Introducing 2026 New Faculty and Fellows

Join us in welcoming Groton’s new faculty members this fall! Hailing from various backgrounds, they are excited to share their interests and insights with the Groton community.

Carly Kirsch - Admissions

After graduating from Claremont McKenna College in 2024, Ms. Kirsch spent two years in financial consulting before joining the Circle as Assistant Director of Admissions. Reminiscing about her time studying at Phillips Exeter, she expresses enthusiasm for “more fulfilling work with students and being back in an environment filled with bright, inspired, and curious minds.” She will also serve as a dorm head. Outside the office, she hopes to start the pickleball community on campus, saying, “Pickleball is too fun not to play – so any student interested in playing, please reach out to me!”

Marline Diaz - Admissions

Ms. Diaz joins Groton as an Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Inclusion Outreach. She brings a wealth of experience: seven years teaching at an all-girls elementary and middle school, as well as four years teaching Spanish, coaching, advising, and serving as a dorm parent at Westminster School in Connecticut. Ms. Diaz was drawn to admissions work and the way Groton values students, saying that her education philosophy “really lines up with the school’s mission. We don’t only look at one thing when we’re looking at the students.” Ms. Diaz will coach JV Girls’ Basketball and serve as an affiliate for Goodwin’s dorm.

Jacquie Diffley - Admissions

This year, Ms. Diffley is transitioning into the role of Assistant Director of Admissions after spending the past two years as Groton’s Admissions Visit Coordinator. She has wanted to move into the interview side of admissions for a long time. She says, “I’ve always been interested in interviewing kids and getting the chance to meet kids from all over the world and ultimately try to pick the best kids for Groton. I think selling the school more is what I’m excited to be able to do.” Meanwhile, she will miss the student contact from scheduling tour guides, where she talked to 15-20 students per day.

Larry Flynn - English

Mr. Flynn has spent nearly a decade teaching creative writing and humanities at both the college and high school level. During his time at Phillips Academy, he paid his first visit to Groton while playing an away basketball game. He recalls, “I noticed at Groton that there is a level of care; people really know each other. That seemed like the sort of place I would want to be.” He will teach Third and Fifth Form English, coach Boys’ Basketball and Soccer, and serve as an affiliate for a Third Form boys’ dorm.

Jordan Strober - Science (Biology)

Groton is where Dr. Strober is beginning his teaching career. He has spent the past decade in biology research, most recently as a postdoctoral fellow at Yale studying endocrinology. Before that, he earned his PhD in molecular metabolism at UChicago. Regarding his transition from academia to high school teaching, he explains, “I found the idea of teaching high school a lot more exciting than teaching at the college level. You get to have much better interactions with students—really watch them grow.” He will teach Third Form Science and AP Biology. Outside the classroom, Dr. Strober is a marathon and ultra-trail runner, a cyclist, and a cook. He will be coaching track and field in the spring, and hopes to teach an elective on exercise physiology or join the cooking club one day.

Milo Goodell - Science Fellow (Physics)

Mr. Goodell is a graduate of Bowdoin College, where he studied physics and rowed. His connection to Groton began through his coach Gil Birney. Mr. Goodell himself was particularly drawn to Groton because of its community, which, as he described, seemed to stay with everyone who stepped into it. This year, he is excited to teach Advanced Physics: Mechanics. Although he hopes to challenge his students, he acknowledges that many students consider physics an intimidating and arduous subject. He says, “I really want to change that mentality; at Groton, I want physics to be seen as a fun and approachable topic.” Beyond the classroom, Mr. Goodell will coach the Sculling FSA in the fall and Boys’ Crew in the spring. He will also be an affiliate in Riley’s Dorm.

Thomas Reynolds - Science Fellow (Chem)

Recently graduated from Bowdoin College, Mr. Reynolds will be teaching Chemistry this fall. He has always admired teachers. He recalls being especially inspired by a college professor who emphasized that “chemistry is everywhere and you can understand it.” He hopes to apply this motto to his own classroom and “connect chemistry concepts to everyday phenomena or things in the real world that are tangible and relevant.” In addition to teaching, Mr. Reynolds will coach the Sculling FSA and Boys’ Crew, and serve as an affiliate in Lamarre-Vincent’s dorm. He looks forward to experiencing boarding school life and getting to know students as academics, athletes, and people.

Ella Hochstadt - Classics Fellow

Before Groton, Ms. Hochstadt studied Classics at Brown University. She also gained experience working in a boarding school environment while teaching Latin and leading the afternoon theater program at Choate Summer. As a fellow, Ms. Hochstadt will be teaching Latin 1 for Second Form. She herself started learning Latin in sixth grade and was instantly captivated by the language. She explains: “Latin felt very special to me because it felt like a code language. You’re speaking a dead language, and it’s a really amazing way to feel like you’re connecting with history on a more active level.” Having always wanted to be a teacher, she is excited to share her love for Latin with all her students. Ms. Hochstadt will also coach JV Field Hockey, serve as an affiliate in a Third Form girls’ dorm, and potentially join theater in the winter.

Kyle Beatty - Alumni and Development

After graduating from Brown University, Mr. Beatty taught U.S. History and served a number of administrative roles at the Fessenden School and Belmont Day School. He arrived on the Circle in May as the Director of Alumni Engagement. Mr. Beatty was drawn to Groton by “the opportunity to work at a school that is deeply committed to its mission and help alumni remain connected to a place that has shaped them and create meaningful ways for them to engage, contribute and give back.” He was also struck by Groton’s strong sense of community, tradition and connection. As the new school year comes around, Mr. Beatty looks forward to “getting to know students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and learning what makes Groton special from the people who experience it every day.”