Upper School

Upper School Faculty

Hackley teachers support and drive the School’s culture of respect and welcome, modeling through their work the values framed by our motto, “United, we help one another.” Leading by example, they encourage students to rise to the challenge posed by our mission: to grow in character, scholarship, and accomplishment, to offer unreserved effort, and to learn from the varying perspectives and backgrounds in our community and the world."

Faculty & Staff

  • Photo of Peter Sawkins
    Peter Sawkins
    Auxiliary Programs
    Director of Auxiliary Programs
  • Bess Seewald
    Registrar
    Registrar
  • Photo of Cassandra Sekkas
    Cassandra Sekkas
    US Science, MS Phys Ed, Athletics, MS Health, US Health
  • Dan Shaw
    US Computers, MS Computer
    MS / US Computer Science Teacher; Boarding Associate
  • Chris Sheppard
    US Classics, MS Classics
    Classics Department Chair; Boarding Associate
  • Photo of Kayla Simpson
    Kayla Simpson
    Athletics
    Assistant Athletic Trainer
  • Photo of Anne Siviglia
    Anne Siviglia
    US English
  • Photo of Shannon Smith
    Shannon Smith
    Nurse's Office
    School Nurse
  • Photo of William Smith
    Bill Smith
    Buildings and Grounds
    Director of Buildings & Grounds
  • Marietta Snyder
    Support Services
    Middle School / Upper School Learning Specialist
  • Avraham Sosa-Velasco
    US Modern Languages, MS Modern Languages
    Modern Language Chair, MS / US Spanish Teacher
  • Photo of Francis Stanek
    Francis Stanek Jr.
    Lower School, Athletics
    Physical Education Teacher; Coach
  • Photo of Melissa Stanek
    Melissa Stanek
    US History, Administration
    History Teacher, US Dean, Coach
  • Jeremy Storm
    Athletics
  • Qian Sun
    US Modern Languages, MS Modern Languages
    Chinese Teacher
  • Photo of David Sykes
    David Sykes
    US History
    Upper School Teacher and Director Hudson Scholars Program

Faculty & Staff News

List of 4 news stories.

  • Chinese language teacher Qiong (Katie) Jan

    Hackley Perspectives: Imagination and Cultural Connections

    In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Qiong (Katie) Jan examines the role of imagination in Hackley’s Chinese language program. “In our classes, imagination flourishes through such engaging activities as making traditional foods, like dumplings, mooncakes and tanghulu, and watching cinematic masterpieces. Students actively participate in storytelling sessions, crafting their narratives inspired by folklore, debating contemporary cultural issues and collaborating on projects that explore traditional arts, such as papercutting, ink painting and origami,” she writes. “These hands-on experiences vividly immerse students in Chinese culture, igniting their curiosity and deepening their cultural understanding.” Read the post here.
  • Jen Hubert Swan, Library Department Chair

    Hackley Perspectives: How Books Can Reignite Our Imaginations

    In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Library Department Chair Jen Hubert Swan shares her concerns about the health of our imaginations, and how books can help. “Once we realize our imaginations have been withered by social media, is it too late to resurrect our inventiveness? As a librarian who has witnessed and experienced the creative power of reading, I’m here to tell you that it’s never too late,” she writes. “Ironically, as social media has exploded, so has publishing. According to some sources, there are between 500,000 and one million new titles traditionally published each year. ... But with so many options, how do we choose? Dear reader, I thought you’d never ask.” Read the post here.
  • Melissa Tranchida P ’34, ’36, ’37, Computer Science Department Chair

    Hackley Perspectives: Code as Canvas

    In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Computer Science Department Chair Melissa Tranchida reflects on the artistry of computer science. “Artists exist in many capacities within the field of Computer Science,” she writes. “Whether students are digitally editing images, showcasing interactive games, exploring connections between code and graphical elements, or making decisions about a gradient within the user experience of their mobile application. In every one of these projects, the students are artists in their own right, using code as their canvas. Hackley students epitomize the joy of learning, and the art of coding is one they enroll in without checking off a graduation credit.” Read the post here.
  • Sue Harmon P ’13, ’16, Lower School teacher

    Hackley Perspectives: The Power of Kindness

    In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Lower School teacher Sue Harmon reflects on the power of kindness. “As an educator, I have been able to weave kindness throughout the curriculum and our everyday lessons and activities. The students quickly learn to embrace a classroom where kindness, respect, and friendship are the cornerstone and expectation.” Read the post here.
See more Upper School News