Lauren Garcia-Stille
World Languages
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to spend time with friends, read, cook, listen to music, go on long walks or runs outside, and do yoga.
How long have you been teaching?
I’m beyond excited that this will be my first year teaching. I love French because I think it is a beautiful language, and speaking it has given me the opportunity to connect with so many people in unexpected ways.
What are you looking forward to at GA?
Meeting my students and becoming part of this wonderful community.
Radhika Patel
Science
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Reading, cooking, nature walks, and most of all spending time with my three kids!
How long have you been teaching?
I’ve taught in different educational settings for several years, most recently chemistry and biology at Greenwich High School.I have always loved science and research, which is why I pursued a Ph.D. in immunology. I believe science encourages curiosity and discovery, and I enjoy making it come alive through hands-on, real-world projects and experiences.
What are you looking forward to at GA?
Being part of GA’s intellectually curious and supportive community. I’m especially excited to inspire my students to see themselves as scientists, researchers, or simply lifelong learners who embrace curiosity and discovery.
Lily Ryan
World Languages
I chose to study and teach Spanish because I love how interdisciplinary Spanish classes can be–you can talk about contemporary life, history, politics, film, music, poetry, and visual studies. I’ve been teaching Spanish since 2016. I’m looking forward to getting to know students and colleagues at GA and exploring all of the teaching, learning, and creative opportunities the school has to offer. In my free time I experiment with analog photography and I make candles.
Jonathan Stoler
PE
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Being outdoors, especially when I’m playing golf or tennis. I also spend my summers in the Adirondacks at Raquette Lake, a summer camp I’ve been part of for 27 years.
How long have you been teaching?
For 13 years—the past 10 in NYC. PE is fun! I love introducing students to new games and skills they might really enjoy and want to continue pursuing. I also value giving students opportunities to lead, build confidence, and experience success.
What are you looking forward to at GA?
I’m excited to join a close-knit community and to teach and coach here. I’m looking forward to building relationships with students and staff and sharing my passion for PE. I’ve spent the past eight years working at the Browning School, and I’m thrilled to bring my experience and energy to GA. I can’t wait to get started!
Carmen Suarez
World Languages
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
On sunny days, I love taking long walks while listening to classical music on the radio. On colder days, you’ll often find me curled up on the couch with a good book. I enjoy traveling with my family and discovering new places, and I also love inviting friends over for good food and conversation. I’m rarely bored—there’s always something that brings me joy in my free time.
How long have you been teaching?
I’ve spent about five years teaching piano basics to children, first at my own Piano Academy and later from my home. This past school year, I had the exciting challenge of teaching Spanish at Darien High School for six months, which was a wonderful and inspiring experience. Teaching a language is about so much more than words—it’s about exploring a culture, opening minds, and seeing the world through a new lens. I love being part of that discovery with my students.
What are you looking forward to at GA?
I appreciate the model of working with medium-sized groups gathered around a round table. I look forward to building strong connections with students in such a warm environment, learning from my colleagues, and giving them the very best of myself. I feel truly grateful to be joining a community with such a meaningful purpose: creating value, inspiring growth, and making a difference in the world around us. I’m excited for the journey ahead!
Whitney Toutenhold
Visual Arts Fellow
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love running, hiking, cross-country skiing, and pretty much anything that involves spending time outside. I recently returned from a hiking trip in the Dolomites, which was incredible.
How long have you been teaching?
This will be my first year teaching! I graduated from Yale this spring with a degree in studio art. I love art because of its unique ability to forge community among people who might not otherwise feel they have much in common. Art brings people with vastly different life experiences and stories to tell into conversation, encouraging us to learn from one another and find common ground.
What are you looking forward to at GA?
During my visit to GA, I was immediately struck by the closeness and warmth that characterized the culture of the school. Walking through the halls and observing interactions between students, faculty, and administrators, it was evident to me what a close-knit, supportive, and uplifting community GA is. I’m so excited to be a part of it. Thank you for welcoming me into your community!
