From fashion to the basketball court, this year’s new Upper Campus faculty members are eager to leave their mark on the Pinewood community.

Madeline Wheatley

   New substitute teacher Madeline Wheatley was pleased to accept a position at Upper Campus, especially since she’s a Pinewood alumna.

 “I hope to be as helpful and positive as I can be during my time here,” Wheatley said. “I’m really grateful that Pinewood had this opportunity available.”

   Wheatley looks back fondly at her time as a Pinewood student and her memories of her teachers.

   “I feel like there are really great teachers here, especially ones that are looking for one-on-one opportunities to support students,” Wheatley said.           

Jayden Madise   

   Jayden Madise will take on the roles of substitute teacher, social media manager, assistant basketball coach, and athletic transportation coordinator at Pinewood.

   Although athletics led Madise to Pinewood, he also appreciates the school’s culture and supportive atmosphere.

   “Basketball is what drew me in first, [and so did] the rest of the community and how tight knit it is,” Madise said. Madise, who is a filmmaker outside of Pinewood, hopes that his creative mind will allow him to bring a different perspective to Pinewood’s social media and  community.

Tianjia Jin

   Tianjia Jin, who goes by TJ, is the new academic support specialist, focused on providing tutoring help in the Student Achievement Center.

   “I bring a lot of positivity and fun vibes to my students,” Jin said. “I love jokes and the most recent trends, so I try to bring a lot of interest [to the SAC].”

   Additionally, she believes that every student has different academic needs, and that requiring assistance does not determine intelligence.

“If you need extra support in academics, it doesn’t mean that you are not a smart person,” Jin said. “That just means you need more resources and that you shine in different ways.”

   Jin is enthusiastic to see the SAC flourish.

   “I’m excited for student feedback and to see how [the SAC] evolves over time,” Jin said.

Asma Rabbani  

   Another recent addition is Asma Rabbani, the new associate director of the Pinewood Scholars Program. With an education in fashion entrepreneurship, Rabbani was drawn to PSP’s innovative curriculum, where she hopes to help PSP students confront community-centered issues.

   “This program solves real problems, and [PSP students] are trying to make a real difference,” Rabbani said.

   Rabbani aspires to support PSP students’ dreams, both inside and outside the classroom.

   “I want to help empower students to take risks and be creative,” Rabbani said.

Marjorie Hazeltine

   Seventh- and ninth-grade literature teacher Marjorie Hazeltine came to Pinewood to explore new opportunities.

   Hazeltine said that she chose to teach literature due to its ability to answer profound questions.

   “I’m so curious about what it means to be a person in this world and what it means to love and connect with others,” Hazeltine said.

   In addition to teaching, Hazeltine looks forward to contributing to Pinewood through the Social Emotional Learning program and by participating in community events.

   “I had a really good time on the freshman retreat,” Hazeltine said. “We were sitting around the campfire, and the student government was giving speeches to inspire the freshmen, and I was so moved by the kindness, candidness, and care with which they spoke to them. It made me so happy and proud to be a part of Pinewood.”