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Great Teachers Doing More--A Slideshow

One of the reasons students and families choose boarding schools, and in particular choose Midland School, is because of the range of compassionate and impassioned adults that help shepherd young people through adolescence. In this album, you'll see Midland's adults doing more than just teaching, even though everything we do here is part of the curriculum.

The dish washers

Faculty and Staff

"The faculty here make you not want to leave when it is time to graduate. You become so close that you forget they’re your 'teachers.'" ~Emma Munger `08 (MICA)

Will Graham: B.A. Middlebury College M.A. Middlebury College Marguerite Graham: B.A. New England College MST University of New Hampshire	WILL GRAHAM, Midland’s eighth Head of School, arrived in 2006 with over thirty years of boarding school experience as a student, teacher, coach and administrator. Will earned a B.A. in American Literature from Middlebury College and holds an M.A. in English from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College where he had the opportunity to spend a summer studying the teaching of writing at Lincoln College, Oxford. A high school and college All-American lacrosse player, Will continues to share his passion for the sport by coaching Midland’s Mighty Oaks. Life-long New Englanders, the Grahams enjoy exploring the Midland property as well as California’s Central Coast. MARGUERITE GRAHAM joins the Midland faculty as an Assistant to the Head for Special Projects, reserving a few hours each week for therapeutic massage clients at her office in Ireland House. A magna cum laude graduate of New England College, Marguerite completed her graduate studies in writing and the teaching of English at the University of New Hampshire. She has been a teacher, alumni/ae director, arts council administrator, volunteer coordinator for instructors of skiers with physical disabilities, and recipient of various grants to support writing projects and programs in the arts for teachers and students in Bethel, Maine. When their children, Kate and Angus, left home for college, Marguerite returned to school to pursue her interests in anatomy and physiology, the healing arts, and reflexology.
B.A. Bates College	HAYLEY ANSON is the Assistant Director of Admissions, and co-teaches Midland 102. She grew up in Scarborough, Maine, and graduated from Bates College in 2006 with a degree in English and Creative Writing. After graduating, Hayley worked in admissions at Bates and taught experiential and outdoor education in New Hampshire. She completed a documentary writing program at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies. In her free time, Hayley enjoys reading, walking, writing and meeting new people.
B.A. University of Denver M.A. University of Denver Interior Design Diploma International Academy of Design & Technology, Toronto	JILL BRADY is Midland's incredibly efficient and generous Office Manager and Assistant to the Head of School. She lives in the Santa Ynez Valley with her husband Kimmis, their two Whippet dogs Lily and Lucy, and their three horses. Jill is a frequent rider of Midland's trails, a passion she developed from growing up on a ranch in Missouri. Jill has a Masters Degree in Library Science, and worked in the public library system in Toronto for 15 years. Anyone visiting Midland's campus needs to know that the flowers and landscaping are largely a result of her diligence and green thumb. "What a gift this four-year moment-in-time is for our students and those of us fortunate to work with them. Midland is a quiet place in a world screaming materialism and self-absorption."
Ian Cummings: B.A. Stanford University Lynda Cummings: B.A. Stanford University	IAN CUMMINGS taught at Midland in 1987-88 and rejoined the faculty in 1994. He teaches English and American Studies, coaches boys’ soccer, chairs the Student-Faculty Council, and directs the spring play. Ian earned his B.A. in Political Science from Stanford University, graduating with distinction, and studied acting at the Professional Theater Training Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Ian and his wife, Lynda, spent most of their first two years of marriage teaching and working as volunteers in Guatemala. They are the proud parents of two children, Sean and Emily. LYNDA CUMMINGS joined the Midland community in 1994, served briefly as Director of Admissions, retired to have children, then returned as Editor of the Midland Mirror. In July 2004, she discovered the best job on campus—Director of College Placement. In 2009, she visited 15 college campuses bringing the total number of schools she has visited to 53. Lynda loves quilting and raising her children at Midland.
B.A. Humboldt State University M.A. Pontifica Universidad, Lima, Peru Ph.D. Harvard University	PAUL H. GELLES is in his his fourth year as a Spanish teacher, after teaching Anthropology at the University of California at Riverside for thirteen years. He has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and has lived in Peru for many years, both as an exchange student and as a researcher studying Andean culture and civilization. Paul has particular interests in indigenous literature, irrigation politics, and translation theory; he is fascinated by language and culture and enjoys sharing his interests with students. He also enjoys hiking, surfing, and spending time with his wife, Iliana, and their children, Daniela and Darien.
B.A. Stanford University M.S. University of California, Santa Barbara	LISE GODDARD joined the Midland faculty in 2003 as the Director of Environmental Programs and chemistry teacher. She earned her B.A. from Stanford University, spent a year studying and working in the Caribbean, and taught biology and coached crew at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware. With her husband Jeff and identical twin sons, Ziggy and William, she is delighted to be in a boarding school community, especially one that embraces using the natural world as the classroom. Jeff is a research biologist at the Marine Science Institute at UCSB and enjoys identifying native and non-native plants on Midland’s property while walking Ziggy and Will. Lise and Jeff enjoy backcountry hiking, surfing and photography.
B.A. Willamette University	ANTHONY HARVEY ’04 and his dog Ice Axe return to Midland after graduating with a degree in Theatre from Willamette University. He and Ice are very excited to be back in California. In Anthony’s fourth year of college, he had the opportunity to work for California Shakespeare Theatre in Berkeley, working with the high school educational program during the day and on the main stage productions in the evenings. Anthony will be cooking on the weekends, co-managing Maintenance, directing the fall production, and serving as the technical directing the spring production. He is from Bainbridge Island, and is looking forward to a wetter-than-usual year.
B.S. University of California, Santa Barbara B.A. University of California, Santa Barbara	PHIL HASSELJIAN came to Midland in 2001. He works in the Mathematics department and supports the staff with technological assistance. Sandy (his dog, pictured on the right) and Phil have dedicated their lives to living the Midland mission, including yearly multiple ascents of Grass Mountain.
B.A. University of California, Santa Barbara "I love the fact that Midland teaches--students and families--about the importance of being accountable to a working community."	JOSE JUAN IBARRA graduated from Midland in 1987 and rejoined the community in 1996 to teach Spanish and coach soccer and baseball. After graduating from college, José Juan worked as a social worker acting as an advocate for low-income families. Besides teaching and coaching at Midland, José Juan coordinates a cultural exchange program between a college preparatory school in Mascota, Jalisco, México. For the last few years José Juan has been active in promoting issues of diversity both at Midland as well as nationally through NAIS. He is a member of The Call to Action, and has been taking students for the last four years to the annual People of Color Conference and Students Diversity Leadership Conference. José Juan is a NAIS faculty member at their annual Summer Diversity Institute. José Juan and his wife, Arcelia, have two daughters, Deyanira and Zoraida.
B.A. Colby College M.A. University of California, Santa Barbara	KATIE ISAACSON grew up on her family’s cattle ranch in between Gaviota and Lompoc. Over the last few years she has worked in a number of local schools,as well as leading trips for school groups in Channel Islands National Park. In her spare time, Katie loves to hike, cook, garden, and ride her horse Tiger Lily. At Midland, she works in the garden, cooks on Sundays, and helps with Midland 102.
B.A. Texas Christian University J.D. Georgetown University	DEBORAH BALLMAN JONES joined the Midland faculty in 1996 as the school’s first Director of Development. Debbie received her B.A. in history from Texas Christian University and her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Prior to her move to California with her family, Debbie was the Director of Special Projects for the Easter Seal Society in Washington, D.C. She enjoys sailing and snow skiing and biking with her family.
B.A. University of Denver	GILLIAN KINNEAR graduated from Midland in 2004, and returned last year as an intern. This year, she will continue helping in the equestrian program. She studied Environmental Science and Geology at the University of Denver. While in Colorado, she participated in club soccer and represented the university in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. Fall of her senior year she traveled to Guatemala to study socioeconomics and fog collecting (seriously, it’s a thing).
B.A. United States International University, San Diego	B.G. KRESSE has been a Midland faculty member since 1977. He graduated from Midland in 1968, and is the school cook, and all-around go-to person for everything from plumbing to history facts about the school. He is also the electrician and school fire marshal, as well as a student advisor. B.G.’s interests include electronics and travel. B.G. and Joanne's son, James, graduated from Midland in 2002. B.G. is also the campus ping pong master. JOANNE works privately with a handful of Midland students each year to help them better acclimate to living independently.
B.S. Humboldt State University	SHAWN McVICAR joined the Midland faculty in 1999. He received his B.S. in Wildlife Biology with an emphasis in Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation from Humboldt State University. He teaches biology and Algebra I, and a class in Naturalist Studies. He is also a coach in the maintenance program. A Central Coast native, his interests include playing guitar, mountain biking, and bird watching. He and his wife Laura are the parents of Evan Carter and Garrett Quinn.
Ben Munger: B.A. University of Montana M.A. University of California, Santa Barbara Laurie Munger: B.A. University of Montana M.S. University of Montana	BEN MUNGER and Midland School have long and strong family ties. Ben and his family lived at Midland while his father, Carl Munger, taught and was Headmaster of the school. Ben graduated from Midland in 1979. He earned his B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Montana and received his Masters of Arts in Archaeology from the University of California. Ben worked for the US Forest Service for 10 years as an archaeologist. From 1985-89, Ben taught anthropology and art at Midland. Ben is the Ranch Manager and oversees and directs our 8-acre organic garden. He teaches Agriculture and Midland 101, and also teaches any interested students how to drive a tractor or run the plow behind the clydesdales. Ben and Laurie's daughter, Emma `08, is a sophomore at MICA in Baltimore. LAURIE MUNGER returned to Midland in 1999 and teaches Midland 101, geology, and a class on water. Laurie studied at the University of Montana, where she earned a Masters of Science in Geology. From 1985 to 1994, Laurie taught biology, geology, human development, and environmental studies at Midland, and then moved to Montana where she ran Bison Bagels. (When we're lucky, Laurie will make a batch of cranberry bagels for the school.) Her interests include camping, hiking in the rain, and swimming.
B.A. University of Mississippi B.F.A. Montana State University B.A. Montana State University	FAITH NYGREN came to Midland in August of 2001 and is Midland’s Ceramics teacher. Faith, a Mississippi native, spent most of her twenties backpacking, learning to snowboard, and exploring Montana and the Northern Rockies. She brings a love of the outdoors, of art and music, and a commitment to community to Midland. She teaches the Ceramics courses. Faith is married to John, who is a member of the band Buellton, and they are the parents of George, Midland's youngest and cutest family member.
B.A. University of California, Los Angeles M.A. California State University, Fullerton Ed.D. Columbia University	KAREN READEY is Midland’s Director of Communications. She has been a marketing and public relations consultant in the local wine industry and has taught various courses in Sociology at Chapman University. While living in New York City, Karen conducted research for a large corporation and served as a Dean of First-Year Students at Columbia University. She enjoys traveling, cycling, hiking, yoga, and spending time with family and friends.
Don Redl: B.A. Harvard University M.A. Princeton University Jill Redl: B.A. Gonzaga University M.A. University of Virginia	DON and JILL REDL joined the Midland community in 2004 after teaching for several years at independent high schools in New Jersey. Jill co-teaches American Studies, and tours the great expanse of British Literature with her seniors in English 12. Don, who chairs the math department, teaches Precalculus, Calculus Honors, Statistics and Economics, and they both coach Cross Country. Don and Jill, along with their adopted barn cat, Kali, feel very much at home at Midland and are happily establishing roots in the Golden State.
	TOM ROGOWSKI joined Midland in 1998 as the Business Manager and Athletic Director for the school. Tom is a long-time Santa Ynez Valley resident and has extensive experience in management and operations. Previous to joining Midland, he had owned and operated a business in the Santa Ynez Valley for twenty-three years. He has taught at the junior high and high school levels and coaches various sports including basketball, baseball and volleyball. He is an outdoor enthusiast and has led climbing groups on Mt. Whitney. Though he might seem like an office guy, Tom loves nothing more than driving tractors, using power tools of one sort or another, and "reducing" the campus's ground squirrel population. Contacting him is a difficult task, and takes a series of searches to various parts of the property.
Ashleigh Rosa: B.F.A. Alfred University Johnny Ninos: B.F.A. Alfred University	ASHLEIGH ROSA is a product of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Ashleigh completed an Outdoor Adventure apprenticeship with Inner Quest, Inc. where she was trained as an instructor in the practical skills, safety, and instructional methods in a wide variety of outdoor pursuits for adolescents. In addition to teaching Fundamentals in Visual Art, Honors Art, and Representational Drawing, Ashleigh coaches girls' JV soccer. She likes exploring the West Coast and living in the Midland community. JOHNNY NINOS, from Upstate New York, is the Metals instructor. Johnny also works in the kitchen as the Friday night pizza guy. An avid fixer-upper, Johnny heads the Heroes program which helps maintain the school grounds by training students proper techniques and tools for reconstruction. In addition to coaching boys' JV soccer, Johnny loves to share his love for the outdoors with the Midland community.
B.A. Hastings College M.A. San Jose State University	SUSAN THOMPSON is Midland's librarian. Susan grew up on a farm in rural western Nebraska. She received her teaching credential from The Bay Area Writing Project at UC Berkeley in 1989, and spent many years teaching English, writing and publishing curriculum, and mentoring beginning teachers in Napa public schools. She completed her Master's Degree in Library and Information Science at San Jose State, after which she served as a high school librarian and literacy coach. She is married to Sanford winemaker and general manager Steve Fennell, and enjoys spending time with him and their two cats, Pepper and Miss Kitty.
A.D. SBCC	DONNA WILLIAMS has called Santa Barbara home for the last forty years. She spent several of those years working in the organic farming community. Since completing her degree and earning her RN license in 1988, she has been employed by the County of Santa Barbara, working in Public Health. She did volunteer work in Nicaragua at the orphanage of Managua; locally, she has worked with AIDS patients and Hospice. She is Midland's Health Coordinator, and her son Aaron graduated from Midland in 2000, while her youngest son, Shane, is a sophomore.