Buds and bird calls aren’t the only things new to Loomis Chaffee as the spring term commences — new faces are arriving on campus, as well. Mrs. Raina Cox, the new bookstore manager, officially assumed her role at the beginning of the term.

Mrs. Cox is married to physics teacher Mr. Larry Brackney, and it took the two a while to settle down in Connecticut, as they are passionate about travelling and have been happy to call many different places home. Having lived in Florida, Los Angeles, Denver and New Zealand, they finally chose to call the Loomis Chaffee campus home.

Mrs. Cox is originally from Indianapolis, and there, she owned two stores, including ‘an interior design studio and a women’s clothing boutique,’ she said.

“It was pretty awesome [running these businesses],” Mrs. Cox noted. She claimed she has always been really into fashion, design, and especially service.

“I think about [these things] when I wake up and when I go to sleep,” she said.

Interior design has always been a big part of Mrs. Cox’s life, as well, especially since a major focus for her is enhancing other people’s quality of life.

“When people talk about service, they think about the usual, going to a homeless shelter or other meaningful volunteering activities, but I think design is also an act of service because I am trying to help people find the warmest and coziest interior for them,” she said. “Even when I had my clothing boutique, I was doing service by picking out the perfect dress that will make my customers send them out at a party.”

Her dedication to design even extends to her and Mr. Brackney’s home—a 200-year-old farmhouse, which they spend their weekends plastering and wall-painting.

In both of her former jobs, Mrs. Cox enjoyed interacting with her customers and working to benefit her community. Her unmatched positivity and ambition allow her to thrive at Loomis.

Mrs. Cox reflected her excitement to start her new position as bookstore manager at Loomis. “I want to provide the best products and services to help the students here meet their goals during their time at Loomis Chaffee,” she said.

Mrs. Cox expressed immense gratitude for the juniors who often stop by to lend a hand, even if it’s not their work job responsibility.

She said, “I love meeting new kids here, and I am truly fascinated about everyone’s goals and backgrounds. I am excited to get to know every one of them!”