Department:
Our faculty are experienced and distinguished educators who, like their students, delight in learning. Moreover, they are committed Christians who understand the importance of nourishing the whole child not merely shaping the behavior of a child.
Ms. Rim An Hinckley
Head of School
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Messiah College - B.A.
Graduate studies in Mathematics and Education from Millersville
University and Boston College
Prior to starting The Geneva School of Manhattan, Rim Hinckley taught mathematics in public schools in Lancaster, PA, Weston, MA, and at the United Nations International School. Along with other Christian believers, she began planning for a classical Christian school in Manhattan in 1995. After a year of planning, praying, pursuing real estate leads, and completing city requirements, Geneva School opened in September 1996 with twenty-two students in three grades. After several years serving as the founder and Head of School, Ms. Hinckley stepped down as full-time headmaster to spend time with her young family. On occasion, she served on the Board of Trustees for the School until 2011, when she again resumed Head of School responsibilities. Under her leadership, the School has grown to 285 students. She has been a Teaching Leader for Bible Study Fellowship International from 1996 to 2000. Ms. Hinckley has served on the boards of the charter school PAVE Academy and Hope for New York, and is currently on the board of Messiah University (previously Messiah College) and Society of Classical Learning. She and her husband Carter Hinckley have two sons, C.J. ('14) and Charlie (‘16). She is an active member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Ms. Tessa Tiemann
Assistant Head of School
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University of Kentucky - B.M.M.E.
University of Kentucky - M.A.
Ms. Tiemann has been a wonderful addition to our faculty since 2013. Her educational journey began with a choral director position in a public middle school for seven years in Louisville, Kentucky. Then, wanting to be home with her three sons while they were young, she served as a part-time director of music in a Louisville church. As her children came of school age, she began her career in the classical Christian educational setting, teaching First Grade at Highlands Latin School for three years before leaving the classroom to serve four years as the Director of Instruction. She is married to jazz musician, Jason Tiemann, and they have three Geneva School graduates ('15, '17, '18). Ms. Tiemann enjoys cooking, reading, and bicycling around the city.
Dr. John Lee
Head of Upper School, Upper School History, Greek, and Bible
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Rutgers College - B.A.
Yale University - M.A.
Westminster Theological Seminary - M.A.
Bryn Mawr College - M.A.
Yale University - M. Phil., History
Yale University - Ph.D., Classical History
Over the last twenty-five years prior to becoming Head of Upper School, Dr. Lee has taught in various capacities at numerous institutions including The St. Bernard’s School in Manhattan, Drew University, and Nyack College. His experience extends outside the classroom, too; he has pastored for many years, including planting several churches. He also serves as Board President for Ad Fontes Philanthropy. Dr. Lee's book Paradoxes of Leadership—A Biblical Reflection was published in 2017. Dr. Lee and his wife have two children, one of whom is a Geneva School student. His hobbies include carpentry, writing, and meeting new people.
Mr. Matthew (Matt) Waldvogel
Head of Preschool and Lower School
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Queens College, City University of New York - B.A.
Adelphi University - M.A. Education
Mr. Waldvogel joined the Geneva School faculty in 2017, bringing with him an extensive and varied experience both inside and outside of the classroom. The son of a pastor, Matt was raised here in New York City and attended Stuyvesant High School. After college, he taught for many years at Richmond Hill High School in Queens and also served as Dean of Students. He then taught American History and Bible at Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill in North Carolina, a classical Christian school. There, he also served as the Middle School Athletic Director and Summer Programs Director. He continues to pastor the church in which he grew up. He and his wife, Rachael, have two boys ('32, '34) and a baby girl.
Ms. Naomi Budenholzer
Second Grade
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Concordia University - B.A. Elementary Education
University of Missouri - M.A. Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Ms. Budenholzer is very happy to call New York City her home. Her husband, Mark, is originally from Queens, and could never imagine eating pizza anywhere else. Before joining Geneva School in 2019, she was in the formal classroom setting in various grades for seven years. In May 2021, God blessed the Budenholzers with Jael Sophia, a delightful baby girl who enjoys being outside and terrorizing Bast (their cat). In her free time, Ms. Budenholzer also loves being outside, reading, playing strategy board games, and catching up with family.
Ms. Carey Bustard
Fourth Grade
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The King's College - B.A.
Carey Bustard has been a vibrant part of the facultyl since 2016. Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Ms. Bustard has lived in New York City since 2012. She moved here initially to attend The King's College but has since fallen in love with the city and the community it has brought her. While in college, she interned at The Gospel Coalition, where she conducted nationwide interviews with Christians about their integration of faith and work. Through that internship she found herself passionate about vocational ministry and hearing people's stories. Ms. Bustard is proud to come from a family of classical Christian educators. In 2022, Carey and her mother, Leslie Bustard, edited Wild Things and Castles in the Sky: A Guide to Choosing the Best Books for Children. She enjoys brunching, traveling, reading, and making Spotify playlists.
Ms. Christina Chong
Upper School Mathematics and Science
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Cornell University — B.A., Chemistry (Biology minor)
New York University — M.A., Teaching
Christina Chong joined Geneva School faculty in 2022 as Upper School Science and Mathematics Teacher. She earned a B.A. in Chemistry and a minor in Biology from Cornell University and a M.A. in Teaching from New York University. While at Cornell, she served as a Teaching Assistant in the Chemistry department and as a volunteer and then vice president of Cru campus ministry. Prior to joining Geneva School, Ms. Chong taught high school IB science courses at Brooklyn Prospect Charter School. She attends Woodside Community Church in Queens, and she enjoys writing and reading fiction.
Ms. Katelyn Cox
Third Grade
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Texas A&M University — B.A., Psychology
Katelyn Cox joins Geneva School from Dallas, Texas, where she recently completed a residency at Watermark Institute. In this role, she helped lead and direct a ministry for children and adults with special needs at Watermark Community Church. In addition, Ms. Cox is a trained camp counselor and mentor of high school students, having served at Grace Bible Church in Dallas as Youth Impact Leader. Ms. Cox has a passion for great literature and enjoys reading in her free time.
Ms. Sydney Fitch
Third Grade
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Covenant College- B.A., Elementary Education
Sydney Fitch comes to Geneva School with first-hand experience in classical Christian education; she attended and graduated from Veritas School, a Christian classical school in Richmond, Virginia. She then attended Covenant College in Tennessee, where she earned a B.A. in Elementary Education and ran cross country competitively. Ms. Fitch moved to New York City in 2022 from Tennessee, where she taught second grade and also served the homeless population. She is an avid hiker and rock-climber.
Ms. Alexandria Fletcher
Junior Kindergarten
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The King's College - B.A.
Ms. Fletcher joined our Preschool team in 2019. Her vibrant classroom is a clear reflection of her lifelong dream to teach young children. She earned a B.A. degree in Media, Culture, and the Arts at King's College. There she served as Event Coordinator and a faculty assistant. She enjoys painting, photography, traveling, films, and art museums. Alexandria and her husband Carter live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Ms. Jeanette Fung
Fourth to Sixth Grade Latin
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Wellesley College - B.A.
University of California, Los Angeles - M. Arch.
Ms. Fung is excited to rejoin the Latin faculty at Geneva School after taking thirteen years off to raise her triplets and singleton. After earning a Masters in Architecture from UCLA, Ms. Fung worked as an architect in Hong Kong for three years. She then taught Latin at Geneva School from 2001 to 2007 and implemented the National Latin Exam during that time. She lives with her husband and children in the Murray Hill area of Manhattan.
Ms. Sarah Geer
Kindergarten
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Clearwater Christian College - B.S. Elementary Education
Sarah Geer is a welcome addition to our Kindergarten team since 2019. After college, Sarah served as a Title 1 Teacher in Florida, and then moved to New York City to work where she was a nanny and an assistant to a Broadway producer. Ms. Geer also has extensive substitute teaching experience and has a great love for theater.
Ms. Meghan Gomillion
Art, Upper School Bible
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Auburn University - B.F.A. Graphic Design
Pratt Institute - M.A. Art and Design Education
Ms. Gomillion has had extensive experience working in graphic design and teaching art to students of various ages. She has taught art in a public elementary school; the Pratt Center for Art, Design, and Community Engagement; and most recently at the Williamsburg High School of Architecture and Design. She volunteers as an English teacher to immigrant families at The Open Door and as a high school youth ministry volunteer at Redeemer East Side church. Meghan enjoys making art and visiting museums, leisurely walks through Central Park, and training for half-marathons.
Mr. Glenn Gonzalez
Junior Kindergarten
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Latin American Bible Institute - A.A. Theology
Ashford University - B.A. candidate, Early Childhood Education
Mr. Gonzalez is a native New Yorker who grew up wanting to become a police officer. He had a change of heart after working five years at an after-school sports program, during which he discovered his passion for teaching young children. He holds an associate degree in Theology from Latin American Bible Institute. Prior to joining Geneva School, he worked as an Assistant Teacher at Amber Charter School in Harlem. Mr. Gonzalez is passionate about fitness and loves to play basketball.
Mr. Timothy Goodwin
Upper School Humanities
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Dallas Baptist University - B.S.
Southeastern Theological Seminary - M.Div.
Tim Goodwin has been teaching at Geneva School since 2015. He received his B.S. in History and Christian Ministry from Dallas Baptist University and his M.Div from Southeastern Theological Seminary. Mr. Goodwin founded the Geneva School Debate Team in 2015 and coached the team to a third place medal at the New York State championship in 2017 during its first competitive season. His love for debate and public speaking spills into the Third Grade classroom, encouraging the exchange of great ideas. He is also an ordained pastor with an active podcast ministry. His wife, Sydney, is an actress and photographer. When Mr. Goodwin isn’t teaching students, he enjoys running and cooking dinner for friends.
Mr. Greg Gunkle
Head of History, Upper School History, Thesis, and Logic
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Liberty University - B.S.
Graduate studies in Philosophy, Theology, and Education at Westminster Theological Seminary and Lehigh University
Mr. Gunkle has been a vital part of the Geneva Upper School faculty since 2012 and is the founder of Cicero's Podium, the Eighth Grade thesis program. Prior to that, he taught for nineteen years in Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York City. He has served on the board of a Christian school in Pennsylvania and as the Director and Lead Teacher of the Logic School at Christ Academy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, he is a lifelong Phillies and Eagles fan. He can be found at used bookstores gleaning treasures from writers of old or at his favorite pub discussing great political speeches.
Mr. Koby Jackson
Fifth Grade
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The King's College - B.A.
Koby Jackson is a recent graduate of The King’s College where he earned a B.A. in Humanities and a minor in Politics. While at Kings, Mr. Jackson served as the Student Body President, as Program Coordinator for Education Initiatives through Campus Crusade for Christ, and also as a high school tutor for public school students in the Lower Manhattan area. He also received the William R. Bright award for discipleship and distinguished service. Mr. Jackson is a native of Alabama. While in high school, he served as Senior Editor of Ingeniem: Compassion, his school’s award winning literary magazine. He also worked as a camp counselor and after-school counselor for the YMCA. As far as hobbies go, Mr. Jackson is a team member of a city-wide flag football league, and he writes poetry in his spare time.
Kurt Juergens
Teacher's Aide
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Mid-Atlantic Christian University - B.S. Bible and Theology
Kurt Juergens joined Geneva School in 2022 as Teacher's Aide, a role in which he helps our Physical Education coaches and other faculty members as needs arise. Originally from Long Island, Mr. Juergens worked all over the country in camp counseling, coaching, and child-care positions. Most recently he worked for the City of Missoula, Montana, as a Recreation Leader. He attends Neighborhood Church with other Geneva School families. He has a passion for music and outdoor recreation, including hiking and kayaking.
Mr. Jeff Kallen
Beginners Assistant
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SUNY Binghamton — B.A., Psychology
Jeff Kallen ('10) is no stranger to Geneva School; he graduated from Geneva School Eighth Grade in 2010, after which he attended Loyola School and SUNY Binghamton. Mr. Kallen rejoined Geneva School in 2021 as a substitute Assistant Teacher, where he demonstrated a great connection with students and faculty alike. Prior to joining Geneva School, Mr. Kallen worked as a support professional at YAI, an organization providing services for persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Mr. Kallen attends Church of the City and volunteers regularly with FOCUS, a student ministry here in the city. Mr. Kallen grew up playing competitive soccer, and it remains a passion of his.
Madame Sarah Kampouris
Beginners
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B.A. French Literature, La Sorbonne University, Paris
French-born Madame Kampouris joined the Preschool faculty in 2017, and brings with her extensive experience in various fields. She served her French bilingual church in supporting the children’s nursery and creating a bilingual mothers and children program for international families. She has also taught French literature and philosophy to high school students for five years at the Ecole Pigier in Paris and French as a second language to adults. She served in the Cultural Services Department of the French Institute in Greece and continued her training in Cannes, France, to obtain a certification in organization of cultural services. Sarah served as an editor on the French section of the Christian website, Kairos Journal. She was the administrator of KSM Associates, a European consulting company for five years. Madame Kampouris and her husband (P'13, P'16, P'22) are parents to three Geneva School graduates.
Ms. Erin Kang
Kindergarten
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Parsons School of Design Paris - B.F.A.
Simpson University - M.A.
Ms. Kang brings a love and passion for teaching young children and has been at Geneva School since 2018. Prior to that, Ms. Kang taught First and Second Grades at a Christian school in the Bay Area. Born in Houston, Ms. Kang moved to New York when she was thirteen. She attended Parsons School of Design and majored in fashion design. She then taught at a bilingual kindergarten program at a Christian school in South Korea for five years and returned to the States in 2016. Ms Kang holds a M.A. in Education from Simpson University. Her hobbies include fashion illustration, watching films, and conversing with friends.
Ms. Adriana Kapfer
Junior Kindergarten Assistant
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Pontificia Universidad Xaveriana - B.A.
Ms. Kapfer has been a long-time member of the Preschool faculty. She is a native of Colombia and has lived in New York City for more than a decade. She has a business degree in Accounting and has a passion for early childhood education. Ms. Kapfer worked as an assistant teacher at a Maryel International Preschool in New York City with two- and three-year olds. Ms. Kapfer also enjoys working with children in her church and is the mother of two boys.
Dr. Fred Kim
Upper School Latin, Bible, Liberal Arts
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University of Pennsylvania - B.A.
Westminster Theological Seminary - M.Div
Princeton Theological Seminary - Th.M.
Union Theological Seminary - Ph.D.
Dr. Kim brings a depth of knowledge and experience to Geneva School since joining our Upper School faculty in 2018. Fred earned his Ph.D. in Medieval and Reformation History from Union Theological Seminary. After graduating magna cum laude with a B.A. in Biology at the University of Pennsylvania, he switched tracks and studied theology and history at Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.M.). He also helped to plant a church in Georgia. He has taught courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels and has overseen children's ministry at Good News Church, where he currently serves as an elder. He learned Latin at Princeton University and continues to use it in his research, translating letters and medical treatises written by sixteenth-century reformers and humanists. He lives with his wife and daughter in Morningside Heights. They enjoy traveling, visiting museums, and watching NBA games.
Ms. Samantha Krzyzewski
First Grade
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Houghton College - B.A.
Gordon College - M.Ed.
Samantha Krzyzewski brought her passion and energy to the Preschool faculty in 2019. She has served as the Director of Children’s Ministry and Ministry Assistant at Grace Presbyterian Church in Long Island while working as a substitute teacher at Sag Harbor Elementary School. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and minors in Education and Family Studies from Houghton College and completed a graduate degree in education at Gordon College (2022). She enjoys spending time with friends and family at the beach where she grew up, and learning from human stories through memoirs, podcasts, and documentaries.
Ms. Janna Lee
Upper School Mathematics and Physical Education
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Texas A&M University - B.S.
Prior to joining Geneva School in 2019, Ms. Lee (P'31) taught algebra at Washington Latin, a classical charter school in Washington, D.C. for four years, whose curriculum she wrote and developed. Before that, she taught Pre-AP Geometry at Rockwall High School in Texas. She holds teaching certification for both middle school and secondary mathematics, as well as physical education. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and she has been AP Certified. Ms. Lee holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from Texas A&M. She also has experience as a basketball player and coach. She enjoys the outdoors, sports, and spending time with her two young sons.
Mr. Peter Lee
Head of Upper School Mathematics and Science, Upper School Mathematics and Science
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New York University - B.A.
Brooklyn College, City University of New York - M.A.
Peter joined the Upper School faculty at Geneva School in 2018. Prior to that, he taught high school chemistry in the New York City public school system and in the Cranford school district in New Jersey. Beyond the classroom, he has been tutoring mathematics and science at all levels. He also serves as the hospitality coordinator at City Grace Church. He is an avid Yankees fan and enjoys cooking, baking, playing basketball, and traveling. He and his wife Carrie live in New Jersey.
Dr. Vicki Leung
First-Fifth Grade Science
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University of Virginia - B.A.
Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry - D.D.S.
Vicki (P'14, P'15, P'18, P'25) has been a part of the Geneva School community for many years, beginning in 2010 when her oldest child enrolled at the School. Vicki holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia and a DDS from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. She began her professional career as a dentist until the birth of her sons, after which she chose to stay at home and educate them classically during their grammar school years. Vicki and her family live in Queens, where her husband is on the pastoral staff at Edge City Church.
Dr. Meredith Long
Upper School Science
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University of Florida - B.S. Biochemistry
Duke University - Ph.D. Genetics; Program in Cell and Molecular Biology
Dr. Long (P'17, P'19, P'27) brought with her a love for the scientific inquiry when she joined the Geneva School faculty in 2013. She began her career in a research lab in the area of RNA therapeutics. She also taught at Meredith College in North Carolina and was part of the adjunct faculty at Duke University. She then took a ten-year "sabbatical" while her children were young and returned to her teaching career at Geneva School in 2013. Dr. Long was instrumental in developing the robust and engaging Geneva School science curriculum which spans biology, physical science, earth science, and life science. In her free time, Dr. Long enjoys singing in her church choir and baking elaborate desserts.
Coach Thomas (Tom) Meyerson
Head of Physical Education
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State University of New York at Cortland - B.S.
Coach Meyerson has been an energetic part of the Geneva School athletic department since 2016. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sports Management, as well as an Associate's degree in Exercise Science and Wellness. His interest in sports and fitness grew out of his tremendous love for golf, and he is a certified PGA Teaching Professional. A native New Yorker, Coach Meyerson enjoys cheering for the Yankees, hiking the Adirondacks, and swimming off New York beaches. He also has a heart for retired clergymen for whom he makes time for regular visits and transportation assistance.
Ms. Christina Mitchell
Upper School English
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The College of William and Mary - B.A.
University of St. Andrews - MLitt in Medieval English
Relay Graduate School of Education - M.A. in Teaching
Ms. Mitchell has been a welcome addition to the Upper School faculty since 2019. After a year as a high school teacher at Evangel Christian School in Queens, Ms. Mitchell served as Eighth Grade Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and Reading Curriculum Advisor at Democracy Prep Charter School in Manhattan for five years. She holds a B.A. in English and a minor in Art and Art History from The College of William and Mary, a Master of Letters in Medieval English from the University of St. Andrews, and a M.A. in Teaching with a dual certification in general and special education.
Coach Matt Mueller
Upper School Physical Education
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Ozark Christian College - B.S.
Matt brings his energy and experience to the athletics department, joining our faculty in 2018. He is a bi-vocational pastor from St. Louis, Missouri, who moved to New York City in 2010 to help plant Everyday Church in Washington Heights, where he serves as a teaching pastor and youth pastor. He and his wife, Kala, spent 2015 in Honduras immersing themselves in the language as preparation for more effective ministry in Washington Heights. Matt has extensive experience coaching and working with youth; he has coached soccer at Play Study Win and Uptown Soccer Academy. He is an avid sports fan and a huge soccer fan, especially of the United States National Team. He is passionate about community development and racial and economic justice.
Ms. Martha Pavao
Upper School Latin and Bible
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University of Massachusetts, Amherst - B.A., Latin Education
University of Massachusetts, Amherst - M.A., Latin and Classical Humanities
University of Florida - Ph.D., Latin and Roman Studies (current)
Martha Pavao joins Geneva School with an extensive and impressive tenure teaching high school Latin. For the past 26 years she has taught Latin at The Stony Brook School, receiving the Harvard Teacher of the Year for Long Island. Ms. Pavao received a B.A. in Latin Education from University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a Master’s degree in Latin and Classical Studies from University of Florida, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Roman Studies.
Madame Stephanie Popa
French
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Baccalaureat Informatique; BEP Agent Administratif
CAP Secretaire
Stéphanie Popa (P'05, '07, '09) was born and raised in France and moved to the United States in 1987 to improve her English. She was one of the founding faculty at Geneva School and has remained in our French faculty until the present day. Mme. Popa also taught French at the French Institute Alliance Française in New York City. Stephanie Popa has a French Baccalaureate in computer programming and a French BEP (Professional Certificate) in administrative and secretarial work. Mme. Popa is married to Albert Popa and has three children, Nathan (’05), David (’07), and Annabelle (’09), all of whom have pursued careers in the creative arts.
Ms. Gabriela Remache
Junior Kindergarten Assistant, Upper School Spanish
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Manhattan College - B.A., International Studies and Political Science
Teachers College, Columbia University - M.A., International Education Curriculum Development: Language, Literacy, and Culture
Inspired by the classical approach as a Geneva School student from First through Fourth Grade before moving away, Ms. Remache returned as a faculty member in 2018. She graduated with a B.A. in International Studies and Political Science from Manhattan College. Her experience includes teaching preschool and elementary subjects within an English immersion program at VIPKID, where she initiated a creative approach to learning and developed individualized lesson plans for Chinese students. Ms. Remache is passionate about swimming and has continued to serve as a lifeguard at Sunshine Acres Camp in Napanoch, New York, during the summer.
Ms. Hilary Ribbens
First Grade
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University of California Los Angeles - B.A.
Hilary Ribbens is a graduate of University of California Los Angeles with a B.A. in Art History. As a child, Ms. Ribbens was homeschooled. Now that she has been introduced to classical education, she realizes much of her educational experience was classical in nature. Ms. Ribbens is an archivist who has worked both in New York City art galleries and as a cherished long-term nanny. Last year Ms. Ribbens joined us as a long-term substitute in Junior Kindergarten before becoming First Grade lead teacher.
Ms. Amber Salladin
Music
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Wheaton College Conservatory of Music - B. M. E.
University of Southern California - M.M. Choral Conducting
Ms. Salladin has extensive experience teaching and conducting choirs for schools, colleges, and adults in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, including the Young People's Chorus of New York City, ARK Schools in London, Inspire: A Choir for Unity, Academy for Teachers Chorus, Whittier College, and the Vancouver Bach Choir. She enjoys working as Music Director of Emmanuel Anglican Church in New York City, collaborating with songwriters at United Adoration, playing in the New York Session Symphony and being on the Executive Council of the C.S. Lewis Foundation. She finds joy in cooking, hospitality, knitting, and walking in the park. Ms. Salladin and her husband have two children ('27, '32) who attend Geneva School.
Ms. Heather Slowik
Kindergarten Assistant
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Cornell University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Cornell University - M.A. Business Administration
Ms. Slowik (P'28) holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.A. in Business Administration both from Cornell University. After a long career in business and finance, Ms. Slowik sensed and is now following a call to teach children. She has most recently worked as a teacher's aide and substitute teacher in two New York City independent schools. Ms. Slowik also serves as a Kid's Community Group Leader at Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Ms. Claire Spencer
Music
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Dallas Baptist University — B.M., Music Education
Southern Methodist University — M.M., Vocal Performance
Claire Spencer holds a B.M. in Music Education from Dallas Baptist University and M.M. in Vocal Performance from Southern Methodist University. Not only does Ms. Spencer have extensive experience in musical theater and opera, but she is also a classically trained pianist and harpist. Prior to joining Geneva School, she taught music at Covenant School of Dallas and directed a youth choir at Park Cities Presbyterian Church. She and her husband moved to New York City in 2022.
Ms. Magdalena Terry
Fourth Grade
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The King's College - B.A.
Ms. Terry is a graduate of The King’s College where she earned a degree in Religious and Theological Studies and a minor in History. There she also served as the Helmsman for her house and was a part of the debate team. She worked as a documentary research consulting intern for documentarians Eric Metaxas (P’13) and Seth Ward (P’30, P’31, P’33). Ms. Terry has a special interest in theater and is a North Carolina Young Playwrights Festival winner. She is a member of Central Presbyterian Church, where she sings in the choir, serves in children’s ministry, and works in Mustard Seed after-school children’s programming. Ms. Terry launched the school newspaper club and the publication "Knightly News" in 2020. She and her husband Michael live in Brooklyn.
Mr. Michael Terry
Beginners Assistant, Upper School English
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The King's College- B.A.
Michael Terry graduated from The King’s College in 2019 with a B.A. in Religious and Theological Studies. Over the past two years, he has served as a regular and long-term substitute teacher at Geneva School and as an after-school teacher of Preschool gymnastics. He is also one of the founders of The Knightly News, Geneva School’s student-written newspaper. Mr. Terry played soccer while at Kings, and he has also taught at multiple soccer camps. He is a member of Central Presbyterian Church, where he also interned in their children’s ministry. Mr. Terry is a prolific writer and maintains his writings on philosophy and theology on a blog. His wife, Magdalena Terry, is a Fourth Grade Teacher at Geneva School. Mr. and Ms. Terry are passionate about eliminating waste in New York City by “rescuing” new, unsold products from the trash of local businesses.
Mr. Dominick Washington
Kindergarten Assistant
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CUNY Brooklyn College — B.S., Communications
Dominick Washington has been working as a substitute Assistant Teacher at Geneva School since early 2022. He was born and raised in New York City and earned a B.S. in Communications from CUNY Brooklyn College. Mr. Washington serves as the Director of Youth at Roots NYC in Long Island City and as an intern at The Metropolitan New York Baptist Association, where he helps support ministry groups visiting the city. He has also worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at Pave Academy Charter School in Brooklyn and taught after-school programming at School’s Out NYC. Mr. Washington is an avid runner and recently completed the 2022 Brooklyn Half Marathon.
Ms. Laura Werezak
Fifth Grade English, Bible; Upper School Spanish
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Cedarville University - B.A.
Regent College - M.C.S. in Christianity and the Arts
Lehman College, City University of New York - M.A.
Ms. Werezak (P'29, P'32) joined the Geneva School faculty in 2017, bringing with her a passion for connecting students to Christ through interdisciplinary studies. She has a diverse teaching background that includes the following: middle school Spanish teacher in New York City charter schools, teaching assistant in Christian Thought and Culture at Regent College, and Pre-Kindergarten Spanish instructor at a Christian academy in Oklahoma. Ms. Werezak is a medievalist and voracious reader of 20th century Christian thought. She is the author of the devotional book Attend: Forty Soul Stretches Toward God. She and her husband, Clint, have two daughters and enjoy living in Manhattan.
Ms. Danielle Wilson
Second Grade
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Clarks Summit University - B.A.
East Stroudsburg University - M.A.
A veteran teacher, Ms. Wilson joined Geneva School in 2017 with almost two decades of experience teaching elementary school. She has extensive volunteer experience with a Christian girls’ organization, Keepers of the Faith, and enjoys traveling and reading. Her husband, Joshua, teaches Upper School Humanities at Geneva School and they have three children ('26, '28, '30).
Mr. Joshua Wilson
Upper School English, Bible
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Baptist Bible College - B.S.
University of Toledo - M.A.
University of Michigan - M.A.
Prior to joining Geneva School in 2017, Josh Wilson has been teaching in various capacities since 2003, most recently as Classical Studies Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School in Toledo, Ohio. Outside the classroom, Josh has served as Assistant Pastor of Jasper Bible Church in Jasper, Michigan. He has also worked as an editor, a composition instructor at the University of Toledo, and taught English overseas for a year in Bangladesh. Mr. Wilson is married to Danielle, Second Grade Teacher at Geneva School, and they have three children ('26, '28, '30).
Mr. John Yang
Upper School Mathematics, Computer Science, College Advisor
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Rice University - B.A. Psychology
Binghamton University - M.S. Systems Science
John Yang received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rice University (2010) and has a Masters degree in Systems Science from Binghamton University (2012). He comes to us with extensive background tutoring students in math and science and will join our Upper School faculty teaching math and serving as a college advisor. Prior to tutoring, Mr. Yang worked as an engineer. Mr. Yang lives with his wife and daughter in Ridgefield, New Jersey.
Our experienced staff is dedicated to making your child’s education a priority. From admissions to graduation, your trust, cooperation, and confidence in us are greatly valued. Feel free to call on us to assist you in any way.
Ms. Hanna Berggren
Office Associate
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Hanna Berggren joined Geneva School in 2022 and serves in the Main Office to support our faculty and parent community. Originally from northern California, Ms. Berggren has lived in New York City for the past several years, serving in roles as a household manager and retail associate while pursuing musical theatre. She has a degree in musical theatre from Carnegie Mellon, as well as proven skills in customer service.
Mr. Oliver Bradford
Security
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Oliver Bradford joined Geneva School as our lobby attendant and security guard in August 2020 and has quickly become a beloved member of our community. Mr. Bradford grew up in the Bronx and began baking at age 8 by learning from his mother how to make bread. He has more than 30 years of experience in the food service industry and has worked all over New York City: as a short order cook at a diner, as a chef at a monastery in Queens, and as pastry chef at Alice’s Tea Cup. Mr. Bradford uses his gifts to bless our community by waking (very) early to bake for teachers and staff and by donating “Dessert of the Month” to the Geneva Gala. He enjoys working at Geneva School because, in his words, “there’s a lot of grace here.”
Ms. Lisa Gerstle
Office Administrator
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After many years supporting her family at home, Ms. Gerstle is returning to the workforce. She holds an M.A. in Health Education from Penn State. After college, Ms. Gerstle worked as a Child Life Specialist at Penn State Medical Center for nearly seven years where she cared for the emotional well-being of hospitalized children and adolescents and their families. Over the years, she has also volunteered in various capacities including perinatal bereavement services, Ronald McDonald Happy Wheels cart, and La Leche League. Ms. Gerstle is a member of Redeemer Eastside. She and her husband, a pediatric surgical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering, have two adult children.
Mr. Timothy Goodwin
Director of Operations and Programs
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Tim Goodwin has been teaching at Geneva School since 2015. He received his B.S. in History and Christian Ministry from Dallas Baptist University and his M.Div from Southeastern Theological Seminary. Mr. Goodwin founded the Geneva School Debate Team in 2015 and coached the team to a third place medal at the New York State championship in 2017 during its first competitive season. His love for debate and public speaking spills into the Third Grade classroom, encouraging the exchange of great ideas. He is also an ordained pastor with an active podcast ministry. His wife, Sydney, is an actress and photographer. When Mr. Goodwin isn’t teaching students, he enjoys running and cooking dinner for friends.
Ms. Sandy Kallen
Director of Admissions
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Sandy Kallen (P'10) joined Geneva School as Director of Admissions in 2011, bringing with her first-hand experience in navigating the admissions process for her three children across different kinds of schools in both New York and Michigan. With a background in the arts, Ms. Kallen received a degree from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and worked as an actor in her early 20s. She was also active in Christian ministries in New York City at the DeMoss House and in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where she and her husband helped start the drama ministry at a large church. The Kallens have served in a variety of church denominations over the past 35 years as staff, lay people, and church planters. It was a church planting project that brought her family back to New York City in 2008, where she first learned about Geneva School. After her youngest child graduated from Geneva School in 2010, she assumed the role of Director of Admissions, joyfully sharing with other families the beauty of classical Christian education. Ms. Kallen demonstrates an abiding appreciation for New York City and a deep understanding of how classical Christian education allows children to grow into all God has created them to be.
Ms. Joanne Lu
Director of Communications
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Joanne Lu (P’14, P’17) was a software developer in the Financial District for 13 years before opting to spend more time with her two young children. Shortly afterwards, her family joined the launch team of a church plant of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Forest Hills, NY. She assumed the role of church administrator there while also starting a web design company serving small businesses. Her family relocated to Singapore between 2010 and 2013 due to her husband’s career. During that time she became a homeschooling parent with the intention of re-enrolling her children at Geneva School upon their return. She joined the School administration in 2014 and is thankful for the privilege of telling the story of Geneva School.
Ms. Gail Prescod-Aridou
Chief Finance Manager
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Gail Prescod-Aridou joined Geneva School as Chief Finance Manager in 2018, bringing with her an extensive 24-year background in nonprofit accounting. Her prior experience includes roles as Chief Financial Officer of Shorefront YM YWHA and Senior Finance Manager of The Hope Program, as well as audit manager and financial consultant roles. Originally from St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Ms. Prescod-Aridou was a track star at Clemson University and earned a spot on the 1992 Olympic team. She has led Geneva School’s after-school running club and lives in Queens with her family.
Ms. Renée Reynolds
Director of Advancement
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Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Renée Reynolds (P’13, P’16) moved to New York City in 2003 from Manila, Philippines, where she and her husband served with Mission to the World. Prior to that, she worked for A.G. Edwards (Wells Fargo) in Private Client Services and has wide-ranging professional experience in marketing, corporate communications, copywriting, editing, and nonprofit development. She received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Missouri, where she was the Sam M. Walton Scholarship in Business recipient. She and her husband are the parents of two Geneva School alumni; they live in Upper Manhattan, where they enjoy running and walking the Hudson River greenway.
Mr. William Romero
Maintenance
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William Romero comes highly recommended for his integrity and work ethic in his maintenance and facility management work. Mr. Romero has lived in the Bronx for nearly all of his life. For many years, he enjoyed working with his father who was a baker. Mr. Romero began working for H&D Maintenance in 2020. He is currently part of a small church plant in his neighborhood, and he serves regularly at local food pantries. Mr. Romero loves sports and fitness, especially handball.
Ms. Rachael Waldvogel
Associate Director of Admissions
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Rachael Waldvogel (P’28, P’30) joined the staff at Geneva School in 2019. She has prior experience in event planning, volunteer management, alumni relations, and executive assisting from her work with the Duke Alumni Association and Duke Divinity School. After receiving a B.A in Psychology from Baylor University, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in an accelerated program and has varied experience working as a maternal and newborn RN in both hospital and clinic settings. Rachael is passionate about health and wellness, travel, music, and motherhood. Her husband, Matt, teaches Fourth Grade at Geneva School, and they are parents to two Geneva School boys and a baby girl.
Our Board of Trustees, comprised of School parents, grandparents, educators, and community leaders, is actively involved in providing vision and oversight to School leadership. The Board meets bi-monthly and works to uphold the essential mission, guard the vision and values, and develop a long-term strategy for Geneva School.
Alex Ray
Chair (P'29, '31, '33)
Edward Morgan
Vice Chair (GP'16, '18, '25, '34, '35)
Joseph Rotondo
Treasurer
Carol Chen Chou
(P'25)
Camille Kampouris
(GP'13, '16, '26)
Bryon Lake
(P'28, '30, '31, '33)
Carolyn Parlato
Rim Hinckley
Founder and Head of School, ex officio (P'14, '16)