In 2018, MMA added some great new talent to our teaching team and staff. We want to share our excitement in their experiences, backgrounds and abilities. Many of our new team members have diverse backgrounds with worldly exposures and wisdom. Read below to learn about the wonderful and caring new teachers who will be instructing our cadets.
Anneliese Antonucci, Algebra II, Pre-calculus, Physics, AP Physics
Ms. Antonucci joins us from previous teaching positions held at both SUNY Albany and Bard College at Simon’s Rock. She is excited to be working with high school students while developing their love for math and physics.
Christine Blakely, World History, AP US History, AP Government & Politics
Ms. Blakely has a Bachelors of Art degree in History and World Religion and a Masters in Human Education. Over the years, she has taught in Maryland and Washington, D.C. high schools, the American International in UAE (Dubai) and at the Yeshiva of Greater Washington. She has traveled to 56 countries and lived in Japan and Europe. Her Masters in Education has prepared her for teaching at MMA and she is excited to be working at our school that stresses the importance of the holistic student.
Darren Colbourne, 10th English and 12th grade IB
Mr. Colbourne attended high school at Portsmouth Abbey in Rhode Island thus understanding how our cadets feel being at boarding school. After he graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Philosophy, Mr. Colbourne taught English at the Orme School in Arizona. He is most excited to integrate philosophy and literature into a small classroom setting while working with other departments to share ideas and topics.
Amanda Olah, School Counselor
Ms. Olah has a background in social work along with working with students doing therapeutic day treatment counseling at a public school. She has also worked with aging and disabled adults as a care coordinator ensuring her clients had the needed services and resources to help them. Ms. Olah is excited to begin her work at MMA while ensuring all of the cadets have a great year.
Melissa Yoder Ricks, Art
Ms. Ricks joins our Art department this year and brings both an academic and a business-related background to her teaching. She graduated with a double major in Art/Design and Political Science from Duke University and also owns a business called, Wild Hare Fiber Studio. Ms. Ricks has experience leading classes and workshops for a wide variety of groups including homeschooling groups. She is excited to be working with students at MMA to help them develop their creative potential and gain an understanding and appreciation for art and how it engages with culture and history.
Christine Zahran, ESL
Ms. Zahran amazes us all by speaking four languages. She previously spent 10 years teaching English in China. Learning the culture and the international community was an amazing experience for her. She has traveled to 26 countries and is a first generation American. Her father is Palestinian, and her mother is from the Dominican Republic. She is excited to meet her new students and is passionate about teaching the languages to others.