Story by: Interview with Patrick Prince | Media and Communications Editor
Photos by: Chris McConnell | Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing
What’s kept you at Holland Hall so long?
The faculty and staff, as well as many students and families, past and present, are family. Holland Hall is about the relationships and I feel so blessed to have gotten to be apart of this for so long.
What made you decide to retire?
I’m old!! Kidding!! I’m just ready for a new season in life. We want to travel and I want do things here at home. I want to learn more about vegetable gardening. I’ve had a garden for many years, but want to learn to do it right. I have a new puppy, Penny, and am looking forward to hanging with her. I plan to continue to be involved here.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Give grace.
What’s your advice for young teachers?
Well I’m not a teacher, but I think they have to love what they are doing so they can make a difference in kids’ lives.
If you weren’t in education, what would you have done?
I’ll answer if I were an educator, I would be a biology teacher. Science has always been my absolute favorite subject.
What are you looking forward to in retirement?
Time at home.
What will you miss most about Holland Hall?
My people. … my family.
Best life accomplishment?
My family. I’ve been married to my husband, Tim, for 47 years, next month. We met at Oklahoma Baptist Univeristy in Shawnee. We have two sons and two daughters. Patrick and Jillian live in Tulsa. Matthew and McKalyn live in Edmond.
Biggest regret?
I don’t really have anything I really regret. We learn from every experience we have.
Who is most responsible for getting you where you are?
Beth Campbell. She was a Kindergarten teacher who knew someone I was working with at Jenks. My friend let me know they were looking for a 3rd grade assistant. I came for an interviewed and started two weeks later.
Favorite hobby?
Walking, reading, gardening, travel, all sports, especially Holland Hall US girls basketball, OU football, softball and pro football.
Favorite movie?
Under the Tuscan Sun, Shawshank Redemption, The Holiday
Favorite meal?
Salmon from Fish Daddy’s or most anything Mexican
Sarah Smith
Holland Hall Chaplain Sarah Smith joined Holland Hall in 2023 after coaching at independent schools in Oklahoma City, then leading her own parish, before spending time at the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.
She holds degrees from Notre Dame and Vanderbilt.
A sixth-generation Oklahoman who graduated from an independent school, she is uniquely qualified to teach religion courses and offer pastoral care at Holland Hall.
Christy Utter
Christy serves as the Middle School Chaplain in addition to her role as head field hockey coach. A 1992 graduate of Holland Hall, Utter coached at the University of Louisville and Brown before returning to Holland Hall.
She holds degrees from the University of North Carolina and the University of Louisville.
Her mission as a chaplain is simple: Helping students to understand the consequences of their choices, helping them to develop a strong moral compass, and guiding them as they lead of life of loving others with compassion, no judgment, and understanding and appreciating the differences in others.
Kristin Lees
Kristin serves as the Primary School Chaplain and is instrumental in teaching the Second Step curriculum, which promotes social and emotional skills in children. The program fosters and builds skills related to empathy, communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
