
FACULTY & STAFF
Caitlin Bowring, Director of Curriculum and Instruction/Elementary and Middle School Division Leader
Grades 7–8 Teachers
Julia Tatsch, Program Designer and Humanities Teacher
Jeffrey Bigman, Humanities Teacher
Laura Smitherman, STEM and 7th/8th Grade Math Teacher
Kathi Martuza, Integrated Learning Teacher and Wellness Educator

Caitlin Bowring, Director of Curriculum and Instruction/Elementary and Middle School Division Leader
Caitlin finds it hard to believe that she’s entering her thirteenth year at the school! It has been an amazing experience to be a part of the growth of the Elementary and Middle School programs from a tiny group of twelve students to a thriving group of over one hundred students today. She looks forward to continuing to support these amazing programs!
Caitlin holds a BA in Psychology and a MA in Elementary Education from Northeastern University. She earned her Montessori Elementary I certification at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education, New York.
Caitlin’s two children are students at Wellan, and she feels so lucky to be a part of this wonderful community as both a faculty member and parent! Outside of school, she loves to cook, read, and spend time with friends and family.

Julia Tatsch, Program Designer and Humanities Teacher
What do mountain photographer, cowgirl, and veterinary anesthesiologist have in common? All are professions Julia Tatsch held before deciding to become a teacher. From Wyoming to Maine, from New Mexico to Massachusetts, Julia has visited and worked in a multitude of schools, Montessori and otherwise. Most recently, she taught middle school at nearby Milton Academy. She is so pleased to have found a healthy, thriving place like Wellan to bring her experience and ideas. Earlier in life, Julia earned her BA and MA in English Literature from Colby College and Middlebury, respectively. While she has worked with students of all ages, from infants to seniors in high school, middle school is where she finds herself most at home.
Besides working with teenagers, she loves skiing as often as possible, gardening, photography, being on the water and spending time with her son, Owen, who is excited to finally enjoy the responsibilities of being a third year in the Lower Elementary program at Wellan.

Jeffrey Bigman, Humanities Teacher
Coming Soon.

Laura Smitherman, STEM and 7th/8th Grade Math Teacher
Laura grew up in Milford, CT, and she graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in Chemistry. She then earned her secondary teaching certification in New Jersey through Princeton's Teacher Preparation Program. Over the past few years, she has taught Chemistry in both public and private school settings. At the same time, Laura has always loved working with younger students. She spent three years at an elementary after-school program during college, and she is excited to now be supporting the middle school program at Wellan. Outside of school, Laura enjoys singing and making music, engaging in the visual arts, and serving in her local church community.

Kathi Martuza, Integrated Learning Teacher and Wellness Educator
Kathi is a former professional ballet dancer, now a teacher of movement, health, and wellness. She holds a B.A. in Dance, and is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Education in Integrated Learning. Her emphasis area of study is on the integration of somatics into the education of adolescents. Additionally, Kathi is a comprehensively certified PEAK Pilates instructor, and a certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She holds additional training in the areas of Intuitive Eating, True Body Project Leadership, and is a level 2 Reiki Therapist. Kathi came to Montessori through the education of her son and daughter, and immediately fell in love with the method and approach. She is thrilled to be joining the Middle School Voyager team this fall and share her passion for movement and wellness through a Montessori approach to education of youth.