Department: Physical Education
Larry Petry
lpetry@sfprep.orgP.E. Teacher and Transportation Coordinator. Larry Petry has worked with the school for over 24 years. Originally from Pagosa Springs, CO, Larry grew up in Santa Fe. In his time at Santa Fe Prep, he has coached the girls’ basketball team, taught P.E., and driven thousands of miles for our athletics teams and school trips. According to Larry, “I love driving and enjoy my time working with Prep students!”
Department(s)
David Caldwell
dcaldwell@sfprep.orgAssistant Athletic Director, Middle School Athletics Director, Varsity Swim Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Middle School PE teacher. Dave received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from James Madison University. His professional background is in coaching. Dave has coached for over 30 years at the club, high school, and college levels in multiple sports. The NFHS named Dave the Women’s National Coach of the Year for swimming and diving 2017-2018. Dave enjoys his free time biking and spending time with his family.
Department(s)
Lis Desmond
ldesmond@sfprep.orgP.E., Middle School Track and Field Coach. Lis has taught and coached middle and high school students for 19 years. Lis grew up in the Chicago area and attended St. Lawrence University in Upstate New York. Upon graduation, Lis immediately moved to Santa Fe to pursue her interests in outdoor education and the visual arts. She is a certified USA Triathlon coach of a youth triathlon and track and field team outside of school, and she also holds certification as a USAT Level 1, USATF Level 2, and ASCA level 1 swim coach. Not only does Lis enjoy teaching and coaching kids, but she is also a five-time Ironman competitor, former river guide, expeditionary backpacking leader, and a motivated athlete. When Lis isn’t running around with the P.E. students at school, she can be found running around some more with her husband, daughter, and two rambunctious dogs.
Department(s)
Todd Kurth
tkurth@sfprep.orgDirector of Athletics. Todd has been a classroom teacher (math and biology) and multi-sport coach for over thirty years in both day and boarding schools in New Hampshire, the D.C. area, the United Kingdom, and New Mexico. He has coached football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, baseball, and diving. In 2001, he was named the New Mexico State Coach of the Year for soccer. Todd serves on the New Mexico Activities Association by-laws committee and has acted as District Chairman throughout his career. Born and raised in Santa Fe, he was valedictorian for the class of 1981 at Santa Fe Prep and received a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Williams College. Todd is an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast.
Department(s)
Jean “Parka” Kithil
jkithill@sfprep.orgAssistant to Director of Athletics, Coach. Originally from Rye, New York, Parka grew up sailing competitively and rowing crew on the Long Island Sound. In 1965, she earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education from Skidmore College and lived for a time in Alaska before settling with her husband, Philip, in Santa Fe.
With over 50 years in under her belt at Prep, Parka still works part-time in the Athletics Department. On any given day, she might be found painting lines on the field ahead of a soccer game, ordering uniforms, organizing materials in the athletics archives, or leading swim lessons in Middle School PE — a program she founded and has run since 1985. And when not at Prep, she leads an exceptionally active personal life.