MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY

Matt Biondi, Mathematics, History, Swimming
Those who don't have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Biondi personally probably know him by his Olympic record. A three-time Olympian ('84, '88 and '92) and twelve-time world record-holder, he holds eleven Olympic swimming medals: eight gold, two silver, and one bronze. From 1988 through 2000, Mr. Biondi addressed corporate audiences as a keynote speaker on personal excellence. Regarding mathematics, he says, "What I want is for students to develop critical thinking skills and approach problems with logic and known facts. Just as they have to know which theorem applies to a math problem, as adults they will have to learn to solve problems in their lives and will need to know what knowledge applies to the problem." He received his B.A. from UC Berkeley in 1988 and his M.A.T. from Lewis & Clark in 2000. After establishing himself as a teacher at Parker School, Mr. Biondi launched the Parker School swim team in 2004. Despite overcoming obstacles such as traveling to Honoka'a to practice, two of the three Parker School swimmers qualified for the state championships under his coaching.

Heidi Buscher, Arts
An emerging Pacific Rim artist who has exhibited her work at the Honolulu Academy of Arts and the Yerba Buena Arts Center in San Francisco, Ms. Buscher is fourth generation kama‘aina. She graduated from Hawaii Preparatory Academy in 1988 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Journalism from Beloit College in 1991, placing as a finalist in the Ruth Lily National Poetry Competition that same year. In 2002 she received a Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from San Francisco State University. Ms. Buscher has worked as an art instructor for Waimea Community Education, HPA and Hilo Community College. She says, “I believe that true learning happens when students are interested and engaged. My goal as a teacher is to inspire student enthusiasm while providing a well-managed environment for exploration and growth.”  

Gillian Gilman Culff, English, Creative Writing, Student Council Advisor, Yearbook Advisor
Ms. Culff has been a member of Parker's full-time teaching staff since 2004 and has been teaching since 1985. She earned her B.A. in liberal arts from Sarah Lawrence College, where she studied creative writing with Grace Paley and concentrated in psychology and political science. At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, she taught afterschool and summer programs and served as production coordinator for the Summer Theatre Lab, a drama program for middle school students. A writer of poetry, fiction and non-fiction, Ms. Culff publishes articles regularly in the Sarah Lawrence College publications. Some of her articles can be found at: http://www.slc.edu/magazine/mtm/archived.php .

Christina Doherty, Science, Mathematics
Ms. Doherty has taught science at the high school and community college levels for ten years. She earned a B.A. in science from California State University at Northridge and a master's degree in education from Pepperdine University. She also had teaching certifications in Colorado and California. Ms. Doherty's ability to teach has been enriched over the years by many experiences and training programs. She firmly believes that the educational family has a great responsibility to motivate and nurture children toward becoming independent thinkers who positively impact our society. Her love for teaching stems from getting to know students as individuals and helping them find and utilize their abilities and talents. Ms. Doherty also has been a high school swim coach. While attending California State University at Northridge, she was an NCAA All-American Swimmer and conference record holder in two individual events.

Yngrid Gonzalez, Spanish
Ms. Gonzalez earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in the history and culture of the United States and Latin America and minored in legal studies. She graduated cum laude with a master of science degree in education from City College of New York. For three years, Ms. Gonzalez was the third-grade bilingual lead teacher at Juan Pablo Duarte School in New York City. During this time, she also was the coordinator of a leadership empowerment achievement program, a program instructor in a metro reading program, and an instructor in an afterschool program designed to help students whose formal education had been interrupted.

Melinda (Mindy) Higgins, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics
Mrs. Higgins is a professional educator with 10 years of classroom experience. She has taught a variety of subjects and grade levels, with an emphasis on middle school science. She previously taught at Parker School from 1999-2004. Prior to moving to the Big Island, Mrs. Higgins taught general biology and life science at Ignacio Junior High School in Colorado from 1995-1999. During this time, she was also the head coach for varsity track and field, and the assistant coach for junior high volleyball. She earned a bachelor of science degree in biological science from Colorado State University, and completed the teacher licensure program at Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado. Mrs. Higgins is an avid community volunteer. She worked at the Durango Homeless Shelter from 1990-1996 and participated in Parker School's annual "Make a Difference" day from 1999-2003. She also has volunteered at Waimea Outdoor Circle and the Montessori Education Center and was a participant in 2001 at the Volunteers of Hawaii Conference. Since September 2004, Mrs. Higgins has been a volunteer library aide at Thelma Parker Memorial Public/School Library.

Laura Inaba, History, Yoga
Ms. Inaba has a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education, with an emphasis in social studies from Centenary College. After receiving her degree, Ms. Inaba worked for the following four years as a social studies teacher at Hackettstown High School. The curriculum she utilizes includes world and U.S. history, sociology and contemporary issues. Her personal interests include yoga, gardening, hiking, cooking and reading.

Patricia Kassis, Science, Mathematics
Patricia Kassis holds a master's degree in physical oceanography from MIT and a bachelor's degree in physics from Willamette University. Before joining the Parker School faculty in 2003, she taught high school science and math at public high schools in Massachusetts. She also has coached diving and gymnastics. She believes in clearly communicating high expectations to her students. She finds teaching at Parker School particularly rewarding. "The small classes and friendly, supportive atmosphere give the students the confidence and support they need to break into the uncomfortable zone of the unknown. That's a scary place if we don't have the confidence and support necessary; but without going there, we can't learn new things."

Kiyoshi Najita, English, Music
An award-winning short fiction writer and musician who has recorded hundreds of original songs and released two CDs apiece with the bands Anatomy of Hope and Big Empty Field, "Mr. Naj" received his B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College, where he was a four-year writing student. After teaching first and fifth grades at his alma mater, the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Mr. Naj joined the Parker School faculty in 1995 as the middle school English and history teacher before moving into the upper school. In 2001, he founded Parker School Recordings, which to date has recorded five CDs of original student and faculty music, including a yearbook CD. In 2003, he taught the first AP course in Parker School history and continues to teach AP English to juniors and seniors. "The main thing I teach kids is to dedicate themselves to improving the world, and they need knowledge and compassion to do that."

Ruth Sturges, History, English
Mrs. Sturges had many years' experience teaching in California and Utah before moving to Waimea with Dr. Sturges and their two children. At Parker School, she was the fifth-grade teacher and upper elementary team leader for the 2005-2006 school year, and has taught middle school math. Mrs. Sturges also has taught history and English at Hawaii Community College. She holds a master's degree in European studies from Claremont Graduate University in California and is certified at both the elementary and secondary levels in Utah, California, and Hawaii.

Ceri Whitfield, Physical Education
Ms. Whitfield is an avid marathon runner with a passion for sports and fitness. In 1998 she earned her Professional Fitness and Nutrition Certificate in Atlanta, Georgia. Before moving to the Big Island in 2007, she worked with preschool children at The Children’s Center in Los Altos, California for two years. Ms. Whitfield will be teaching all middle and upper school physical education classes in addition to coaching the cross country and track teams. She has three children currently attending Parker School.

LOWER SCHOOL FACULTY

Paige Brown, Third Grade
Ms. Brown taught third grade at Waikoloa Elementary for nine years and at Waimea Elementary for a year before that, and now she is going on her fourth year here at Parker Lower School. With a degree in psychology and her education certification from Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, she emphasizes individual excellence in an inclusive, peaceful classroom environment. She says of her classroom, "We are a school family that is connected because everyone belongs. This connection fosters meaningful academic and social learning together."

Jackie Caputo, Parker Afterschool University (PAU) Assistant Coordinator
Ms. Caputo, raised in Kona, has been a lead teacher at Ka Hale O Na Keiki Preschool in Honoka‘a since 2001. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education-Montessori from the Chaminade University of Honolulu. Ms. Caputo has a five-year-old son who attends Parker School. She enjoys art, cooking and gardening.

Jane Cariaga, Second Grade
Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Ms. Cariaga moved to Hawaii in 1992 to begin her teaching career. Prior to joining the Parker faculty, she taught at Kealakehe Intermediate School, Waikoloa Elementary School and Kamehameha Preschool. Ms. Cariaga holds a Master of Science degree in education from the State University of New York College at Genesco and a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology with elementary education certification from the State University of New York Brockport. Her philosophy is that “developing positive relationships, in a safe and caring environment, fosters meaningful learning academically, physically, and socially.”

Tanya Everts, Fourth Grade
Before moving to the Big Island, Ms. Everts and her husband Michael spent their summers subsistence fishing, hiking and camping throughout Alaska, where she lived for seven years. In that time, she taught fourth grade in Petersburg, Alaska and Kindergarten through second grade in Gustavus, Alaska. For the past three years, Ms. Everts has been coaching girls Waterpolo and serving as a dorm parent at Hawaii Preparatory Academy. She holds a Liberal Arts degree from Western Washington University and a Master of Arts degree in teaching from the University of Alaska. Ms. Everts has two sons, Forrest and Max, and she enjoys ocean swimming, water polo, gardening and reading.

Christian Ingalls, First Grade
Ms. Ingalls is passionate about education and has worked in the field for the past six years, teaching in nearly every K-4 classroom on the Big Island. Since 2002, she has been the senior education specialist at Dolphin Quest, where she developed Tots Quest, a preschool outreach and on-site program. She also has taught the fifth-grade classes that visit Dolphin Quest. Ms. Ingalls earned a bachelor of science degree in marine biology from Humboldt State University and is currently working on a graduate degree in environmental education. She is a licensed childcare provider and has taken several early childhood education courses through Hawaii Community College. Ms. Ingalls has been involved in the community by teaching at Tutu's House, coaching soccer, and participating as a member of Parker School's PTSO Executive Committee.

Doug Johnson, Music
With previous employment experience as the music resource teacher at Waikoloa Elementary School, music and substitute teacher at Waimea Middle School, elementary music teacher at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy Kona Campus, music resource teacher at the Seagull Preschool at Mauna Lani, a private music instructor and working musician, Mr. Johnson has an extensive background in the field of music. Although he can trace his family heritage in Hawaii back to the 1890’s, Mr. Johnson has lived in a variety of places including Japan, California, Alabama, South Carolina and New York. A Punahou graduate, Mr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State and an Associate of Arts degree from San Mateo Junior College. He enjoys ocean swimming, reading, travel and all styles of music. He and his wife, Joelene, have one son.

Melissa Lunchick, Spanish
With a diverse background in education spanning the last decade, Ms. Lunchick joined the Parker School faculty in 2003 to teach Spanish. She lived and traveled extensively in Latin America for many years and taught Spanish for 9 years in California, Connecticut and Hawaii. A graduate of the University of Colorado, with a degree in anthropology and a minor in Spanish, Ms. Lunchick also attended the Universidad Pontificia Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic, where her studies focused on Latin American political systems. She was an environmental educator in the United States Peace Corps for two years in Panama and has taught Spanish to children in grades ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade. "Fluency in Spanish is the primary educational goal," says Ms. Lunchick, "But I also want to convey a sense of volunteerism and appreciation of cultural diversity in my classes."

Kealoha Nearman, Office Manager, Health Aide, Parker Afterschool University (PAU)
A graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Ms. Nearman attended Kapi‘olani Community College and Hawai‘i Community College where she was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Ms. Nearman, an active participant in the community, serves as a School Community Based Management Parent Representative at Waikoloa Elementary and as the Hawaii Youth Rugby Treasurer and Team Administrator. Her other interests include reading, paddling and other water sports.

Jackie Sills, Kindergarten
Mrs. Sills is known as "Kumu Jackie" to her many students (kumu is the Hawaiian word for teacher or source). She was born on 'Oahu, has lived on the Big Island since 1984, and graduated from Parker School. She has been an "honorary" member of the Parker School 'ohana for years, frequently helping her husband, school maintenance director Eric Sills, in preserving our school's historic buildings. Jackie and Eric have four daughters. Their oldest daughter also is a Parker School graduate and two daughters currently attend the school. Kumu Jackie graduated with honors from Chaminade University with a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education and a masters degree in Education Administration from the University of Scranton. "I have a passion for teaching reading and nurturing the whole child," says Kumu Jackie. "I believe it is important to create a learning environment that allows the children to reach their fullest potential. I wish for my students to become enthusiastic learners, critical thinkers, responsible and respectful individuals." Kumu Jackie previously taught at the Kamehameha Preschool and Waimea Elementary School. She is proficient in speaking the Hawaiian language and incorporates values of Hawaiian culture into her curriculum.

Kristi Weiser, Fifth Grade
Even before moving to Hawaii, Mrs. Weiser believed in maintaining relationships of aloha with her students. "My teaching philosophy always has been to have a caring, understanding approach to each student's needs and to maintain a classroom atmosphere where everyone treats one another with respect and courtesy," she says. Mrs. Weiser taught fifth grade for 12 years at First Lutheran School in Torrance, California, before joining the Lower School faculty at Parker in 2007. Prior to that, she taught pre-school and physical education at First Lutheran and ran its summer daycare program. Mrs. Weiser, a California native, moved to the Big Island with her husband, Leon, who was born and raised in Hilo, and their two sons, Lee and Bobby. "Family is very important to us all and we love spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, or doing anything where we are playing, laughing, and enjoying one another," she says. Mrs. Weiser received her bachelor's degree in liberal studies with a concentration in speech communications from California State University, Long Beach.

ADMINISTRATION & STAFF

Carl Sturges, Headmaster, Debate Coach
Carl "Doc" Sturges joined the Parker School English and history faculty in 2001 and a year later moved into the role of headmaster. Previously, he served as upper school principal of Utah's Rowland Hall-St. Mark's School for eight years. In his eighteen years at that school, he also taught English and AP History, served as academic dean and upper school assistant principal, coached basketball, and led the school's debate team to three state championships. He started the school's outdoor and summer programs and oversaw the creation of a distinct grades six-through-eight middle school. His credentials include a B.A. from Tulane University in English and history and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate School in European history. "The role of a good teacher and a good school is twofold," says Dr. Sturges. "You have to create a hunger for knowledge, and then you have to have the ability to feed that hunger. A small school setting is particularly amenable to that process."

Alex Dizol, Maintenance, Custodian
Mr. Dizol joined the Parker School maintenance and custodial team in April 2006. He was born and raised on the Island of Kaua'i and graduated from Kapa'a High School. Mr. Dizol moved to the Big Island in 1981 and worked as the senior storekeeper in the food and beverage department at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott before coming to Parker School. Mr. Dizol is married and has three sons. He enjoys shoreline fishing, spending time at the beach, and spending time with his family. He likes working at Parker School because it is small and has a very friendly atmosphere.

Vickie Frogley, Advancement Associate
After more than 10 years as a paralegal at a high profile law firm in Orange County, California, Ms. Frogley moved to Hawaii with her husband and three children. "We wanted a slower lifestyle that we could actually enjoy," says the California native. Two of her children, sons Jake and Sean, attend Parker's Lower School. Daughter Ashley is a college student at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. "I've always loved the energy of a school environment and am excited to be a part of the Parker School 'ohana," Ms. Frogley says. Ms. Frogley enjoys hiking, traveling, shopping, hanging out with her children and meeting new people. She received her associate's degree in business, and her paralegal certificate from the University of California, Irvine.

Tom Goodspeed, Athletic Director, Mathematics
Mr. Goodspeed joined Parker School after 12 years as a science teacher, assistant choir director, girls basketball coach and award-winning head football coach at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, where he also served in numerous administrative roles, worked as Class Song Coach and played in the orchestra pit for HPA musicals. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in geology from Williams College and a Master of Science degree in earth and planetary sciences from the University of New Mexico.

Jennifer Grace, Accountant
Before moving to Hawaii in 2004, Ms. Grace successfully ran her own massage therapy practice in Woodland Park, Colorado. She has managed two businesses – her own and her husband's – for more than 10 years. "I love the people, the weather and the spirit of aloha that abounds here," she says. When not at Parker School, Ms. Grace stays busy taking care of her family, volunteering, hiking, going to the beach and having fun with her son, Kevin.

Michael Hale, Director of Technology, Chemistry
Dr. Hale received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Iowa State University and his Ph.D. in chemical physics from the University of Colorado "I'm very interested in making sure our kids get a good education and learn how to be both positive contributors to society and happy at the same time," he says. Mr. Hale served on the Parker School Board of Directors from 2004 to 2007, acting as chairman of the Education Committee. He also has substituted for teachers in chemistry, mathematics and technology. Mr. Hale's experience includes being a software development engineer and development manager (MS Works) for Microsoft and a product manager for STI Optronics (a division of Amoco) in Bellevue, Washington. He founded Visulux LLC, a scientific software development company, in 1999. Mr. Hale's interests include technology, science, music and exercise of all sorts.

Robert McKendry, Business Manager
Mr. McKendry was born in Wurzburg, Germany, and raised on a dairy farm in Tillamook, Oregon. He earned his first bachelor's degree in finance and management from the University of Oregon. His second, he received magna cum laude in accounting from Baker College. Mr. McKendry has worked in accounting since 1997 and is a CPA in the state of Hawaii. He brings a wealth of experience to his position as business manager, having worked in not-for-profit and for-profit organizations of varying sizes in Oregon, Washington, California and Michigan. Mr. McKendry moved to the Big Island in 2003 with his children, Malia and Caleb, and his wife, Fiona, who was born and raised in Waimea. His major interests are family time, reading, snorkeling, kayaking and home-improvement projects.

Lani Morris, Registrar, Receptionist
Lani, aka Ingrid, was born and raised in the small plantation town of Honomu here on the Big Island. After 20 years of living in Waimea, she still considers herself "new" to the ever-changing town. While caring for sons Jackson and Travis, she did the "behind the scenes" work for the family business, a landscape maintenance and janitorial company run by husband John. Travis, a student at Parker School, was part of the first sixth-grade class here. Ms. Morris enjoys the good energy and the small school 'Ohana feeling of Parker School.

Maren Oom, Director of Fine Arts
Ms. Oom joined the Parker School faculty in 2004 to strengthen the performing arts program through a variety of course offerings including drama, dance, vocal ensemble, music appreciation and production. She continues to expand the Fine Arts Department from K-12th grade with several new courses taught by her and other faculty members who have expertise in the arts. Ms Oom is a 1997 graduate of Emerson College in Boston, where she self-designed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre studies. She received a master's degree in multi-arts education from the Theatre and Dance Department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2001. She has taught all age groups, ranging from infants to adults, and has performed in various locations worldwide as an actress/vocalist/dancer. Her diverse background in education and the arts combine to offer Parker School students excellent opportunities to discover their unique talents on and off stage. Ms. Oom teaches her students life skills through the arts so they feel confident in their bodies, voices and mind/spirit. Ms. Oom is also a voice teacher in the community and offers private voice lessons in Waimea. "The benefit of studies in the arts is a love of learning that lasts a lifetime!"

Shellie Note-Gressard, Assistant Head, College Counselor, Technology
Ms. Note-Gressard, born in Washington and raised in upstate New York, holds bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Psychology from Washington State University. She also earned a master’s degree in Educational Technology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Well rooted into the community, Ms. Note-Gressard served as the testing coordinator and school counselor for Waimea Middle School for the past three years. She coaches AYSO soccer and serves as the organization’s regional manager in Waimea. Ms. Note-Gressard is married; both her son and daughter attend Parker School.

Heather Polhemus, Lower School Head
A fifth-generation Big Islander, Mrs. Polhemus taught at Le Jardin Academy, Holy Trinity School and other schools on Oahu for several years. In 2005, she and her husband moved to Waimea, back to her "roots." She graduated from Hawaii Preparatory Academy before receiving her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Puget Sound. Mrs. Polhemus received an elementary teaching certificate and a master's degree in elementary education from Chaminade University of Honolulu. She joined the Parker 'ohana in 2005, helping to develop the lower school by participating on the education committee and working closely with the admissions team. During the lower school's first year, Mrs. Polhemus taught the fourth grade. In 2006, she joined the administrative team as the lower school head.

Ann Renick, Director of Admissions, English, Performing Arts
Since arriving at Parker School in 2006 from Oahu, Ms. Renick has worn many hats in addition to her primary responsibility as Director of Admissions. With extensive background in theatre as performer, director and eight years as Fine Arts Department Chair at St. Francis School in Honolulu, she currently co-directs Parker’s bi-annual drama productions, and assists with coaching Parker’s acclaimed debate team. She introduced both the Poetry Out Loud and Shakespeare recitation contests to the Parker student body. On Oahu, she was very involved with performing arts organizations including the Alliance for Drama Education, Pacific School of Performing Arts, and Diamond Head Theatre, and was a board member of the Hawaii State Theatre Council (HSTC). In addition, she is a three-time recipient of the HSTC Po'okela award for theatrical excellence. Ms. Renick earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with minors in music and theater, from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.

Eric Sills, Director of Maintenance
Since coming to Parker School in 1997, Eric Sills has distinguished himself as someone who has much to teach students in everyday situations. An eight-year member of the ironworker's union, Mr. Sills says he chooses to work at Parker School because of the importance of education. "The way I was raised, most of my education was outside the classroom. We were always taught to love everyone, to help the person in need, to open your arms and your heart, and lend a hand wherever needed." This message has been imparted to Parker School students, who readily line up behind Mr. Sills, whether it is to help a faculty family move into their new home or to weed the kalo lo'i the Sills family tends on weekends. A graduate of Honoka'a High who has lived in Waimea for most of his life, Mr. Sills received his Hawaiian lifestyles certificate from Hawaii Community College. His wife, Jackie, and oldest daughter are Parker School graduates, and two of his daughters are currently students at Parker School. "Kumu Jackie" teaches kindergarten in the Parker Lower School.

Jennifer Schack, Advancement Director
Advancement Director Jennifer Schack relocated to Hawaii from Chicago in June 2009. Previously, she served as the Development Director of an Independent School for 3½ years where she created and oversaw all fundraising activities including capital, annual, and foundation giving, and established the school’s first alumni program. Ms. Schack holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from North Park University in Chicago, IL, a bachelor’s degree in finance from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI as well as graduate certificates in fundraising and organizational development.  Married to conductor Philip Simmons, she serves as Executive Director for American Music Festivals, a nonprofit organization they founded in 1997. Jennifer enjoys playing the cello, volunteer activities and exploring the natural beauty of the island of Hawaii.      

Holly Weigle, Advancement Associate, Mathematics
Ms. Holly Weigle attended the University of California, San Diego from 1997 to 2001 where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering. She worked as a development engineer for three years at REVA medical, a start up bioengineering firm in San Diego focusing on cardiac medical devices. Ms. Weigle moved to the Big Island in 2004 after coming on vacation with friends, “After visiting Waimea for the first time, I knew this is where I wanted to live. I love the feeling of community and Aloha here.” Before coming to Parker in 2008, Ms. Weigle served as the Marketing Consultant to MacArthur & Company Sotheby’s International Realty. 

2008-2009 Staff Photo