Waterford School has introduced its new faculty and staff members for the 2026-27 school year. The school stated that this large incoming group reflects a healthy and growing enrollment, which helps ensure high levels of teaching expertise and maintains low student-faculty ratios.
According to the school, the new cohort is well-trained and brings broad and deep experience from both Utah and other parts of the country. New colleagues will be welcomed to the school later this summer, with an opportunity for families to meet them at the Opening Family Brunch on August 29.
The new Lower School faculty includes Lara Emre as a Class IV teacher, Kendall Myers as a Class III teacher, and Valli Dandamudi as a PreK-4 teacher. Emre joins from The Hewitt School with degrees from New York University and Columbia University. Myers comes from experience at Stewart Elementary and Madison Elementary after studying at Clemson University and Randolph-Macon College. Dandamudi previously served as a substitute teacher for the elementary school levels at Waterford.
For the Middle and Upper School, Lauren Kidd Wolf will serve as Math Department Chair. Ethan Warren joins as a Latin teacher, and Jack Hyer will teach US Spanish. Kate Tapscott will join the faculty teaching MS/US English and Rowing. The incoming middle and upper school educators bring backgrounds from institutions including Utah State University, Tufts University, University of Texas at Austin, Brigham Young University, Weber State University, and Bowdoin College.
New staff members joining the organization include Ben White as an MS/US Counselor, Alia Archuleta as HR Generalist, Zachary Sutton as Helpdesk/AV Specialist, and Whitney Fitzgerald as Payroll Specialist/Accounts Payable.
Additionally, several current members are transitioning to new roles within Waterford School, including Casey O'Malley, Melanie Battistone, Brandon Bennett, Heidi Poole, Skye Smith, and Mercedes Hale.
The school also acknowledged staff members who are exiting or retiring. Waterford School expressed gratitude for the contributions of departing faculty and staff, noting their role in shaping student character and inspiring students toward lives of purpose.
Retiring members include Kent Hodson, Roxine Hodson, Trey Sayes, and Julie Smart.
