Jan Adesso

Head of Library Services. Received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and her master's degree in library science from Rutgers University. She served as head of the Lawrence Branch, Mercer County Library System, prior to joining the faculty in 1979.

Gene Aker

Photography, Photojournalism. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in English from Tulsa University, and has taught English at Texas Tech University.

Cruz Armendariz

Maintenance Department. A native of Chihuahua, Mexico, he is a skilled rock artisan who installed the beautiful steps and walls in both Prep quads. When not seeing to the many needs of our beautiful campus, Cruz enjoys spending time with his family. His son, Cruz, is in the 9th grade at Prep.

Mikahla Beutler

School Counselor She also teaches health and co-facilitates the peer mentor program. She received her bachelor's degree in sociology from Colorado College and her master's degree in counseling with an emphasis in youth at risk from The College of Santa Fe. She is a licensed mental health counselor. Previously she worked in school and clinical settings doing crisis intervention and family therapy.

Mark Bixby

World History, English. Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin and earned a master's degree in liberal arts from St. John's College. Prior to working as a teacher, Mark spent nine years working in commercial kitchens. Outside of school, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Keira, and daughters Ruby and Cora.

Diane Catron

Biology and Advanced Placement Biology. She received her bachelor's degree in biological science from Stanford University and a Master of Science in biological science from the University of New Mexico. Diane is a consultant in AP Science for the College Board, as well as a recent recipient of the Siemen's award for outstanding advanced placement instructor.

Chris Chakeres

Life Science, Physical Education, Boys' Varsity Basketball Coach. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Mexico and has his MAT from Johns Hopkins University. Chris is a 1994 graduate of Santa Fe Prep.

Baldamar Coca

Maintenance Department. Baldamar has been with Prep since 1982. Originally from Taos, Baldamar has three children and two grandkids. His hobbies include painting, weaving, and restoring Model A Fords.

Jennifer Dryfoos

Director of College Counseling, Health. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in psychology and women's studies from Smith College, and earned her Ed.M. from Harvard in counseling processes. Before becoming a college counselor, Jennifer worked at Princeton, Wheaton, and Oberlin.

Kristin Economo

Learning Support Assistant, Breakthrough College Prep Coordinator. Kristin graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she directed a program for Latino high school students. During college she also spent two summers as a Breakthrough teacher in Providence, RI. Kristin is loving the New Mexico landscape and enjoys practicing yoga.

Xochitl (Xochie) Ehrl

Library Assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from El Instituto Cultural de Guadalajara, Mexico. Xochie came to the U.S. in 1984 and moved to New Mexico in 1993. Prior to that, she spent seven years in state government working for the Director of Public Health. Her daughter, Dominique, is a junior at Prep.

Bradford Fairbanks

Performing Arts Department Chair, Acting. He holds a master's degree in counseling psychology from Boston College and a master's degree in education from City College of New York. He also graduated from The Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre, a two-year acting conservatory in New York City. Brad has also worked as a college counselor at Northeastern University, an actor in New York, and has been teaching since 2000.

Kendel Fesenmyer

Director of Studies. Kendel provides guidance and oversees the curriculum in both the Upper and Middle schools. Kendel has a bachelor's degree in comparative religion and anthropology from Dartmouth College, and an MTS in comparative religion from Harvard Divinity School. She holds secondary level social studies certification through the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In 2001 - 2002, she was awarded a Klingenstein Fellowship at Columbia University's Teachers College.

Don Fineberg, M.D.

Psychology, Senior Seminar. Dr. Fineberg has practiced psychiatry in Santa Fe since 1978, after completing a post-graduate fellowship at Yale, medical school at Mt. Sinai and earning a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton. He teaches and lectures on a variety of topics, including adolescent development, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology. He also leads the seminar, "Psychology and the Opera," at the Santa Fe Opera.

Eliot Fisher

Lisa Gray Fisher

English Department Chair, English, Screenwriting. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English/Drama from Pomona College, and her master's degree in multicultural education from the College of Santa Fe. Lisa has also taught English at the University of New Mexico.

Liz Friary

English. Liz received a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and her master's degree from the Bread Loaf School of English. Before coming to Prep, she taught at schools in Boston and San Francisco. She is a native of Western Massachusetts.

Miguel Gabaldon

Maintenance Department. He was born and raised on Camino Santander, right around the corner from Prep. He likes to hunt and fish. Miguel has been married for 41 years to his high school sweetheart, Christina, and has four children.

Leonard Garcia

Maintenance Department. Leonard has coached football and wrestling in West Las Vegas at the elementary level. He graduated in 1983 from St. Michael's High School. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two children.

Darlene Garton

Division Heads' Assistant. Darlene received her bachelor's degree in nursing science from Texas Christian University. She practiced nursing in multiple fields, including neonatal intensive care and medical surgical nursing education. She is co-owner of a home design-build company. Her passions include design, reading and gardening. Darlene's son, Nash, graduated from Prep in 2006.

Andrea Gonzales

Alumni Director, Senior Development Associate Andrea grew up in Rowe, New Mexico and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from New Mexico Highlands University. Prior to joining Prep, Andrea managed the front office at Glorieta Conference Center.

Melesio Gonzales

Maintenance Supervisor. Mel has been at Prep since 1997. Previously he spent seven years at the Pecos River Learning Center as maintenance supervisor. He has been a member of the Carpenters Union since 1997, and enjoys wood working and working on old cars in his spare time.

Kézha Hatier-Riess

Director of Advancement. Kézha is the former associate director of The Yellowstone Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises money for Yellowstone National Park. She has extensive experience in fundraising, communications, design, organizational development, and in building diverse relationships. Kézha has a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental studies from Mills College and a Master of Science degree in wildlife biology from Montana State University. In her spare time, Kézha designs jewelry and loves to run, hike and to adventure with her twin boys, husband and dog. khatier-riess@sfprep.org

Jim Heidenberger

Earth Science, Pre-Algebra. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the United States Military Academy, and a master's degree in astronomy from the University of Western Sydney, Australia. Outside the education field, Jim has served as an army officer and production supervisor for General Motors. When not teaching, Jim enjoys being a private pilot, paragliding, paramotoring, and playing the guitar. His son, graduated with Prep's class of 2010, and his son Mason is a member of the class of 2013.

Olga Herrera

Spanish.

Sam Hicken

Computer Science, Web Design, Assistant Technology Director. He did his undergraduate work at Carnegie Mellon University and his graduate work at Arizona State, where he received a Ph.D. in instructional technology. He has taught high school and college level classes, and has worked as a computational scientist.

Chris Ishee

Music, Chorus, Jazz Band, Chamber Music, Music Theory. He earned his bachelor's degree in jazz piano from the University of Miami. Chris has worked as a professional pianist/keyboard player for many jazz, pop, and rock bands and performs regularly in Sante Fe with his trio.

Laura Jagles

Southwest Literature. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Allegheny College and recently completed her master's degree at Middlebury College's Bread Loaf School of English. She grew up at Tesuque Pueblo and enjoys writing poems and short stories.

Mauricio Jaime

Maintenance Department. Mauricio grew up in a large family on a farm in Aguascalientes, Mexico. He has three children.

Kristin Kalangis

Jean"Parka" Kithil

Assistant to Director of Athletics, Coach.

Todd Kurth

Director of Athletics, Director of Facilities. Todd received a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Williams College.

Jody LeFevers

Upper School Dean, 20th Century American History, Girls Cross Country Coach, Assistant Track Coach. Jody earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in secondary education from Eastern New Mexico University.

Marcia Lenihan

Development Associate. Marcia graduated cum laude from the University of Texas, Austin with a degree in speech. Before joining Prep, she worked in human resources for The Container Store. For the last 5 years, she has volunteered extensively for her kids' schools and various other causes. She has a son who graduated with Prep's class of '08, and a daughter who graduated with the class of 2009.

Jim Leonard

Head of School. Jim also teaches freshman studies, a senior English elective, and serves as assistant coach of the boys varsity soccer team. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Williams College, and a master's in English literature from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. Jim has taught at independent schools in Connecticut and Vermont. He and his wife Story have three daughters, two of whom are students at Prep.

Story Leonard

Associate Director of College Counseling. Story holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Williams College and a Master of Arts degree from Dartmouth. Her 20-year teaching career has taken her from the Pomfret School in Connecticut, where she taught history and coordinated all counseling, to the Mountain School in Vermont, where she served as director of admissions and head of advising and counseling. She has taught history at Prep and currently coaches the girls lacrosse team. Story enjoys all sports and has dedicated herself to establishing and building the sport of lacrosse in New Mexico. She has three daughters, two of whom are at Prep.

Celine LePluart Kamm

French III, Honors and AP French. Celine is a native French speaker. She received a bachelor's degree in nursing from Regents College and was an oncology nurse for 15 years. She graduated from the Teacher's Alternative Licensure program in Santa Fe and has since taught French at both the middle and high school levels.

Lisa Lincoln

Choral Director, Middle School Musical Theater. Lisa is the vocal director for the chorus and the annual Prep musical. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications and drama from University of California, San Diego, and has almost 30 years of vocal training. She completed the Estill post-grad vocal teaching technique. She is also the founder and director of Eldorado Teen and Children's Theatre, teaches private voice, and has performed in, or directed, over 50 musicals. llincoln@sfprep.org

Doug Lynam

Math Department Chair, Geometry, Honors Geometry. Doug graduated from St. John's College, Santa Fe, serves as an advisor to the Center for the Study of Philosophy and Religion, and has helped edit and publish numerous books. Brother Doug is also a member of the New Subasio Community, an ecumenical monastic community. dlynam@sfprep.org

Steve Machen

Language Department Chair, Spanish III and V. Steve served as Prep Headmaster for 11 years. He holds an undergraduate degree from Lafayette College and a master's and a doctorate from the University of New Mexico. smachen@sfprep.org

Rob Madril

Science Department Chair, Physics, Fencing Coach. Rob is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy . He earned his Fencing Master certification from the Academië d'armes Internationale and the U.S. Fencing Coaches Association. rmadril@sfprep.org

Anna Mirabal-LeJeune

Receptionist. Anna is a native New Mexican. Prior to joining the front office at Prep, she served as the executive assistant to the governor of Nambe Pueblo. She currently serves as the Tribal Council Secretary. Anna has also worked as administrative assistant to the director of Poeh Arts School and as office manager for two local construction companies. She is a contemporary silversmith jeweler and has a son at Prep. amirabal-lejeune@sfprep.org

Marta Miskolczy

Director of Admissions. Marta holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont and earned her master's degree from Columbia University's Teachers College Leadership Academy. She has also studied in Greece and Hungary. Outside of work, Marta enjoys running, gardening and exploring chocolate. mmiskolczy@sfprep.org

John Montoya

Maintenance Department. John is a native Santa Fean whose family owns Cordelia's Restaurant. An avid bowler, he is also a devoted dad to two daughters and a son.

Michael Multari

Director of Breakthrough Santa Fe. Michael graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in education and social science. He spent the previous 10 years teaching at-risk youth in northern New Mexico at McCurdy School, Los Alamos Middle School and the Career Academy in Santa Fe. He recently completed his master's degree at St. John's College. mmultari@sfprep.org

Dan Murray

Global Studies, Stagecraft. He received his bachelor's degree with a double major in communications and theatre arts from Metropolitan State College in Denver. Prior to becoming a teacher, Dan was a theatrical lighting designer and worked around the country at such places as the Santa Fe Opera and the Denver Center Theatre Company. He has traveled extensively throughout the world. dmurray@sfprep.org

Drew Nucci

Math

Erika Penczer

Middle School Head, Introduction to Algebra. Erika received her bachelor's degree in biology from Colby College, and her master's degree in private school leadership from Columbia University. She joins Prep from the Gould Academy, where she directed the 8th-grade winter term. Erika is an avid outdoorswoman, with interests ranging from triathlons to camping to lacrosse to skiing. She also has served in the Peace Corps, teaching biology to several different age groups in Cameroon, West Africa. epenczer@sfprep.org

Rudy Penczer

Algebra II, Precalculus. Rudy holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Colby College, and a master's degree in applied mathematics with a concentration in geophysics from the University of Washington. He has taught math at levels ranging from middle school to college and is a frequent participant in regional and national conferences on teaching math. Rudy comes to Prep from the Gould Academy in Maine, where he served as math department chair and the farm and forest co-director. rpenczer@sfprep.org

Aiyana Pendleton

Algebra I and II. Aiyana received a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in education from the College of Santa Fe, and has her secondary certification in mathematics. Aiyana most recently taught at Rio Grande School in Santa Fe and was also a mathematics professor at the Institute of American Indian Arts. apendleton@sfprep.org

Marisa Perez-Gonzales

New Mexico History, Journalism. Marisa is a native of Spain and holds a master's degree in history from the University of Spain, Seville. She has seven years of experience teaching New Mexico history, including in the Santa Fe public schools. Marisa has participated in several international conferences on New Mexico history, specializing in the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. She has also published several articles on New Mexico history. She spent two semesters at UNM conducting research in collaboration with the Spanish Resource Center, and served as a teaching assistant for the Department of Spanish and Portugese. mperez@sfprep.org

Joslyn Pretz

Chemistry. Jos earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Grinnell College in Iowa and holds her teaching certificate from the College of Santa Fe. She has been actively involved in encouraging young women to pursue careers in the sciences. Outside the classroom, Jos enjoys piano and horseback riding.

Sandra Rathgeb

Business Office Assistant. Sandra is a graduate of the Dover Business College, where she earned a degree in computerized accounting. She has worked in an accounting capacity for several local firms and the State of New Mexico. A Santa Fe resident for the past 12 years, Sandra enjoys hiking and golf. srathgeb@sfprep.org

Claire Romero

Learning Specialist. Claire earned a bachelor's degree in special education and a master's degree in learning disabilities from the University of New Mexico. She has worked with teachers of students with learning differences in Central and South America, completed a learning differences internship at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and is a former national faculty member of Schools Attuned. Claire is a lifetime resident of New Mexico and has worked in public, pueblo, and private school settings as a teacher and an administrator. cromero@sfprep.org

Julie Ross

Assistant to Head of School. Julie received a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from San Jose State University, and spent nearly 15 years with a multi-national agency planning and implementing communications programs for a wide range of clients. Since moving to Santa Fe from the San Francisco Bay Area in 1993, Julie has developed communications strategies for local campaign efforts, launched an internet business, and managed marketing and promotion for husband Alan's photography business. Her daughter, Jenna, graduated with Prep's class of '08. julieross@sfprep.org

Rennae Ross

P.E. Department Chair, Middle School P.E., School Health Coordinator. Rennae has a National "C" coaching license from the USSF and is a licensed EMT-B and a volunteer with the Ilfeld/Rowe Fire Department. rross@sfprep.org

Eric Rounds

Director of the Teen Action Program (TAP), Experiential Education. Eric has more than 10 years experience working with children in academic and outdoor education programs. He has taught at Rowland Hall St. Marks School in Utah and Proctor Academy in New Hampshire. He has also led Outward Bound programs in the US and Australia. He received his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University in natural sciences and his master's degree in humanities from St. John's College. erounds@sfprep.org

Antoinette Roybal

Registrar. Antoinette has been with Prep since 2000. In addition to serving as registrar, she also manages Prep's front office. Antoinette is working to complete a degree in Spanish and enjoys reading, road trips, and spending time with her three grown daughters and her new grandson. aroybal@sfprep.org

Bruce Sachs

Director of Finance. Bruce holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from American University in Washington, DC, and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. He has been in accounting and finance for over twenty years with a wide range of companies. He enjoys scuba diving and music. bsachs@sfprep.org

Maia Sampson-Michael

Ceramics. Maia is an alumna of Middlebury College and the University of Colorado, and holds a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Puget Sound. Maia has taught at the university level for over 12 years. Her daughter recently graduated from Prep. msampsonmichael@sfprep.org

Stephanie Schlanger

Assistant Head of School, English. Stephanie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979 and her master's degree in liberal studies from St. John's College in Santa Fe in 1993. She taught English at Santa Fe Prep for eight years before becoming Upper School Head and later Assistant Head of School. Her son, Thomas, is a Prep graduate now working in the film industry in Los Angeles. sschlanger@sfprep.org

Maria Barrera Sheldon

Spanish I and IV. Maria is a native of Puebla, Mexico. As a high school senior she spent a year in Michigan as an international exchange student. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Universidad de las Américas in Mexico and later completed her master's degree in economic development/Pacific Basin studies at Dominican University in California. She has been teaching for over 15 years at schools in the United States, Japan and Mexico. msheldon@sfprep.org

Jay Shelton

Physical Science, Calculus. Jay has a doctorate in physics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor's degree in chemistry and physics from Harvard. He leads the energy efficiency effort on campus, and has authored books on wood stoves, fireplaces and homeopathy. jshelton@sfprep.org

Tove Shere

Assistant Athletic Director, Middle School P.E., Health, Head Track and Field Coach. Tove has been a coach and personal trainer in the private sector for ten years and has been a member of five US triathlon/dualathlon teams. She was educated in Canada. tshere@sfprep.org

Alan Taylor

English. A member of the Benedictine Franciscan Community of New Subasio, Brother Alan pursued undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University, and earned his master's degree in liberal arts at St. John's College. ataylor@sfprep.org

James Taylor

Computer Science, Computer Systems Manager. James attended the University of New Mexico, where he majored in mathematics. He runs Prep's mathematics competition teams and weekly problems club sessions. jtaylor@sfprep.org

Courtney (Coco) Toderan-Manson

History. Coco graduated from Carleton College with a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a focus on classical and medieval literature and history. She received her master's degree in liberal arts from St. John's College in Santa Fe. She previously taught literature, history and philosophy at a charter high school in Idaho. Her first job out of college was as a cowgirl running cattle in Montana. ctoderan-manson@sfprep.org

Christella Velarde

Business Office Manager. Christella is originally from Velarde, New Mexico. She has 15+ years accounting experience, primarily from working at large-scale construction companies in the Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. She has two daughters. cvelarde@sfprep.org

Anna Westen

Spanish. Anna has an undergraduate degree from Brown University in comparative literature and a graduate degree from St. John's College. She spent two semesters as a student at Prep when her family was on sabbatical here in Santa Fe. She also studied for a year abroad in Barcelona. awesten@sfprep.org

Carla Westen

Latin, Italian Culture. Carla received her Bachelor of Arts in Italian studies from Wesleyan University and her Master of Arts from the University of Wisconsin, where she was a University Fellow. cwesten@sfprep.org

Talia Winokur

Breakthrough Santa Fe, Associate Director of Admissions. Talia received a Bachelor of Science in Spanish from Georgetown University and holds a Masters in Education with a bilingual certificate from Loyola Marymount University. She first worked with Breakthrough at Kent Denver School, and co-founded and continues to be involved with a preschool in La Paz, Bolivia. twinokur@sfprep.org

Rob Wilder

English. Rob received his Bachelor of Arts in English from Wesleyan University, a master's degree in English from New Mexico State University, and an MFA from Warren Wilson College MFA Program for Writers. He is the author of two collections of essays--"Daddy Needs a Drink" and "Tales from the Teachers' Lounge." He has a daughter at Prep. rwilder@sfprep.org

Nick Wirth

Chair of the History Department, U.S. History. Nick graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science and North American affairs from Colorado College. He received licensor training at the College of Santa Fe and taught in the Santa Fe Public Schools before coming to Prep. nwirth@sfprep.org

Bette Yozell

Chair of the Visual Arts/Fine Arts Department, Middle School Art, Life Drawing, Stained Glass. Bette received her training from the Boston Museum School and the Tyler School of Art in Rome, Italy. She holds a bachelor's degree in art education from Tufts University. byozell@sfprep.org