Faculty & Staff Directory

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have and why?
If I were a superhero I would have teleportation ability and I would definitely take my students to places where they could have a first-hand experience of the topics we see in class every day.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
One thing I've learned from students is the importance of feedback and recognition, it can truly make a difference in someone's day and life even, no matter how big or small the milestone is.

What did you want to be growing up?
I come from a huge family, so I was always surrounded by kids, older and younger, and I always felt compelled to take the lead or call the shots, and I would always find myself teaching them something. So teaching just came naturally to me.

What draws you to working with students?
Their ability to learn and their immense potential to shape and reshape the world as they see and experience it.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS and why?
One thing I enjoy about CSS is the passion for teaching my colleagues showcase. They inspire me to raise the bar continuously.

Alfonso brings more than a decade of experience in language teaching. He enjoys using my professional skills as an educator to contribute to students' integral education through the teaching of a second language. He strongly believes in providing opportunities for students to partake in today's interconnected world and culture and in all the positive effects that speaking a second language could have on the way our brains work. Outside of work, he enjoys being active. He loves hiking and mountain biking with family and friends.

What is your role at CSS? I teach science and mathematics in the Upper School.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? In my 20s, I happily lived out of my truck or a tent for months at a time while I traveled the Western US, South America, and the South Pacific in search of adventure such as rock climbing, mountaineering, river running, and scuba diving.

What is a favorite memory at CSS? Meeting my wife here.

What is one thing you’ve learned from students? I learn something new and interesting from students every single day in the classroom. Most of my students are smarter and more clever than I am. I’ve just been thinking about science and math longer than they have, so I get to teach these subjects to them.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Flight.

What did you want to be growing up? First, a pilot, and then a mountain guide.

What draws you to working with students? The energy, creativity, inventiveness, and humor of high school students.

What is one thing you've learned from students?
Just because I am the adult in the room, doesn’t mean that I have experienced more than students have. Some have had to deal with challenges that I could never imagine dealing with.

What draws you to working with students?
Working with children reminds me of how amazing and exciting the world can be. I love seeing things from their eyes.

What is your role at CSS? I am a Middle School math teacher, a sponsor of the Math Olympiad team, and an assistant coach for Middle School Volleyball.

What is a favorite memory at CSS? It is hard to choose one favorite memory! Some of my favorite memories are from seminars and chaperoning Middle School events. My first Game Night, I was racing around with the kids on Boddington Field in the dark and playing capture the flag with glow sticks, and then for the Middle School Overnight, I was playing games at night in the gym and sleeping in the Trianon. I saw then how creating experiences for the students, from simple to elaborate, is what CSS is all about.

What draws you to working with children? Being a teacher means that I get the chance to share in the life of each student - just for this short time of a year or two. I get to see them growing into themselves, discovering and uncovering talents and passions, overcoming challenges. It’s a magical experience and an honor.

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS? One of the things that makes CSS such a special place is the faculty. I feel honored to work with such thoughtful, dedicated, innovative, passionate, hardworking, good natured educators. My colleagues inspire me and make me smile every day.

What is your favorite spot in the world? My favorite spot is with my boys! This photo was taken at my son Jonathan’s wedding last fall.