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Department: Mathematics

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Chris Chakeres

cchakeres@sfprep.org

7th Grade Science and Upper School Neuroscience. A 1994 graduate of Prep, Chris holds a BS in Psychology from the University of New Mexico and an MA in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. Chris is in his 21st year at Prep and has previously taught in the Science department: teaching Life Science and Biology for a decade in the mid-2000s. Chris loves teaching science, given its relevance to our lives, and he loves how curious, concerned for our planet, and comical Prep students are! Outside the classroom, Chris and his family explore New Mexico’s wilderness and plan their next travels.

 

Department(s)

“The early adolescent years are as critical as ever. At Prep, we strive to engage, challenge, support, nurture, and inspire our middle school students to be budding scholars and compassionate and responsible community members–and win their attention over screens, soundbites, and playing it safe.”

Chris Border

cborder@sfprep.org
Mathematics Department Chair, Geometry, C-I. Chris received a master’s degree in physics from the University of Washington and a subsequent master’s in teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast. Prior to joining Prep, he taught mathematics and science in remote Alaska, Hawaii, and, most recently, Washington. Outside of the classroom, Chris enjoys travel, astronomy, cooking, photography, and hiking.

Department(s)

Ben Sleeman

bsleeman@sfprep.org

Algebra II, Macroeconomics, Financial Literacy, 10th Graded Class Sponsor. Ben grew up near Liverpool, England, and studied math and statistics at the University of Liverpool. In 2017, he moved to Buena Vista, Colorado, to teach math and facilitate experiential learning at a residential high school. During his time as an experiential educator, Ben pursued instructor certifications from the American Mountain Guides Association and the American Canoe Association. He also led trips throughout the Southwest US and in Baja, California. He was awarded a Master’s Degree in Education in 2020 from Western Colorado University, where he focused on investigating inquiry-based learning from the lens of cognitive load theory. Outside of his work in the classroom, Ben loves to be reading, exploring trails on his mountain bike, or paddling whitewater in his kayak. He also enjoys competing in endurance events such as the Leadville Trail 100, Ironman Triathlon, and the Grand Traverse Ski race.

Department(s)

“Facilitating authentic experiences that inspire inquiry, collaboration and reflection is at the heart of my work as an educator. I strive to help all my students see themselves as lifelong learners and discover how they can be of service to their communities.”

Zoe Ledbetter

zledbetter@sfprep.org

Integrated Math I, MS Robotics, Principles of Engineering. Zoe earned her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland. After college, she moved to Kentucky to help build a chemical agent destruction pilot plant. Her love for New Mexico brought her to Santa Fe in 2015. After several years working at LANL, she decided to pursue a more meaningful career that aligns with her true passion – inspiring kids to find excitement and joy in math and engineering. In her free time, Zoe enjoys working on her house, being outside, snuggling with her cats, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Department(s)

Ashley Watson

awatson@sfprep.org

Pre-Calculus, AB Calculus, Advanced Math Topics. Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Teaching from Rice University. Before joining Prep, she taught at St. John’s School in Houston, TX, as well as for the School Year Abroad program in Viterbo, Italy.

Department(s)

Joey Reich

jreich@sfprep.org

Mathematics, Chess Coach. After earning his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Brandeis University, Joey embarked on a career as a professional artist and glassblower. He studied glass art at Massachusetts College of Art and Design and Pilchuck Glass School, before following his future wife out to New Mexico in 2003. After building and operating a glass shop and gallery in Pojoaque, Joey returned to his first love of philosophy and academia, teaching math and chess at Pojoaque Valley Middle School. Joey is an amateur scientist, proud nerd, voracious reader, gardening enthusiast, and chess fanatic who enjoys backpacking and skiing the mountains of New Mexico.

Department(s)

Aiyana Pendleton

apendleton@sfprep.org

Algebra II Honors, Statistics. Aiyana received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in education from the College of Santa Fe. Aiyana has taught at Santa Fe Prep for 14 years. In addition to teaching mathematics, Aiyana has co-led trips to Nepal and Mongolia for Prep students. Before teaching at Prep, she taught at the Rio Grande School, The Institute of American Indian Arts, Ortiz Middle School, and Santa Fe High.

Department(s)

“I believe in creating a safe and appropriately challenging space for learning where every student becomes a confident and accomplished mathematical thinker and problem solver. I believe creating an environment where taking risks and learning from students is part of the process. I encourage students to think creatively, apply concepts, and communicate ideas in a variety of ways. I enjoy challenging students who love math and also showing students who lack confidence that they can do much more than they ever thought that they could, guiding them to develop a belief in themselves and to see themselves as mathematicians.”