DesertAcademy

MEET OUR FACULTY

CASEY APPLEGATE-AGUILAR, Social Studies, English
After traveling as the daughter of a military sailor, Casey returned to her home state of Texas, where she attended high school and college. She received a BA in English and a BA in psychology from Lamar University in 2005. Graduate school brought Casey to New Mexico. Here she received an MA in English in 2008 and an MS in clinical psychology/counseling in 2009 from New Mexico Highlands University. Casey is a published poet and artist who enjoys the outdoors, animals, travel, graphic novels, gaming, and, of course, literature and psychology. capplegate@desertacademy.org

RANDY BENNETT, Chairman, Performing Arts
Randy has taught improvisation and comedy writing for over two and a half decades to over 2,500 students including George Clooney, Jon Lovitz, Julia Sweeney, Darryl Hannah, Phil Rosenthal (Executive Producer of Everybody Loves Raymond) and J.J. Abrams (”Lost,” “Star Trek”). His career started in the early years of The Groundlings where he was a performing member of that now legendary comedy troupe with Phil Hartman and Paul “Pee-wee Herman” Reubens. He ran The Groundling School of Improvisation for many years and opened Groundlings East in New York City, which is still operating under the banner of Gotham City Improv. He was a Hollywood talent agent in the early 80’s representing such talents as George Clooney, Kelly Preston, Lynn Redgrave, Cloris Leachman, Kirstie Alley, and Tom Selleck. As a LA theatre producer and casting director, he gave “first breaks” to Lisa Kudrow (Friends) and Peri Gilpin (Frazier), which helped launch their successful acting careers. He was also a television director on ABC’s Jam Bay, for Bunim/Murray Productions (Real World, Simple Life) and The Nanny for CBS. He graduated cum laude from the University of Southern California with a degree in Theatre Arts. For a recent article about Randy, please visit http://www.santafe.com/articles/timing-is-everything-randy-bennett-s-lives-in-the-performing-arts.   email: rbennett@desertacademy.org

STEPHANIE BINKLEY, Learning Specialist, CAS Coordinator, Mathematics
Stephanie earned a B.S in Special Education with a minor in Spanish and a Master of Human Relations degree from the University of Oklahoma. She taught for five years in the Jenks Public School system where she implemented the Therapeutic Intervention Program for high school students with special needs. She ended her tenure at Jenks as District Transition Specialist. Stephanie and her husband have relocated to Santa Fe to pursue their love for the outdoors and to continue their careers in a vibrant and diverse community. email: sbinkley@desertacademy.org

JESSICA CAVALLI, World Languages Chair, Spanish
Jessica was raised in Santa Fe and graduated cum laude from the University of New Mexico with a BA in Modern Romance Languages. She holds a NM teaching license with an endorsement in Spanish as a foreign language, as well as the Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language (Nivel Superior) from the Instituto Cervantes of Spain. Jessica has also successfully completed the New Mexico Spanish Language Proficiency Exam (Prueba de Español) for bilingual certification. She is currently working on a Master’s Degree in teaching Spanish language and culture through the Universidad de Alcalá de Henares (Madrid) in Spain. She has studied, worked, and lived in various parts of Spain, and travels frequently to Mexico where her family has a home. Additionally, Jessica leads semi-annual student trips to the Dominican Republic to realize service and outreach work in impoverished communities. She is the Faculty Advisor for the Desert Academy Leos Club, a youth division of Lions Club International. She has been teaching Spanish at Desert Academy since 2003 and is proud to be a certified teacher in the school’s International Baccalaureate Programme.
email: jcavalli@desertacademy.org

JOCELYNE COMSTOCK, Science
In over 10 years of teaching, Jocelyne has had the opportunity to teach students from all walks of life, aged 13-20+ in a multitude of classes. She obtained her BA from the University of Hawaii at Hilo in Natural Sciences with a minor in Earth and Space studies. She has worked in some of the largest public schools in the state of Hawaii, an outside charter school in the state of Colorado, and at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. She sets her standards high, and provides her students with a way to relate everyday life to the school subjects they learn through co-operative learning groups, hands-on lab work and research that delves more into subjects of interest for the students. She earned her MA in Earth Sciences with work directed in geology and astronomy. Jocelyne has published three articles, one referring to her master’s thesis and two regarding Astronomy and math applications and look forward to writing new articles as part of this faculty. email:  jcomstock@desertacademy.org

JILL FELICE, Assistance Dog Training
Assistance Dogs of the West was founded in 1995 by Jill Felice.
Jill is a graduate of the Assistance Dog Institute in Rohnert Park, California. Dr. Bonita Bergin, the founder of Canine Companions for Independence, founded Assistance Dog Institute. The program is unique in its additional focus on the benefits for participating students, as well as for the recipient of an assistance dog. Student trainers enable Assistance Dogs of the West to train and place more dogs with recipients. There are only five programs of this type in the nation and this is the only one with a focus on students with learning differences. Desert Academy students have trained dogs that have been placed to help individuals with multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, degenerative nerve diseases, and victims of accident, stroke, and war injuries. email:  jfelice@desertacademy.org

LIS GILBERT-DESMOND, Social Studies, PE
Lis has been working for Desert Academy since 1999. She has taught Art, P.E., Social Studies and English. This year, she will be teaching Social Studies and P.E. In addition to her teaching duties, she will also coach cross country, track and help out as the assistant athletic director. Lis moved to Santa Fe in 1991 after graduating from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. She spent her first few years in Santa Fe pursuing outdoor interests as a raft guide, skier services representative and expedition guide for teen trips in Montana and British Colombia. Lis is an avid tri-athlete and continues to race everything from 5k’s to marathons. When Lis is not running with the Desert runners, you can find her with her husband and two year old daughter. email:  lgildes@desertacademy.org

PAUL HEDRICK, English
Paul hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He received his BA in English
from the University of New Mexico and his MA from Middlebury College’s
Bread Loaf School of English. He began teaching in 1997 and joined the
Desert Academy faculty in 2007. Despite his interests in science
fiction and fantasy, comic books, gaming, Star Trek, film, and English
lit, Paul likes to think he is not the world’s biggest geek.
email: phedrick@desertacademy.org

KIM KURIAN, Photography
Originally from St. Louis, Kim moved to Santa Fe in 1998 to pursue a new career in photography. Previously, Kim worked as a clinical registered dietitian in hospitals, mental health institutions, out-patient health and wellness clinics, and even at a maximum security federal prison. In addition, she taught nutrition and health education classes at Southern Illinois University while pursuing a Doctorate in Health Education. One semester she decided to take a class in black and white photography and as a result, changed her course of study mid-stream and has never looked back. Now, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in photography, Kim teaches part-time and works as a freelance and fine art photographer. Outside of photography, her interests are being a homemaker, gardening, cooking, olympic style weightlifting, and hiking with her husband Greg and her dog Lucy. email: kkurian@desertacademy.org

KAREN LINDEEN, Middle School Dean, Science Department Chair, MYP Coordinator
Karen’s passions lie not only in teaching students science, but teaching them how to be life-long learners. A native of Maryland, she has a M.Ed. from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Biological Science from Salisbury State University. She has taught science for 10 years in both public and private schools. She is the Dean of the Middle School, the Science Department Chair, and the IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator. She wants to inspire students to be fascinated by the natural world around them, in turn motivating them to become environmental stewards, academic scholars, and all around good people. She enjoys skiing, hiking, dancing and learning.  email:  klindeen@desertacademy.org

JEFF MATHIS, Science, Mathematics
Jeff has been working in science, math and technology fields for over 20 years, either as a university instructor or in private industry. He has a deep love for mathematics and the natural world, and really enjoys sharing this passion with children and teens. Jeff earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Montana, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for study in West Germany, and received a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Colorado. He then did post-doctoral scientific research at the University of Utah in biochemistry and bioinformatics before working in private industry for eleven years as a scientific computer modeler and in the field of bioinformatics. He recently completed a Masters of Education at the College of Santa Fe with emphasis in teaching secondary math and science. email:  jmathis@desertacademy.org

GREG MAYS, Technology Department Chair
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee and raised in Southern New Mexico, Greg earned B.A. degrees in Public Relations and Pre-Law from New Mexico State University in 2005. While at NMSU, he was the editor and graphic designer for alumni magazine The Scoop, worked as a public relations assistant for the university, and volunteered as Associate Justice of the NMSU Supreme Court. He has taught and developed curriculum for Computer Literacy and Mathematics courses for several years, and he is involved with the production of several internet podcasts, including the very first podcast produced in the state of New Mexico, which has been featured nationally in many media outlets. Greg also edits and contributes content for college textbooks, including web supplements and encyclopedia articles. In his free time, he produces, mixes, and records digital music, and resides in Albuquerque with his wife and daughter.
email: gmays@desertacademy.org

ROD MEHLING, Dean of High School; Chair, Humanities Department; History Teacher; Soccer Coach.
Rod is passionate about helping young adults realize their full potential—in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in all other walks of life. In his fifth year at Desert, Rod brings to the school a background as an educator and a corporate leader. He earned his BA in History from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He is certified as a high school history teacher by the State of New Mexico and is also a graduate of the School of International Training (Vermont) TESOL Program (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Rod has worked extensively with Santa Fe-based Earth Care International, a non-profit whose mission is to engage young people in environmental education and action. Rod is certified as an environmental educator by the Zero Emissions Research Institute—ZERI. As former CEO of Catalyst Communications, an award-winning healthcare marketing firm, Rod has extensive experience in advertising and marketing, staff training and development, and client acquisition. Rod has worked as a camp counselor for physically handicapped children, a Big Brother mentor, a Little League coach, and a YMCA summer youth leader.  email:  rmehling@desertacademy.org

SHEILA MILES, Chair, Visual Arts
Sheila has been an artist and taught for over 35 years at Universities, for the National Endowment for the Arts and Montana Arts Council, throughout Montana, in Hana, Hawaii, on reservations and one-room schools, after school programs and at teacher’s conferences. She was also Director of the Provincetown Art Museum, Curator at the Yellowstone Art Museum and Education Curator, and Gallery Director at Universities. She has a Masters in Painting and Drawing and has exhibited in over 300 exhibitions and 100 of her works is included in various public collections as the Federal Reserve Bank. She has also received the Gottlieb Foundation grant and a Montana Arts Council Fellowship. After a vibrant career in Montana for over 27 years, Miles currently lives near Santa Fe. You can view her work at www.artistmiles.com. email:  smiles@desertacademy.org

AMY MILLER, Assistant Head of School
Amy has been a part of the Desert Academy Administrative Team since 2004, serving as Head of Middle School, Dean of Students, English Department Chair and as an English teacher before taking on the role of Assistant Head of School in the summer of 2008. Amy earned her undergraduate degree in literature and secondary education from American University in Washington DC, her Masters of Liberal Studies from St. John’s College, and her Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Arizona State University. Prior to Desert, Amy taught English, Composition, and Creative Writing on the middle, high school, and college levels and served as a middle school administrator. Amy is a certified IB Theory of Knowledge instructor, IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator, and AP English teacher, and has attended programs in Middle School Leadership, overseeing student leadership and student publications. She is also a published author. Amy is a strong advocate of writing across the curriculum and using a well balanced liberal arts curriculum to address multiple intelligences. Amy currently teaches Theory of Knowledge at Desert Academy. email:  amiller@desertacademy.org

JUD OSBORN, Finance Director/Human Resources
Jud joined Desert Academy in the Summer of 2005. Jud earned his BA from the College of Santa Fe in 1993 and has  served as Business Manager/Finance Director in NM private schools for over ten years. In the winter of 2006-07 Jud initiated the Middle School Winter Mountain Sports Programs and in the fall of 2007 he resumed teaching Creative Writing, a class he has taught in six of the past ten years. email: josborn@desertacademy.org

TERRY PASSALACQUA, Head of School
Terry has taught in various capacities in Santa Fe over the past twenty years, including the last fourteen at Desert Academy. In that time, he has served as Dean of Faculty, Head of High School and Assistant Head of School. He has also taught Anthropology, IB Psychology, Government/Economics, History, and served as Athletics Director for ten years. He is a certified International Baccalaureate Instructor in two disciplines, The Theory of Knowledge and Psychology. He is also a certified in International Baccalaureate Administration. Terry has conducted various leadership workshops and seminars in Santa Fe, Denver, and at the Omega Institute in New York. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from Kent State University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership at the University of New Mexico. Among his many other accomplishments, Terry was voted “Most Influential Teacher” for the Santa Fe Super Scholar Program in 2006, 2007, and 2008, was named “Most Inspiring Teacher” by a student finalist in the National 2007 Presidential Scholars Program. Terry also writes a column on educational issues for the New Mexico Free Press.

Prior to retiring from athletics in the Spring of 2007, Terry had spent twenty years coaching high school track & field in the Santa Fe area. The last twelve of those years have been at Desert Academy. He has a long history of athletic achievements including being voted as “The New Mexico Coach of the Year” in 1994, 1995, and 2003. Individual athletes from his teams have won over fifty state championships and his teams have competed and won awards at the state, national, and international levels. Terry was the founder of the Santa Fe/Los Alamos Track Club. In 1992, as the leader and head coach for the USA track & field team, he made a historic trip to China – at the time, it was the largest track contingent to compete in China. email:  tpassalacqua@desertacademy.org
“I believe in the absolute power of the individual to achieve, grow and flourish as long as love and support are present” – Terry Passalacqua

NATALIE PASSALACQUA, Athletic Director
Natalie received her BA in education from the University of Pittsburgh State. She was a 4-year letter winner in basketball and track & field, and captain of the basketball team. She placed all four years at the MIAA track and field conference championships and was awarded Outstanding Student Athlete. Natalie was a special education instructor from 2000 to 2004 in Kansas, and coached volleyball and softball. She gets great satisfaction helping students achieve difficult goals. email: npassalacqua@desertacademy.org

CATHERINE ROBINSON, Music, English
Catherine relocated to Santa Fe five years ago from the Flathead Valley in northwest Montana. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Idaho and taught choral music, drama and English in junior high schools and high schools in Montana, Washington and Idaho. Ms. Robinson did graduate study at the University of Washington in voice performance, choral conducting and English/Language Arts and continued her work in choral conducting with Rodney Eichenberger from Florida State University. Currently, Ms. Robinson is a candidate for a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting at California State University, Los Angeles, working with Dr. William Belan and Donald Brinegar in choral conducting and Donald Brinegar in voice performance. Ms. Robinson has performed leading and supporting roles in opera productions, light opera and Broadway shows, and has sung in solo recitals. Some roles include Musetta in La Boheme, Magda Sorel in The Consul, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes and Sarah in Company. Since moving to Santa Fe, Ms. Robinson has performed with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale winter and summer ensembles, Santa Fe Pro Musica and Canticum Novum. Ms. Robinson teaches 7th grade English, 7th and 8th grade music classes and choir at Santa Fe Desert Academy. This past spring Ms. Robinson sang the role of The Mother in Santa Fe Opera’s One Hour Opera production of The Timid Twosome (I Due Timidi) by Nino Rota.
email:  crobinson@desertacademy.org

ISABELLE THIÉBAUT, French, IB Diploma Program Coordinator
Isabelle was born and raised in Paris. She received her certifications in Languages and Communications: (Associate in English, BA in Spanish and BA in FLE-French as a Foreign Language, Master in Communication /PR/ Marketing). She has worked in the communication field for over 15 years; Some of her clients were: Dider Adès-France Inter, Guy Savoy-Three star Parisian restaurant. She also holds a masters degree in Counseling from Paris. She moved to Santa Fe six years ago with her daughter and since then, she’s been teaching French for grades 7-12 as well as adults classes. Isabelle is a certified Feng Shui Practitioner and Teacher, and also teaches at the Santa Fe Community College for The School of Arts and Design as well as private workshops and consultations. www.myriadplus.com
ithiebaut@desertacademy.org

FU-MEI TSAI, Chinese
Fu-Mei is a certified Mandarin Chinese teacher in Taiwan and has taught Mandarin Chinese in junior high school (grades 7, 8, and 9) in Taiwan for over ten years. She graduated from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan with a major in Chinese literature. She is excited to be teaching Chinese at Desert and is pleased that Desert is serious and willing to offer its students the opportunity to learn a useful and important language. email:  ftsai@desertacademy.org

ERIC WYNN, History, English
Eric graduated from McGill University in 2004 with a BA in English Literature and came to Desert shortly after. He has since been pursuing a Master’s Degree in literature through the Breadloaf School of English. He currently coaches soccer and heads up a small debating and public speaking society within the school. Eric is an avid outdoorsman in all seasons, and loves living in Santa Fe.
email: ewynn@desertacademy.org

CHRIS ZAPPE, Digital Media Arts
Chris received his BFA in Art and Technology from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His roles at Desert Academy include teaching digital animation in the school’s burgeoning Digital Media Arts department and providing technical assistance with campus computers and technology infrastructure. He also works in the math department teaching middle school math. Despite his field of interest, Chris maintains a healthy skepticism toward computers and enjoys the many outdoor activities Santa Fe has to offer, previously lending his talents to the St. John’s College Search & Rescue team.  email:  czappe@desertacademy.orgfaculty

MEET OUR STAFF

PATTY CONWAY, Front Office Manager
Patty has been at Desert for seven years, and is otherwise known as the voice of Desert Academy. Her interests outside of school include going on vision quests, swimming with whales and dolphins, and practicing meditation. She is currently completing her masters degree in Counseling.
email:  pconway@desertacademy.org

JENNIFER DRYFOOS, College Counselor
Jennifer has spent a surprising amount of her life devoted to colleges. She was director of college counseling at Santa Fe Prep for twelve years and worked as a college counselor in Locust Valley, NY (at The Portledge School) prior to moving to Santa Fe. Before that, she was a college administrator (in residential life) at Princeton, Wheaton, Oberlin, and Green Mountain College. She was born and raised in New York City, but has lived all over. She got her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Smith College and her Masters in Counseling Processes from Harvard. Jennifer also has a Certificate in Financial Planning from NYU. email:  jdryfoos@desertacademy.org

KIMBERLY HENELY, Executive Assistant
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Kim moved to Santa Fe in 2007 and has worked at Desert since that time. She is thrilled to be working in an educational environment, after working as a television production coordinator in Los Angeles for a couple of years prior to her move to Santa Fe. Kim received her BS in Behavioral Science from Metropolitan State College of Denver, and an Associates Degree in Multimedia Design & Technology from the Colorado Institute of Art. Outside of work, Kim enjoys her pets, traveling, hiking, yoga and dance. email:  khenely@desertacademy.org

AMY MILLER, Assistant Head of School
Amy has been a part of the Desert Academy Administrative Team since 2004, serving as Head of Middle School, Dean of Students, English Department Chair and as an English teacher before taking on the role of Assistant Head of School in the summer of 2008. Amy earned her undergraduate degree in literature and secondary education from American University in Washington DC, her Masters of Liberal Studies from St. John’s College, and her Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Arizona State University. Prior to Desert, Amy taught English, Composition, and Creative Writing on the middle, high school, and college levels and served as a middle school administrator. Amy is a certified IB Theory of Knowledge instructor, IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator, and AP English teacher, and has attended programs in Middle School Leadership, overseeing student leadership and student publications. She is also a published author. Amy is a strong advocate of writing across the curriculum and using a well balanced liberal arts curriculum to address multiple intelligences. Amy currently teaches Theory of Knowledge at Desert Academy. amiller@desertacademy.org

JUD OSBORN, Finance Director/Human Resources
Jud joined Desert Academy in the Summer of 2005. Jud earned his BA from the College of Santa Fe in 1993 and has  served as Business Manager/Finance Director in NM private schools for over ten years. In the winter of 2006-07 Jud initiated the Middle School Winter Mountain Sports Programs and in the fall of 2007 he resumed teaching Creative Writing, a class he has taught in six of the past ten years. email:  josborn@desertacademy.org

TERRY PASSALACQUA, Head of School
Terry has taught in various capacities in Santa Fe over the past twenty years, including the last fourteen at Desert Academy. In that time, he has served as Dean of Faculty, Head of High School and Assistant Head of School. He has also taught Anthropology, IB Psychology, Government/Economics, History, and served as Athletics Director for ten years. He is a certified International Baccalaureate Instructor in two disciplines, The Theory of Knowledge and Psychology. He is also a certified in International Baccalaureate Administration. Terry has conducted various leadership workshops and seminars in Santa Fe, Denver, and at the Omega Institute in New York. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from Kent State University and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico. Among his many other accomplishments, Terry was voted “Most Influential Teacher” for the Santa Fe Super Scholar Program in 2006, 2007, and 2008, and was named “Most Inspiring Teacher” by a student finalist in the National 2007 Presidential Scholars Program. Terry also writes a column on educational issues for the New Mexico Free Press.

Prior to retiring from athletics in the Spring of 2007, Terry had spent twenty years coaching high school track & field in the Santa Fe area. The last twelve of those years have been at Desert Academy. He has a long history of athletic achievements including being voted as “The New Mexico Coach of the Year” in 1994, 1995, and 2003. Individual athletes from his teams have won over fifty state championships and his teams have competed and won awards at the state, national, and international levels. Terry was the founder of the Santa Fe/Los Alamos Track Club. In 1992, as  head coach for the United States track & field team, he made a historic trip to China – at the time, it was the largest track contingent to compete in China.  email:  tpassalacqua@desertacademy.org

“I believe in the absolute power of the individual to achieve, grow and flourish as long as love and support are present” – Terry Passalacqua

KAY RICE, Director of Development
Kay began teaching special needs students after graduating from the University of Texas. The next year she moved to Tererro, New Mexico, east of Santa Fe to continue her teaching career at Brush Ranch School, a boarding school for children and teens with learning disabilities. She also served as Director of Admission and eventually, Head of School. She received her Master’s Degree from the University of New Mexico in Learning Disabilities in 1985. Along with involvement in BRS came co-directing Brush Ranch Camps, with her husband Scott. Her family is the most important part of her life. Kay’s oldest son Connor, his wife Ellie and their daughter Piper, live in Albuquerque, as does her daughter Alden. Kay’s younger son Logan attends Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Hiking with the dogs, travel with anyone to anywhere, getting dirty while gardening and taking on new challenges keeps her going.
email: krice@desertacademy.org

TAMARA ROSSI, Registrar, Academic Coordinator
After growing up in the Berkshires in New England and receiving a BA in English from UMass/Amherst, Tamara migrated west via Chicago to Santa Fe. She is now entering her 15th year at Desert Academy after various stints in book sales and marketing. She loves to travel, so every time she gets enough frequent flyer miles she’s off on another adventure. email:  trossi@desertacademy.org

KAREN SANDS, School Counselor
Karen has over twenty-five years of experience in the fields of child-development research, international adoption, addictions counseling and psychotherapy. She is on the faculty of Southwestern College where she teaches Ethics and Advanced Counseling. Karen has presented workshops in Ethics and Supervision throughout the region for the past ten years. Karen also serves on the Continuing Education Committee, and the Ethics Committee for the Counseling and Therapy Practice Board of the State of New Mexico.  email:  ksands@desertacademy.org

ISABELLE THIÉBAUT, IB Diploma Program Coordinator
Isabelle was born and raised in Paris. She received her certifications in Languages and Communications: (Associate in English, BA in Spanish and BA in FLE-French as a Foreign Language, Master in Communication /PR/ Marketing). She has worked in the communication field for over 15 years; Some of her clients were: Dider Adès-France Inter, Guy Savoy-Three star Parisian restaurant. She also holds a masters degree in Counseling from Paris. She moved to Santa Fe six years ago with her daughter and since then, she’s been teaching French for grades 7-12 as well as adults classes. Isabelle is a certified Feng Shui Practitioner and Teacher, and also teaches at the Santa Fe Community College for The School of Arts and Design as well as private workshops and consultations. www.myriadplus.com
ithiebaut@desertacademy.org

POLLY WHITE, Director of Admissions
Polly is originally from Alexandria, Virginia, and has been in Santa Fe for 26 years. She has held senior management or executive positions at Williams Whittle Advertising Agency in Washington DC, the Albuquerque Journal, Ten Thousand Waves, and the Rubin Katz Law firm. Polly has also served on many non-profits boards and has served as the President of two. Interests include all outdoor activities, astronomy, politics, law and medicine. Polly is very pleased to be working with Desert Academy and International Baccalaureate.
email: pwhite@desertacademy.org

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