There are moments when words feel painfully inadequate, and this is one of them.

ΊΪΑΟΙη mourns the tragic passing of Andrey Uryadov ’04, a true force of nature on the Hillside. Andrey was a devoted husband to Elena, an unabashedly proud and loving father, a fierce competitor, a gifted coach, and a deeply beloved member of our ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent family.

Andrey first came to ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent as a young man finding his way far from home. He spoke candidly about arriving on the Hillside with little English and no idea what to expect. Andrey spent four years as a ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent student, graduated in 2004, and then remained for a postgraduate year in 2005. Reflecting on his experience in his 2004 yearbook, he wrote, β€œThis school made me realize that I have to work very hard in everything I do, only then I will have success.”

Those words reveal the young man Andrey was and the man he would become. He believed in effort, discipline, loyalty, and meeting life directly. Elsewhere in his yearbook, he offered advice that could easily stand as a summary of his own approach to life: β€œDon’t listen to people who tell you that you can’t make it somewhere, just try your best and prove them wrong.”

As a student, Andrey found his purpose at ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent. He was a captain of the 2004 varsity hockey team that captured the New England Championship, helping establish the competitive tradition he would later return to lead. To his classmates at the time, he wrote, β€œI will miss this place a lot, but most of all I will miss the people here and things we did.”

The feeling was mutual. The Hillside remembered Andrey, and Andrey never stopped carrying the Hillside with him.

In 2015, he returned to ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent and made it his home for the next decade. During those 10 years, Andrey and Elena raised their young family here while he served the School as Head Hockey Coach, Admissions Associate, and Director of Hockey. He poured his energy and passion into the program. However, his influence is not to be measured solely by his many victories in the rink. His true legacy lives on in the hundreds of young men he prepared for the challenges of the world ahead.

Andrey demanded effort because he understood what effort had made possible in his own life. He was focused and, at times, formidable. He could be an unyielding competitor, but beneath that intensity was a man who cared deeply about his players and wanted them to discover how much they were capable of becoming. He taught them that hockey required discipline, accountability, courage, and loyalty, and that those qualities mattered even more once they stepped away from the ice.

He embodied ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent’s Trinity of Values, Simplicity of Life, Self-Reliance, and Directness of Purpose. He also sought to live by the words of Epictetus: β€œDon’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.” Andrey did. His philosophy was visible in how he worked, competed, loved his family, supported his friends, and invested himself completely in the lives of his players.

William Margel ’19 experienced Andrey’s influence first as a student-athlete and later as a colleague, when Andrey gave him his first opportunity to coach:

β€œThere aren’t enough words to express the sadness of this tragic news. I’m heartbroken over the passing of someone who meant so much to me. He was not only an incredible hockey coach who helped shape me as a player and a person, but he was also the one who gave me my first job and believed in me when I was just getting started. I’ll always be grateful for the lessons, opportunities, memories, and impact he had on my life. His influence will stay with me both on and off the ice.Thank you for everything. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace, Coach.”

For Dillon Duncan ’04, Andrey was more than a teammate and colleague. He was a lifelong friend. They arrived at ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent together as third formers, captained a championship team, shared the experiences of growing up, and later watched their own sons take to the ice where their friendship had begun:

β€œAndrey and I arrived at ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent as kids, freshmen together, with no idea where life would take us. Over the years, we shared countless memories, vacations, laughs, some tears, and plenty of highs and lows. Through it all, I was lucky to call him my friend. Our boys are now the same age, and just a few weeks ago, Andrey and I were standing together watching our kids skate and play in the same place where we had spent so much time playing together as kids. I never could have imagined that would be one of our last times together. Andrey was a fierce competitor, but more importantly, he was a loyal friend and a devoted family man who loved Elena and his boys deeply. I am incredibly grateful to have known him and to have shared so much of my life with him. He impacted so many people for the better. He will live on through his children, through his family, and through all of us who were fortunate enough to know him. Thank you for the laughs, the tears, and all the memories, my friend. I love you.”

Head of School Brian Sullivan reflected on the breadth of Andrey’s influence and the responsibility the ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent community now carries:

β€œAndrey’s legacy is present in the countless young men who became stronger players and better people because he believed in them. For a decade, he gave his energy, knowledge, and heart to ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent. But before every title he held and every team he led, Andrey was a father. He loved Elena and his boys with his whole heart. Our deepest responsibility now is to surround them with the love of this community and to ensure that his boys will always know how profoundly their father mattered. We are all family on the Hillside.”

Andrey’s sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void. Stockdale Arena will feel different. The Hillside will feel different. There will be many of us who instinctively look for him in the places where his presence once seemed permanent.

In the difficult days ahead, we will do everything we can to support Elena and the boys. We ask our community to hold them close in thought and prayer, to care gently for one another, and to respect the family’s wishes and privacy as they face a grief no family should have to bear.

Patrick Bonis, a longtime colleague and friend of Andrey and his family, offered a deeply powerful reminder for each of us when he shared:

β€œPlease keep them in your heart and hug your loved ones as tight as you can today.”

In the Episcopal tradition of our School, grief is not something we are asked to hurry through or explain away. We mourn because we have loved, and the depth of our sorrow reflects the depth of that love. We gather, we pray, and when words fail, we carry one another. We place our trust in the promise that death does not erase a life faithfully lived, nor can it sever the bonds of love that remain.

Andrey gave so much of himself to ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent. He will live on in Elena and his sons; in the players and colleagues whose lives he changed; in the program he helped build; and in the memories of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

He will forever remain part of the Hillside.
Servant, well done.

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ΊΪΑΟΙη is pleased to welcome three new members to its Board of Trustees: Hunter W. Groton ’75, Peter B. Hopper ’82, and Richard D. Wood III ’86. Each brings accomplished professional experience, a record of service, and a strong commitment to helping institutions and communities thrive.

Their arrival comes as the School also honors Sid Stockdale ’73, who concludes nine years of distinguished service on the Board. This year, Sid received the MacLean Award in recognition of a lifelong connection to ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent defined by excellence, resilience, and generous service.

Hunter W. Groton ’75
Hunter W. Groton ’75 is a Senior Wealth Advisor in BNY Wealth’s Atlanta office, where he advises affluent families and institutions on portfolios, trusts, estates, foundations, endowments, and retirement plans. Working alongside BNY’s portfolio team and wealth strategists, he also collaborates with clients’ tax and legal advisors on matters ranging from tax and estate planning to concentrated stock positions, asset-allocation decisions, and the sale of privately held businesses.

Hunter joined the firm in 2005, when Mellon Financial acquired City Capital, Inc., where he had worked since 1989. Earlier in his career, he was a financial consultant with Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, Inc., specializing in investment counsel for individuals and small corporations. He began his professional life in resort and hotel management at The Cloister Hotel in Sea Island, Georgia.

A graduate of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, Hunter currently serves on the board of the Atlanta Chamber Players. His previous board service includes the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University, C5 Youth Foundation, the Cathedral Book Store, and the Wren’s Nest.

Peter B. Hopper ’82
Peter B. Hopper ’82 co-leads Primary Digital’s Investments Team and helps oversee the firm’s day-to-day operations, including portfolio management. With more than 25 years of industry experience, he also serves on the firm’s Investment Committee.

Before co-founding Primary Digital, Peter was a Managing Director at DigitalBridge Investment Management from 2021 to 2024. DigitalBridge’s portfolio includes several of the world’s largest data-center operators, among them Vantage Data Centers, Switch, and DataBank.

Earlier, Peter co-founded DH Capital and served as its CEO from 2001 to 2020. The boutique investment bank served the internet infrastructure, software-as-a-service, and telecommunications industries, completing more than 190 mergers and acquisitions with a combined value exceeding $30 billion during his tenure. Peter previously served on the ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent Board of Trustees.

Richard D. Wood III ’86
Richard D. Wood, III, 58, retired from Wawa in 2024 as the Director of Government Relations and Sustainability after 26 years of service to the organization; prior to that he worked for the Coca-Cola company for six years.

He currently sits on the Wawa Board of Directors and has been a director since 2020. Mr. Wood serves on the Board of Directors of the Riddle HealthCare Foundation, Vice President of the Wawa Foundation Board and chairs the Governance Committee, Mr. Wood also serves on the Board of Visitors and Governors at Washington College and sits on the executive committee as the Board Vice Chair.

Prior to retirement Mr. Wood served on the Board and executive committee as the Political Chair for ESCA (ESOP S-Corporations of America) and served on the Board of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). Mr. Wood also served six years (two terms) on the Board of Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and six years on the Board and Vice Chair at Upland Country Day School K-9, in Kennett Square, PA.

Celebrating Sid Stockdale ’73
As ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent welcomes new leadership, the School also expresses its deep gratitude to Sid Stockdale ’73 as he completes his ninth and final year on the Board of Trustees. Sid’s lifelong connection to the Hillside began in the fall of 1969, when he entered ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent during an immense personal trial. His father, Admiral James Stockdale, was being held as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. On the Hillside, Sid found a second home and a steadfast community.

Sid distinguished himself as a student, musician, and versatile athlete, earning varsity letters in football, hockey, and crew. As a powerhouse oarsman in the first boat, he helped lead ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent’s legendary undefeated crew to a monumental victory on Lake Quinsigamond, completing a season that secured the boat’s place in School history. During Sid’s senior year, the campus shared in his family’s joy when Admiral Stockdale was released after nearly eight years of captivity.

After graduating from ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent in 1973 and completing his studies at Colorado College, Sid pursued a career in education. He returned to the Hillside to teach history and coach football before continuing his work at independent schools in Colorado, California, and New Mexico. Over a distinguished career as a teacher, coach, and history department chair, he earned a master’s degree from St. John’s College and devoted his professional life to mentoring young people.

Sid brought that experience, along with empathy, humility, and deep wisdom, to the ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent Board. His calm, thoughtful approach helped the Board navigate difficult questions and build consensus around the best interests of the School. As chair of the Programs Committee, Sid drew on his perspective as a lifelong educator to help transform ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent’s curriculum for the modern era. His commitment to academic excellence reached another milestone when he and his family established the School’s first named department chair, the Stockdale Family Chair in Humanities.

ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent extends its gratitude to Sid’s wife, Kit, and to his daughters, Minda and Sarah, for sharing him so generously with the School. Sid’s leadership, friendship, and decades of service have left an enduring mark on the Hillside. The School congratulates him on receiving this year’s MacLean Award and celebrates the lasting legacy of a life lived in service to others.

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Arriving on the Hillside from Louisiana, Chris has fully embraced the boarding school experience, developing into a confident and mature student leader. Both on and off the court, he has exemplified dedication, resilience, and character, using his time on the Hillside to prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. On the court, Chris brings elite athleticism combined with knockdown 3-point shooting, making him a tough matchup on both ends. He rebounds at a high level and runs the floor extremely well in transition, creating constant pressure.

Chris’s growth on the Hillside is a direct reflection of ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent’s individualized approach to player development. Through tailored and consistent training and a focus on both skill refinement and basketball IQ, he has used his time here with intention. That commitment has shaped him into a confident, mature player who understands the game at a high level and leads by example, fully maximizing every opportunity along the way.

β€œΊΪΑΟΙη is fortunate to have Chris on the Hillside and to feel the impact he has made on our basketball program. He’s an exceptional player and an even better young man. We’re excited to see him continue his journey at the University of Miami and will be cheering him on every step of the way!” – Director of Basketball, Craig Carter

The ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent community looks forward to following his continued achievements in this next chapter. Congratulations, Chris!

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Arriving on the Hillside as a Third Former from his home in Latvia, Rutulis has fully embraced the boarding school experience, developing into a confident and mature student leader. Both on and off the ice, he has exemplified dedication, resilience, and character, using his time on the Hillside to prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Over his three years with the Hockey program, Rutulis has been a cornerstone in net, known for his consistency, composure, and relentless work ethic. His ability to rise to the moment has made him a trusted presence for his team and a respected leader within the program.

β€œTomass has time and time again demonstrated that he is one of the top goaltenders at this level over his last three years at ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent,” said 18U Prep Head Coach Ryan Bliss. β€œThe consistency he brings in his compete level and work ethic every day is second to none, and it has been a pleasure to coach him for the last three years. We are very excited for Tomass and his family and look forward to following his continued successes beyond ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent.”

At Princeton, Rutulis will continue to shine on the ice while being challenged academically, well-prepared for success in all aspects of college life. The ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent community looks forward to following his continued achievements in this next chapter. Congratulations, Tomass!

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Now based in Houston, Texas, Miller returned to the Hillside with a meaningful purpose: to film footage for an upcoming documentary on fellow ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent alumnus Isaiah Thomas ’08, a professional basketball player and 2x NBA All-Star. Having been part of an Emmy Award–winning multimedia project based in Seattle, Miller brought both high-level experience and creative insight to campus. The project not only provided students with real-world filmmaking experience, but also created a powerful full-circle moment for alumni and students alike.

For Miller, coming back to ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent was about more than just the project.
β€œThe Hillside had a profound impact on me, and this was just one way I could give back,” he shared.

Throughout the experience, students were not simply observers; they were active collaborators. Miller encouraged them to think creatively, contribute ideas, and engage in the storytelling process.

β€œThe students actually helped me a lot in the storytelling experience. I provided them the opportunity to have creative input, and in return, I received several great shots of the campus that I wouldn’t have captured ΄Η³Ω³σ±π°ω·ΙΎ±²υ±π.”

In addition to gaining hands-on experience, students’ contributions may extend far beyond the classroom. The on-campus footage they helped capture, through camera operation, shot composition, and creative direction, positions them for inclusion in the film’s credits should the documentary be picked up by a major distributor such as ESPN or The Players’ Tribune. It’s a rare and meaningful opportunity for students to see their work recognized on a professional stage.

Moments like these highlighted not only the students’ growing technical skills, but also their confidence and creativity; qualities that are continually nurtured on the Hillside. Above all, the experience reflected the joy of the creative process and the supportive environment that makes it possible.

β€œWe had fun. It’s fun to be creative, and I think SKS provides an environment where it’s safe to be yourself.”

By blending professional-level work with student collaboration, this immersive course exemplified the kind of hands-on, meaningful learning that defines the ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent experience, where alumni return to inspire, and students are empowered to create.

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The featured article offers a closer look at what defines the ΊΪΑΟΙη experience. From exceptional academic and athletic offerings to a deep commitment to character development and sustainability, it paints a vivid picture of the values and vision that set the Hillside apart.

“We place our students at the center of everything we do, preparing them not just for college, but for the next 40, 60 years of their lives. When young people are grounded in who they are and learn to adapt in the face of challenges, they gain the confidence and resilience to move forward.” – Head of School, Brian Sullivan.

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Pathways are rarely straight lines. Few understand that better than Gianluca Vallini ’11, whose journey from ΊΪΑΟΙη to representing Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics is a story of resilience, adaptability, and belief in the long game.Β  See his interview on our .

As a student-athlete at ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent, Gianluca was known for his work ethic, quiet determination, and commitment to growth both on and off the ice. Like many ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent boys, his time on the Hillside helped shape not only his athletic foundation, but also his mindset: discipline, accountability, and the willingness to push through uncertainty.

Competing internationally requires more than talent. Gianluca’s Olympic journey demanded years of sacrifice, difficult decisions, and constant recalibration balancing training, travel, national identity, and the pressure of elite competition. Along the way, he learned that success is rarely about linear progress. Instead, it’s about responding to setbacks with purpose and staying grounded in why you started.

For current ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent students, Gianluca’s message is clear: your pathway doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. The skills developed on the Hillside grit, curiosity, teamwork, and resilience apply far beyond campus, whether in sports, business, the arts, or service.

ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent’s Pathways program exists to highlight stories exactly like Gianluca’s real journeys shaped by passion, perseverance, and the courage to follow opportunity wherever it leads. His story is a powerful reminder that while the destination may change, the foundation built at ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent endures.

As Gianluca prepares to compete on the world stage in 2026, the ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent community proudly cheers him on, celebrating not just an Olympian, but an alumnus who exemplifies what it means to forge your own path.

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Alumni, Friends of ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent, families, and K-5th graders are invited to join us for ΊΪΑΟΙη’s Youth Community Day. These special events are created for local families, alumni, and friends to experience life on the Hillside.

These interactive mornings are designed for elementary grade children, offering a fun, hands-on experience at ΊΪΑΟΙη . Whether you’re exploring future school options, an alumnus introducing your family to your alma mater, or a neighbor curious about campus you’re invited!

Community Day Dates

Spring | Sunday | April 19 | 9am-Noon

Fall | Sunday | September 28 | 9am-Noon

Community Days are a mix of tours, clinics, and interactive stations across campus. ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent students and faculty will lead the way, sharing what makes SKS such a unique and inspiring place to learn and grow.

• Conduct a science experiment in the STEM building
• Try basketball at Brown Gymnasium
• Try a green screen in our digital arts studio
• Explore hockey at Admiral Stockdale Arena
• Play on the pitch with our soccer at Farr Field
• Go behind-the-scenes of a live SKS broadcast
  …and much more!

Parents are encouraged to stop by the Admissions Office for a cup of coffee or experience the full day alongside their children.

• Meet our faculty, student leaders, and current families
• Learn more about opportunities at SKS
• Reconnect with the ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent community
• Pick up sports schedules and info on upcoming events
• Find out how to get involved with Friends of ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent

These events are free, but space is limited to just 50 familiesβ€”so early registration is encouraged!

Hosted by:

ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent Admissions, SKSPA (ΊΪΑΟΙη Parent Association), and the Advancement teamβ€”working together to welcome you to the heart of our school.

Location: ΊΪΑΟΙη Campus Consent:

As a proud and collaborative member of the Kent Community, ΊΪΑΟΙη is committed to offering Community Days throughout the year, centered around sporting events like Soccer and Basketball (Soccer Community Day). Beyond athletics, ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent has long hosted Thriller at Halloween for nearly 20 years (), supported Kent Park & Rec activities, participated in the Parade of Lights , and led the annual SKS Feeds the Need initiative to benefit the local food bank. Additionally, ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent has upheld a 30-year tradition of local community service spearheaded by The Reverend Steve Klots.

If you or your organization are interested in collaborating with ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent for events or future Community Days, please contact friendsofsouthkent@southkentschool.org

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Hillside!

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Join fellow ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent alums for a memorable weekend in Zhuhai, China, walking distance to Macao and just a 45-minute drive from Hong Kong. Known for its coastal beauty and relaxed, tropical atmosphere, Zhuhai offers six golf courses, excellent food, and countless ways to enjoy the weekend.

Weekend Details:
Dates: March 19–21, 2026*

Cost: $200 per person – includes your hotel stay, breakfast each morning, and dinners (with drinks) on Friday and Saturday night

Guests are welcome: If you’re bringing a +1, the total cost is $250 for two people

Hotels: Longzhu Hotel and Charming Holiday Hotel, Zhuhai

This event is hosted by Zhen Lin ’12 and Zihao Lin ’18, who look forward to welcoming you to their city and extending the hospitality of their families’ properties. The weekend will be centered around the Lin family’s hotels and shopping centers, which together house more than 1,400 shopsβ€”making this both a relaxing and vibrant location to reconnect with fellow alumni.

Whether you’re based in Asia or traveling from the U.S., all alumni, friends, and families are warmly invited to join this unforgettable ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent gathering.

*If you’re traveling from the United States, and plan to use this trip as an opportunity to also visit other parts of China, such as Tiananmen Square or the Great Wall, or if you have any questions about travel logistics, please reach out directly to:
Dillon Duncan ’04 – duncand@southkentschool.org

Airfare is not included with this trip. For all visa and travel questions, please reach out to Dillon

We look forward to seeing everyone in Zhuhai!

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Will Margel ’19 joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as an Assistant Hockey Coach. Will is a recent graduate of Mercyhurst University, where he earned his degree in Sports Management after playing Division I hockey at both the University of New Hampshire and Mercyhurst.

A proud member of SKS from 2015–2019, Will helped lead the 18U Prep Hockey team to ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent’s second National Championship during his senior year. Originally from Maryland, he grew up in a tight-knit hockey family. His parents still live there, and his two younger brothers, Sam and Dylan, are continuing the family tradition; Sam plays club hockey at the University of Minnesota, and Dylan will be starting his freshman year playing Division III at Wesleyan University.

Off the ice, Will enjoys spending time with family and friends and taking time to relax. Returning to SKS feels like a homecoming, and Will shares, β€œI’m excited to be back on the Hillside to see a lot of familiar faces, but also to meet all the new people.”

Tim Hanlon joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as an Assistant Hockey Coach. From his early days on the ice in Northeastern Pennsylvania to serving as a standout captain at Western Connecticut State University, Tim brings both leadership and a deep love for the game. A multi-sport collegiate athlete in hockey and lacrosse, he went on to play professionally in the FPHL before turning his focus to coaching. Most recently, he served on the coaching staff at Sacred Heart University.

Tim brings not only technical expertise but also a strong belief in sports psychology and the power of positive thinking to help athletes reach their full potential. Off the ice, Tim is married to his wife, Amber, and they have a seven-year-old son and two energetic husky mix dogs. An avid golferβ€”though he jokes about his handicapβ€”he also enjoys the challenge and camaraderie of the sport. We look forward to the passion, energy, and mentorship Tim will bring to our hockey program!

David Hitzrot joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as a member of the STEM faculty. A 2024 graduate of Bucknell University, David earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Economics. Their professional experience includes working as an intern engineer in the hydropower industry, coaching high school squash, and serving as a summer camp counselor.

Boarding school life is second nature to David, who grew up at Middlesex School, where his father teaches history. Having lived in dorms for all but one year of his life, he brings a deep understanding of residential school culture. Their mother, a therapist and former public school guidance counselor, and younger brother, currently a junior studying music at Dickinson, round out a close-knit, education-minded family.

A lifelong athlete, David played squash at Bucknell and enjoyed a standout high school soccer career, going nearly undefeated and winning the ISL and New England Class B Championship during his junior year. In his free time, David continues to enjoy playing squash, watching soccer and basketball, reading science fiction and fantasy novels, and challenging friends to board games and video games.

This summer, David has been hard at work developing engaging new engineering courses for our students. We’re thrilled to welcome David to SKS for an exciting year ahead!

Emma Jeacock joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as a member of the Humanities faculty. Emma completed her Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus in History, Geography, and English as an Additional Language. She brings with her a truly global perspectiveβ€”having lived in Texas, England, and ΊΪΑΟΙη Korea in 2024 alone. Since then, she has traveled to 10 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia, experiences that have deepened her appreciation for culture and community.

Emma has previously served as a Graduate Boarding Assistant, where she gained valuable experience supporting students in both academics and residential life. Outside the classroom, she enjoys swimming, baking, crocheting, and cross-stitching. We are confident that Emma is ready to embrace life on the Hillside and will be a wonderful addition to our community.

Julianna Browne joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as a member of the Humanities faculty. She earned her bachelor’s degree in History with a concentration in Social Studies and a minor in Education from Manhattanville College, where she also completed her master’s degree in Middle Childhood and Adolescence Education. Certified to teach Social Studies in grades 5–12, Julianna has spent the past five years teaching upper elementary students at The Leffell School, where she developed a passion for fostering curiosity and critical thinking in the classroom.

Outside of school, Julianna and her husband of four years enjoy spending time with their beloved Pomsky, Oakley. She loves reading, hiking, and spending time with family. A fun fact about Julianna is that she ran the NYC Marathon last year. She is eager to bring her enthusiasm and experience to ΊΪΑΟΙη and looks forward to creating a supportive, engaging learning environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

William Whittaker β€˜21 joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as a member of the Humanities faculty and as an Assistant Coach – Golf. A recent graduate of Hamilton College, Will earned his Bachelor of Arts in Government with a minor in American Studies. During his time at Hamilton, he was actively involved in the Student Government Alliance, served as a captain for the Men’s Golf team, and was recognized on the NESCAC All-Academic Team.

Will’s SKS journey began in the fall of 2019, and he was a member of the Class of 2021. Will was the proud recipient of the Little Billy Award for Hard Work. Growing up in Jupiter, Florida, Will played competitive golf and continues to pursue the game through amateur and professional tournaments. In his free time, he enjoys golfing with friends, running, and working out. This year, Will is looking forward to getting to know his advisees, supporting his students in the classroom, and watching athletes take on the short course once again.

Anna Dost joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as a member of the STEM faculty. Anna is a recent graduate of Gordon College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She brings experience in veterinary care, laboratory techniques, and both academic and outdoor leadership. During her time at Gordon, Anna also served as a residential leader, fostering a vibrant and supportive community for her peers. Coming from a family of four sistersβ€”including ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent graduate Parby Kabamba ’23β€”and two loving parents, Anna has long been connected to the Hillside. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys hiking, line dancing, and board games, and grew up surrounded by pets, including hamsters, fish, a dog, and two cats.

Anna is looking forward to supporting the overall development of her students while also learning about and embracing the rich traditions of ΊΪΑΟΙη.

Alex Quinones ’19 joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as a member of the Humanities faculty and as an Assistant Coach – Soccer. Alex joined us last spring as a teaching intern and assistant soccer coach, and we are excited that he will be continuing on the Hillside this year, both on the pitch and as a member of our Humanities teaching faculty. A recent graduate of the University of Hartford with a Bachelor’s in Business Management, Alex is also on track to complete his MBA this December. While pursuing his studies, he also gained valuable coaching experience, assisting with the soccer program at Oakwood School.Β 

Originally from Bedford, New Hampshire, Alex spent his high school years here on the Hillside. He comes from a close-knit family with two younger brothersβ€”one a professional soccer player and the other a current ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent student.Β In his free time, Alex enjoys working out, spending time with family, and playing soccer. A fun fact about him: he once played soccer in Austria! Alex is looking forward to continuing his coaching and teaching career, eager to learn and grow while giving back to the community that shaped him.

Claudia Petrachi joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as a member of the Humanities faculty, teaching Italian. Claudia joins ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent alongside her fiancΓ©, Benedick Marcano, who is entering his third year as Head Coach of the Development Soccer Team and a member of our teaching faculty. Outside of work, Claudia enjoys spending time with her 7-month-old daughter, staying active at the gym, and playing pickleball. With family roots in Venezuela and Italy, Claudia is eager to share her diverse background. She looks forward to becoming an active part of the SKS community.

Erin Sarsfield joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as the Student Services Coordinator. Before arriving on the Hillside, Erin led a successful medical massage therapy, yoga, and mindfulness coaching business since 2005. With a B.S. in Psychology with an emphasis in neuroscience and ABA, Erin has dedicated her career to helpingΒ 

people of all ages, from youth athletes recovering from surgical injuries to adults navigating joint replacements and chronic pain management. She is passionate about supporting growth, recovery, and wellness at every stage of life, with a special focus on youth athletes and seniors.

Originally from Smithtown, NY, Erin has lived in New Milford with her husband, Patrick, an ironworker with Local #40, for 15 years. Together since their β€œlast first date” at age 28, they are now raising three energetic sons. As a self-described emphatically expressive hockey mom, Erin spends much of her free time at the rink or on the lacrosse field, cheering just as loudly as she plans to for SKS students. Her family also enjoys fishing, hiking, disc golf, and plenty of friendly competition.

Erin looks forward to bringing her passion for wellness, mindfulness, and movement to our community. She shares that ΊΪΑΟΙη Kent’s mission and values align closely with her own philosophy, and she is grateful to be joining the SKS family.

Kyle Gonzalez joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as an HR Specialist and 18U AAA Hockey Coach. Kyle most recently worked with IPH, a professional ice hockey skills training company. Before that, Kyle spent five years pursuing his dream of playing professional ice hockey, a journey that took him across the United States; from Danbury, CT, to Roanoke, VA (where he met his wife, Megan), to Macon, GA, then Birmingham, AL, and finally back to Danbury, where he rounded out his career as a head coach and player.

In addition to hockey, Kyle explored the hospitality industry and completed his MBA in Human Resources in the spring of 2023. At home, Kyle and his wife, Megan, have been married for about a year and a half, and they recently welcomed their son, Ozzy, now seven weeks old. Outside of work, Kyle’s interests range from gaming and hockey training to spending time with his family, hiking, and playing pickleball.

A fun fact about Kyle is that he’s passionate about Japanese culture and cars, owning a 2004 Subaru WRX STi that he continues to build. He also speaks Japanese, a language he learned growing up with his grandparents. Overall, Kyle is looking forward to getting to know the student body, comprised of respectful young men who share a common goal on the Hillside.Β 

Sarah Adams joins ΊΪΑΟΙη as a Medical Driver. In addition to her new role, Sarah serves as a Parent Ambassador with the SKS Parents Association. We are excited to have her join our employee community and be both a welcoming presence and a valuable resource for our families!

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