Where are you from and what brought you to Taft?
I grew up in Woodbury, Connecticut, just a town over from Watertown! I had two older siblings who had gone to Taft and loved their experience; I always hoped I'd get the opportunity to go, as well. Just like them, I was a day student, and I graduated with the Class of 2017. Fast forward a few years and now I'm back teaching here!

What do you love most about teaching [or teaching math]?
I love how curious my students are. They ask really good questions and always come to class excited to learn. One of the things I love about teaching at a boarding school in particular is how I get to know my students in multiple contexts. I might have a student who lives in my dorm or is on the team that I coach that season, and that experience is really special—it helps form connections that make time in the classroom really enjoyable.

Outside of the classroom, what have you been involved at Taft?
I live and serve as a dorm parent in Congdon (best dorm!). I am an advisor to 13 wonderful advisees. I'm an assistant coach for Girls' Varsity Basketball in the winter and Girls' Crew in the spring, and I help out with our Community Service Board.

What is your favorite spot on campus?
As a student, I loved doing work in the MAC, but as a teacher my favorite spot on campus is a toss-up between the Math Office and the Jig Patio in the spring during Friday night BBQs!

What is one piece of advice you’d give new or prospective Taft students?
Take risks! Taft is an incredibly supportive place with a bunch of wonderful opportunities for students. Everyone here wants to see you succeed! 

What does it mean to be a member of the Taft community?
To be a Taftie means that you are part of a community that cares about each other. Plus, we have a good balance of work and fun! Our classes and our extracurriculars can be intense, and that is great, but we always make sure to not take ourselves too seriously and enjoy being in community with one another, whether it's having feeds, challenging other dorms to dance battles, or playing PSBL* in the spring!

*Taftisms 101:

PSBL= Pre-Study Ball League, a really fun spring softball competition and Taft tradition that takes place evenings, before study hall. Students and faculty share in the fun.