Director of the ELC, Assistant Head of Preschool and Lower School
Know Your Pelicans
What is your official role at Packer and what do you do every day?
I am the incoming Assistant Head of Preschool/Lower School and Early Learning Center Director. My role will be to oversee the educational programming, curriculum development and daily operations at the Early Learning Center. I will be providing direction, support and supervision to teachers, and supporting students and families. In addition, Erik and I will co-lead the Associate Teacher program, and also collaborate with fellow members of the administrative and leadership team to support children and families.
For me, my role is a dynamic and meaningful one, because I will have unique opportunities to build relationships with many different people across the Packer community, and to continue to nurture and grow its incredible programming. I am eager to become part of this learning community and to serve children, teachers and families.
Why did you choose to work at Packer?
From the moment I stepped into the Packer community, I felt a sense of awe and wonder. There is a tangible sense of warmth and welcoming in the air, and upon getting to know some of the teachers and staff a little more during my initial visits, I grew to better understand how Packer's mission statement unfolds in the interactions between students and teachers, and amidst the camaraderie between staff. I look forward to contributing to our deepening sense of belonging at Packer and being part of such a vibrant learning community.
What work have you done prior to joining Packer?
Before joining Packer, I held similar roles at small early childhood preschools in New York City. While each of the schools were unique in their own ways, I feel grateful that I was able to be support and uplift the important work that educators do each and every day.
Where did you go to school?
I have a B.A in Art History from New York University and a M.S. Ed in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Bank Street College of Education.
What excites you about your department?
I am really excited to learn from teachers and staff what makes the Early Learning Center special, and to partner with them on bringing our shared passions and dreams to fruition as we enter this new chapter and school year.
What are your impressions of Packer so far?
Because I am joining the community in the summer when things are quiet, I am still waiting to form my impressions! However, I do remember in the Spring when I visited that there was a wonderful hum of activity, purposeful engagement and meaningful dialogue present when I observed in classrooms and hallways. I look forward to seeing so much more of these moments when school begins.
Tell us about a specific time you found your job especially rewarding.
Every moment when I make a meaningful connection with a child, teacher or parent is very rewarding. Our work is so relationship-based, and these moments of connection are so important!
What's one thing that most Packer people wouldn't know about you?
I am an aspirational amateur musician, and love to sing, play piano and guitar whenever I can find the time. I've had some opportunities to perform as an adult, which has been incredibly thrilling!
What's something that most people at Packer wouldn't know about you?
I'm the youngest of four children in my family. I was the first of my siblings to get married, and the first to marry outside of my race. At the time, it was not easy for my Korean immigrant parents to acclimate to, but as my parents have aged and my siblings have followed in my footsteps, I have had the opportunity to bear witness to the beautiful diversity that these unions have brought to the fabric of our extended family. It is not without its complexity, but I feel blessed and grateful that my family has been able to move through these moments with growing acceptance and love.
If you had an inspirational fridge magnet, what would it say and why?
“Nothing without joy." — Loris Malaguzzi
What do you love to do when you're not working at Packer?
I am a parent of two children, who are my absolute pride and joy. When I am not working, I love to spend my time exploring New York City on my bike, cooking, taking walks and exploring New York with my family. Although I have lived in the city for most of my adult life, I still find it endlessly fascinating to explore its neighborhoods and people through my children's eyes.