Upper School Welcomes New Faculty for the 25-26 School Year

As the 2025-2026 school year begins, the community welcomes new upper school faculty members. From the realms of World Languages to Fine Arts, a wide variety of faculty members will begin their first year at Holton. While some will be solely upper school teachers, others will cross over divisions and work with middle and lower school students as well.

Head of Upper School Brooke Depelteau is excited to "bring Mrs. Holton's vision for the school to life for another generation of girls." Before Holton, Depelteau was the dean of Academics at Berkshire School. She hopes that students will "say hi and introduce themselves."

Upper school math teacher James Barnes looks forward to being “in the classroom with students trying to get through math together.” After teaching mathematics at George Mason University, Yale University, Wellesley College and most recently Trinity Washington University, Barnes has extensive experience working with students and addressing challenging math concepts.

New photography teacher Kristian Whipple has considerable experience teaching photography in the DMV. In addition, for the past 15 years, Whipple has worked as a freelance photographer in Washington, DC. Coming to Holton, he is excited to “work with, teach and learn from the students and staff.”

A recent addition to the World Language Department, Maggie Schlichter will teach upper school French. After working at another local high school, Schlichter is happy to “teach in an all-girls environment and share [her] passion for French” with all Holton students.

New middle and upper school Latin teacher Rich Green hopes to get involved with the Classics Club, Latin Club and Harry Potter Club in addition to his teaching. He came to Holton because he “heard a lot of positive buzz ... about what the girls at Holton were accomplishing.” He says his “expectations have been more than met!”

Erin O’Malley, the new 9th and 10th grade counselor, “spent the last seven years as a principal.” She is excited to get to know her colleagues and “[build] strong relationships with students.” Visit her in the Upper School Office to say hi, and maybe you’ll leave with a sweet treat!

This fall, keep an eye out for new faces as the school year begins, and be sure to always say hello.