Join us as we welcome the newest teachers of the Trinity-Pawling community!
Maggie Li • French Teacher
Before joining the Trinity-Pawling community, Maggie Li taught French at the MacDuffie School in Granby, Massachusetts. She earned both a B.A. in French Studies and an M.A. in French literature and linguistics from Central South University. Maggie enjoys hiking, cooking, and hanging out with friends.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most?
“Being a part of a vibrant and diverse community, consisting of dedicated faculty, motivated students, and supportive parents.”
Jennifer Lopez • Library Assistant
Jen Lopez is joining the Gardiner Library and Learning Commons as a Library Assistant this year! Previously, she worked for a virtual exterior design company and a digital signage company. She enjoys running, gardening, and watching her children participate in sports.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most?
“I am most excited to be a part of the Trinity-Pawling community and supporting its students.”
Finnegan McGovern • Math Teacher
A recent graduate of Trinity College, Finn McGovern joins the Trinity-Pawling community this year as a Math Teacher and wrestling coach. When he isn’t teaching or coaching, he enjoys playing guitar, reading, watching movies, and spending time with his family.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most?
“I am excited about working at a school with a different approach to teaching than I ever really experienced in my time as a student. I am also excited to make connections with my students and help them find success!”
James O’Connell • Math Teacher
Before arriving at Trinity-Pawling as a Math Teacher, Jim O’Connell taught at Brunswick Middle School. He is an avid disc golfer and Ultimate Frisbee player — he played three seasons of professional Ultimate Frisbee in the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL) in 2015, 2018, and 2021. He also enjoys skiing and snowboarding.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most?
“Working with high school students — sharing my love of math, frisbee, and wrestling with the young men of Trinity-Pawling.”
Ricky Oliver • Director of Theater Arts
Ricky Oliver joins the Trinity-Pawling community this year as the Director of Theater Arts and theater teacher. Previously, he served as the Coordinator of Actor Training at the University of Hartford. In his spare time, he enjoys visiting Cape Cod, attending theater productions in New York City, or spending time with his family in Baltimore.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most?
“I’m excited to work with and engage a new generation of students.”
Melissa Soler • Associate Director of the Gardiner Learning Commons
Melissa is a familiar face in the Trinity-Pawling community, as her husband Jesus is a math teacher and coach on campus! Formerly an English teacher in Tampa, Florida, Melissa is bringing her talents to the Learning Commons as the Associate Director this year. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most?
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the students and being part of the T-P community!”
Alex Steele • Economics Teacher
A recent graduate from Trinity College, Alex Steele joins the History Department this year as an Economics Teacher. At Trinity, he wrestled and played baseball. He also likes to golf, ski, fish, read, and watch sports and movies.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most?
“I’m excited to be a part of and help to build a thriving community on campus.”
by Emma Quigley