Oliverian School

Bessa Axelrod, Art Program Director, was born and raised in Southern California. Freely admitting to a severe case of “wanderlust,” she has traveled widely throughout the United States.  ”My mother once complained that my frequent changes of address took up most of her address book, ranging far outside the pages allowed for A and B!”  Her wanderings ultimately brought her to New England where she finally settled down in 1990.

Bessa earned her BS in Art Education from Plymouth State University and brings to Oliverian a passionate commitment to the Arts.  Her broad expertise empowers our students to explore a wide variety of art methods and materials including drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, art history, and culture. Bessa’s foremost goal is “to create a supportive environment for artistic growth, self-expression, and risk taking, and to help students develop an exceptional and individualized portfolio of artwork.”

Email: baxelrod@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7041

Adam Bartkoski, Executive Chef, has worked in alternative, experiential and at-risk programs for adolescents for over fifteen years. At Oliverian, Adam’s talents as an educator merge with his expertise in fine dining and passion for working with organic and locally grown ingredients.

Adam’s previous culinary experiences include sous-chef positions at Coyote Rose in North Conway, New Hampshire, and most recently at the Inn at Thorn Hill in Jackson, New Hampshire.  Adam’s love of cooking, and his focus on nutrition and sustainability are an invaluable part of our community.

Email: abartkoski@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7049

Art Bedard, Maintenance, was born and raised in Rochester, New Hampshire and went to Castle College to earn his degree in Business Administration.  Having started work as a Correction Officer at the Valley Street Jail, Art quickly rose through the ranks and became Chief of Security.  Art now manages maintenance at The Oliverian School and enjoys the life lessons Oliverian students present to him every day.

Email: abedard@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100

Stephanie Claverie, Counselor, was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and comes to our alternative boarding school by way of Baltimore, Maryland. Stephanie is considered the “roaming gnome” of her family, having traveled all over the world.  She has visited Machu Picchu, slept in the ice hotel in Finland, and fished for piranha in the Amazon.  Northern New Hampshire seems just as exotic to this true Southerner, but she enjoys the change in pace and scenery! Joining her at Oliverian is her Great Dane, JoJo.

After receiving her BA in History from Tulane University, Stephanie worked for two non-profits in New Orleans. When Hurricane Katrina hit, she moved up to Baltimore and worked as dormitory parent at a boarding school for three years. During this time, Stephanie completed her Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Loyola University, Maryland and fulfilled the requirements to become a National Certified Counselor.  Stephanie’s counseling experience includes individual and group counseling, crisis counseling, peer mediation, and grief counseling.

Email: sclaverie@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7040

Robyn Davis, Dorm Parent and Adventure Teacher, grew up in Southern Vermont and attended Saint Michael’s College, where she studied Elementary Education and Psychology.  After college, Robyn moved to Winter Park, Colorado where she worked at Snow Mountain Ranch, the YMCA of the Rockies, for three years.  During the past five summers, Robyn has worked with summer camps leading backpacking trips throughout the White Mountains and Rocky Mountains.  When Robyn began working with teens she quickly discovered her passion to help guide them toward a more positive lifestyle.  Robyn is passionate about working with youth and allowing them to be themselves along their road to self-discovery. She loves nature and getting outside every chance she gets, even in the rain. Robyn enjoys hiking, running, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.  She thinks The Oliverian School is the perfect place for her to embrace her passion for the outdoors and pass it on to anyone who welcomes it.

Email: rdavis@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100

John Doyle, Stewardship Teacher, grew up just north of Hanover, New Hampshire, on his family’s farm. Using only a horse-drawn plow, John made maple syrup, cut wood for heating the family home, hayed, raised livestock, hunted and trapped, and grew and sold vegetables. After graduating from Hanover High School, John attended Bridgeton Academy and later Hawthorn College, where he received his BA in History. After college, John spent thirteen years working in hotel and restaurant management at the Hanover Inn, six years building custom houses, and the past twelve years teaching building trades, agriculture, forestry, and wildlife science to 7th-12th graders. John has been a Coverts Cooperator for the state of New Hampshire since 1996, and is passionate about teaching students about wildlife conservation, forestry management, and beef cattle.

Email: jdoyle@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7012

Julie Gaffey, Admissions and Advancement Coordinator, graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BA in English, and moved to San Francisco to ride the “dot.com wave,” working as Marketing Coordinator for an Internet start-up.  While she thrived in the fast-paced Internet environment, Julie heard her true calling and returned to Georgia to work with struggling youth in the alligator-infested swamps.  She remained in Georgia for over five years, working as counselor, teacher, and training director at a wilderness program for troubled teens.

After leaving the Deep South, Julie followed the northern path to be closer to family and discovered The Oliverian School tucked away in the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire. Oliverian’s mission deeply resonated with Julie, and she has been thrilled to fuse her marketing skills with her passion for working with struggling youth since her arrival here in 2007.

Julie has settled in the woods of New Hampshire with her husband, Brian, and their four young children. Julie greatly appreciates the landscape surrounding Oliverian as it provides the perfect environment for hiking, kayaking, canoeing, exploring rivers, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and hunting for wildlife with her trusty camera!

Email: jgaffey@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7104

Josh Holt is the Academic Dean and Humanities/Film-making Teacher.   He came to The Oliverian School in February 2011 with twelve years of experience in education in the nonprofit sector in Texas, New Orleans, and New York City. Josh graduated with a BA in History and Religion from Hendrix College in 1996.  During college, he also studied at Oxford University in England and led a work trip to Kenya. Josh received his Master’s Degree in teaching Social Studies from Columbia University’s Teachers College in 1998 and a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies from Southern Methodist University in 2004.  He has also earned 79 credits towards his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction at The University of New Orleans and plans to complete his doctorate in the near future.

Josh has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa, North America, and Latin America, journeys which he hopes and aspires to continue.  In his free time, Josh enjoys traveling, writing, reading, film-making, and venturing out into the abundance of the natural world that New Hampshire has to offer.

Email: jholt@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7003

Abby Hood, College and Transitions Counselor, graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a BS in Biology in 1999, after which she served as College Laboratory Instructor, Sea Turtle Research Technician, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Advisor and Work Crew Leader at a therapeutic work community located on an organic farm.  Abby then returned to school and received her MS in Ecological Planning from the University of Vermont. From geology to botany, soil science to ecology, and eventually honing in on the ecological effects of agriculture, Abby’s graduate work consisted of a broad, multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the natural systems of New England.

It was during the summers, rather than the school year, though, that Abby first identified her passion for teaching science to high school students.  During one intensive week each summer, Abby taught field science to bright and motivated high-school students at the Governor’s Institute of Vermont, Science and Technology program.  She loved it, and the next thing she knew, she was applying for full-time teaching jobs. Since arriving at Oliverian, Abby has been thrilled to share her love of science and nature with her students.  The Oliverian campus provides amazing opportunities for exploration, inquiry, and adventure, and the students are interesting and spirited individuals who inspire her to keep learning and growing.  In her free time, Abby enjoys hiking, running, skiing, canoeing, playing with her dogs, and spending quality time with her husband and new baby.

Email: ahood@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7010

Jillian Hoyt, Spanish Teacher, earned her BA in Spanish and Economics from Bowdoin College, then graduated from the University of Southern Maine’s Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP).  As an undergraduate, Jillian also studied and lived with a family in Barcelona, Spain.  She brings to Oliverian a great passion for learning languages and community service.

When she is not teaching, Jillian enjoys hiking, camping, writing, and traveling. A Maine native, she is no stranger to the outdoors and is excited to be working and living in the White Mountains.

Email: jhoyt@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100

Kate Johansen, Dean of Students, was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and has an eclectic educational and vocational background which includes a BA in History, MA in Psychology and Religion, and a Post-Masters Certificate in Counseling.  She has worked with adolescents for over a decade in classrooms, camps, and treatment facilities and was drawn to Oliverian because it allows her to combine her unique blend of skills and education in new and exciting ways.  Throughout her childhood, Kate’s father always told her, “Do what you love and the rest will follow.” She loves working with teenagers, organizing schedules, and being outside; it took awhile, but she finally found a position that allows her to do all those things.  It turns out her dad was right!

An avid Red Sox fan, Kate is excited to be 3,000 miles closer to Fenway Park.  She also enjoys hiking, camping, and playing Scrabble.  She makes the world’s best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and is trying, with little success, to master the perfect pie crust.

Email: kjohansen@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7007

Kara Kliesing, Humanities Teacher, graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in English and American Studies.  She is excited to bring her interdisciplinary studies background to the Humanities Department.

Kara’s particular interest in American literature and regional cultures has led her to live, study, and work in the West, Southwest, South, New England, and England. She hopes to instill in students an appreciation for personal and national identities and an understanding of how individuals express those identities through writing.

In her free time, Kara enjoys hiking, baking, and porch-sitting, and has the Oliverian community to thank for introducing her to her newest hobby, rock climbing.  Kara has additionally served as a volunteer assistant mammal keeper at the Jacksonville Zoo and spent time with various organizations promoting wildlife well-being and land preservation in the West. While she misses seeing the dolphins near her Floridian home, Kara is grateful for New England’s lack of alligators, as it makes lake swimming much less terrifying.

Email: kkliesing@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100

William Kramer, Director of Residential Life, graduated from Hastings College, with a BA in Psychology and Theology. He obtained employment in the non-profit sector while recently pursuing and completing his Masters in Business/ Organizational Psychology and Development. Many of the non-profits that Wil worked for were directly related to the aid of children in need. After spending time in Romania, working and living in an orphanage for developmentally disabled children, Wil returned to his home in Nebraska to work as a behavioral specialist for adults with developmental disabilities with Mosaic, and eventually as a Forensic Interviewer for a Child Advocacy organization.

Having witnessed the amazing impact Oliverian had on his younger cousin, Alex Townsend ’08, Wil became intrigued by Oliverian and its mission. That, combined with his passion for helping children, led him to his current position on Oliverian’s residential team. Wil believes strongly in the direction, goals, and ideals that Oliverian instills in young people. Wil stated, “I enjoy working here and am as happy as I have been in a long time. Learning and growing together as a community with great kids and a wonderful staff… What more could a person want?

Email: wkramer@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100

Abby Lavigne, Counselor, is returning to her home state and joining Oliverian after living, learning and adventuring in the southwest. She holds an MSW from New Mexico Highlands University, as well as an MBA. In addition to her experience working in school settings, she has spent many summers counseling at-risk youth in a variety of both day and residential camps. As an alumnus of a New England boarding school herself, Abby is passionate about empowering young adults and supporting them in their educational journey. She is excited that her gypsy wind has blown her back east to be a member of such a diverse and dynamic staff. Abby enjoys road trips, playing softball, baking and perusing antiques.

Email: alavigne@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7028

Maurice Liddy, Learning Specialist and Director of Advising, came to Oliverian from Ireland via Arizona and Colorado. He has a Mechatronic Engineering Degree from Dublin City University and four years professional experience as a Mechanical and Electronic Engineer.  After deciding that his true passion lies in education, however, he earned his Master’s Degree in Special Education and obtained employment as a special educator in an inner city public high school in Denver, Colorado.  From there, Maurice came to Oliverian, where he initially taught math and science.  As Learning Specialist, Maurice’s primary focus is to provide students the support and resources needed to overcome learning challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Parents should feel free to contact him any time with specific concerns regarding their child.  Maurice’s interests include rock climbing, (the real) football, mountain and road biking, and playing music.  He is passionate about music, particularly bluegrass and Irish traditional music.

Maurice is thoroughly delighted to have the opportunity to be at The Oliverian School and to work with truly amazing staff and students.

Email: mliddy@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100

Barclay Mackinnon, Jr., Director of Admissions/Head Emeritus, has dedicated over nine years of his twenty-nine year career in the field of education to The Oliverian School.  Along with his role as Founding Head, Head Emeritus and Director of Admissions, he has served Oliverian as a teacher, advisor, counselor and coach.  He describes the feeling he had when he began his first teaching job at Brunswick School in Greenwich, Connecticut, as a strong sense that he was “going home.”  Barclay states that since entering the field of education, “it’s as though I’ve never had a bad day.”

Barclay received his BA from The City University of New York and his Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, California. He’s proud to say that his work at Oliverian has been the most richly rewarding professional experience of his career. “The Oliverian School ethos supports students who may be struggling to find their way, while giving them an opportunity to redefine who they are in a setting that will nourish and inspire them,” says Barclay.  Barclay lives in Norwich, Vermont, and is the proud father of sons Ian, Max and Ben, and stepchildren, Danny and Jenna.

Email: bmackinnon@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100, ext. 7103

Melissa McDonnell, Admissions and Learning Specialist, joined the Oliverian community in the summer of 2011.  She grew up in Massachusetts, then studied Communications, Journalism, and Law at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Upon graduation, Melissa moved way, way South where she began working in alternative education settings. First, she taught at an environmental center in Alabama, and then worked as a teacher, behavior modification specialist, and program director at a residential program for adjudicated youth in South Carolina. While working in South Carolina, Melissa attended Columbia College and earned a Master’s of Education in Divergent Learning.

Melissa enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and the outdoors. She loves taking the Oliverian students on trips- either around New Hampshire or around the country- and likes to see the students challenge and surprise themselves with their own accomplishments.

Email: melissa.mcdonnell@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7102

Matt Melkonian, Dorm Parent and Director of Programming, was born in Long Beach, Ca, but considers himself to be a New Hampshire native. He grew up in Hopkinton and graduated from The Derryfield School in Manchester, NH, where Randy Richardson served as Head of School. Following his high school graduation, Matt went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and a Bachelor of Science degree in professional sports and events management from Johnson and Wales University in Denver.

Matt has broad range of experience with youth in outdoor and adventure settings, including jobs as a camp counselor and waterfront instructor at a YMCA Camp in Coniston, NH, as a ski instructor at Jackson Hole, Wyoming Kids Ranch, and as a wilderness field instructor for SUWS in Idaho. Matt interned at the Kroenke Sports Enterprises in Denver, and did marketing work at the Alliance of Action Sports in Chicago. He is very excited to return to New Hampshire, and especially thrilled to be at Oliverian. He is committed to finding mutual areas of interest that will guide and shape a meaningful high school experience for all students.

Email: mmelkonian@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100 ext. 7015

Jesse Mohr, Director of Stewardship, grew up on his family’s farm in upstate New York, spending his time exploring the woods, fields, and streams, but also eagerly awaiting the chance to escape farm life.  “That’s the thing about growing up on a farm,” says Jesse, ”weekend mornings are spent fixing fences rather than watching cartoons.” It wasn’t until Jesse moved off the farm that he realized what farm life really meant to him.

Jesse received his BS in Forest Ecology from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Visiting and working in the towering old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest, he began to see and understand the interconnectedness of these primeval ecosystems: how the trees, soils, and wildlife are all dependent upon each other. Moving on to study sustainable forestry, Jesse began to see how he and his choices about paper, lumber, and even food could disrupt a healthy ecosystem. Pulling at this thread, he found the inspiration to continue asking hard questions, to keep moving forward with his career and learning, and to make his way back to the farm and garden.

After receiving his Masters Degree and teaching at the University of Vermont, Jesse began a fulfilling teaching life at Oliverian, along with private consulting work in the fields of ecology, conservation, and natural resources. As Director of Stewardship, he has the privilege to oversee and teach about management of the School’s forest, farm, and wildlife preserve, while empowering students to find that thread that inspires them to continue asking the hard questions about how their lives affect the environment around them.

Email: jmohr@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100

Kimberly Moran, Office Manager and Registrar, spent most of her youth traveling throughout the Eastern United States as a ‘Navy brat.’ She received her BS in Business Management through Granite State College after settling in the New England area. Along with handling day-to-day front office activities, Kimberly works directly the Dean of Academics and the College Counseling Office to provide supporting documentation for Oliverian students’ college applications. Kimberly also works as respite dorm parent and is known around her dorm as the “home away from home mom.”

When she’s not at work, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family. During the late spring, summer, and early fall months you’re apt to see her out on her motorcycle enjoying “the alone with only my thoughts time.” Kimberly is an avid songwriter and the lead vocalist in her band. “Songs should tell a story…stories of tragedy, triumph, love, and devotion. My songs do just that…they tell the story of my life and the people around me.”

Email: kmoran@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100, ext. 7001

Rudy Nunez, Math Teacher, was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.  He received his BS in Applied Physics and his Master’s Degree in Math Education from the California Institute of Technology.  Rudy joined the military reserves, and after college he moved to New York City where he taught Math in the Bronx for three years before finding his way to The Oliverian School.  Some of Rudy’s hobbies include tinkering with electronics and video games and taking in the natural scenery in New Hampshire.

Email: rnunez@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100

Chris Ouellette, Dorm Parent,  joined the Oliverian community this fall as a Smith dorm parent, math teacher, and learning specialist. Chris has been working in the field of education for 10 years. He has a degree in Psychology from Western New England College in Springfield, MA, and spent time studying at the University of Limerick in Ireland.

Chris is passionate about nature and the outdoors, and is joined in Smith by 14 geckos, 6 snakes, a tarantula, and a scorpion. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, disc golf, and outdoor sports. Chris is very outgoing and energetic, and is looking forward to sharing his time and energy with the Oliverian students!

Email: couellette@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100

Jennifer Pytleski, Dorm Parent and Theater and Performance Studies Teacher, joined the Oliverian community in the summer of 2012. She has a BFA in Performance Studies from Drake University and a MA in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities from New York University. She has lived in Northern Italy, working as a free-lance Teaching Artist with a children’s traveling theatre company, and has worked in the in schools throughout the United States, teaching classroom teachers how to use theatre tools to engage students in all academic subjects.

Jennifer has created a summer camp called “The Acting Bug!”, produced a Women on the Fringe festival, was the assistant director of “Class Project,” an interview theatre piece, and has presented at Educational Theatre conferences. Through her work for the National Theatre Institute and Masters program at New York University, she has been able to travel to Russia, England, Mali, Ireland and Brazil, working with cultural and community arts based projects. These experiences have fueled her desire for educational collaborative work which connects classrooms and community organizations all around the world. The Oliverian School students have inspired her work and she is looking forward to cultivating the Performing Arts program and seeing what these talented students create.

Email: jpytleski@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100

Randy Richardson, Headmaster, brings twenty-five years of experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator of independent schools to The Oliverian School.   Randy graduated from Roxbury Latin School and then earned his BA at Hamilton College.  He went on to earn his MALS Degree from Wesleyan University.  In addition to running a boarding program at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he served as Head of School of The Derryfield School in Manchester, New Hampshire.  Randy loves politics and history, and has taught a range of history and social studies courses from geography to U.S. History, including electives in U.S. foreign policy and revolution. In addition, he has coached lacrosse, soccer, and ice hockey at many levels.  He spent two years working as an educational consultant for Breakthrough Collaborative, a national students-teaching-students program dedicated to educational equity and teacher training.

Randy is proud of his family, including his wife, Susi, son, Josh, daughter, Liza, and their dog, Sabrina. He feels an even deeper connection to the Oliverian mission, students and families because Liza credits an alternative school similar to Oliverian as a key to her current well-being and success. Randy likes to be outdoors whenever possible, and especially enjoys hiking, running, biking, kayaking, rollerblading, snowshoeing, and ultimate frisbee. When he is indoors, Randy reads as much history and news as possible, and has been known to watch too many international soccer games.

Email: rrichardson@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100, ext. 7009

Julie Sanderson, Dorm Parent and Adventure Teacher, grew up in New England and from a very early age enjoyed the outdoors. It was during a National Outdoor Leadership School semester in college that she realized she could turn her love for outdoor adventure into a career.  She received her BA in Outdoor Education and Leadership from Sterling College in Vermont.

After graduation, Julie moved out West and worked as a wilderness therapy field instructor. She has also spent time teaching skiing and snowboarding in Oregon and working as a hiking guide in Yosemite National Park.

Julie was inspired to return to New England to join the Oliverian faculty because of Oliverian’s unique mission.  She is excited to work with our students in an academic atmosphere that also fosters growth within the context of outdoor adventure.  Julie is especially excited to experience the fall foliage once again!

Email: jsanderson@oliverianschool.org
Phone: 603-989-5100