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Leadership

School Governance (Board of Trustees)

Professional expertise and forward-thinking vision working in partnership to guide our school's fiscal, academic, and cultural growth. 

Mentors Who Lead with Care

Harbor's leadership team continually encourages teachers to reach higher. Blending advanced academic degrees with a genuine passion for teaching, our faculty expand student potential while providing the strategic guidance needed to build independence, self-advocacy, and resilience. They lead with flexibility and foresight, maintaining a secure, connected environment that is highly conducive to growth.

  • Highly Qualified Leaders: Our leadership team and faculty are dedicated educators focused on setting exceptionally high standards for Preschool 2 through Grade 8 education.
  • Strategic Family Partners: We function as collaborative partners with families, ensuring our community remains academically challenging, agile, and student-centered.
  • Intentional Mentorship: Faculty are positioned to lead by example, fostering an environment of bold self-advocacy, exceptional academic outcomes, and genuine care.

Administrative Roster

Nicole_Fotis

Nicole Fotis

Associate Head of School / Principal of Lower & Upper School

Krystina_Gallo

Krystina Gallo

Head of Early Childhood

Andy_Sperling

Andy Sperling

Head of School

Amy_Kassan

Amy Kassan

School Social Worker

Diane_Abrams_CPA

Diane Abrams

Director of Finance and Operations

Rachel_Weir

Rachel Weir

Assistant Principal of Lower and Upper School

Artie_Weissbach

Artie Weissbach

Director of Technology

Dave_McClure

Dave McClure

Director of Facilities

Lynette_Mutschler

Lynette Mutschler

Director of Enrollment and Parent Relations

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Harbor Country Day School is a self-perpetuating entity charged with governance of the school, namely, the strategic, long-term protection and strengthening of the school's financial, physical, and programmatic assets. Harbor's board is comprised of current and former parents, alumni, and friends from surrounding communities. Members of the Board of Trustees are unpaid volunteers dedicated to the school's past, present, and future. The Head of School serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees, without vote.

Role of the Board of Trustees

  • Mission Accountability: The Board of Trustees functions as the guardian of the school's mission, ensuring it remains relevant, vital, and successfully fulfilled for the community it serves.
  • Fiscal Oversight: The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving the annual budget developed by the administration.
  • Strategic Governance: The Board focuses on long-range planning, sets annual agendas, implements long-term policy, and evaluates the Head of School, who serves as the chief executive officer of operations.
     

Members of the Board of Trustees

  • Cynthia Wong Lippe, Ph.D., P'21, P'24 (Chair)
  • Garrett Bergen, Current Parent (Vice Chair)
  • Ariya Lapan, Ph.D., Current Parent (Secretary)
  • Adrienne Owen, P'20 (Treasurer)
  • Johnathan Komich, C.F.A.,Current Parent (Member-At-Large)
  • Jennifer Accomando, M.B.A., Friend of Harbor
  • Robert Antonacci, M.D., P'17, P'17 (Trustee Emeritus)
  • Shellon Blackman-Lees, Ph.D., P'19, Current Parent
  • Gitanjali Chimalakonda, Ph.D., J.D., Current Parent
  • David Goldweitz, M.B.A., Current Parent
  • Tehmina Haque, M.D., P'17, P'15, P'24
  • Emma Pearce, J.D., '88
  • Ned Puchner, Ph.D., Current Parent (Member-at-Large)
  • Andy Sperling, Head of School, ex officio
  • Sisa Suriel, M.Arch., Current Parent, P'23
  • Jennifer Tona, P'24


Legend: P = Parent of HCDS graduate

A Word from Our Head of School

Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to explore Harbor Country Day School!
There are many reasons families choose independent schools for their children. Whether you are seeking a change or simply considering a best-fit option, there are certain qualities you are likely prioritizing.

During my first visit to HCDS, I was struck by the authenticity of its mission and the qualities that distinguish the school—qualities I have since learned are deeply embedded in its culture.

Harbor cherishes childhood, cultivates wonder, and inspires confident learners and leaders. This is our mission, and it reflects what makes Harbor such a caring community. These words guide us and provide the vision and framework for everything we do—and every decision we make—at Harbor Country Day School.

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