Elizabeth Updike Cobblah is an artist and educator who has taught art since 2003. She has traveled to countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, she has made Ghana her beloved second home since 1985. Elizabeth holds a Masters degree in Art Education, and cares about racial and environmental justice. A published illustrator, poet and activist, Elizabeth has presented at diversity, equity and justice conferences in the USA and internationally. She keeps a drawing and writing journal, ponders the reason for her existence on planet earth and loves being a wife, mother and grandmother.

Jennifer Youk See spent 12 years as an Assistant Director of Diversity, and now brings the same passion for equity and inclusion into her new role as a Mathematics Department Chair. She has recently caught the “travel bug,” and has learned much about empathy and cultural appreciation during her travels to various countries. She is very interested in combating climate change through the development of small daily habits, such as composting and the reduction of waste through reuse of materials. When not teaching or traveling, Jennifer can be found reading, listening to podcasts, cooking, or doing CrossFit workouts.

In an educational career that spans almost 30 years, Marc has served in a variety of roles in the independent school world. He has taught science at both the middle and high school level, he has been an advisor to students and to student organizations, he's been a faculty mentor, a coach, and a senior level administrator. His work in the non-profit world has included organizations with commitments to fighting for equity and inclusion for students typically underrepresented in independent schools; this mission has led him to work with both charter schools and public-private partner organizations as a volunteer, leader, and fundraiser.

David Duane is the current Head of the Science Department at the Fenn School. Prior to beginning his 25 year career in independent schools, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Solomon Islands, and he has traveled extensively in Africa since. David is passionate about the role that multiculturalism play in independent schools, and he has presented workshops at national and international conferences on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In his free time, David likes to hike, cycle, kayak, or ski.

Marilyn Schmalenberger joined the Board of The Witness Tree Institute of Ghana in the fall of 2021. Prior to joining the Board, she spent 43 years working for medical and educational non-profit institutions in human resources, finance, health care, and education. In addition to volunteer activities, Marilyn currently provides part-time office support at a local Conservation Commission.

Elise Mott is a social studies teacher and Service Learning director, and has taught for over twenty eight years. She is enthusiastic about interdisciplinary approaches to history and including art, music, and hands-on activities into the classroom. Elise Mott has traveled to countries in Europe and Africa, and she believes that travel and cultural immersion are the most powerful educational experiences.