News

Meet the New Faculty for the 2018-2019 School Year

Natalya Baldyga, Instructor in History & Social Science

Why did you decide to come to Andover?

I decided to come to Andover because I love teaching and I know that teaching is valued at Andover. I’m a very interdisciplinary person, a historian, and theater director, so I really wanted to be in a place where I could bring my various skills and range of experience into the classroom.”

 

Aliya Barsegov, Adjunct Instructor in Russian

Why did you decide to come to Andover?

“We decided to buy a house in Andover because it’s nice and beautiful town with a long history.  There a lot of places to go in Andover, from cozy downtown to Harold Parker [State Forest]. And, of course, a  good school system for my kids.”

 

Daniel Beilman, Adjunct Bassoon Instructor

Why did you decide to come to Andover?

“The amazing [people Andover] has had as students and has had as alumni is incredible, and to be able to have any influence on the future of a student with that high destiny is honorable.”

 

Alexandra Booth, Instructor in History & Social Science

Why did you decide to come to Andover?

I wanted to work at a school that embraces multiculturalism and values the whole child in each student. I also loved that [Andover] is a place that encourages and supports the growth of all community members.”

 

Latasha Boyd, Associate Director of College Counseling

Why did you decide to come to Andover, and what are you excited about?

I came to Andover because I wanted to be more involved in helping guide students and to be a part of their communities… I am most excited about cheering people on around campus!”

 

Tyren Bynum, Instructor in English

Why did you decide to come to Andover?

“I decided to come to Andover after spending time in the Dean’s Office at Middlesex [School]. Despite my appreciation for my Middlesex experience, I heard the call of the classroom. Because of Andover’s size and diversity, it offers a variety of opportunities for students from all over the not only the country but also the world.”

 

Daniel Crow, Instructor in Physics

Why did you decide to come to Andover?

“I was a Teaching Fellow in 2010-2011, and returning to Andover is something that I’ve kept in the back of my mind since then. I’m happy to be back, and I’m excited about exploring options with the new Interdisciplinary Department.”

 

Derek Curtis, Adjunct Instructor in Philosophy & Religious Studies

Why did you decide to come to Andover, and what are you excited about?

“I’m passionate about helping students think through their ideas, and I think the seminar-style format at Andover provides an ideal situation in which to make that happen… I’m most excited about listening to students articulate their responses to a wide range of religious and philosophical questions, helping them become more reflective learners, and working on my teaching skills.”

 

Meghan Dangremond, Associate Director of College Counseling

Why did you decide to come to Andover and what are you excited about?

I came to Andover to work with impressive students and colleagues who combine values with intellect in really powerful ways… I’m most excited about seeing the amazing array of colleges and universities where our students will enroll. And eating in [Paresky] Commons, which has been delicious so far.”

 

Christopher Gagne, Instructor in Music

What are you excited about?

“I’m looking forward to the whole experience of being at [Andover] — but if there is one specific component of my schedule that excites me the most here, it would be working with the fantastic student Jazz Ensemble!”

 

Robert Hickman, Instructor in Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science

Why did you decide to come to Andover?

“I wanted to be part of this diverse community which is so active and engaged in many different pursuits of learning. It is giving me the opportunity to pursue my interests in whole-student education and lifelong learning at the highest level.”

Younghwa Kim, Intern, Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center

Why did you decide to come to Andover and what are you excited about?

I decided to come to Andover because I want to help and support high school students to stay strong emotionally and socially… I am excited that I may journey with [Andover] students as they become wiser and more resilient.”

 

Ingrid Kupka, Instructor in Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science

What are you excited about?

“I’m really looking forward to the students, because I think they really have a reputation here. But I’m also looking forward to working with my colleagues, because I think I can learn a lot from them.”

 

Kareem Lewis, Instructor in Theatre & Dance

Why did you decide to come to Andover?

“I wanted to become a teacher so that I could encourage students to continue to work hard, even when the physical demands of dance seem impossible to master.”

 

Jermaine Matheson, Associate Director of College Counseling

Why did you decide to come to Andover?

“College counseling was always something I’ve wanted to do. To me, it’s a continuation of my role as a teacher, in terms of helpings students figure who they are and what they want. I’ve always been really interested in college counseling in terms of how the process works, what it says about our society, the opportunities, and the inequalities there.”

 

Hector Membreno-Canales, Instructor in Art

Why did you decide to come to Andover?

“Lifelong learning is definitely a philosophy of mine. Also, in the past, when I’ve gotten just a taste of teaching, it was super rewarding. Being a part of somebody else’s academic career [is great]. As a teacher, you learn a lot about other people; you learn about yourself.”

 

Bridget Tsemo, Instructor in English

What are you excited about?

“I get to teach a specialty of mine: African-American literature. I haven’t had the opportunity to do that in about five years because I was an administrator and the chair of the department [at my last school, Pomfret School]. I had other managerial responsibilities, but it was a great break because I became more skilled in uncharted territory at Pomfret. But it’s nice to return to my academic roots.”
Editor’s Note: The following new faculty did not respond to The Phillipian’s requests for interviews: Jamie Hagerman Phinney (Admission Counselor), Peter Steese (Adjunct Instructor in German), Sean McCarthy (Interim Director, PALS), Maria Martinez (Instructor in Spanish), Jordan Lee (Intern, Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center), and Anny Guerra (Instructor in Spanish).