New Faculty Eager to Begin KUA Journey
As members of the Kimball Union community prepare for the upcoming academic year, so too are a handful of a new faculty eager to begin their journeys on The Hilltop.
This year, we welcome eight new faculty members ready to share their knowledge and fully immerse themselves in the KUA experience, be it in the classroom, playing fields, or residence halls.
Abigail Allen
History Teacher
History Teacher
Abigail arrives at KUA following a year at the Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, Mass., where she taught history and served as an assistant coach for the school’s golf team. Prior to her time in Massachusetts, Abigail served as a teaching fellow at Gould Academy for three years, teaching courses in the humanities while also coaching golf. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts — Boston and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton.
Andrew Chappell
Mathematics Department Chair
Mathematics Department Chair
Andrew comes to Meriden by way of New York City where he spent the last 22 years working as both a teacher and administrator at the Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School. As a teacher, Andrew has instructed courses in algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, economics, and computer science, while also serving as dean of students. He is a former New York City Athletic League (NYCAL) coach of the year in both girls’ varsity basketball and girls’ varsity soccer, and holds a master’s degree from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree from Duke University.
Bernarda Del Villar
Spanish Teacher
Spanish Teacher
Bernarda arrives on The Hilltop with more than two decades of experience as a Spanish teacher, having most recently taught at the Stony Brook School on Long Island. Prior to her time in New York, Bernarda served as the chair of the world languages department at the Dublin School and taught at Northfield Mount Hermon and Clemson University. She has experience as both a dorm parent and physical education teacher and holds master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas and the Universidad El Bosque, and a bachelor’s degree from the Universidad del Atlantico.
John “Jack” Glaspey
English Teacher
English Teacher
John joins KUA for his first full-time teaching position after having spend the last year working as a student-teaching intern at Conrad High School in West Hartford, Conn. Outside the classroom, John is an experienced as a swim coach having instructed both intermediate and advanced athletes at a local YMCA. Av avid distance runner as well, he holds a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College.
Leannah “Ann” Hicks
Science Teacher
Science Teacher
Leannah comes to KUA from the Williston Northampton School, where she taught standard and honors-level biology courses. Prior to her time teaching high-school students, Leannah served as both a graduate teaching assistant and an instructor of record at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she received a Ph.D. in plant biology. She did her undergraduate work at University of North Georgia Dahlonega.Her interests include ice hockey, theater, and dance.
Andrea Johnstone
Senior Associate Director of College Advising
Senior Associate Director of College Advising
Andrea arrives on The Hilltop with an extensive background in college counseling, having held positions both assisting with and evaluating college applications. Most recently, Andrea served as a seasonal reader for the University of North Carolina where she assessed undergraduate applications. She has also worked in college counseling for the Tilton School, the American School of Dubai, and nearby Hanover High School. Andrea is a former Nordic ski, track, and softball coach, and holds a master’s degree from Keene State College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire.
Jonathan “Jono” Newton ’02
History Teacher
History Teacher
Jonathan returns to his alma mater to teach history after lending his serves to a variety of international companies, most recently helping to build key philanthropic relationships for the non-profit People’s Courage International in Mumbai, India. Jonathan has extensive teaching experience, having instructed classes in the U.S., Tanzania, and India, among other places. Always eager to help others, he served as a relief worker in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. He holds a master’s degree from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College.
Abbey Rouillard
Assistant Athletic Director, Varsity Field Hockey Coach
Assistant Athletic Director, Varsity Field Hockey Coach
Abbey joins KUA Athletics from nearby Stevens High School where she served as a physical education and health teacher, as well as field hockey, swimming, and boys’ lacrosse coach. Abbey also works as both a lifeguard and swim instructor for the city of Claremont. She competed in field hockey, swimming, and softball during the entirety of her high school career. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of New England, where she played field hockey for four years.
