Athletic Director
Know Your Pelicans
Why did you choose to work at Packer?
I chose to work at Packer because of the culture. I love how Packer takes a holistic approach to students’ well-being, and I enjoy the strong sense of community that comes with being a part of the Packer family.
What work have you done prior to joining Packer?
I was a Capacity Manager in the Office of School Wellness Programs, which is a subset of the Department of Education. I assisted schools throughout the Borough of Brooklyn with all of their physical education, health education and athletic needs. I was also the Assistant Athletic Director for Promise Academy II, a part of Harlem Children Zone charter schools for over 4 years.
What are the strengths of your department?
We have such a strong and experienced staff, with a vast knowledge and expertise of their respective sports. Our coaching staff has displayed such a passion for teaching the students athletes is such a refreshing thing to see. I can tell how much they care for their student athletes. I feel fortunate to be a part of this department.
What are your impressions of Packer? Our students? Your colleagues?
In my short time here, I have been so impressed with how welcoming everyone is, and how everyone is always looking to help. I have been lost in our buildings numerous times, and both staff and students have stopped me to assist me to locate my office while teaching me about the history of the school, the athletic program, and what Packer means to them. I love hearing stories about former student athletes’ experiences, how many life lessons were taught while roaming the halls of Packer. I look forward to creating my own memories during my time here.
Tell us about a specific time you found your job especially rewarding.
I believe every day that I have been here has been rewarding, in just viewing the bond that our coaches have with the students has been rewarding. But if I had to select one time, it would be the outpouring of support of the parents and students who came to Staten Island to support our Varsity Boys Baseball team in the ACIS Championship game. The game was a nail-biter that unfortunately we were unable to win on this day, but the unwavering support that we received from both our parents, staff members and students, was an example of what it is like here at Packer and I am so excited to be apart of it.
Besides your subject, what's something you hope to teach your students?
I believe the biggest lesson that you can learn from sports would be understanding there are no losses, just opportunities to grow and get better. If you take each to day and think about how you can get better utilizing incremental steps, you'll find ways to get better focusing on the positive and learn from the negative.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would want the ability to heal people from illness. Reflecting on the past two years of dealing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the numerous illnesses and diseases that affect our world, I would want the ability to have a global impact by healing people both physically and mentally.
What is something that most Packer people wouldn't know about you?
I love to come home and have fun with my daughter, who just turned four. She has a very creative imagination so every day brings something new. One day we will be world explorers and the next day we are world famous rock stars. It's always an adventure whenever I am with her.