Head of School, Faculty, Staff
Faculty
Linda Beringer
Performing Arts
We are thrilled to launch a partnership this year with SPARC, School of the Performing Arts in Richmond City. Linda and Brendan will both be teaching students in the Performing Arts starting this Fall. Linda comes to Richmond after living and working in Surrey, England for twenty years. She received her MA in Theatre Education through NYU's Steinhardt School of Education. She is also certified to teach in British state schools, having qualified at the University of Reading in Reading, England. Linda is experienced in working with students from elementary through high school level. Recently, she made her Richmond debut as Nat in Rabbit Hole at the Firehouse Theatre.
Qasarah Bey
Coordinator, University Fellows Program
It would be difficult to find a better match for our University Fellows Program than Ms. Bey. She worked hard in founding the program last year, and it was a great success! Ms. Bey and teachers look forward this year's expanded program. Qasarah has a rich background in youth leadership and ministry, coordinating a variety of youth programs in Richmond churches and managing their daily operations. Most recently, Ms. Bey designed and implemented innovative programs for youth and adults through her company, Legacy Consulting. Qasarah holds degrees in social work from Norfolk State University and VCU, as well as a Master of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University.
Kirk Candler
US History I
We welcome Kirk to his second year at Seven Hills! Mr. Candler joined our faculty from the corporate world, where he worked in business development for BB&T Bank. Kirk also served as a long term substitute at Holton Elementary, which gave him solid experience with a diverse range of students at various grade levels. His time at Holton affirmed Kirk in his long-held desire to teach, and sparked in him an appreciation for the role of the teacher and the value of individualized attention in the classroom. Kirk's love of history and of teaching is a natural fit for Seven Hills. He holds a degree in Political Science from Emory & Henry College.
Thomas Eaves
Future Problem Solving; Philosophy
The arrival of Mr. Eaves marks a new and very exciting day at Seven Hills. Thomas is a member of the school's first graduating class, and we couldn't be more pleased that he has returned to teach FPS. Thomas is a graduate of Guilford College, where he earned a dual degree in Comparative Religious Studies and East Asian Studies. Among his many accomplishments at Guilford, including numerous awards and scholarships, Thomas was a member of the Principled Problem Solving Scholars Program and served in Guilford's Center for Principled Problem Solving. Much of his work at Guilford centered on the ways in which conflicts, religious, political, and other, can be addressed and resolved productively and respectfully. Mr. Eaves is very excited to lead the FPS program, and he will be a great match for our boys!
Chip Hardy
Assistant to the Head of School
Very few on our staff can match the energy and devotion that Chip brings to Seven Hills. Chip, who has played many roles here – coach, teacher, and parent among them – returns to Seven Hills this year as Assistant to the Head of School. It will be Coach Hardy's role to work with Mr. Dorsey in managing the daily operations of the school, including school communications, admissions, and marketing. His history as soccer and basketball coach, P.E. teacher, and administrative assistant, make Mr. Hardy a friend to student and parent alike. He can always be counted on for a positive word and a helping hand. Mr. Hardy holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership from Bluefield College. We are pleased to welcome him back on staff!
Kati Hoke
Mathematics
Katie Hoke returns for her third year at Seven Hills. She comes to us with an Architectural background and a passion for Mathematics. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art & Design where she also received a Masters of Architecture. Katie's interest in math education is founded on a deep commitment to applied mathematics and to the constructive potentials math offers. Her service during summer months as a camp counselor continues to serve her well at Seven Hills. Kati is particularly excited about applying research in math learning styles and rigorous mathematical instruction methods in both individual and group learning.
Brendan Kennedy
Performing Arts
Brendan joins Seven Hills School as part of our exciting new partnership with SPARC. Brendan recently relocated back to his hometown after spending the last seven years in New York City, and is thrilled to be joining the staff at Seven Hills! While in New York, Brendan worked with such companies as The Public Theater, Manhattan Theater Club and Andhow! Theater Company. Since moving back to Richmond, Brendan has directed readings at the Firehouse Theater, worked as a teacher and director for SPARC, and is currently performing in Henley Street's production of The Merchant of Venice. A 2003 graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater, Brendan has performed in national tours and has a passion for directing and producing. We extend an enthusiastic welcome to Brendan!
Tom O'Keefe
Visual Arts; Philosophy
Tom is back for his third year at Seven Hills. As a big brother to one of our first graduates, Tom is quite familiar with the philosophical approach of Seven Hills and inspired at its commitment to the arts. Tom holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. In addition to film, Tom is experienced in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and graphics arts and design. It is particularly exciting to see the return of photography and film to the visual arts program at Seven Hills. Tom is eager to get back into the art studio and the dark room!
Jay Parker
History of Science (Bridge); Global Studies; Assistant Head for the Lower Program
Mr. Parker returns for his second year at Seven Hills and a new role as Assistant Head for Lower Program. Prior to starting at Seven Hills, Mr. Parker taught at William Fox Elementary School in Richmond. Jay brings a deep commitment to the power of nature and its impact on young lives. For over ten years he has spent his summers leading 10 – 12 year old boys on wilderness canoe trips in Northern Ontario. Jay is also an accomplished carpenter, who looks to use his skills in woodworking to enhance the Bridge curriculum. Jay earned his bachelor's degree at Hampden Sydney College and a Masters in Teaching from Mary Baldwin College.
Christopher R. Prior
US History II; Comparative Civics and Economics; Community Problem Solving; Capstone Program Director
Chris begins his eighth year teaching at Seven Hills School. From his earliest days contemplating career options, Mr. Prior wanted to be a teacher, and he is excited to begin another year here! Upon completing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and German at Washington and Lee University, Chris earned a Juris Doctor from The Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University. While at Dickinson School of Law, Chris served as Class Representative for the Honor Code Committee. We look forward to his continuing involvement with the Honor Council at Seven Hills.
Jeff Roberts
Assistant to the Head for Development
After his tenure as a fundraising consultant with the Sheridan Group in Arlington, Virginia, Jeff was eager to get back to his roots in the world of education. Jeff brings over 20 years of development experience to Seven Hills, and we are excited at all the possibilities his presence here offers. Mr. Roberts has wide experience as a development director in school settings at both the university and secondary levels. Jeff is clear that central to his mission here are the close connections he intends to make with teachers and students in achieving the school's development goals. Mr. Roberts holds a degree from Old Dominion University.
Dagan Rowe
Language Arts; Assistant Head for the Upper Program
We are pleased to welcome Dagan back for his second year at Seven Hills! Dagan taught English for ten years at Appomattox Regional Governors School in Petersburg, where he was well known by many Seven Hills alumni. In addition to teaching at ARGS, Dagan was an accomplished basketball and tennis coach, who led his teams to district and regional championships. Dagan's energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and the support and encouragement he shows students has garnered him recognition in the classroom and in his roles as a teaching pro on the tennis court and as an assistant at the Carolina Writer's Workshop. Dagan holds a degree from Wingate University and has completed graduate coursework in education at Virginia State University.
Peter Santos
Physical Education; Mathematics
It is a pleasure to welcome Pete back to Seven Hills. Pete is a natural coach who places high value on teaching to the skills and abilities of each student and seeing the gifts that each boy brings. He came to us from Hanover Academy, where he coached and taught PE. Pete also has solid experience directing youth sports programs and summer camps at the Weinstein JCC and the North Richmond YMCA. Mr. Santos has a Bachelors degree from Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts and a Master's Degree in Sports Leadership from VCU.
Richard Vinson
Latin, Language Arts
Richard Vinson is entering his sixth year at Seven Hills. He is a graduate of Davidson College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Religion. During his time at Davidson, he served first as staff writer and then editor-in-chief of the campus news weekly. Throughout his educational career, Richard has completed extensive work in foreign language studies. He has achieved high fluency levels in German, Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, and he is working to add Swahili, Italian, and ancient Egyptian to his list. Richard completed a Master of Divinity at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond where he also served on a curriculum writing team. An avid traveler, Richard includes Italy, France, The Netherlands, and Kenya among his favorite places to see.
Marcie Walsh
Administrative Assistant
We welcome Ms. Walsh to her first year at Seven Hills. She will serve as Administrative Assistant, working as the primary point of contact for students and parents in the school's main office. Marcie brings abundant energy and attention to detail, and we are already benefiting from her presence among us! Ms. Walsh has solid experience as well, having served as a Special Education Teacher in Henrico County Public Schools and as Student Employment Coordinator at the University of Richmond. Marcie, whose son starts as a freshman at Virginia Tech this year, also looks forward to forming relationships with the boys and being in the thick of things on campus! Ms. Walsh holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications from the University of Richmond and a Masters in Social Work from VCU.
Beth Ward
Japanese
Mrs. Ward brings a wealth of personal experience and knowledge to her role as Japanese teacher this year. Beth spent her childhood and early adolescence in Japan, where her parents served as missionaries. While there, she gained a fluency with the Japanese language and culture that only one immersed at such high levels can attain. Our boys will certainly benefit from her experience! Ms. Ward brings solid teaching credentials with her to Seven Hills as well. She taught for a number of sessions at the MK Learning Center in Rockville, Virginia, and, more recently, served as a substitute teacher in the Stafford, Amherst, and Henrico County Schools. Beth holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Baylor University and a Masters in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Welcome, Mrs. Ward!
Rick Zamjohn
History of Science (6); Life Science; Earth Science
Rick begins his second year Seven Hills, bringing a wealth of experience as a teacher and a great love of science and nature. His colleagues have remarked more than once on all the "cool stuff" in Mr. Zamjohn's classroom, and no doubt the boys will be the beneficiaries of his experience with labs and experiments, and his eagerness to figure out how things work. Rick was a science and shop teacher at Northstar Academy in Richmond before coming to Seven Hills. He has taught the full range of science classes, from general science to physics and chemistry, at both the middle school and high school levels. Rick is also a devoted woodworker, and we look forward to letting him loose in the shop. Mr. Zamjohn holds a degree from Virginia Tech and has completed coursework at James Madison University, University of Richmond, and VCU.