Faculty & Staff Directory

Alison Ryder, BSN, RN, is a University of Oklahoma graduate with over 15 years of experience, ranging from ICU and dermatology to various nursing specialties. Alison joined the Rumsey Health Center team in 2024; she finds great fulfillment in school nursing, where her love for children and commitment to their well-being inspire the care she provides each day. She and her husband live in Washington with their three children and two cherished ragdoll cats. She loves being part of the local community that enriches both her family and her work. In her free time, Alison enjoys cheering on her kids in their sports, as well as reading, hiking, and traveling.

Cassie Rydingsword began her journey at Rumsey Hall in 2019 as the Upper School Art Teacher. She holds a B.A. in Art Education from Southern Connecticut State University and an M.S. in Special Education from Fairfield University.
At Rumsey, Ms. Rydingsword values the opportunity to engage students at all levels, from those with a casual interest in art to those passionate about pursuing it further. She thrives in Rumsey’s flexible and dynamic environment, where students are encouraged to find inspiration and gain the confidence to act on it. Seeing her students surprise themselves with talents they didn’t know they had is one of the most rewarding aspects of her teaching.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Rydingsword is actively involved in the school community, coaching each season and collaborating with students to create, build, and install scenery for Upper School plays.
Outside of school, she enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the Litchfield Hills, frequenting local nature preserves, and discovering new restaurants. Most of all, she loves watching her two children, Evan and Leah, compete in high school athletics.

Stephanie Sagaria brings nearly fifteen years of expertise in elementary education to her role at Rumsey Hall School, where she currently teaches Pre-Primes. Since joining Rumsey in 2020, following nine years of experience in public school education, she has been a valued member of the community. Stephanie holds a Master’s in Elementary Education from Sacred Heart University and a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University.
Drawn to Rumsey’s close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere, Mrs. Sagaria  immediately connected with the school’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, supportive environment for young learners. In her classroom, she encourages curiosity while embracing the school’s philosophy of letting children “be little” through enriched and balanced teaching that nurtures the whole child. “First graders,” she says, “are simply the best!”
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Sagaria resides in Spooner House with her husband, daughter, and son. Together, they enjoy outdoor adventures, from biking and hiking to swimming and playing games. Stephanie also loves cooking, practicing gymnastics, running, and spending time with friends and family—especially when there’s laughter involved. She’s a fan of Kenny Chesney and values the simple joys of life.

AnnMarie Sarbello is the Library Assistant who earned an M.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport and B.A. in Communications from Western Connecticut State University. Since 2011, she has also worked as an Independent Literacy Consultant, a role she continues to serve in today. Before coming to Rumsey she was an Independent Literacy Coach while working as a Library Clerk for the Region 12 School District and served as an elementary education teacher since 2001.

Karen Saxe, has enjoyed a long career at Rumsey including from January 1994-2003 and from 2009 to the present.  She is currently the English Department Chair, Foot Hills Dorm Head, and Varsity Tennis Coach, previously engaged as a Learning Skills, Lower School, and Upper School English Teacher.  She earned a M.A. in Education with a Concentration in Literacy from University of Saint Joseph and a B.A. in Education and Art from Simmons University.  
Ms Saxe is proud to claim Rumsey Hall as her lifelong workplace and home because she believes wholeheartedly in the School’s mission to teach the whole child and emphasize the pillars of honesty, kindness, and respect. She enjoys teaching all age groups, especially early reading and literacy, as well as Middle School and Freshman English. 
She enjoys cooking, swimming, playing tennis, skiing and snowboarding. She lives in Foothills Dorm with her husband Todd and four pets, Colley, Winston, Winifred, and Bean.

Mark Simonelli joined Rumsey Hall in 2016 and is currently the Associate Director of Technology. A graduate of Canterbury School and Salve Regina University, Mark enjoys supporting students with all their technology needs, whether it’s teaching safe usage, responsible device care, or finding solutions to tech challenges. As a residential staff member, he lives in a boys’ dorm and shares meals in the dining hall, fostering a strong sense of community.
Mark loves being in nature in his free time, whether relaxing by the lake while his kids swim or hiking the trails around campus. He also enjoys watching his kids’ activities and celebrating their participation with visits to local ice cream shops.

Pete Simpson brings more than 20 years of experience as a teacher and school leader to his role as Upper School Director at Rumsey Hall. He previously served as Director of the Upper School at the Buckley School in New York City and as Associate Director at Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center, where he supported independent school leaders nationwide.
Pete has led initiatives in curriculum design, faculty development, student life, and inclusion. He has taught a range of subjects—from math and English to humanities and music—at schools across the country.
He holds an M.A. in Private School Leadership from Columbia University and a B.A. in Sociology from Dartmouth College. A passionate musician, Pete performed with The Choral Society in NYC and is a proud alum of the Dartmouth Aires. He joins Rumsey with his wife, Alice, and their daughter, Grace ’36.

Kent Smith joined Rumsey Hall School in the fall of 2025 as the Coordinator of Ancillary Services. As a career educator and student activities administrator, he found that he missed the buzz of a school and educational environment during a short-lived retirement. At Rumsey, he enjoys building relationships that help bring projects and initiatives to life and strengthen the School’s connection to the greater community. Kent enjoys history, politics, animals, agriculture, and sustainability issues.

Eric Stone teaches History and ESL History. With a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.Ed from Westminster College, Eric brings experience from classrooms in Utah and many summers of leadership at Camp Androscoggin in Maine. He lives on campus and coaches soccer.