Faculty & Staff Directory

Kirby Johnson is a 1st Form teacher and joined Rumsey in 2016 as and teaching assistant in Kindergarten and Pre-Primes.  She enjoys working at Rumsey for its strong sense of community, where everyone feels connected and valued and believers the unwavering support from teachers and peers fosters a collaborative environment that makes every day rewarding and fulfilling. Mrs. Johnson holds a B.A. in English with a certification in Elementary Education from Eastern Connecticut State University and Master of Library Science from University of Central Missouri.

She enjoys being with family and friends and exploring new culinary experiences and relaxes on her boat at  Bantam Lake with her dogs or  at home with a good book.

Libby Kappler joined Rumsey Hall in 2017 as a mathematics teacher, coach, and dorm parent. A graduate of The Taft School, she holds a B.A. from Trinity College and an M.Ed. from Lesley University. Mrs. Kappler teaches mathematics through a series of connected themes, guiding students to build conceptual knowledge and transition into abstract thinking. Her lessons explore patterns, real-world applications, and engaging games, helping students understand the origins and purposes of mathematical concepts. She believes math is like a puzzle, where solving one piece reveals more connections to explore.
Mrs. Kappler loves fostering curiosity and excitement in all students, whether helping advanced learners tackle challenging material or guiding struggling students to their “aha” moments. Outside the classroom, she enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, biking, and swimming, as well as reading, gardening, and spending time with her family. Libby and her husband, Christopher, live on campus with their son Finley ’29 and Bernadoodle Zoey.

Katie Keane received an M.A. in Elementary Education from Manhattanville College and joined Rumsey Hall as a Teaching Assistant in 2023. She is dedicated to working with preschool-age children, allowing her to witness the incredible growth and development children experience during their early years. She enjoys family time and walking the beaches of Cape Cod.

Guy Kennedy holds a B.A. in English with minors in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Manhattan College and is a passionate teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL) at Rumsey Hall. Having grown up on a boarding school campus near Washington, he appreciates the close-knit community and sense of belonging that boarding school life fosters, and is thrilled to be teaching in the picturesque setting of rural Connecticut.

Guy’s love for the English language has been a constant throughout his high school and college years, and he aims to inspire that same enthusiasm in his students. He brings energy and creativity to the classroom, using a variety of tools—music, video, games, and more—to teach the nuances of English and help students become confident, fluent speakers.

When he’s not teaching, Guy can often be found outdoors, indulging in his love for kayaking, hiking, swimming, and other activities. He has a background in soccer and wrestling and enjoys engaging with students in Rumsey’s outdoor activities and programs. 

Clayton Ketchum has been a cornerstone of the Rumsey Hall community since the fall of 1994. Starting as an intern, Clayton transitioned to a full-time faculty member in 1995 and served as Dean of Students from 2000 to 2020. He now holds the role of Director of Secondary School Counseling.
Clayton earned his B.A. in English from St. Lawrence University and an M.A. in Liberal Studies with a focus on Humanities from Wesleyan University. His extensive educational background and long-standing commitment to Rumsey enrich his contributions to the school.
The beauty of teaching the grade 6-9 age group is that an educator can genuinely have an impact on the people they become. This opportunity to shape young minds and influence their growth is what Clayton finds most rewarding about his work at Rumsey.
Outside of Rumsey, Clayton enjoys spending time with his family, biking, hiking, golfing, and reading. He is also an avid sports fan, always cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh teams.

Claire came to Rumsey in 1995 and has had various roles over the years.  She taught Second Form, Learning Skills, tutored, and worked with students as a health coach to help them adopt healthier habits. She has a BS in Psychology and K-12 teaching certification from Hobart and William Smith College, a master’s degree in Special Education from Western Connecticut State University, and is a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach.

Outside of Rumsey, you’ll find Claire spending time with her family, taking long walks in the woods, reading or working with coaching clients.

Mr. Kinsella has been a dedicated member of the History Department at Rumsey Hall School since 2007. He earned his M.A. in American Studies from Trinity College and a B.S. in Philosophy from the University of Idaho. Mr. Kinsella finds great fulfillment in teaching, particularly when students make meaningful connections between historical events and contemporary issues. Witnessing their intellectual growth over the course of a year or two is one of the most rewarding aspects of his role.
Mr. Kinsella enjoys the multifaceted nature of his work, which includes teaching, coaching, and participating in residential life. He values the unique relationships that form when students see faculty members actively engaged in various aspects of their school experience.
Outside of school, Mr. Kinsella is happiest when he’s outdoors, whether he’s playing sports, cycling, golfing, fishing, or spending time with his family. He also enjoys working on a “fixer-upper” in Maine during his time away from campus.

Jennifer L. Kolpak is an accomplished educator and administrator who is strongly committed to fostering student growth and community at Rumsey Hall School. She holds a Master of Science in Special Education from Central Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Keene State College. Jennifer is certified as a Professional Educator in Connecticut, covering Pre-K through Grade 12.
Since joining Rumsey Hall in 2008, Jennifer has held various roles. She currently serves as the Director of Enrollment Management, recruiting and supporting students and families throughout enrollment. In addition to her admission and retention, Jennifer is a student advisor, dorm parent, and member of the Administrator Committee and weekend duty. 
Before Admissions, Jennifer was a lower school classroom teacher for over 15 years and director of Rumsey Summer Camp. She is proud of her three children, who are Rumsey Alumni. When not on campus, she enjoys long power walks and being with her family at their beach home. 

Heather Leonard has been the Academic Administrative Professional since 2015 and was the School Store Manager from 2007-2015. Mrs. Leonard enjoys supporting the members of the Rumsey Community and helping to make their days brighter, and she takes pride in doing her best.
She is the proud parent of two Rumsey alums, Owen ’13 and Mari ’18. She enjoys yoga, E-Bike riding, and spending time with her family.

Julie Lombardi brings experience and passion to her role at Rumsey Hall. She is involved with both the Upper and Lower School communities, serving as the 2nd Form Assistant Teacher, a dedicated dorm parent, and an assistant coach in the junior soccer and basketball programs. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of New Hampshire.

As the proud parent of three Rumsey alumni—River ’16, Emily ’18, and Skylar ’21—Mrs. Lombardi is deeply connected to the school and enthusiastically shares her love for the Rumsey experience with each new generation of students.

Having grown up on a boarding school campus herself, Mrs. Lombardi has been involved with boarding school communities for much of her life and career. She brings a holistic approach to teaching, understanding the importance of nurturing students’ academic abilities and emotional and mental well-being. 

Mrs. Lombardi currently resides on the Forman School campus, where her husband, Craig, has worked for over 25 years.

Gary Lord joined Rumsey Hall in 2008 as the School’s Facilities Director, following a 29-year career as Superintendent for United Water, a privately owned water utility operating systems in New Milford, Newtown, and Woodbury, Connecticut. His work required licensing in water treatment and distribution, and he continues to hold his plumbing license.
 
In 2018, Gary transitioned into the role of Project Manager, overseeing internal projects across campus and contributing his deep technical knowledge to the School’s ongoing improvements. He also teaches woodshop classes, a highlight of his work at Rumsey, where he enjoys helping students bring their ideas to life—guiding them as they transform pieces of wood into something new, useful, and meaningful.
 
Gary and his wife, Ann, live in Washington, Connecticut, not far from campus. Outside of Rumsey, he enjoys supporting others—whether spiritually, through home projects that bring joy, or simply by offering a listening ear. He also finds joy in music.

Karin Maddox has been an inspiring member of the Rumsey Hall faculty since 2018. She currently serves as a III Form Classroom Teacher, where her dedication to student growth and leadership is evident.
Karin holds a B.A. from Middlebury College and a Master’s Degree from Bank Street College. Her strong academic background and commitment to education greatly enrich her teaching approach.
Karin enjoys the collaborative spirit that exists within the Lower School at Rumsey. Teachers work together, support each other, and mirror the students’ enthusiasm. Working with the III Formers allows her to prepare the class to be leaders, empowering students to stand up for what they believe in and to grow as individuals and as a team through involvement with the Student Council.
When she is not teaching, Karin enjoys spending time with her family. Together, they go on hikes, cook, and read and discuss books, creating cherished memories and fostering a love for lifelong learning.