Photo courtesy of Ms. Leah Dullea
Ms. Leah Dullea, Choate’s new Health Center Response Coordinator and Health and Wellness teacher, became a full-time faculty member after serving as a part-time Health teacher last year. Before Choate, she worked as a Chemistry teacher and the Associate Dean of Residential Life at St. George’s School. Ms. Dullea resides in Nichols House with her wife, Math teacher Ms. Molly Dullea, their two children, and nine-year-old poodle. In her free time, she enjoys working on home improvement projects and spending time outdoors. She is committed to enabling students to discover their authentic selves.
Photo courtesy of Mr. Tom Cottle
Mr. Tom Cottle joins Choate after earning a degree in Political Science at Vassar College. He teaches U.S. History and Contemporary Issues in the HPRSS Department. Mr. Cottle is also the Assistant Coach for Boys’ Thirds Soccer and will be the Assistant Coach for Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse. Since arriving at Choate, he shared, “I really like the community, especially living in Logan Monroe. Everyone has a bit of obligation to one another … This makes me feel at home.” Mr. Cottle’s goal is to provide students with a practical perspective on U.S. History that they can apply daily.
Photo courtesy of Mr. Diego Flores
Raised in Washington D.C., Mr. Diego Flores is excited for a new experience at Choate. Before joining Choate, he was a teaching assistant for a math and science scholarship program for minority students affiliated with Phillips Academy Andover. At Choate, he teaches Accelerated Algebra II, serves as a House Mentor at West Wing and Hall, and coaches Intramural Squash. Mr. Flores also enjoys playing the bass guitar, crocheting, and drawing. He looks forward to seeing all the events in store for this year. “My goal is to be anything and everything that the students need,” Mr. Flores said.
Photo courtesy of Ms. Beatrice Voorhees
Choate is excited to introduce Ms. Beatrice Voorhees to the HPRSS Department. A double major in Slavic Studies and History in college, Ms. Voorhees teaches U.S. History and will serve as the Assistant Coach to the Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Swimming and Track and Field teams. Originally from Kent, Connecticut, she now lives in Memorial House with her cat, Otto. Ms. Voorhees hopes that her students gain a deeper understanding of history and the upcoming U.S. presidential election. “It brings me joy to work with young people and talk about important topics with them,” she said.
Photo courtesy of Ms. Jess Pablo ’20
Ms. Jess Pablo ’20 is a new Admission Officer and a proud Choate alum. After graduating from Wesleyan University, she pursued a career in educational leadership and management, bringing her back to Choate. “[At] Choate, I had such a strong alumni network and amazing mentors who taught me how to advocate for myself,” she said. “So when I was deciding on what the next steps were after college, I thought about where it all started and where I started to figure out who I was.” Ms. Pablo is a House Mentor in Mead House and loves watching political documentaries and attending sports games.
Photo courtesy of Mr. Mike Pereira
Born and raised in West Haven, Connecticut, Mr. Mike Pereira is joining the Admission Office and will serve as the new Head Coach of Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey. “I grew up playing sports, and gravitated towards hockey as I became older.” Before Choate, Mr. Pereira was the Assistant Coach to the Men’s Ice Hockey team at the University of Connecticut. In his free time, Mr. Pereira enjoys reading, fishing, and golfing. He stated, “I feel like those four years in high school help shape the next 40, and [I] hope to bring a positive impact and instill life lessons in students.”
Photo courtesy of Mr. Anthony Vignola
Mr. Anthony Vignola is Choate’s new Athletic Trainer. He earned his Bachelor of Health Science from Sacred Heart University, where he played Division 1 hockey. Growing up in Cheshire, Connecticut, Mr. Vignola called coming to Choate “a full circle moment,” remembering how he played youth hockey in the Remsen Arena. He currently serves as a House Mentor in Lowndes House and enjoys exercising and playing softball with his friends. “I am grateful to work in an environment where I have others by my side and hope to make an impact on an individual level with students,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Ms. Jenney Simpson
Ms. Jenny Simpson is an Admission Officer and the new Head Coach of Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse. Ms. Simpson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology Sports Studies from the University of New Hampshire. Previously, she coached lacrosse at the College of William and Mary and at the University of New Hampshire. While living in the United Kingdom, Ms. Simpson played for the England National Lacrosse Team, earning a gold medal at the 2019 European Championships and a bronze medal in the 2017 World Cup. “I’m looking to bring my playing and coaching experience,” she said.
Photo courtesy of Ms. Talia Dell Angelo
Ms. Talia Dell Angelo is joining the Science Department as a physics teacher and will be teaching Honors Physics and Honors Advanced Physics. Previously a teacher at Cushing Academy in Massachusetts, she brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. Ms. Dell Angelo is from Los Angeles, California, and holds physics and philosophy degrees from Purdue University. She is a House Mentor in Bernhard House and an Assistant Coach for Girls’ Varsity Soccer and Girls’ Thirds Tennis. “I’m excited to get involved in the community and find ways to be helpful,” she said.
Photo courtesy of Mr. Matthias Baudinet
Mr. Matthias Baudinet will be teaching Honors World History and Regular U.S. History. Before coming to Choate, he taught at La Salle High School in Yakima, Washington, and Millbrook School in Millbrook, New York. He joined the Choate community to teach in a “larger community with a more robust and rigorous curriculum.” Additionally, he is a new Assistant Coach for Boys’ Varsity Soccer and House Mentor in Bungalow. He loves interacting with students and faculty members but also values having his personal time where he can “contemplate in silence.”
Photo courtesy of Ms. Liza Wolf
Ms. Liza Wolf is a new English teacher, currently teaching third- and fifth-form English classes. Before joining Choate, she taught English and coached tennis and field hockey at Kimball Union Academy. She lives in Memorial House and enjoys unwinding by reading or baking. She enjoys teaching her “9th graders, who have lots of enthusiasm and energy,” and feels welcomed by the kindness of the Choate community. Ms. Wolf looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her students and hopes to become the “warm welcoming person who students feel comfortable talking to.”
Photo courtesy of Mr. John Rocklin
Mr. John Rocklin joins Choate’s Language Department as its newest Latin teacher. After earning his Master of Education at Columbia University, he served as the Chair of the Classical Languages Department at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School for nine years. Outside of teaching, Mr. Rocklin spends time reading, blacksmithing, painting, and cross-country skiing. He lives in Nichols House with his wife, Ms. Renaud, and his cat, Abigail. Mr. Rocklin coaches Boys’ Cross Country and will coach Track and Field. He hopes to “make strong connections and relationships” at Choate.
