Faculty & Staff
The Griffin School faculty is a diverse, dedicated, and passionate group of educators.
They are experts in their teaching fields, and they interact with students with respect, sensitivity, and professionalism. Griffin School teachers are addressed by their first names, a practice that highlights the mutual respect and genuine relationships between students and teachers.
Adam Soto
English, Creative Writing
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Adam Soto
MFA, English, University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop
BA, Art History and Creative Writing, Knox College
Teaching at Griffin since 2022
Adam Wilson
Co-Founder, Head of School
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Adam Wilson
B.A., Mathematics, Vassar College
Working at Griffin since 1996
“One of my favorite quotes is ‘Work is love made visible.’ (Gibran) I feel lucky every day that I get to make a real and positive difference in the lives of our students and families. I love working with Griffin teachers, admins, and staff - they are inspiring me with their kindness, dedication, and work ethic. I’m passionate about engaging young people in their own education and personal development, and I hope my work models a love of work and of learning that inspires our students to develop a life full of meaning and service for themselves.”
Akina Adderley
Performing Arts Director, DEI Director
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Akina Adderley
B.A., American Studies, Yale University
Teaching at Griffin since 2016
“Being a music mentor is profoundly meaningful. Music serves a variety of vital functions for individuals and for society: it provides tools for self expression, ignites memory, cultivates connection, promotes cultural awareness, documents history, and speaks truth to power. Surely guiding students through these functions and preparing them to use their voice in this way will contribute to a saner, sweeter, safer world. Helping students to develop artistic fluency so that they can express themselves, comment on their world, communicate and collaborate, listen, gain confidence, and share generously makes me happy and grateful.”
Allison Kieffer
Cross Country and Track and Field
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Allison Kieffer
allieland.com
BA, Psychology, Wake Forest University
Andrew Held
Music
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Andrew Held
Teaching at Griffin since 2021
"You can't base your life on other people's expectations." - Stevie Wonder
Angé Eaton
Development Director
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Angé Eaton
M.A., International Communication, American University; B.A., Political Science, University of Pittsburgh
Working at Griffin since 2017
“I have come to learn that teenagers are people, too, and in fact, we adults have as much to learn from them as they have to learn from us! I feel fortunate to work with a community of people who embrace that concept wholeheartedly. One of the most rewarding things for me to witness at Griffin is the predictable process of incoming students beginning to trust the genuine nature of their new school environment and subsequently blossoming more fully into their authentic selves.”
Angel Ortega
Visual Arts
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Angel Ortega
AAS Visual Communication, Austin Community College; AAS Drafting, ITT Technical Institute
Teaching at Griffin since 2023
Onward, Forward!
Anthony Bailey
Mathematics
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Anthony Bailey
Teaching at Griffin since 2024
Ashley Bruni
Mathematics Department Head
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Ashley Bruni
B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, Science Teaching Certificate, Texas State University
Teaching at Griffin since 2017
“The world of mathematics opens up a world that you never imagined when you take advantage of the possibilities it opens to you, whether it be seeing the beauty in things or opening up more lifelong opportunities” -Unknown.
Ben Siekierski
Visual Arts
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Ben Siekierski
B.F.A., Sculpture, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Teaching at Griffin since 2024
“Is it cheesy or is it about cheese?” - Clark Richert
Blair Williams
Athletics Director
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Blair Williams
B.E.S.S, Exercise and Sports Science, Texas State University
Coaching at Griffin since 2021
"Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." - Michael Jordan
Carlos Silva
Facilities Manager
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Carlos Silva
Working at Griffin since 2020
"Maybe it's not always about trying to fix something broken. Maybe it's about starting over and creating something better." -unknown
Caroline Wilson
Director of Admissions, Director of Student Life
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Caroline Wilson
B.A., Communications, German, University of Notre Dame
Working at Griffin since 2001
“When I tour prospective families through Griffin, I get to see it through new eyes each time. There’s beauty and magic behind every door. I love seeing the moment when prospective students get what a special place Griffin is and realize that they can be a special person at Griffin.”
Caroline Bowers
U.S. History
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Caroline Bowers
M.M., Musicology and Museum Studies, University of Texas at Austin; B.A., Music and History, Florida State University
Teaching at Griffin since 2024
"There are years that ask questions and years that answer." - Zora Neale Hurston
Cyrus Kinzel
Crossing Guard, Facilities
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Cyrus Kinzel
Da'Mon Stith
Warrior Arts
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Da'Mon Stith
Coaching at Griffin since 2009
Darrell Limuel
English, Student Support
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Darrell Limuel
MFA, Creative Writing and Poetry, Texas State University
Teaching at Griffin since 2023
David Graham
History
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David Graham
M.A., Teaching, University of St. Thomas; B.A., Political Science and American Studies, Middlebury College
Teaching at Griffin since 2022
“A meaningful connection to the past demands, above all, active engagement. It demands imagination and empathy, so that we can fathom worlds unlike our own, contexts far from those we know, ways of thinking and feeling that are alien to us. We must enter past worlds with curiosity and with respect. When we do this, the rewards are considerable.” - Gerda Lerner, Why History Matters
Deborah Overdorff, PhD
Director of Student Support
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Deborah Overdorff, PhD
Ph.D., Duke University; B.A., Psychology, University of the South
Teaching at Griffin since 2022
"Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of the connection, and insists they become the best they can possibly be." Rita Pierson, educator
Dee Chapman
Math and Computer Science
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Dee Chapman
M.S. and B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Teaching at Griffin since 2021
"Choose courage over comfort. Choose whole-hearts over armor. And choose the great adventure of being brave and afraid. At the exact same time." - Brené Brown
Erica Nix
Aerobic Workout
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Erica Nix
Erin Miller
Visual Arts
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Erin Miller
Teaching at Griffin since 2024; Griffin alum, Class of 2016
Frances Ramberg
Fiber Arts & Student Support
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Frances Ramberg
M.A., Library Science, UT Austin; B.A., Sociology, Wellesley College
Teaching at Griffin since 2022
Iris Thomas
Aerobics
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Iris Thomas
Teaching at Griffin since 2024
Jaclyn Remsing
Rock Climbing
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Jaclyn Remsing
Coaching at Griffin since 2024
Jake Nguyen
Game Design
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Jake Nguyen
Teaching at Griffin since 2024
Janelle Powell
Student Support
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Janelle Powell
B.A., English, Texas State University
Teaching at Griffin since 2022
“As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.” - Paul Shane Spear
Jayme Zigler
School Secretary
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Jayme Zigler
Associates Degree, History, Austin Community College
Working at Griffin since 2019
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." - JRR Tolkien
Jazzmine Porter
Bookkeeper
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Jazzmine Porter
Working at Griffin since 2024
Jessica Compton
Latin, World Language Department Head
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Jessica Compton
M.A., Teaching Latin & Classical Humanities, University of Massachusetts at Amherst; BA, Classics, Emory University
Teaching at Griffin since 2016
Latin is a beautiful, ancient language, and I believe that a Latin program should give students an appreciation for the differences among languages and cultures, improve their English vocabulary and reading skills, establish a core cultural literacy in history and mythology, and impart to them a lifelong fascination with the ancient world and a love of its literature.
Johnny Walker
Art Director
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Johnny Walker
B.F.A. Sculpture and Painting, Kansas City Art Institute
Teaching at Griffin since 2012
“I became a teacher because I love to learn. Art is about asking questions, exploring for answers, and finding ways to share the things you’ve found with others. It’s the same with teaching. The classroom is a laboratory for learning. Everyone in my classroom is there to question and research, including me. I guide the class simply because I’ve had more experience, but we are all there to learn and share.”
Kali Fagnant, LCSW-S
SEL Director
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Kali Fagnant, LCSW-S
M.S. Social Work, University of Texas at Austin
Teaching at Griffin since 2024
“There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. And there’s grace in being willing to know and hear others.” - Michelle Obama
Kate Megear
English
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Kate Megear
M.F.A., Fiction Writing, University of Florida; M.A., English and Creative Writing, University of New Hampshire; B.A., English, University of Virginia
Teaching at Griffin since 2022
Kyle Clayton
Sciences, Music
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Kyle Clayton
M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University; B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University
Teaching at Griffin since 2017
Chemistry is the science of various types of matter and how they react to each other. Physics is the science of how matter and forces interact with each other. That covers basically everything… except music. Music encompasses expression, emotion and soul… I can’t imagine a better place to share knowledge in these subjects than with the people of Griffin School.
Kyle Ligon
CrossFit
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Kyle Ligon
CrossFit City Limits
Coaching at Griffin since 2015
Lars Frazer
Photography
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Lars Frazer
BA, Human Development and Business, Antioch University.
Teaching at Griffin since 2024
Lawrence Morgan
Director of Academics, Social Studies Department Head
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Lawrence Morgan
B.A., History, English, University of Texas
Teaching at Griffin since 1997
“Anyone who cannot give an account to oneself of the past three thousand years remains in darkness, without experience, living from day to day.” -Goethe
Malena Pennycook
Theatre
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Malena Pennycook
M.F.A., Playwriting, University of Texas at Austin; B.F.A., Acting, NYU Tisch School
Teaching at Griffin since 2024
"Don't wait to be sure. Move, move, move." - Miranda July
Maria Serrano
Spanish
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Maria Serrano
M.A., ESL, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona; B.A., Linguistics, University of Texas at Austin
Teaching at Griffin since 2022
“Speak a new language so that the world will be a new world.” - Rumi
Michael Tully
Film
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Michael Tully
B.A. Visual Arts, Film, Writing (Minor); University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
Teaching at Griffin since 2024
"I've always said that making a film is like making a sandcastle at the beach. You invite your friends and you get them down there and you build this beautiful structure, several of you, and then you sit back and watch the tide come in. Have a drink, watch the tide come in and the ocean just takes it away. And that sandcastle remains in your mind." — Robert Altman
Nati Patino
Spanish
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Nati Patino
B.A., Translation and Interpretation, Universidad Femenina, Peru
Taught at Griffin 2021-22; back in 2024!
Nicole Mann
Visual Arts
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Nicole Mann
MEd, Curriculum and Teaching, Columbia University
MA, Studio Teaching, Boston University
Teaching at Griffin since 2016
Patricia Marquez
English Department Head
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Patricia Marquez
M.A., English, CUNY Brooklyn College; B.A., Liberal Arts, Sarah Lawrence College
Teaching at Griffin since 2020
"Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul. When writers make us shake our heads with the exactness of their prose and their truths, and even make us laugh about ourselves or life, our buoyancy is restored." --Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Robin Grace Soto
Theatre Director
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Robin Grace Soto
B.A., Theater, St. Edward's University, Acting Apprentice, Actors Theatre of Louisville
Teaching at Griffin since 2021
“Artists and scientists are activists. They look at the world as changeable and they look upon themselves as instruments for change. They understand that the slice of world they occupy is only a fragment but that the fragment is intrinsically connected to the whole. They know that action matters.” Anne Bogart, What's the Story: Essays about art, theater and storytelling
Ryan Young
Mathematics, Music
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Ryan Young
B.S. Mathematics and Secondary Education, University of Colorado at Boulder
Teaching at Griffin since 2011
"The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between." – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Samuel Griffin
Sciences, Health
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Samuel Griffin
M.A., Secondary Science Education, Mississippi State University; B.A. Science Education, Mississippi State University
Teaching at Griffin since 2014
Life sciences are such an interesting way to explore the world around us. The sense of wonder and discovery of the worlds we occupy can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves, and where we fit on this beautiful planet. It is my hope that through these discoveries, my students become more aware of the effects they have on the organisms and environments that they interact with on an everyday basis.
Savitha Parthasarathy
Sciences
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Savitha Parthasarathy
M.S., Nutrition & Biochemistry, Bowling Green State University; B.S., Nutrition & Microbiology, University of Madras, Chennai, India, M.A., Education, Santa Clara University
Teaching at Griffin since 2021
"Only when our clever brain and human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our true potential!" Jane Goodall
Sharon Doerre, PhD
World Geography
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Sharon Doerre, PhD
Ph.D., Anthropology, The University of Texas at Austin; M.A., Anthropology and Middle Eastern studies, University of Texas at Austin; B.A., Anthropology, Grinnell College
Teaching at Griffin since 2018
“Cognitive psychology has shown that the mind best understands facts when they are woven into a conceptual fabric, such as a narrative, mental map, or intuitive theory. Disconnected facts in the mind are like unlinked pages on the Web. They might as well not exist.” Steven Pinker
Susan Graham, PhD
Director of College Counseling
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Susan Graham, PhD
Ph.D., University of Minnesota, M.A. Columbia University, B.A., Northwestern University
Teaching at Griffin since 2021
One of my favorite authors is Maya Angelou who said, "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." She also said, "I believe that every person is born with talent." Each person brings their own gifts to the world, but we are all in different phases of metamorphosis. As educators, our work rests in seeing the butterfly within the caterpillar. In turn, we enjoy the privilege of guiding our students through the journey and watching as they realize their true beauty through their many talents.
Victoria Ratcliff
Volleyball and Basketball Coach, Trapezoid Front Desk
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Victoria Ratcliff
B.A, Biology, Huston-Tillotson University
Coaching at Griffin since 2022
”I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” – Simone Biles
Valeria Camnasio-Quevedo
Physics, Science Department Head
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Valeria Camnasio-Quevedo
B.A., Secondary Science Education, Instituto Superior del Profesorado Joaquin V. Gonzalez, Buenos Aires, B.S. Physics, University of Buenos Aires
Teaching at Griffin since 2008
I strongly believe that everyone can learn Science or anything if they are inspired to find their own path to success.