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Warm Welcomes 2026–2027
Warm Welcomes 2026–2027

Rowland Hall is thrilled to welcome students and families to the 2026–2027 school year.

As you spend time on our campuses in the following weeks, you’ll get to know the newest additions to our faculty and staff, as well as see some of our returning team members in new roles. For your reference, we’ve listed these staffing changes below. Please see Fond Farewells 2026 for a list of those not returning this school year.

Be sure to check back, as this list will continue to be updated throughout the year.

Administration and Staff

New Administration and Staff

Elizabeth Anis joins Rowland Hall as director of learning support for the McCarthey Campus. Elizabeth brings extensive experience as an elementary educator, literacy specialist, student support interventionist, assistant principal, and instructional coach. She was drawn to Rowland Hall’s collaborative, student-centered environment and our commitment to developmentally responsive practices that support the whole child.

Cassi Capunay joins Rowland Hall as the Middle School and Upper School registrar. Cassi brings more than a decade of experience managing complex data systems, scheduling, records, and cross-functional projects. A skilled problem solver, she combines technical expertise with a thoughtful, collaborative approach and is known for clarity, organization, and care. Cassi has a deep appreciation for schools that develop thoughtful, ethical citizens and cultivate critical thinking.

Madeleine Gee ’21 joins Rowland Hall as receptionist/Upper School administrative coordinator. For the past several months, Madeleine has supported front desks across the school, managed attendance, and assisted with graduation, and we’re excited to have her join us in this permanent role. Madeleine recently graduated cum laude from Seattle University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice.

Tamara Schurdak joins Rowland Hall as head of Middle School. With more than two decades in independent schools, Tamara is committed to belonging, student voice, meaningful learning, advancing student-centered initiatives, strengthening community, and supporting faculty. Known for her collaborative leadership and visible presence, she fosters environments where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. She’s especially passionate about the middle school years as a pivotal time for identity and confidence. Get to know Tamara.

Carol Wasden joins Rowland Hall as director of enrollment management. Carol brings to the role extensive experience in independent school admissions, enrollment strategy, and college counseling. Over her career, Carol has overseen strategy, financial aid, and admissions operations. She’s also led strategic initiatives, managed teams, and contributed to institutional planning and accreditation efforts.

Beginning School

New Beginning School Faculty and Staff

Elizabeth Anis joins Rowland Hall as director of learning support for the McCarthey Campus. Elizabeth brings extensive experience as an elementary educator, literacy specialist, student support interventionist, assistant principal, and instructional coach. She was drawn to Rowland Hall’s collaborative, student-centered environment and our commitment to developmentally responsive practices that support the whole child.

Kara Knapschaefer joins Rowland Hall as a 4PreK lead teacher. Kara has served children and families in a variety of early childhood settings, most recently as the early childhood education supervisor at Mount Saint Vincent in Denver, where she led a team of educators and supported the growth of a play-based early childhood program. Kara is passionate about fostering children’s social-emotional development through strong relationships and intentional, child-centered learning.

Janie Routh joins Rowland Hall as the early childhood science specialist. Janie began her teaching career in middle and high school mathematics before transitioning to early childhood education. She’s inspired by Rowland Hall’s learning environment, where science is integrated into everyday experiences and curiosity is actively cultivated. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Janie is also drawn to the school’s campus and abundant opportunities for place-based learning.

Lower School

New and Returning Lower School Faculty and Staff

Elizabeth Anis joins Rowland Hall as director of learning support for the McCarthey Campus. Elizabeth brings extensive experience as an elementary educator, literacy specialist, student support interventionist, assistant principal, and instructional coach. She was drawn to Rowland Hall’s collaborative, student-centered environment and our commitment to developmentally responsive practices that support the whole child.

Jen Bourque (pictured top) returns to Rowland Hall as a first-grade teacher. Jen brings a wealth of experience across elementary grades and a deep commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning environments where children feel safe taking risks, sharing their thinking, and developing academic, social, and emotional skills. While previously at Rowland Hall, Jen helped lead project-based learning initiatives and integrated DEIB principles into curriculum design.

Lucy Cole joins Rowland Hall as a Lower School assistant teacher in first grade. Lucy has previously been part of the community as a substitute teacher, Extended Day counselor, and SummerWorks counselor. Through these roles, she’s built strong relationships with students and faculty and demonstrated a warm, thoughtful, and engaging approach to working with children.

Janie Routh joins Rowland Hall as the early childhood science specialist. Janie began her teaching career in middle and high school mathematics before transitioning to early childhood education. She’s inspired by Rowland Hall’s learning environment, where science is integrated into everyday experiences and curiosity is actively cultivated. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Janie is also drawn to the school’s campus and abundant opportunities for place-based learning.

Grace Sunitsch joins Rowland Hall as a Lower School assistant teacher in first grade. With a strong background in experiential and outdoor education, Grace values hands-on learning and believes deeply in fostering curiosity, confidence, and meaningful connections in the classroom. She’s committed to supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional growth and brings a thoughtful, collaborative spirit to her work.

Kaitlyn Taylor joins Rowland Hall as a Lower School associate teacher in first grade. Born and raised in Salt Lake, Kaitlyn attended Rowland Hall for preschool and has worked for SummerWorks and as a substitute teacher and lunch monitor. Through these roles, she’s built strong relationships with students, faculty, and families. Kaitlyn has also collaborated with grade-level teams to provide small-group instruction, one-on-one support, lesson implementation, and developmentally appropriate classroom practices.

Lower School Role Changes

  • Chad Obermark, formerly the sixth-grade math teacher, is now a fifth-grade teacher.
  • Hannah Ruske, formerly a fourth-grade teacher, is now a fifth-grade teacher.

Middle School

New Middle School Faculty and Staff

jo Blake joins Rowland Hall as a Middle School and Upper School dance teacher. jo comes to us from Weber State University, where he was dance area coordinator and program director, leading artistic programming, curriculum, and student mentorship. As an educator and advocate dedicated to equity, belonging, and the creative process, jo is eager to help our students build confidence and connect dance to broader themes of culture and identity.

Cassi Capunay joins Rowland Hall as the Middle School and Upper School registrar. Cassi brings more than a decade of experience managing complex data systems, scheduling, records, and cross-functional projects. A skilled problem solver, she combines technical expertise with a thoughtful, collaborative approach and is known for clarity, organization, and care. Cassi has a deep appreciation for schools that develop thoughtful, ethical citizens and cultivate critical thinking.

Tommy Good joins Rowland Hall as the sixth-grade science teacher. Tommy brings to the role a strong background in environmental science, experiential education, and inquiry-based learning, including developing hands-on curriculum and leading immersive outdoor learning experiences. As program coordinator for the Williamson Fellowship, he also mentors future science educators and builds partnerships between schools and the scientific community. Tommy is passionate about helping students experience science as something lived, explored, and deeply connected to the world around them.

Kate John joins Rowland Hall as the sixth-grade math teacher. Kate brings strong experience teaching math and science both internationally and in the United States. She’s helped create math curriculum and develop cross-curricular connections that emphasize empathy, global awareness, and innovation, particularly at the middle school level. Kate believes in supporting students to develop confidence, curiosity, and a deep understanding of math. Her classroom is one where persistence and problem-solving are valued for every learner.

Claire Michaelson joins Rowland Hall as a Middle School and Upper School dance teacher. Claire joins us from The School of Dance in Salt Lake, where she was a company coordinator, teaching ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance, coordinating performances, and mentoring students of all ages. With a background in psychology, she’s committed to creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where students feel supported, inspired, and motivated to grow.

Tamara Schurdak joins Rowland Hall as head of Middle School. With more than two decades in independent schools, Tamara is committed to belonging, student voice, meaningful learning, advancing student-centered initiatives, strengthening community, and supporting faculty. Known for her collaborative leadership and visible presence, she fosters environments where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. She’s especially passionate about the middle school years as a pivotal time for identity and confidence.

Dr. Peng Yang joins Rowland Hall as the seventh-grade math teacher. Peng brings a strong background in middle school math, as well as college physics. He’s passionate about teaching middle schoolers and believes in instilling in them joy for learning math, confidence in their potential, and a skill set that helps them to think and reason critically and creatively. Peng enjoys creating opportunities for students to think, build, consider, and collaborate as they see the myriad ways math applies to and brightens the world around them.

Middle School Role Changes

  • Jenn Anderson, formerly the Middle School learning specialist, is now director of learning support for the Middle School and Upper School.
  • Chad Obermark, formerly the sixth-grade math teacher, is now a fifth-grade teacher.

Upper School

New Upper School Faculty and Staff

jo Blake joins Rowland Hall as a Middle School and Upper School dance teacher. jo comes to us from Weber State University, where he was dance area coordinator and program director, leading artistic programming, curriculum, and student mentorship. As an educator and advocate dedicated to equity, belonging, and the creative process, jo is eager to help our students build confidence and connect dance to broader themes of culture and identity.

Cassi Capunay joins Rowland Hall as the Middle School and Upper School registrar. Cassi brings more than a decade of experience managing complex data systems, scheduling, records, and cross-functional projects. A skilled problem solver, she combines technical expertise with a thoughtful, collaborative approach and is known for clarity, organization, and care. Cassi has a deep appreciation for schools that develop thoughtful, ethical citizens and cultivate critical thinking.

Rachel Kelly joins Rowland Hall as an Upper School learning specialist. Rachel brings extensive experience supporting gifted and neurodiverse learners in both classroom and one-on-one settings. She’s passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments where students build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive academically and personally.

Claire Michaelson joins Rowland Hall as a Middle School and Upper School dance teacher. Claire joins us from The School of Dance in Salt Lake, where she was a company coordinator, teaching ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance, coordinating performances, and mentoring students of all ages. With a background in psychology, she’s committed to creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where students feel supported, inspired, and motivated to grow.

Amberly Miller joins Rowland Hall as an Upper School learning specialist. Amberly brings 16 years of experience in education, having worked with students across every grade level. Most recently, she served as Middle School academic coach at the McGillis School, where she partnered with teachers to provide targeted learning support, develop effective accommodations, and help students build confidence and independence. She’s currently pursuing a master's degree in restorative practices.

Annemarie Newell joins Rowland Hall as an Upper School math teacher. Annemarie brings a strong background in mathematics education, with experiences teaching courses from algebra through AP Calculus. A passionate educator, she believes all students can develop deep understanding through collaboration, inquiry, and problem-solving, and she is committed to creating a supportive, confidence-building classroom.

Rowmark Ski Academy

New Rowmark Staff

Nate Hazen joins Rowland Hall as U14 associate coach. Nate brings a strong background in competitive alpine skiing, athlete development, and youth coaching. Originally from Vermont, he competed at the NCAA level while studying sports management at Vermont State University Castleton, where he also earned multiple academic honors. Nate has also worked extensively with young athletes through coaching, private instruction, and program support roles.

Jackie Martain ’05 joins Rowland Hall as the Rowmark team manager. Raised in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Jackie began skiing before age 2, transitioned to competitive racing by 8, and graduated from Rowmark in 2005 before racing for Boise State. She coached athletes from U12 to FIS across Rowmark, Brighton, Snowbird, McCall, and Park City, as well as worked for Thinkingbox. Jackie’s thrilled to rejoin the ski racing community and leverage her broad expertise to guide the team and elevate athlete potential.

Leyte McNealus joins Rowland Hall as women’s FIS associate coach. Leyte most recently served as the women’s FIS coach at Carrabassett Valley Academy, where she led mental-performance programming, coordinated strength and conditioning, managed video analysis, and oversaw national and international training and competition travel. Her coaching experience includes roles at Mount Mansfield Academy, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, Bromley Outing Club, Sports Club International, and Whistler Blackcomb. Leyte holds US Ski & Snowboard Level 200 Alpine Coach and Level 1 Alpine Referee certifications.

Warm Welcomes 2026–2027

Rowland Hall is thrilled to welcome students and families to the 2026–2027 school year.

As you spend time on our campuses in the following weeks, you’ll get to know the newest additions to our faculty and staff, as well as see some of our returning team members in new roles. For your reference, we’ve listed these staffing changes below. Please see Fond Farewells 2026 for a list of those not returning this school year.

Be sure to check back, as this list will continue to be updated throughout the year.

Administration and Staff

New Administration and Staff

Elizabeth Anis joins Rowland Hall as director of learning support for the McCarthey Campus. Elizabeth brings extensive experience as an elementary educator, literacy specialist, student support interventionist, assistant principal, and instructional coach. She was drawn to Rowland Hall’s collaborative, student-centered environment and our commitment to developmentally responsive practices that support the whole child.

Cassi Capunay joins Rowland Hall as the Middle School and Upper School registrar. Cassi brings more than a decade of experience managing complex data systems, scheduling, records, and cross-functional projects. A skilled problem solver, she combines technical expertise with a thoughtful, collaborative approach and is known for clarity, organization, and care. Cassi has a deep appreciation for schools that develop thoughtful, ethical citizens and cultivate critical thinking.

Madeleine Gee ’21 joins Rowland Hall as receptionist/Upper School administrative coordinator. For the past several months, Madeleine has supported front desks across the school, managed attendance, and assisted with graduation, and we’re excited to have her join us in this permanent role. Madeleine recently graduated cum laude from Seattle University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice.

Tamara Schurdak joins Rowland Hall as head of Middle School. With more than two decades in independent schools, Tamara is committed to belonging, student voice, meaningful learning, advancing student-centered initiatives, strengthening community, and supporting faculty. Known for her collaborative leadership and visible presence, she fosters environments where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. She’s especially passionate about the middle school years as a pivotal time for identity and confidence. Get to know Tamara.

Carol Wasden joins Rowland Hall as director of enrollment management. Carol brings to the role extensive experience in independent school admissions, enrollment strategy, and college counseling. Over her career, Carol has overseen strategy, financial aid, and admissions operations. She’s also led strategic initiatives, managed teams, and contributed to institutional planning and accreditation efforts.

Beginning School

New Beginning School Faculty and Staff

Elizabeth Anis joins Rowland Hall as director of learning support for the McCarthey Campus. Elizabeth brings extensive experience as an elementary educator, literacy specialist, student support interventionist, assistant principal, and instructional coach. She was drawn to Rowland Hall’s collaborative, student-centered environment and our commitment to developmentally responsive practices that support the whole child.

Kara Knapschaefer joins Rowland Hall as a 4PreK lead teacher. Kara has served children and families in a variety of early childhood settings, most recently as the early childhood education supervisor at Mount Saint Vincent in Denver, where she led a team of educators and supported the growth of a play-based early childhood program. Kara is passionate about fostering children’s social-emotional development through strong relationships and intentional, child-centered learning.

Janie Routh joins Rowland Hall as the early childhood science specialist. Janie began her teaching career in middle and high school mathematics before transitioning to early childhood education. She’s inspired by Rowland Hall’s learning environment, where science is integrated into everyday experiences and curiosity is actively cultivated. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Janie is also drawn to the school’s campus and abundant opportunities for place-based learning.

Lower School

New and Returning Lower School Faculty and Staff

Elizabeth Anis joins Rowland Hall as director of learning support for the McCarthey Campus. Elizabeth brings extensive experience as an elementary educator, literacy specialist, student support interventionist, assistant principal, and instructional coach. She was drawn to Rowland Hall’s collaborative, student-centered environment and our commitment to developmentally responsive practices that support the whole child.

Jen Bourque (pictured top) returns to Rowland Hall as a first-grade teacher. Jen brings a wealth of experience across elementary grades and a deep commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning environments where children feel safe taking risks, sharing their thinking, and developing academic, social, and emotional skills. While previously at Rowland Hall, Jen helped lead project-based learning initiatives and integrated DEIB principles into curriculum design.

Lucy Cole joins Rowland Hall as a Lower School assistant teacher in first grade. Lucy has previously been part of the community as a substitute teacher, Extended Day counselor, and SummerWorks counselor. Through these roles, she’s built strong relationships with students and faculty and demonstrated a warm, thoughtful, and engaging approach to working with children.

Janie Routh joins Rowland Hall as the early childhood science specialist. Janie began her teaching career in middle and high school mathematics before transitioning to early childhood education. She’s inspired by Rowland Hall’s learning environment, where science is integrated into everyday experiences and curiosity is actively cultivated. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Janie is also drawn to the school’s campus and abundant opportunities for place-based learning.

Grace Sunitsch joins Rowland Hall as a Lower School assistant teacher in first grade. With a strong background in experiential and outdoor education, Grace values hands-on learning and believes deeply in fostering curiosity, confidence, and meaningful connections in the classroom. She’s committed to supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional growth and brings a thoughtful, collaborative spirit to her work.

Kaitlyn Taylor joins Rowland Hall as a Lower School associate teacher in first grade. Born and raised in Salt Lake, Kaitlyn attended Rowland Hall for preschool and has worked for SummerWorks and as a substitute teacher and lunch monitor. Through these roles, she’s built strong relationships with students, faculty, and families. Kaitlyn has also collaborated with grade-level teams to provide small-group instruction, one-on-one support, lesson implementation, and developmentally appropriate classroom practices.

Lower School Role Changes

  • Chad Obermark, formerly the sixth-grade math teacher, is now a fifth-grade teacher.
  • Hannah Ruske, formerly a fourth-grade teacher, is now a fifth-grade teacher.

Middle School

New Middle School Faculty and Staff

jo Blake joins Rowland Hall as a Middle School and Upper School dance teacher. jo comes to us from Weber State University, where he was dance area coordinator and program director, leading artistic programming, curriculum, and student mentorship. As an educator and advocate dedicated to equity, belonging, and the creative process, jo is eager to help our students build confidence and connect dance to broader themes of culture and identity.

Cassi Capunay joins Rowland Hall as the Middle School and Upper School registrar. Cassi brings more than a decade of experience managing complex data systems, scheduling, records, and cross-functional projects. A skilled problem solver, she combines technical expertise with a thoughtful, collaborative approach and is known for clarity, organization, and care. Cassi has a deep appreciation for schools that develop thoughtful, ethical citizens and cultivate critical thinking.

Tommy Good joins Rowland Hall as the sixth-grade science teacher. Tommy brings to the role a strong background in environmental science, experiential education, and inquiry-based learning, including developing hands-on curriculum and leading immersive outdoor learning experiences. As program coordinator for the Williamson Fellowship, he also mentors future science educators and builds partnerships between schools and the scientific community. Tommy is passionate about helping students experience science as something lived, explored, and deeply connected to the world around them.

Kate John joins Rowland Hall as the sixth-grade math teacher. Kate brings strong experience teaching math and science both internationally and in the United States. She’s helped create math curriculum and develop cross-curricular connections that emphasize empathy, global awareness, and innovation, particularly at the middle school level. Kate believes in supporting students to develop confidence, curiosity, and a deep understanding of math. Her classroom is one where persistence and problem-solving are valued for every learner.

Claire Michaelson joins Rowland Hall as a Middle School and Upper School dance teacher. Claire joins us from The School of Dance in Salt Lake, where she was a company coordinator, teaching ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance, coordinating performances, and mentoring students of all ages. With a background in psychology, she’s committed to creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where students feel supported, inspired, and motivated to grow.

Tamara Schurdak joins Rowland Hall as head of Middle School. With more than two decades in independent schools, Tamara is committed to belonging, student voice, meaningful learning, advancing student-centered initiatives, strengthening community, and supporting faculty. Known for her collaborative leadership and visible presence, she fosters environments where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. She’s especially passionate about the middle school years as a pivotal time for identity and confidence.

Dr. Peng Yang joins Rowland Hall as the seventh-grade math teacher. Peng brings a strong background in middle school math, as well as college physics. He’s passionate about teaching middle schoolers and believes in instilling in them joy for learning math, confidence in their potential, and a skill set that helps them to think and reason critically and creatively. Peng enjoys creating opportunities for students to think, build, consider, and collaborate as they see the myriad ways math applies to and brightens the world around them.

Middle School Role Changes

  • Jenn Anderson, formerly the Middle School learning specialist, is now director of learning support for the Middle School and Upper School.
  • Chad Obermark, formerly the sixth-grade math teacher, is now a fifth-grade teacher.

Upper School

New Upper School Faculty and Staff

jo Blake joins Rowland Hall as a Middle School and Upper School dance teacher. jo comes to us from Weber State University, where he was dance area coordinator and program director, leading artistic programming, curriculum, and student mentorship. As an educator and advocate dedicated to equity, belonging, and the creative process, jo is eager to help our students build confidence and connect dance to broader themes of culture and identity.

Cassi Capunay joins Rowland Hall as the Middle School and Upper School registrar. Cassi brings more than a decade of experience managing complex data systems, scheduling, records, and cross-functional projects. A skilled problem solver, she combines technical expertise with a thoughtful, collaborative approach and is known for clarity, organization, and care. Cassi has a deep appreciation for schools that develop thoughtful, ethical citizens and cultivate critical thinking.

Rachel Kelly joins Rowland Hall as an Upper School learning specialist. Rachel brings extensive experience supporting gifted and neurodiverse learners in both classroom and one-on-one settings. She’s passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments where students build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive academically and personally.

Claire Michaelson joins Rowland Hall as a Middle School and Upper School dance teacher. Claire joins us from The School of Dance in Salt Lake, where she was a company coordinator, teaching ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance, coordinating performances, and mentoring students of all ages. With a background in psychology, she’s committed to creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where students feel supported, inspired, and motivated to grow.

Amberly Miller joins Rowland Hall as an Upper School learning specialist. Amberly brings 16 years of experience in education, having worked with students across every grade level. Most recently, she served as Middle School academic coach at the McGillis School, where she partnered with teachers to provide targeted learning support, develop effective accommodations, and help students build confidence and independence. She’s currently pursuing a master's degree in restorative practices.

Annemarie Newell joins Rowland Hall as an Upper School math teacher. Annemarie brings a strong background in mathematics education, with experiences teaching courses from algebra through AP Calculus. A passionate educator, she believes all students can develop deep understanding through collaboration, inquiry, and problem-solving, and she is committed to creating a supportive, confidence-building classroom.

Rowmark Ski Academy

New Rowmark Staff

Nate Hazen joins Rowland Hall as U14 associate coach. Nate brings a strong background in competitive alpine skiing, athlete development, and youth coaching. Originally from Vermont, he competed at the NCAA level while studying sports management at Vermont State University Castleton, where he also earned multiple academic honors. Nate has also worked extensively with young athletes through coaching, private instruction, and program support roles.

Jackie Martain ’05 joins Rowland Hall as the Rowmark team manager. Raised in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Jackie began skiing before age 2, transitioned to competitive racing by 8, and graduated from Rowmark in 2005 before racing for Boise State. She coached athletes from U12 to FIS across Rowmark, Brighton, Snowbird, McCall, and Park City, as well as worked for Thinkingbox. Jackie’s thrilled to rejoin the ski racing community and leverage her broad expertise to guide the team and elevate athlete potential.

Leyte McNealus joins Rowland Hall as women’s FIS associate coach. Leyte most recently served as the women’s FIS coach at Carrabassett Valley Academy, where she led mental-performance programming, coordinated strength and conditioning, managed video analysis, and oversaw national and international training and competition travel. Her coaching experience includes roles at Mount Mansfield Academy, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, Bromley Outing Club, Sports Club International, and Whistler Blackcomb. Leyte holds US Ski & Snowboard Level 200 Alpine Coach and Level 1 Alpine Referee certifications.

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