New faculty join Upper School
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School will welcome four new faces to the Upper School in 2018-2019
New faculty joining the Upper School are:
Mr. Chandler Brooks, Upper School Science
Mr. Brooks joins the Upper School science department to teach AP Environmental Science and AP Biology. He will also serve as dorm head in Bellingrath Dorm. Mr. Brooks came to Rabun Gap from Southern Illinois University, where he was working to complete a PhD in Zoology with a focus on Behavior and Physiology and serving in the university’s Cooperative Wildlife Research Lab. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Management from Auburn University and a Masters in Science in Biology from Stephen F. Austin University in Texas. During his years at Auburn, Mr. Brooks was a kicker for the football team, playing for the national championship team in 2010. He is also an accomplished soccer player and coach, serving as a team captain for several club teams throughout his educational journey and coaching for high school and youth programs.
Mr. Chandler Brooks, Upper School Science
Mr. Brooks joins the Upper School science department to teach AP Environmental Science and AP Biology. He will also serve as dorm head in Bellingrath Dorm. Mr. Brooks came to Rabun Gap from Southern Illinois University, where he was working to complete a PhD in Zoology with a focus on Behavior and Physiology and serving in the university’s Cooperative Wildlife Research Lab. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Management from Auburn University and a Masters in Science in Biology from Stephen F. Austin University in Texas. During his years at Auburn, Mr. Brooks was a kicker for the football team, playing for the national championship team in 2010. He is also an accomplished soccer player and coach, serving as a team captain for several club teams throughout his educational journey and coaching for high school and youth programs.
Ms. Pam Weatherly, Upper School Math
Ms. Weatherly is Rabun Gap’s newest Upper School math teacher. She holds a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Emory University School of Allied Health in Atlanta, Georgia, a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from The University of Vermont. Over the past 20 years, Ms. Weatherly has taught mathematics at the high school level, as well as practicing physical therapy for numerous clinics and hospitals. In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Weatherly will support our health services by providing physical therapy services to Rabun Gap students and coach Middle School cross country. She lives in Tallulah Falls with her her husband Craig and their three daughters — Riley ’22, Ellie ’24, and Sophie ’26.
Ms. Weatherly is Rabun Gap’s newest Upper School math teacher. She holds a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Emory University School of Allied Health in Atlanta, Georgia, a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from The University of Vermont. Over the past 20 years, Ms. Weatherly has taught mathematics at the high school level, as well as practicing physical therapy for numerous clinics and hospitals. In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Weatherly will support our health services by providing physical therapy services to Rabun Gap students and coach Middle School cross country. She lives in Tallulah Falls with her her husband Craig and their three daughters — Riley ’22, Ellie ’24, and Sophie ’26.
Mr. Albert Fusco, Upper School Technical Theater Intern
Mr. Fusco will help Rabun Gap’s Artistic Director Mr. Sean Lakey manage the demands of staging shows for the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. He will also team teach technical theater in the Upper School and serve in Coit Dorm. Mr. Fusco earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, with a minor in Mathematics, from Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania. During his freshman year, Bert served as an assistant director for a middle school play at a local school, teaching acting, blocking scenes and sharing his passion for theater. He loves music, singing, acting, stage design, set construction, and — his first love in theatre — stage combat. Mr. Fusco has certification for stage combat with four different weapons.
Mr. Fusco will help Rabun Gap’s Artistic Director Mr. Sean Lakey manage the demands of staging shows for the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. He will also team teach technical theater in the Upper School and serve in Coit Dorm. Mr. Fusco earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, with a minor in Mathematics, from Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania. During his freshman year, Bert served as an assistant director for a middle school play at a local school, teaching acting, blocking scenes and sharing his passion for theater. He loves music, singing, acting, stage design, set construction, and — his first love in theatre — stage combat. Mr. Fusco has certification for stage combat with four different weapons.
Mr. Tan "Tommy" Gao, Upper School Mandarin
Mr. Gao earned both a Master of Art of Teaching Mandarin and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Brandeis University in Boston, Massachusetts. During his graduate work, he explored exciting ways that technology can support language learning. A native of China, Mr. Gao also has advanced skills in French and English. He will serve as assistant coach for both the Middle School and Upper School swimming programs.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
