Introducing Our New 2023-2024 Faculty + Staff!
LAS Journal
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Each year, we're delighted to welcome a new group of faculty and staff to add fresh and exciting perspectives to the LAS community. This year's crew comes from all around the world, bringing increased depth and diversity to our Global Family! Read more about our new hires throughout the post below.
Jenny Duffy - Performing Arts Teacher
Fondue or Raclette? Both!
Summer or Winter? Winter
Skiing or Snowboarding? Skiing
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I've lived in Italy and Japan, I learned to ski three years ago, and I love trying new and adventurous things!
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
I'm originally from the UK. In the UK, cheese rolling is an actual sport. There is an annual competition in Cooper's Hill, Gloucestershire, where they roll a 3.2 kg wheel of cheese down a steep hill and chase it.
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
I cannot wait to live in the mountains, surrounded by the gorgeous Swiss Alps. I'm also really excited to direct the school productions at LAS.
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
Misery by Stephen King
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
After a few extra days in Tokyo, I went back to the UK to visit family and friends and I watched some live theatre.
Stéphanie Yon - Modern Languages Teacher
Fondue or Raclette? Raclette!
Summer or Winter? Summer
Skiing or Snowboarding? Skiing
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I have two cats, I moved back from the US this winter after almost seven years of living there, and I worked at a summer program in Ticino.
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
I am from Bordeaux, France. Crepes aren't just for special occasions in France!
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
I'm looking forward to the international experience, the connections, and being in the mountains.
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, a book that reminds us to stay in the present moment when our thoughts start taking up too much space.
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
I worked at the Summer Program at TASIS in Lugano teaching French.
John Frederick Biddulph - Math Teacher
Fondue or Raclette? Fondue
Summer or Winter? Summer
Skiing or Snowboarding? Skiing
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I love...rugby, geeky things, and camping!
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
South Africa! We call traffic lights robots.
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
LAS: I'm excited about the different teaching styles and the diversity.
Switzerland: I'm hoping to explore and see how awesome this country is!
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
The Shack by William. P. Young and Animal Farm by George Orwell
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
Meeting friends and family and eating all the food I've come to enjoy in Taiwan.
Mickey Maure - Advancement Associate
Fondue or Raclette? Rösti
Summer or Winter? Autumn
Skiing or Snowboarding? Skiing
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I speak Spanish, English, French, Czech, and sprinkles of German and Russian.
I'm passionate about art and think that Switzerland has some of the best collections.
I went to boarding school myself—the experiences I had and the people I met there changed my life in the best of ways.
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
Colorful Mexico City, which was actually built by the Aztecs on top of a lake and sinks about 50cm per year.
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
Getting the full experience of a place and community that I have come to love through working here in the summer.
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
Who Cooked the Last Supper? by Rosalind Miles
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
I worked for Summer in Switzerland for the third time!
Brian Colbert - Science Lab Tech
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I'm a musician and keen mountain biker, and I also love history and nature!
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
I'm Irish, and Ireland is the only country to have a musical instrument as its national symbol.
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
Being surrounded by mountains and trying skiing and snowboarding for the first time.
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
I worked as a maker space teacher for the LAS Summer program!
Sophie McLeish - 7-9th Grade Coordinator & Dorm Head
Fondue or Raclette? Fondue
Summer or Winter? Summer
Skiing or Snowboarding? Skiing
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I love to hike, cycle, and camp anywhere with beautiful lakes, trees, and mountains, I'm a trained Forest School practitioner and I've lived in many different countries including Vietnam, Thailand, and France.
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
Edinburgh, traditionally known as the city built on seven hills (like Rome!), mostly formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
Meeting all of the students in Beau Réveil where I will be dorm head and planning lots of fun activities, trips, and excursions throughout the year!
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
Working at LAS Summer in Switzerland!
Adrienne Barry - Social Studies Teacher
Fondue or Raclette? BOTH! I loveeeee all things cheese
Summer or Winter? Summer
Skiing or Snowboarding? I've never really skied, so we will see how I do on the slopes.
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I love learning dances from many cultures.
I love to travel.
I enjoy cooking and taking cooking classes when I travel.
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
I am originally from Las Vegas. Believe it or not, almost 2 million people live in Las Vegas!
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
I am looking forward to being part of the close-knit community at LAS.
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
Traveling around Europe, attending a couple of music festivals, and doing a cruise around the Mediterranean.
Caroline Rockett - PowerSchool Administrator
Fondue or Raclette? Fondue
Summer or Winter? Spring
Skiing or Snowboarding? Skiing
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I grew up on an island in Scotland, I have a teenage daughter, and I love to paint.
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
I was born in the UK but have lived most of my life in Catalonia in Spain. The Catalans hit a wooden log at Christmas to try to get it to poop gifts.
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
Getting to know a whole lot of amazing people!!
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
The Art of Making Memories by Meik Wiking
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
In a 4x4 Land Rover camper traveling through Castellón in Spain.
Jen Kantor - Counselor
Fondue or Raclette? Fondue
Summer or Winter? Summer
Skiing or Snowboarding? Skiing
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I was raised by classical musicians. I've lived, worked, and/or studied in: Israel, Sri Lanka, France, England, South Africa, and Brazil. And I love to have new adventures with my family!
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
Seattle—the land of coffee and evergreen trees!
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
I'm looking forward to working collaboratively with a very supportive team in a magical place. I'm also excited to brush up on my French and skiing skills!
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
Striving to just 'be' in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with friends and family.
David Santana - IT Associate
Fondue or Raclette? Both
Summer or Winter? Both
Skiing or Snowboarding? Snowboarding
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I'm passionate about martial arts, music, and cooking.
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
I'm from Brazil, the country that introduced the world to Bossa Nova rhythm (a blend of samba rhythms with jazz).
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
I'm looking forward to the challenge of a new environment and I'm also looking forward to sampling all of the varieties of Swiss chocolate.
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr Joseph Murphy
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
Traveling and visiting family and friends!
Chadi François Nakhle - Social Studies Teacher
Fondue or Raclette? Raclette
Summer or Winter? Summer
Skiing or Snowboarding? Sledging!
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I majored in Business Economics, I started teaching in 2006, and I am passionate about Astronomy.
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
I am from Lebanon, a tiny country in the Middle East with 18 officially recognized religious communities which makes the culture very rich and diverse. Lebanon is known for its rich cuisine. Hummus, among others, is a must-try!
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
I look forward to meeting the diverse student body and learning about new cultures.
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
I went with my family to Santorini and Naxos in Greece and then to Lebanon to see our parents.
Chris Vasquez - Performing Arts Teacher
Fondue or Raclette? Raclette
Summer or Winter? Fall
Skiing or Snowboarding? I've never been skiing or snowboarding!
What are three fun facts about yourself?
I'm the youngest of five siblings, I love rock climbing and disc golf, and I have never been skiing or snowboarding.
Where are you from (whatever that means to you!), and what’s one fun fact about your culture?
Missouri is where I was born and raised. Despite being in mid-America, Missouri has lots of beautiful outdoors areas to explore and interact with.
What are you most looking forward to about working at LAS and in Switzerland?
I have been fortunate enough to work at LAS with the summer program—I am excited to work with the amazing faculty/staff and return to see all the beauty of the Magic Mountain year round.
What book should everyone read in their lifetime?
Ultra Marathon Man by Dean Karnazes
How did you spend your summer before arriving at LAS?
Revisiting my favorite local spots and visiting with friends/family.
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