Meet the New Faces on LP's Campus
August 2nd, 2022
Meet the new members of our La Pietra faculty and staff!
The 2022-2023 school year is upon us, and you'll probably notice that there are many new faces around campus! Learn a little bit about the newest members of our faculty and staff team below, and don't forget to welcome them to the LP ‘ohana!
Mrs. Kaile Berlenbach
Born and raised in Hawaii, Mrs. Berlenbach joins La Pietra as our new curriculum coordinator. She will also be co-teaching Design Thinking and MS STEM. Fun fact: Mrs. Berlenbach graduated from La Pietra in 2005! She also loves Disneyland and going on snow trips.
Mrs. Bella Congdon
Welcome Mrs. Congdon, our new English teacher! Originally from Taiwan, the island girl felt at home instantly after moving to Hawaii for graduate school in 2009. She loves diving, swimming, hiking, reading, and doing yoga. She also deeply believes in kindness and thinks that is the key to happiness.
Ms. Kristie Han
As a Class of 2000 graduate from La Pietra, Ms. Han is grateful to return to her educational home as the Dean of Students. Her role as the Student Music Conductor and Hawaiian Club president launched her into a career in education. She is looking forward to meeting and working with all of you. Please stop by and say hello!
DR. KAINOA HARBOTTLE
Dr. Harbottle joins us as a substitute English teacher. Born and raised in Honolulu, he eventually earned his Ph.D. in English from the University of Delaware. Since then, he has taught English literature and Theatre History and Production at the university level. Fun fact: Dr. Harbottle is an expert conjurer and began performing magic after spending a good deal of his youth doing local drama.
MS. ANN KAM
Next time you stop by the main office, be sure to say hello to Ms. Kam, our new office manager! She is happy to be part of the La Pietra community and is looking forward to having a great school year with everyone.
MS. IXCHEL López
Ms. López joins La Pietra as the new Theatre Arts teacher. She is passionate about storytelling and has worked all over the U.S. as an actor, director, teacher, and producer. She will also be a Student Council Advisor and hopes to start an Improv Club! Fun fact: Ms. López has two rescue animals: Makamae the pit bull and Jacqueline the black cat.
Ms. sofia OUMOUSSA
Meet Ms. Sofia, our new French teacher! She is from Belgium, has two kids (ages 22 and 11), and loves waking up early for her morning yoga class. She says that's the best way to start her day!
MR. Tomás ramos
Mr. Ramos is so excited to be the new music teacher here at La Pietra! He will be teaching Music 6, Music 7/8, Music/Theater, and Choir. He loves singing, playing instruments of all kinds (especially his clarinet), and helping people to develop their musical selves. Aside from music, he loves to surf, play ping pong, and talk with friends.
Mrs. brittany sylvia
Welcome Mrs. Sylvia! She is looking forward to teaching 6th and 8th grade Science along with 7th grade Math. Mrs. Sylvia is a mom of two kids (7th and 9th grade) and loves hiking, going to the beach and family movie nights. Most weekends, you can find her cheering on her kids playing sports. She also loves baseball and is a big San Diego Padres fan!
