KUA Welcomes 10 New Faculty Members to The Hilltop

8/25/2025

As Kimball Union Academy welcomes students this fall — including our newest members of the community — to their home away from home on The Hilltop, they’ll be greeted by the dedicated employees who make this place so special.

This year, KUA welcomes 10 new faculty members eager to share their expertise and fully immerse themselves in the KUA experience, be it in the classroom, playing fields, or residence halls.

Shaina Crawford
Mathematics Teacher

Shaina arrives on The Hilltop from fellow Lakes Region School Vermont Academy where she served as a teacher, coach, and dorm parent. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and has spent time as a math tutor and has coached girls’ varsity lacrosse, girls’ JV soccer, and girls’ varsity basketball. She lives on campus with her husband, an IT professional in the Upper Valley.

Patrick Kelly
Learning Specialist

Patrick spent the past five years working as a special educator and art teacher at Hartford High School in Vermont. He earned his teaching certification from the Upper Valley Educator’s Institute in 2012 and holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Colby-Sawyer College and a Master of Business Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix. Patrick is an experienced varsity coach, having led track and field, golf, and soccer teams at several area high schools. He lives in Cornish, N.H. with his wife and son.

Enyi Koene
French Teacher

Enyi returns to the United States from France, where she spent the last several years teaching English to local students after having previously served as the academic advisor for Columbia University’s undergraduate program in Paris. Enyi holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Williams College and a master’s degree in French from Middlebury College. She previously taught French at the Taft School and the Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy. She and her family join the community in Welch Residence Hall.

Yiran Li, Ph.D.
Mathematics Teacher

Yiran comes to KUA after having recently earned her Ph.D. in mathematics education from Teacher College, Columbia University. During her practicum training at Lesley University, Yiran gained ample experience working with high-school students as both a teaching assistant and mathematics tutor. Yiran grew up in China and is excited to begin her first full-time teaching position.

David Nimura
Admission Associate

David arrives at KUA by way of Bates College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. During his time in college, David worked in the Office of Admission, was an officer of the Asian Students Association, and was co-founder and vice president of the Aspirations Club — a group that provides guidance on college access and post-high school opportunities to area students. Born and raised in New York City, David enjoys coaching and refereeing recreational sports, as well as hiking, running, and reading. He resides in Mikula Hall.

Daniel Orem
Chemistry Teacher

Daniel comes to KUA from Connecticut, where he spent the past year working as a science teaching fellow at the Brunswick School. Daniel is a graduate of the University of Vermont where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry while also serving as a teaching assistant. He is passionate about providing students a hands-on approach to learning and incorporating sustainable practices in the classroom. When he’s not teaching, Daniel also enjoys farming, baking, and skiing, among other activities.

Bella Parento ’20
SST Teacher, Girls’ Varsity Soccer Coach

Bella returns to The Hilltop after having earned her bachelor’s degree in public health sciences from the University of Vermont. During her time in college, Bella held roles as a home-health aide and mental-health advocate, and as a coach and counselor at regional hockey camps. Bella is a Division I athlete, having played on the women’s varsity hockey teams for both the University of Vermont and St. Lawrence University — where she recently completed a master’s degree program in leadership.

Dan Sheff ’97
World Language Department Chair, Spanish Teacher

Dan returns to his childhood home as Chair of the World Language Department following 18 years teaching and coaching at Middlesex School. After graduating from KUA as the son of faculty parents, Dan earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from St. Lawrence University, and a master’s degree in Spanish and literature from Middlebury College. He has been teaching at independent schools since 2001 and lives in Rowe with his wife, Desiree, and their two sons.

Cat Wagner
Dance Teacher

Cat joins the KUA faculty with more than 12 years of experience as a dance instructor, most recently at the Stoneleigh-Burnham School and Berwick Academy. Cat graduated from Brandeis University with a bachelor’s degree in theater, before earning a Master of Fine Arts in choreography and performance. She spent time as an instructor with the New York City Ballet and the Mark Morris Dance Center and looks forward to collaborating with other members of the Arts Department.

Jack Walker
Science Teacher and Farm and Food Science and Agriculture Leader

Jack comes to The Hilltop from his alma mater Dartmouth College where he worked as a sustainability fellow and organic farm program coordinator after graduating with degrees in environmental studies and anthropology. There, he led outreach efforts with local organic farmers and worked with faculty to use the college’s farm as an extension of the classroom. He lives on campus in Frost Hall.

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