2024-25 New Employees List | Meet the 2024-25 New Faculty and Staff | News

Meet the 2024-25 New Faculty and Staff

Please join us in welcoming the following new employees to the Friends Select community:

Zidong Chen, After School Program Teacher

Bob Courey, Middle School Math Substitute

Lo Cuevas, After School Program Teacher

Winifred “Wini” Cummings, After School Program Teacher

Bridget Cunningham, Middle School Administrative Assistant

Olivia Gibb, After School Program Teacher

John Hart, After School Program Teacher

Raina Jackson, After School Program Teacher

Tanisha Jones, Lower School Lead Teacher

Jared Levy, Upper School History & Religion Teacher

Isaiah Matunda, Bus Driver

Joe McKinnon, Lower School Assistant Teacher

Kathryn Moran, Lower School Lead Teacher

Christopher “Cutter” Mummert, Middle School/Upper School Music Teacher

Ryan Peteraf, Middle School/Upper School Choral Director

Manuel Raposo, After School Program Teacher

Tess Rauscher, After School Program Teacher

Michelle Reyes, After School Program Teacher

Jason Symonette, Middle School/Upper School Art Teacher

Adam Torneo, After School Program Teacher

Lex Walker, After School Program Teacher

Reggie Waterman, Afternoon/Evening Greeter and Safety Monitor

Elyse Wilson, Upper School Learning Specialist

Fri, 13 Nov 2026

Back Lot Transformation: Creating the Green

The Friends Select Green embodies the school's vision for a large, multi-level outdoor space for all students and employees to use, with endless possibilities for play, learning, socialization, and enjoyment of nature, as the school continues to prioritize safety, the wellness of its community, and environmental sustainability.

Thu, 12 Nov 2026

The Steady Growth of the DEI Book Awards

The DEI Book Awards have become a cherished annual community tradition where Friends Select lower school students, families, and educators gather to identify and highlight literature that reflects a range of identities, cultures, and lived experiences while advancing the school’s commitment to equity and belonging.

Thu, 12 Nov 2026

Michael Gary Speaks: Fall 2026

Reaching a decade as head of school has given me a rare opportunity to step back and reflect on the story of Friends Select School, both the chapter we've written together over the past 10 years and the much longer history that continues to shape our future.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026

Turning Earth Day into Earth Month

Last April, Friends Select School expanded its annual Earth Day tradition into a month-long celebration of environmental stewardship, representing an intentional commitment to sustainability across the school community.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026

Differentiation: Helping All Students Reach Their Full Potential

An innovative lower school program is creating a foundation for understanding gender and sexuality for Friends Select’s youngest learners.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026

Above Board: Fall 2026

Friends Select’s board of trustees is responsible for the long-term spiritual, physical, and fiscal health of the school.

Mon, 12 Oct 2026

Alum Spotlight: Jonathan Shecter '86

As the 2026 recipient of the RUSA Margaret E. Monroe Library Adult Services Award, Melissa Hozik '00 is being recognized for over a decade of innovative, community-centered programming at the East Brunswick, New Jersey Public Library.

Fri, 09 Oct 2026

Alum Spotlight: Alyssa Spiller '16

Wed, 03 Jun 2026

A Transformative Partnership

Friends Select School recently received a $1.7 million multi-year grant from The Children’s Education Initiative (TCEI), a San Diego-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education for socioeconomically disadvantaged children.

Wed, 03 Jun 2026