Kate Nevins, 4PreK lead teacher, retires after 23 years of incredible service to the Rowland Hall community. Kate is an educator of the highest quality, and she will be remembered for her strong commitment to young children and their families. Kate was also instrumental in developing Rowland Hall’s 4PreK program, utilizing her strong Montessori background and training to create the excellent program in place today. “I am flooded with wonderful memories as I reflect back on the hard work and joy that went into building the Beginning School,” Kate said. “I have watched the Beginning School transform and flourish into a top-notch preschool. It is an institution that I am so proud of and for which I have so much respect and love.”

It has been a privilege to teach my passion, to have the lifelong friendships I have made, and to be part of the lives of the amazing young adults we have here at Rowland Hall.—Christine Thomas, Upper School Spanish teacher

Mike Roberts, Middle School English teacher, is embarking on a new opportunity after 21 years of teaching, advising, coaching, and supporting Rowland Hall students, families, and colleagues. Mike’s passion for middle school and his subject matter, his creativity and innovation, and his generosity will be greatly missed.

Christine Thomas, Upper School Spanish teacher, retires after 21 years at Rowland Hall. Christine will be remembered for her kindness, patience, energy, impeccable professionalism, and humility. She has a special gift for treating each student and colleague as an individual to be seen, supported, and appreciated. “It has been a privilege to teach my passion, to have the lifelong friendships I have made, and to be part of the lives of the amazing young adults we have here at Rowland Hall,” Christine said. “I look forward to seeing former students and colleagues in the years to come.”

Sarah Button, fifth-grade teacher, is retiring from teaching and moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, after 19 years at Rowland Hall. Sarah also taught second and third grade during her time in the Lower School and has been a pillar in our community. She was on the forefront of many impactful initiatives and further served the school in numerous capacities, including as leader of the Strategic Planning Implementation Committee and as an ombudsperson.

Stuart McCandless, fifth-grade teacher, retires after 19 years at Rowland Hall. Stuart always worked to improve as an educator—he focused on reaching even the most reticent students, increasing engagement and building community in the classroom, and mentoring new teachers. He expertly and patiently guided students through explorer reports, Colonial Day, the American Revolution, and, importantly, the transition to sixth grade. His passion for nature and environmental education, his high expectations, and his ability to foster independence in students produced countless changemakers.

Cindy Hall, Lower School music teacher, retires after 18 years of service. Cindy taught Rowland Hall first through fifth graders in the Orff Schulwerk tradition and was essential in bringing about annual events like the Lower School holiday program. She also led the Lower School Chorus and was a member of the Caring Committee. Cindy combined her musical expertise with an innate knack for understanding each child, helping all students develop their unique voices as musicians. The joy, creativity, and community she inspired transcended the music classroom, touching not only students, but also faculty and staff. As she looked back at her time at Rowland Hall, Cindy reflected, “I treasure my friendships; the many bright-eyed, talented, and creative students I have taught; and the encouragement and trust that allowed me to develop as a music educator.”

Dave Kerwynn, Rowmark Ski Academy coach, is leaving the school after 16 years. Ker made a profound impact on each of his athletes, and his global experience, vast knowledge and passion for ski racing, and straightforward, no-nonsense coaching style have been the hallmarks of his Rowmark career.

Margaret Chapman, kindergarten lead teacher, retires after 15 years at Rowland Hall. She leaves behind a substantial legacy, having supported nearly 300 kindergartners and their families as well as mentored more than half the current division (and at least as many former team members). She will be remembered for her constant encouragement, her good humor and warmth, and her desire to deeply understand and celebrate each of her students. “I can honestly say that I have spent the last 15 years in my dream job,” Margaret said. “The Rowland Hall community is a part of my family. I have always felt supported and encouraged by the administration and the families with whom I have worked, and it has been a joy and a privilege to be entrusted with the early education of their children.”

Jazmin Adamson, third-grade teacher, is moving on to a new opportunity in real estate after 13 years at Rowland Hall. A compassionate, patient educator, Jazmin shepherded countless students through their first year upstairs (a rite of passage for eight- and nine-year-olds as they move to the second floor of the Lower School building), Rube Goldberg machines, and biography reports.

Linda Tatomer, Lower School specialty principal, is leaving Rowland Hall after eight years to spend time with family. In addition to her role as specialty principal, Linda also taught in the Middle School and served as Lower School assistant principal. She has made countless contributions to Rowland Hall, and her dedication, care, selflessness, and desire to help and support others will be missed dearly.

Mary Swaminathan, 3PreK assistant teacher, is leaving Rowland Hall after six years to care for family members. The Beginning School's most recent recipient of the Sumner Family Faculty Award, Mary is a deeply kind and caring human who has steadfastly supported young learners during her time at the school. She has a special way with quiet children—but also enjoys and connects with those who are decidedly less quiet! We will miss Mary's humor, kindness, and team spirit.

Thank you for the rich opportunities and lifelong friendships you have provided!—Anni Schneider, science consultant

Anni Schneider, science consultant, retires after five years at Rowland Hall, where she taught environmental science and physics in the upper and middle schools. Anni will be remembered for her love of science and the outdoors, her dedication to collaborating with students and energizing them about local environment and community issues, and her role as a positive, supportive, and collaborative faculty member. Anni has been grateful for the chance to watch her students grow: “My seniors this year were eighth graders in 2015 when I accepted a long-term sub position that turned into a post-retirement dream job,” she said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for the dedicated, creative, and caring teachers, staff, and administration at Rowland Hall. Thank you for the rich opportunities and lifelong friendships you have provided!”

Hadley Smith ’05, director of financial aid and assistant director of admission, will be moving to Joshua Tree, California, to embark on a career in home design and building after five years at Rowland Hall. Hadley has been an invaluable member of the admission team, offering equitable and compassionate guidance to families seeking tuition assistance, supporting all aspects of the admission process, and furthering socioeconomic diversity.

Makayla Hall, associate director of admission for the McCarthey Campus, will be moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with her family after two years at Rowland Hall. Makayla was essential in developing relationships with prospective and current families and played an important role in furthering diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Krista Kern, Middle School mixed media arts and ensemble teacher, is leaving Rowland Hall for a new opportunity after two years at the school. We will miss her, but we are excited for her as she starts this new chapter.

Brian McCloud, Middle School physical education and wellness teacher, is leaving Rowland Hall after two years to complete his clinical mental health counseling and sport psychology degrees at the University of Utah. Brian has positively impacted our community through his dedication to building relationships with students and colleagues, and his support of our programs.

Lauren Samuels ’11, Rowmark Ski Academy FIS assistant coach and academic liaison, left Rowland Hall after one year to attend graduate school at the University of Oregon Portland. Lauren’s intellect, thoughtfulness, and experience as both a Rowmark/Rowland Hall and US Ski Team alumna made a strong impact on Rowmark’s U19 team, both on and off the hill.

Bill Tatomer will be transitioning to a part-time role teaching Middle School aviation and coaching Upper School basketball in the 2020–2021 school year. During his time at Rowland Hall, Bill has worn many hats: serving as assistant principal, teaching math and US History, designing numerous aviation courses, and chaperoning eighth graders on their annual Washington, DC, trip. He has much to offer our community, so we are excited he is staying on.

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