Faculty and Staff

Andres Cevallos

Degrees: B.A, Psychology, UCONN

Biography: Andres graduated from the University of Connecticut in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Crime and Justice. During his time there, he focused on learning about human development from birth to adulthood. Before starting his time at Oxford, Andres dedicated his summers to working as a teaching assistant at the Horizons Student Enrichment Program in New Canaan, CT. From 2018 to 2025, he helped educate children in various subjects, including art, music, math, and English. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in teaching. Outside of the classroom, Andres enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and watching movies at home. He currently lives in Lind Hall on campus.

Andrew Rhoads

Degrees: B.A., Loyola University

Biography: Andrew Rhoads graduated from Loyola University Maryland in 2011 with a B.A. in Economics and Writing. He then took supplemental math courses at Mount Saint Mary’s University in anticipation of eventually attending graduate school for either Math or Economics. While at Mount Saint Mary’s he worked as a Math Mentor/Tutor for several sections of students. Andrew enjoys following the Denver Broncos. He is also working on a book in his free time. His favorite television show is Parks and Recreation. He enjoys spending time with his dog Attwater.

Anne Chatillon

Degrees: B.S. Sociology, St Lawrence University, M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy, Southern State University  

Biography: For the past 7 years, Anne has had the honor of working part-time, with some students at The Oxford Academy, and is thrilled to be transitioning to a full-time position as School Clinician.  Anne is a Connecticut Native, and grew up in Wilton, before moving to the Shoreline to raise her family. Anne and her husband now live in Killingworth, where they love to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Anne started her career working with children at Clinton Youth Service Bureau 25 years ago and has worked with adolescents and their families ever since. For the past 10 years, Anne has maintained a private practice as a licensed psychotherapist and has extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults dealing with issues such as, maladjustments to changed family dynamics (divorce, long-term illness, death), anxiety, depression, trouble transitioning to college, executive functioning challenges, bullying issues, school phobia, anger management problems, and trauma. Anne was trained systemically, and her style is strength-based and humanistic. Anne is passionate about understanding each client’s worldview and helping them discover their own unique strengths that can help them successfully manage their lives. When working with adolescents, Anne believes it is imperative that she creates a safe environment where there is the freedom to express thoughts and feelings, in order to nurture growth and resilience. Anne has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Gestalt Practice, and Family Systems Theory.

Carter Price

Degrees: B.S. Biology, York University (Nebraska), M.A. Teaching, William Jewell College 

Biography: Originally from South Dakota, Carter Price graduated in 2020 with his B.S. in Biology from York University (then known as York College). While working in a patient engagement role following graduation, he realized his passion for teaching others and decided to pursue an accelerated Master’s degree from William Jewell College. During his student-teaching experience, he helped implement new competency-based practices in the biology program. In college, Carter was involved in a number of student organizations including choir, student government, and the track team. As a York Panther, he achieved multiple academic and athletic All-American awards. Now, Carter continues playing and watching all kinds of sports. He also enjoys traveling, hiking, tinkering, and watching movies. Carter currently lives on campus with his wife, Rebekah, and their two cats.

Chris McGrath

Degrees: B.A. Mathematics, Central Connecticut State University

Biography: Chris McGrath graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 2012 with a B.A. in Mathematics. Before Oxford, he was a high school math tutor, a math teacher at a middle school in Hartford, CT, and a high school coach of both baseball and basketball. In his spare time, Chris enjoys watching the New York Yankees, Denver Broncos, and UCONN basketball. He lived on campus for about nine years and recently moved to Clinton with his wife, Allie, and son, Bennett 

Dave Forrest

Biography: Dave “Cheffie” Forrest has been the Head Chef at the Oxford Academy for over twenty years. As a graduate of Johnson and Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, Dave is highly experienced and has catered for a variety of functions including weddings, and of course Oxford’s graduation where his skill and creativity shine. Dave and his wife Gail live in Westbrook with their two children Cody and Jessica.

Ema Brauchler

Degrees: B.A. Spanish, Writing Loyola University Maryland 

Biography: Ema-Joanne Brauchler joined the Foreign Language department in August of 2022. She was born in Connecticut and grew up on the shoreline. Ema is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore where she earned her B.A. in Spanish and Writing. Prior to teaching at Oxford, Ema tutored college students in Spanish and taught part-time at Loyola. She loves to play rugby, and she is looking to start an intramural rugby club at Oxford. In her free time, she spends time with her family on the beach, reads classic literature, and rides her bike around the area.

Faith Asselin

Degrees: B.S., Bryant University

Biography: As Development Director at Oxford Academy, Faith Asselin has over twenty years of professional development experience and twelve years of teaching experience. She joined the Oxford family in 2001. Faith earned her B.S. from Bryant University in Smithfield, RI, and has taken graduate courses at UCONN. She has worked mainly in the educational arena, as a business teacher at Waterford High School and the Sawyer School, and then as Alumni and Development Director at The Williams School and as Advancement Officer at Mitchell College, both in New London. She has also been the Membership Coordinator at both Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London and the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. Faith has two grown children, Brian and Valerie, and three grandchildren, who are the light of her life and the focus of any free time.

Favorite quote: “If you are planning for a year, sow rice, If you are planning for a decade, plant trees If you are planning for a lifetime, educate a child.”  Kuan-Tze

Gabrielle Smith

Degrees: A.D, Nursing, Piedmont Virginia Community College, B.S.N, James Madison University

Biography: Gabby brings over 13 years of diverse professional experience in health and education to The Oxford Academy. Holding a degree in Science, she has distinguished herself as both a Registered Nurse and an Elementary School Teacher, roles that underscore her commitment to service, instruction, and student well-being. Gabby is deeply passionate about fostering student growth and learning, and she is excited to contribute to the mission of The Oxford Academy. She is also dedicated to expanding the school’s athletic offerings and is hoping to establish a volleyball program for students, drawing on her experience as a player throughout middle and high school and as a coach for the past several years. Originally from Western Massachusetts, Gabby has called Central Virginia home for the past fifteen years. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, baking, painting, and spending time at the beach with her family, which includes her husband, four children, three golden retrievers, and three cats.

Gregory Switaj

Degrees: B.A. History and Political Science, University of Connecticut
M.A. Secondary History Education, Quinnipiac University

Biography: Gregory was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and joined the Oxford community in 2014. He earned two degrees at the University of Connecticut in History and Political Science. While in college, Gregory joined the improv group Sacred Scriptless (then called Husky Improv), where he performed improvisational comedy for three years. After graduation, Gregory went on to earn his master’s degree in secondary history education from Quinnipiac University. Gregory taught Language Arts and Literature at St. Bernadette School for three years. He enjoys traveling, cooking, Ultimate Frisbee, indoor rock climbing, and going to the beach. Greg lives with his wife, Catherine, and twin boys Luke and Theo, who love being a part of the Oxford community.

My favorite quote: “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” John C. Maxwell

Helen Waldron

Degrees: B.A., M.Ed.

Biography: Helen is a well-respected educator and educational therapist with roughly 27 years of experience helping school-aged children become successful learners. She has an extensive background in boarding schools, admissions, curriculum development, and faculty coaching. Helen holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education and a Bachelors’s in Psychology which coincides with her longstanding passion for working with students of varying abilities and their families.

Jeff Supeau

Biography: Originally from Killingworth, CT, Jeff joins the OA community with 15 years of experience in maintenance. He recently served as a supervisor at an apartment complex in New London, CT, and worked with navy housing which had over 2000 units. Jeff is a vital member of OA’s campus enhancement initiative and the community at large. When he is not cheering on the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys, he is either playing golf, watching football, traveling, or spending time with his dogs. 

Jessica Forrest

Degrees: AGS, Middlesex College 

Biography: After college Jessica worked in the hospitality industry for eight years where she served at and managed local restaurants and inns. As an entrepreneur, she started a local charcuterie board business. Jessica is a prolific volunteer for many organizations including the St.Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen, Westbrook HS softball team, the Essex Backpack program and Bethesda Evangelical Mission work in Haiti. Jessica is a longtime member of the Oxford Community where, as a child, she often visited campus with her father, Chef Dave. As a Westbrook native well versed in the Oxford Academy community, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm for our school and the Shoreline. Jessica enjoys spending time at the beach, hiking with dogs, and making charcuterie boards.

Joseph Celentano

Biography: As an undergraduate at Elon University, Joseph extensively studied History, Italian, and English. Within the discipline, Joseph has spent time reading works from authors like Orwell and Hemingway while also short stories and novels from time periods like the U.S. Civil War and Victorian Era. Joseph was also provided the opportunity to study the Italian language as well as Mediterranean culture through Elon and intends to bring the literature into the classroom. Following his time in college, Joseph moved to Charleston, SC where he worked as a research assistant for a project about grassroots activism in South Carolina. During this time he was exposed to the works of Southern Authors like Julia Mood Peterkin. When not teaching English or Italian Joseph can be found on campus as a Lind Hall dorm parent or off-campus going on hikes with his dog, kayaking, or simply enjoying being close to the water.

Josh Guzman

Degrees: B.A. Biology, Binghamton University

Biography: Josh Guzman, born in Yonkers, NY, joined the Oxford Community in 2024. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Binghamton University, initially aiming to become a Physician Assistant. However, his journey took an unexpected turn towards education. Over the years, Josh has taught students of all ages, from infancy to high school, gaining experience in daycares, camps, after-school programs, and as a teacher in middle and high schools. Before joining Oxford, Josh was in Norwalk, CT, where he taught Italian for an entire school year. Outside of work, Josh enjoys exploring the local area, particularly the beach, and has a passion for soccer, watching scary movies, and reading, especially horror novels. He lives with his partner, Yangly, their dog, Cookie, and their cat, Luna. Eager to contribute to the Oxford community, Josh looks forward to bringing his enthusiasm to the campus and supporting the sports teams and various clubs in achieving greater success.

Quote: “Perhaps we must choose our eternity”- NeonTempo

Jude Maragliano

Degrees: B.S. Childhood Education, Plymouth State College

Biography: Jude Maragliano’s love for science and the outdoors developed from growing up close to Cockaponset State Forest in the Connecticut River Valley. He attended Plymouth State College in Plymouth, NH. During this time Jude worked at Loon Mountain Resort as a snowboard instructor. Completing his B.S. in Childhood Education at Plymouth in 2004, he moved from the White Mountains of New Hampshire to their bigger and newer cousins, the Rockies. He spent two years in Breckenridge, Colorado, living at the top of the world in Summit County (9600 feet) which fostered an appreciation for the vastness of wide open spaces and stimulated his interest in geological processes. Jude decided to move to New York City and pursue his love of teaching. He began working at the Museum of Natural History as a Moveable Museum Educator. In that capacity he drove a 37-ft. outfitted Ford Winnebago to schools throughout the five boroughs of New York City visiting over 150 schools and teaching thousands of students about Earth & Planetary sciences as well as Anthropology. Jude, his wife Elise, and their young daughter and son enjoy living along the Connecticut shoreline.

Justin Laudano

Degrees: B.S., Wittenberg University
M.S., Quinnipiac University

Biography:  Prior to joining Oxford, Justin’s passion for literature and creative writing inspired him to earn a B.S. in English from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, and a master’s degree from Quinnipiac University in education. As an undergraduate at Wittenberg, Justin participated in several theatre productions and improv comedy shows. Since college, he has worked as an outdoor educator, colonial times re-enactor, and a paraprofessional. Most recently, Justin had the opportunity to teach poetry to high school students in Kildare, Ireland during the summer of 2018. Some of Justin’s other adventurous destinations abroad include Amsterdam, Germany, Italy, France, Denmark, and Brussels. In his free time, Justin enjoys playing frisbee, golf, tearing up the dance floor, and rooting for his favorite football team – The Atlanta Falcons.

Katie Rienstra

Degrees: B.A., The College of Saint Scholastica
MSW, Boise State University

Biography: Katie earned her B.A in Social Work at The College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, MN, and her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Boise State University in Boise, ID.  For the last 15+ years, she has worked primarily with children/teens and families in various academic and mental health-related settings.  She has dedicated the last 10 years to working with students and families at a residential boarding school as a clinician and program administrator.  Katie is dedicated to the whole child perspective and assisting families in identifying the right resources to meet both academic and mental health needs.  Katie is delighted to join the close-knit Oxford community and help students find success through the love of learning and experiential activities over their summer. Katie and her husband Ryan have two boys, ages 2 and 4, and enjoy spending time helping them play and explore the world around them.

Katie Trautlein

Degrees: Colby-Sawyer College

Biography: Katie, a CT native, originally from Darien and Essex has over 20 years in office administration, the last 10 years in higher education. She comes to Oxford from Connecticut College, where she worked in Donor Relations, managed the English department, and was tasked with hiring tenure and adjunct professors as a member of the Dean of Faculty’s office.

She attended college in New Hampshire and Arundel, England, and received high honors in both programs in Culinary Arts and Travel.

She has unconditional love for all things DOG and she is thrilled to be a member of the Oxford community.

Leah Moon

Degrees: M.A. Teaching, Brown University
B.A. Philosophy, Mount Holyoke College

Biography: Prior to joining Oxford, Ms. Moon was an educational consultant and academic coach in Boston, MA. Referred to families after they received neuropsychological testing results, she worked with both students and parents. She supported students to develop learning fluency skills, primarily in areas of executive functions, language-based learning, metacognition, and self-advocacy. She assisted parents with a holistic understanding of their child’s learning profile and developed strategies for home and school use. Her experience includes the design and implementation of an arts-based homeschool curriculum, creation of reading and writing curriculum for high school and college students, and consultation about inclusive classrooms. Ms. Moon also taught test-taking strategies courses and was a classroom teacher for grades 5, 6, 7, and 10. She is thrilled by the opportunity to connect this diverse professional background in her role for the English department. Outside of Oxford, she is involved with suicide prevention and social justice advocacy. Other interests are reading fiction, painting, and creative writing; she also collects vintage typewriters. Ms. Moon lives in Essex with her spouse and their labrador retriever, Emi.

Mary Ann Clark

Degrees: M.A., Binghamton University – SUNY
Ph.D., University of Albany – SUNY

Biography: Mary Ann Clark joined the English faculty in September 2018. Originally from upstate New York, Ms. Clark graduated from LeMoyne College in Syracuse. After earning her master’s degree in philosophy and doctorate in education, she taught educational philosophy and policy at SUNY Albany, Brown University, and North Carolina Central University. She moved from college teaching to full-time parenting when her sons were born. For several years, she tutored middle and high school students and developed a keen interest in small groups and individualized teaching and learning. Her teaching at Oxford is founded in her love of literature and her belief that students learn best in environments that emphasize positive relationships, growth through the process, and meaningful, attentive experiences. Outside of teaching, her activities include spending time with her family, advocating for social equity, and exploring books and films. Ms. Clark lives in Westbrook with her husband, John McGannon, and sons Finn and Jesse.

Guiding quote: “A novel is not, after all, a historical document, but a way to travel through the human heart” Julia Alvarez

Mary Sorensen

Degrees: B.S. Mathematics, Hunter College

Biography: Mrs. Sorensen graduated from Hunter College in New York with a BS degree in Mathematics. She started her career teaching Math in the New York City school system. After taking a leave of absence to raise her 5 children, she reentered the educational field, working at the Westbrook School System, and then at St. John School in Old Saybrook. She joined the Oxford team in 2014 as a math instructor. Nothing brings her greater joy than seeing the improved confidence in her students as their math skills progress. She enjoys tennis, reading, cooking, and visiting the local beaches. Her spare time is spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Matthew LaSota

Degrees: B.A. History, St. Lawrence University
M.S. Education, University of New England

Biography: Mr. LaSota has been a part of the Oxford Academy community since September of 2000. Prior to serving as Dean of Students, Mr. LaSota chaired the History Department and filled the role of Assistant Dean of Students. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Mr. LaSota resides on campus with his wife Nicole, daughters Harper and Charlotte, and dog Monty. The bulk of his free time is spent saltwater fishing Connecticut’s shoreline as well as Florida’s Gulf Coast. Mr. LaSota is an avid follower of Buffalo sports teams.

Michael Kebede

Degrees: BA., Washington College, M.H.A., University of Maryland

Biography: Michael is glad to be back at Oxford as a residential faculty. As an alumnus who graduated in 2010, he attributes his success to Oxford Academy. “I wouldn’t have received a scholarship from my first picked college without the help of my incredible teachers here,” says Michael. He earned his B.A. at Washington College and his Master’s at the University of Maryland. Before joining Oxford, he worked abroad in Ethiopia at a private medical school as a guidance counselor and taught anthropology to first-year med and dental students. His passion involves working with students to help them achieve their academic goals. During his free time, he enjoys documentary filmmaking, traveling/exploring different cultures, and spending time with his wife, Sora. 

My motto: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Zen Cho.

Michael Lindquist

Degrees: B.A. History, University of Oregon

Biography: Michael Lindquist graduated from the University of Oregon in 2010 with a B.A. in History and a Minor in Geography. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area in CA, Michael coached high school boys basketball at Crystal Springs Uplands School as well as middle school baseball before moving to work full-time with Camp Weequahic, a traditional overnight camp. After two full years of camp, Mr. Lindquist pursued his passion of working with young adults, as well as offering his knowledge and passion for history and geography here at Oxford, joining in the Fall of 2014. His favorite course to teach is Human Geography. Michael lives on campus in Hill House with his wife Alyssa and young daughters, Riley and Taylor, and lovable Golden retriever, Sire Charles Barkley (Charlie).

Nicole Stark

Degrees: BS in Studio Art – Graphic Design from Southern. 

Biography: Nicole grew up in Westbrook, and is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, where she received her degree in studio art/graphic design. After college, she started working for her family’s business doing marketing and design work but was always interested in teaching. She started teaching art part-time at Oxford last year and is excited to be here full-time now. Nicole loves creating art, especially drawing and watercolor. She enjoys hiking with her dogs, skiing, traveling, and being outdoors.

Patty Kusmierski

Degrees: M.S. Wetland Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
B.S. Biology Major, Chemistry Minor, University of Connecticut

Biography: Early in life, Pattie’s love for both animals and nature directed her towards a biological career path. Patty started academically with an undergraduate degree in pre-medical studies at The University of Connecticut, as veterinary school was a potential option. However, one of her first jobs as a marine turtle researcher fast-tracked her into field biological work within several conservation projects for ESA-listed endangered, threatened, or wildlife species of special concern. This niche not only provided her with a sense of purpose, no matter how small (e.g. it is estimated that only 1 out of 10,000 sea turtle hatchlings will actually overcome the plethora of threats on a journey to adulthood), but also skill in data collection at remote sites, cooperative work ethic for sharing data and results with partners, and educational strategies to advocate on behalf of protected species and their associated habitats. Education continued to play a significant role in other held positions, such as her teaching assistantship during graduate studies in wetland science at The University of Massachusetts, environmental educator at a marine coastal community in Southeastern Georgia, a fish surveyor for large pelagic species off of CT and RI, and a biological technician with the local Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge here in Westbrook. Although she grew up in Essex and has been back with her family for the past 10 years, the opportunity to travel for work projects has been an invaluable learning experience of diversity in cultural values towards natural resource use and in environmental stewardship.

Words to live by: “Safety first” and “Nothing to it but to do it.”

Philip Cocchiola

Degrees: M.Ed., University of New Haven

Biography: Philip B. Cocchiola was appointed the sixth Head of School at Oxford Academy in June 2010. Born in Connecticut, Mr. Cocchiola graduated from Holy Cross High School in Waterbury. As an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut, he studied history and played varsity basketball. He went on to earn his Masters in Education from the University of New Haven. Mr. Cocchiola is not new to Oxford Academy, having joined the faculty in July of 1998. He has held many positions at the school, including social studies teacher, dormitory supervisor, Department Chair, and Dean of Students. Mr. Cocchiola is a graduate of the NAIS Institute for New Heads, a former board member of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools(CAIS) as well as a participating member of NEASC, NAIS, SBSA, TABS, IECA Foundation board member, and Westbrook Park and Recreation board member. He also serves as co-chair of the Westbrook Division of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Cocchiola resides with his wife Tracy and twin sons, Drew and Dylan at the Headmaster’s House on the school’s campus. His interests and activities center on community service, reading, and sports.

My motto: “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

Robin Sogge

Degrees: B.S., Southern CT State University

Biography: Robin previously worked at Oxford as Assistant to the Business Manager from 2004 to 2011. She has a degree in Business Administration and has been a bookkeeper and office manager for the last twenty years for various small firms along the Connecticut shoreline. She lives in Guilford with her husband Scott; they have two grown sons Ryan and Eric. In her spare time, Robin enjoys trail running, cooking, and reading.

Ross Pelletier

Samuel Halladay

Degrees: B.S. Physics, Missouri University of Science and Technology
M.S. Applied Physics, Yale University

Biography: Samuel joined Oxford Academy in March 2025 as a STEAM enrichment instructor, designing workshops and individual projects focused on programming and robotics. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he studied Physics at the Missouri University of Science and Technology before earning a Master’s in Applied Physics from Yale University. While at Yale, he conducted research in photonics and worked as a teaching assistant for physics and mathematics courses. His experiences in graduate teaching inspired him to pursue a career in education after completing his degree. Outside the lab, Samuel enjoys reading, cooking, photography, and volunteering.

Taylor Sahl

Degrees: B.A. English, Skidmore College

Biography: Mr. Sahl is a graduate of Skidmore College, where he received his degree in English. He has been at Oxford since 2010, teaching English, heading the photography club, organizing the annual Cape Cod trip, and as a new member of the communications team. He enjoys writing, traveling, SCUBA diving, photography, skiing, and fly fishing. He lived on campus for nine years in both Davis Hall and Lind Hall, but now lives in Old Lyme with his wife Sarah and his three kids: Magnolia, Rae, and Julian.

Wendy Elia

Biography: Wendy Elia graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Baccalaureate Degree in the Science of Nursing. She worked as an emergency department nurse for 23 years at Lawrence Memorial in New London and then in Outpatient and Recovery at Middlesex Health from which she retired in January.  She has been certified in both Emergency and Perianesthesia Nursing. In the early 1980’s shortly after HIV became prevalent, Wendy developed a program to teach universal precautions to children from kindergarten to 8th grade. She taught more than 3000 children per year in Southeastern Connecticut until it became mandatory that teachers include universal precautions in their curriculum. Wendy has also taught Pediatric Advanced Life Support to health professionals for 9 years. She currently resides in East Lyme with her husband and aussiedoodle, Jax.

Zachary Hayden

Degrees: B.A. English, Macalester College
M.A.T., Sacred Heart University

Biography: As a middle school and high school teacher, Mr. Hayden worked with at-risk students in Minneapolis and Washington D.C. before coming to Oxford Academy in the summer of 2003. Mr. Hayden has served as a soccer coach, Davis Hall dorm master, duty administrator, and advisor to journalism, environmental, and movie clubs during his time at Oxford. He has recently completed MIT’s “Launching Innovation in Schools” coursework and Landmark College’s certification program for specialization in executive function training. Mr. Hayden serves as the Chair of Westbrook’s Board of Education and is a long-serving member of Westbrook’s District School Climate Council. Mr. Hayden enjoys seeing the tremendous progress students make at Oxford as they excel in the classroom and engage in the community. Mr. Hayden lives in Westbrook with his wife Kate and their children Norah and Miles.

My Motto: “Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.” John Dewey