Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences Staffing Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

I hope that this note finds you to be well and enjoying your summer. We have been busy this summer recruiting and hiring Faculty and Staff committed to our mission of Joy, Support, and Excellence. We are delighted to welcome the following exceptional educators to our community.

 

First, we welcome Carla Espinosa Cevallos as 3^rd-8^th Grade Spanish Teacher. A native Spanish speaker, Carla most recently taught Pre-Kindergarten – 8^th grade Spanish at The Banner School. She is a dedicated and resourceful teacher commitment to providing engaging classes for her students. Carla has a degree from Universidad Tecnologica Equinoccial, Ecuador.

 

Second, we welcome Destiny Cobar as our Librarian. Destiny joins us from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she just completed her master’s in library and informational science. During her program she served as the Graduate Assistant for the University Libraries Special Collection. She has experience working with students at the Hill Memorial Library, as a “student success agent” for high school students and as a summer history camp counselor. Destiny is interested in encouraging lifelong learning and community through her work as our Librarian. Destiny has a Bachelor of Arts, History, and Master of Arts, Library & Informational Science, Louisiana State University.

 

Third, Whitney Luther joins us as Early Childhood/Pre-Kindergarten Instructional Aide. Whitney has extensive experience working with children including homeschooling, Girl Scouts, and numerous volunteer roles at her children’s schools. She strongly believes in a flexible and creative approach to education to keep children engaged, meet them where they are and encourage their best. As an alumni and current parent, Whitney passionately believes in our mission and values. Whitney has a Bachelor of Arts, Communication, University of Maryland.

 

Next, we welcome Kimberly Parker as Teaching and Learning Coordinator. Kimberly is a professionally certified Educator with over 16 years of progressive education experience as well as 9+ years providing educational consulting, program development, and teacher professional learning in evidence-based literacy instruction and assessment. Her deep content knowledge of elementary education through her current consulting work and prior work at The Literacy Lab will be instrumental as we continue to implement the Lower School structured literacy curriculum. Also, a current parent, Kimberly cares deeply about the Barnesville School community and delivering on our mission of Joy, Support, and Excellence. Kimberly has a Bachelor of Arts, Russian Language, and Master of Arts, Education & Human Development, Georgetown University.

 

Additionally, Frances Saez joins us as our Middle School Math and Kids Club/Auxiliary Program Director. Frances is currently our Summer Camp Director, and we are excited to have her joining our full-time staff. She has 7 years of teaching experience at The Sojourner Truth School and Friends Meeting School. She is committed to our cross-curricular approach and providing differentiated instruction to reach all learners. Additionally, she will serve as our Kids Club (aftercare)/Auxiliary Program Director. Frances has a Bachelor of Science, Biology, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and 33 credits towards a Master of Art, Bilingual Education, Ana G. Mendez University.

 

Lastly, Lauren Lowe, will transition from teaching First Grade to be our Pre-Kindergarten & PM Enrichment Teacher. Lauren has over seventeen years of experience working with students between the ages of 2-7, including teaching Pre-Kindergarten. Lauren believes that early childhood educators have the unique privilege of setting a strong foundation to create joyful school memories and foster a love of critical thinking and experience-based, cross-curricular learning. Lauren has a Bachelor of Arts, Towson University, and Master of Arts, Education, specializing in Early Childhood education, National-Loius University.

 

We are delighted to welcome Munir Sayegh as our part-time Marketing Communications/

Social Media & Website Specialist. Munir brings to us an exceptional blend of technical skills, communication experience and admissions background. Since 2018, he has worked at the Fulbright Association responsible for graphic design, web design, communications, and marketing. In addition, he has 5 years of international admissions and marketing experience in higher education. Munir is passionate about education and looks forward to the opportunity to share the Barnesville story with current and prospective families. Munir has a Bachelor of Arts, Marketing & Graphic Design, St. Ambrose University and Master of Science, Economics, Purdue University.

 

Additionally, Bethany McCoy, Athletic Director and Physical Education/Health teacher, will be assuming an additional role as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Coordinator. This newly created, part-time role supports our continued commitment to providing an inclusive environment for our community. As prioritized in our strategic plan, we celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and embrace diverse backgrounds and points of view to build an inclusive and culturally competent community. Bethany’s experience as Co-Chair of our DEIB task force as well as prior work at Sidwell Friends and Burgundy Farm Country Day will guide her leadership of this important work.

 

Please join me in warmly welcoming these exceptional educators to our outstanding faculty, staff, and community.

 

We look forward to seeing everyone on September 5^th for the first day of school. We are excited for a great year ahead!

 

Susanne Johnson

Head of School