Beverly Rase

Beverly Rase founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Director and donor of Kirby Hall School, is the wife of U.T. Professor of Chemical Engineering , Dr. Howard F. Rase, and the mother of two Kirby Hall graduates. Victoria is a cum laude graduate of Wellesley College, received an M.D. with honors from U.T. Medical School in Houston and is a pediatrician in Dallas. She is the mother of two daughters who attend Hockaday School in Dallas. Howard entered U.T. with a National Merit Scholarship and two U.T. Merit Scholarships, graduated with Highest Honors, and is presently living in California, working with Alpha Therapeutic Drug Company. A native of Fort Worth, Mrs. Rase graduated from Dana Hall Preparatory School and Wellesley College. She taught at the Fort Worth Children's Museum, edited the West Side Post, and organized the Fort Worth Wellesley Club. She served four terms as president of the Austin Wellesley Club and was founding co-chairman of the Wellesley Children's Art Show. Mrs. Rase served as the Wellesley Fund Director for the Texas-Louisiana District and organized the Eastern College Parents Committee. She helped organize the Laguna Gloria Women's Art Guild and the first Laguna Gloria Fiesta. She also served as the first vice-president of Laguna Gloria Art Museum, Inc. and president of the Texas Fine Arts Association. Mrs. Rase was the leader of a Camp Fire group and was Program Director of Austin Area Camp Fire. She founded the Elizabet Ney Museum Guild and was its first president. Her community work has included serving on the Good Shepherd Altar Guild and, in 1970, a term as the president of Casis School PTA. In 1971, she began work on the formation of a private school for college-bound students. Since Kirby Hall School's opening in 1976, she has served as Director and Chairman of the Board, working without salary until 1985 and donating summers until 1996. She served as Secretary-Treasurer on the board of the Accreditation Commission: Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools and is listed in Who's Who in the South and Southwest and other biographical volumes.

Helen Roberts

Helen Roberts, Kirby Hall School's Administrative Assistant, was born and raised in New York City. She joined the Internal Revenue Service in the Treasury Department in 1967 and enjoyed a 19-year career. Helen and her husband left New York in 1984 and moved to New Hampshire. Helen transferred to the Boston District Office of the Internal Revenue Service where she worked as a Security Analyst and Assistant Chief of the Publishing Services Section until the birth of her daughter Sasha in 1986. Helen and her family relocated to Austin Texas in 1986 where Helen was a stay-at-home mom. When Sasha turned 5 years old, she entered Kindergarten at Kirby Hall School. Helen then began to take on many volunteer tasks at the school. Besides acting as homeroom parent and party planner, she has acted as Chairperson of the Silent Auction, Sally Foster Gift-Wrap, Magazine Drive, Christmas Bazaar, and many other fundraisers over the years. She gave birth to her second daughter Emily in 1992. In 1998, when Emily entered Kindergarten, Helen was offered the position of Administrative Assistant at Kirby Hall. She gladly accepted this position, and has successfully made the transition from mother of two to the adopted mother of approximately 200 students. Sasha graduated from Kirby Hall in 2004 and was valedictorian of her class. She joined the Long Horns at the University of Texas at Austin, and earned sophomore standing in mid-year of her first year at U. T. Sasha has graduated from U.T. with a B.A. in Psychology and is now Kirby Hall School's Counselor. Sasha holds the distinction of being the first Kirby Hall student to go all the way from Kindergarten through the 12 grade. Emily graduated from Kirby Hall on May 29, 2011. She will be attending Texas State University in the fall.

Claire LaChance

Claire LaChance is the accountant at Kirby Hall School. Originally from Massachusetts she has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a M.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She spent fifteen years working in engineering until she moved to Austin in 1994. She later trained in the accounting field and joined Kirby Hall School in April 2008.

Paige Arnell

I look forward to returning to the Kirby Hall community and sharing my love of literature with my students. I so enjoy helping young people develop, examine, and express their own ideas. When I am not teaching or studying, I enjoy gardening, hiking, canoeing, sharing a good meal with friends, and-- most of all-- exploring the world with my daughter, Althea. I am excited about welcoming a new little one in September.

Chris Berry

I am thrilled to be joining the staff at Kirby Hall School.  I have lived in Austin since 1974.  I hold a BA from the University of Texas @ Austin in Government and a Masters in History from Texas State University – San Marcos.  I am married and have two wonderful daughters aged 10 and 7.  I enjoy running, cycling, reading and watching baseball and English Football.  This is my first year teaching high school, and I am excited for the opportunity.

Amanda Bulger

Amanda Bulger is thrilled to be joining the Kirby Hall community as the PK-8 Art teacher for the 2011-2012 school year! Amanda earned her BFA from the University of Georgia in Art/Art Education and is a Texas certified Art instructor for all grade levels. Originally from Woodstock, Georgia, she has been happy to call Austin home since 2008. Her experiences in Art Education have been honed through opportunities at state school systems, charter schools, museums, and community arts centers. Amanda's hobbies include making art, visiting galleries, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Jude. She is looking forward to sharing her passions for visual art and learning at KHS!

Jared Dailey

Jared Dailey was born in Austin but grew up along the Texas coast in Winnie. He spent a year at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN before leaving the blues and barbeque behind for a return to the greatest city in Texas. Despite growing up an avid Razorback fan, he transferred to UT and graduated in 2003 with a BA in math. Jared spent two years after graduation serving as Education Coordinator, zookeeper and night watchman at Austin Zoo, living in a house on the grounds. If you ask him, he'll gladly tell you not much can compare to having peacocks for alarm clocks and tigers in your back yard!He knew all along, though, that teaching was his profession, and after a short stint as a substitute teacher, he joined the Kirby Hall faculty in 2006 as a second grade teacher. Jared has also taught 4th grade math and 4th-7th grade science at Kirby Hall. Last year he took a short hiatus from teaching to welcome his amazing, beautiful daughter, Greta Nadine, into the world, and now he couldn't be more excited about returning to the classroom that introduced him to the wonders of Kirby Hall this year. Jared loves all things logical (though he sometimes likes to dabble in the illogical), sports, origami, and nearly any activity that involves friends and the outdoors. Of course his favorite activity, though, is spending as much time as possible with Great Greta and his lovely wife Kristin!

Julio de la Llata

Julio de la Llata teaches Spanish, and served as Faculty Administrator at Kirby Hall for six years, where he has worked since 1984. He attended Universidad de las Américas in Puebla Mexico, where he received his B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature. At U.T. he earned an M.A. in Spanish Language and Literature, and has pursued further post-graduate studies at U.T. and Southwest Texas State University. At Kirby Hall and Austin Community College he teaches all levels of Spanish. He received the Excellence in Teaching Award from A.C.C. in 1997. He has also taught Spanish for Business Professionals at U.T.'s Thompson Conference Center. Mr. de la Llata is married and is the father of two sons and a daughter. He has been honored at Kirby Hall after his 20th year of service to the school and its students. He is now entering his 28th year with Kirby Hall.

Michelle Escuder

Michelle Escuder is thrilled to be returning to Kirby Hall for her 5th year of teaching Drama and Music to students Pre-K through 12th Grade. She holds a B.A. in Theater from Florida State University, where was active in the Universities Theatre, Music, and Opera programs. While at FSU she was cast in her first operatic role at the collegiate level as a first semester freshman. She was subsequently cast in an opera each year until her graduation. While at Florida State Michelle held the Theatre Seat in the 54th Student Senate and performed technical duties in numerous theatrical productions, in addition to performing on stage. Michelle was the 1999 winner of the Florida Suncoast Opera Guild Competition and also performed in many additional plays and musicals, winning honors and scholarships for acting as well as for voice. Michelle enjoys cultivating her love for all things artistic and still enjoys performing as well teaching.

Teri Fickling

Teri Fickling is returning to teach middle school English grammar, composition, and literary studies at Kirby Hall for her seventh year. She is also excited to be teaching grammar and composition studies to fourth and fifth grades. Teri graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in English and a minor in History. She later earned her Texas teacher certification in English for grades 4-8. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in literature at Texas State University. She looks forward to sharing her passion for literature, and hopes to encourage her students to develop a lifelong interest in learning. When Teri doesn’t have her head stuck in a book, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her cat Sappho.

Barbara Horan

Barbara Horan teaches math to grades four through eight at Kirby Hall where she has been a distinguished member of the faculty since 1989. Formerly, she taught GED classes, English as a Second Language, and Competency-Based High School Diploma classes at Odessa Junior College. Mrs. Horan earned a B.S. degree in math and science with high honors from The University of Texas. She also completed her Master of Education degree from Texas A&M University. Mrs. Horan has three children and four grandchildren, Abigail, Corbin, Daniel and Samuel.

Summer McInerney

Summer graduated from high school in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and relocated to Austin to attend the University of Texas, where she earned a B.S. in Applied Learning and Development with a concentration in Special Education. While at UT, she was nominated for Student Teacher of the Year, and during her first year of teaching elementary school in Austin ISD, she received a Teacher of the Year nomination. She has experience working with elementary and middle school students with a range of abilities, and has participated in numerous professional development workshops in Gifted Education. After teaching for several years, Summer worked in the IT department at Vignette Corporation. She is a voracious reader, and enjoys sewing, DIY projects, and spending time with her husband and two sons, both of whom attend Kirby Hall. She is extremely excited to have the opportunity to enrich young lives in the classroom at this wonderful school!

Terry Parks

Terry Parks is excited to be returning to Kirby Hall for her eighth year as a first grade teacher. Terry grew up in Longview, Texas, and moved to Austin to attend The University of Texas where she earned a B.A. in psychology, focusing on child psychology and child development. She began her teaching career with preschoolers and has been fortunate to work at various private schools in Abilene and Austin for the past 14 years. During that time, she enriched her education through ongoing training in various aspects of early childhood education such as promoting independence, creative writing and science in the elementary classroom. Terry and her husband Wade have a five year old daughter, Avery, and a six month old daughter, Eliza. Terry enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dogs, cooking, reading and staying fit! She is excited to begin another year as a part of the K.H.S. team!

Ari Reinfeld

Ari Reinfeld, or “Coach R” as the kids call him,joined Kirby Hall School in August 2010. Ari completed his master’s in Exercise Physiology at the University of Texas at Austin. Before teaching Physical Education, Coach R worked in the Human Performance Laboratory at UT, studying the effect of pomegranate juice on muscle recovery and also worked numerous other research projects. Before moving to Austin, Coach R worked at the Jewish Community Center Preschool and coached the men’s rowing team for Taylor Allderdice High School. There he coached them to their first win at the Western Pennsylvania Championship. In his spare time, Coach R spends most of his time cycling and exploring Austin with his wife.

Sasha Roberts

Sasha Roberts is a Kirby Hall home-grown accomplishment. She graduated from Kirby Hall in 2004 with Valedictorian honors and earned 40 college credits before entering her first-choice university – the University of Texas at Austin. Sasha graduated from U.T. with a B.A. in Psychology in December 2008 and immediately joined Kirby Hall as the school counselor. Sasha also has a love for the Spanish language and culture which she studied extensively in UT and while a student at KHS, traveled to Spain on a school sponsored trip. She now spends her mornings teaching these very same subjects to the Primer, Kindergarten and First Grade students. Sasha’s hobby has turned into her love: pocket billiards. During her teenage years, she discovered her excitement for the game and didn’t hesitate when recruited to join the University of Texas Pool Team. She served as the pool team President in her senior year and through the Association of College Unions International, she represented U.T. in the Women’s Division and received 1st in regionals and 5th in nationals. Sasha came to Kirby Hall with an in-depth knowledge of what makes Kirby Hall the amazing school that it is. So when you see Sasha, say “Hello!” or “¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?”, but whatever you do, don’t challenge her to a game of 8-ball.

Joe Rumrich

Joe Rumrich teaches history to Grades four through eight. Born in Niagara Falls, New York, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in Restaurant and Hotel Management. He then spent ten years in management positions with Ponderosa Steakhouse and the Marriott Corporation. He moved to Austin in 1988 and received his teaching certificate from the University of Texas. Joe has taught at Kirby Hall since 1993. He enjoys playing softball every Monday and Wednesday night in the Austin City league.

Kelly Smith

This is Kelly Smith's fourth year to teach at Kirby Hall School. Kelly earned a B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from Texas State University. Additionally, she is a certified teacher in Early Childhood through the 4th Grade, as well as ESL Certified and GT Certified. She and her husband, Cary, have an 11-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son. Kelly loves spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, and outdoor activities. She truly feels blessed to be a part of the KHS family!

Katie Stephens

Katie Stephens is back for her third year, teaching Precalculus,AP Calculus and Geometry. Originally from Long Island, NY, she received her B.A. in Mathematics from the State University of New York at Buffalo and migrated to warmer temps to receive an M.A. in Mathematics from UT Austin. After teaching math at UT, ACC and LBJ High School (now LASA), Katie took some time off to stay home with her amazing children who are entering the 3rd and 7th grades at Kirby Hall. She looks forward to another great year with her fantastic students.

Mitchell Whittier

Mitchell Whittier has been teaching science at Kirby Hall since 2010. He grew up in Plano, TX, a suburb just north of Dallas. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Physics from the University of Denver and a Masters in Education from the University of Washington. Mitchell has previous teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Denver and as a Physics, Algebra and Geometry Teacher at Jesuit College Prep. in Dallas. He also has years of experience as an environmental educator at IslandWood - a school in the woods in Washington and Keystone Science School in Colorado. Mitchell is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys active adventures like hiking, camping, biking, running, kayaking, traveling, etc. .

Sasha Ybanez

Sasha Ybanez was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She attended Texas Tech University and graduated Cum Laude in May 2005 with a Degree in Human Development and Family Studies along with a Minor in Spanish. After she graduated, she backpacked Europe with two of her best friends during the month of July. Sasha then moved back to El Paso and received her teaching certification from the University of Texas at El Paso. Soon after that she was hired as a Pre-K teacher and later taught Second Grade at St. Mark’s School. During that time, she was accepted into the Guidance and Counseling Masters Program at the University of Texas at El Paso where she later graduated in December 2009. Sasha has recently moved to Austin, TX and is excited about her first year teaching Kindergarten at Kirby Hall School . She is looking forward to working with a great team and is enthusiastic about her new experience here in Austin. In her spare time, Sasha enjoys traveling, working out, organizing, spending time with friends/family and being outdoors.