As we kick off the 2026–27 academic year, Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool is delighted to introduce 17 new faculty and staff members joining our school community across our three campuses. Each brings dynamic energy, diverse expertise, and a shared dedication to supporting our students every day. Learn more about each of them down below! 

RIDGEFIELD 

Rick Alfonso — Mr. Alfonso joins us this year as our Middle & Upper School Technology teacher. He brings more than 20 years of experience in instructional technology, with expertise in robotics, engineering and design, and computer science. He has worked with students in both primary and secondary schools in the D.C. area, most recently at St. Anne’s School of Annapolis. Mr. Alfonso earned his BS in biology from James Madison University and his MAT from Columbia University Teachers College. He is an avid cyclist and tennis fan, and he is looking forward to making a move north to join us.

Hillary Ashley — Ms. Ashley brings a unique combination of administrative and teaching experience into her new role with us as Executive Assistant to the Head of School and Head of Middle & Upper School. Having spent over five years at Building Blocks Early Learning Center as a Head Teacher and later as  Administrative Director, Ms. Ashley brings invaluable hands-on experience in supporting school operations and leadership teams to our community.

Amy O. Dolan — With more than 30 years of experience in education, including roles at Greenwich Academy, Brunswick School, and Rye Country Day School, Mrs. D will support our Middle & Upper School math students this year. Mrs. D earned her BA in psychology from UC San Diego and her MA and MPhil from Columbia University Teachers College, and has completed doctoral coursework at Columbia and Stanford University. Her extensive experience as both a learning specialist and math educator and interventionist will be a valuable resource as our students continue to grow and develop as mathematicians. Mrs. D is the mother of three, and an avid gardener and pickleball player.

Susan Hodgson — Mrs. Hodgson will be supporting the Advancement team broadly in addition to spearheading alumni outreach in her role as Advancement Coordinator. She brings a wealth of experience to the team, joining us most recently from Silvermine Arts Center in Norwalk, CT, where she has worked in social media and communications for over four years.

Catherine Maguire — Ms. Maguire has worked at RA|LP in various capacities, including Assistant Teacher, Substitute Teacher, Aftercare Teacher, Summer Camp Counselor, and Curriculum Intern. This year, she joins us as a Grade 2 Head Teacher. She has a Master’s degree in Teaching from Muhlenberg College. Born and raised in Ridgefield, Ms. Maguire was a collegiate athlete, loves the NY Mets, traveling, and the beach.

Elizabeth Peters — Ms. Peters joins us this year as our Grades 7 and 8 English teacher. She brings classroom experience from Savannah Country Day School, where she taught 7th grade English and worked closely with students, families, and colleagues to develop engaging, age-appropriate instruction. Ms. Peters also has experience as a tutor in English, biology, and test preparation, tailoring her approach to meet the individual needs of her students. She earned her BA in psychology from Emory University, with a double major in both psychology and English. She spent time earlier this summer with some of her new RA colleagues at the New England New Teacher’s seminar hosted by Connecticut Association of Independent Schools. Ms. Peters has lived overseas in Azerbaijan, Germany, and Ukraine, and she is an avid fan of the Star Wars franchise.

Sean Rorke — An experienced English teacher and Middle School educator, Mr. Rorke will be joining us as our Grades 5 and 6 English teacher. Most recently, he taught English and served as an Admissions associate at Hillside School in MA. Mr. Rorke encourages students to think critically, engage deeply with literature, and develop their voices through writing and public speaking. He holds a BA in English and fine art from Williams College and an MA in English from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Mr. Rorke is an avid traveler and foodie who recently visited Ireland, Italy, and Japan with his family. He enjoys reading world history and watching classic Hollywood films.

Kai Tripician — Mr. Trip joins us as our Grades 5 and 6 science teacher. Through his recent experience as a field technician with American Conservation Experience, a behavioral assistant at Bridge Counseling Services, and a student leader and course assistant of University ASL classes, Mr. Trip has built and leveraged his skills in environmental science, research, and education to design and facilitate inquiry-based learning experiences. Mr. Trip graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in ecosystems and human impact. He is a passionate New Jerseyan and an avid surfer and birdwatcher with a genuine interest and extensive experience in ASL.

John Zahner — Mr. Z comes to us with extensive experience as an independent school educator. With a B.A. from Saint Olaf College and an M.A. in education from Lesley University, he has spent the past 25+ years teaching math and humanities, including at St. Alban’s School in Washington, D.C., 19 years at the Wooster School, and most recently as a STEM and math specialist at Indian Mountain School. He will join our math team, teaching 5th grade, as well as a section of both 6th and 7th grade. Mr. Z takes pride in being a lifelong learner who seeks new and creative ways to differentiate the learning experience and best serve his students. He is a father of three, and he enjoys reading history, playing the occasional round of golf, and listening to murder-mystery podcasts. 

Jessica Zimmerman — Ms. Zimmerman joins us as a Fours Assistant Teacher. Previously, Ms. Zimmerman worked as a physical education teacher at Rye Country Day School, The Windward School, and Manhattan Village Academy. She has a Master’s degree in Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy from Manhattanville College, and is excited to move into a full-time classroom role this year. Ms. Zimmerman and her partner enjoy hiking with their 22-month-old, Lorelei, and their German Wirehaired  Pointer. 

BEDFORD

Elizabeth DeFilippo — Elizabeth joins us as an Assistant Teacher after spending an exciting summer season working with our Bedford campers! In her free time, she enjoys reading a great book, trying new recipes, traveling to new places, and never missing an opportunity to see a Broadway show. Elizabeth is excited to meet all of our students as we begin a new school year.

WESTPORT

Ziwei Ding — Ms. Ding joins us as an Assistant Teacher in the Threes. She holds a Masters in Early Childhood Education and has taught at schools in both Connecticut and New York. She enjoys volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and has an interest in engaging with young children in mathematics and hands-on learning.
Walsh Geelan — As a graduate of Landmark Preschool and Ridgefield Academy, Ms. Geelan has a long history with our school community, and we are thrilled to welcome her as an Assistant Teacher in the Threes this year. During her undergraduate studies, she was a substitute teacher in our classrooms and worked as a camp counselor for our summer programs, where she discovered her passion for working with young children. She earned her B.A. in psychology from Loyola University, Maryland and plans to pursue a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy.

Eileen Kaeser — Ms. Kaeser is a recent graduate of Sacred Heart University, earning her degree in English and pre-law. Though new to her role as Assistant Teacher in the Fours, Eileen is not an unfamiliar face in the Landmark Preschool community. During her undergrad, she spent several summers working as a counselor for our summer camps and supported our faculty in our aftercare program. We are thrilled to have Ms. Kaeser join the teaching team this year.

Amanda Kennedy — We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Kennedy as a Head Teacher in the Twos. She has an M.A. in Elementary Education and more than 14 years of teaching experience, working with children across various preschool age groups as well as teaching gymnastics and tumbling. She is also a proud mother of three, and we are thrilled to have her as part of our community, where we are sure she will be an asset.

Alexandra Ludlow - Ms. Ludlow earned her degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing nursing. She spent several years working in our summer camps and as a substitute teacher and is also a graduate of Landmark Preschool. An experienced nanny with an interest in pediatric medicine, Ms. Ludlow brings a wealth of experience working with young children. We are thrilled to have her as an Assistant Teacher in the Twos and welcome her back to her Landmark family this year!

Susan Onthank — Mrs. Onthank returns to Landmark as an Assistant Teacher in the Threes this year. Many of our families will recognize her from her frequent appearances as a substitute teacher over the years at our Westport and Ridgefield campuses. She is a past board member of the Wilton Children's Theater, enjoys raising chickens, and is a proud parent of four wonderful children, two of whom are Landmark graduates.

Delaney Walsh — Ms. Walsh holds an M.A. in Education with a concentration in social and emotional learning. She has over six years of teaching experience in both elementary and preschool classrooms and enjoys incorporating movement and learning to her teaching. We are thrilled to welcome her to our community as an Assistant Teacher in the Fours!