Brianna Hunt
From the great city of Seattle to her latest goodbye to New York, Brianna Hunt has an impressive academic background in Anthropology, Geology, and the Social Sciences. Brianna Hunt has found her place at Stevenson after experiencing life in many cities while working in various roles. Mx. Hunt emphasizes the importance of building relationships over time by describing her approach to connecting with students. "I believe teaching is a collaborative effort," says Hunt. "I aim to create an environment where students can engage with each other and explore new ways of analyzing texts and ideas." Her teaching philosophy emphasizes giving students an active role in the learning process. When she's not teaching, Mx. Hunt enjoys expressing her creativity through painting and has plans to explore kayaking through our outdoor program this spring.
Shout-Out: Mrs. Casteñeda shared valuable insights about the school and community:
"It's like, ‘Oh, go to this coffee shop. This is how you find where the coffee is on campus.’ Just generally all sorts of helpful information. That was great."
Stone Yan
After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Mr. Stone embarked on a career in software engineering, teaching himself how to code and working in the field for three years before finding his passion for teaching. Stone's previous experience as a tennis coach and tutor has shaped his teaching style, which focuses on creating engaging, project-based lessons and supporting students one-on-one. "I like working with students individually," Stone explains, noting that even in more extensive settings, they prioritize connecting with each student personally. When not in the classroom, you can find Mr. Stone in the weight room or on the basketball court, where he will coach the JV basketball team this year.
Shout-Out: "There are so many people to thank," Mr. Stone says, highlighting the support he's received from Mx. Gladden, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. McCann, and many others in the math department: "Everyone has been amazing." He also gives a great thanks to Mr. Haight in the dorms!
Marissa Castañeda
This year, Mrs. Castañeda transitioned from her role in the Dean's Office to teaching English at Stevenson. With a background in English Literature and Professional Writing from UC Davis, she originally planned to pursue publishing, but the pandemic brought her to Monterey and into the classroom. She uses a discussion-based "Harkness" approach in her teaching, allowing students to guide conversations. Mrs. Castañeda is excited to dive into The Great Gatsby with her 11th graders and introduce Shakespeare to her 9th graders. Outside the classroom, she's a self-described "hobby hoarder," passionate about knitting, crocheting, sewing, and baking. She's incredibly grateful for the collaborative spirit within Stevenson's English department, saying, "I'm back to that, and I'm really enjoying it."
Shout-Out: Ms. Stockdale for her incredible organization and support: "She is so great about sharing the resources she's cultivated, and she's so well organized, and keeps everything pretty and the way that you actually want to look at things."
Andy Graham
Hailing from Worcester, Massachusetts, and our Lower School, Andy Graham brings a wealth of experience to Stevenson. A former student-athlete, he played tennis at the University of Connecticut and studied marketing. After graduating, he began teaching tennis before moving into boarding schools, where he worked as a math teacher, department chair, and dean of students. Mr. Graham is passionate about making math accessible and focuses on building solid relationships with his students: “If you meet me halfway, things go really well." He values humor and connection, using his coaching background to foster collaboration. Outside the classroom, Graham now helps with football statistics and game films. His wife, Mrs. Graham, is the director of enrollment management, and their daughter, Paige, is a senior at Stevenson.
Shout-Out: Graham credits his wife, Mrs. Graham, for being an integral part of their move to the Stevenson community, and he is grateful to be fully immersed in the school’s life and culture.
Story Wolf-Tinsman
Ms. Story Wolf-Tinsman, hailing from scenic Colorado, brings a unique blend of history and outdoor education to Stevenson. Her academic journey at Colorado College, where she delved into history, focusing on gender studies, was complemented by her deep passion for outdoor education. This passion led her to spend the past five years as a climbing guide in the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park. Now, she's excited to transition from her 'outside classroom' to the traditional one, bringing her unique experiences to her students. "My teaching philosophy is student-driven and joy-focused," she shares, emphasizing her goal to nurture "kind and curious people." You might find her guiding students through the climbing program or doing dorm duty in Douglas when she's not teaching. She's also excited to engage with students through Stevenson's Expo and outdoor education programs.
Shout-Out: JD Gladden and their dog, Moby, for always inviting her to do fun things and welcoming her into the Stevenson community.
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