Faculty, Staff, and Trustee Introductions and Transitions

Faculty and Staff Introductions and Transitions

With each school year, we welcome new colleagues and support returning colleagues in new roles. Both instantly enrich the community with their new energy, ideas, and perspectives. We also wish happiness and success to colleagues who moved on to retirement and other pursuits.

INTRODUCTIONS

Soma Choudhury

Soma Choudhury joined Fenn last summer as our new registrar. She hails most recently from a similar position at Vedanta Life Academy and held prior roles as a teacher trainer at Modern Montessori International and executive assistant to the business manager at American Embassy School, both in New Delhi, India.

Dominic Dipersia

In October, Dominic Dipersia dove enthusiastically into life at Fenn in his new role as assistant director of marketing & communications. Prior to Fenn, Dom served for three years as a communications analyst at Fidelity Investments and for nearly an equal stint of time as a communications coordinator and three-season coach at Bancroft School in Worcester, MA. Dom’s passion for coaching has been put to good use at Fenn, as he assisted with JV Soccer this fall, coached Thirds Basketball, and will coach Varsity Tennis this spring.

Joanna Dunn

An artist and art educator, Joanna Dunn joined Fenn as our new ceramics teacher this year. She is most passionate about helping Fenn boys connect to their intellectual and emotional growth through art. Joanna most recently co-directed and taught at the Sugarhill Art Center, following positions at Pinecones and Needles in Belmont, MA, Mass College of Art, Rhode Island College, and North Park College in Chicago, IL.

Alison Flanagan

We were thrilled to welcome Alison Flanagan back to Fenn to become our new administrator of health services. During a recent four-year span, Alison had served as a substitute nurse at Fenn. She offers deep experience in schools—Groton School and Nashoba Brooks School, among them—as well as other institutions and organizations in and around Concord, and she has played a vital role in helping to guide Fenn’s COVID management strategy and practices to keep the community healthy and safe.

A GRATEFUL COMMUNITY

“Thank you for helping us in these hard times!” “COVID can’t keep you down!” These are among the sentiments that our Lower School students conveyed in creative and colorful cards and notes that their class senators delivered to Mrs. Flanagan in the Health Office this winter. They now adorn the hallway outside her office, echoing the gratitude of the larger Fenn community for her tireless work helping to keep the community healthy and safe in the face of COVID while supporting the various other health needs that arise during action-packed days at Fenn.

Eric Harrison

Eric Harrison took the reins as the new chair of Fenn’s English department upon joining the school community this fall. He is also connecting with students through Fenn athletics, including as assistant coach for JV Basketball. Eric hailed most recently from Landon School in Bethesda, MD, where he served as an academic dean and Middle School English teacher and coach. He also enjoyed earlier positions at Hebron Academy (ME) and Dexter Southfield School.

Stacey Low

Accomplished educator Stacey Low assumed the teaching, advising, and coaching responsibilities for a Lower School faculty member who was on leave at the start of the school year and continued to support the advancement of Fenn’s curricula, learning, and teaching as an additional resource following that. Stacey offers a wealth of independent school experience from teaching at The Fessenden School, Indian Mountain School, and Milton Academy and serving as director of admissions and director of residential life at Applewild School. She also spends summers working at the Cardigan Mountain Summer School.

Jill MacKinnon

Jill MacKinnon joined the Hammett Ory Library team as a part-time library teacher. Jill came to Fenn after most recently serving as a Middle School English and language arts teacher at St. Paul American School Hanoi in Vietnam. She also previously taught in the Belmont and Dover-Sherborn public school systems. We are thrilled to have her round out our new library team!

Tom O’Connor

Tom O’Connor joined this fall as another new member of the humanities department in Fenn’s Middle School. He also recently became the new leader of the tech crew for Fenn productions, taking the baton from Rob Morrison who served in that role for the past 21 years. Tom most recently served as an English and language arts teacher at B.F. Butler Middle School in Lowell, MA, with prior stops at Tremont School and Shady Hill School.

Brian Padilla

Brian Padilla came to Fenn this fall to serve as a DEI Intern. Brian cofacilitates student DEI committees and assists with programming for the Parents’ Affinity Group for Diversity and Inclusion (PADI), among other roles. He also engages with students in a sixth grade world cultures and geography course and on the basketball court as a coach. Brian previously was a teacher’s aide at Wellesley High School and Newton Central High School and a group leader at Camp Cobbossee in Monmouth, Maine.

Kaiam (Kai) Rogers

Joining Fenn’s auxiliary team this fall was Kaiam (Kai) Rogers. An experienced outdoor educator, Kai is a familiar face to Summer Fenn Day Camp families and campers. Among other varied responsibilities, Kai facilitated the high ropes courses at Summer Fenn during recent summers. He has also served as a teacher with Nature’s Classroom since 2009 and was assistant manager of the daycare at Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, VT, for over three years.

Skylar Seligman

Skylar Seligman’s passion is developing youth as empowered, effective, and empathetic leaders, which is serving her quite well in her role as DEI intern. Skylar’s most recent professional experience was with Seeds of Peace, a nonprofit dedicated to developing courageous leaders who work to create more just and inclusive societies, and Project Adventure, which empowers individuals and communities to make positive change through experiential learning. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Siobhan Smith

As Fenn’s new Director of the Hammett Ory Library, Siobhan Smith has made the library a lively place to learn in collaboration with new library colleague Jill MacKinnon! Siobhan had been tackling all areas of

library work at Conant School in Acton, MA, for seven years prior to her arrival on Monument Street. Positions at The Community School and The Barn School preceded her time at Conant School.

Stephanie Taylor

Stephanie Taylor is the newest member of Fenn’s Business Office team, joining the community in October as Fenn’s new business manager. Stephanie came to Fenn from Harvard University, where she served as senior financial accountant for the Harvard College Library system. Prior to Harvard, she worked at Middlesex School as the controller. Stephanie’s enthusiasm for the role and community is infectious, and she even ran in the Kevin White Memorial Run at Homecoming!

Erika Vardaro

Erika Vardaro assumed the position of executive assistant to Head of School Derek Boonisar this past June, following the retirement of long-time staff member Pat Hall. Erika came to Fenn from Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, MA, where she served as special assistant to the president and interim director of guidance and college counseling. She also enjoyed earlier positions in admissions at Boston College High School and Bentley University.

Randi Currier and Sara Williams

Also joining Fenn’s learning specialist department this year are Randi Currier and Sara Williams. Randi offers extensive teaching experience from area schools including Nashoba Brooks School, Buckingham Browne & Nichols, Shady Hill School, and Lincoln Public School. Sara held myriad teaching positions at Driscoll Elementary School in Brookline across her 13 years there and has been a private tutor in the Hingham area.

FENN ALUMNI RETURN TO THEIR ROOTS

E.J. Fitzsimmons ’13 and Pipo Fitzsimmons ’14

Brothers E.J. Fitzsimmons ’13 and Pipo Fitzsimmons ’14 recently came onboard as staff members, joining father and long-time Fenn faculty member John Fitzsimmons. E.J. assumed the role of Innovation Lab coordinator now that the space has reopened after a temporary closure due to COVID, and Pipo is assisting the Building and Grounds team part-time around his college classes. Pipo was particularly excited to see his former teachers and the changes to the campus since he was a student.

Jackson McCloy ’03

Jackson McCloy ’03 joined Fenn’s auxiliary team in late October and has thoroughly enjoyed being back on campus and working alongside some of his past teachers. Jackson previously worked at Fenn coaching in the Middle School and at Summer Fenn Day Camp and Star Camps.

Alan O’Neill ’98

This past summer, Alan O’Neill ’98 returned to Monument Street to fill the role of director of alumni relations and alumni giving. He had previously served as assistant director of admissions at Fenn from 2009 to 2014. After his earlier stint at Fenn, Alan went on to hold admissions director and associate director positions at Indian Mountain School and The Sage School, respectively.

“Returning to Fenn has helped me to appreciate how significant this School, these teachers, and this community were for me as a young person and how our values truly became a part of my core.” – Alan O’Neill ’98

Passing the Baton

AFTER 22 YEARS as head of the Middle School, Tricia McCarthy has passed the leadership baton of her beloved division on to faculty colleague Kate Wade. Tricia now focuses on teaching, coaching, and advising in the Middle School and leveraging her deep experience advocating for and supporting the social and emotional learning and needs of all Fenn students.

“I always loved the social and emotional aspect of the Middle School Head’s role, especially supporting the growth of character in the boys,” Tricia remarked. “In Middle School, boys are at a crossroads trying to figure out who they are going to be. There is a quickly closing window, but we have an opportunity to help them grow through their mistakes and successes equally. And seeing the growth happen across those years is so gratifying.”

Eighth grader Jackson Kilmartin was one of many students who benefitted from Tricia’s presence and support. “Ms. McCarthy was always there for me and made me feel like I always had someone to talk to,” he shared. “She also made me a much more confident Middle Schooler.”

Ninth graders Spencer Harnden and Lyle Waldeck also felt—and still feel—her unwavering support.

“During my Middle School years, Ms. McCarthy was always willing to help me, and she’s someone I still reach out to today,” remarked Lyle. Spencer added, “She actually helped me write my Senior Reflection when I didn’t know what to write about… She was so supportive and really cared about my opinions.”

A wealth of support certainly was needed when COVID canceled the seventh grade’s legendary annual trip to Washington, D.C., leaving students understandably disappointed. “Ms. McCarthy helped us move past [the disappointment] with her kindness,” ninth grader JP Ward shared. With this her last D.C. trip at the helm, she likely shared some of their sadness.

Kate Wade was an equal beneficiary of Tricia’s support during their transition of duties. “Tricia took the time and care to guide me through the nuances of the role,” she shared. “I’m proud to inherit the student-first culture that she established in the Middle School. This exists today because she and our team of advisors always go the extra mile to get to know our students and learn what they love, what makes them tick, and how to engage them in learning and growing.”

“Tricia cared so deeply for the two decades’ worth of students who traveled through the Middle School under her leadership,” added Head of School Derek Boonisar. “And she was as invested in supporting the teachers who were her partners in helping the boys navigate the complexities of the Middle School years. We thank her for her service in the division head’s role and look forward to the impact she will continue to have here at Fenn as a faculty member and social emotional resource for the community.”

APPPOINTMENTS AND DEPARTURES

After serving as learning specialists at Fenn since 2019, Kristen Bates now teaches fifth grade language arts and social studies, and Laura Canina teaches seventh grade math. Morgan Laird also now teaches Lower School science and social studies after two years on the auxiliary and DEI teams.

Faculty members Emmalee Fay and Rob Morrison are enjoying new roles as co-coordinators of service learning, and Jonathan Wachs is now a full-time member of the visual arts department after three years as a part-time teacher.

In addition to the four colleagues celebrated earlier in this issue, we also said goodbye at the end of the last school year to ceramics teacher Carolyn Dittes, Lower School teacher Kristin FitzGerald, library teacher Michelle Fontaine, Administrator of Health Services Julie Genova, Fenn fellows Jack Gustavson ’12 and Luke Randle ’11, Marketing and Communications Associate Jordan Hill, Library Director Sam Kane, DEI Associate Megan Macomber, Math Department Chair Jennifer Youk See, nurse Jane Spigel, tutors Kristen Bock and Polly Vanasse, and auxiliary team members Will Blumenthal, Lee Haber, Mike Marinella ’04, Dontano Rinaldi, and Terrance Wong. Jalen Joncas ’10 has also left Fenn after serving on the auxiliary team and as a soccer coach this past fall.

Kate Wade Appointed New Head of the Middle School

FOLLOWING A NATIONAL SEARCH and interview process, Kate Wade was appointed the new head of the Middle School after three years as Fenn’s English department chair and a teacher, coach, and advisor.

According to Head of School Derek Boonisar, “Kate impressed us with her commitment to educating Middle School boys and supporting Middle School advisors and teachers; her appetite for collaboration; her experience, wisdom, and ability to assess and mobilize best practice; and her goal of being an engaged and highly visible leader in all aspects of school life.

Read on to hear why Kate is thrilled to serve Fenn in this new role and what most inspires her.

IN HER OWN WORDS…

How did the path of your career lead you to middle school?

There was a moment in 2014 or 2015 when I realized I was meant to be with younger kids. I was teaching high school at The Rivers School, and the expectations for the students whom I was teaching were becoming more complicated. The top-down pressure to get into college was starting to change the dynamic in the classroom.

My natural tendency as a classroom teacher is to create an engaging and dynamic environment, but I was missing some of the exuberance, joyfulness, and silliness that seemed to come more easily from my younger students. I realized that if I love the unscripted moments, the messiness of learning, and a spirited and bouncy class, I’m at the wrong level. I needed to be in middle school.

Why was Fenn of interest to you once you realized that you wanted to make a shift?

I knew Derek Boonisar and Nat Carr ’97 through our shared work with The Gardner Carney Leadership Institute. I really enjoyed hearing about all that was going on at Fenn when I would see them at conferences, but the Fenn boys themselves were actually my hook, line, and sinker.

I taught Fenn graduates at Rivers, and year after year, they were the kids who were making the right choices, who knew how to partner with adults, who came to extra help to work on their essays, and who knew how to receive feedback and talk through it. So, when the opportunity to come to Fenn arose, I was all over it! Everything aligned in that moment.

The Fenn community welcomed me immediately, and I made instant connections with faculty and staff, many of whom are now my dearest friends. I also realized that I had a skill set that I could use to help build community and grow the institution while having a really good time doing it.

Did you always know you wanted to be a school administrator?

That revelation came in 2013 when I realized I was a “school person” who really enjoyed wearing many different hats. At my last school, I was a teacher, coach, dean, admissions officer, and academic counselor. I was on the facilities committee, was the faculty advisor to the Gender Sexuality Alliance and Student Council, and was deeply engaged in designing and implementing service learning and leadership programming.

Strategic thinking has also always excited me. I love creating a vision for a school, working with colleagues to realize that vision, and coming together as a team to be that version of ourselves. It’s really exciting and invigorating work, but usually when you do that, you don’t get to be in a classroom. I knew I always wanted to be able to teach.

This Middle School Head position was everything that I had hoped for in my career coming together in one package. I had the dean of student’s experience so I felt like I was wellprepared to address social/emotional and student life-related issues, and I loved working with teachers to support them in creating environments for students to grow and thrive. I could also still teach an English class or two and hit the ice to enjoy time as a (hockey) coach. I did not have to sacrifice the important connection time with students in favor of thinking time with adults. The fact that this all came together at one school is pretty darn awesome.

What are your personal aspirations for this role and for the Middle School Division under your leadership?

My vision for our Middle School is that it is a place where students are engaged in deep learning and feel challenged, supported, and always able to be themselves. It is a training ground where students are building foundations for their academic skill sets and character every day. We are always creating something: a new identity or a new understanding, a connection with a peer, an awesome essay with an English teacher. There is always a sense of dynamic creation and innovation.

It also is a place where we are testing things out, and not just in science class or the Innovation Lab. We are testing the limits of our patience, testing boundaries in our relationships. Getting that feedback and working to overcome challenges with people that we trust is the work of educating ourselves. Our students are so well prepared from our Lower School to trust the adults in their lives and to ask for help when they need it, and they therefore feel more confident when they are facing obstacles or opportunities to take a risk and grow. Ultimately, our Middle School is a place where the messiness of learning is embraced, and each student is known, understood, and valued for who they are.

Who is Kate Wade outside of Fenn – professionally and personally?

One of the most transformational professional experiences I’ve had has been my ongoing relationship with The Gardner Carney Leadership Institute (gcLi). gcLi is committed to teaching teachers the Pedagogy of Leadership®, and my work as the executive editor for the organization has led to the most incredible conversations with folks all over the world.

In my role of overseeing the blog, I get to cultivate relationships with superstar educators at the forefront of their respective fields and help them tell their stories. My relationship with gcLi extends back to 2011 when I attended their Leadership Lab and continued when I returned three years later as an Institute Scholar. That same year, gcLi presented me with the opportunity to be the recipient of the inaugural gcLi Fellowship, offered in collaboration with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, to the Masters in School Leadership Program at PennGSE. At PennGSE, I continued my studies in leadership and focused my capstone thesis on evaluating leadership growth in students engaged in service learning. Truthfully, gcLi and my incredible graduate school experience at PennGSE, and most importantly my mentors from these phenomenal institutions, have shaped me into the educator I am today.

On the homefront, I get to hang out with the coolest folks. My husband Ken and I share a passion for hockey and enjoy cooking up a storm and watching Bruins games with our kids, Emily, a sixth grader, and Thomas, a kindergartener. On weekends, we’re likely at the rink or taking our dog Casey out for a walk in the neighborhood. Recently, my daughter has been tearing through the Harry Potter series so we’re officially Potterheads, which has helped me immensely in some recent trivia contests at Flex Block!

New Board Chair Elected

Jim Kitendaugh P’97 ’05 concludes a tenure of exemplary leadership during a time of great transition and opportunity at Fenn.

This past July, Taragh Mulvany ’87 was voted in as the new chair of Fenn’s Board of Trustees, following Jim Kitendaugh. Taragh is a proud alumnus of the class of 1987, along with brothers Jon ’85 and David ’95, and joined the Fenn Board in 2019. His father, Jack, also served as a Fenn trustee from 19821986. Both the John G. Mulvany Faculty Center in the Schoolhouse building and the endowed John G. Mulvany Fund for faculty professional development bear his name in recognition of his support of Fenn teachers. As a plaque hanging in the Mulvany Center aptly reads, “Jack Put Teachers at the Center.” Taragh remarked, “I look forward to continuing my father’s legacy. As an alum and now parent, I know full well that it’s the teacher/student relationship that makes Fenn a unique place.”

Having grown up in Concord, Taragh resides there today with his wife, Babbie, who currently serves as vice president of student & school life on the Parents Association Board; with sons John (7th grade) and Ryan (6th grade), who are continuing the Mulvany tradition at Fenn; and with seven-year-old daughter Caitlin.

Taragh has enjoyed 20 years at UBS in Boston, including running the Middle Market Institutional Equity Group for the Americas. For eight years prior, he worked for Thomas Weisel Partners, Alex Brown & Sons, and PaineWebber. Taragh holds a bachelor of arts in economics from St. Lawrence University and, in his free time, enjoys coaching his kids in soccer and lacrosse, traveling, golfing, and skiing.

“It is fantastic for Fenn to have Taragh Mulvany as its new Board Chair,” remarked Head of School Derek Boonisar. “He has such a deep history with Fenn and an intimate understanding of the impact that the School can have on young boys as they develop into young men. I am thoroughly enjoying the partnership that Taragh and I have already forged in these early months of his tenure as Board Chair.

“I am also forever indebted to Jim Kitendaugh for his exemplary service to Fenn and to me, personally, as I transitioned into my new role as Head of School,” he added. “Jim’s wisdom, perspective, and ability to skillfully lead Fenn’s Board of incredibly accomplished individuals were simply remarkable.”

The Board stint that recently concluded was Jim’s second, after serving from 1999-2005 and agreeing to rejoin the Board in 2015. He was then named Board Chair in July of 2016. Jim’s tenure marked a time of significant transition in the history of Fenn, encompassing the highly successful In Our Hands capital campaign; the creation of a new Campus Center incorporating a renovated Connolly Dining Hall, Moriarty Learning Commons, and Stone Family Innovation Lab; and the purchase of North Campus with its stunning and functional Concord River access.

The retirement of Headmaster Jerry Ward after 25 years at the helm was yet another milestone moment for the School, followed by the search for a new Head of School that Jim helped to guide, and the ultimate transitioning of Derek into the role after 23 prior years at Fenn. Jim also helped to spearhead the research, brainstorming, and devel-

“I look forward to continuing my father’s legacy. As an alum and now parent, I know full well that it’s the teacher/student relationship that

makes Fenn a unique place.” – Taragh Mulvany ’87, new Board Chair

“I was delighted to be able to serve as chair during a dynamic and exciting time for Fenn, and equally delighted that Taragh has succeeded me … He is an outstanding leader for Fenn—we are

in very good hands.” – Jim Kitendaugh P’97 ’05, former Board chair

opment of the School’s first Gender Identity Statement. Navigating COVID presented unique strategic challenges during his later Board years.

“I was delighted to be able to serve as chair during a dynamic and exciting time for Fenn, and equally delighted that Taragh has succeeded me,” Jim shared. “He is an outstanding leader for Fenn— we are in very good hands.”

While Jim has officially concluded his Board tenure, he continues to serve Fenn as it undertakes strategic and long range planning for the 10 years of 2022-2032. Calling on his expertise as a former consultant for non-profit organizations on fundraising, planning, and leadership development, Jim helped to craft Fenn strategic plans for the two prior 10-year periods.

Beyond these lingering responsibilities, it is the Fenn community’s hope that Jim will now have ample time to enjoy many new adventures with wife, Lynne Cavanaugh, sons David ’97 and Ben ’05 and their spouses, and his precious granddaughter, Maddie.

Shaping the Future of Fenn

A Strategic and Long Range Planning Process (SLRP) to chart the course for Fenn’s next 10 years has been actively underway since its fall launch. An executive committee of administrators, faculty, staff, and trustees is overseeing the effort, with trustee Hilary Steinert P’15 ’16 serving as SLRP Chair.

Five subcommittees are guiding work in the areas of Mission, Core Values, and Philosophy; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; People; Program; and Resources. Working groups that report into each subcommittee have been meeting in earnest to analyze Fenn’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in myriad areas and to develop recommendations for Fenn to consider pursuing through 2032. A written plan detailing the approved goals, objectives, and priorities that will guide the School for the next 10 years will be shared with the community by the end of 2022.

“We are fortunate to be engaging in the SLRP process following a successful last 10 years,” remarked Derek Boonisar. “We, however, are leaving no stone unturned in our evaluation. In some areas, we may affirm where we are and recommend subtle enhancements— Mission, Core Values, and Philosophy is one area where this may apply. In other areas, there may be a greater need and inspiration for growth and development.”

Fenn’s SLRP effort is closely coordinating with the Sustainability Master Planning Process spearheaded by Director of Sustainability Cameren Cousins to set climate action and sustainability goals for the School. This process is nearing the end of the plan development and implementation strategy phase. Later this spring, the Fenn community will have an opportunity to review the goals that are set forth in the Educating for Sustainability, Built and Natural Campus, and Sustainable Operations focus areas.

Community input is invaluable to both efforts. Thank you to the faculty, staff, current parents and alumni parents, alumni, and Board of Visitors members for their participation in community conversations, events, and online surveying that have helped to inform the efforts.

“Many important topics have been reviewed and discussed thus far in our SLRP process,” remarked Hilary Steinert. “This is an exciting time for Fenn, and I am delighted with the robust participation from all of our constituencies.”

Welcome to Fenn ’s New Trustees

Fenn enthusiastically welcomes these four accomplished and dedicated alumni parents to the Fenn Board of Trustees. The Board and larger Fenn community will greatly benefit from their passion for Fenn, varied professional expertise, and impressive philanthropic pursuits.

Lindsay Hoover Boger P’24

Lindsay and her husband, Matt ’89, became Fenn parents in 2018 when their son, Penn, entered fourth grade. He is now a seventh grader. Their daughter, Addison, is a sophomore at ConcordCarlisle High School.

Before coming to Fenn, Lindsay served for one year as vice president and two years as co-president of the Willard Elementary School Parent Teacher Group and as secretary on the Parents Association Board at Nashoba Brooks School. Lindsay was active with the Fenn Parents Association (PA) as a grade parent for both fourth and fifth grades and last year filled the role of vice president of parent programs and events. She currently serves as PA president.

Lindsay volunteers with several organizations in the area in various capacities and serves on the boards of Runway for Recovery and the Middlesex Chapter of the National Charity League. Professionally, she is a clinical social worker who has worked in special needs adoption and at Shriners Burn Hospital, where she continues to serve as an on-call social worker.

Lindsay received her master’s degree in social work from Boston College and bachelor’s degree in psychology from Dickinson College.

Laura Cooley Johnson P’20 ’22

Laura has more than 20 years of human resources experience and is currently senior vice president of corporate HR for the TJX Companies. Prior to TJX, she spent over 15 years in HR for the Consumer Goods industry. She was with General Mills for over 13 years, including as the head of HR for General Mills Europe and Australia, and she and her family lived as expats in Switzerland. Laura also served as director for international compensation and global stock operations there, gaining extensive compensation experience.

Laura left General Mills when her family moved back to the U.S., and she later joined Henkel to lead HR for the North America region. She began her career in management consulting at American Management Systems, Inc., where she discovered her passion for HR.

Laura is originally from the Boston area and now lives in Concord with husband, Jared, and sons, Elliot ’20 and Calvin ’22. She holds a bachelor’s degree in German language and literature from Harvard University and an MBA from the Johnson School at Cornell University. She also currently serves as vice president of the Alumni Board for Harvard Student Agencies (HSA), a fully student-run organization, and is a member of the Board of Directors for HSA’s The Harvard Shop.

Melissa McCray P’18 ’21

Melissa has rejoined the Fenn Board of Trustees after serving a one-year term as trustee while she was president of the Parents Association during the 20192020 school year.

Melissa is the co-founder of Two Webster, an online retail business designing and selling home accessories, and runs its traditional retail businesses in Wellesley and Osterville, MA. She was previously co-founder of TophDaddy Designs, a t-shirt company that was a cult favorite among locals and celebrities.

After graduating from the University of Vermont with a B.A. in political science, Melissa first held client service and marketing positions in the financial services industry for Putnam Investments; Scudder, Stevens and Clark; and Gannett, Welsh & Kotler.

Melissa’s contributions to Fenn have been numerous, including raising money for the Parents Association by chairing the school auction and logo wear committees. She has also served on the Combined Jewish Philanthropy Young Adult Task Force and on the planning committee for the “Heading Home to Dinner” design-and-dine event benefiting the nonprofit Heading Home in its work to provide aid and housing to homeless families.

Melissa is the mother of Carter ’18 and Brandon ’21.

Lan Zhang P’21 ’24

After growing up in Beijing, China, Lan moved to the United States in 2000 to attend Northeastern University. She holds a master of science in electrical engineering.

Lan’s career spans more than 15 years in the technology industry, most recently as a staff engineer at Qualcomm where she develops new technology. Lan also has a passion for contributing to the community and has served in several non-profit organizations. She was elected to the Chinese-American Association of Sudbury (CAAS) board and served for two terms (20162018 and 2018-2020). Lan focuses on promoting public awareness of Asian Americans, Asian heritage, and multicultural communication. She led her team to conduct multiple rounds of successful fundraising in a short period to help the local community during COVID.

In 2020, Lan co-founded the non-profit organization Warm Hands, which aims to empower children and youth to engage in volunteer work by providing educational, cultural, and other support services to local communities. During her years at Fenn, Lan was an active contributor to school events. She served on the Parents Association board as the volunteer coordinator and on the Board of Visitors. She was also chair of the PA’s service learning and diversity committees.

Lan is the mother of Evan Ning ’21 and Alex Ning ’24.