Express yourself with clarity and force.

An introduction to film as a medium for storytelling, this discussion-based course will focus on the elements of filmmaking, including history, cinematography, sound, editing, acting, directing, and the methods by which one “reads” a film. The abiding purpose is to examine each film as a purposefully created universe, whose tone, color, language, framing and speed are all a product of specific and discernible choices. Thus we will study filmmaking and film theory in order to engage in informed analysis of cinematography, editing, and screenwriting. Selected films will cover a variety of genres including drama, comedy, thriller, documentary, and animation. In order to experience films as cohesive narratives, one class each week will extend into an attached “lab” period, allowing us to watch feature-length movies in one sitting.

This course will focus on two “classic” epic tales, Homer’s The Iliad from ancient Greece (ca. 750 BCE) and Beowulf from medieval England (ca. 1000 CE). In addition to examining the literary elements and associated texts for these works, we will also explore their historical and archaeological contexts, as well as their ongoing relevance to our own world and lives. Among other themes that will arise out of student interest, this course will consider the question of how humans draw upon different types of courage as they face tumultuous circumstances that are not always of their own making or in their control.

In addition to providing Cate students a taste of how writing workshops operate at the undergraduate and post-graduate level, this class is designed to permit as much creative freedom as possible to those students who will benefit from it, while at the same time providing clear objectives to students who may need more guidance. Each of the first seven weeks of the trimester is dedicated to examining one specific element of creative writing – stream-of-consciousness, dialogue, character description, etc. The expectation is that by trimester’s end, all students – whether working on longer, original pieces or shorter exercises — will be using these skills more judiciously, and in service of work that is both more substantive and personally significant.

English Department Chair

nicole_sintetos@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x336

BA, Colby College
MA, Brown University
PhD, Brown University
Appointed: 2022

Dr. Nicole Sintetos joined the Cate community as the English Department Chair in 2022, bringing extensive experience as an educator and researcher. She began her career at Dublin School in New Hampshire, where she taught English and History courses, coached lacrosse, and spearheaded school-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

Nicole earned her MA and PhD from Brown University, where she designed undergraduate courses in American Studies and Ethnic Studies. Her expertise spans American Literature, Labor History, Asian American Studies, Environmental History, and the History of Science. She has been the recipient of numerous fellowships and research grants, and is currently the co-director of a National Park Service-funded project preserving overlooked WWII Japanese internment sites.

At Cate, Nicole remains an active researcher and proud coach of the JV girls lacrosse team. She is committed to student-centered pedagogy and place-based learning, fostering curiosity and engagement both in and beyond the classroom.

English Instructor

tracey_calhoun@cate.org / 805-684-4127

BA, Ithaca College
M.Ed., UCLA
Appointed: 2017

Tracey studied English and anthropology at Ithaca College and spent a year abroad at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. In 2001, she served in AmeriCorpsVISTA* working with the LA Gay & Lesbian Center on anti-violence programs in LA-area schools. After earning an M.Ed. at UCLA, she taught all levels of high school English for 12 years in East Los Angeles and La Cañada. At Cate, Tracey is a member of the English department faculty, coaches in the Outdoors program, and assists with El Batidor, the student newspaper. She lives on campus with her with her daughter and their dog, Ruby.

English & Humanities Instructor

alicia_hammond@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x302

MA, Dartmouth College
BA, Colby College

Appointed: 2015

A fourth-generation Californian, Alicia Hammond has spent decades living, teaching, and coaching at boarding schools in California and New England. At Cate, she has taught History, English, and Humanities and has been deeply involved in Outdoor Education, leading backpacking trips for Outings Weeks.

A recipient of the Burleigh Pattee Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching, Alicia brings her passion for education and the outdoors into every aspect of her work. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family and dogs. Alicia lives on the Mesa with her family and embraces the rhythms of boarding school life.

English Instructor

brooks_hansen@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x297

BA, Harvard University

Appointed: 2010

Brooks Hansen is a celebrated author and educator who has been teaching at Cate for 15 years. He has authored ten books, including seven novels, two illustrated children’s books, and a memoir. Four of his works have been recognized as New York Times Notable Books, with The Chess Garden named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. In 2021, his novel was included in the New York Times‘ list of best historical novels.

In 2005, Brooks received a Guggenheim Fellowship and has also been honored with the Spittler Cup and the W. Burleigh Pattee Fellowship. At Cate, he shares his passion for comparative religion, fiction writing, and illustration.

Born and raised in New York City, Brooks is a music enthusiast, art lover, and devoted sports fan.

English Instructor

julie_moon@cate.org

Appointed: 2025

Bio to come.

English & Humanities Instructor

michael_szanyi@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x130

MBA, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MA, Claremont Graduate University
BA, Pitzer College

Appointed: 2023

Michael Szanyi brings over two decades of experience in education and the arts to Cate, where he serves as the Dean for Faculty, English and Humanities Instructor and contributes to the dance and musical programs. Michael spent 12 years at The Webb Schools in Claremont, California, where he held roles including Dean of Faculty, Dance Program Director, and Lead Class Advisor. He also taught at Pomona College for eight years as a lecturer, adjunct, and choreographer in dance.

A 2024-2025 Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms participant, Michael is passionate about exploring literature and the performing arts. He has designed innovative courses such as Honors LGBT American Stories and Advanced Studies in Experimental Literature.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys themed sweaters, listening to Britney Spears, reading experimental novels, and sharing his love for storytelling through movement and words.

English Instructor

celine_vendler@cate.org

Appointed: 2026

Bio to come.

Dean of Campus Life
English & Humanities Instructor

BA, University of California, Santa Barbara
Secondary Teaching Credential, Westmont College
MA, Independent School Leadership, Columbia University

Appointed: 2014

Erin Hansen joined Cate in 2014 and currently serves as the Dean of Campus Life. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Comparative Literature from UCSB, her secondary teaching credential in English from Westmont College, and her master’s degree in Independent School Leadership from Columbia University.

Before Cate, Erin spent eight years in public education as an English teacher and English Department Chair. She also served as an adjunct professor at Santa Barbara City College, where she launched the first dual-enrollment freshman transition course. In addition, Erin has delivered professional development across California for the Get Focused, Stay Focused! program.

At Cate, Erin’s work spans English, Humanities, and career planning, as well as supporting students with academic tutoring and organizational skills.

Erin lives on the Mesa with her husband, Erik, and their two boys.