In just one week, we welcome new and returning students to campus for the start of the academic year. As our students arrive back on campus, they will be greeted by a group of outstanding educators new to the Proctor community. For the past few days, new faculty have gone through their own orientation learning about Proctor and all of the systems and structures. Please welcome these new faculty and staff members to Proctor and learn more about them below!
A group of Proctor's new faculty (L-R): Bill O'Brien, Ray Summers, Jennifer Baker, Candace Gatzoulis, Stefani Kathan, Laura Ostrowski, Erica Hample, Ben Bartoldus
Jennifer Baker | Social Science Department
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
I am most excited to get to know the community and this environment. I am also eager to learn more about the wide variety of special programs like project period and off-campus programs.
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
Ocean Classroom! I love to sail and would love spending a semester on a schooner!
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
I love to sail, ski, cook, travel and spend time outdoors!
What is your favorite movie?
That is so hard, depends on my mood! I love documentaries and funny movies like Old School and Wedding Crashers.
What is a random fun fact about you?
I have lived in every state in New England except Vermont...but there is still time!
Ben Bartoldus '10 | Social Science Department
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
The close knit community and a curriculum predicated upon experiential learning.
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
Ocean Classroom
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
Hiking
What is your favorite movie?
Good Will Hunting
What is a random fun fact about you?
I love reggae music, reading spiritual philosophy, skateboarding, and am getting into surfing. I spent this past summer volunteering at the Tshega Christian Primary School (Lighthouse Academy) in the Fobeni Village in South Africa.
Dylan Carlson | Sous Chef
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
The warm welcome I have received and the possibilities of advancing my career at Proctor.
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
Anything ski related, Ocean Classroom, or Mountain Classroom.
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
Skiing, music, and drumming.
What is your favorite movie?
Hard question, there are so many! But if I had to narrow it down, it would be between Avatar, Fight Club, and Rescuers Down Under.
What is a random fun fact about you?
I have a dog named Tess and a kitty named Bubbles! They are partners in crime most of the time!
Candace Gatzoulis | Vocal Music
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
I remember driving home after my interview and thinking how lucky I’d be to teach at Proctor. Not only was the campus beautiful, but everyone I met with was incredibly welcoming. I cannot wait to share my passion for the performing arts with this amazing community, and to help my students to unlock their potential as solo or ensemble musicians.
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
I’d definitely say Proctor’s Project Period. I love the idea of creating a shared experience with students while diving into an area that I’m passionate about.
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
Playing board games with my husband, Teri, and daughter, Kyla. We’ll always cherish the one time we beat him in Connect4!
What is your favorite movie?
I absolutely love any Jim Carrey movies from the 90s!
What is a random fun fact about you?
Many moons ago, I was a weekend On-Air talent for Rock 101.
Erica Hample | Mountain Classroom Instructor
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
I'm excited to be a part of an intentional learning community full of exciting people and events.
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
Well, my first choice would be Mountain Classroom, but since I'm already working for that program, I would probably choose European Art or Costa Rica.
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
When I'm not outside recreating, I love to spend some time drawing or painting--or combining the two!
What is your favorite movie?
Clue
What is a random fun fact about you?
I can lick my elbow!
William O'Brien | Math Department Chair
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
I am most excited that my daughter, Phoenix '23, and I can follow in the footsteps of her brother Julian King ’19.
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
Mountain Classroom
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
Cycling
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie changes from year-to-year… currently, Captain Fantastic.
What is a random fun fact about you?
I hold the world record for most blueberries harvested in a single day, sunup to sun down: 6,900 pounds.
Laura Ostrowski | Woodlands Manager & Science Faculty
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
I’m excited to explore the Proctor forest and spend time in the woods with classes and the woods team!
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
Mountain Classroom
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
I love reading and writing fiction.
What is your favorite movie?
Hard question… probably Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back.
What is a random fun fact about you?
I play several different musical instruments and I am always looking to learn new ones.
Tracey Perkins | Gifts Officer
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
I am excited to be joining a community of people who are curious, authentic, and energetic about all areas of learning and growing. My work as a Gifts Officer will give me the opportunity to learn about people who experience Proctor Academy first hand as current and past students or parents.
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
If I could choose to be part of an off-campus program, I would most certainly choose Mountain Classroom. As someone who has done multiple cross country road trips but never spent more than five consecutive days in the American West, I would be thrilled to be immersed in the historical and geographic experiences.
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
My favorite pastime is being outside with my family. Depending on the season, that looks like either skiing at Cannon Mountain (I have to admit, I am a beginner skier, but I enjoy the experience of trying to learn). In the summer months I can be found on the water of Lake Sunapee driving our old ski boat as my husband and I are teaching our 11 and 5 year old to water ski.
What is your favorite movie?
Oceans 11, 12, 13.. I think it is the combination of Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, and good ole fashion heist planning.
What is a random fun fact about you
I have spent a total of 12 weeks "road tripping" around the United States, but have never crossed the border to Canada!
Ben Rulli | Stewardship/Assistant Director of Communications, Football
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
The people. Proctor is a welcoming community and a place where the people and the relationships you build are second to none.
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
Euro… So I could hang out with Dave and Jen for ten weeks while traveling throughout Europe.
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
If it isn’t growing as a football or lacrosse coach, I’d have to say playing some video games.
What is your favorite movie?
The Sandlot
What is a random fun fact about you?
I am a military brat and was born in Madrid, Spain.
Ray Summers | Asst. Director of Admissions, Boys' Lacrosse
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
The ability to inspire questioning and facilitate the ability to learn in order to impact true generational change.
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
Mountain Classroom.
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
Debate and understanding past generations.
What is your favorite movie?
Outlaw Josie Wales.
What is a random fun fact about you?
I do not like random facts.
Connor Tedesco '14 | Alumni Relations Director
What most excites you about joining the Proctor community?
What excites me about joining the Proctor community, is coming back to a place where so many special people work, and being able to have an impact on the lives of our amazing students.
If you could take part in any of Proctor's off-campus programs, which would it be?
Proctor en Segovia
What is one of your favorite pastimes?
Golf
What is your favorite movie?
Wedding Crashers
What is a random fun fact about you?
I have a Golden Retriever named Griffin.
