Faculty & Staff

List of 12 members.

• 

  Katie Conner 

  Head of School

  Bio

  I am honored to serve as Head of School at Hanger Hall, a place that has been close to my heart since I first joined the faculty in 2005. Over the years I have had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to tremendous growth and positive change within this remarkable community.
  
  

  Originally from Maryland and the youngest of four redheaded siblings, I made my way to Western North Carolina for college and quickly knew this was where I wanted to plant roots. After some time out west and the birth of my first daughter, I returned to the area and settled in Swannanoa, where my family grew with the arrivals of Violet and Lucille. All three of my girls attended and graduated from Hanger Hall, which makes this community all the more meaningful to me on a personal level.
  
  

  Before stepping into school leadership, I taught 6th grade Humanities and 6th through 8th grade Spanish at Hanger Hall for many years. One of the great joys of my career has been teaching students over multiple years and seeing them grow into confident, thoughtful, and powerful young women. That long view of their development continues to shape the way I lead with deep respect for the individual journey of each student and a firm belief in the strength of our community.
  
  

  Hanger Hall is a special place, and I am so proud to continue working alongside this incredible team of educators, students, and families as we build on our mission and vision for the future.
• 

  Jennifer M Beasley 

  Director of Student Life

  Bio

  I have been working here at Hanger Hall since 2014 and feel lucky to be surrounded by such dedicated, caring people!  I also love that my job feels different every day.  I wear a lot of hats here and get to work with both wonderful parent volunteers and with students. The best part of my job is getting to plan and go on class trips! I also plan many of our school’s events and fundraisers and take students on volunteer outings in our community.

  
  

  I graduated from UNC-CH (Go Heels!) and while there, I focused my studies on communications and the environment.  In one way or another, I have been an educator since graduating. I have been lucky enough to work with youth in many different fields, including teaching environmental education to middle school students in California, leading backpacking trips in Washington, and running an after-school program here in Asheville.

  
  

  In my free time I love reading, gardening, biking, swimming, running, seeing live music, and spending time in the beautiful mountains surrounding our sweet little city. I have three daughters that keep me wonderfully busy, and I love to play outside with them whenever possible.
• 

  Brigitta Catoe 

  Asst Head of School

  Bio

  I’ve been fortunate to be part of the Hanger Hall community since 2002. I began as a math teacher, then took a two-year break to earn my Master’s in Education. In 2007, I returned to Hanger Hall as an administrator and love serving as the Assistant Head of School. In this role, I have the privilege of supporting teachers, parents and students on their journey through middle school. We work intentionally to create a warm and inclusive environment where students can learn, grow and thrive. Students are encouraged to learn more about who they are, develop a sense of agency and find their voice. Having fun is also a celebrated goal around here, making Hanger Hall an excellent place to be! Outside of this sweet school, you may find me reading a book, board gaming with my fam, walking through the woods or on a road trip. If you have never considered an independent school but are curious, I warmly invite you to sign up for a tour. This is a pretty magical place.  
• 

  Beth Roe 

  Admissions and Marketing Manager

  Bio

  After 20 + years of winters in Maine, Beth was finally persuaded to move to Asheville by her family.  Joining her brother and his family and their parents just over a year ago in the mountains of North Carolina has been such a blessing. Despite missing the ocean from time to time, Beth has settled into Southern Life and started her professional career here in Asheville working at MAHEC in the Internal Medicine Residency Program.  Working in the Graduate Medical Education field was a big turn from her previous role of school counselor in Maine public schools for 21 years. Privileged to assist doctors in their residency training, Beth began to realize, however, that she really missed working with young people. 

  
  

  During her tenure as a school counselor, one of Beth’s favorite things was starting a girls’ running club at the middle school she worked at for 11 years.  This opportunity really highlighted how much middle school students thrived in an athletic environment that supported students in an inclusive environment. They were more apt to take risks, laugh more fully at themselves and with each other, and really feel good about the accomplishments they made.  When the opportunity for Admissions and Marketing Manager opened at Hanger Hall, Beth could not resist.  Having heard about Hanger Hall, when her niece, Kate attended about 10 years ago, Beth is delighted to have the chance to work in this inclusive and supportive setting. The combination of highlighting for potential families and students the strengths of and benefits of attending Hanger Hall is just a dream come true.  

  
  

  In her life outside of work, Beth has two amazing daughters who are on the cusp of being adults and figuring out their most current dreams and plans. WIth two cats to keep her company, Beth loves to travel, read, cook and bake.  She also tends to take on a new craft with swift rapture and abandon it almost as quickly.  
• 

  Kizzi Danh 

  Math Teacher

  Bio

  Kizzi (Barton) Danh has been teaching math at Hanger Hall since November of 2009. Kizzi thinks that math is extremely fun and useful and she absolutely loves teaching girls how to be successful math students.  She loves to create connections between what students are learning from the textbook and what is happening in the real world.  Girls are encouraged to sharpen the tools in their math tool belt so that they are well prepared to approach various problems in life with confidence.
  
  Kizzi grew up in a small ski town in Vermont in a house built by her ancestors in 1789. She always knew that she was interested in education, so she chose to attend Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. Kizzi focused her studies on public health and science education, but upon graduating decided that she needed a few adventures before she began her career as a teacher. 

  
  

  The first adventure led Kizzi to Chicago for several years where she managed restaurants and coordinated corporate hospitality at major sporting events.  Her next adventure was a return to her hometown where she taught math and science for 3 years at a private ski and snowboard academy.  After 28 years of living in the North, it was time for a southern adventure, and luckily, Kizzi found her way to Asheville. She and her husband, Andy, fell in love with Asheville, and were married here in the spring of 2011. They welcomed their daughter Cora in 2013 and she is looking forward to becoming a Hanger Hall girl in a few years.

  
  

  Kizzi has developed a solid math curriculum that effectively addresses the varying needs of all students.  In addition to addressing the Common Core standards, Kizzi teaches students about organization, problem solving, note taking, and preparing for tests and quizzes.  Kizzi loves to use fun tricks to remember things in math, so you will often hear singing or see beautiful artwork coming from the math room.

  
  In 6th grade math, the focus is on solidifying arithmetic foundations and skills.  The 7th grade curriculum delves into pre-algebra with some really fun units on geometry and trigonometry.  All students in the 8th grade take Math I; at the end of the year Kizzi gives individual recommendations for high school math.  For students who like additional challenges, Hanger Hall competes in the state high school mathematics competition for Math I.  The math team meets with Kizzi throughout the year to prepare for this springtime competition held at Western Carolina University.
  
• 

  Jamie Hammond 

  Grammar/Humanities Teacher

  Bio

  Hello current and future Hanger Hall families!  My name is Jamie Hammond and I teach 7th and 8th grade Humanities and Grammar for all grades.

  
  

  I have lived almost my entire life in North Carolina. In 7th grade, I was diagnosed with ADHD and my parents signed me up with a therapist who was specially trained to help children with ADHD.  Although it wasn’t until college that I fully applied what I learned from her, it was a very powerful and empowering experience, and was pivotal in my decision to become an educator.

  
  

  I received my degrees in English and Secondary Education from Guilford College (Go Quakers!), moved to Asheville… and couldn’t find a job. I saw an ad in the paper for Hanger Hall and met Howard and his daughters Windsor and Kelsey.  I came on in Hanger Hall’s second year. It has been rewarding and a great joy to assist and observe the growth and success of the school.  I took a year off for the birth of my daughter Emma and came back to Hanger Hall with renewed energy and dedication to the school.  There is not another job that I could consider at this point.  Hanger Hall is my home and my passion, and I eagerly await the new school year and the new relationships that are waiting to develop!  I can’t wait to get to know you better! 
• 

  Katie Langwell 

  French & Drama Teacher

  Bio

  Katie Langwell has been teaching drama and French at Hanger Hall since 2007 has one of the best jobs in the world.  

  
  

  Katie grew up in Atlanta and went to University of Richmond, VA where she double-majored in French and Theatre.  After working for a theatre company in Richmond, freelancing as script supervisor in film production, and sneaking off to France whenever she could, she decided to hop a train and head to New York City.  While there, Katie helped run a theatre company, worked for HBO, and performed in many plays.  She also directed, wrote and performed for an all-women sketch comedy group.

  
  

  In Katie’s French classes, students perform skits, sing songs, create magazines, go on strike, belt out the national anthem, taste new foods, create weather reports, hold fashion shows, and play games!  Katie believes that the more fun her students have, the more they will learn.  The material becomes more challenging as students progress and by the time they leave Hanger Hall, most are able to start in French 2 in high school.

  
  

  In Drama, Katie’s classes are great for unleashing energy.  Through games, skits and improvisation, Katie works with the girls on becoming more comfortable in front of a group.  The girls all have a chance to “perform” in class every week and there is usually a lot of laughter.

  
  

  Many years, Katie also directs a school play and everyone is invited to participate.  Rather than focusing on a show that may feature one or two students, Katie tries to create shows where everyone has a chance to shine, and students are introduced to the idea of working together to create a fun evening of theater.  
• 

  Juliette MacNamara 

  School Counselor

  Bio

  I am so excited to be working part-time at Hanger Hall as the school counselor. I have lived in Asheville for a little under 10 years. I moved to the area in 2010 after graduating from Wake Forest with a Master’s degree in Psychology.   I attended Indiana University for my undergraduate degree and earned a BS in Psychology.

  
  

  When I moved to the area in 2010, I began working in direct care with adolescents on the Autism Spectrum. I continued to work in community mental health until returning to school to complete my MSW and earn my licensure as a Clinical Social Worker. The past three years, I have worked at an all girls therapeutic boarding school. I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and I am passionate about working with young women who need support in coping with the challenges that accompany adolescence and the transition to becoming a successful young adult.

  
  

  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and pets. I also enjoy spending time outside by mountain biking and hiking with my dog.
• 

  Isabelle Marshall 

  Art and Music Teacher

  Bio

  I was raised in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in a home filled with music and art. Drawing with my grandma at the kitchen table and after-dinner concerts with my sister were favorite household pastimes. I performed with my high school’s Vocal Jazz and Concert Choirs and competed around the country. Starring as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray was a highlight of my high school experience. At Bard College, I pivoted to focusing on my visual artwork and received my B.A. in Studio Art in 2017.

   

  My parents are both teachers; I grew up frequently assisting in their classrooms and summer camps, so becoming a teacher was a natural move. I worked in Seattle and New York City in a range of schools and arts organizations, including Coyote Central and Studio in a School. After living in New York City for several years, I met my partner, Estelle, who grew up in Asheville and attended Hanger Hall in its early years! We moved to Asheville together and now live in Montford with our cat, Friday. Many of my close friends here in Asheville are Hanger Hall graduates, and I love hearing about the impact that this special school has had on their lives.

   

  I have farflung family in Spain, Sweden, and Brazil, so in my free time, you can catch me traveling to spend time with loved ones, swimming in the ocean as much as possible, cooking yummy food, making art, and singing. 

  My teaching philosophy celebrates that all forms of creative expression spring from a similar place. I want to create the classroom I craved as a kid: an innovative and loving space that invites experimentation, expression, and hands-on learning.
• 

  Beth Ripley 

  Science Teacher

  Bio

  I am so excited to introduce myself to the Hanger Hall community. I began my journey with Hanger Hall in January 2008 as the math teacher.  While I loved teaching math, I knew I found my perfect fit when I became the science teacher in 2009.  My passion is in the sciences, but I love introducing the undeniable relationship between math and science to my students (especially when teaching physics)! I am thrilled to live in the Asheville area and work at this incredible school.  

   

  I grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and have always loved the outdoors. I love to get outside to camp, trail run, mountain bike, and paddle board. My science background includes a B.S. in environmental science and a minor in biology from UNC-Chapel Hill.  I also have a Master’s in Environmental Studies from the College of Charleston.  My work experiences include being an outdoor environmental educator in the state of Washington, a field biologist with a sea turtle monitoring program in Hawaii, a wilderness therapy instructor in western North Carolina, and a researcher for the USDA-Forest Service in Charleston, South Carolina.

   

  One of my favorite things about the middle school curriculum is the wide variety of topics covered including astronomy, human biology, environmental science, and chemistry--just to name a few!  We will be delving into the scientific method right away with many exciting experiments. Part of science and the scientific method is asking questions, and I encourage my students to do the same. Each student will learn how to write a scientific paper after creating an original hypothesis. Every year, several Hanger Hall students submit their papers to a panel of judges to compete in the regional and often the state STEM competition. My students should expect to get outside since we will be taking advantage of the nearby botanical gardens and creek across the street. 

• Oslo Medley 

  Bio

  Sports and games were how I connected with people when I was in middle school. Playing and getting swept into genuine joy with classmates and teammates and friends were the moments that defined my childhood and in many ways shaped the community I had. Those experiences are what I hope to facilitate for students. I grew up in lower Alabama and moved to Brevard, NC for college. After graduating I worked at Hanger Hall for a handful of years and was inspired to stretch my teaching muscles. I was hired as a founding teacher at KIPP DC and was the Vice President for DC Charter School Athletics Association. Over the past 10 years I've had the humble opportunity to work at lots of amazing schools, started a mushroom farm, and just recently taught at Evergreen Community Charter School. I play on a local sandlot baseball team, have a gaggle of dogs, and a sweet family in Leicester, NC. I'm passionate about making movement and fun accessible and equitable for all neurotypes, body sizes, genders, ages, and races. I believe in child centered spaces, and in the power of community driven education. 
• 

  Meg Winnecour 

  6th Grade Humanities