Academics

Our Faculty

Spotlight on our Faculty

Becky Roberts, English
BA, Bates College
MA, Middlebury College
MA, Character Education, University of Birmingham (UK) 

“In our middle school, we focus on good habits of mind, character and heart, like empathy, compassion and hope, to help the girls develop strong, enduring relationships. At this age, they are ripe for good coaching and open to good conversations; we want to engage them in ways that will help them grow.”

Search for a Faculty Member

  • Photo of Ellen Baker
    Ellen Baker
    6th Grade Dean, Religion Faculty
    508.359.2423 x319
    University of Dallas - BA
    Harvard University Extension School - MA
    Bio
     
    Why are you passionate about your subject?
    I love seeing when students start making connections between what we are learning and how life works. It's hard not to be passionate about one's faith, and I love sharing my enthusiasm and helping students see and understand why a creed and faith are important to live a full life.

    What are the benefits of an all girls education? 
    Girls can be themselves. Whether it's asking a question in class, leading a club or playing musical chairs at Common Homeroom, it's still cool to be smart and play hard at Montrose!  
     
    What’s a book that has influenced you?
    Elephant Company by Vicki Croke, about Burmese elephants that were instrumental in getting women and children out of the jungle during World War II. This true story both intrigued and inspired me. I had no idea elephants were so intuitive, and I was awed to learn about how this creature has has a rhythm and purpose to its life. 
     
    Who is someone past or present you would love to have dinner with and why?
    Jesus: I'd love to see his eyes, ask a few questions and learn how he converses with people.

    What are some of your passions, hobbies or skills outside the classroom?
    I love reading, horses, paddle boarding and being outside.
  • Photo of Patti Bettinelli
    Patti Bettinelli
    Physical Education teacher, Coach Varsity Field Hockey, J.V. Basketball, Asst. Varsity Lacrosse
    University of New Hampshire - BS
    Bio
     
    What do you love about teaching?  
    I really enjoy teaching the girls new sports and games that they may have never played before. I love teaching them how important exercise is and having them try new things and succeed at them. They enjoy trying new sports in PE and it has sparked many to go on to play these sports at Montrose.

    What are the benefits of an all girls education?
    The way the girls thrive and grow in confidence. From the very start in 6th grade, they are given assignments where they have to speak or defend topics to the class. They learn to have confidence in what they say and to be fearless in their defense of their opinions and beliefs. The girls have friendships with boys after school or on the weekends, but in the academic setting they can focus on their schoolwork.

    What is your favorite Montrose tradition?
    I love all of our Christmas traditions, from Secret Santa, to decorating poles in the cafeteria, to our Christmas Lessons & Carols concert. It makes it feel like a family here.

    What’s a book that has influenced you?
    My favorite book is Putting Down Roots by Fr. Joseph Muzquiz. It is about how Opus Dei began in the United States with Fr. Sal, and Servant of God Fr. Joseph. They started with nothing and came with their faith. It is such an inspiration for me. I especially love it because it mentions our own chaplain emeritus, Rev. Richard Rieman (“Fr. Dick”), who was one of the first members.

    Is there a quote or motto that inspires you?
    "Your life is not about you. It’s about God and God’s purpose for you. Orient your life to God." - Bishop Robert Barron

    What are some of your passions, hobbies or skills outside the classroom?
    I love to watch and play many sports, most recently tennis. I have also played in a competitive field hockey leagues for more than 16 years. I love to hike, kayak and travel, and to spend time with my husband and our six awesome kids.
  • Photo of Sarah Hanna
    Sarah Hanna
    Biologist
    University of Toronto - Master of Teaching
    University of Toronto - BS
  • Photo of Sarah Kish
    Sarah Kish
    English, History
    (508) 359-2423
    University of Notre Dame - BA
    University of Notre Dame - MEd
  • Photo of Christina Marge
    Christina Marge
    Art
    Corcoran College of Art and Design - BFA
    Bio
     
    What do you love about teaching?  
    Imparting the concepts involved with seeing art, making art, and sharing the wonder and beauty of that experience with students is an awesome mission for me every day. The best days in the studio are those when students discover their potential through perseverance and engagement with the art process. Projects that make students reflect, build confidence, stretch ideas, and connect art to the world outside the studio are what drive me. I love to see when a student never gives up on her art, tries her very best, learns to trust her intuition and unleashes her creative potential.

    What are the benefits of an all girls education? 
    In our all-girls environment, I see girls asking critical questions, exploring creative endeavors, joining clubs and sports, and participating in competitions. They gain confidence and flourish academically and emotionally.

    What is your favorite Montrose tradition?
    The Senior Will. It is a platform where the entire community hears messages that symbolize the genuine connection between students and their teachers.

    What’s a book that has influenced you?
    Creative Authenticity: 16 Principles to Clarify and Deepen Your Artistic Vision by Ian Roberts. It is a collection of essays about inner exploration and asking the questions each artist needs to address if her work is to be deep, true and meaningful.

    Is there a quote or motto that inspires you?
    “To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.” - Leonardo da Vinci

    Who is someone past or present you would love to have dinner with?
    Andrew Graham Dixon. He is an amazing British art historian, author of several books and producer of many art documentaries.

    What are some of your passions, hobbies or skills outside the classroom?
    Other than pursuing my personal artistic goals in drawing and painting, my six-year-old son is my current primary interest outside the classroom.
  • Photo of Molly O'Malley
    Molly O'Malley
    Math, Computer Science
    Marquette University - B.S.
  • Photo of Abigail Rios
    Abigail Rios
    Music, Middle School English
    West Virginia University - BM Music Education
  • Photo of Becky Roberts
    Becky Roberts
    Director of Middle School & Assistant Head of School, English
    508.359.2423 x446
    Middlebury College - MA
    Bates College - BA
    University of Birmingham (UK) - MA
  • Photo of Annie Vanderpool
    Annie Vanderpool

Dedicated to a Unique Mission

Our faculty are teachers and scholars. They are well read, well traveled, lifelong learners with a wide range of interests. They teach, write and present for audiences outside Montrose School.

Their most important qualification, however, is that they understand and appreciate young women. They remain advisors and mentors to our girls long after they graduate. 

Montrose faculty are...

  • Committed to collaborating with parents to help each student achieve her personal best and discover the joy of learning.
  • Passionate about their subjects, their students and the adventure of learning and teaching.
  • Mentors who create a culture of academic seriousness, intellectual freedom and moral integrity where students can grow in confidence and self-knowledge.
  • Caring adults who notice, take an interest in, and come to love and appreciate each student as an individual.
  • Professional educators who take their own intellectual lives seriously and engage in ongoing study and professional development.

Academic News

List of 4 news stories.

View All News

DR. AMY BALTZELL, SPORTS AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST, PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION, BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Montrose School's focus on educating the whole person holds true for its faculty as well.
These teachers have the passion and caring to transform lives.
There is something amazing going on here.
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12 guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Montrose School

P: 508-359-2423