Meet the Faculty
Sara Adkins
B.A. Randolph-Macon College, M.A. University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Why I Teach
Although my first teaching job was at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, another all boys school, I grew up with three brothers so I feel as though I have been ‘teaching’ boys my whole life.
In the Field
At St. Joseph’s Prep I helped create a hybrid course of honors Latin II and Greek I, two languages in one class period every day. It was like holding the reins of a pack of thoroughbreds and just letting them race between the two languages.
Fun Fact
For four summers during college and graduate school, I worked as a federal employee for either the IRS or the Department of Transportation. I never once contributed to taxes being raised, long lines at the airport or a government shutdown.
Favorite Book
I loved The Eyre Affair and entire rest of the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde.
Gary Kan
B.S. Bates College, M.A. Middlebury College
Why I Teach
Education is irreplaceable; it cannot be replaced by ultrafast processing computers, nor nanometer technologies. Educating future leaders might be one of the most important and meaningful career one can pursue. Also, there are June, July and August.
Favorite Place
Okinawa, Kyoto
Favorite Exercise
Backpacking, trekking, hostel hopping, climbing, abseiling, camping, cooking, fishing, meeting locals, learning languages, seeing the world.
Favorite Inspirational Quote
If thou knowest only what it is to conquer, and knowest not what it is like to be defeated, woe unto thee; it will fare ill with thee. Find fault with thyself rather than with others. -Tokugawa Ieyasu
Susana Lambour Smotkin
B.S. Del Valle University Guatemala
Why I Teach
Our world is more connected than ever, yet increasingly divided. I teach to ignite students' interest in being global citizens who are empathetic toward all people.
In the Field
I have taught in four different countries with toddlers, elementary school students, high schoolers, and adults.
Memorable Teaching Moment
Sharing a few days with a group of Haverford boys in Tampa during the People of Color Conference. I was amazed by how discussing diversity and being in a safe place surrounded by a sense of belonging changed the way they saw each other and themselves.
Favorite Inspirational Quote
Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives. -Oprah Winfrey
Andrew Poolman
B.A. Haverford College, M.A. Middlebury College
Favorite Course
Cine del mundo hispano (Film from the Spanish-speaking world)
Favorite TV Show
Monty Python's Flying Circus.
Favorite Exercise
When I find the time, I enjoy playing soccer, squash, golf and running for exercise.
Favorite Inspirational Quote
No basta con cambiar al mundo ni ello es necesario, con cambiar la perspectiva que del mundo tiene el hombre es suficiente.
Ben White
B.A. Latin American Studies Gettysburg College, M.Ed The Ohio State University
Why I Teach
Teaching challenges me everyday and constantly asks that I reinvent myself. This allows me to help connect students to new ideas and expose them to different products and perspectives that broaden their world view.
Favorite Books
Ender's Game, Lord of the Rings, Hiero's Journey, Aura
Favorite Inspirational Quote
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. - Mark Twain
Andrew Fenton
B.A. Carleton College, Ph.D University of Pennsylvania
Favorite Course
That’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is, but I love my Latin IV classes, in which the students start digging deeply into some amazing Latin poetry. (Of course, they also take on the personas of Roman gladiators and fight to the death in front of the middle school. That’s pretty great too.)
Why Latin?
What I love about Latin is the opportunity to dive headfirst into the world of the Romans. In some ways, they were a whole lot like us- but in fundamental ways I find them weird, fascinating, hilarious and completely alien to the modern American mind.
Why Haverford?
I get to work with smart, passionate colleagues and teach a diverse bunch of boys who are alternately brilliant, hilarious, driven and silly.
Hobbies
I love food and cooking and am usually pretty psyched to discuss those topics: my current obsession is making charcuterie (cured meats, salami and so on.)
Brooke Kenna
B.A. Penn State University, M.A. Saint Joseph’s University
Favorite Course
I love them all, but Spanish I is near and dear to my heart. I love watching students who are new to the language fall in love with it like I did.
Fun Fact
I used to work in professional sports, and when I started, I almost broke Pat Burrell’s kneecap (by accident) with a 6 foot long toothbrush dressed as the Tooth Fairy while interning at the Reading Fightin’ Phils minor league baseball team.
Favorite Book
The Great Gatsby, Kitchen Confidential, and Game of Shadows
Favorite Exercise
I work out definitely (partially) because I want to stay healthy but more so that I can eat good food. I covet Anthony Bourdain’s job, so if I go missing, I’ve probably hit the lottery and am traveling the world, feeding my face. With a personal trainer, perhaps.
Javier Lluch
B.A. Universitat de València, M.A. University of Georgia
Why I Teach
I firmly believe that ignorance and misinformation, intentional or otherwise, are the root of all evil. What other profession gives you the opportunity to incite minds to seek knowledge?
Memorable Teaching Moment
Watching Haverford guys play soccer with local kids in El Lagartillo, Nicaragua.
Favorite Book
Cien Años de Soledad, by Gabriel García Márquez
Favorite Quote
Como no estás experimentado en las cosas del mundo, todas las cosas que tienen algo de dificultad te parecen imposibles. - Don Quijote to Sancho Panza
Katie Schroeder
B.A. Roanoke College, M.S. Georgetown University
Why I Teach
When I began college I wanted to study international law, but in my second year I had a Spanish professor who inspired me. She was the kind of educator whose passion was completely contagious. After taking her course I realized that I wanted to spark that same love for learning in others. For me, there is nothing more rewarding than helping someone find their passion.
Fun Fact
I swam in the Amazon River in Ecuador and went scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Two of the greatest experiences of my life!
Favorite Books
El amor en los tiempos de cólera by Gabriel García Márquez and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Favorite Quote
It is a wonderful truth that the things we want most in life – a sense of purpose, happiness and hope – are most easily attained by giving them to others. - Isabel Allende