“I am very happy to be working at Besant Hill where the focus on global citizenship and sustainability allows students to develop a positive view of the world and evaluate a range of strategies to make a real difference.”
Anna Bennett
History Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Exeter University, UK. B.A.
Bristol University, UK. PGCE
“I am very happy to be working at Besant Hill where the focus on global citizenship and sustainability allows students to develop a positive view of the world and evaluate a range of strategies to make a real difference.”
History Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Exeter University, UK. B.A.
Bristol University, UK. PGCE
Tom Bennett
Director of Students & Residential Life
Philosophy Teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Chelsea College, Brighton University, UK. B.Sc (Hons)
St Luke’s, Exeter University, UK. PGCE
Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. B.A. (Hons)
“A good education, not least the study of literature, inspires the empathy we need to make the world a better place. Besant Hill's focus on life-time learning turns "I wish" into "I will."”
“A good education, not least the study of literature, inspires the empathy we need to make the world a better place. Besant Hill's focus on life-time learning turns "I wish" into "I will."”
Director of Students & Residential Life
Philosophy Teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Chelsea College, Brighton University, UK. B.Sc (Hons)
St Luke’s, Exeter University, UK. PGCE
Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. B.A. (Hons)
"I love being a part of the student journey, and teaching allows for lifelong learning along with my students, and there is truly nothing better than that."
Jennifer Brown
History & ESL Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of Manchester, M.A.
Oakland University, B.A.
"I love being a part of the student journey, and teaching allows for lifelong learning along with my students, and there is truly nothing better than that."
History & ESL Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of Manchester, M.A.
Oakland University, B.A.
Jessie Brumfiel
Director of College Counseling
Credentials
University of Hawaii, M.Ed.
Stanford University, B.A.
“At Besant Hill, each student is encouraged to pursue their highest potential as individuals, and asked to contribute to a diverse community with a selfless spirit. This is excellent preparation for success in college and life.”
“At Besant Hill, each student is encouraged to pursue their highest potential as individuals, and asked to contribute to a diverse community with a selfless spirit. This is excellent preparation for success in college and life.”
Director of College Counseling
Credentials
University of Hawaii, M.Ed.
Stanford University, B.A.
“Every one of us is a creative being and cultivating that discovery is at the heart of what I teach.”
Sally Chung
Arts Chair
Studio Arts Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.
“Every one of us is a creative being and cultivating that discovery is at the heart of what I teach.”
Arts Chair
Studio Arts Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.
Richard Ellwood
“What I love about Besant Hill is the kindness that everyone shows to each other.”
“What I love about Besant Hill is the kindness that everyone shows to each other.”
"Music makes the World go 'round...keep turning!"
Jennifer Gallegos
Music Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Belmont Abbey College, B.A.
"Music makes the World go 'round...keep turning!"
Music Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Belmont Abbey College, B.A.
Néstor Gerónimo Morales
Humanities Chair
Spanish & French Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Universidad de Michoacán, B.A.
“Learning a new language opens the door to opportunity. This opportunity includes cultural relativism, and with that comes a new perspective for seeing the world.”
“Learning a new language opens the door to opportunity. This opportunity includes cultural relativism, and with that comes a new perspective for seeing the world.”
Humanities Chair
Spanish & French Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Universidad de Michoacán, B.A.
"Teachers best support students by putting them in the best positions to succeed. My mission in the classroom starts with creating a secure environment and establishing a familial vibe that builds strong connections. In that atmosphere, students build the confidence to take creative intellectual and artistic risks, persevere, embrace new learning, and revel in the joy of academic and self-discovery."
Gil Griffin
English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Columbia University, M.S.
Brown University, B.A.
"Teachers best support students by putting them in the best positions to succeed. My mission in the classroom starts with creating a secure environment and establishing a familial vibe that builds strong connections. In that atmosphere, students build the confidence to take creative intellectual and artistic risks, persevere, embrace new learning, and revel in the joy of academic and self-discovery."
English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Columbia University, M.S.
Brown University, B.A.
Karen Haldeman
Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of California, San Diego, B.A.
University of Colorado, Denver, M.A.
“As an educator, my goal, whether in the classroom, dormitory, or athletic field is to create and environment that encourages and supports each individual as they grow and pursue their unique goals. Along the way, I hope to inspire a love or at least an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.”
“As an educator, my goal, whether in the classroom, dormitory, or athletic field is to create and environment that encourages and supports each individual as they grow and pursue their unique goals. Along the way, I hope to inspire a love or at least an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.”
Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of California, San Diego, B.A.
University of Colorado, Denver, M.A.
“I believe that learning fuels life and curiosity fuels learning. Besant Hill’s mission and environment encourage students and teachers of distinct backgrounds to learn, explore and create together.”
Nicole Hawkins
Digital Arts & Photography Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Tulane University, MFA
Brigham Young University, B.A.
“I believe that learning fuels life and curiosity fuels learning. Besant Hill’s mission and environment encourage students and teachers of distinct backgrounds to learn, explore and create together.”
Digital Arts & Photography Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Tulane University, MFA
Brigham Young University, B.A.
Tracy How
Director of Admissions & Financial Aid
Credentials
California Lutheran University, MBA
California Lutheran University, B.S.
“With so much history, Besant Hill is a place that is committed to honoring the past but focused on the future. It's exciting to be part of a school where the only constant is change.”
“With so much history, Besant Hill is a place that is committed to honoring the past but focused on the future. It's exciting to be part of a school where the only constant is change.”
Director of Admissions & Financial Aid
Credentials
California Lutheran University, MBA
California Lutheran University, B.S.
“My favorite part of teaching English is exposing students to different ways of thinking and living around the world and throughout time. It allows us to live the Portrait of a Graduate everyday in class.”
Portia Johnson
Head of School
English Teacher
Residential Administrator on Duty
Credentials
University of New England, M.S.Ed.
West Virginia University, B.A.
Besant Hill School (Happy Valley School), 2000
“My favorite part of teaching English is exposing students to different ways of thinking and living around the world and throughout time. It allows us to live the Portrait of a Graduate everyday in class.”
Head of School
English Teacher
Residential Administrator on Duty
Credentials
University of New England, M.S.Ed.
West Virginia University, B.A.
Besant Hill School (Happy Valley School), 2000
Claire Lowndes
Director of Academics
Studio Arts Teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Pepperdine University, M.S.Ed.
Staffordshire University, B.A.
Birmingham City University, PGCE
“The Besant Hill School community provides a collaborative, inspiring environment for students to embrace their passions and unlock unimaginable potential.”
“The Besant Hill School community provides a collaborative, inspiring environment for students to embrace their passions and unlock unimaginable potential.”
Director of Academics
Studio Arts Teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Pepperdine University, M.S.Ed.
Staffordshire University, B.A.
Birmingham City University, PGCE
“My educational philosophy is closely aligned with Besant Hill School’s motto, 'Aun Aprendo – I am still learning.' As an educator, it is a primary responsibility to inspire my students so that they may subscribe to the words of Michelangelo, 'Grant that I may always aspire to more than I accomplish.' ”
Chris Maddalone
Math and Science Chair
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Long Island University, M.S.Ed.
Boston College, B.A.
“My educational philosophy is closely aligned with Besant Hill School’s motto, 'Aun Aprendo – I am still learning.' As an educator, it is a primary responsibility to inspire my students so that they may subscribe to the words of Michelangelo, 'Grant that I may always aspire to more than I accomplish.' ”
Math and Science Chair
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Long Island University, M.S.Ed.
Boston College, B.A.
Brian McColgan
Director of Sustainability
Environmental Science & Botany Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
California Polytechnic State University, B.S.
College of Santa Fe, Teacher Training
“I really appreciate that Besant Hill is a safe and supporting environment to follow one’s passions, as well as discover new ones.”
“I really appreciate that Besant Hill is a safe and supporting environment to follow one’s passions, as well as discover new ones.”
Director of Sustainability
Environmental Science & Botany Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
California Polytechnic State University, B.S.
College of Santa Fe, Teacher Training
"The Neuroscience of learning is the foundation of my praxis. Here at Besant Hill School, the application of Mind, Brain, and Education science pedagogy is valued, so that students can internalize the habits of Mind to become self-motivated, goal oriented, and lifelong learners."
Tanya McCreary Ardoin
Director of Instructional Support Program
Credentials
Drexel University, Ed.D.
Brenau University, M.A.T.
Clark Atlanta University, B.A.
"The Neuroscience of learning is the foundation of my praxis. Here at Besant Hill School, the application of Mind, Brain, and Education science pedagogy is valued, so that students can internalize the habits of Mind to become self-motivated, goal oriented, and lifelong learners."
Director of Instructional Support Program
Credentials
Drexel University, Ed.D.
Brenau University, M.A.T.
Clark Atlanta University, B.A.
Jasper Olsaki-Lounds
Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
U.C. Davis, B.S.
“Besant Hill is fantastic at promoting individual student interests and building holistic scholars. Teaching to the entirety of a student is at the core of what I hope to do as an educator.”
“Besant Hill is fantastic at promoting individual student interests and building holistic scholars. Teaching to the entirety of a student is at the core of what I hope to do as an educator.”
Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
U.C. Davis, B.S.
“Besant Hill School students graduate as individuals who differentiate themselves in their fields and through their work. They approach life with fervent originality and focused understanding that allows them to adapt to change and new learning. ”
Michaela Peters
Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Credentials
California College of the Arts, M.F.A.
“Besant Hill School students graduate as individuals who differentiate themselves in their fields and through their work. They approach life with fervent originality and focused understanding that allows them to adapt to change and new learning. ”
Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Credentials
California College of the Arts, M.F.A.
Leah Sellers
Athletic Director
Psychology Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.
Grand Canyon University, M.S. Psychology
“Besant Hill School offers a unique opportunity to introduce dance to students from around the world and offer an all inclusive, judgment free environment for all to dance freely.”
“Besant Hill School offers a unique opportunity to introduce dance to students from around the world and offer an all inclusive, judgment free environment for all to dance freely.”
Athletic Director
Psychology Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.
Grand Canyon University, M.S. Psychology
“My favorite aspect of Besant Hill is the diversity of our students. They truly bring a global perspective and curiosity to our classrooms, and our discussions about literature are full of questions and exploration. There’s no ‘right’ answer when it becomes clear that there are so many different ways to examine a text.”
Mary Spence
English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California Institute of the Arts, B.F.A.
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, M.A.
“My favorite aspect of Besant Hill is the diversity of our students. They truly bring a global perspective and curiosity to our classrooms, and our discussions about literature are full of questions and exploration. There’s no ‘right’ answer when it becomes clear that there are so many different ways to examine a text.”
English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California Institute of the Arts, B.F.A.
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, M.A.
Tracey Sutton
Performing Art Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California State University, M.F.A.
Brigham Young University, B.A.
"As performing artists, we are the agents of change in our world. We give voice to the characters we play. In doing so, we find a safe place to express ourselves creatively. Guiding young performers to feel comfortable in their own skin is my passion; seeing them embrace their bliss in performing is my greatest joy."
"As performing artists, we are the agents of change in our world. We give voice to the characters we play. In doing so, we find a safe place to express ourselves creatively. Guiding young performers to feel comfortable in their own skin is my passion; seeing them embrace their bliss in performing is my greatest joy."
Performing Art Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California State University, M.F.A.
Brigham Young University, B.A.
Besant Hill School of Happy Valley
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd
Ojai, CA 93023
contact@776kingston.com
Tel: (805) 646-4343
Fax: (805) 646-4371
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