Bread Loaf School of English. Kyle taught English at Canton High School and was the assistant coach of the boys’ hockey team. He has also taught at several schools in the Boston area.
Nicholas S. Katzenbach ’00 – French Teacher. Nick earned a BA from Wesleyan University, majoring in French Studies. He also played varsity soccer at Wesleyan. Since graduating, Nick has been involved in media production enterprises that include research, editing, production and translation.
Adrienne Mantegna ’94 – English Teacher. Adrienne earned a BA from UMass and a MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College. She will return to Williston in September after spending a year as Program Director at the Firehouse Learning Center in Monson as well as an Adjunct Faculty/Writing Instructor at Bay Path College.
Kyle P. Maurer – Science Teacher. Kyle received his BS from Cornell University, majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. He taught Physics and Chemistry to grades 10-12 at Sabis International Charter School in Springfield. Kyle also is a rowing coach for the Northampton Youth and Community Rowing, Inc. in Northampton.
Donald R. McKillop, Jr. – History Teacher. Donnie earned his BA from Middlebury College in May 2011, with a major in Political Science and a double minor in Psychology and American Studies. While at Middlebury, Donnie was team captain of football and baseball. This summer he was a teaching intern at Choate Rosemary Hall.
Kathryn M. Noble – Dean of Students. Kathy has both a BS in Physical Education and a MS in Physical Education, Teaching and Administration from Springfield College. Kathy was the Director of Athletics at Lawrence Academy and has also served as Director of Athletics at Proctor Academy, Miss Porter’s School and The Rivers School.
David B. Sanders – Science Teacher. David earned a BS from Morehouse College, with a major in Biology and minor in French. He previously taught Biology and French at Thomas Jefferson School in St. Louis.
Matthew Spearing – Director of Student Activities, Science Teacher. Matt earned a BA in Environmental Studies and Government from St. Lawrence University. After graduation he was the International House Coordinator at St. Lawrence. He went on to work in international schools in Abu Dhabi and Egypt. He has also worked two summers with the Seeds of Peace organization in Maine.