Upper School

dr. victoria alvarez. spanish teacher.
phd IN EDUCATION AND SOCIETY: AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF BARCELONA

Dr. Victoria Alvarez joined Episcopal in 2010, after teaching at the college level for five years. She currently teaches Spanish IV Honors, AP Spanish Language and Culture, and Spanish IV: Hispanic Culture in Upper School. She is also the Spanish Exchange Coordinator, and the sponsor for the Hispanic Honor Society Chapter at Episcopal. Victoria earned her PhD in education and society, and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in educational sciences from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain. She is passionate about teaching and learning about other languages and cultures.

STEPHEN ANDERSON '02. MATH DEPARTMENT CHAIR. HEAD SWIM COACH.
MASTER's IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen Anderson, a 2002 Episcopal graduate, has been teaching since 2006. He currently serves as the Math Department Chair, and was previously the Director of Episcopal’s AP Summer Institute. As Episcopal’s Head Swim Coach, he has led the varsity teams to four state championships and five state runner-up finishes. Prior to re-joining the Episcopal community, Stephen spent the first part of his career teaching everything from Algebra 1 to AP Calculus BC at a local public high school. Stephen earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Louisiana State University in 2005 and his master’s degree in mathematics education from LSU in 2009.  He is passionate about “developing the whole child” and works to inspire his students to embrace life’s inevitable challenges in the classroom, athletic arenas, and beyond.

EMILY BECKWITH. SCIENCE TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Emily Beckwith is an environmental scientist with a Bachelor of Science in renewable natural resources from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in environmental science from Louisiana State University. After graduate school, Emily spent two years with a global environmental consulting firm where she worked on oil and gas remediation projects. After traveling the country for two years completing different projects and getting married, Emily decided to make a change in careers and pursue her passion for teaching the sciences.

dR. gEOFFREY bIRKY. MATH TEACHER.
PHD IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

Dr. Geoffrey Birky is an Episcopal Upper School math teacher. He has taught sixth grade through university level mathematics at public and private schools in Maryland and Delaware, and at the University of Maryland and Georgetown University. Dr. Birky also taught mathematics and computer science courses at academic camps for gifted middle and high school students. He especially enjoys developing students' abilities to invent problem-solving approaches and construct mathematical arguments. In addition to working in education, Dr. Birky has held mathematics and computer-related positions in government and private industry. He has a master's degree in applied mathematics, a doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Maryland, and has completed graduate studies at the University of Chicago.

ANDREA BODRON. ENGLISH AND RELIGION teacher. ATTENDANCE ASSISTANT. ALTAR GUILD CHAIRPERSON.
MASTER'S IN ENGLISH: MISSISSIPPI STATE University

Andrea Bodron teaches English and religion courses at Episcopal, where she also works as an attendance assistant and serves as the Altar Guild Chairperson. She received a Bachelor of Science in English education and a Master of Arts in English with an emphasis in British literature and English as a second language from Mississippi State University. She has taught English courses (Composition I & II, American literature, British literature, Southern literature) for sixteen years at colleges including Mississippi University for Women, Pensacola Junior College, Paducah Community College, and Baton Rouge Community College. She also has experience supervising a college writing lab.   Andrea is an active member at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, where she also serves on the Advisory Board. Andrea enjoys reading British mysteries, helping students improve their writing, travelling and playing the piano.

DAWN BURTON. ENGLISH teacher.
BACHELOR’s IN ENGLISH LITERATURE AND CLASSICAL STUDIES: University OF LIVERPOOL

Dawn Burton comes to Episcopal with a global perspective having taught in Belgium and China.  Over the course of her 24 year career she has taught a range of English courses. Dawn is passionate about educational technologies and in 2017 received first prize in The Henry Ford “Innovation Nation” Teacher Innovator of the Year awards.  She is a competent user of online course management systems and virtual learning environments. Most recently, Dawn was the English Department Chair and Innovation and Design Lab Facilitator at St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in English Literature and Classical Studies from the University of Liverpool and her postgraduate certification in education from the Open University.  She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education with an emphasis on leadership and management from the Open University. Dawn is fluent in French and Dutch. She is married to Zach and is the mother of Hannah and Isabel. Dawn is passionate about recycling and our responsibility to create a greener future for our children.

dR. kARIN deGRAVELLES. ENGLISH TEACHER.
PHD IN EDUCATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Karin deGravelles has taught Upper School English at Episcopal since 2011.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English (Literature) from Reed College and her Master of Arts in English (Rhetoric and Composition) and Ph.D. in education from Louisiana State University, concentrating in secondary English education and curriculum theory.  Before coming to Episcopal, she taught in the University Writing Program and managed the LA-STEM Research Scholars Program at LSU. Her work has been presented at national conferences and published in academic and professional journals such as English Journal; Pedagogy: Critical Approaches to Teaching Literature, Language, Composition, and Culture; and the Journal of Curriculum and Pedagogy.  Karin is passionate about supporting student writers, and coaches the poetry slam team and sponsors Episcopal’s online literary magazine, Troubadour.

GENE DENNIS. MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN PHYSICS: University OF WASHINGTON

Gene Dennis brings extensive experience in teaching and tutoring students at all levels in math and science.  After working as an Adjunct Physics Instructor at Green River College in Washington, Gene was most recently a private tutor with Fusion Math in Seattle.  He earned a masters in physics from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of Texas at Austin. Gene collaborated on an article entitled Toughening Effect of Strain-Induced Crystallites in Natural Rubber, which was published in 2009.  He has led chess and math teams and assisted with school newspapers and service projects.

KELLY DICKINSON. MATH TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN GIFTED EDUCATION. NORTHWESTERN State University

Kelly Dickinson has taught mathematics since 2007.  She is currently teaching dual enrollment Pre-Calculus and Calculus classes in conjunction with Louisiana State University.  Prior to coming to Episcopal in 2014, Kelly taught gifted math at Glasgow Middle School for six years and one year of Algebra I at her alma mater, Mount Carmel Academy, in New Orleans.  She has a Bachelor of Science in secondary mathematics education from Louisiana State University and a master’s in gifted education from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Mrs. Dickinson and her husband have two daughters, Caroline and Quinn.  

kealy duke. english department chair.
MASTER'S IN literature. temple University

Kealy Duke has been teaching English since 1999, and recently, Mrs. Duke has been specializing in reading; this year, she will be offering a Design Studio course based in reading. Kealy grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana, studied English at University of Southern Mississippi, and pursued her Master’s in Literature at Temple University. Before joining Episcopal, Mrs. Duke directed a charter school specializing in arts and technology. She is invested in student-centered teaching and helping students find the best ways to become stronger readers, writers, and thinkers. Mrs. Duke has been teaching at Episcopal since 2006. She has been the English department chair since 2008.

SCOTT ENGHOLM. ENGLISH TEACHER.
Master'S IN ENGLISH: University OF KENTUCKY

Scott Engholm has taught Upper School English and co-directed the Honors Thesis program at Episcopal for the past ten years.  In that time, he's devoted himself to project-based learning, the social-emotional development of his students, and the cultivation of communities of trust in his classrooms. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Central Arkansas and a Masters of Arts in English from the University of Kentucky. In addition to teaching English III and Honors Thesis, Scott also helps coordinate LAUNCH, the upper school student academic showcase.

VINCENT HOANG. SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER. ASSISTANT BOYS BASKETBALL COACH.
BACHELOR'S IN HISTORY AND ECONOMICS: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Vincent Hoang is an Upper School social studies teacher at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. He has been a teacher since 2011 and joined the Episcopal staff in 2013. Vincent can also be found on the court serving as the Assistant Boys Basketball Coach.  He holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both history and economics from Louisiana State University. Currently, Vincent teaches United States History and Entrepreneurship. Vincent is married to Ti Truong and has a daughter, Paige Hoang.

MATT HOLT. RELIGION teacher.
BACHELOR'S: Louisiana State University

Matt Holt moved to Baton Rouge with his family at the start of his seventh grade year.  After high school, he attended Louisiana State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences.  During his college years, Matt worked as a counselor at the Episcopal summer camp near Pollock, Louisiana. It was during that time that he discovered his passion for working with young people.  This led him to a career in youth ministry within the Episcopal Church. After serving in that capacity for several years and teaching at the Episcopal School in western Louisiana, Matt moved to New Orleans to help lead recovery efforts for the Episcopal Diocese following hurricane Katrina.  It was during this time in New Orleans that he attended Tulane University and earned his teaching certificate. Matt’s grandfather taught him the game of golf when he was a young boy. Matt currently serves at the Episcopal Golf Coach.

CLARA HOWELL. HISTORY teacher.
master’s in HISTORY: Louisiana State University

Clara Howell is a native of Louisiana and a graduate of Louisiana State University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history. She joined the Episcopal community in the fall of 2014 and teaches World History, Honors World History and AP European History and previously taught World Geography. She is a co-sponsor of the Mock Trial team, sponsors the Film Club, assists in the production of the spring musical, and has led and chaperoned Episcopal students on multiple trips abroad. Outside of the classroom she is an avid traveler, baker, and Knights athletics fan!

MARY KANNENBERG. CHORAL DIRECTOR.
MASTER’s in CHORAL CONDUCTING: Louisiana State University

Mary Kannenberg has directed choral and music programs since 2010. At St. Joseph’s Academy and Dutchtown High School she worked with high school students, teaching them the principles and techniques of music literacy. Most recently, she served as Director of Music at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, where she planned and organized concerts and programs for the church and conducted the ensemble.  Mary earned a bachelor’s in music education and a master’s of music in choral conducting from Louisiana State University. She is proficient in piano in addition to vocal instruction.

kristen kirschner. english teacher.speech and debate coach.
Mfa in Creative Non-fiction: Louisiana State University

Kristen Kirschner is a native of Nashville, Tennessee, who has been at Episcopal since 2008. After earning her undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, Kristen found her way to Louisiana, where she completed her MFA in Creative Non-Fiction at Louisiana State University. With an atmosphere of community and creative expression, Kristen’s classroom is a space where students feel emboldened to take risks and question their preconceptions of the world around them through literature.  In addition to teaching American Literature to sophomores and special topic seminars to seniors, Kristen teaches a speech and debate course and coaches the school’s Speech and Debate team, which, though a young program, has already produced one state champion. Kristen’s teaching philosophy most closely mirrors Galileo’s observation that, “You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him find it within himself.”

DR. REBECCA KUHN. GLOBAL AND SOCIAL STUDIES DIRECTOR. EXCHANGE PROGRAM COORDINATOR. AP PSYCHOLOGY TEACHER.
PHD 

Dr. Rebecca Kuhn, Global and Social Studies Director, Exchange Program Coordinator, and AP Psychology teacher, has taught social studies classes at Episcopal since 2016 including AP World History, World History, US History, and US Government.  Prior to moving to Baton Rouge, she lived and taught high school in South Korea and South Florida. She holds degrees from Sterling College, The University of Kansas, and Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Kuhn enjoys travelling, reading, and singing. She is married to Dr. Alan Newton.

DR. JEFFREY MCLEAN. SCIENCE TEACHER.
PHD IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Jeffrey McLean joins the Episcopal community with more than 14 years of experience in mechanical engineering.  Throughout his career he has served in leadership roles including Director of Engineering, Manager of Engineering and Project Manager.  He now wants to use that experience to inspire young people to develop problem-solving skills and understand the world around them. Dr. McLean earned a PhD and master's degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to that he earned a Bachelor of Science in the same field from Louisiana State University.  Dr. McLean was named a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Baton Rouge Business Report in 2008. He holds a patent for a method of manufacturing a micro tube heat exchanger and has had his work published in multiple journals.  Dr. McLean’s children Nate and Carter both attend Episcopal.

JOAN MORONEY. MATH TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Joan Moroney began teaching in 2007. She has taught Honors Geometry, Algebra II, and Honors Algebra II at Episcopal and is a co-sponsor of the Mu Alpha Theta math competition team. Before coming to Episcopal in 2014, Joan taught high school credit math courses to gifted students at Glasgow Middle School in Baton Rouge. She has a Bachelor of Science in secondary mathematics education from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree in education from Louisiana State University in gifted education.

ELIZABETH "BETSY" MINTON. ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN STUDIO COORDINATOR.
BACHELOR'S: BATES COLLEGE

Elizabeth “Betsy” Minton’s role as the Academic Technology and Design Studio Coordinator is multifaceted, but centers around helping students and teachers utilize technology effectively in order to enhance the academic experience.   She loves working with teachers and students to help them develop their skills and follow their passions. During her time at Episcopal, she has enriched instruction and supported faculty by generating interdisciplinary curriculum and developing project-based learning units.  She is a certified Apple Teacher and enjoys presenting at national conferences. She has completed graduate-level coursework in technology integration, literacy, and special education. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Bates College and was a 2002 Teach for America Corps Member.   

DR. ALAN NEWTON. ENGLISH TEACHER. WRITING CENTER DIRECTOR. COLLEGE BLOCK COORDINATOR.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATION: NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Alan Newton hails from Alabama and received degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill, University of Virginia, and University of Kansas.  At Episcopal, he has taught eighth grade World Geography and History of Religion in addition to his new roles as English teacher, Writing Center Director, and College Block Coordinator.  Dr. Newton has taught English and social studies classes and served as a college admissions consultant for more than twenty years, predominantly at college preparatory schools in the United States and South Korea.  He is also a published poet and playwright whose play, Whiteout (2001), won a national Kennedy Center award. Outside of school, he enjoys theater, world travel, and playing drums. He is married to Dr. Rebecca Kuhn.

JULIEN PREVOST. FRENCH TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN TEACHING FRENCH: UNIVERSITY OF LORRAINE

Julien Prevost has a master’s degree in teaching French from the University of Lorraine in France, and completed educational training in London with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education in French and German (Master’s degree). His studies, leisure and professional career, provided him the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures. Mr. Prevost aims to provide students with an understanding of different cultures through the teaching of world languages and believes that in an ever-growing multicultural country, being a global citizen is a crucial skill. Mr. Prevost also has a State Degree (Bachelor’s degree) in teaching cello that has provided him with different instructional techniques.

DR. BILLY PRITCHARD. HISTORY TEACHER.
PHD: SUNY-BUFFALO

Dr. Billy Pritchard is a native of Winn Parish, Louisiana. He and his wife, Lisa, came to Episcopal in 2016 after spending the previous decade in Buffalo, New York.  Dr. Pritchard is a 1999 graduate of the Louisiana School of Math, Science, and the Arts. In addition, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Centenary College of Louisiana, a master’s degree from Ole Miss and doctorate from SUNY-Buffalo. Dr. Pritchard teaches U.S. History, AP U.S. History, American Presidency and the Civil Rights Movement. ​

LISA PRITCHARD. ENGLISH TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN ENGLISH: UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO

Lisa Pritchard has been a member of the English Department at Episcopal since 2015 and attempts to foster the same love of reading and writing in her students that she gained from her own teachers. Previously, she lived and worked at her alma mater, the Buffalo Seminary, as English Department Chair and a residential house director where she had the opportunity to play house mom to interesting students from around the world.  She earned her Master of Arts degree in English at the University of Buffalo and her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French at Centenary College of Louisiana.

SARAH ROOT PULLIAM. SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATION, CONCENTRATION IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Sarah Root Pulliam, originally from Huntsville, Alabama, has been a member of the Episcopal science faculty since 2000 and the science department chair since 2008. Sarah loves to share her love of science and nature with students both in her classroom as well as through trips to Costa Rica, Chile, and local trips as the prior sponsor of the Outdoor and Environmental Club. Mrs. Pulliam helped develop and implement the ESTAAR Program. Among the courses Mrs. Pulliam has taught are biology, AP Biology, physical science, physics, marine biology, botany, tropical ecology, environmental science, and anatomy and physiology. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science in marine biology from Auburn University and her MEd. in the Holmes Program from Louisiana State University with a concentration in biological science.

JENNIFER PURNELL. SCIENCE TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION: OUR LADY OF THE LAKE COLLEGE

Jennifer Purnell joins Episcopal after ten years at Plaquemine High School.  In that time she has taught Biology, Honors Biology, Biology II, Environmental Science, Physical Science and General Chemistry.  She has also served as the head of the science department, a TAP mentor teacher, the science fair coordinator and the school wellness committee chairperson.  Before entering the classroom, Jenn was a research assistant at Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati as well as an environmental health inspector for the Brown County Health Department.  Jenn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Louisiana State University, a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from Our Lady of the Lake College, and teacher certification from the University of Cincinnati. Jenn strives to help students understand the myriad of connections between the basic sciences and health.

SERGIO RAMOS. SPANISH TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATION: COMPLUTENSE UNIVERSITY OF MADRID

Sergio Ramos was born and raised in the Canary Islands, Spain and is a native Spanish speaker. He graduated from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, with a bachelor's in English philology (this field is mainly focused on the teaching of English as a second language in Spain). He also has a master's degree in education awarded by the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. He has experience teaching in the Spanish public school system and has been teaching Spanish at Episcopal High School since 2005. He has taught almost every level in the Middle and Upper School.

DYANI ROBARGE. DESIGN STUDIO FELLOW.
MASTER'S IN ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

Dyani Robarge is Episcopal’s full-time NuVu Studio Fellow.  Before joining NuVu, Dyani worked as an architectural designer for The Neighborhood Design Center and Triad Architects in Columbus, Ohio. She has a Bachelor of Science in architecture from Ohio State University and a master’s of advanced architectural design from Carnegie Mellon University. Her areas of interest include building renovations, graphic design, model-making and data visualization. Dyani looks forward to working with students to develop creative and well-engineered studio projects.

AMY ROME. MATH TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN NATURAL SCIENCES CONCENTRATING IN MATHEMATICS: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Amy Rome began her teaching career in 1996 after earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and psychology from Winthrop University.  After teaching English for five years, Amy earned a law degree from The University of Tennessee College of Law and practiced law in the areas of commercial lending and real estate.  After four years of practicing law, Amy returned to her passion ­– teaching.  Before coming to Episcopal, Amy taught Algebra I and Geometry at Walker Freshman High School and earned a master’s degree in natural sciences with a concentration in mathematics from Louisiana State University.  Since joining the faculty at Episcopal in 2016, Amy has taught Algebra 
I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus.  Amy is the sponsor for the National Honor Society.  In her free time, Amy plays soccer and coaches her son’s middle school soccer team.

WALLY STEVENS. OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND INSIDE LINEBACKERS COACH.
BACHELOR'S: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Wally Stevens joined Episcopal in 2002.  He currently serves as the Offensive Coordinator and the Inside Linebackers Coach.  Prior to that he was the Defensive Coordinator for the Knights. A 1988 graduate of Louisiana State University, Wally has also coached basketball at Ascension Catholic High School in Donaldsonville and a number of sports at his alma mater, Woodlawn High School. Wally is also the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Episcopal and the proud father of two daughters, Shelby and Sara, who are both Episcopal graduates.

KATIE SUTCLIFFE. ENGLISH TEACHER.
MASTER'S OF FINE ARTS IN WRITING: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Katie Sutcliffe joined Episcopal in 2011 and currently directs the Thesis Program and teaches Senior English. She is also the co-creator of LAUNCH, Episcopal’s annual TEDx-style student-planned and executed showcase of ideas and projects. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in English (Writing) from DePauw University, an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and was a 2005 Teach For America corps member. She has taught English and writing courses for middle and high school students, gifted students and even adults through Osher Lifelong Learning at Pitt. She’s passionate about character education and project-based learning, as well as research and writing that have practical implications for understanding and addressing real world challenges.

JEANNETTE THOMPSON. SCIENCE TEACHER.
BACHELOR'S IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

Jeannette Thompson has been a high school math and science teacher since 2007.  Most recently she taught physics and engineering courses at Catholic High School.  Prior to that, she taught physical science, biology, chemistry, physics and pre-engineering at the Dunham School.  Before entering the classroom, Jeannette worked as an engineer in the nuclear power industry. She earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and an Environmental Certificate from the University of Alabama.  Jeannette is a native Spanish speaker. When she is not teaching, you may find her in the pool as she was the 1989 silver medalist in freestyle swimming at the South American Games in Chile.

KATE TREPAGNIER. ART TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN FINE ARTS: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Kate Trepagnier is the Upper School art teacher, bringing her love of the visual arts to both the studio and art history courses.  She joined the Episcopal faculty in 1998 and served as the Lower School art teacher for 10 years. Kate has taught for 10 years in Upper School studio art consisting of AP art and studio courses with Art history/critique emphasis.  Kate is a professional painter with gallery representation in New Orleans and Baton Rouge and has a Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University.

JENNIFER VU. SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER.
BACHELOR'S IN HISTORY: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Jennifer Vu attended Louisiana State University where she majored in history with a concentration in secondary education. She joined Episcopal in 2017 and currently teaches Upper School social studies.

EDWIN WAY. SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND EAST ASIAN STUDIES: SWARTHMORE COLLEGE

Edwin Way is an Upper School social studies teacher.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics with high honors from Swarthmore College as well as a Master of Arts in political science and East Asian studies. He grew up overseas living in Egypt, Burkina Faso and Denmark, and worked and taught for a number of years in China. Edwin has taught at both the secondary and university level, and led several groups of college students on study abroad experiences in eastern China.