I have taught every level of Spanish since I arrived. I was appointed as the Chair of the World Language Department upon arrival in the fall of 2000. I have served as the International Advisor, advisor to Outreach, coach of recreational sports, advisor to the riding program, member of the Service Learning Curriculum Committee, and Director of Parent Programs. I am also affectionately known as one of the Commencement Queens along with my partner in crime, Betty Siegenthaler.
I attended Lock Haven State Teacher’s College, joined the UCLA Junior Year Abroad Program in Valencia, Spain, and then received my MA from Middlebury College.
I came to Millbrook via my husband’s connection to Paul Stellato and the summer school at Hotchkiss. The year I arrived the entire language department had departed. I was given the opportunity to build a program and was given a lot of support to do so.
Millbrook is very special and unique to me because of its outstanding leadership and because of the support you receive for professional growth. The community is very special and it is very pleasant to work here. I love teaching and inspiring the minds of our young students. I also enjoy working in development and working in academics. A great blend—especially when you have talented teachers to train and inspiring colleagues in the Advancement Office.
Commencement is my favorite event to coordinate because of the Commencement Committee made up of Betty and Barbara. With the help of the entire community, this is one of the most beautiful events we have on our campus. A very proud moment for all.
I love to teach Spanish poetry and literature. The AP program allows some dabbling into the literature world, and I love to see my advanced students turned on by academic discussions based on their readings. Really, almost every day is a ‘favorite lesson’ when you are working with motivated students.
“It depends on whose ox is being gored.” I had a former administrator and friend who loved to say that. My husband, Sr. McMullan, doesn’t like when I use this expression.
I won the Jingle Bell Jaunt—5 K—for my age group (approximately 10 years ago). I also have a funny European train story that they should ask me about sometime, but only ‘en Español’.
I love teaching and inspiring the minds of our young students. I also enjoy working in development and working in academics. A great blend—especially when you have talented teachers to train and inspiring colleagues in the Advancement Office.