Mr. Garrett Artman

Performing Arts

(203) 336-3801 ext:128

Garrett Artman brings expertise in music education and performance to Unquowa’s instrumental program for students in Grades 4 through 8. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Maine and has pursued advanced study in piano performance in conjunction with the Yale School of Music.

As a member of Unquowa’s performing arts faculty, Garrett helps students develop technical proficiency, musicianship, confidence, and ensemble skills. His work encourages young musicians to understand that strong performance requires both individual discipline and careful collaboration with others.

Through instrumental study, students learn to listen closely, practice with purpose, persevere through challenges, and experience the satisfaction of contributing to a shared musical performance.

Mr. Joshua Bartosiewicz

Science

(203) 336-3801 ext:235

Joshua Bartosiewicz brings the work of practicing scientists into the classroom. With graduate degrees in environmental science and environmental education, he has collaborated with organizations including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Connecticut DEEP, the Connecticut Audubon Society, and researchers studying Connecticut’s coastal ecosystems.

At Unquowa, Joshua combines laboratory investigations, field research, scientific literature, and data collection to help students develop a deep understanding of environmental systems and scientific inquiry. His classroom encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and the belief that every student has the capacity to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

Ms. Victoria Giaimo

Grade 3

(203) 336-3801 ext:214

Victoria Giaimo brings specialized knowledge of child development and direct third-grade teaching experience to Unquowa’s Lower School. She holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island and an M.S. in Elementary Education.

Prior to Unquowa, Victoria taught third grade at Blackham School in Bridgeport and Waterside School in Stamford. Her combination of developmental study and classroom experience informs her work with students during an important period of academic and personal growth.

As students take on increasingly complex work and greater responsibility for their learning, Victoria brings an understanding of both the academic expectations of third grade and the developmental needs of the children meeting them.

Ms. Carla Horta

Spanish

(202) 336-3801

Carla Horta is a language educator beginning her 19th year of teaching. She holds a B.S. in Spanish and Education from the University of California, Davis, and an M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Before joining Unquowa, Carla spent 13 years at Duke School in Durham, North Carolina, where she established the Lower School Spanish program and developed its curriculum. She then spent five years at The Madeleine Choir School in Salt Lake City, where she taught Lower School Spanish and developed curriculum.
At Unquowa, Carla teaches Spanish from PreK through Grade 5. Working with students across the elementary years allows her to build language skills progressively, creating a strong foundation that grows in sophistication and confidence as students do.

Ms. Kaitlyn Kavounas

Humanities

(203) 336-3801 ext:114

Kaitlyn Kavounas brings expertise in English education, literacy and learning to Unquowa’s Upper School Humanities program. She holds a B.S. in Secondary Education with a concentration in English from the University of Vermont and an M.S. in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University.

Before joining Unquowa, Kaitlyn taught middle school English at The Harvey School in Katonah, New York. She also co-led Harvey’s Study Skills program, supporting executive functioning, differentiated learning and individualized student support. Previously, she worked in language support at Eagle Hill School in Greenwich.

Her background provides a strong foundation for understanding how students develop as readers, writers and independent learners. Through increasingly sophisticated literature, writing, discussion and analysis, Kaitlyn helps Upper School students strengthen their skills while developing the confidence to articulate and defend their own ideas.

Ms. Grace Muschett

Grade 2

(203) 336-3801 ext:215

Grace Muschett brings both domestic and international classroom experience to her work with Lower School students. A graduate of Elon University, Grace completed teaching experiences at Yoder Elementary School in Mebane, North Carolina, and Hillcrest Elementary School in Burlington, North Carolina.

Her study of education has also taken her abroad. During a semester based in Copenhagen, Grace experienced a range of Scandinavian educational settings, including nature-based early childhood education in Finland and a boarding school in Denmark. These experiences broadened her perspective on learning environments, child development, and the different ways schools can foster independence and engagement.

At Unquowa, Grace teaches Grade 2, an important developmental year as students strengthen foundational academic skills while growing in confidence and independence.

Ms. Sarah Pollex

Physical Education

(203) 336-3801 ext:131

Sarah Pollex serves as Unquowa’s Physical Education Department Chair and brings a unique perspective to student wellness through her background in exercise science, public health, and collegiate athletics. A former Division I swimmer with a degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan, Sarah believes that healthy behaviors and positive relationships with physical activity established in childhood have the power to last a lifetime.

Her classes emphasize movement, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Sarah believes every child should have the opportunity to feel successful in physical education, regardless of athletic ability. By participating alongside her students and creating an encouraging environment, she helps children challenge themselves, discover activities they enjoy, and recognize the lifelong value of physical activity.

Ms. Jessica Swope

Director of Social/Emotional Wellness

(203) 336-3801 ext:138

Jessica Swope brings extensive experience in school counseling and social-emotional education to her work with students across Unquowa.

She holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as a postgraduate professional school counseling license endorsed by the State of Connecticut. Her professional experience spans both day and international schools.
Prior to Unquowa, Jessica oversaw a schoolwide counseling program at John F Kennedy Elementary School in Milford aligned with the American School Counselor Association model and taught classroom guidance lessons aligned with CASEL social-emotional learning standards.

As Director of Social Emotional Wellness, Jessica supports a schoolwide approach to helping students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication, resilience, and healthy relationship skills throughout their development.