Holly Neumann has been on our staff since 1984. She teaches the morning meeting group of 4 and young 5 year olds. Her morning meeting group ranges between 9 and 11 children. Holly has an extraordinary gift in her ability to be "in the moment". Holly enjoys weaving and clay work and has a deep love for children and nature. She received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and holds an elementary education teaching certificate from the state of Michigan.
 

Jean Ruff came to our staff in 1978. She taught in Japan and at the United Nations before coming to Upland Hills School. Jean teaches the second group at our school. She has between 12 and 14 children in her group that range in age from 5 to 7. Jean is an exceptional teacher. She combines insight with practicality and intuition with deep compassion. Her room is a small world of wonder. Tables with magnifying glasses, bowls of marbles, baskets of yarn invite children to look and to touch. Hand made paper and felt are displayed in ways that remind us of the simple things in life. Her talent as a teacher and as an artist lies in her ability to bring into each moment an awareness of the magic of childhood. She listens deeply to children and helps them to learn the true basics of life; how to get along with each other, how to listen, how to share, how to give and how to receive. She has devoted her entire adult life to her work with children and has grown with each year. She brings a wisdom, maturity, and constancy to every day, every interaction and every challenge that comes her way. Her leadership and presence at our school have helped us develop a curriculum that invites all ages to share in the rich treasures of community. Jean's gifts have enabled countless children to discover their true potentials and possibilities. She has earned a B.S. in elementary education and an M.A. in early childhood.
 

David Sosin became a part of our staff in 1985. He is the teacher of our third group of children that range in age from 7 to 8. Foremost a loving husband and father of two sons, David's quiet gentility provides an exceptional model for the civility that pervades his classroom. David also loves to play, whether out on the soccer field with students at lunch break, at All School Games, or skating on a pond he's cleared for winter fun. In the classroom his penchant for play turns math into an exploration of the mysteries of numbers, and his fascination with the play of words can become the puns which leave children and adults groaning with delight. His comprehensive unit on heroes is an outgrowth of his interest in helping children understand the potential for heroism within each of us, famous or ordinary. This is in keeping with David's strong community consciousness. He is always involved in some service project that draws a devoted group of student volunteers. He received his B.S. degree in psychology and has earned a Masters degree in clinical psychology.
 

Jan Butcher was first introduced to Upland Hills School while searching for the ultimate schooling experience for her two young daughters. At about the same time, Jan had returned to school herself to concurrently earn an elementary teaching certificate and a Master's Degree. She was overjoyed in 1990 when asked to join the staff of Upland Hills to bolster the science curriculum. Jan credits her clarity, practicality and love of learning to the hours spent on the farm with her grandfather when she was growing up. She also credits her daughters for revealing her true calling. Jan loves science, history, geography, singing, reading and sharing those loves with children.
 

Ted Strunck has been teaching with us since 1989. Ted is a professional musician and a professional builder. He teaches the oldest group at our school and is committed to preparing them for their next placement. The comprehensive units that he designs are large practical building experiments that challenge his students on many levels. His group has built a 160-foot bridge, a stained glass window, and a solar greenhouse. Ted has earned a B.A. and a teaching certificate from the state of Michigan. He has also earned postgraduate credits in music and writing instruction.
 

Karen Moore began teaching at Upland Hills School in 1972. She is a professional actress and an expert on children's literature. For many years she taught the 10 to 12 year olds at our school. She now teaches special poetry and literature units, is our librarian and our theatre arts teacher. Karen and Ted have written and produced two original plays at our school. Karen has earned a B.F.A. in theatre and performing arts and holds a teaching certificate from the state of Michigan.
 

Phillip Moore (Director) Phillip became the director during the first school year in 1971-1972. His work with R. Buckminster Fuller's World Game and his understanding of the talks and writing of J. Krishnamurti have influenced the structure of this school. Along with the duties of headmaster, Phillip teaches the oldest math group as well as afternoon elective classes that include "Adventure Playground"; a ropes course, "Wild", "Men's Class" and "Rockets". As a director, Phil's style is empowering. He trusts us and lets us follow our passions. If we can bring our passions into the classroom, our students are affected deeply by what we teach. He is careful to acknowledge our efforts and encourage our endeavors. He is supportive and is a skilled listener. He has gained my admiration and love. He sets a tone that is easy-going and accepting. the whole school resonates with his caring and love. Phillip holds Bachelors of Arts, state teaching certificates and Masters degrees.
 

"Let the beauty we love be what we do."
Rumi

Our Board of Trustees consists of a representative group of parents and professionals. Their primary responsibility is to attend to the financial stability of the School, and to see to the position of the Director.

The staff and the Board together make up the governing body of the School.

Sandy Rollin - President
Mike Anderson - Treasurer
Tom Tomich - Secretary
David Sosin - Staff Representative
Lisa Bradley-Mitchell
Scott LaFond
Dan Leske
Phillip Moore
Paula Patterson
John Rooney
Tim Thomas
 

"In the effort to further its outreach, Upland Hills reaffirms
its dedication to the future
of the younger generation -
and thus to the nation's future -
especially in the vital area
of education
at a time when standards elsewhere
so often seem to be slipping."
 

Joe Goodwin, Editor, Smithsonian Books