TNS Faculty
Christine Knowles
Executive Education Director, Humanities Teacher
TNS Teacher since 2005
“If you cannot be a poet, be the poem.” David Carradine Language Arts teacher, Christine Knowles, studied English, History, and Women’s Studies at Keene State College. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Education at University of Southern Maine. Christine comes to us with a Professional Licensure in English Language Arts and Social Studies. Christine loves making literature and poetry accessible to everyone, and her students read everything — from the classics to comic books. Her favorite novel is Jane Eyre. Christine has been teaching at The New School since 2005 and particularly enjoys leading Fiction Writing Workshops and teaching a class she calls “The Poetry Experience.” When not at school, Christine can often be found with a cup of tea and a good book, playing with clay, traveling with her daughter Willow, whipping up something tasty in the kitchen, or playing board games with friends. christine.knowles@tnsk.org
Phoenix Raizel
Mathematics
TNS teacher since 2022
Math teacher Phoenix Raizel is a recent graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington with B.A.'s in both Mathematics and Secondary Education. Regarding his dual degrees, Phoenix says "I have both [degrees] because I love mathematics and the relationship it has not only with the real world, but also the perfect universe that mathematics portrays. I place a lot of value on relationships, and making sure that those relationships help to foster growth in all parties involved. Rene Descartes once said "I think therefore I am." I believe in "I am learning therefore I am." This just means that no matter how, where, or what you are experiencing, you are learning something from it, and that is an incredible human ability." Phoenix is a self-described hippy-nerd - an active individual who not only loves the outdoors, but has also coached a college level eSports team (Overwatch) and coaches The New School's eSports team in Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. phoenix.raizel@tnsk.org
TNS Administration
Susan Blaisdell
Office Manager/Registrar
Susan Blaisdell joined the administrative staff of The New School in March 2021. Susan is a US Navy Vietnam-era veteran, and has extensive administrative experience. She has lived and worked from Maine to Hawaii and back, eventually settling in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Susan retired from University of Michigan’s Rogel Cancer Center after 25 years. There she garnered a number of accolades in recognition of her work, teambuilding efforts, and her commitment to volunteerism. In 2020, Susan returned to her hometown of Kennebunk. Within a few months she was volunteering at Outta the Box and Habitat ReStore, which led her to The New School. Susan serves on the board of the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Alumni Association and volunteers at the Seashore Trolley Museum setting up displays for the annual Pumpkin Patch event. Susan has two grown children and six grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys the beach, jewelry making, decorative painting, and crochet. susan.blaisdell@tnsk.org