Athletic Directory

Intelligent, hard-working, and student-focused, Kelly Anstead has an amazing teaching background in a variety of environments, ranging from independent schools throughout the U.S. to time in the Peace Corps as a health educator in Guatemala. She firmly believes that diversity of perspective and experience is the hallmark of a superior education and fosters an inclusive and healthy community. She seeks to introduce interdisciplinary experiences in her classroom to make the lessons and materials come to life so that “students can in fact see the bigger picture, ask their own questions, build their own puzzles, conquer their own problems, and chart their own paths.”

Kata studied cellular and molecular biology at Connecticut College and has enjoyed sharing her love of these topics by teaching biology, chemistry and human anatomy and physiology at KO. She has also studied community psychology, abnormal psychology, and family therapy at the University of New Haven. Kata has worked in the Dean’s Office at KO for over a decade and loves the work she does to support students in their personal growth and development and engagement in the community. Kata also serves as head coach of the varsity swimming and diving team. She lives in West Hartford with her husband (and fellow KO faculty member) David Baker, their two children, and their dog Dobby. 

David combines his love of history and music by teaching modern world history courses and directing the choral groups Outlook and Crimson 7. He also serves as the History Department Chair, overseeing programs devoted to connecting students with their past and present locally and globally. An avid runner, swimmer, and cyclist, he competes regularly in marathon, ultra-marathon and ironman competitions and coaches track and field at KO. “The KO motto ‘One Conquers Who Conquers Oneself’ and the concept of caring beyond self are the core of my teaching philosophy,” he said.

Josh Balabuch is a true believer in the benefits of athletics. Not only does it provide a healthy lifestyle, but it also teaches sportsmanship, collaboration, and most importantly, “a mental release from everyday life.” He feels that sports can reinforce learning in the classroom, especially for those learners who are more hands-on. A college athlete, Josh was the goalie of his university’s soccer team. He is still an avid sportsman, playing golf, ice hockey, soccer, and basketball. In his free time, when he’s not playing sports, he loves to watch college and professional sports on t.v., spend time with his family, and even mow the lawn.

Nicole Baratz establishes a deep rapport with her students and is personally committed to helping them succeed. She enhances students’ confidence in themselves so they are able to reach the high expectations Nicole sets for them. Her small group settings lead to a more individualized approach. With energetic and outgoing nature, her class is a place of vibrant learning.

Brandon Batory is a dedicated varsity football coach with a rich history in the program. He is now in his 11th year and third season as head coach. His tenure includes a balanced 8-8 record and experience coaching three teams to the New England Championship games (2014, 2015, 2018). A graduate and former player of Springfield College, Batory’s coaching philosophy centers on “Unity over self,” emphasizing a collective team mindset and consistently positive influence in the lives of his players.

In addition to his coaching role, Batory holds a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and works as a PA in an urgent care setting. His passion for coaching matches his love for helping young athletes grow. He values the diverse skill levels within his team, from newcomers to future Division 1 prospects, and finds it deeply rewarding to foster their development and create lasting memories and bonds.

Rebecca joined the Kingswood Oxford Admissions team in July 2007. She developed a love for the world of Admissions back as a college student volunteering in the Office of Admission at her alma mater, The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio where she earned a B.A. in Sociology and was a four-year member of the women’s lacrosse team. Rebecca works closely with KO’s Middle School and heads up Shield & Dragon, KO’s student ambassador program. Other interests of hers include skiing, tennis, cooking, and traveling. Rebecca grew up living in eight towns among four states, and some of her fondest memories were from their days raising llamas. She lives with her husband and their two children in West Hartford.

Cameron grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut and attended Brunswick, an independent school, for 14 years. He hopes to help students build the kind of supportive, growth-oriented environment that he experienced as a student. As an English teacher, he hopes to encourage students’ empathetic engagement with the new perspectives we find in literature. He studied comparative literature in college and has lived in Poland, Italy, and South Korea for brief periods as both an ESL teacher and a student. He loves playing squash, and he looks forward to helping student-athletes take charge of their own personal development on the court. He also enjoys traveling and learning languages.

For Eugene Cassidy, teaching is a calling. He responds to the individual needs of each student with warmth, encouragement, and respect so they can surpass their own expectations. He focuses on honing analytical and writing skills, helping his students think synthetically and write persuasively. His class is full of lively discussions where students actively participate.  For Gene, teaching can change lives. “This is why I am called to teach in a high school, where the intimate connections with my students that I need to have a real impact can be built,” he said.

Ms. Chantharasouk has taught intermediate math, pre-algebra, algebra readiness, and algebra for grades 6 – 8. She fosters students’ commitment to lifelong learning by connecting course materials to broader themes and current events. An enthusiastic educator, she helps students develop and achieve their fullest potential as well as become real-world problem solvers.

Kyle Chapman received his undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut, where he also played on the basketball team. Go Huskies!

Ron received his B.A. in history and Latin American studies from Oberlin College.

Jeffrey Gonzalez has taught science for 18 years in both public and independent schools. He creates an intellectually stimulating and engaging curriculum for students, and he has an innate ability to relate to students, so they achieve their very best, often with great humor. “I expect high-quality work from all of my students. My classes are always challenging, and I make them that way to push the student to his maximum effort, in order to show the students that he/she can handle the work,” he said. While encouraging his students to move out of their comfort zone, he makes himself readily available through email or during office hours to ensure the student that they are never going it alone.

Fritz received his B.A. in biology from Kenyon College.

A 1980 graduate of the school, David worked at KO for over 30 years on the KO faculty. He’s taught all levels of English, coached football and lacrosse, and served as Dean of Students or as a Form Dean almost every year he’s been at KO. He taught because he “loves working with kids,” and trying to instill positivity into their KO experience.”

In the summer, he helps his wife, Susan, run Camp Merriwood, a girls’ summer camp in Orford, New Hampshire, which hosts KO’s Form 3 Trip each September.

Megan comes to KO from the Pingry School in New Jersey, where she taught junior and senior seminars and the 10th-grade English course. She is also interested in ancient texts such as the Tain and the Epic of Gilgamesh, exploring the intersection of modern media and literature. In her classes, student collaborate with each other to engage deeply with literature and find resonance in their own lives. A life-long learner, Megan learns from her students daily, a shared inquiry into knowledge that unlocks the doors to the world and the lives between the pages of books and the world around us.

Duncan teaches Spanish in KO’s Middle School, as well as advising and coaching our students. Prior to KO, Duncan taught at Westminster School in Simsbury. He enjoys the opportunity to help students figure themselves out and develop a sense of who they are. In the past, he has facilitated identity work, particularly “One Love & Speak” so that students can become the most genuine version of themselves and are confident as they head out into the world. His teaching philosophy centers on collaboration, inclusivity, and authenticity. Mr. Insuik received his B.A. from Colby College and was a double major in Spanish and government. He is currently working towards his master’s degree from Middlebury College. His interests include cooking, walking and playing with his puppy, and all Boston sports. 

Inspired by his influential teachers during his time at Rye Country Day School and Colby College, James hopes to instill a love for the classics in the next generation. He believes that learning Latin helps to improve one’s understanding of English, and it allows one to become a researcher by learning from the past to inform the future. As a former camp counselor and a volunteer music teacher, James enjoys the high spirits that young people imbue in a day of learning. In addition to his love of teaching, James has skills in playing the guitar, ultimate frisbee, and fencing.

Peter describes himself as a life-long learner and career educator. He strives to impart a passion for learning in his students. After 25 years as head coach of the boys’ varsity soccer team, he hung up his cleats a few years ago, but not before four of his teams reached the New England quarterfinals, four reached the semifinals, one a New England finalist and one the WNEPSSA Class M Championship. Peter enjoys reading, golfing, sailing, and especially spending time with his family and friends.

Matthew integrates real-world laboratory experience into the classroom. As a former marine biology teacher, he crafted laboratories, dissections, and field trips to enhance his students’ understanding of the class material. As a working biologist, he educated new hires at his research firm about the complexities of the endocrine system in aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates. He can’t wait to instill a love and respect of the natural world in his students.

You can tell that Matt Kocay loves his job. As the assistant varsity football coach and head coach to KO’s middle school football, basketball, and baseball teams, Matt brings warmth, positivity, and encouragement to his athletes. He believes in the transformative power of sports – not only in terms of athleticism – but in teaching life lessons.

Tomas Kopecky employs inquiry-based learning and student-centered activities to promote student understanding and a love of learning. With an extensive background in teaching chemistry, physics, and environmental science, he served as the Science Department Chair at both Chase Collegiate and The Knox School prior to his joining KO. He also served as Director of Summer Programs at Chase for ten years. In addition to being a thoughtful colleague who values reflection and collaboration, he has an extensive background in coaching tennis.

Kraus loves the natural energy in the classroom and the pursuit of ideas and problem-solving that is positive and purposeful.“In science, I appreciate making the material clearer for my students,” he said. “The class begins as a big adventure into the vast unknown, and in the last third of the year, the kids get excited by their own understanding. They can absorb this challenging information now. They have a sense of confidence and think, ‘I can handle this. It’s all coming together.’ As an educator, it’s incredibly gratifying to witness that and know that you were a part of the student’s development.”

Recognizing his extraordinary generosity and fairness, The Founders League recently awarded Kraus the M.D. Nadal Sportsmanship Award for 2018. Kraus believes that sports provide an essential pathway for living and learning life lessons: “Here’s how you work hard, here’s how it plays out, here’s how you measure success,” he said.

A 1986 KO graduate, Andy started teaching at KO in 1991, a year after he graduated from Middlebury College, where he majored in history, minored in teacher education, and played four years of varsity soccer and one year of varsity basketball. He spent all his summers from junior year of high school through college working with 12–15 year-olds as a counselor and camp director at Camp Tohkomeupog in East Madison, New Hampshire. “It was this experience that made me realize that working with middle school-aged kids is the place to be,” he said. In addition to teaching history at the KO Middle School, he coaches the Middle School boys’ soccer and the boys’ varsity tennis teams. “Coming back to KO, where I have taught, coached, and advised for 26 years, has been wonderful,” he said. “It is also special to have my son, Sam ’22, attend KO.”

Since he was young, Scott has always been a builder and creator. His early life as a carpenter led him to study sculpture in art school, where he discovered the power of art as a means of expression, connection, and collaboration. Since starting in 1994, his work at Kingswood Oxford as an art teacher, coach, and advisor has allowed him to help young people develop their own unique voice while embracing those of others.

Sharon Migdal believes in creating a positive and safe learning environment for her students so they can focus on higher-order thinking. While a research consultant at a private school in New York, she researched the middle school students’ intrinsic motivations for learning. She also piloted a social-emotional learning program for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. As a DEI task force member, she implemented new practices to uphold culturally responsive teaching so that all students can achieve their best. She’s excited to bring her energy and enthusiasm to KO.

Ms. Moriarty has an extensive background in teaching English at the high school level in both public and boarding schools and held administrative and instructional coaching positions in the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. By identifying and intervening with her students, she provided the support necessary to lift every student to their highest potential.  A careful and thoughtful listener, she develops partnerships with families so they can work together for the best of the student. She is a champion for her students and will do whatever it takes to support them.

Returning to KO to teach in 2008, Katherine is a printmaker and a book artist.  She earned her master’s of fine art in printmaking at Arizona State University and her bachelor’s degree in sculpture and printmaking at Washington University in St. Louis.  As an educator, she has taught fine art courses at numerous institutions and arts centers around the country, including Arizona State University.

Katherine’s own creative work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Her previous work made in the deserts of Arizona centered on her relationship with the desert landscape and its complex ecosystem.  Her work ultimately focused on the evidence that was left behind or the traces that marked the time and place where beings have traveled. Through the gathering of evidence, her images were transformed into momentary landscapes that reveal intimate relationships with the desert.  

Quinn O’Brien, the varsity girls basketball head coach at KO, brings 17 years of coaching experience, with the last seven dedicated to shaping young Wyvern athletes. A former college basketball player, O’Brien was a key part of the coaching staff for the 2015 CIAC Class L runner-up team. His coaching philosophy emphasizes that “team beats talent when talent isn’t a team,” reflecting his belief in the power of unity and collective effort. Passionate about high school coaching, O’Brien finds it a privilege to guide students through their formative years, contributing to their personal growth and helping them achieve their goals. For him, being a part of this developmental journey and aiding players in understanding what truly matters in life is both meaningful and rewarding.

Jimmy comes to KO from Ransom Everglades School, where he served as the middle school dean of students, math and computer science teacher, and coach. As a math teacher, he created, developed, and delivered differentiated instruction to students of varying levels. He believes in building trusting relationships in the community and creating a classroom environment where each person feels safe, encouraged, and honored.

In his third year as varsity soccer coach at KO, Sal Penta brings 30 years of coaching experience to the role. He was inducted into the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaching Association Hall of Fame in 2019 and led Southington High School to the Class LL state championship in 2002. Penta was also named the Meriden Record-Journal Fall Coach of the Year in 2007.

His coaching philosophy centers on creating a positive yet challenging environment to develop players technically, tactically, physically, and mentally. He emphasizes a positive attitude, teamwork, integrity, discipline, resiliency, leadership, and joy in an effort to foster success both on and off the field.

Penta holds a B.S. in Physical Therapy and an M.S. in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and is an ACSM-certified personal Trainer. He also holds a USSF D Coaching License and a National Youth Soccer Coaching License from US Soccer. He believes that coaching high school athletics provides a unique opportunity to develop not only athletes but also well-rounded individuals, making the role both rewarding and fulfilling.

Beth received her B.A. from Trinity College in English and sociology and her M.A. from the University of St. Joseph.

Julie started working as the assistant athletic trainer at KO right after finishing college. She earned her B.S. at Central Connecticut State University and her M.S. at California University of Pennsylvania. “I enjoy working with kids and watching them grow, both on and off the field,” she said.

Ann came to KO 18 years ago after teaching at several other independent schools across the U.S. The one consistent thing in all her experiences is that she is able to share her love of learning with students. “I love figuring out how I can create lessons that will get students engaged and excited about math. I love watching students learn a complex concept and the excitement and pride they feel in the moment when they finally get it!” she said. She wants students to enjoy and love the process of learning. She has taught math in middle schools and high schools and even taught teachers how to teach math at the college levels. In addition, she loves working with other teachers on curriculum and helping to create a comprehensive math program. Outside of school, Ann enjoys visiting family, traveling, hiking in National Parks, reading, knitting, and watching anything on BBC. She has one goal: to see all the Major League Baseball parks, although her favorite team resides in the Bronx.

A native of Avon, CT, Brad is the current head coach of the KO boys’ varsity basketball team. After playing Division III collegiate basketball at Suffolk University, he has coached at the AAU level, at prestigious camps and schools across the Northeast, and is also the owner of Lenny Rich Training where he works with boys and girls from Grade 3 to the professional level. Brad’s approach to coaching is a holistic one as he encourages hard work and maximum effort, both on and off the court, through drills, skills, conditioning, and gameplay.

Richard Shaw, a native of Blackpool in Northwestern England, is a former Professional and All-American soccer player. Shaw, who graduated with academic honors from Le Moyne College, also had huge success on the soccer field during his collegiate years, winning a National Championship, becoming a three-time MVP, and being named the first All-American since 1977 on the Le Moyne’s Men’s Soccer team.

In addition to college soccer, Shaw played in the UK with Blackpool FC, Fleetwood Town, and Kendal Town and had a trial spell at Burnley FC before moving full-time to the U.S. In 2012, Shaw finished his professional playing career with the Syracuse Silver Knights in the MASL.

Over the past 20 years, Shaw has coached college soccer at Le Moyne, Cazenovia College, and SUNY Adirondack while also working extensively in youth soccer. In addition to directing youth programs and developing coaching curriculums, Shaw co-wrote the bestselling book ‘Coaching Outside the Box: Changing the Mindset in Youth Soccer’. This material has been endorsed worldwide, including recognition in various national coaching curriculums. 

Shaw also works as a soccer commentator and analyst for Division I college soccer on ESPN, and has developed several initiatives and programs to help develop youth soccer throughout the U.S.

Mr. Smith establishes positive, healthy relationships with his students and his families and creates a welcoming classroom environment where students are not afraid to be themselves and take risks. At the same time, he instills high expectations from each student and pushes them to tap onto their true potential. With a background in teaching as well as a behavioral specialist, Smith is uniquely qualified to modify any lessons or plans to fit the needs of every student and collaborate with his peers to better engage his students. Smith is a KO graduate and has played semi-professional basketball.

Before coming to KO, Drew served as a teaching assistant in Caussade, France, creating engaging lesson plans and activities for the French students to practice speaking English and gain confidence. He believes in adapting lessons best to meet students’ needs and varying language levels so that each student can perform their best. While at Vassar College, he researched 19th-century French literature, culture, and fashion and taught French by writing dialogues in French to simulate conversations.

Joseph will assist Sheri Shea in running and developing KO’s Camp KO and other auxiliary programs. For the past several years, he was a phys ed and health teacher at Bristow Middle School, Kelly Lane School in Granby, and Canton High School. As a volleyball coach, he worked at Canton and Farmington High School as well as the Bristol Crush club team. He coaches to create a culture where players love to be and love to work hard to achieve their goals. “I care for my players just as much off the court, fostering academic success, aiding them through everyday trials and tribulations, as well as contributing to their character development,” he said.

Stephanie Sperber is an innovative educator with a strong focus on technology integration, skill development, and social justice. She is an engaging classroom teacher who utilizes a variety of creative-centered techniques including interactive lessons, simulations, C3 Inquiry, project-based learning, video, primary source analysis, and group work, all toward helping her students become “young historians” who are active and engaged in the community. In her practice, she builds strong relationships with students both within and outside the classroom, as she did for three years as the house chef for students at Maui Preparatory Academy.

A Latin teacher with over 16 years of experience at the middle school and high school level, Mr. Sullivan employs a pedagogical approach, Comprehensible Input (CI), to deliver relevant, understandable bits of information to his students in the target language. With this method, he has found that students are more engaged, creating a positive and caring class climate where the students have more choice and a larger voice in what they do in the classroom leading to greater success. He develops an inclusive environment where the students learn from each other, and he strives to help them see themselves reflected in modern Latin language texts with diverse characters and plots that represent different genders and races.

Anastasia earned her B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross and received her M.A. from Teachers College at Columbia University in the City of New York. Her career has spanned teaching in both public and independent schools. A life-long learner and collaborator with her students she said, “Learning is a journey we embark upon together.” She started playing volleyball in middle school, and she has coached in a variety of different leagues, including the USA Juniors Volleyball program. In her spare time, she loves to read and take long walks with her German shepherd, Teddy. 

Stacey received her B.A. from Fairfield University in history and her M.A. in education from the University of St. Joseph.

Ms. Valenti most recently taught at the Forman School in Litchfield, CT, where she was a dorm parent and advised students; she has also worked as a math teacher at Richmond Consolidated HS in Richmond, MA and at Hamden HS in Hamden, CT. Ms. Valenti earned a bachelor’s of science in mathematics and secondary education at Southern Connecticut State University and a master’s in math education from Mount Holyoke College. 

Trish advanced into the world of education with a background in adolescent counseling. As an adolescent counselor, she worked directly in an outreach center in the Bronx, working with at-risk youth. When she moved to California, she became a counselor at a residential facility helping to create a healthy environment for teens struggling with drug addiction. Following her journey in social work, she began her studies at Santa Clara University. While at Santa Clara, she earned my master’s in education. She taught for three years for the Sunnyvale-Cupertino Union School District and then another year at Woodside Priory School, a private 6-12 college preparatory school located in Portola Valley, California. She spent one year teaching at Cary Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina, before spending the next several years at home raising her three children. She is passionate about education and including sports and health in the curriculum. She had the opportunity to compete at both the high school and college levels in the sport of track and field, as well as cross country. As a Division 1 athlete at Fordham University, she brings a level of skill and excitement into her coaching. She said, “I will be starting my ninth year as a cross country and track & field coach – and I love it! As a teacher, advisor, and coach, I bring a passion for life, and every day I appreciate the opportunity I have to be a part of the Kingswood Oxford community and the lives of today’s youth.”

With a lifelong connection to the New England Music Camp, a five-year tenure as a performing arts faculty at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit, New Jersey, and a professional background as a touring musical theater performer, Mr. Wiggin is passionate about developing arts programming that is accessible to all students. He takes delight when a student who has never seen a show or been to a classical concert attends a performance and walks away with a newfound appreciation for the art form. In his most recent position, Wiggin served as the primary director of the plays and musicals, taught vocal performance, and designed a new curriculum for courses in the areas of theater and production, which contributed to doubling course enrollment.

Coach Yates is back for her third season as our Varsity Head Coach, after taking her maternity leave last season to coach our Middle School field hockey team. Chapin played on Boston College’s D1 field hockey team for four years and graduated from the Business School. She also coaches for AGH club field hockey indoor program in the winter and Camp KO in the summer, and one year as Assistant Lacrosse Coach.