Skip To Main Content

Upper School Faculty

top-US-faculty-3.jpg

Upper School Faculty

Baylor faculty members hail from California and Maine, as well as Alabama and Argentina, and many places in between. They have degrees in everything from classical studies to radiological technology. In fact, more than 70 percent of our teaching faculty hold advanced degrees, including many with a Ph.D. or the equivalent. The majority of our faculty have taught at Baylor for ten or more years, and they provide stability and consistency for our school community.

Mario Alba

Mario Alba

World Languages 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.
Nick Amendolare

Nick Amendolare

Science Instructor
Nick joined the Upper School full-time in the fall of 2023.
Caroline Armbruster

Caroline Armbruster

Upper School History Instructor
Caroline joined Baylor School in 2022.
Sarah Arvidson

Sarah Arvidson

World Languages Instructor, Walkabout Instructor
An avid kayaker, Sarah is also a WFR, has her swift water rescue certification, and has taught kayaking. 
Jennifer Averbeck

Jennifer Averbeck

Dorm Faculty, English Instructor, Learning Center Director
Jennifer brings experiences from Kid’s Ranch Camp in Jackson Hole, The Wall Street Institute in Buenos Aires, and the Boys and Girls Club here in Chattanooga.
Jaylon Baker

Jaylon Baker

P.E. Instructor, Football Coach
 At Baylor, Jaylon played football, basketball, and track.
Joe Bakewell

Joe Bakewell

P.E. Instructor, Associate Head Wrestling Coach
Most recently, Bakewell served as a lower school P.E. instructor and coached varsity wrestling at Lake Highland Prep in Orlando, Fla.
Jack Batt

Jack Batt

History/Social Science Instructor
Jack’s passion for history was kindled in college by a brilliant and challenging professor of Renaissance history who could take the scholastic writing of Thomas Aquinas and make it fascinating.
Penny Batt

Penny Batt

English Instructor
Then, one Friday afternoon, they came in, they had all understood the reading; it was like poof! Magic!”
Heather Biebel

Heather Biebel

History/Social Sciences Dept. Chair, History/Social Sciences Instructor
I feel most alive when I am pushing myself.
Payton Brooks

Payton Brooks

Head Swim Coach
Payton Brooks joins Baylor as the head swim coach after serving as the assistant swim coach for Virginia Tech since 2019.
Chris Brown

Chris Brown

Football Coach, P.E. Instructor
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.
Will Brown

Will Brown

History-Social Science Instructor
Will attended Princeton University for his undergraduate studies and went on to complete a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Justin Burner

Justin Burner

Mathematics Instructor
Before coming to Baylor in 2015, Justin Burner had several years of teaching experience in Villa Grove, Illinois, Washington, D.C., and China.
Elizabeth Burnette

Elizabeth Burnette

Science Instructor, Dean of Students
Elizabeth Burnette '99 was named the Upper School dean of students in 2023 after serving as science department chair and director of studies since 2020. 
Lauren Callihan

Lauren Callihan

Director of Hedges Library
Lauren earned her B.A. in English at Berry College and her M.A. in English from Auburn University.
Betsy Carmichael

Betsy Carmichael

Art Instructor
Betsy believes that it is important for art students to spend time outside, and the Baylor campus--landscapes, buildings, water--is an extraordinary outdoor studio.
Lee Casson

Lee Casson

English Instructor
Lee has a B.S. in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University and an M.A. and Ed.D. in English from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Austin Clark

Austin Clark

Assistant Dean of Upper School
Students are inspired by the challenges Austin offers, by the admiration he extends to those who work hard, and by the pride he instills.
Angelo Coclanis

Angelo Coclanis

History-Social Science Instructor, Cross Country Coach, Dorm Parent
Most recently, Angelo taught, coached, and lived on campus at the Solebury School. 
Garrison Conner

Garrison Conner

Upper School Head, History Instructor
Garrison Conner '05 took over the position of Upper School head in 2023 after serving as assistant Upper School head since 2020.
Meg Conner

Meg Conner

College Counselor
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.
Amanda Cotter

Amanda Cotter

Dean of Residential Life
Amanda is a native of Bristol, Conn. and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Bill Cox

Bill Cox

Basketball Coach, Golf Coach, History/Social Science Instructor
Bill is concerned about his students' lives beyond the classroom, and he and his students like the friendly banter and wide-ranging conversations of the class. I'm not just teaching them history.
Chris Daller

Chris Daller

Math Instructor, Dorm Parent
Chris earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Aquinas College and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University.
Tony Easley

Tony Easley

Strength and Conditioning Coach, Boys' Basketball Coach
Before coming to Baylor, Tony had been playing basketball professionally in Italy, Israel, and Turkey.
Dr. Logan Edwards

Dr. Logan Edwards

History-Social Science Instructor
Most recently, Dr. Edwards has taught at St. John Paul II High School in Tallahassee, Fla. 
Louie Elliott

Louie Elliott

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.
Chris Elsey

Chris Elsey

Science Instructor
Chris completed two B.S. degrees at Shorter University, the first in ecology and field biology, and the second in natural science.
Kurt Emmanuele

Kurt Emmanuele

Assistant Track Coach, Dorm Faculty, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Walkabout Instructor, Learning Center Staff
An expert in wild plant identification and a skilled wildlife photographer, Kurt has had photographs published in Sierra, Backpacker, and Outside magazines.
Robin Fazio

Robin Fazio

Language Instructor, Coordinator, Organic Gardening
“The best thing I can do for them is teach them responsibility.
Dave Fionda

Dave Fionda

Math Instructor
After a successful caDave has taught math, physics, and computer science at Hill Country Christian School in Austin, Texas, where he also served as volleyball coach a
Jennifer Ford

Jennifer Ford

Science Instructor
A nurse practitioner, Jennifer Ford earned a B.A. in English and psychology and a M.S.N., both from Vanderbilt University.
Jeff Gaither

Jeff Gaither

English Instructor, Track Coach, Dorm Parent
Gaither began his career at Baylor in 1987, serving as an English instructor, head boys' cross country coach, and head girls' track coach.
Rev. Alex Gallimore

Rev. Alex Gallimore

Chaplain, History-Social Science Instructor
Alex Gallimore came to Baylor most recently from Bayshore Baptist Church in Tampa, Fla., where he served as senior minister.
Allison Gallimore

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.
Jan Gautier

Jan Gautier

Dorm Faculty, Science Instructor, Varsity Boys' Cross Country Coach, Middle School Cross Country & Track Coach
An active runner, logging around ten miles a day and traveling throughout the Southeast and beyond to compete, Jan qualified for the 2000 Olympic Trials in the marathon.
John Gibson

John Gibson

Middle School Baseball Coach, Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Learning Center Staff
Maria Gil González

Maria Gil González

World Languages Instructor
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.
Kelly Good

Kelly Good

Wellness Instructor
Kelly also served as a faculty member with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing.
Ruth Ann Graham

Ruth Ann Graham

World Languages Instructor, World Languages Department Chair
“Watching people drop thousands of dollars on couture, I realized that I didn’t want to wake up and do that every day.”
Nikki Griffith

Nikki Griffith

Fine Arts Instructor
Nikki has experience teaching in Kenya, training and curriculum development for UNICEF, immersion programs in Costa Rica and Guatemala, and teaching visual art in England as a Fulbright Scholar.
Hal Gruetzemacher

Hal Gruetzemacher

English Instructor, Cross Country Coach, Track Coach
Hal completed English and history degrees from the University of Georgia and earned his M.A. in English from Sewanee.
Beth Gumnick

Beth Gumnick

Fine Arts Instructor
The arts shape our history and our society almost as much as history and society shape the arts.
Rheagan Hall

Rheagan Hall

Assistant to the Athletic Director, Golf Coach, Dorm Parent
Rheagan completed her undergraduate degree in health and human performance and sports management at UTC and also played golf for the Mocs.
Takisha Haynie

Takisha Haynie

Director of Community Service, English Instructor, Dorm Parent
Knowledge is constructed by the learner rather than given by some outside source.”
Marnie Hemphill

Marnie Hemphill

Counselor
Marnie has worked in a number of settings including schools, outpatient mental health clinics, and an inpatient mental health hospital, as well as private practice.
Elia Hennings

Elia Hennings

Laboratory Technician
Born in Honduras, Hennings has done work in microbiology and chemistry for Arnet Pharmaceutical in Davie, Florida.
Antonio Herrera

Antonio Herrera

Science Instructor
Antonio Herrera has experience teaching and overseeing research at Choate, Pace University, and Stony Brook University.
David Hilley

David Hilley

Math Instructor
Hilley joined the Baylor Upper School math department after 29 years of teaching high school mathematics.
Natalee Hindman

Natalee Hindman

Asst. Director of Student Life, Adviser for The Tower, Dorm Faculty
Hindman worked at Wofford College, serving in a number of roles including coordinator of Greek life, resident director, and director of student activities.
Andrew Hoffman

Andrew Hoffman

Science Instructor
Andrew Hoffman ’18 joins Baylor as an instructor of physics in the science department. 
Macie Holcomb

Macie Holcomb

Cheerleading Coach
She earned her B.A. in education from UTC where she also served as a varsity cheerleader.
Ed Holland

Ed Holland

P.E. Instructor, Wrestling Coach
Holland was an assistant wrestling coach at McDonogh School in Baltimore, Md., and the head wrestling coach at Heritage High school in Blount County, Tenn.
Ben Holt

Ben Holt

Science Instructor, Soccer Coach
Ben Holt is completing his Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Tennessee.
Cecily Honeycutt

Cecily Honeycutt

History/Social Sciences Instructor
Cecily Honeycutt has a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a M.Ed. from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and is a doctoral candidate at UTC.
Mary Beth Hopping

Mary Beth Hopping

Learning Center Specialist, Dorm Parent
As a Morehead-Cain Scholar at The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Mary Beth Hopping majored in political science and minored in environmental studies.
Laura Howard

Laura Howard

English Instructor
Baylor students are all willing to try new things. I don't think they have as many inhibitions when it comes to creativity. They're generally happy; I find us laughing quite a lot.
Julia Howarth

Julia Howarth

Crew Coach
A native of Australia, Julia completed her B.A. in sociology at the University of Melbourne.
Lee Howick

Lee Howick

Reference and Instruction Librarian
Lee Howick previously taught English as a second language in both Cartagena, Colombia and Qingdao, China.
Matt Irvin

Matt Irvin

Science Instructor
Matt Irvin most recently taught at Notre Dame High School where he has been teaching a myriad of science courses for the last 22 years.
Cole Johnson

Cole Johnson

Science Instructor
Cole Johnson ’17 joins Baylor as an instructor of biology in the science department. 
Mike Kelly

Mike Kelly

Applied Humanities Librarian, English Instructor
Kelly taught a variety of English courses at Blue Ridge School in St. George, Va., the Delaware Valley Friends School in Paoli, Penn., and Morristown-Beard School in Morristown, N.J.
Rex Kendle

Rex Kendle

Science Instructor, Wrestling Coach
“Never in my wildest imagination would I have dreamed that schools like Baylor existed.”
Jake Kennedy

Jake Kennedy

College Counselor
For the last eight years he has served as an associate director of admission at Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania where he also served as an outdoor education instructor and dorm parent.
Gabby Kessler

Gabby Kessler

P.E. Instructor, Soccer Coach, Basketball Coach
She most recently played professional soccer from 2018-2022 with the Portland Thorns and Houston Dash.  
McClain Kessler

McClain Kessler

Tennis Coach
McClain went on to play professional tennis on the ITF and ATP tour from 2019-2021.
Perry Key

Perry Key

Science Instructor
Perry says that in his chemistry classes; instead, his goal is to give them the background to understand how chemistry permeates all aspects of their lives.
Erik Kimrey

Erik Kimrey

Football Coach, Dorm Parent
Erik went on to coach at Hammond High School and, most recently, at the University of South Carolina.
Mike Kinney

Mike Kinney

Mathematics Instructor, Baseball Coach, Dorm Faculty
A 20-year veteran of teaching, Mike Kinney came to Baylor in 2015 after serving as the chair of the math department at Rhea County High School.
Tim Laramore

Tim Laramore

English Instructor, Walkabout Instructor
“On any given day, I can be discussing ‘Macbeth’ with a student from Korea in the morning, teaching two classes in the afternoon, and kayaking on a river at the end of the day.”
Chelsi Lasley

Chelsi Lasley

Technology Support Specialist, Testing Coordinator
Jean Lau

Jean Lau

Language Instructor
Jean appreciates “the dynamic environment on Baylor campus” as well as “the learning opportunities offered to teachers.
Catherine Mangonès

Catherine Mangonès

World Languages Instructor, English Instructor
Catherine served as a U.S. Army intelligence officer and rose to the rank of Captain.
Steve Margio

Steve Margio

Dean of Residential Life (11th and 12th Grades)
Carleigh Marler

Carleigh Marler

“A wonderful high school calculus teacher really inspired me. She was tough, but she was good at what she did.”
Matt Matoh

Matt Matoh

Assistant Boys' Basketball Coach, Dorm Faculty
Lauren Maxwell

Lauren Maxwell

Math Instructor
Lauren has taught math in the Dominican Republic and the Galapagos Islands.
Noah McIndoo

Noah McIndoo

Math and Science Specialist
A native of Memphis, Noah worked for The Tutors, a tutoring company in Memphis, before moving to Chattanooga. 
Petrise Miles

Petrise Miles

Science Instructor
"I absolutely love interacting with students and constantly being exposed to their energy and perspective."
Tracy Miller

Tracy Miller

Language Instructor
“I learned Greek then and also took some German. I've been working on Dutch for six years, and have started teaching myself Swedish. I hope to know some of all of the Germanic and Romance languages.
Nader Mohyuddin

Nader Mohyuddin

Math Instructor
Mr. Mohyuddin was named Hamilton County’s high school teacher of the year in 2018.
William Montgomery

William Montgomery

English Instructor, History/Social Science Instructor, Dean of Faculty
“One of Baylor's greatest traits is its ability to welcome the humanity of its family members in all of its beautiful and mischievous forms.”
Amelia Moore

Amelia Moore

Learning Center Specialist, Crew Coach
Having served as a teacher’s aide part of 2020, Amelia joined Baylor in 2021 to serve full time as a humanities specialist in the Middle School Learning Center.
Chuck Newell

Chuck Newell

English Instructor
For the last 26 years, Chuck has been teaching at Notre Dame High School.
Tory Nicholson

Tory Nicholson

Learning Center Instructor
Tory previously taught chemistry at Deerfield Academy.
Vic Oakes

Vic Oakes

Concert Choir Director, Fine Arts Department Chair
“I anticipate the choirs having a significant campus and community presence, as we explore the students' interests and talents for an amazing learning opportunity.
Ashlee O'Steen

Ashlee O'Steen

English Instructor, Director of Walkabout
Heather Ott

Heather Ott

English Instructor, Girls Cross Country Coach, Track Coach
Year in and year out, the group of girls who run on the team are exceptional people.”
Ken Parks

Ken Parks

Language Instructor
For a summer, Ken lived and worked with a French family, camped throughout the south of France, and spent time in Paris. The experience opened his eyes to the world.
Rachelle Parman

Rachelle Parman

Health and Wellness Instructor
Rachelle Parman has experience working as a nurse at a variety of summer youth programs and camps. She has also enjoyed volunteering to chaperone her church's youth group activities.
Gary Partrick

Gary Partrick

Middle School Wellness Instructor, Varsity Golf Coach
Baylor students are so used to working hard in the classroom, and that carries over in athletics. Everybody here is working towards excellence.
Andrew Phipps

Andrew Phipps

Science Instructor
Andrew Phipps participated as a designer the High-Altitude Research Team and volunteered for Astrofest teaching basic rocketry physics.
Bruno Poco

Bruno Poco

Fine Arts Instructor, Dorm Faculty, Walkabout Instructor
Originally from South Africa, Bruno Poco holds a B.F.A. and postgraduate certification from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
Melissa Pojasek

Melissa Pojasek

English Instructor, Dorm Faculty
The winner of numerous awards and grants, Melissa has been a popular lecturer and presenter.
Mary Lynn Portera

Mary Lynn Portera

Fine Arts Instructor
I do the same thing I teach.
Mark Price

Mark Price

Head Boys' Basketball Coach
Price has coached basketball at a number of universities and served most recently as the assistant coach for the men’s basketball team at Belmont University.
Sally Ratterman

Sally Ratterman

Counseling Center Assistant
Ratterman has worked as a preschool teacher and as an operations specialist with a property management company in Nashville.
Natalie Rodriguez-Nelson

Natalie Rodriguez-Nelson

History/Social Sciences Instructor, Student Exchange Coordinator
Natalie Rogriguez-Nelson came to Baylor after completing a two-year teaching fellowship at Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry, Va.
Elizabeth Roemer

Elizabeth Roemer

Dance Instructor, Company Director of Verve
Elizabeth is the daughter of Baylor teacher, coach, and former dorm parent Bill Cox and spent twelve years on the Baylor campus as a child.
Kali Rosenberger

Kali Rosenberger

World Languages Instructor
Kali Rosenberger served in the Peace Corps in El Salvador and went on to teaching roles in Ecuador, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and China.
James Scott

James Scott

History/Social Sciences Instructor, Assistant Wrestling Coach
Following his graduation from Baylor, James served in the US Army as a specialist in explosive ordnance disposal.
Timothy Shober

Timothy Shober

Assistant Director of Walkabout, English Instructor
Timothy worked several years in the non-profit industry, acting as a program manager in a Latino Community Credit Union and a program associate at a non-profit consulting firm.
Carin Smith

Carin Smith

Dorm Faculty, History/Social Science Instructor
“I don’t really think of myself as someone who ‘teaches.’ It’s more like ‘guiding’ students to a greater understanding.”
Doug Smith

Doug Smith

Math Instructor
Doug Smith earned a B.E. degree in engineering from Vanderbilt University before serving as a U.S. Navy officer for 20 years.
Garrison Smith

Garrison Smith

Science Instructor, Dorm Faculty, Rowing Coach
Garrison Smith brought over 20 years of teaching, coaching, and residential life to Baylor.
Laura Smith

Laura Smith

Science Instructor
Laura lives on campus in Harrison Hall and has served as a substitute in the Middle School as well as a costume designer at Baylor.
Hillary Spiller

Hillary Spiller

World Languages Instructor
At Sewanee, Hillary was awarded the Ruggles-Wright Prize for Excellence in French in addition to graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Ben Sposet

Ben Sposet

Fine Arts Instructor
Ben was an accomplished member and leader in several orchestral, chamber, and studio ensembles, including principal bassist of the Vanderbilt University Orchestra.
Julia Steck

Julia Steck

Admission Counselor, Dorm Parent
Julia is a 2018 graduate of Baylor.
Drew Tompkins

Drew Tompkins

Math Instructor
Drew most recently served as Director of Focus Schools with the Tennessee Department of Education.
Emmie Treadwell

Emmie Treadwell

Mathematics Instructor, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Emmie has her B.S. from Auburn and her M.Ed. from Wesleyan in Macon, Ga., where she previously taught at Tatnall Square Academy.
Kristin Vines

Kristin Vines

Fencing Coach, Language Instructor
I like the way we try to build a whole person, capable of thought, rounded in many areas.
Garrett Walsh

Garrett Walsh

Theater Technical Director
Garrett possesses a full range of technical skills and has worked previously with the Red Mountain Theater Company, Lake Dillon Theater Company, and Theatre by the Sea.
Jenny Wang

Jenny Wang

World Languages Instructor, Dorm Parent (Off-Campus)
Jenny taught English in Beijing for six years. 
Chris Watkins

Chris Watkins

English Instructor
If you make students write enough, they will write substantial things.”
Adam Weaver

Adam Weaver

Dorm Faculty, Mathematics Instructor, Math Department Chair
“The hard work and enthusiasm for learning demonstrated by my students make my job very easy.”
Mae Weiss

Mae Weiss

Fine Arts Instructor, Seventh Grade Dean of Students
At Vanderbilt, Ms. Weiss was honored as the Blair School of Music Founders Medalist in 2014.
John Wheeler

John Wheeler

English Instructor, Football Coach, Baseball Coach
John Wheeler joins Baylor to teach Upper School English and to coach Middle School football and baseball.
Tyler White

Tyler White

Admission Counselor, Head Lacrosse Coach
Tyler was the senior associate director of boarding admission and head boys lacrosse coach at Kent School in Connecticut.
Philly Williams

Philly Williams

Math Instructor
Philly has taught at independent schools in New York and California, most recently The Bay School in San Francisco.
Josh Willoughby

Josh Willoughby

Football Coach
Most recently, Josh has been coaching American football in Europe. 
Ms. Erin Woodrow

Ms. Erin Woodrow

Science Instructor
Erin came to Baylor after teaching seventh grade science at Normal Park Museum Magnet School and was selected as a Hamilton County STEM fellow.
Darrell Wyke

Darrell Wyke

Community Liaison
Darrell Wyke has spent the last three decades serving young people as a teacher, trainer, coach, and personal advisor.
Jesse Young

Jesse Young

Physics Instructor, Rowing Coach
Young was a member of the varsity crew at Colgate University.
Liz Young

Liz Young

College Counselor, Rowing Coach
For the previous 15 years, Young worked at several respected day and boarding schools along the Eastern Seaboard.