![Tobye Cook ’88]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720806618/suffieldacademyorg/ddqqtjonwwqak1wmzbfd/TC_webHP.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720806618/suffieldacademyorg/ddqqtjonwwqak1wmzbfd/TC_webHP.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720806618/suffieldacademyorg/ddqqtjonwwqak1wmzbfd/TC_webHP.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1720806618/suffieldacademyorg/ddqqtjonwwqak1wmzbfd/TC_webHP.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1720806618/suffieldacademyorg/ddqqtjonwwqak1wmzbfd/TC_webHP.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1720806618/suffieldacademyorg/ddqqtjonwwqak1wmzbfd/TC_webHP.jpg","width":2200}])
Tobye joined Suffield’s marketing & communications department in 2010 and is responsible for designing and producing the school website, the SUFFIELD magazine, print campaigns, and videos. She is the youngest of six artists and musicians and one of four siblings to attend Suffield Academy. After graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in studio art, Tobye remained in California for ten years while working as a pastry chef. She returned to the east coast in 2000 and began a career in graphic design at a firm in Northampton, Massachusetts. Tobye loves being a part of the Suffield Academy community. She enjoys studying film, spending time with her family, exploring the SOLO fields, and cooking. She lives on campus with Miles ’16 who is the Catering Director on campus, Djamil, and two cats [Oliver and Doja].
What do you love about where you are from?
I moved around a lot when I was a kid so I consider Arcata, California where I am from. What I love most is that my two oldest sons were born there and that we lived on the Pacific Coast. It’s also where I discovered that I am an artist and wanted to have a career in a creative field.
Where is your favorite spot on Suffield Academy’s campus?
I love the gym, especially Kinne Court. It’s a space that holds so much Suffield Academy history, as well as personal memories I hold close to my heart. I also love the old stairs on Bell Hill. When I was a student I used to sit at the top and write poetry or hang out with friends. Like Kinne Court, those steps have witnessed so many, many years at our school which I think is pretty cool.
What is the first thing you do every morning when you get to work?
Turn on my lights, organize my space, review tasks and start working.
Who is your favorite artist?
It’s not easy to nail down just one favorite artist, but top of my list is Lauryn Hill—an artist that means so much to me and my kids.
Which of your roles at Suffield Academy do you relish the most?
I love having a job that allows me to use my creativity daily. I am able to use all of my skills from abstract thinking to writing code. I also love being an advisor to our students. I think my favorite thing is creating the Before & After videos for graduating classes—it’s a chance for students to see how they have grown and one of the last times seniors are all together at our school.
If you could recommend one book to Suffield Academy students, what would it be?
Life Doesn't Frighten Me written by Maya Angelou and illustrated by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
What is something you believe one can never over-invest in?
A combination of kindness, mental health, exercise, family, and close friends. Also being true to yourself—following/engaging in your passion[s].
What is your favorite motto?
“Give yourself grace”
What is your favorite food?
Spicy shrimp
What are your summer plans?
Working in the marketing department, organizing our house, taking day trips, and exercising.