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Faculty and Staff Directory

Department

Grade

Last Name

Mrs. Melissa Thomas Allan

Upper School English, Department Chair

2021

214-365-6637

Ohio State University - M.A.
Northwestern University - B.A.
Mrs. Aspen Arnold

College Counseling Associate

2023

214-360-6342
Ms. Aisha Ashraf

Upper School History Teacher

2022

214-360-6357

Bio

How project-based learning impacts students’ engagement, acquisition, and application of AP course content and skills
Dr. Stephen Balog Jr.

Upper School Science

2021

214-360-6437

University of Texas at Dallas - Ph.D.
University of Texas at Dallas - M.S.
University of Texas at El Paso - B.S.
Ms. Katie Barnes RN

Nurse, Health Services

2007

214-360-6566

Texas Women's University - B.S.
Mr. Lucio Benedetto

History - Upper School

2008

214-360-6448

University of Texas at Austin - B.A.
University of Maryland - M.A.
Ms. Catherine Berryman

French - Upper School

2005

214-360-6415

University of North Texas - B.S.
University of North Texas - M.A.
Mrs. Sarah Startz Blanton

Upper School English Teacher

2022

214-360-6359

Texas A&M University
University of North Texas - BA
University of Texas at Tyler - MA
Mrs. Karla Bosco

Mathematics - Upper School

2024

214-360-6355
Ms. Ciara Elle Bryant

Photography - Upper School

2021

214-360-6398

University of Texas at Dallas - B.A.
Southern Methodist University - M.F.A.
Mrs. April Burns

Spanish - Upper School

2023

214-360-6374
Mrs. Shelley Cave

Director of The Dr. William B. Dean Academic Learning Support Program

2014

214-360-6312

Western Washington University - B.A.
Lesley University - M.Ed.
Ms. Caroline Chavos

2025
Mrs. Chérine Chlone

French - Middle and Upper School

2017

214-360-6371

Université Saint-Joseph - B.A.
Université de Franche-Comté - M.A.
Dr. Claire Cothren

English; Writing Center - Upper School

2021

214-360-6408

Texas A&M University - Ph.D., B.A.
University of Oklahoma - M.A.
Ms. Jessie Crowley

Science - Upper School

2021

214-360-6391

University of Illinois - B.S.
Ms. Madissen Davis

Head Athletic Trainer

2023

214-365-6663
Ms. Laura Day

Director of Innovation and Collaboration

2011

214-360-6555

Regis University - B.A.
Simmons College - M.A.T.
Mrs. Adaku Achilefu Ebeniro

Admission Division Director - Upper School

2005

214-360-6525

Texas A&M University, College Station - M.S.
Texas A & M University, College Station - B.A.
Mrs. Jessica Werner Epperson '96

Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives

2020

214-360-6579

Stanford University - BA
The University of Texas School of Law - J.D.
Ms. Maria Esway

Coach

2020

214-363-6311
Mrs. Alexandra Karigan Farrior

Dance - Middle and Upper School

2021

214-365-6608

Southern Methodist University - B.F.A
Texas Christian University - M.F.A
Mrs. Brandi Finazzo

The Lyda Hill ’60 Distinguished Teacher, Science Teacher - Upper School

2006

214-360-6387

Texas A&M University, College Station - B.S.
Dr. Barbara Fishel

Dean of Studies; Science - Upper School

1998

214-360-6388

Michigan State University - B.S.
The Johns Hopkins University - PhD.
Ms. Erin Fleming Kotze

2024
Ms. Paige Furr

Upper School Ceramics and Sculpture Teacher

2021

214-365-6602
Ms. Katharine Gavitt

Latin and English - Middle School

2022

214-360-6356
Mr. Benjamin Gerdts

Upper School English

2021

214-360-6411

University of Delaware - B.A.
University of South Florida - M.A.
Ms. Katelin Gildersleeve

2025
Mr. Christoper Gilliland

Mathematics - Upper School

2024
Mrs. Jackie H. Girard

Mathematics - Upper School

1981

214-360-6382

Miami of Ohio University - B.S.
Ms. Michelle Goldsmith

Head of Lower School

2015

214-360-6451

Texas Christian University - B.S.
University of North Texas - M.Ed.
Dr. Jason Goldstein

English - Upper School

2018

214-360-6364

Brown University - B.A.
The University of Texas at Austin - M.A.
The University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D.
Ms. Mary Gum

2025

Amherst College
Mr. Joan Guzman

Chief Operations Officer

2019

214-360-6323

Purdue University

Bio

Joan Guzman joins Hockaday's Leadership Team as Chief Operations Officer after serving as the Director of Operations at the Latin School of Chicago. In this newly-created role, Joan will ensure daily oversight and strategic direction for all aspects of Hockaday’s administrative operations, and he will manage Facilities and Housekeeping, Dining, Health Center, Safety and Security, and Student Activities and Events. At Latin, Joan was responsible for the design, development, and execution of facilities projects and acquisitions; developed and implemented crisis and risk management procedures; served as the liaison between school and city of Chicago officials; implemented standard operating procedures across departments to optimize technical and operational support for the school; and served as Latin’s Systems Administrator, overseeing data and network management, infrastructure upgrades, and support. Joan’s background also includes management roles in the restaurant industry in which he oversaw a large and complex restaurant and entertainment group, led marketing and fundraising efforts, and worked with special events. Please welcome Joan and his wife, Allison, to the Hockaday community.
Ms. De'Shayla Harris

2024
Mr. Jeremy Hays

2023

214-365-6603
Ms. Claudia Hernandez

US Administrative Asst. and Attendance Coordinator

2024

214-360-6352
Mrs. Erika Herridge

Director - Health Services; Nurse

2011

214-360-6567

Texas Woman's University - B.S.N.
Ms. Kathryn Hodgkinson

History Department Chair - Upper School

2003

214-360-6358

University of Texas at Arlington - B.A.
University of Texas at Arlington - M.A.
Mrs. Sally Darden Hudspeth

Associate Director of Communications

2017

214-360-6341

University of Texas at Austin - B.A.
American Graduate School of International Management - M.I.M.
Dr. Jeffrey Hulbert

Upper School Mathematics

2021

214-365-6332

Clemson University - B.S.
University of Virginia - M.A.; Ph.D.
Mrs. Natalia Ismail

Mathematics - Upper School

2017

214-360-6383

University of Richmond - B.A.
University of Houston - M.Ed.
Ms. Melanie Jenkins

Upper School - Physical Education

2024

214-365-6661
Dr. Nelly Kaakaty

Upper School Learning Specialist

2023

214-360-6592
Mr. Robert Kallos

Technical Director & Auditorium Manager

2008

214-365-6623

University of Wisconsin at Madison - B.A.
Southern Oregon University - M.A.
Ms. Ellen Kaney-Francis, LCSW-S

Upper School Counselor

2022

214-360-6399
Mrs. Jill Koski

Assistant to Assistant Head of School

2019

214-360-6348

University of Minnesota, Duluth

Bio

In 2019, Jill Koski joined Hockaday as the Assistant to the Assistant Head of School and Provost. Most recently Jill was the Executive Assistant and Office Manager with sales responsibilities for the Claes & Greenoe Marketing Group, where she supported the two founding principals. She assisted with sales training, served as the liaison for the sales team with factories, distributors and key customers, coordinated local and national trade shows, prepared presentations for company-wide meetings and trainings, managed key customer accounts, and provided regular analytical reports to assess company progress. She also managed all custom projects for the Homer Laughlin China Co. for the Texas and Oklahoma territory. Jill studied biology and chemistry at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Ms. Samantha Krasne

Upper School Spanish

2021

214-365-6370

Syracuse University - B.A.
Middlebury College - M.A.
Mrs. Katy Lake

Registrar - Upper School

2012

214-365-6671

Whitman College - B.A.
Emporia State University - M.L.S.
Ms. Magda Lavault

Spanish - Upper School

2018

214-360-6419

Universidad Libre de Colombia - B.A.
Universite Paris Ouest Nanterre La Defense - M.A.
Dr. Laura Leathers

Eugene McDermott Head of School

2020

214-360-6500

University of Vermont - Ph.D.
Lafayette College - B.A.
Ms. Katie Leto

Chief Financial Officer

2020

214-360-6506

Oklahoma State University - M.S.
Oklahoma State University - B.S.
Mr. Brody Lyons

Mathematics - Upper School

2024

214-360-6326
Ms. Aquinnetta Mims

Administrative Assistant to Head of Upper School

2022

214-360-6353

University of North Texas - B.A.
Dallas Baptist University - M.B.A.
Dr. Shulamit Moed

Mathematics - Upper School

2024

214-360-6365
Ms. Lauren Moss

2023
Ms. Lisa Munoz

JV Head Soccer Coach

2021

214-363-6311
Mrs. Melinda Nunez

Department Chair for Health and PE

2011

214-365-6652

Hendrix College - B.A.
Mr. Eric Oakley

Head JV Basketball Coach

2024
Ms. Catherine Pate

2025
Ms. Linda Patterson

2025
Ms. Dorothy Paxton

Assistant to Eugene McDermott Head of School

2024

214-365-6501

Berry College - B.S.
Ms. Molly Perry

Upper School Spanish Teacher

2022

214-360-6369
Mrs. Andrea Pinder

Private Voice Instructor

2024

214-365-6615
Mrs. Randal Rauscher Rhodus '97

Assistant Head of School

2003

214-360-6451

Duke University - B.A.
Columbia University - M.A.
Ms. Amanda Richards

Latin - Upper School

2023

214-360-6375
Ms. Caroline Robb

Mathematics - Upper School

2021

214-360-6384

University of St. Andrews - M.A.
University of Texas at Arlington - M.Ed.
Mrs. Kristy Rodgers

Journalism - Upper School

2023

214-365-6677
Ms. Annie Scierka

2025
Mrs. Amy Snyder

Science - Upper School

2022

214-360-6392
Ms. Jennifer Spradley

Upper School Learning Specialist

2021

214-360-6376

Tulane University - B.A.
Texas A&M University - M.A.

Bio

Joining Hockaday's Upper School English Department is Jennifer Spradley, who comes to the School from The STEM Academy/Berkner High School in Richardson. For 12 years she taught AP/Dual Enrollment English IV, On-level English IV, College Transition, English III, and Research and Technical Writing. Additionally, she has served as a Reader and Table Leader for the SAT Test and AP Language and Composition Examination. Prior to her tenure at Berkner, she was the English Department Chair and taught AP English at Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland for nine years. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Tulane and a Master of Education from Texas A&M University.
Mrs. Elia Kochan Stanfield

Director of Strength & Conditioning and US HPEA Faculty and Coordinator

2008

214-365-6655

Syracuse University - B.F.A.
Duquesne University - M.S.

Bio

Elia joined Hockaday in 2008 after four years of college coaching at the NCAA Division III level where she also held positions of health and physical education instructor. An Upstate New York native and former NCAA Division I scholarship lacrosse player at Syracuse, Stanfield moved to Texas in 2006 and was passionate about spreading her love of lacrosse to an area that was relatively new to the sport.

During her time at Hockaday, she has held many roles in the Health, Physical Education, and Athletics department including MS Health Coordinator, MS 7/8 PE Coordinator, US Junior Flex Co-Coordinator, lacrosse/field hockey/soccer/crew/basketball coach, and her current role as Upper School Coordinator and Director of Strength and Conditioning. From 2008-2015, Stanfield was the Program Director and Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Hockaday. Her teams accumulated a record of 118-25-0 and she earned Dallas-Area Coach of the Year in 2009. In seven years, she guided two Hockaday State Champion Teams, six District Champion Teams, one SPC championship team, and one SPC runner-up team. These players and teams were mentored by excellent Youth coaches, many of whom were former college players of hers. As a coach and mentor to several First Team All-Americans, Academic All-Americans, District MVPs, and NCAA DI, DII, DIII players, she is proud of the impact that she had on the sport and the players in this area both at Hockaday and in DFW.

In the summers, Stanfield has spent time developing and co-developing new programs for Hockaday PE and Health students from 3rd grade up. In the summer of 2017, she created the USPE Strength and Conditioning Program that she now oversees and teaches at the school. She says, “I have enjoyed seeing the girls react to their mid-semester and end-of-semester results. It has been fun to see their confidence grow and their encouragement for one another is inspiring.”

Stanfield is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Certified Speed Specialist by the National Association of Speed and Explosion, a certified TRX Functional Trainer, and a certified Movement and Mobility Specialist.
Mr. Parker Stoker

English - Upper School

2024

214-360-6335
Ms. Sara Stoltz

Director of Communications

2021

214-360-6424

University of Missouri-Columbia - B.A.
Mrs. Christie Browning Sullivan '95

Director of Dance

2005

214-365-6611

Southern Methodist University - B.F.A.
University of Bath/ Royal Academy of Dance - MAE
Mrs. Jeri Sutton

Mathematics Department Chair

2004

214-360-6379

University of Texas at Dallas - B.S.
Mrs. Carol Taylor

Science - Upper School

2021

214-360-6390

Tulane University - B.S. Neuroscience, BSPH Public Health
Tulane University - MPH Epidemiology
Dr. Tracey Tevis

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

2023

214-360-6378
Ms. Taylor Thornton

2025
Ms. Katie Tweto

2024
Mr. Robert Weiss

Upper School Studio Art and Filmmaking

2022

214-365-6616
Mrs. Hillary Cox Whiteside

SAGE Dining Services: General Manager

2020

214-365-6682
Ms. Dara Williams

Bookstore Manager

2001

214-365-6679

University of Texas at Dallas
Dr. Yan Zhang

Mandarin Chinese- Upper School

2024

214-360-6441

University of Texas at Dallas - M.A.
Jilin University (China) - Ph.D.

Contact Us

Faculty and Staff Directory

Frequently Called Numbers

The Hockaday School

DEPARTMENT	NUMBER
Main Number	214-363-6311
Upper School	214-360-6353
Middle School	214-360-6403
Lower School	214-360-6452
Admission	214-360-6526
Alumnae	214-360-6531
Athletics	214-365-6651
Business Office	214-360-6508
Communications	214-360-6424
Development	214-360-6579
Employment	214-363-6311
Health Center	214-360-6566
Security	214-363-6311
Summer	214-360-6586