Bear Pause Archives

Bear Pause is a Q&A featuring members of the Blake community. Please send recommendations of alumni, students, parents, and employees you'd like to see featured to communications@blakeschool.org.

Latest Bear Pause

Bear Pause: Amy Segal Schachter '86

When not playing tennis or at the gym, Amy Segal Schachter ʼ86 enjoys time with her family and dog, Stewie.

Bear Pause: Chris Torino, Head of School

Chris Torino joined Blake as Head of School in July and has been exploring all the Twin Cities has to offer.

Bear Pause: Raiden Chen '26

You can always find Raiden Chen '26 snacking, binging a new show or playing roguelike video games.

Bear Pause: Kent Adams '81

A lifetime resident of Wayzata, Minnesota, Kent Adams is a proud member of the Blake class of 1981, parent to three Blake grads and former chair of Blake's Board of Trustees.

Bear Pause: Kristyn Bridges Wyche ’08

Kristyn Bridges Wyche ’08 lives in Cincinnati with her husband, Ryan, and son, Royal. Although she enjoys Cincy, she still reps her hometown any chance she gets.

Bear Pause: Mia Greene White '05

When Mia Greene White ‘05 isn't reading or talking about books with real people or on the internet, she is spending time with her family, volunteering, narrating audiobooks and getting outside as much as possible.

Bear Pause: Nigel Sharper '06

Louisiana-born Nigel Sharper ʼ06 still makes his way back at least twice a year for family, food and a proper plate.

Bear Pause: Mary Moulton Putman ʼ92

Mary Moulton Putman ʼ92 lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, Chris. She loves her job as chief marketing officer at GE Appliances, but she may have found another calling: band manager.

Bear Pause: Kate Aizpuru '06

Kate Aizpuru '06 lives in Maryland with her husband, 1-year-old son and two spoiled cats.

Bear Pause: Tyler Libert '19

When he’s not teaching computer science to Blake Middle School students, Tyler Libert ʼ19 can be found playing video games or with his dog (often both at the same time).

Bear Pause: Sam Shapiro '18

Sam Shapiro ʼ18 enjoys exploring new cities, hunting down great restaurants, catching concerts with friends and, of course, never missing a chance to cheer on the Vikings and Timberwolves.

Bear Pause: Brandi Brown '00

Brandi Brown ʼ00 is a comedian, writer and freelance strategist. A Minnesota State Fair aficionado, she has won several crop art ribbons.

Bear Pause: Benji Pomonis '21

Benji Pomonis ʼ21 loves to live fully in the present, finding joy in the little things and embracing whatever the day brings.

Bear Pause: Brian Stanchfield '92

Brian Stanchfield ʼ92 lives in Minnetonka with his wife, Anne, and two kids, Jane ʼ26 and Jack ʼ27, who both attend Blake. H

Bear Pause: Zellie Olson '25

Zellie Olson ʼ25 enjoys fashion, watching sports and knitting in her free time.

Bear Pause: Pamela Forman Reitman ʼ65

Pamela Forman Reitman ʼ65 is an award-winning writer with numerous publications in literary journals, news outlets and magazines. At 77, she lives in a senior living community devoted to healthy, conscious aging and is focusing on getting her writing published.

Bear Pause: Peter Wonson '64

Peter Wonson ’64 enjoys spending time with his wife, Lee, and their four-leggeds, devoting time and energy to nonprofits, reading too much and indulging in music every day.

Bear Pause: Maris Allen Moore '93 and Dan Moore '93

Together Maris Allen Moore ‘93 and Dan Moore ‘93 have three kids, two rescue dogs and (according to them) no memory.

Bear Pause: Taylor Rose '13

Taylor Rose '13 loves cooking meals for family and friends, puttering on the daily crossword and covering her kitchen island with materials for her latest art project.

Bear Pause: Peter Ankeny '07

Peter Ankeny ʼ07 lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with his partner, Maddy, their two samoyeds (Tiki and Goose) and their cat (Stella).

Bear Pause: Amy Schachtman Zaroff ’90

Amy Schachtman Zaroff ’90 believes every day is a reason to celebrate. She values meaningful connections with people who can teach her something new.