The Board of Regents

Glenn F. Bender, Ph.D.
Dean of Academics
With a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College and a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Philosophy and Educational Policy Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Bender brings extensive academic and administrative experience to the Board of Regents. During a 25 year career in secondary and higher education, he has served as Dean of Academics and Dean of Admissions at the Academy at Swift River in Massachusetts, Director of Academics at Cascade School in California, Director of Admissions at Blue Ridge School in Virginia, and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

Timothy Brace, M.C.
Headmaster
Mr. Brace has truly inspired a generation of students through his vision, innovation and educational leadership. During his distinguished career over the past 25 years, he has served as Headmaster or Executive Director at several secondary boarding schools, including Mt. Bachelor Academy in Oregon and the Academy at Swift River in Massachusetts. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with young people and their families that is virtually unmatched, Mr. Brace holds a Bachelor of Arts from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Counseling from Arizona State University.

Andrew Coe, M.S.
Dean of Students
Mr. Coe, who has a long history of experience working with adolescents and families, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Furman University and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Kentucky. His work experience includes individual and group counseling as well as supervisory positions at several secondary schools and Presbyterian College. Most recently, Mr. Coe served as the Assistant Director of Counseling at the Academy at Swift River, where he was responsible for the oversight, development and supervision of both students and counselors.

Kelly Dunbar, B.A., M.A. candidate
Dean of Admissions
With almost 20 years of experience working with adolescents, families, and educational consultants, Ms. Dunbar brings a wide range of knowledge and expertise to the Carlbrook admissions faculty. Over the course of her career, Ms. Dunbar worked for seven years in counseling, two years in secondary school admissions, and three years in counseling supervision. Ms. Dunbar holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Simpson College and has taken graduate courses in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University.

Jonathan Gurney, M.S.W., A.C.S.W.
Dean of Alumni and Transition Services
Mr. Gurney, who received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from Indiana University, has over 20 years experience working with children and their families. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker he worked as an Outpatient Family Therapist before serving as the Program Director of a dual inpatient/outpatient adolescent program during his tenure at the Charter Behavioral Health organization. Most recently, Mr. Gurney served as Clinical Director of a licensed wilderness program for adolescents in the Pacific Northwest, where he was responsible for oversight of all clinical services.

John C. Henson, M.B.A.
Dean of Administration
Mr. Henson, who holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University, began his career at Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc., where he was promoted to Associate Vice-President of the investment banking firm. After passing the CPA exam, Mr. Henson was hired as Treasurer, and later served as Controller, of Steeltec, LLC, an Atlanta-based manufacturing company, where he was responsible for the firm's accounting and audit review procedures, financial analysis and reporting, inventory management, and network administration.

Justin J. Merritt, J.D., M.A. candidate
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Mr. Merritt graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado and went on to study at Harvard University, Columbia University and the Universit_ Paris I-Sorbonne. In addition to general jurisprudence, his scholarship has included the fields of economics, negotiation and dispute resolution, and organization management. With work experience at several law firms and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Merritt received his Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School and is a candidate for a Master of Arts in Education from Columbia University.

R. Grant Price, M.A.
Co-Founder and Dean of Faculty
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina, Mr. Price earned his Master of Arts degree from California State University, focusing on the study and analysis of various educational models. Prior to Carlbrook, Mr. Price worked as a Certified Educational Consultant in Columbia, SC, where he evaluated hundreds of educational programs, conducted individual student evaluations and assessments, and identified appropriate educational environments for students. He is a former member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association.

Gillan Smith, Ph.D.
Dean of Advising
Dr. Smith received his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications, his Masters of Science in Counseling and Guidance and his Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Brigham Young University. He is a Licensed Psychologist, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. He has 20 years of counseling experience with adolescents and families. His former positions include Program Director for Turnabout Day Treatment Program, private practice in Salt Lake City with privileges at several psychiatric hospitals, Clinical Supervisor for Norton Sound Behavioral Health and Adjunct Professor in the Clinical Psychology Department at the University of Alaska. Most recently Dr. Smith was the Clinical Director for Outback Therapeutic Expeditions as well as wilderness therapist for more than 200 adolescents and families.

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Academics

Melissa Peacock, M.A., M.A.
Assistant Dean of Academics
Ms. Peacock graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fairmont State College, studied at the Universite de Caen in France, and earned two Master of Arts degrees in both French and Secondary Education from West Virginia University. She has taught at the high school and college level for many years, and most recently worked as a Translator for AXA Corporation.

Meredith Morse, M.A., M.Ed.
College Counselor
In addition to her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Iona College, Ms. Morse holds both a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Columbia University. Prior to joining the Carlbrook faculty, she worked in guidance counseling at Churchill School and in college and career counseling at New Rochelle High School.

Malissa Takacs, M.S.S.A., L.S.W.
College Counselor
Graduating with honors, Ms. Takacs received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Social Work from Bluffton University in Ohio and her Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University. She has worked as both a guidance counselor and admissions counselor, most recently serving as Assistant Director of Admissions at Bluffton University.

Kathreen Puryear, M.Ed.
Secondary School Counselor
Ms. Puryear received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Virginia Wesleyan College and her Master of Education from American Intercontinental University. She has worked as a guidance counselor and school coordinator for several years, most recently as Program Coordinator of the Career Counseling department at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.

Erica Derr, M.L.S.
Librarian
A member of the American Library Association, Ms. Derr received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Master of Library Science degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has worked for the past several years at North Carolina magazine and in the Greensboro public library system.

Craig Bartholomew, Ph.D.
Chemistry Instructor
Dr. Bartholomew holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Oregon State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from Kansas State University. In addition to his extensive work in the private sector - most notably as Vice President of R&D for a contract research firm - he has teaching experience at both the high school and college levels, including adjunct faculty positions at Wright College and Illinois Institute of Technology. Most recently, Dr. Bartholomew taught Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science at Montini Catholic High School in Illinois.

Richard Boykin, M.A., Ph.D. candidate
Instructor - World History and Religious Studies
A Doctoral Candidate, Mr. Boykin holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religion from Duke University and a Master of Arts in History from Indiana University, with the British Empire comprising his dissertation topic and major field of study. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and most recently served as an Associate Instructor of History at Indiana University.

Jerod M. Caligiuri, B.S., B.S.
Instructor - Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Mr. Caliguiri holds a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics and a second Bachelor of Science in Theoretical Physics (with a minor in Mathematics) from Pennsylvania State University. Through his prior position at the Eberly College of Science at Penn State, he has worked on research projects designing electrical and mechanical systems for the National Science Foundation and NASA.

Armando Cooper, B.S., M.Ed. candidate
Instructor - Spanish Language and Literature
Mr. Cooper received his Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University, completed extensive graduate work at St. Ambrose University and the Army School of Engineering and Logistics, and is a candidate for a Master of Education degree from Averett University. He has taught English and Spanish language and literature at the high school and college levels for many years.

Stephen Davidson, M.S.
Instructor - Mathematics
The recipient of several academic and merit scholarships, Mr. Davidson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Bluefield College in Virginia and a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from Virginia Tech University. His teaching experience prior to Carlbrook includes work in public secondary schools as well as individualized tutoring and instruction at the college level.

Dena DeStephen, B.A.
Instructor - French Language and Literature
Ms. DeStephen holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to joining the Carlbrook faculty, Ms. DeStephen taught French at the Governor's School of Virginia, served as a research assistant for the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), taught English as a Second Language in eastern France, and served as a tutor in the Foreign Language Academy at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Melissa Elmes, B.A., M.A. candidate
Instructor - English Literature and Composition
Ms. Elmes received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of William and Mary and is a candidate for a Master of Arts from American University in Washington, DC. A National Writing Project fellow, Ms. Elmes has been teaching foreign languages and literature at the high school level for many years, and was recently selected for inclusion in Who's Who in American Education.

Scott Foran, M.A.
Instructor - English Literature and Composition
Mr. Foran possesses a Bachelor of Arts in English from Simpson College in California, where he graduated summa cum laude, and a Master of Arts in English from California State University. He has taught English and Philosophy at both the high school and college levels for several years, most recently as an adjunct philosophy instructor at National University in northern California.

Nelly Jones, M.A., Ed.S.
Instructor - Fine Arts
Ms. Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Fine Arts Education from the University of South Florida, and received her Educational Specialist degree in Education Administration from the University of Virginia. In addition to teaching, she has won several regional and national awards and has been featured in numerous art exhibitions during an artistic career spanning 30 years.

Tamara Peycke, B.A.
Instructor - Physical Education and Dance
With a Bachelor of Arts degree from CUNY-Queens College and over 20 years of physical training for both dance and theatre, Ms. Peycke has an extensive knowledge of health and fitness and an active interest in PE curriculum development. An accomplished dancer, she has performed in numerous local and regional productions and has served as a dance instructor for several years.

Travis Quay, M.A.
Instructor - Humanities and Latin
Mr. Quay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Civilizations from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Arts in Classics with an emphasis in Classical Archaeology from the University of Arizona. He has worked in both the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Arizona State Museum, participated in archaeological excavations in Crete and Tuscany, and taught Latin and Greek at both the secondary and college levels for several years.

Scott Ramey, B.A.
Instructor - Mathematics
Mr. Ramey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and has completed graduate coursework in Logic and Mathematics at Texas A&M University, UNC-Greensboro and North Carolina A&T University. For the past few years he has worked as a mathematics instructor at High Point Central Senior High School in North Carolina.

Leslie Robinson, B.A., M.A. candidate
Instructor - History and Social Sciences
Ms. Robinson graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Tulsa, and has worked as an anthropological field researcher and educator both in the United States and England. She is a candidate for a Master of Arts degree in Humanities from King's College of the University of London, with an emphasis on Imperial and Commonwealth History.

Keith Silverman, M.A.
Instructor - Philosophy and English Composition
Mr. Silverman graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Washington & Lee University and later received his Master of Arts in Philosophy from Vanderbilt University. He has taught philosophy, English and the Humanities at the secondary and college level for almost ten years, most recently as an adjunct faculty at Danville and Patrick Henry Community Colleges.

Mathew Stafford, M.F.A.
Instructor - Fine Arts
Originally awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and Zoology from Humboldt State University, Mr. Stafford taught for several years before returning to school to pursue a lifelong interest in painting and ceramics. He subsequently earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Humboldt State University and a Master of Fine Arts from San Diego State University. A dedicated artist, his work has been exhibited at numerous galleries in California.

Kristen Tenzek, B.S.
Instructor - Physics
Ms. Tenzek holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics with a minor in Biological Sciences from Kent State University, and has studied Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester. Prior to joining Carlbrook, Ms. Tenzek worked as a research assistant in the microbiology, immunology and biochemistry departments at Northeastern Ohio University's School of Medicine.

Weston Ullrich, M.A.
Instructor - Government
Graduating with honors, Mr. Ullrich received his Bachelor of Arts in History and a certificate in International Studies at Queen’s College in Ontario, Canada. He earned his Master of Arts in International Relations History at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK. He also completed intensive French language and culture courses at I’Universite de la Sorbonne and I’Universite Stendhal in France.

Dean Visco, B.S.
Instructor - Natural and Biological Sciences
Mr. Visco holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University. During his academic training he participated in several large research projects in the fields of atmospheric and water chemistry through the Center for Environmental Prediction at Rutgers, experience which has provided him with specialized knowledge in clinical laboratory science and technique.

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Advising

Angela Caine, M.S.S.W.
Advisor
Ms. Caine received her Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology from Indiana University and her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville, where she was selected for the National Dean's List. She has several years of experience in individual, group and family counseling, most recently worked as a Therapist for Wellstone Regional Hospital and LifeSpring Mental Health Services in southern Indiana.

Trevor Grimes, M.A.
Advisor
Mr. Grimes received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the State University of New York at Geneseo and his Master of Arts in Social Work from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. His counseling experience includes work in educational and clinical settings, including the Lindenhurst School District (NY) and the Dept. of Family Medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital.

Julius Jessup, M.S.
Advisor
Mr. Jessup holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Educational Studies from Emory University and a Master of Science in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University. Before joining the Carlbrook faculty, he worked as a Clinical Intern at the Center on Interventions for Children and Families in Cleveland, OH and as an Individual and Family Counselor at the National Counseling Group in Richmond, VA.

Clark Kopelman, M.S.W.
Advisor
Graduating with honors, Mr. Kopelman received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Grinnell College in Iowa and his Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. His counseling experience includes work in clinical and educational environments such as Media for Development in London and Southern Illinois University.

Jennifer Kreil, M.S.W.
Advisor
Ms. Kreil holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from St. Norbert College in Wisconsin and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She has worked as a Case Manager and Lead Staff at Macht Village Programs in Green Bay, where she developed treatment plans for children with severe emotional disorders, and most recently as a Counselor with NSO Youth Initiative Project in Detroit.

Brandy Litwin, M.S.W.
Advisor
Ms. Litwin received both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University. She possesses counseling experience with both adolescent and adult populations, having been a counseling supervisor for an adult foster care home as well as a high school counselor. Most recently she served as a school social worker at Harbor Creek School in Michigan

Sally Martin, M.S.W.
Advisor
Ms. Martin received her Bachelor of Social Work from James Madison University and her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Ms. Martin has worked her entire career with adolescents experiencing emotional and/or behavioral difficulties, whether as a Residential Counselor at Seneca in California, a Child and Family Counselor at Devereaux in Arizona, or as Assistant Clinical Director at Phoenix Outdoor in North Carolina.

Daniel Perry, M.A., L.L.P.C.
Advisor
Mr. Perry holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lake Superior State University in Michigan and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Central Michigan University. He has worked with adolescents for several years in both residential and private practice settings, and was previously the director of a day-treatment program for adolescents with substance abuse problems.

Mindi Perry, M.S.W., L.M.S.W.
Advisor
Ms. Perry earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. With extensive experience in individual and family counseling, she has held a private practice specializing in children and adolescents, worked with Child and Family Services and Community Mental Health of Northeast Michigan, and most recently was a behavioral health consultant at Alcona Health Center.

Denise Prendergast, M.S.S.W.
Advisor
Ms. Prendergast earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Michigan State University and a Masters of Science in the School of Social Work at Columbia University. She most recently served as a volunteer in the Peace Corps in Botswana where she counseled those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. Prior to that Ms. Prendergast worked extensively with children and adolescents in both residential and outpatient settings and was a counseling supervisor at the San Diego Center for Children.

John Price, M.S.W.
Advisor
Mr. Price holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Rhetoric from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany and a Master of Social Work from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. In addition to his work as a Counselor with Sachem Community Youth Services over the past several years, Mr. Price has also held social work and counseling positions with the Islip Youth and Family Counseling and Hope for Youth Programs in Long Island, NY.

Lisa Shankman, M.S.
Advisor
After graduating with honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Ms. Shankman received her Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. Her work experience includes counseling positions in both educational and institutional settings, serving as a Counselor at Walter Payton High School in Illinois and as a Clinic Therapist at the Bette D. Harris Child and Family Clinic at Northwestern University.

Kalyn Sherwood, M.S.W.
Advisor
Ms. Sherwood received both her Bachelor of Arts and her Master of Social Work (Children, Youth and Families concentration) degrees from the University of Washington. She has worked as an adolescent counselor and case manager at the Meridian School and the Center for Career Alternatives in Seattle, WA, and most recently worked as an Intervention Specialist at West Seattle High School.

Natalie Sisson, M.S.W.
Advisor
Ms. Sisson received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Illinois State University and later graduated cum laude with a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia. A member of the National Association of Social Workers, she has previously worked with adolescents as a residential counselor at Chestnut Health Systems and most recently as a therapist at Peace Place.

Kimberly VanLanen, M.A.
Advisor
Ms. VanLanen has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from West Virginia University. Prior to joining Carlbrook, she worked as a Counselor at Pressley Ridge School in Pennsylvania and a Field Therapist at Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions in Oregon and Blackwater Outdoor Experiences in Virginia.

Alicia Woodworth, M.S., L.P.C.
Advisor
A Licensed Professional Counselor, Ms. Woodworth earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Francis Marion University. For the past several years she has worked with adolescents as a Clinical Counselor at Circle Park Behavioral Health Services, conducting individual, group and family sessions.

Frank A. Chesno, Ph.D.
Consulting Psychologist
Dr. Chesno, a licensed clinical psychologist with almost 30 years experience working with families, earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia, with pre-doctoral training completed at the College of William and Mary. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and has served as president of the South Carolina Academy of Professional Psychologists. Currently, Dr. Chesno serves as Director of Behavioral Medicine Services at Baptist Medical Center.

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Alumni & Transition Services

Alison Streeter, M.Ed.
Assistant Dean of Alumni
A Wells Scholar, Ms. Streeter received her Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University and her Master of Education degree in School Counseling from Middle Tennessee State University. During the past few years she has worked as a counselor in a number of secondary and collegiate academic settings, most recently at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.

Anna Gerard, M.S.W.
Transition Counselor
With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and a Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Mrs. Gerard has experience working with a variety of client populations, including children and adolescents. Most recently she worked at the St. Vincent Home for Children in St. Louis, where she specialized in case management and crisis intervention.

Darren Miller, M.S.W.
Transition Counselor
Mr. Miller has been working as a counselor with adolescents and their families for many years, most recently as a school-based therapist for the Worcester County Health Department in Maryland. A graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Mr. Miller received his Bachelor of Arts from High Point University in North Carolina and his Master of Social Work from Salisbury University.

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Student Life

Jamie Klein, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Student Life Coordinator
Ms. Klein received her Bachelor of Arts from Northern Illinois University and her Masters in Social Work from Aurora University. She holds experience in testing and assessment and has provided crisis intervention for children, adolescents and adults. Additionally, Ms. Klein has consulted with schools and social agencies in their development of efficacious programming to better address the needs of their respective clientele.

Nathan Webber, B.A., M.A. candidate
Student Life Advisor
Mr. Webber holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Toledo and is a candidate for a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. He has worked with adolescents for several years, first as a Counselor at Three Springs and then as a Therapist at Cumberland Mental Health. A member of the National Guard, he completed a tour of duty in Iraq in 2003.

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Admissions

Claire Murchison, MHR
Director of Admissions
Ms. Murchison received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Human Resources degrees from the University of South Carolina. For the past seven years she has worked as an Intake Specialist and Psychometrist for Price Group Educational Planning Services, where she administered and scored psychological and career testing, conducted regular communication with boarding school and college admissions offices in regards to student referrals, and coordinated the interview process of over 600 students and their parents.

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Administration

Gail W. Fultz, B.A.
Assistant Dean of Administration
With a career in education that has spanned over 30 years, Ms. Fultz brings extensive experience in educational instruction and administration to Carlbrook School. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Longwood College, Ms. Fultz worked for many years as a teacher in Georgia, Virginia, and Ohio. For the last 16 years, Ms. Fultz has served as the Director of Educational Programs at the National Science Center Foundation, where she worked with the former President of the University of Georgia developing and implementing educational software programs for high school and college students.

Susan Woody, RN
Health Care Director
A graduate of the registered nursing program at Danville Regional School of Health Professionals, Ms. Woody has experience as charge nurse at Fresenius Medical Care in South Boston, VA.

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Support Staff

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