Elaine Loft, Staff Writer
Head of School Andy Chappell, in a letter to the school community, introduced new faculty members.
“We spend a great deal of time and attention attracting, hiring and retaining talented, friendly, and mission-aligned adults, and I am delighted to introduce you to five adults who will join us this fall as full-time faculty.”
Jason Barreto enjoyed a successful twenty-year career in the biotech industry before transitioning to education a few years ago. A Derryfield parent, Barreto has coached middle school basketball, and served as a substitute teacher. Last winter, he stepped in to teach middle school science full time. This year, Barreto will teach middle school science to 6th and 7th grade, and will coach middle school soccer and basketball.
Tim Lucas comes to Derryfield after five years at the Windward School in New York, and two years at a public school in Connecticut. Lucas has also been involved for the past thirteen summers with the Housatonic Council of the Boy Scouts of America, where he has served as Aquatics, Trek, and Program Director. At Derryfield, Lucas will teach upper school English, and will coach crew in the fall and spring.
Christopher Russell is a veteran history teacher with twenty-five years of experience in independent schools–ten years at Williston Northampton, and fifteen years at Salisbury School. A versatile and innovative teacher and coach, Russell will teach upper school history classes, coach JV boys’ soccer, and serve as the chair of the history department.
Jill Studnicki is joining Derryfield from The Park School in Brookline, Massachusetts, where she was known for her student-centered and team-oriented approach; she also taught previously at Aspen Academy in Colorado and Rutgers Prep in New Jersey. Studnicki will teach 6th grade geography and 7th grade civics, serve as 6th grade Head Class Advisor, and coach middle school basketball skills and drills.
Kevin Van Dam hails from Suffield Academy in Suffield, Connecticut, where he taught math, science, and STEM courses, coached soccer and golf, and advised students. Van Dam also has worked at summer camps in various capacities, including this summer at EXPLO as the Dean of Students. At Derryfield, Kevin will teach Honors Chemistry, physics, and STEM courses and coach JV boys’ soccer and varsity alpine skiing.
The first day of school at Derryfield is Thursday, August 29.
