Meet Our Faculty & Staff - Flintridge Preparatory School

Reuben Allen

Performing Arts Faculty

Reuben Allen

Performing Arts Faculty

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

Flintridge Prep is a close community and if you are engaged and present, it is such a fun place to learn and grow. Your high school years are the chance to form foundations in a variety of subjects, and your teachers are ready to support you, so don't be shy in asking for help when you need it.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I played baseball and tennis in high school (not at the same time).

How do you spend your free time?

Hiking, swimming, tennis, cooking, exploring restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

In what Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

It's difficult to choose only one, but I would be most curious to enroll in any of the history courses, such as ones taught by Sarah Cooper, Josh Perlman, Ingrid Herskind, or really any of the faculty in this department. I am curious about the way that history is taught today and how it might differ from when I was in high school. All of the faculty are so thoughtful and have their own unique perspectives and experiences to offer, and I think it's so important that young students have a deep knowledge of what has happened before so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box and contribute to society.

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

Although Flintridge Prep is a relatively small school, it is buzzing with energy to learn and grow.

What impact do you hope to have at Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I hope that I create a welcoming environment and fun opportunities for students of all backgrounds to play and explore a variety of music styles. Every band or orchestra is a community. When students are invested in learning their part and understanding how their role is essential to the whole, there is a strong sense of community and teamwork as everybody is working to make the group sound its best. In advising Flintridge Prep's club Love Through Sound, which brings musical performances to settings such as senior homes, soup kitchens, and charity events, I hope to lead students in contributing to their community by sharing their music.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I hope that students build a strong musical foundation to continue playing, studying, and appreciating music after they graduate, and I hope that they learn to embrace challenges (both musical and non-musical) with a sense of play and fun. I also hope that students develop skills in collaboration as well as sensitive listening (to recordings, to their peers, and to their own sound). Music is similar to language. It can be read, written, spoken, and improvised. I'm always telling students (including instrumentalists!) "If you can sing it, you'll play it better." Finally, I also hope that students leave classes with knowledge of the rich musical traditions that have come before us and how those traditions are being continued and developed today.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

I am grateful to have performed with artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Bob Brookmeyer, and John Boutté as well as having my compositions and arrangements played by groups such as the Kenny Barron Quintet and the Houston Symphony Orchestra.

Describe something you have experienced that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep

The pride, energy, and positivity during the Awards Ceremony was inspiring. Everybody was supportive and excited to celebrate the accomplishments and growth of their peers.

Emily Balliet

English Teacher

Emily Ballet

English Faculty

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

Please don't be afraid to share your interests with the adults on campus! Teachers are multifaceted and love hearing about what interests you. For example, many of us are film aficionados, or dedicated gardeners, or DnD players. We'd love to hear about your passions and help you share your interests with like minded peers!

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I love to hike! Whether on my own listening to a book on Audible or with my husband and/or friends, hiking and going for long walks is how I "reset."

How do you spend your free time?

Well, I'm the mother of a toddler, so free time doesn't really exist right now. But reading, writing my own YA novels, watching films, and engaging in film criticism online would be how I'd spend my free time, if I had any.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

As a film lover, I would love to enroll in Dr. O'Brien's film class. There's so much more for me to learn! Also, as Ms. Cooper once taught me and inspired many of my own teacher traits, I'd also love to revisit her middle school history class.

What do you wish everyone knew about the students at Flintridge Prep?

They're a lively, quirky crew. We might be at a fancy-schmancy preparatory school, but the community here is kooky, in the best of ways.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I hope to inspire students to believe in themselves and remember they are so much more than a point system or grade. They are well-rounded, lovely human beings, too. I do this by checking in on students present, prior, and future, as well as supporting clubs that are all about empathy and sharing our stories.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I hope students learn to trust themselves and to see they have value no matter how they do on a test. I also hope students leave my classes aware of other points of view and with a more nuanced sense of empathy.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Having a group of students actively and respectfully engage in a discussion of "Twilight" and toxic masculinity remains one of the highlights of my career. TEAM EDWARD (despite all his Byronic Hero nonsense).

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you

Ms. Cooper, our current associate head of school, shaped my life. She taught me APUSH back in the early 2000s (you know, the dark ages) and showed me a new way of learning history— one that focused on the stories. That fascination with stories and storytelling has followed me throughout my life. I kept up with Ms. Cooper throughout my college and graduate school years, reaching out when I was a new teacher and learning my craft for advice. She's always been a role model for me.

Describe something you have experienced or seen at Flintridge Prep that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep.

I think watching our past CG (Commissioner General, the leader of Student Senate) dance on stage in a wolf costume sums up a lot of the Flintridge Prep spirit.

Fletcher Barratt

Help Desk Support Technician

Katie Canton

World Languages Teacher

Katie Canton

World Languages Faculty

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

The more you put in, the more you get out.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I bet the community would be surprised to know that I did two triathlons. I completed Wildflower in Paso Robles in 2005 and 2006.

How do you spend your free time?

Hiking. I spend time cheering on my daughters and their sports teams. I enjoy cooking with my family and reading. Of course I enjoy a good siesta, too.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

Coach Mejia's physical education class— PE is the happiest place on campus!

What do you wish everyone knew about the students at Flintridge Prep?

I wish people knew how academically generous Flintridge Prep students can be.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I hope that through my Spanish classes, students will want to study, travel, and live abroad. As a dean, I hope students learn how to impact a community via leadership and event planning.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I hope they take their Spanish speaking skills and use them as much as possible. I also hope they develop acute cultural awareness and sensitivity.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

After traveling with Flintridge Prep students to Granada, España during their high school careers, my greatest accomplishment will be learning that they went on to live, work, or study abroad, and even broaden their exposure to other languages.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you

Chris Ellsasser. His advice was to be "creative with a purpose." I try hard to do that every day. Also, my high school student government teacher Chet Malek empowered me in all activities, and I learned responsibility and follow through during my four years on ASB.

Zach Chambers

Director of Dining and Events

Raul Diaz

Dining Services Support

Danny Jimenez

Campus Safety Officer

Jamie Kidwell

Director of Human Resources

Jamie Kidwell

Director of Human Resources

Tell us about your role here.

My role [as Director of Human Resources] includes employee benefits, coaching, guidance for department heads and leadership, and most importantly making sure we are compliant and up to date with policies procedures, wage and hour laws, things of that nature.

What attracted you to human resources work?

I used to be a police and fire 911 dispatcher, and it was way too much overtime. I loved multitasking and going from high adrenaline and back down to baseline. When I got out of that, I really didn't know what I wanted to do. I signed up with an agency, and they thought I’d be great for human resources because it involved being very meticulous, maintaining confidentiality, a lot of the same qualities and traits required in police dispatching. I found that I loved it! Over the years, HR has become more complex and has become an important strategic role within organizations. This has allowed me to grow.

Can you share a little about your first impressions of Flintridge Prep and what got you interested in working here?

My first impression was it's a beautiful campus. I remember during my interview, I actually left my purse in one of the offices, and I thought, “Oh, wait a minute. I'm getting too comfortable.” I didn't even know if I had the job yet, but there was such an environment of comfort.

How do you see your role in helping create community here?

There's so much I envision for this community. I envision a wellness program, something that will be supportive for employees. I want people to know that there is someone who cares for them, that I am an advocate for them. I'm here to listen, help, and advocate for them when necessary.

What do you think makes our community so special?

What stands out to me is that we're all here to support each other. We know there will be differences in opinions, beliefs, or how we do things on a day-to-day basis, but we're grateful for everyone's differences and uniqueness.

Can you share about a teacher who had an impact on your life?

My mom and I often talk about Ms. McDaniels, who was the principal and a teacher at my school, because she had such an impact on my values. She really took the time to not just listen to me but also to my mom, because my mom was a single parent. If my mom had to work late, she'd stay late until my mom could get there. There are so many aspects of her as a person that have really stuck with me.

David Earle

Visual Arts Teacher

David Earle

Visual Art & Photography Teacher

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

Cast your net wide! Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. At the same time, when life gets stressful, know when to embrace your comfort zone. When I'm making art, I'm always seeking out that mysterious state called "flow." This is an experience known to athletes and artists alike when you have practiced something so much that your unconscious takes over and seems to be guiding your every move. There's always a push pull between a novel idea or experience that makes the world seem fresh and exciting and that more ancient part of us that flourishes through practice and repetition.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

When I was in middle school I struggled with math and science. I found myself failing tests and questioning my intelligence and it took a long time to rebuild academic confidence. But years later as an adult I became fascinated by science, digging deep into subjects like cosmology, animal cognition, and anthropology. I now explore these ideas in my art practice and can't get enough of the stuff. You never know when an old enemy might turn out to be a dear friend in disguise!

How do you spend your free time?

Hiking, making art, and building Lego cities with my five year old son Silas.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

Last year I proctored finals for Mr. Herman's 9th grade Biology class. It might seem perverse, since I struggled with science as a young student, but the energy in the room as the students wrestled with their exams and the excitement of the subject made me want to go back and do it all over again.

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

This is a community built on kindness, among other things. Not only is it embedded in the honor code, but it's a criteria for seeking out students and faculty. I see that good will and public spiritedness everywhere at Flintridge Prep and it is a real pleasure to be part of it.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

Making art is frequently a solitary experience, especially for the professional artist. But historically, when you look at traditional non-western cultures, making art is just like cooking or dance. It's a communal practice, where everyone has a role and there is no individual artistic "genius." In this way of thinking, art is inseparable from life, indeed, making things is a core aspect of life itself. We've lost that communal aspect of art in our modern world, but when I do a project like sumi ink drawing, where all the students paint together on a single large sheet of paper, students are reunited with that collective experience that is the birth-rite of being human.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

In 2010 I curated and designed "The Open Daybook," an art book and perpetual calendar featuring original work by 365 artists, one for every day of the year. It was an enormous undertaking that wound up consuming a year and half of my life to complete but totally rewarding in the end.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you.

When I was in high school I went through a period where I was chronically late to school. My advisor, Bernie Markwell, came up with a unique solution: he turned off his morning alarm and instead relied on me to call him and wake him up. If I slept in and failed to call him, Mr. Markwell would be late to school too. By yoking our fates together, and trusting me with his own, Bernie taught me not only to take responsibility for my actions, but that our choices have repercussions for others as well. I was never late again that year!

Lorena Galdamez

Custodial Staff

Nancy Guyer

Controller

Mattie Harris Lowe

Administrative Assistant

Charles Kollmer

History Faculty

Charles Kollmer

History Faculty

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

Flintridge Prep is an excellent place to learn and grow. As a newcomer to the community, I'm continuously astounded by the talent and dedication of our students, staff, faculty, and administration. Importantly, people here also have a sense of balance, managing both to work hard and have a great deal of fun.

What might our community be surprised to find out about you?

I have two party tricks that tend to surprise and occasionally impress people: I speak pretty decent German, and I can do a one-legged squat.

How do you spend your free time?

In my free time, I listen to music, play the drums, DJ, write, ride my bike, and hang out with my partner. We moved to Los Angeles four years ago and have come to love the city for its preposterous proximity to public lands and its inexhaustibly awesome food scene.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

I would love to take a math class with Joel Ishii. I was enamored with math when I was in high school but fell out of practice as I got older. I've had some stimulating philosophical chats with Joel about the nature of knowledge throughout the year, and I'd love to see his pedagogy in action.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping to create community here?

My background is in the history of science, so I am really excited to foster productive dialogue between the humanities and STEM departments at Flintridge Prep. I am also a fairly seasoned researcher, and I look forward to empowering students as researchers. Research findings are worth little if you can't communicate them effectively, so I also want to collaborate with colleagues in the English department to help nurture our students as writers and storytellers. In the clubs that I advise, I hope to help students uncover the historical contexts of things that they care about deeply.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I hope that students leave my classes with effective habits of scholarship: knowing how to pose generative questions, chase down empirical data that challenges preconceptions, develop nuanced interpretations of complex phenomena, and tell compelling stories. Perhaps even more importantly, I hope that the students with whom I work learn not only to see themselves as part of history but also to regard their fellow humans with greater empathy and understanding.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

I've had a few professional wins that stand out in my memory. In my mid-twenties, I was selected for a Fulbright grant that funded research at a German university for a year. Living in another country and teaching courses in German was challenging and rewarding in equal measures. After I finished my PhD, getting some of my original research through peer review and into publication has also been extremely gratifying. Having anonymous reviewers tear your work apart over multiple rounds of review is agonizing, but the end product is much improved. In 2021, I received the annual teaching award from the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences at Caltech, where I cut my teeth as an instructor. Landing this job with the history faculty at Flintridge Prep is, of course, the cherry on top.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you?

In high school, I had a lovely history teacher named Greg Morrison. He was staggeringly erudite and relentlessly encouraging to his students. At seventeen, I had no sense of what I wanted to do professionally. Mr. Morrison helped put me on a path toward scholarship and teaching. His classes solidified my love of reading and writing, and he helped me make the decision to study German in college, a choice that would have profound consequences for my subsequent work.

David Munevar

Administrative Assistant for Admissions and Summer@Prep

David Munevar

Administrative Assistant for Admissions and Summer@Prep

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Have fun and enjoy being a kid! Before you know it, you will be an adult with grown-up responsibilities, and you will wish that you were more carefree in your youth.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I collect vintage Japanese Pokemon cards and Pandora jewelry.

What do you spend your free time?

I enjoy hiking, visiting museums and art galleries, and watching indie films.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher’s class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

I would enroll in Ms. Walker-Oakes' AP Art History class because that was the subject that inspired me to study art history in college. I find that art is a useful lens through which I can learn about history, culture, and spirituality.

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

I wish that everyone knew how polite, kind, and welcoming Prep students are! The broader community is tight-knit yet open and friendly. There is a strong sense of belonging at Prep that results from the intellectual curiosity, generosity, and good humor of its members.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

My primary goal is to help young people grow and succeed in life by giving them access to a holistic yet rigorous education. In my role, I hope to help create community by connecting prospective and current students and families, providing spaces for them to bond over shared interests and values.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

My greatest professional accomplishment has been brightening people's days by providing friendly service and sharing my passion for art and education. Whether working in retail, museums, or schools, there is no greater joy than passing on knowledge with a smile!

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you.

One teacher who had a significant impact on me is Robert Harrist, Jane and Leopold Swergold Professor Emeritus of Chinese Art History at Columbia University. He taught me the importance of visual analysis and clear, concise writing. Professor Harrist exuded an undeniable passion for his discipline and truly cared about the well-being and success of his students. His dedication to teaching, as well as his encyclopedic knowledge of art history, have inspired me to immerse myself in my own studies, hobbies, and professional endeavors.

Describe something you have experienced or seen here that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep.

The sight of backpacks and Hydro Flasks casually strewn by the lockers shows the safety and comfort level of students on campus. Quintessential Flintridge Prep!

Fabiel Nolasco

Events Manager

John Pettersson

Director of Technology

Natalie Rajmira

Middle School Athletic Director

Jessie Ricker

Math Faculty & Assistant Makerspace Coordinator

Tanu Srivastava

English Faculty

Tanu Srivastava

English Faculty

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

Flintridge Prep is a community filled with many opportunities! We have students who are deeply engaged, faculty who are supportive, and many options for exploration to help you be the best student you can and want to be. My advice would be to come, explore, and see where high school can take you with your best efforts and tenacious attitude.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

English is not my first language!

How do you spend your free time?

I spend most of my time with my dog Pebbles. I also enjoy movies, leisure hikes, time with friends and family, exploring restaurants, and reading.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you most like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

I would love to enroll in ceramics with Ms. Popova or photography with Mr. Rodriguez! I have always wanted to learn these arts for myself, and I think it would be incredible to learn them. I have very little experience, but I think under their guidance, I may be able to find my artistic side.

What do you hope your students take from your courses?

I hope students really find some texts they connect with and cherish for years to come! I hope they reach a point where they are telling me about their insights and interpretations, and I am learning from them (which happens quite often!).

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you.

A teacher who changed my life was Mr. Ford. Mr. Ford was my 5th grade teacher. At the time, I was an ESL (English as a Second Language) student. Mr. Ford helped me learn English by allowing me explore stories thru creative presentations and essays. He was very patient with me as I learned English grammar and vocabulary. By the end of his class, I was in advanced English for middle school. I could not have done it without him! I will never forget how he instilled the love of learning in me with patience, care, and kindness.

Lauren Van Arsdall

French Teacher

Lauren Van Arsdall

French Faculty

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

Prioritize your well-being by getting a good night's sleep and turning off your phone), get a planner, don't be afraid to ask for help, and remember— nothing ventured, nothing gained.

How do you spend your free time?

You can find me on the pool bleachers at my six-year old daughter's swim practices catching up on contemporary French fiction or grading papers. I recently started re-learning piano after quitting at the age of eight. It gives me an outlet to unwind and express myself. Hot yoga helps me slow down and focus on the present.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

Economics with Abel Fuentes— We team taught a lesson about Thanksgiving and how far food travels to arrive at the table. I will never see a meal the same way again. I also would love to take 8th grade civics or AP Government because I feel I know more about the French system than my own country at times.

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

We are almost aggressively friendly, but I promise we are genuine. I had my doubts initially. They were quickly proven wrong.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

To support global skills development and to teach intercultural competence

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

Be open-minded, be curious, be resilient, and be aware of how interconnected we all are.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Teaching students and seeing them make change in the world.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you

Karen Woodward, Superintendent of the Lexington 1 school district I attended in South Carolina from elementary through high school, had an incredible impact on my life. She founded the immersion programs that ultimately led me to become fluent in French. I now share that love with my students. She was creative and persistent, creating private-public partnerships to ensure these programs could sustain themselves.

Kate Tucci-Share

Performing Arts Faculty

Kate Tucci-Share

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

Prep is a great place to try something new! There are so many clubs, activities, and even classes that may be outside of your comfort zone, and they are run and organized by people who want to share what they love with other students. If you want to try something new, do it— and you may find yourself with a new skill or hobby!

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I was a laboratory assistant in college where the whole experience of doing scientific research was very exclusive and there were many barriers to entry that prevented other students from participating. This was disappointing. That's one reason why I am so excited to work with Ms. Kaufman and Dr. Herman in the Jelly Lab and introduce the 9th grade biology students to our moon jellyfish— science shouldn't be a mystery that you can only unlock through special connections; it should be for everybody!

How do you spend your free time?

I love to be outside as much as I can— my husband and I are trying to do more hiking around LA County to get to know our own backyard better, as well as traveling further afield to take in new sights. And there's nothing better after a good exploratory adventure than discovering tasty new things to eat at new-to-us restaurants— recommendations welcome!

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

There are so many incredible options. Some days I wish I could re-enroll as a student! If I only had to pick one though, I would love to spend a day in Ms. Popova's ceramics class. Just seeing the incredible pieces of art that our students make out of a lump of clay is inspiring!

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

I am still very close with many of the friends I made when I was a student, and I hope the current generation of students find the same deep and meaningful connections during their time here.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

Biology is such a broad topic with so many specific interests and individual branches of study about everything from the interactions between molecules in our bodies to the relationships between different species that share ecosystems. I hope my students are each able to find something that excites them. There is truly something for everyone!

Describe something you have experienced that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

When I look back on my years as a Flintridge Prep student, I think so fondly of the class trips— the 9th grade trip to Catalina was such a great bonding experience and a great way to make new friendships and strengthen the sense of community outside of the campus boundaries. I am glad that they have expanded the outdoor education experience for all grades every year. I think it's a great time to relax and make memories with friends outside of the classroom.

Anything else you want to share about yourself or experience at Flintridge Prep?

One of the best things about coming to teach at Flintridge Prep is that I now get to work with many of my favorite teachers as colleagues. I was a little nervous when I first started working as a substitute teacher two years ago, but it's actually been a wonderful experience to reconnect with the people I admired as a student— and I still seek their advice sometimes!

Jeanette Woo Chitjian

Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management

Jeanette Woo Chitjian

Director of Enrollment Management

Tell us about your role here.

I oversee all of enrollment management, so this includes admissions and financial aid. Ultimately, my job is to ensure that the admissions experience that our families have feels like and reflects the Flintridge Preparatory School experience. My goal is that any individual who has interactions with our community leaves the school as an ambassador.

More than anything, I want people to feel welcomed because that’s who I think we are as a community.

What attracted you to admissions work?

When I was in college, I was on financial aid and the admissions office had positions for work-study students, so I signed up. I got to learn a little bit about the world of college admissions. At that time, I thought I wanted to be a physician because I wanted to work with people and I wanted to change lives. When I realized that I did not want to pursue medicine, I decided that admissions was an opportunity to work with people and change lives.

My whole family, including my husband, both of our children, and me, benefited from private college experiences. My daughters benefited from independent school education. I think we can impact and change the trajectory of children's lives and, in some cases, change the trajectory of a family's life.

What do you think makes our community so special?

When I think of our community, I separate it into two groups, I think of our students who are curious and interested and have each other's backs and are always wanting to be their best selves even when they make mistakes. And then I think about our educators, and when I say educators, I mean that in the broadest terms, because I think everybody on this campus contributes to the education of our students. I think we always have students in mind and want to make sure that our students are seen and recognized on this campus.

What's your favorite thing about working here?

The students. I feel really lucky to be in an office where there’s lots of traffic coming by, so students can just sort of pop in.

There was a day when I felt a little bit of imposter syndrome, and a student popped in to say hello. When he asked me how I was doing, I mentioned something about feeling a little stressed. He gave me a little pep talk and he said, “Ms. Woo Chitjian, you’ve got this. I think that you actually are not thinking about all the great things and the ways that you've been prepared for this moment. And if there's anything I can do to help, let me know.” It was absolutely what I think is the best of Flintridge Prep, which is that we always have each other's back. I love that.

What do you wish everyone knew about our school?

I'm not sure people know how open we are to change, and I think that's been so lovely to experience. We're an institution that's been around for 90 years, we have a very rich history, but we're an institution that is very much evolving and looking forward.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I make a great apple pie!

Sergio Yanez Guzman

Head of Maintenance Services

Kurt Hofer

World Languages & History Faculty

Barrett Jamison

Assistant Head for Student Life & History Faculty

Taylor Meyer

School Counselor

Joel Ishii

Math Department Chair & Math Faculty

Joel Ishii

Math Department Chair & Math Faculty

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

There are so many different things you can do here and so many paths you can take, and I think it's important to focus on the stuff that really matters and to not get distracted by the stuff that doesn't.

How do you spend your free time?

I try to spend as much time as I can with friends and family. Outside of that, I like to hike and camp, read books that help me imagine what it's like to be another person, and watch dark, avant-garde movies with Dr. Williams and Dr. Frewen.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

I would love to take any of our English classes. Writing is such an important skill, and it deeply influences the way we think. All of our English teachers are so knowledgeable and supportive, and I think I would gain a lot from taking a class with any of them.

If you are a teacher at Flintridge Prep, what do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I hope students learn how to work with someone who might be really different from them and that they learn how to persevere when they encounter a difficult problem, math or otherwise.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you.

I had a first grade teacher who made all the difference. I was far behind everyone else, so I needed a lot of support. My first grade teacher went the extra mile to make sure that I learned as much as I possible.

Describe something you have experienced or seen here that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep.

At last year's pine cone ceremony at the end of the 12th grade trip, one student shared, "Flintridge Prep is really accepting of weird kids." I thought that comment summed up a lot of what makes this school special. Students and staff here have a wide range of backgrounds, personalities, and interests, and I think that our inclusion of so many different types of people is something that makes Flintridge Prep a great place.

Jill Henry

Math Faculty, Head Coach (Girls Cross Country) & Assistant Director of Summer Session

Jill Henry

Math Faculty, Head Coach (Girls Cross Country) & Assistant Director of Summer Session

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

Engage in all areas of the school. Be truly present inside of the classroom, but also join one of the many campus communities that exist outside of the classroom. Having a meaningful balance of academics and extracurriculars is the secret sauce to getting the most of the Flintridge Prep experience.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I grew up in New Hampshire and had never been to California before I interviewed at Flintridge Prep when I was a senior in college (back in 2008!)

How do you spend your free time?

I love playing outside. Camping, hiking, trail running, swimming, paddle-boarding, intense lawn games—the list goes on. If I can wear gym clothes while doing it, I'm a fan.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

International Relations with Ms. Herskind would be my pick. She is brilliant, hilarious, and has boundless energy, so her classes are never dull. My math-oriented mind doesn't often venture into the nuanced and complex world of global events, so I know I'd learn a lot from her. I also know she’d challenge me. She teaches like she coaches—demanding excellence while always looking for opportunities to provide meaningful feedback and encouragement. Because of that, she brings out the best in her students.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I aim to provide my students and athletes with opportunities to challenge themselves. The alumni I keep in touch with don’t recall the easy problems they solved in class or the recovery runs during practice—they remember conquering tough challenges, like running five miles at altitude up Old Mammoth Rock Trail or solving 600 word problems in a five-week summer class. Succeeding at something difficult because you were tenacious and gave it your all leaves a lasting impact. It can fundamentally change how you see yourself and what you believe you're capable of. I hope my legacy is that I encouraged those around me to embrace hard things and was always an enthusiastic supporter of their successes, both big and small.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

About five years into my career, I transitioned from a traditional math instruction approach to a problem-based one. Countless professional development experiences, such as the Park City Math Institute and Klingenstein Summer Institute, inspired this shift. Even so, it was an enormous and daunting leap of faith—but it turned out to be the best professional decision I’ve ever made. The frequency of student "aha" moments skyrocketed, and instead of feeling drained from delivering lectures, I found myself energized by the rich, class-wide discussions that emerged.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you?

The confidence and skills I brought into teaching math at 22 were thanks entirely to my college math professor and academic advisor, Vince Ferlini. He encouraged me to apply for a teaching internship 1,500 miles from home the summer after my freshman year—a time when I could hardly imagine running my own classroom or living on my own. I got the position and ended up spending every summer during college in a different part of the country, teaching math to middle school students. Those experiences were the foundation of my readiness to take a job at Flintridge Prep and move to California on my own right after graduation. Vince wasn’t just a mentor, he was also a role model. His classes were rigorous, but his praise was always genuine—you knew you’d truly earned it when he commended you on a job well done. He was direct, thoughtful, and deeply invested in his students' success. I will always be grateful for the profound impact he had on my life.

Describe something you have experienced or seen here that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

Morning Meeting perfectly captures the humor, energy, and strong sense of community shared among the students, faculty, and staff on campus.

Hilary Thomas

Science Faculty

Todd Frost

Math Faculty

Todd Frost

Math Faculty

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

Get to know your teachers. They are here to help you succeed and are very well versed in their subject. They are also really nice.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I once held the Flintridge Prep school record for the one-mile run at 4:50.

How do you spend your free time?

I watch a lot of sports of all types. I like to do crossword puzzles and play mathematical games.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you enroll, even for a day? Why?

Mr. Rodriguez AP Photography class. I would love to know more about how to create incredible photos.

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

What an amazing community it is. We come from different backgrounds and have different talents and abilities, but we bring them together to create a community that is very successful in letting students reach their full potential.

What impact do you hope to have here at Flintridge Prep?

I hope that I can show that education can be fun. While there is work to be done, it can be an enjoyable experience.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I hope they remember my passion for statistics and knowledge. I know that down the road they won't necessarily remember the material in the class, but I want them to know how much I love what I teach and how much I appreciate them as students and as people.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

As a teacher, the success of my students is my greatest accomplishment. As a sports official, working the CIF-SS Division 1 Final that aired on Fox Sports West.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you?

Patti Collings was my first statistics professor at BYU. She is a big reason why I chose to study statistics and why I went into teaching. Her knowledge of the subject was second to none, but she was also kind and generous with her time and showed her passion for the subject.

Describe something you have experienced or seen here that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

Faculty lip sync battles feel very Flintridge Prep to me. I've heard from many people that their favorite Morning Meetings are the ones with the lip sync battles.

Anything else you would like to share about yourself or your experience at Flintridge Prep?

I feel truly blessed to be able to come to work here each day and work with some of the coolest people on the planet (and the faculty and staff are awesome too!)

Sarah Cooper

Associate Head of School & History Faculty

Alisha Mullally

Performing Arts Faculty, Spiritline Head Coach

Shane Frewen

Mathematics & Science Faculty

Shane Frewen

Mathematics & Science Faculty

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

Talk to your teachers and attend tutoring. Every one of us wants you to succeed, and sometimes that takes a bit more time than we have in class. I really appreciate it when students come by, because it gives me a chance to get to know them better and shows that they are taking ownership of their learning.

Take advantage of the amazing events during Community Block (especially at the Makerspace!) I am consistently blown away by the incredible speakers, competitions, and creative activities. My favorites have been the State Senate debate, BRIDGE's Winter Holiday Festival, the Diwali celebration, and our Halloween costume and decoration design in the Makerspace.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I wrestled for six years throughout middle and high school and was the team captain my senior year. Athletics didn't come naturally to me, so I had to work especially hard to be competitive. In one championship match I gave up some points early and had to recenter myself during a break. I was able to stay calm and fight back from behind, getting and maintaining a lead for the victory. It proved to me that just because you're down, that doesn't mean you're out. Seeing my effort lead to success helped build my confidence and made me a stronger, more resilient person.

How do you spend your free time?

With two daughters under five years old there's not a lot of free time for myself! We have a lot of fun dancing, visiting the library, listening to music, and exploring the restaurants in northeast LA.

In which Flintridge Prep class would you like to enroll, even for a day?

I'd love to join Ms. Manfull's drawing and painting class! Her passion and creativity in project designs, especially with how she brings in mathematical designs, is incredible. My own artistic ability is a bit lacking and I know that Ms. Manfull (and all of our visual arts teachers) would help me improve.

What do you hope your students take away from your classes?

Fundamentally, I want all students to ask "why?" and dig deeper into the way the world works. We are all so used to taking much of modern life for granted, whether that is air travel, our homes or our smartphones. I hope to instill a curiosity about that and some appreciation for how complex the world is, while also giving students tools to understand the very basics of what is going on. It goes beyond physics— if a person comprehends cause and effect, they're more likely to wonder why things are the way they are and be willing to try and change things for the better. I think all teachers want that, whether it is science, history, English, or any other subject. The next time you flick on a light switch (or ask Alexa to turn it on for you), think of everything necessary for that light to turn on, including the energy created in the core of the sun, the electricity generated by solar panels, the power grid delivering it to our homes through the switch and into the LEDs that spit out light at the perfect frequency to illuminate our home. The world is a fascinating, awe-inspiring place.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you.

I was a year younger than the other students when I took Algebra 2 at a new school, so I felt pretty out of place. My teacher, Mr. McMicken, was incredibly supportive of me and made me know that I was exactly where I was supposed to be by helping me advocate for myself during group work. I had him again for AP calculus two years later, this time with several of my friends. I remember his absolute love of math and teaching. He would share silly dances to help us remember the shape of trig functions and firmly but calmly correcting me when my enthusiasm got a bit out of hand. Thank you Mr. McMicken!

Describe something you have experienced that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

The faculty lip sync battle! The production value. The students cheering at the top of their lungs. The enthusiastic participation of guest staff and students. And of course, the unbelievable commitment from the singing faculty themselves. I've never seen anything like it at a school!

Scott Myers

English Faculty

Scott Myers

English Faculty

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

Be as involved as possible in the life of the school, and embrace the exceptional kindness of our student body. It's what makes this place special.

How do you spend your free time?

I like to write poetry, to read, and to follow the Dodgers. I love to spend time with my beautiful grandson.

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

Flintridge Prep's greatest strength is the kindness and generosity of our students.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I see my role here in light of Voltaire's Candide: "We must cultivate our garden." I want to create order and beauty in my corner of the world.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I hope that my class helps students develop self-awareness, along with the complex critical thinking that will help them make the world a better place.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

I'm proud that I have been a guiding presence for thousands of students in my 43 years of teaching.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you.

Surprisingly, my high school Calculus teacher, Mr. Connolly. I have forgotten nearly everything I learned in his class, but he taught me to think humbly and critically and to believe in my mind.

Describe something you have experienced that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

I love the way that older Flintridge Prep students take care of their younger classmates in sports and the performing arts. This generosity is my favorite memory of my time spent in theater here. My former colleague Jen Bascom used to say that, as an actor, one's most important job is to make your cast mates look good. I've seen our students make this selfless choice again and again over the years.

Anything else you want to share about yourself or experience at Flintridge Prep?

It's kinda hokey, but I've learned way more than I've taught here! Thanks to my students and colleagues who have been so patient in my ongoing work-in-progress.

Megan Bowman

11th Grade Dean & History Faculty

Molly Mattei

Performing Arts Department Chair & Dance Faculty

Molly Mattei

Performing Arts Department Chair & Dance Faculty

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

My advice for new students is to stay open and curious. If you have even a tiny inkling of curiosity about a class, a club, or a production, why not try it? Flintridge Prep is a wonderful place to explore and the community is so supportive. I have seen so many students come in thinking they are only capable of certain things, to see their vision widen to include so many new possibilities as the years go by.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I was a competitive swimmer and gymnast as a child, and I've always been absolutely obsessed with the Olympics. In second grade I dressed as an Olympic swimmer, cap, goggles, and everything on the What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? dress up day.

How do you spend your free time?

I'm currently dancing with Lineage Dance (headed by Flintridge Prep's own Ms. Hilary Thomas). I love to hike, read, bake all kinds of desserts, and go out to see live music, theater, and dance in Los Angeles whenever I can.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

I've always wanted to take Biliana Popova's ceramics class. She is a fantastic teacher and is so passionate about her art form. I think it would be so exciting to express myself in a different form, other than movement. From time to time she'll hold workshops for faculty and staff, and next time I'm signing up!

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I hope to impact the community by bringing art and the joy of movement to as many people as I can. Whether it's through my classes, connecting to the audience at one of our performances, or in any number of clubs, groups, or events on campus, I hope people walk away with a connection to the movement, the music, but most importantly, the story and emotion of creating art. I want the performing arts at Flintridge Prep to be a place where we can connect above all else, a place where little magical moments happen every day.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I hope my students walk away with the ability to tell their own stories through art with authenticity and pride. I hope they can genuinely find joy and expression in movement and an appreciation for movement in the world around them. I also hope they have an ah-ha moment in class, a deeply connected moment with others on stage, or a moment in time when they truly felt themselves and appreciated for being that way. A love of pirouettes and grounded pliés in second position wouldn't hurt either!

Describe something you have experienced that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

One of my favorite events is the Spring Play, featuring grades 7-9. Middle school is one of those eras in life that has a reputation for being "tough" or "a time to just get through." I remember going to see "You Can't Take It With You" a couple of years ago, and I couldn't stop smiling. The students were giving it their all onstage, through so many kooky characters and hilarious moments. Beyond that, the community was so invested and supportive. When the students burst out the doors to be greeted by family, friends, and classmates, the genuine joy and support for one another was palpable. Everyone was genuinely happy for one another and lifting each other up. Forgive me for being so on brand, but they were truly thriving in adolescence! It's not just a sound byte, it's real, and it's quintessentially Flintridge Prep. I find myself constantly wishing my middle school experience was much more like the one we have here at Flintridge Prep.

Fabián Bejarano

World Languages Department Chair & Spanish Teacher

Fabián Bejarano

World Languages Department Chair & Spanish Teacher

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

I'd congratulate them first. Then I'd tell them to try not to do too much in their first year. Many students want to join as many clubs or extracurriculars as they can. This can add to an imbalance with academics. Try not to overcommit yourself to avoid stress down the line. Also, be yourself and be open to friendships that come your way. Joining study groups can be a great way to meet new people. Oh, and get to the lunch line early on mac and cheese days!

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I guess most people would be surprised that I grew up playing the guitar. I was in the jazz band in high school and college, and I was also in an indie rock band for a while.

How do you spend your free time?

I love spending time with my beagle Roxy. We go on urban adventures here in LA or just hang at home. When I can, I try to catch a Dodgers game or go to see live music concerts.

In what Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

Ms. Herskind's border politics class. I've done work with her in the past through Global Studies, and I know how much work she puts into making that class unique. The topics covered in that class really interest me.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I hope my impact in and outside of the class can help students be aware and engaged global citizens. In terms of community, it would be wonderful for everyone to know that some of the best experiences shared in our community are through culture and personal stories. Our department does a great job at fostering that type of community.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

The first takeaway would be the skills for students to feel comfortable with communicating with others in the target language. In my literature course, I hope students take away the uniqueness of having read authors across Latin America that they normally would not. In the end, the goal is to have them continue their language studies beyond Flintridge Prep and throughout their lives.

Describe something you have experienced or seen that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

The way the community came together to help one another during the pandemic. Everyone was in uncharted territory with tackling remote learning. The Flintridge Prep community supported one another and made it work as we navigated the obstacles.

Jodie Hare

College Counselor & English Faculty

Jodie Hare

College Counselor & English Faculty

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Everyone on campus, including students, faculty, and staff, are willing and happy to help you.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

Thanks to my dad who encouraged my brother and I to do it, I am an Advanced Certified SCUBA diver and have gone diving all over the Caribbean, the Fiji Islands, and I even did a three-day liveaboard diving trip in Australia.

How do you spend your free time?

I work out. I walk. I cook and explore new recipes. I am always on the lookout for a new binge-worthy show to enjoy. I hang with my family, which is always a joy.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

Mr. R's photography class. I would love to learn how to best use a camera, and I find all the creative projects he completes with his students so fascinating, wondering how I would interpret them if given the chance.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I hope to allow students to discover that they are amazing simply being who they are. So many of our students feel the pressure of high achievement, thinking that they have to do "x" to be what the world wants, to get the future they should have, etc. I want to help them see that their own path is the best path because the world simply needs them as they authentically are. In helping students accept themselves, I hope to build community by allowing everyone to be accepting of each other.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I hope my students come away with a stronger sense of their own writing talents. I hope they learn how to be curious, to ask the deeper questions of How? Why? So what? I know they most likely won't remember the specifics in the texts we read, but I want them to have a greater sense of humans and human nature, all while adding more to the picture of their own identities.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you.

Mrs. Reid, my junior year English teacher, was the person who truly made me fall in love with the subject. I was in a small section (which was rare at a public school) of about 12 students, and she treated us like adults while sharing her genuine passion for American Literature.

Describe something you have experienced that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

I always say Book Day feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep. It brings everyone, including students, faculty, staff, and parents, together in excitement for a new year. There is the usual mix of seriousness (welcoming speeches in the auditorium, collecting heavy books with the prospect of deep learning to come) and playfulness (bounce houses, dunk tank, puppy petting).

Anything else you want to share about yourself or your experience at Flintridge Prep?

Although they'll hate for me to say this, I'm going to do it anyway. It has been a real treat re-experiencing Flintridge Prep through the eyes of my sons. I've been here 19 years, so things, well, can get "old." However, watching their lives here reinvigorates my own joy of being part of Flintridge Prep's community.

Isabella Zellerbach

History Faculty

Tyke O'Brien

English Faculty

Tyke O'Brien

English Faculty

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

Know that teachers are people too, and we are students of life ourselves. We have compassion, complexity, deep understanding, and an authentic desire to get to know and, when needed, help our students succeed and have a great time doing so. Find us whenever you can and talk to us on the level.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

Many people do already know this, but I took a gap decade after high school to work in the hip hop, rock, alternative, and heavy metal industry, and I still unofficially help friends with soundtrack and film projects. Also, I used to be able to hold onto my ankles while in a backbend, and I have a goal to be able to do that again this year.

How do you spend your free time?

I'm a culture sponge; since childhood, I've worshiped at the altar of it. Nothing makes me happier than being a traveler through my days, accompanied by great music, art, architecture, design, film, literature, fashion, food, nature, and family and friends. Boredom is a choice! And I love choosing that sometimes too.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

If I think too hard about this, Ms. Woo Chitjian might see an application from me on her desk! A fantasy block day would—out of both want and need—include Ms. Hare's Lit of Dissent, Mr. Allen's AP Music Theory, and Mr. Hallet's Investments. My Independent Study would then be on the gender dynamics of the earnings of rebellious musicians through history.

What do you wish everyone knew about the students at Flintridge Prep?

That our utterly gripping satire magazine, The Big Bad, is a truly valid way to get ALL your campus news!

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I am always fully here for every individual on this campus, whether it be a class, a student, or a colleague. I can hold space, listen, and brainstorm if needed or wanted.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I'd love for my students to embrace the idea that there needn't be any barrier between the creative mind and the intellectual mind; they both can work together in beautiful harmony. And that success is about so much more than following rules—it is about innovation, risk, imagination, trust, individuality, collaboration, all the truest sweet spots of this thing called life.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Nothing, and I mean nothing, lands better or brings more pride than when former students reach out to report on how some idea, method, or content piece from our time together has stuck with them in a profound or silly way.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you

Dr. Paul Harris, a grad school professor, taught me firsthand about permeable barriers between subjects, as he infused our literary studies with whopping portions of science, math, art history, and philosophy. It lit up my magpie mind.

Describe something you have experienced or seen here that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

Recently, listening to seniors in film class give each other brilliantly wrought compliments in response to each other's presentations. They were equal parts caring and wise. And seeing all of the little Halloween decorations sprinkled throughout the kitchen when getting my lunch.

Karin Andrino

Substitute Coordinator & Summer Session Art Faculty

Ricardo Rodríguez

Visual Arts Department Chair & Photography Faculty

Ricardo Rodríguez

Visual Arts Department Chair & Photography Faculty

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

Remember to have fun while learning. Your time here will fly by, so make the most of every opportunity and get to know the people around you. The connections you build will shape your experience.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I went to a military school. It might be surprising because I'm an artist, but I think that this experience influenced my approach to art and life.

How do you spend your free time?

In my free time, you’ll often find me making art, surfing, or spending quality time with my family.

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

I’d love to enroll in Mr. Reuben Allen’s music class. Music is such a powerful form of expression, and I think Mr. Allen’s welcoming and dynamic teaching style would make the process of learning music both fun and inspiring. It would be great to jam along with Mr. Allen playing some Latin jazz.

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

There’s a secret gem on campus, a darkroom in the 40s Building where students can develop their own film. It's like stepping back in time! Regarding the people, Flintridge Prep students and faculty are always willing to lend a hand, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I see my role in two ways. First, as an artist who seeks to inspire students to observe and understand the world around them and express themselves through image making. And secondly, as a mentor for Latinx students as they navigate and find their voices.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

I hope my students leave with a deeper appreciation for seeing and understanding the world around them, along with the skills to communicate their ideas visually. I want them to feel empowered to tell their own stories through imagery and to develop the visual literacy necessary to analyze and interpret the meaning behind images.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

One of my proudest professional accomplishments was receiving the honor of having my work included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Latin American Art. It's deeply meaningful to me to have my art recognized in this way, especially by an institution dedicated to celebrating Latin American culture and heritage.

Describe something you have experienced or seen here that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

Book Day for me is one of the days that feels most quintessentially Flintridge Prep. A day of books, getting to know people, finding your locker and classroom, having fun, and of course puppies and games.

Anything else you want to share about yourself or the experience at Flintridge Prep?

One of the things that gives me a different perspective on my Flintridge Prep experience is that I have had the pleasure to be part of the faculty and a parent here.

Claire LaPolt

Librarian

Michelle Gee

Mathematics Faculty

Andres Alamillo

Athletic Trainer

Colleen Bissner

Student Life Administrator

Kylie Snyder

Assistant Athletic Trainer

Melissa Manfull

Drawing & Painting Faculty

Melissa Manful

Drawing & Painting Faculty

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

Try everything out and find your passion. There are so many options to explore at Flintridge Prep from robotics to ceramics to improv. I would suggest showing up for as many things as you can to see if you like them, and then focus on the ones that bring you joy or that you are the most curious about. It is easy to overextend yourself by trying to do everything. Instead, try to choose activities that expand and nourish your mind.

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

I dislike squirrels. They are very confrontational for their size and like to taunt me by staring at me outside my glass door.

How do you spend your free time?

When I am not painting, I am usually hiking or backpacking, often with Mrs. Pattinelli.

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

Flintridge Prep is like a mini college experience. I think the small class sizes, professional caliber of teachers and high level of discourse create an environment that values intellectual rigor while maintaining a feeling of family.

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

I hope to create a relaxing environment where students can explore art. Community Block is one of my favorite additions to the Flintridge Prep schedule. I love meeting new students who wander in with friends or on their own and discover they love art making. You can often find faculty in the room as well, learning how to oil paint or just relaxing by moving color pastels across a paper. It is so nice to have an unstructured environment to experiment with materials, processes and ideas.

What do you hope students take away from your courses?

I hope every student is able to express their ideas through art. This can be developing a doodling habit to rendering portraits in oil paint. I hope they can find one material that brings them joy, and I would love if students continued their explorations in the years to come.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Every time I finish a body of artworks (paintings, drawings), I feel a sense of accomplishment.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

One of my proudest professional accomplishments was receiving the honor of having my work included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Latin American Art. It's deeply meaningful to me to have my art recognized in this way, especially by an institution dedicated to celebrating Latin American culture and heritage.

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you.

My middle school math teacher Mr. Houck scared me, but he was an incredible math teacher and taught me to feel successful and confident with math concepts. I think because he was intimidating, I respected his rules and it helped me to be a better student by finally finishing my homework on time, focusing during class, and wanting to live up to his expectations. I really excelled in math in middle school.

Describe something you have experienced that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep?

When I first started at Flintridge Prep, we were famous for our chocolate chip cookies. I always thought that was such a sweet, wholesome thing to be famous for, especially for a school. Every time I eat a Flintridge Prep cookie, I think of students at a middle school dance in 2014 bragging to other non-Flintridge Prep students that we have the best cookies. It always makes me laugh.

Reuben Allen

What advice do you have for students new to Flintridge Prep?

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

How do you spend your free time?

In what Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

What impact do you hope to have at Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Describe something you have experienced that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep

Emily Ballet

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

How do you spend your free time?

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

What do you wish everyone knew about the students at Flintridge Prep?

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you

Describe something you have experienced or seen at Flintridge Prep that feels quintessentially Flintridge Prep.

Fletcher Barratt

What would our community be surprised to learn about you?

What would our community be surprised to learn about you?

How do you spend your free time?

In which teacher's class would you most like to enroll, even for a day?

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep?

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you.

Anything else you'd like to share about your experience at Flintridge Prep?

Katie Canton

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

How do you spend your free time?

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

What do you wish everyone knew about the students at Flintridge Prep?

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you

Zach Chambers

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

How do you spend your free time?

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping to create community here?

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Raul Diaz

What do you like about working at Flintridge Prep?

Danny Jimenez

What do you like about working at Flintridge Prep?

Jamie Kidwell

Tell us about your role here.

What attracted you to human resources work?

Can you share a little about your first impressions of Flintridge Prep and what got you interested in working here?

How do you see your role in helping create community here?

What do you think makes our community so special?

Can you share about a teacher who had an impact on your life?

David Earle

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

How do you spend your free time?

In which Flintridge Prep teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping create community here?

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Tell us about a teacher who had a significant impact on you.

Lorena Galdamez

What do you like about working at Flintridge Prep?

Nancy Guyer

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Mattie Harris Lowe

What would our community be surprised to find out about you?

How do you spend your free time?

What do you wish everyone knew about the community and students at Flintridge Prep?

What impact do you hope to have at Flintridge Prep? How do you see your role in helping to create community here?

Charles Kollmer

What advice do you have for a student new to Flintridge Prep?

What might our community be surprised to find out about you?

How do you spend your free time?