Faculty & Staff Directory

Marissa Rosa is a staff Nurse in the Health Center with 14 years of nursing experience. She resides in Watertown with her husband, 4 young children and their family dog. Marissa’s professional experience is rooted primarily in pediatric private practice, but has also dedicated years to staying home, raising her children. Outside of work, she enjoys running, playing sports of any kind, and spending time with her family.

Aline Rossiter is the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid. She brings a wealth of experience from a life-long career in strategic enrollment management for both colleges and independent schools. She is passionate about helping families and students find the right school that aligns with their goals, ensuring students thrive on their educational journeys. Ms. Rossiter is a strong advocate for the value of independent school education and is dedicated to making it accessible through both guidance and financial support. She takes pride in maintaining lasting relationships with many of her former students.
When not on campus, she enjoys spending time with her grandsons, hosting dinners for family and friends, upcycling furniture, reading, and gardening. She is a proud parent of a Rumsey Graduate, Class of ’18.

Morgan Rubin leads Upper School Music and Performing Arts. She holds a dual degree in Music (Vocal Performance) and Psychology from Emory University and earned her Master’s in Choral Conducting at Georgia State University. Morgan has directed choirs and led performing arts programs in both middle and upper schools Stoneleigh-Burnham School and Brunswick Academy and brings deep experience and energy to Rumsey’s arts program.

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. 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 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 three pets, Colley, Winston, and Winifred.

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.