Meet the Upper School Deans

Favorite thing about HW: The supportive community and the many opportunities available to the staff, faculty, and students to explore their interests  

Favorite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and anything written by Edgar Allen Poe

Favorite place in Los Angeles: The grassy median along San Vicente and the bike path next to the beach

Secret Dream Job: Adventure travel journalist

I’ve never had a chance to, but I’ve always wanted to circumnavigate the world and be a contestant on the "Amazing Race." 

Favorite thing about HW: The incredible poise and dynamic personalities of the students (and parents and faculty…).

Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird. Wanted to name one of my daughters Harper Lee. Got vetoed.

Favorite place in Los Angeles: The little train and wooden carousel in Griffith Park

Secret Dream Job: Lead in a Broadway Musical

I’ve never had a chance to, but I’ve always wanted to learn to cook! Seriously, my poor family.

Favorite thing about HW: The ever-increasing diversity of the student body

Favorite Book: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Favorite place in Los Angeles: The waterfalls in Solstice Canyon, Malibu

Secret Dream Job: Host of a cooking show

I’ve never had a chance to, but I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights.

Favorite thing about HW: The sense of belonging one can feel from their first day in this community.

Favorite Book: The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Favorite Place in LA: The Hollywood Bowl

Secret Dream Job: Hosting my own show on the Food Network

Never had a chance to, but always wanted to: Learn to surf!

Favorite thing about HW: The students

Favorite Book: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers

Favorite place in Los Angeles: Staples Center for LA Kings games

Secret Dream Job: Writer

I’ve never had a chance to, but I’ve always wanted to learn Gaelic.

Favorite thing about HW: The wonderful, welcoming, helpful people               

Favorite Book: The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle

Favorite place in Los Angeles: The Counter – Never had a burger like it!

Secret Dream Job: Head basketball coach for my hometown DePaul Blue Demons

I’ve never had a chance to, but I’ve always wanted to… Travel to all the continents

Favorite thing about HW:  The word “joyful” in our Mission Statement. I think it gives all of us permission to remember to love what we do in the classroom, darkroom, dance studio, main stage, athletic field and pool, and the forgotten spaces like Administrative offices, cafeteria and bookstore.

Favorite Book: Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett

Favorite place in Los Angeles: Griffith Observatory, the beaches, DTLA (because art, restaurants, historic culture), driving up any canyon or mountain.

Secret Dream Job: Travel Writer who writes and produces movies on the side.

I’ve never had a chance to, but I’ve always wanted to… Have a Hollywood-like shopping spree on Rodeo, afternoon tea, the day capped off at the spa and later dinner at an LA hotspot.

Favorite Thing about HW: The community’s ever-present intellectual curiosity, spirit of kindness, and commitment to anti-racism

Favorite Book: I love anything written by James Hal Cone. I’m also a huge fan of the Harry Potter series.

Favorite Place in Los Angeles: Venice Canals and Venice Beach

Secret Dream Job: Background Singer for Tina Turner

I’ve never had a chance to, but always wanted to learn to play piano and bass guitar.