Adam Cieszkiewicz
Adam worked with students for several years as a private tutor, then as a tutor for students with learning differences at the Hill Center in Chapel Hill, NC, before coming to TKS.
“I work at TKS because I get to see and help our students deepen their connections to themselves and their passions, their friends, and their families.”
Adam manages a small farm where he raises sheep and poultry. His other interests include playing music, cooking, and reading.
- Published in Residential Staff
Josh Murray
While at the University of Richmond, Josh was part of a student organization formed by football players to volunteer in public schools with at risk youth. Josh went on to lead the organization while volunteering all four years during his time at the university.
“I choose to work at Keswick School because I have always worked with youth who were either misunderstood or do not have access to the support they need to be successful. I believe in giving students every option to help them succeed and I feel that Keswick School is an amazing place to do so.”
Josh loves to travel and experience different cultures. His favorite part is experiencing different foods which he tries to replicate in his own kitchen to varying results. Additionally he likes to play with his dogs or play some board/video games with friends and family.
- Published in Residential Staff
Isaac Morales
Isaac has worked with youth since 2012 as a gymnastics and wrestling coach, summer camp counselor, Residential and community support for at-risk youth, and an outdoor expeditions leader in the four corners area. In 2018 Isaac graduated with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from the Community College of Vermont. In 2021, Isaac Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northern Vermont University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
“I have been working with youth for over 10 years, and have felt like it has been an amazing way to make an positive impact on our world. The future of our world is in the hands of the younger generations, and to be a positive influence, mentor, and teacher to them has been the most important and fulfilling work that I’ve done. I feel that working at TKS will continue to be fulfilling work, as well as be a propeller for a future career in education counseling.”
Isaac Has travelled across the country and has been to around 40 states in his adventures. Isaac has played guitar for 15 years and enjoys picking up any instrument he can get his hands on as well as jamming with friends. Isaac has also been an athlete for as long as he can remember, and still enjoys playing pick-up basketball whenever possible.
- Published in Residential Staff
Ruben Aizvera
Ruben is finishing his undergraduate degree with Moody Bible Institute this fall. Since spending 3 years in Chicago attending college, Ruben got married in August 2023. Ruben’s extensive time volunteering and working in roles such as, camp counselor, assistant youth soccer coach, and teacher’s aide have provided practical experience that not only prepared him for his role at Keswick, but helped him in his degree program. As a Youth Ministry Major, Ruben hopes to have a career within a church as a youth leader or Pastor one day.
“Having just moved to a new area, Keswick is a great opportunity for me to get to know the Charlottesville community. The staff have been welcoming, and the culture is very nurturing to the students. Having experience with boys who have learning differences in my family and amongst friends made pursuing a job here a no brainer. To understand more of the clinical side, live out being a good role model, and to practically apply what I’ve learned in the classroom gives me a lot of excitement when considering my role at the Keswick School for this upcoming year!”
When Ruben isn’t out playing pickup soccer with his friends, he is often spending time with his family in Maryland and Virginia. Ruben can be easily drawn to talking about, watching, or playing pretty much any sport. He also enjoys video games, reading, and eating the many amazing meals that his wife cooks up on the daily. Find Ruben if you ever want trade help in your fantasy football league!
- Published in Residential Staff
Arend Walker
Arend started working with youth soon after graduating from Waynesboro High School,in Waynesboro, VA in 2008. Arend worked with a variety of kids from all backgrounds around the state of Virginia at Camp Happyland, a summer camp program for five years. While Arend was there he gained experience in ropes course training and archery training as well as learning team building skills.
“I have known about Keswick School now for about 10 years now. I have passion for working with children with all different types of learning differences and special needs. I want to make a positive impact on these children as well as help them to leave a positive impact on the world as well. ”
Arend enjoys outdoor activities and sports like soccer, volleyball, football, basketball and hiking. Arend loves being around cats and dogs. Arend will also go jogging or for a walk from time to time. Arend likes playing different video games on the Xbox and Playstation.
- Published in Residential Staff
Andrew Coleman
Andrew earned his bachelors degree at JMU for Justice Studies. Andrew also obtained his Spanish minor at JMU as well.
“I choose to work at Keswick School because of the opportunities I have to learn from the children. I also believe that they set the tone of what we want to see in our children in the future and I want to be a part of that experience. I also choose to work at Keswick because of the good atmosphere and the type of environment it is in.”
Andrew likes to hang out with his dogs and take them out on the lake. Andrew also likes to go waterboarding whenever he has the chance to. Andrew also plays the game Magic the Gathering and sometimes goes to events.
- Published in Residential Staff
Esther Wangari
Esther attended college at Liberty University where she majored in Psychology & Family and Child Development with a minor in sociology. Esther has been volunteering and working in environments serving children in churches, schools, and different camps. Previously, she had the opportunity to intern in Pittsburgh, PA, working as a counselor serving at risk children for three months.
“I chose to work at Keswick School because I wanted the experience working at a therapeutic setting. I have always loved working with children and I have been able to do that for many years. I am grateful I get to work at Keswick School.”
When Esther is not busy she loves hiking, reading, listening to music, working out and playing sports (soccer, volleyball). She played on a soccer team in high school and played intramural soccer in college. She also played field hockey in Kenya. She has hiked in Colorado with her dad on different mountains.
- Published in Residential Staff
Marianna Sabers
Marianna went to Piedmont Virginia Community College for two years after graduating high school where she obtained her associates degree. She then applied and transferred to the University of Virginia. At UVA, Marianna participated in SAL, a national leadership and honors organization, majored in psychology, and obtained her bachelors degree.
“I chose to work at The Keswick School because I wanted to be part of a strong community dedicated to helping others succeed. I believe it is important to help others discover and acquire lifelong skills in which they can carry with them and use confidently. Working at The Keswick School is not only an opportunity to help others learn and grow, but also provides an opportunity for me to give back to my community and foster in others the values and support that I received.”
Marianna likes hanging out with her friends, playing with her cat, and going to the beach. Additionally, Mariana enjoys tending to her multitude of house plants as well as creating art. Specifically: drawing, painting with water color, making collages, and textile crafts such as small scale crocheting/knitting is what Marianna enjoys most.
- Published in Residential Staff
Alexis Henderson
Alexis went to Virginia Commonwealth University (Class of 2021) Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology minor in American Studies. She was the site director for the YMCA after-school and power scholars program which consisted of creating new enrichments for kids to enjoy. Alexis finds it very rewarding to introduce students to new activities, such as STEM activities, and started a bike club. She has been working with children since she was a junior in high school, when she started volunteering at Clark Elementary School with the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program.
“I choose to work in this field because it’s very rewarding to see the changes and positive influence you have on a child’s life. It’s important for me to help those reach their full potential and give back to my community. I’m very passionate about advocating for the mental health/well-being for the younger generation.”
In her spare time, Alexis loves playing basketball, traveling, shopping (especially for shoes), and hanging out with
- Published in Residential Staff
Micahya Simpkins
Micahya has worked as a therapeutic mentor in the Rockbridge community. She found it rewarding, while fun, watching her mentees grow as a person as she helped them accomplish their life goals and watch their world expand. Later, Micahya worked as a PNA at The Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescence and was thrilled to work with so many different children across Virginia.
“I choose to work at Keswick because I gain a better perspective of the problems that children face. I see the ways that I have impacted a child’s life and it is very rewarding to serve a greater purpose. Being able to help children make even a small amount of progress is worthwhile. I want to continue making a positive impact in my community.”
Micahya enjoys reading and gardening (although the plants under her care struggle to survive sometimes). Micahya also enjoys running 3 or more times out of the week as well as working out. She enjoys hiking with her dog as well and traveling to new places. Micahya is very passionate about food and is not scared to try new things (ask her about the time she ate crickets)
- Published in Residential Staff
Matt Lovinger
Matt started his therapeutic career at Maple Hall academy as a youth mentor where he was a shift lead. Matt moved from Texas where he was a teacher aid at a therapeutic school.
“I choose to work at Keswick School because the community called to me. I’m a very active person and when I read the description of Keswick School, I felt it was a perfect fit for me. I really enjoy teaching children how much fitness/working out/ being outside can positively impact their mental health.”
Matthew enjoys working out. Matthew is a bodybuilder and has competed in bodybuilding competitions. Matthew enjoys all sports, but his favorite is soccer. Matthew will play any sport and can talk sports with anyone. He also enjoys fishing and hiking. Matthew loves playing with his two dogs and spending time with his family.
- Published in Residential Staff
Caleb Protil
Caleb attended Liberty University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pastoral Leadership. Through his study, Caleb developed an interest in academic research and the art of communication. During his later years at Liberty and after graduation, Caleb gained experience in many different career locations including summer camps, youth groups, and young adult programs on both the East and West coasts.
“Keswick School is the perfect place for me because of its dedication to student development. In my early life, I experienced behavioral challenges that impacted every area of my life. If I had access to this type of experience, my early life would have been drastically different. I am excited to impact the students at the Keswick School as they seek to become healthy young adults.”
Caleb spends his free time reading, researching, and running. Caleb enjoys science fiction and classical works as well as learning more about psychology and history. Additionally, Caleb loves trail running on the local trails here in Charlottesville, Virginia!
- Published in Residential Staff
Henry Smith
Henry began his time at Keswick School as a summer intern. He interned for two years and then joined the residential team in 2024.
“I choose to work at Keswick School because it’s a fun, unique learning environment in and out of the classroom. Seeing the boys grow so much in different ways is truly inspiring to watch and be a part of. Also, the staff is so supportive and communicative.”
Henry likes exploring his native Virginia’s hiking spots. He also enjoys playing soccer on the weekends, and watching tv shows with his family.
- Published in Residential Staff
Alex Braswell
Alex attended the University of South Carolina for one year before transferring to Germanna Community College, where he earned his associates degree in psychology. Now, Alex studies at Liberty University pursuing his bachelors degree in criminal psychology.
I chose to work at Keswick School because I have a passion for working with children and providing help wherever I can. I enjoy being able to make a difference in their lives and help them through any obstacles they face so that they can be successful.”
Alex likes to be outdoors and play sports his free time, mainly soccer. He also enjoys having movie nights with his roommates. Alex has a love for music and is always listening to it.
- Published in Residential Staff
Maury Hancock
Maury holds a degree in theater from the University of Richmond. He began teaching theatre during his last year of college, intending to go on to graduate school and a profession in theatre. After a couple of years, Maury realized that he had found both his gifts and his joy in his work with high school students, helping them take chances, discover latent abilities, and grow into their full selves. This realization led him to a 38-year career in teaching.
Maury believes that all people have valuable insights and contributions, and have always worked to help students realize that truth about themselves. As education has become more corporate and product-focused, the individualized instruction and personal approach of Keswick School aligns much better with his goals as an educator.
Maury enjoys reading, mostly non-fiction, and spending time at his camp on the James river. Although not very good at landing many fish, he does love the serenity that comes from wading into a stream and casting a fly into the current. In addition, he enjoys spending time with his wife in the Loire Valley of France.
- Published in Residential Staff
Karin Tindall
After graduating from Nyack College, Karin worked as a barista and always sought to have a positive impact on others. She traveled to India for 3 months to volunteer with a handicraft production company empowering women in Kolkata. She spent a year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, working at a training center with girls who had been rescued from human trafficking and honing their coffee skills. In 2015, Karin helped set up and manage a non-profit coffee shop in Philadelphia dedicated to hiring and mentoring former foster youth aging out of care and equipping them with knowledge and job skills to be successful. Most recently, Karin worked at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health as a Direct Support Professional in both their academic and residential programs.
“I have consistently been drawn to opportunities that would allow me to make a difference in someone else’s life and empower them for the future, and I am eager to continue this trend at TKS. I believe that the relationship-focused program and the commitment and dedication of their staff is unlike any other; leading to real change in the lives of the young men that they serve.”
Karin loves spending time outdoors and often goes hiking, camping and kayaking with her husband. She also dabbles in painting and enjoys reading and yoga.
- Published in News, Residential Staff