Matthew Biederman is a graduate of the John Carroll University master’s program for teachers, specializing in integrated social studies. He has completed some of his observations and student teaching here at HB. Matthew’s undergraduate degree in history is from Hiram College. He will be a full-time substitute for Libby Stineman while she is on maternity leave.

Rebecca Biggar knows all-girl communities well as she is a graduate of an all-girls high school, Xavier College Preparatory. Rebecca went on to Colgate University for her undergraduate, and Colorado State University for her graduate degrees. She is a licensed social worker and has extensive experience in the Denver Public School District and as a family therapist. Rebecca will be our new Upper School Counselor and Director of the Center for Leadership & Well-being.

Caitlin Cahill comes to us from Ravenna High School, where she taught math for three years. A graduate of University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Caitlin has broad experience integrating technology into her lessons, developing curriculum, and coaching, specifically volleyball and soccer. Caitlin joins our Upper School Math department and will also serve as a mentor.

Andrew Clifford, a native Clevelander, comes to us by way of Auckland, New Zealand, where he spent the last year volunteering at the Aukland Zoo. Andrew has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from Brown University, and a master’s degree in Biological Sciences, and undergraduate degree in Biology, from The Ohio State University. He taught for many years at the Commonwealth School in Boston, and also has experience teaching and researching at the collegiate level. He will be teaching Upper School Science and serving as a mentor.

Kayleigh Dalton is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked at Brooklyn Elementary School and Vincent Elementary School, teaching both the preschool and second grades. She looks forward to finishing her master’s degree at State University while being an Early Childhood teacher at HB.

Eric Dimitrov is a graduate of Exeter, Brown University, and Case Western Reserve University. He joins HB in his 24th year of teaching. He began his career at Salisbury School in Connecticut, later moving to Ohio, where he has taught in schools such as Western Reserve Academy, Hawken School, and Walsh Jesuit High School, among others. He will be teaching Upper School Science and serving as a mentor.

1 Cristina Echeverria has been teaching Spanish at both at the high school and collegiate levels for the past 8 years. A native speaker originally from Columbia, she had a career as an attorney and law professor for 18 years. We welcome Cristina, who will be teaching Upper School Spanish.

Anass El Bekkari comes to us from Cuyahoga Community College. He graduated in May with an Associate of Applied Business degree in Information Technology with concentration in Networking Software and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology with concentration in Networking Hardware. Anass also earned his Computer Maintenance Technician Certificate, his Cisco Networking Academy Certificate, Network Fundamentals Certificate, and Help Desk Technician Certificate. He has joined our Information Technology team.

Julie Black Haffke is a graduate of as well as Emory Law School, and she practiced law while living in Georgia. Since she and her family moved to Cleveland, she has worked in Admissions and Advancement at Ruffing Montessori School, and has been a parent volunteer at both HB and University School. She is the proud mom of Kate ’20, and is the new Annual Giving Coordinator.

Khaki Hermann, a graduate of HB and later NYU, has been an actor and teacher at the Great Lakes Theater Festival and with Young Audiences of . She is excited to return to HB as a part-time Drama teacher.

Elissa Hopson came to Ohio by way of where she earned her BS in Criminal Justice, and then pursued her law degree at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She most recently got her master’s at Baldwin Wallace University, and joins HB as a member of the Upper School History team. Elissa also has a daughter enrolled in HB’s Early Childhood program.

Deante Jones comes to us from The . He has his associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems and will graduate in May 2018 with his bachelor’s in Organization Supervision and a minor in Computer Forensics. He has worked as a technical support specialist for The University of Akron School of Law since 2014, and completed an internship with the Garfield Heights City School District. Deante has joined our Information Technology team.

Kayla Kelly, a recent graduate of Notre Dame College, having majored in biology and exercise science, has always loved to swim and has experience with aquatic physical therapy. She is excited to expand her knowledge of health and fitness, and inspire HB girls through swimming. She is the new Assistant Director of Aquatics.

Johnny Kimani hails from Kenya, has a broad range of experiences, and is fluent in six languages. He has experience as a physical education teacher in international schools, colleges, and public schools, and most recently has been coaching soccer at Shaker Heights High School. We welcome him to our Physical Education teaching team.

2 Melissa Nilsen comes to us from Campus International School, where she was head of the primary and middle years art program. A graduate of Kent State University and Notre Dame College, she has a range of experiences, from teaching early childhood arts at Laurel School, to leading enrichment and after-school programming at Birchwood School. Her extensive visual arts knowledge and experience in child development will make her a wonderful addition to the HB Middle School, where she will be teaching art.

Jennifer Oakley comes to us from Southampton Middle School in Virginia, where she taught pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry. A graduate of , she has distinguished herself as both a scholar and outstanding teacher. Her dedication to advancing girls in math, service learning, and middle school development will make her an integral part of our Middle School Math program.

Elizabeth Pinkerton earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri, where she majored in Child Development and Family Studies. She was a classroom teacher for 8 years, teaching preschool and then kindergarten. She comes to us from Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS), where she served in various capacities, most recently as Associate Director of Admissions for the Lower School. She has also been an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Association of Independent Schools Admission Professionals, and the National Association of Independent Schools. Elizabeth has been appointed Director of Enrollment Management.

Jasmine Rocco, originally hailing from , comes to HB with a master’s in instructional technology and two bachelor’s degrees in computer science and applied life sciences. Jasmine’s career in colleges and independent schools includes teaching Chinese and web development, among other things. She will teach Upper School Chinese and will also serve as an IT Specialist.

Meghan Slanina received her bachelor’s in History from Baldwin Wallace University, and her master’s in History and Government from Ashland University. She taught for 10 years at Holy Name High School, and coached cross-country and basketball—and is committed to interdisciplinary teaching. We welcome her to our Upper School History department.

Kristen Zajac graduated from Kent State University with a master’s in library and information sciences, specializing in children’s libraries, and from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s in communications and theater. She has experience in Montessori schools and educational service centers, helping students find a passion for learning and reading. Kristen is our new Primary School librarian.

Libia Zapata, a native Spanish speaker originally from Columbia, knows HB well as a parent of three HB students. She holds a master’s of arts in marketing from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Universidad De Los Andes. She has taught Spanish for more than a decade in schools in Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio, and we welcome her as our Primary School Spanish teacher.

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