Dispenziere Named Director of Admissions

After 25 years in the classroom as Peck’s beloved art teacher, Karen Dispenziere has assumed the role of Director of Admissions & Financial Aid. Peck’s former Admissions Director, Erin Ceder, returned to her roots in the classroom as a second-grade teacher. Dispenziere has a bachelor’s degree in art education from University of Delaware and served as the Interim Director of Admissions during both of Ceder’s maternity leaves.

“Karen thrived in the role as interim director and loved the work of welcoming families to Peck, sharing our story, and finding new ways to attract families to our school,” said Head of School Andy Delinsky. “I know she will lead our efforts with dedication, integrity, and Peck pride.”

We caught up with Karen to ask her about her desire to move into admissions. Here’s what she had to say:

WHY DID YOU WANT TO MOVE TO ADMISSIONS?

After being in the classroom for 25 years, I am ready and excited to take on a new challenge. My previous experiences in Admissions as the Interim Director were wonderful and I’d always hoped to have an opportunity to get back into it. Over the past few years I’ve enjoyed working closely with the Admissions team to design and implement some of our most popular events for prospective families, such as our Mini-Masters art classes and Little Makers Design Challenges. I love working with and developing relationships with new families and students, and look forward to sharing my love of Peck with new and prospective families.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PECK?

I love the community at Peck. The relationships that faculty build with each other, with students, and with families are the heart of our strong community. I look forward to contributing to this in a different way.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO JOIN THE PECK COMMUNITY ALL THOSE YEARS AGO?

What brought me to Peck so many years ago was my cousin (Sue Sweeney, Peck’s former Girls Athletics Director and lacrosse coach) who was in her first or second year in athletics. I was looking for a school that valued a strong arts education and was thrilled to be offered the role of Lower School Art Teacher. What brought me back to Peck after seven years at home with my daughters was the community that I had missed while away. What has kept me at Peck are the many opportunities I’ve had to grow as an educator and assume different roles and responsibilities.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR YOUR NEW ROLE?

I am most excited to meet our newly admitted students and families and to help guide them through their first year at Peck. I am equally excited to work closely with the Admissions Team (Wanda Fiorini and Annette Worthington) in attracting prospective families and welcoming them to campus.