Director of Development
Know Your Pelicans
Welcome back! What is your new role at Packer and what does it mean?
I'm the Director of Development. The development role involves ensuring community members are engaged with the school — from events, to future plans, to giving, which includes supporting Packer's mission financially and through volunteerism.
Why do you choose to work at Packer?
I believe wholeheartedly in our mission. My professional home needs to be a place where belonging is actively pursued for all community members. Having worked at Packer for twenty years and raised two "lifer" alums, I already know we’re one of the most culturally dynamic schools in the area. I’m excited to get reacquainted with former colleagues and establish relationships with new ones.
What other roles have you held in and outside of Packer?
I worked at Packer from 1996-2016 as a teacher, then became Lower School Head, and finally Assistant Head of School. I left to become a Head of School, during which time I served on Packer’s Board of Trustees. When the Director of Development position opened up, I knew it was the job for me. I am our ambassador-in-chief!
Where did you go to school?
I went to SUNY Geneseo and Nazareth College. I hold a Masters of Arts.
What are the strengths of your department?
The development team is creative, hard-driving and tenacious. Our collective mission is to bring people closer to the heart of Packer; to engage them in everything we do, and to ensure current and past students, parents, alumni know about all that is going on, while remaining connected to their own "era" at the school.
Can you share a Packer anecdote, tip, or trick with the community?
When I was the Assistant Head of School, crisis planning fell under my purview. Fun Fact: The emergency orange flip guide and stick flashlights that hang in every room are my doing.
I'll share a Packer secret: Years ago, it was said that the ghost of Harriet Packer would roam the school at night, rattling her keys as she tried to open the doors to the classrooms. I may have heard her once or twice while working late into the evening... although no one has mentioned hearing her in a while!
What's something that most people at Packer wouldn't know about you?
My job requires me to be outgoing and social, but I am an introvert at heart!
If you had an inspirational fridge magnet, what would it say and why?
"Mom knows best." I wish I had listened and heeded my mother's sound advice more often in my life.
What do you love to do when you're not working at Packer?
No side gig, and no real talent, but I love yoga, I love museums and I love just strolling the streets of New York and taking in "the parade."