Karen Markman Newburg, Hamden Hall Class of 2003, is teaching Middle School English and is the advisor for our new Model United Nations Club. Karen earned a bachelor of arts in English and philosophy from Williams College, a master’s in health care administration from the University of New Haven, and a Juris Doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Law. Her brother, current Hamden Hall sophomore Elliot, credits himself with getting his sister the job!

David Sokoloff, formerly of Philadelphia, will teach Upper School history and coach the Hamden Hall Squash Club having played the game himself in college.  David earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the University of Rochester and a masters in Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. For the last several years, David has been teaching at the Science Leadership Academy, a magnet school in Philadelphia. Interestingly, David recently learned that a $90,000 grant for which he applied (his first grant!) for the Academy was approved. The funding will provide a maker space and youth leadership program for the school.   

 

Many in our school community are already familiar with Michael Calzolaio, Hamden Hall Class of 2009, who was a substitute teacher last year – and, according to administrators, was the “most desired substitute!”  Mike is a Villanova University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Italian studies, and will be filling in for our own grade five teacher, Emily Zeid Schimelman 2002, while she is on maternity leave. 

Matthew Harrison is our new Middle and Upper School music teacher and has already hit the ground running, having formed a new vocal club that will perform in the Greater New Haven community.  Matt graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in music education, piano concentration, and received a master’s in vocal performance from The New England Conservatory in Boston.  Matthew noted that being at Hamden Hall is like “coming home.” 

Kevin Warnock will teach Middle and Upper School history, assist in the Admissions Office and the Study Center, and coach boys’ varsity lacrosse.  Kevin comes to us from the collegiate ranks and has extensive coaching experience including his most recent position as men’s head lacrosse coach at Manhattanville College.  Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree from Springfield College in American studies and is currently working on his master’s degree at Manhattanville.  Kevin says he’s “excited to make an impact on our students.” 

Shayna Segal, daughter of art teacher extraordinaire Caryn Azoff, is our new Middle School part-time art teacher.  Shayna is a graduate of the Maine College of Art and has several years of teaching experience, including working in the Hamden Hall Summer Academy.  She’s also a newlywed, so be sure to congratulate her on her recent nuptials! 

Leah Mucciarone is teaching ninth-grade biology, anatomy, and physiology and will be coaching girls’ lacrosse.  Leah graduated from Hobart and William Smith and is also a graduate of Chase Collegiate School in Waterbury where she served as their girls’ varsity lacrosse coach last year. 

Pictured above are, from left, Karen Markman Newburg, David Sokoloff, Leah Mucciarone, Matthew Harrison, Shayna Segal, Kevin Warnock, and Michael Calzolaio.