Our
Faculty
Sam Ahn
Director of Passion Academies
Ed.D in Progress in Instructional Technology and Media, Teacher's College, Columbia University
Ed.M in Instructional Technology and Media, Teacher's College, Columbia University
MA in Computing in Education, Teacher's College, Columbia University
BA in Economics, UCLA
Sam is currently the director of Stony Brook School’s Gravitas Passion Academies and has more than 16 years of experience in the global private education industry – startups, franchises, and companies that went public – with significant global entrepreneurship experience. Most recently, Sam was the Director of the Institute for Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Miss Porter’s School, an all-girls boarding high school in Connecticut, where he was the architect, taking a concept to the signature program that focused on inspiring and empowering young girls to be the future change makers that the world desperately needs. Sam has also specialized in top college admissions consulting with nearly a thousand students having matriculated to top-25 universities and continues to work with students around the world in facilitating an entrepreneurial mindset to tackle global problems.
His educational background is in edtech and instructional design. Sam has two master’s degrees (Ed.M & M.A.) and is currently an Ed.D. candidate at the Teachers College, Columbia University. His research interests include using game dynamics and mechanics to engage learners and make learning fun. His lifelong goal is to continue designing engaging, authentic, and immersive real-world problem-solving-focused educational experiences for all learners.
Nancy "Joqui" Girón-Meléndez
Dean of Students
Spanish Faculty
BA in Middle School Education and Spanish, Gordon College
Nancy "Joqui" Girón-Meléndez serves as a Spanish teacher for Gravitas. Joqui graduated from Gordon College in 2011 with a double major in Middle School Education and Spanish. Upon graduating, she returned to her high school alma mater, Boston Trinity Academy, to serve as a Spanish teacher for 10 years. In that decade, she taught levels 1 through AP to grades 6-12. As a language teacher, Joqui strives for her students to include Spanish into their persona, challenging students to view language acquisition as a pathway to practice loving their neighbor. In addition to her passion for language acquisition, Joqui has a passion for student leadership and has led training on leadership and character development. Joqui has held various leadership roles throughout college and her 10 years at Boston Trinity Academy, including serving as the Dean of Students. In May 2019, she received the Boston Trinity Academy Alumni Recognition award, which highlights how an education at Boston Trinity Academy prepares students for leadership and service in college and beyond. Outside of school life, Joqui is an avid reader of fiction and social justice, seeking ways to understand how to love her neighbor. She and her husband are currently expecting their first child!
James Grant
Spanish Faculty
MA in Spanish Language and Culture, NYU Madrid Campus
MBA Liberty University
BA in Spanish and Communication, University of Georgia
In 2023, James Grant left his position as chair of The Stony Brook School's World Language department to begin a position as an Assistant Professor of Modern Languages at Liberty University, but he decided stayed on the SBS Spanish faculty for Gravitas. James's career includes teaching Spanish at Davidson Day School in North Carolina, teaching online for Liberty University and Columbia International University, and serving as a missionary in Asturias, Spain through World Witness, Foreign Board of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. At The Stony Brook School, James taught upper level Spanish classes and served helped with the Outdoor Adventure Club. He is currently pursuing a PhD in History, with a focus on the History of Spain. Mr. Grant lives in Virginia with his wife, Rachael, and their five children.
Maria Ibañez
French Faculty
MA in English Philology, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid
Landon Loftin, Ph.D
English, History, and Bible Faculty
Ph.D in Humanities, Faulkner University
MA in Apologetics, Houston Baptist University
BA in Religion and Philosophy, Southwest Baptist University
Landon Loftin has a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from Southwest Baptist University, an M.A. in Apologetics from Houston Baptist University, and a PhD in Humanities from Faulkner University. His publications include an assortment of peer-reviewed articles on the work of authors such as G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, and Owen Barfield. He recently co-authored a book called What Barfield Thought: An Introduction to the Writings of Owen Barfield for which he became a co-recipient of the Barfield estate's 2023 Award for Excellence. Prior to teaching, he served as a hospital chaplain. Earlier still, he and his wife lived and worked in Ghana where they helped establish a home for previously trafficked girls. He now lives in Bolivar, Missouri with his wife (Kate) and children (Eleanore Jane, Soren Wulfram, and Leo Alexander).
Maria Lee
Science Faculty
BS in Communication (Environment, Science & Health), Cornell University
Minor in American Indian & Indigenous Studies, Cornell University
Maria Lee is a communicator and mentor who helps students translate complex scientific ideas into clear, compelling messages. Trained in science and risk communication at Cornell, she has produced public-facing newsletters and education campaigns on lake ecology and harmful algal blooms, turning lab data into practical guidance for diverse audiences. She co-founded a nonprofit serving Native American and underserved communities, designing literacy workshops and coordinating projects that meet real needs with compassion. On campus and in ministry settings, Maria has led mentoring programs, managed digital communications, and hosted events that foster thoughtful dialogue. She brings that same hospitality to class, creating spaces where every student’s voice is invited, strengthened, and heard.
R. Zachary Manis, Ph.D
Director of Character Formation
Humanities Faculty
Ph.D in Philosophy, Baylor University
MA in PHilosophy, Texas A&M University
BA in Philosophy, Hendrix College
Zachary Manis is Director of Character Formation and Humanities Teacher for Gravitas. He is a philosopher with areas of expertise in Christian ethics, philosophy of religion, and Kierkegaard studies. Dr. Manis is the author of Sinners in the Presence of a Loving God: An Essay on the Problem of Hell (Oxford University Press, 2019) and Thinking Through the Problem of Hell: The Divine Presence Model (Cascade Books, 2024), as well as numerous peer-reviewed articles. He is coauthor, with C. Stephen Evans, of Philosophy of Religion: Thinking about Faith, Second Edition (IVP Academic, 2009). Prior to joining the Gravitas team in 2021, Dr. Manis taught philosophy at a Christian liberal arts university for sixteen years. He and his wife Lisa live in Bolivar, MO and have three children: Sol, Nora, and Emmaline.
Alexandra Meehan
Mathematics and Computer Science Faculty
BA in Mathematics, University of Colorado at Boulder
Ali Meehan serves as a math, physics, and computer science teacher for Gravitas. Ali graduated with distinction from the University of Colorado in 2020 with a BA in Mathematics and an Education License. While at CU, Ali earned the Jack Hodges Award for Excellence in Mathematics, she started and led a Bible study for athletes, and won an NCAA title in triathlon. Since graduating she has been working as a teacher and track coach in Boulder, CO. Ali is passionate about building relationships with students, integrating cross curriculum problems into mathematics, and teaching students to find innovative solutions using computer coding. She’s on the hunt for the best vanilla latte, loves spending time with her family and dog, Penny, enjoys accruing plants and succulents, and competes competitively in triathlons.
Morgan Reynolds
Humanities Faculty
M.Phil in Education (Creativity, Arts & Education), University of Cambridge
BS in Studio Art; Minor in Psychology, Biola University (Torrey Honors College)
Morgan Reynolds helps students see how questions of beauty, truth, and goodness come alive through the arts and the great books. A Torrey Honors alumna recognized for scholarship and discussion leadership, she later completed an M.Phil at Cambridge focused on creativity, arts, and education. Her interdisciplinary work ranges from award-winning research on the “psychology of home” (SCIO De Jager Award) to a Faraday Institute presentation on ethics and gene editing. Morgan has taught Literature and Fine Arts in the classical tradition and loves guiding Socratic seminars that connect ancient wisdom to contemporary creativity. Outside the classroom, she’s an avid hiker and global traveler who grew up in Antalya, Turkey, perspectives that enrich both her studio practice and her teaching.
Sean A. Riley, Ph.D
Executive Director
Philosophy Faculty
Ph.D in Philosophy, Baylor University
MA in Philosophy, The Pennsylvania State University
BA in Philosophy, The Pennsylvania State University
Sean Riley serves as the Chief Strategy Officer of The Stony Brook School and Executive Director of Gravitas. Since 2007, Sean has served the school as Academic Dean, History Department Chair, Teacher, Coach, and Dorm Parent. His Ethics Bowl team has won the Long Island Regional Competition five times. He has won several teaching awards, including the PLATO K-12 Teaching Award, a national award for pre-college philosophy teachers. During the summer of 2021, he helped lead a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminar for teachers entitled "Disputatio and the Pursuit of Wisdom in the Humanities." Additionally, he has been a frequent presenter at conferences and has published several articles on philosophy and education, with a recent focus on artificial intelligence in Christian education. Sean holds a BA/MA in philosophy from Penn State University, and a Ph.D in philosophy from Baylor University. He loves competitive sports, travel, wildlife photography, architecture, and designing elegant solutions to complex human problems. He lives on the campus of The Stony Brook School with his wife, Emily, and his four children.
Michael Webster
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Mathematics Faculty
M.Ed in Secondary Education - Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania
BA in Mathematics, CUNY Brooklyn College
Mary Wakumoto
Science Faculty
MS in Electrical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
BS in Electrical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MA in Education, Stanford University
Mary Wakumoto has spent more than two decades helping students master upper-level mathematics and physics while discovering the beauty and order behind the formulas. An AP Physics Reader and former department chair, she has taught AP Calculus, AP Statistics, Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, AP Physics, and Python/AP Computer Science Principles in both in-person and online settings. Before teaching full time, Mary worked as an RF/microwave design engineer on projects including NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System—experience she channels into real-world lab work and engineering design projects. Students know her for clear explanations, thoughtful feedback, and a contagious curiosity that invites them to ask “why,” not just “how.”
Vanessia Wilkins
Assistant Director
History Faculty
Ph.D in progress in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Albany
MA in History, Western Kentucky University
BA in History and Spanish, University of North Florida
Vanessia Wilkins serves as the World History Teacher for Gravitas. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and History from the University of North Florida, a Master’s in History from Western Kentucky University, and a Master’s in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from the University at Albany. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at UAlbany. Vanessia has had the privilege of partnering with students and teachers across diverse educational settings, from K–12 to higher education. Her professional journey includes roles as a GED Instructor, History, ELA, and Writing Teacher, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, and Adjunct Professor. Across each role, she has remained committed to creating academically engaging learning experiences in environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and kindness. With this commitment as her foundation, Vanessia also serves as a member of The Freedom Dreaming for Educational Justice Collective, a movement dedicated to transforming inequitable schooling systems. In addition, she shares her passion for student success as an adjunct professor at the University of the People. Her teaching philosophy centers on cultivating a strong sense of belonging and building community, creating spaces where lifelong learners can flourish. Through this approach, she empowers students not only to achieve academic success but also to grow as connected, purposeful members of society. Above all, Vanessia treasures her family. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, Jonathan, and their four children.
Christopher Wimer
Academic Support
MEd in Educational Leadership (Building Administrator), Northwest Nazarene University
BA in Spanish Language & Literature, Virginia Tech
BS in Human Development & Family Studies, Virginia Tech
Christopher Wimer is an international educator and student advocate who has served in roles spanning classroom teaching, coaching, and school leadership. Before joining The Stony Brook School’s Academic Support team, he spent seven years at Alliance Academy International in Quito, Ecuador—most recently as Assistant Principal, following service as Assistant Athletic Director, elementary P.E. teacher, and varsity head coach. Earlier, he taught Spanish and life skills at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, coached cross country and basketball, and supported transition planning as a special education instructional assistant in Virginia public schools. Chris has also led service-learning trips in Central and South America and volunteers with mentoring and medical outreach initiatives. He brings a cross-cultural perspective to executive function coaching and encourages students to grow in resilience, responsibility, and joy in learning.