B.S., University of Michigan
ldale@emerson-school.org
What year did you start at Emerson?
1995
Why did you want to work at Emerson?
I liked it for the challenge and opportunities that it offered. Gil Leaf, the headmaster who hired me, thought my broad education, experience and range of interests would be of good use to the Emerson community, and also that Emerson would help to satisfy my broad interests.
What wows you about Emerson School?
It really is a community, with lots of caring and support being given and received, to and from all the different parts that comprise it. As a result, the whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts, and a really exceptional thing to be a part of.
In one word, what is your working style?
Playful
How would students describe you?
I like to joke with the kids that I’m ‘mean, rotten and evil,’ but it is the joking aspect that is important—learning should be fun, kids should laugh while they are at it, goofing up and goofing around with ideas and learning from mistakes are all good things.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to function on absolutely no sleep, so I could read all the books I want to read AND practice my ‘cello AND teach AND play more with my granddaughter AND rock climb with my daughter AND learn to cook a lot better AND…
Favorite artist or band?
Miles Davis
What would surprise people about you?
My mother, brother and sister are accomplished violinists, yet after one year of lessons from my mother when I was 7, she couldn’t stand it any more and made me switch to ‘cello. ‘Cello suited me much better, it seems.
What do you do when you’re not at Emerson?
Read, more than anything else.
Who/what inspires you?
My parents, their life stories, the way they met great challenges and persevered.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Ginger
If a movie were made about you, who would be cast to play you?
Daniel Craig. When he first played James Bond it was crazy how many strangers came up to me and said ‘you look like that new guy that plays James Bond.’
Favorite quote, or anything else you would like Emerson families to know about you?
That bit I tell your kids when I sign their yearbooks, about how if I didn’t sign upside-down they would be struck by lightning – that’s probably not really true.