#1—What brought you to Emma Willard School?

So, I used to work at a small independent school in the area, which unfortunately closed down, but I was really looking for a school with a strong sense of community that really tries to uplift the staff and faculty. I had a few connections to Emma Willard School, so I just thought it would be a good fit. Admissions is new to me. I was a physical education teacher for a couple years, worked a lot in auxiliary income programs, and also ran a summer camp and aftercare program at my previous school. 

#2—What is a typical day-in-the-life at Emma like for you?

A regular day in-the-life during the year in Admissions kind of changes depending on what season we’re in. During travel season, I might find myself anywhere in the Northeast or the Midwest, traveling to different independent schools and talking with families about the possibility of an independent boarding school. During reading season, it's a lot of reading applications and talking with the other people in admissions about our applicant pool and who would be a good fit at Emma. 

During the summer, it is the GirlSummer lifestyle! That involves a lot of juggling different schedules and helping campers have a great overall experience at summer camp. As soon as we go through the process of enrolling new students in the spring (and even throughout that process a bit), the switch flips to GirlSummer. There is a lot of prepping New York State paperwork or creating new electives and programs for campers to experience throughout the summer.

#3—What is one thing about working at Emma that would surprise people?

I think a lot of people look at Emma as being a boarding school and have a misconception that it’s a very rigid, button-up environment. But Emma really isn't that. Emma is such an amazing place because it accepts everybody: any background, any interest. There are so many staff and faculty that go out of their way to make sure students have a great experience and feel valued and feel seen at the school. And I think a lot of times that is kind of lost in a school that is so academically rigorous and here it is very focused on value.

#4—What were you like in high school?

I was focused on sports and that really was the only thing I cared about. Academics took a backseat for me! I think it's surprising to say, being in a job that requires you to talk to people a lot, but I was very shy in high school. I had a hard time talking to new people, but around my friends I was more outgoing. But after leaving high school and going to college, experiencing the world a little bit more; it kind of brings you out of your smaller bubble and helps  you open your eyes to new and unique things that happen in the world.