Baylor Welcomes New Faculty And Staff

The following new faculty, staff and coaches have joined the Baylor community.

Middle School and Upper School Teaching and Coaching
Mario Alba, Upper School Spanish Instructor - Mario completed a B.A. in English from the University of Valencia in his native Spain and then earned an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from the University of Georgia. Mario went on to teach at Girls Preparatory School and at the University of North Georgia.  Most recently, he was teaching at Central High School.

Nick Amendolare, Upper School Science Substitute Instructor - Nick is teaching as a short-term substitute in the Upper School. Nick earned a B.A. in Environmental Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.Ed. from Harvard. Nick taught in Marshfield Public Schools and Dade County Schools.  Most recently, he has been a private tutor and a content contributor for several websites including Study.com and TED-Ed.

Caroline Armbruster, Upper School History Instructor -  A Louisiana native, Caroline completed her B.A. in history at Southeastern Louisiana State and went on to earn an M.A. in history and a Ph.D. in British history at Louisiana State University.  Caroline taught a variety of history courses at Randolph-Macon College for five years before choosing Chattanooga as her new home. 

Sarah Arvidson, Upper and Middle School French Instructor, Walkabout - Sarah completed a B.A. in French and Global Studies and an M.A.T. in French Literature at MTSU.  She then went on to earn both an M.A. and a Ph.D. in French Literature at Vanderbilt.  An avid kayaker, Sarah is also a WFR, has her swift water rescue certification, and has taught kayaking.  Sarah taught English in both South Korea and France and, most recently, has been teaching French and serving as the dormitory coordinator for the French Language Hall at Vanderbilt.

Chris Brown, Football Coach, P.E. Instructor - Chris completed his B.A. in English at ETSU and went on to earn an M.Ed. from Carson Newman.  He played football at Vanderbilt University before moving on to coaching at Ooltewah High School, Cleveland High School, and most recently Red Bank High School where he served as head football coach. 

Daniel Bush, Upper School English Instructor, Upper School Assistant Boys' Cross Country Coach - Daniel is teaching English in the Upper School serving as the assistant boys cross country coach in the Upper School.  A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Daniel completed his B.A. in comparative literature at Davidson College where was also a member of the cross country and track teams. He then earned a Ph.D. in Slavic Languages and Literature from Stanford University.  Most recently, Daniel has been teaching for Stanford.

Angelo Coclanis, Upper School History Instructor, Assistant Girls' Cross Country Coach, Dorm Parent - Angelo joins Baylor to teach history and serve as a dorm parent and assistant girls cross country coach in the Upper School.  Angelo completed his B.A. in history at UNC Chapel Hill and went on to earn an M.A. in International and World History from Columbia University and the London School of Economics.  Most recently, Angelo taught, coached, and lived on campus at the Solebury School. 

Jenison Eduave, Middle School Dance Instructor, Vervé Creative Director - Jenison earned a B.A. in communications from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (with minors in Spanish and speech) while also pursuing dance studies with The Ailey School, Sidra Bell Dance New York, and Weave Dance Company.  She has taught dance for Ballet Tennessee, Project Motion, and the Creative Arts Guild, and most recently served as Outreach/Education Director for The Pop-Up Project.

Louie Elliott, Upper School Science Instructor, Lead Engineering Scientist, Robotics Coach - Louie is serving as a lead scientist in the engineering wing of Baylor Research and to teach physics and coach robotics in the Upper School.  Louie completed a B.S. in physics from UTC, an M.S. in physics from N.C. State, and a Ph.D. in Computational Engineering from UTC.  Louie went on to do extensive R&D work in industry and then worked and taught at UTC.  Most recently, Louie taught physics and engineering at Notre Dame High School.

Chris Elsey, Upper School Science Instructor - Chris completed two B.S. degrees at Shorter University, the first in ecology and field biology, and the second in natural science.  Chris then went on to earn an M.A.T. from Shorter University, as well.  Chris has been teaching environmental science and all levels of biology at Gateway High School as well as working with the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program.

María Gil Gonzáles, Middle and Upper School Spanish Instructor - Maria earned a IMP in journalism from the Universidad de Navarra in her native Spain and an M.Ed in secondary and world language education from Temple University. Maria then worked for the Vare-Washington School, Northeast High School, and New Foundations Charter School.  Most recently, María has been teaching Spanish, directing the global education department, and serving as a dorm parent for Solebury School in New Hope, Pa.

Rheagan Hall, Assistant to the Athletic Director, Coach, Dorm Parent - Rheagan is the assistant to the athletic director, a dorm parent, and an assistant golf coach.  A native of Cleveland, Tenn., Rheagan completed her undergraduate degree in health and human performance and sports management at UTC and also played golf for the Mocs.  Most recently, Rheagan served as an intern for the Chattanooga Sports Commission.

Lacey Jumpp, Learning Center Math and Science Specialist -  A Jamaican native, Lacey moved to Tennessee to attend Lee University where she earned her B.A. in psychology. She went on to gain experience in education and mathematics in Colorado as an Americore member at the New America School.  She has also served as a mathematics tutor at Mountain Valley Academy in California, and, most recently, in as a math and science teacher at Harlem Village Academy in New York City. 

Ben Swakopf, Middle School German Instructor, Middle School Community Service Director - Ben is teaching German in the Middle School is the director the Middle School Community Service Program. Ben completed his B.A. in German studies from Covenant College and his M.A. in German studies from Indiana University- Bloomington.  For the past six years, he served as an associate instructor in the Department of Germanic Studies at IU while also completing all the coursework towards a Ph.D. in German literature and culture.

Jenny Wang, Middle School Chinese Instructor, Off-Campus Dorm Parent - In addition to teaching in the Middle School, Jenny is assisting admissions with international families, and serving as an off-campus dorm parent. Jenny completed a B.A. in Biology from Beijing Union University -Teacher's College and went on to teach English in Beijing for six years.  Most recently, Jenny has been teaching Chinese and serving as Liaison for Asian Families at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School.

Brandon Weaver, Middle School History Instructor, Middle School Basketball and Baseball Coach - Brandon completed B.A. degrees in both history and political science and an M.Ed. at Virginia Tech, earned his Ed.S. in administration and supervision at MTSU, and is currently completing his Ed.D. in school leadership at ETSU.  Most recently, Brandon taught U.S. history, AP U.S. history, and AP U.S. government at LaVergne High School in Rutherford County.

Josh Willoughby, Assistant Football Coach -  A native of Mt. Sterling, Kent., Josh graduated from Brentwood Academy and earned his B.A. in liberal arts from MTSU where he also played football.  Josh went on to earn an M.Ed. from Morehead State University.  Most recently, Josh has been coaching American football in Europe. 

Admissions, Communications, College Counseling,Transportation, Walkabout, Residential Life
Daxton Bacalman, Middle School Walkabout Director, Transportation Driver - Daxton is serving as the director of Middle School Walkabout and as a driver in the transportation department.  Daxton earned his B.A. in secondary education from Colorado State University and an associate degree in photography and wilderness studies from Colorado Mountain College.  He went on to work for Chattanooga Parks and Recreation, Rock Creek Outfitters, REI, and most recently as a freelance photographer.

Brian Burrage, Director of Boarding Admissions, Dorm Parent - Brian has been named Director of Boarding Admissions and is also a dorm parent.  Brian completed his B.BA in business administration from Florida Atlantic University and then earned his M.Ed from Southeastern University.  Brian served as an intelligence analyst (rising to the rank of sergeant) with the United States Army. After the army, Brian taught at Barnabas Christian Academy and Communities Christian Academy.  Most recently, Brian worked at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach where he served director of non-traditional learning, secondary principal, and director of global initiatives.  

Meg Conner, College Counselor - Meg completed a B.A. in English at Wofford and earned an MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina.   Meg has done admissions and other work at both Wofford and the University of South Carolina, college counseling at Christ School, and academic enrichment counseling at Hammond School.

Allison Gallimore, Administrative Assistant for Residential Life - Growing up in a Navy family, Allison travelled extensively before landing in Atlanta and attending Atlanta Christian College.  Allison previously served as the ministry support coordinator for First Baptist Church and later served in the same role for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina.

Anna Glascock '11, Boarding Admissions Counselor, Off-Campus Dorm Parent - Anna is serving as a boarding admissions counselor and off-campus dorm parent for Riverfront. A 2011 graduate of Baylor where she was a member of the crew and bowling teams, Anna completed her B.S. in human environmental sciences at the University of Alabama.  Anna went on to start a home organization business and most recently served as a teacher at St. Peter’s Episcopal School.

Macie Holcomb, Cheerleading Coach -  A native of Ooltewah, Macie is serving as the head cheerleading coach.  She earned her B.A. in education from UTC where she also served as a varsity cheerleader.  Macie went on to coach with Chattanooga All Stars Cheerleading, Signal Mountain Middle School, and most recently Heritage High School.

Julia Howarth, Girls' Head Crew Coach -  A native of Australia, Julia completed her B.A. in sociology at the University of Melbourne.  Julia served as the director of rowing for Presbyterian Ladies’ College, a rowing coach for Carnegie Lake Rowing Association, and the varsity womens’ assistant coach and, most recently, the novice coordinator and summer camps coordinator for Princeton National Rowing Association.

Erik Kimrey, Head Football Coach, Dorm Parent -  A native of Columbia, S.C., Erik earned his B.S. in math from the University of South Carolina where he also played football.  Erik went on to coach at Hammond High School and, most recently, at the University of South Carolina.

Gabby Kessler, P.E. Instructor, Assistant Girls' Soccer and Basketball Coach - Gabby is serve as a P.E. instructor and an assistant coach in girls' soccer and basketball.  Originally from Peachtree City, she attended the University of Florida where she completed a B.A. in telecommunications management, earned a master’s in management, was an All-SEC performer in Women's Soccer, and played on the women's basketball team.  She most recently played professional soccer from 2018-2022 with the Portland Thorns and Houston Dash.  

McClain Kessler, Head Tennis Coach - A native of Calhoun, Ga., McClain attended the University of Florida where he completed a B.S. in sociology and earned All-SEC honors in their men's tennis program.  McClain went on to play professional tennis on the ITF and ATP tour from 2019-2021.  He has also served as an assistant coach at Clemson University.

Catherine Mangonès, Upper School German and English Instructor - Catherine is teaching German and English in the Upper School. Catherine completed a B.A. in English literature from Cornell University and then earned an M.A. in TESOL from Middlebury College as well as doing graduate work in German Studies at Portland State. Having served as a U.S. Army Intelligence officer (rising to the rank of Captain), Catherine then taught at Elkhart Central High School and Culver Academies.  Most recently, she was teaching German, serving as dorm parent, and coaching at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisc.

Noah McIndoo, Learning Center Math and Science Specialist - Noah is serving as a math and science specialist in the Learning Center. Noah earned his B.A. in neuroscience with a minor in psychology from Sewanee. A native of Memphis, Noah worked for The Tutors, a tutoring company in Memphis, before moving to Chattanooga.  Most recently, he has been working as a private tutor.

Mary Oehmig, Day Admissions Counselor - Mary Oehmig returns to Baylor this year to serve as a day admissions counselor.  Mary completed her B.A. in English at Sewanee.  Mary first worked at Baylor in 2005 as a boarding admissions counselor, dorm parent, and Walkabout faculty instructor and then moved on to work in college counseling at Harpeth Hall in Nashville.

Micah O’Hara, Middle School History, Middle School Volleyball Coach - Micah is teaching history and coaching volleyball in the Middle School.  Micah attended Regent University in Virginia Beach and completed his B.A. in social studies and Secondary Education at Regent University.   After working several years with campers in South Carolina, Micah moved to Chattanooga where he taught social studies at Chattanooga Preparatory School. 

Donna Marie Siegal '14, Multi-Media Specialist - A 2014 Baylor graduate, Donna Marie completed her B.A. in cinema arts and science from Columbia College Chicago.  After graduating, she founded her own media business where she has planned, filmed, and edited videos for a wide range of projects and clients, including Baylor. 

Molly Glascock Smith '12, Social Media Specialist - A 2012 Baylor graduate, Molly went on to discover an interest in photography and started her own professional photography business where she was responsible for shooting high-end weddings and other events.

Julia Steck '18, Boarding Admissions Counselor, Dorm Parent -  A 2018 Baylor graduate and member of the Baylor Players, Julia completed her B.S. in psychology with minors in human development and social welfare at the University of Alabama.

Jennifer Warnack, College Counselor - Jennifer completed a B.S. in middle school education from Kennesaw State and later earned an M.S. in middle school education from West Georgia.  She also holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership administration.  After several years as a teacher and administrator in North Georgia public schools, Jennifer served as middle school head, academic dean, and assistant head of school for Boyd Buchanan. 

Lena Welpton, Assistant Director of Transportation - Lena joins Baylor as assistant director of transportation. Most recently, Lena worked for Cherry Creek Schools in Aurora, Colo.