As the student population of HBHA readjusts to the school environment, a new bright smiling face is there to help every step of the way. Rebecca “Becky” Wade serves as the new Upper School Administrative Assistant and couldn’t be a better fit.

Mrs. Wade has worked a variety of jobs, including some of which include, nurse, desk manager, and co-owner of a small fashion business. This has helped her develop an empathetic mindset and a fascination for “different walks of life.” Becky mentions that while at first intimidated by working at a Jewish institution, it has only shown her a new positive environment. 

Wade also spotlights the importance of communication and how she honed her communication skills. “Communication (is important) no matter what you’re doing. No matter what job you have… if you’re a student, if you’re a teacher, if you’re a doctor, lawyer, it doesn’t make a difference. Communication is key,” says Wade.

Outside of work, Wade enjoys making crafts such as tie dye and jewelry. She loves whipping up creative gifts for friends and family. Even using said skills in her previous fashion business.

But one thing that shines through no matter what the topic is Wade’s love for her family. Whether it’s making DIY decorations for her daughter’s wedding or eagerly showing family photos when asked for self portraits, Wade clearly cares deeply about her children and husband and extends that love to the students of HBHA.

HBHA bubbles with excitement as we introduce a new chemistry teacher to the school staff, Mathew Kavanaugh. Despite only being in the building during the morning, Mr. Kavanaugh has already made an impact on the student population – specifically the tenth grade – for his unique lessons and formidable tests.

An alumni of HBHA himself, Kavanaugh developed a unique attitude when it comes to his new position. He not only takes this opportunity to evolve his relationships with the staff that were previously his instructors, but he also helps the students have a comprehensive and sincere view on HBHA and the staff within. “I feel as though everybody during middle and high school are probably going to have an uncharitable view of where they went…” Kavanaugh reported. “But years later… you’re like ‘You know, maybe things weren’t so bad. Maybe there were some important things out of my time here I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. Things that I now recognize and value…’ I have the opportunity to pass that along.”

As Kavanaugh continues his medical degree and PHD, he emphasizes the importance of teaching as a skill. When working in a university or hospital, it’s pivotal to be able to explain clearly and concisely any necessary information, and Kavanaugh is thrilled to have the opportunity to also do that at HBHA. 

Kavanaugh’s interest in chemistry stems from his much deeper passion for learning. Kavanaugh explains that during his college years, he discovered that he enjoyed research rather than physical work. Asking questions with no answers as opposed to acting on set theories. “Rather than getting it right or wrong, it’s have you made a persuasive argument…?” However, Kavanaugh acknowledges the uncertainty of those fields and seeks a more stable backbone. This new role at HBHA gives him the chance to not only continue his research career with the comfort of a set plan, but show the joy of learning to his students.

When students and staff encounter common technical problems at HBHA, there is a new face they can turn to, Michael Hoppenrath. As a new member of the IT support staff, his problem-solving position includes a varying array of tasks. Whether it’s setting up servers to work with outside applications, or helping students with “getting their mice to connect to their computers,” Michael Hoppenrath is willing to lend a hand.

“My primary role is to react to the problems of the day,”Hoppenrath explains. His job is to balance the work of long term projects with unexpected everyday requests. Despite the fast-paced abundance of demands, Hoppenrath stays focused on his main goal: ensuring HBHA has reliable and efficient access to technology.

However, Hoppenrath emphasizes that his job is more than just fixing things. His focus is on trying to make navigation of technology easier for staff, allowing them to be able to solve problems independently. He states that he wants to “allow you guys to not just come to me for calls, but be able to give you guys the tools to fix your problems, and to not go through problems in the first place.” 

Additionally, Hoppenrath’s decision to join HBHA was heavily influenced by his wife, HBHA’S music teacher, Breezy Hoppenrath. After the recent birth of their first child, Mr. Hoppenrath wanted to support their family and work in an environment alongside his wife. 

As he gets accustomed to his role, Michael Hoppenrath is excited to bring new ideas and make a positive impact at HBHA. He hopes to fix technical issues and assist students and staff become more confident in their abilities. With his collaboration and support, Hoppenrath looks forward to helping make sure that technology can be a helpful resource in the classroom. 

We are pleased to welcome yet another amazing addition to our faculty this year with the welcome of our new Child Development and Well-Being Specialist, Rachel Ryan!

Ryan grew up in the KC metropolitan area attending Mission Trail Elementary and Blue Valley North High School. Continuing her education, she went to Tulane University for her undergraduate studies, then to University College London to get her master’s in child development. 

Before Ryan moved to the United Kingdom she was working in pre-schools and nursery settings. After arriving in the United Kingdom, Ryan continued to work in preschools and schools and additionally got a job with the NHS (National Health Service). 

At HBHA, Ryan is the new advisor of Sources of Strength. When talking about the club, Ryan mentions, “It’s very student-led and I’m here to support [it]. It gives students a chance to take on leadership and talk about mental health and understanding strategies to support yourself.” 

When asked why Ryan chose to bring her life to Kansas, she said “[Due to all] of the issues that we were having in the UK, I wanted to work in a Jewish environment. My friend told me that HBHA was looking for a school counselor position, so I applied and thankfully got it!” 

Ryan made her way to our community with her husband, and two children, with an expected third on the way! Ryan’s parents are living in Kansas City as well. 

In 10 years, Ryan wants to stay connected with the Jewish community and possibly wants to continue teaching. She said, “It just depends on what happens with life.” 

We are thrilled to have a bright new face filling the halls for another amazing year at HBHA and we can’t wait to see all her presence adds to the Jewish community.